Interview: Human Serpent (2021)

There’s no need for any kind of grandiose introduction. Human Serpent is a great band from Greece that every black metal maniac should check out, especially if you’re looking for something that is more than just mere music. Human Serpent has deeper symbolism as opposed to the usual “Hail Satan” platitudes so common in the genre.

 
Morbid hails! To get this interview underway, can you please tell us what the band is all about and the core philosophy behind it?

Human Serpent is the physical, tangible manifestation of that side of our expression that derives from the deepest depths of our insanity. The way we have chosen to live our lives has reached that point of inner maturity where we are really, in absolute Practice, Ourselves! Not just another shell of the same old and molded ideals of the herds and their recycled "ethics". We choose to embody Denial in its utter and undivided totality.. We would much rather live in pain, than "live" the perpetual preservation of the slow decay... We are just like a huge piece of glass... There may be a day on which we break into a thousand pieces and nothing is left of us but pieces of broken glass, still we are never going to bend. Glass is never going to bend! Not for anyone! Not for anything! Human Serpent is the core of chaos immersed into the heart of our indivisibility of our being.

What is the connotation behind the name of your band?

Man is just another animal among the billions that have inhabited this planet, however it must be the only one that never understood its worth in the tightly-linked chain of life. Man can level everything to the ground just as easily as he can create something out of almost nothing. The name Human Serpent is the simplest way which we can express the "mindset" of everything that made Man an organic waste that is constantly flirting with self-destruction. An animal, a life form with the venom and the habits of a serpent.

You have a song called “Fuck Normality” – can you please elaborate on the theme and tell us what the song is all about? What is normality by your definition and what is detestable about it?

The main idea behind Fuck Normality is the head-on-collision course that we have chosen to take against the ever-decaying carcass of society and its rules...
As well as, that our individuality, both in terms of our physical essence and our imperious existential idea, will never become a temple of need-worshiping, but rather a beast whose thirst of creation can never be fully quenched... Because creation is the only thing that remains bottomless even when cast into the void of Time... And creation, in the form that we perceive and feel it, is never going to recognize rules, nor gods, nor kings, nor masters, nor castes, nor norms. Those are for those who seek "quietness" and "calmness"... The sheep before their slaughter are quiet and calm... And as things have been shaped in such a way both as a whole for humanity and in our personal lives, we have reached the point that one can be either calm or free.

How would you describe your sound to those who haven’t heard it before? What are your biggest inspirations?

Our biggest inspiration is life itself and behind that word every notion of the raw rage and intact sadness that we feel is present in our sound, shines through. The sound that is the most direct and immediate thing behind all our feelings... And what I have understood through a lot of personal experiences is that, the one loyal to a certain sound, or a certain album has delved deep into the labyrinth of personal and inner "search" and stimuli, with music being their only company... So, I wouldn't want to urge anyone-who may very well never had heard of us before-to do so based on a "label" or anything of that kind.. Everything has become so easily served in our individual golden platter, that by pressing some buttons on any keyboard, any and every one can find our music and then be the sole judge on if they find any sort of interest in our music or not...

How has the response been so far for your latest album, “Heirlooms Eternal”? Are you content with the reactions? Have people understood the essence of your art?

We are proud of Heirlooms Eternal and there is not even the slightest thing that we would have changed. We create music so that we can externalize all the shit that floods our souls... Each time that we go through the process of creating a full-length, we do so for us first. And each of our releases has a unique story behind it, because even if it's something done subconsciously, everything about what we are is experiential. This is something that almost instinctively influences everything and mostly the overall perception of how we are going to tread in regards with the composition and sound of that particular time period that a Human Serpent release is given shape. One of the biggest examples that we can give you is that we wanted Heirlooms Eternal to be our most "too filthy" album so far and many were displeased with that. A complete opposite of our most "too clean" album, For I, The Misanthropist... No matter how hard you might try there is no chance that everyone is going to like what you will come up with and this is something we really don't care about. As I said before, everything that we do, we do firstly and ultimately for ourselves. Yet, one thing that we understood by the release of Heirlooms Eternal is that those who were able to truly "feel" it, who were able to really experience it in its wholeness, chose to leave themselves be drifted into the deep, ravenous emptiness of its abyss.. And that was exactly what we were aiming for... We created an album with essence, with a beginning, a middle and an end, not just individual tracks to be uploaded in a playlist somewhere on Spotify.. Also, it was the album with the fastest, in practice, support by those still loyal towards the actual physical formats... Already the Tape format has been sold-out and we are currently in the process of printing the second press edition of our Digipack format which will include a bonus track..

Can you tell us a little about your image and the gas-masks? Do you associate yourselves with the whole bestial/war metal scene?

No, there is absolutely no association with the bestial/war metal scene. There are many reasons for why we choose to wear gas masks... But in one simple sentence, we can say that it reflects an allegorical side of humanity... Take, for example, the photo session of Heirlooms Eternal, one of us doesn't wear a gas mask, but rather, a black shroud covering his face. The reason for that is once again allegorical, it expresses the untameable of our souls.. Our souls that are without any kind of limitations.. And when one finds themselves choosing to jump into their personal abyss, one can transcend any and all limitations... There are no limitations in the vast seas of Chaos! There, one can only find the true Redemption! Without a glimpse on the other side, there can be no Redemption! With taking into consideration and embracing the human limitations and the rules of society, there can be no Redemption! Redemption is a personal and unique, in its true essence, journey for each and one of us.. Something similar to our Birth and Death...

Your thoughts on sentiments like “metal is one big brotherhood”?

Things are never absolute, there are many sides and many faces that one can see...

Do you think things like war, genocide, famine, disease, serial killers, etc., are a necessary sort of Darwinism to curb the ever growing population?

Darwin's law is a law which applies to all forms of life on our planet, yet, I strongly believe that it doesn't have much to do with regulating the population of each species, but rather, it has everything to do with the evolution and progress of said species. Me, personally, I believe that we, as a species, have reached that certain point where there can be no law-be that in physics or any other field of science-that can lead us out of the shit-that we dug ourselves in – and into any form of positive evolution... The process of our self-destruction has begun for many centuries now and the point of no return has already escaped our sight..

What’s some killer bands and albums that you’ve been listening to lately?

There are endless lists of albums and bands-from a huge variety of music genres-that I would like to mention, that I could go on forever...
Still, at this moment, I am currently listening to Swordwielder – System Overlord, a 2019 LP. Swordwielder is a killer Amebix/Axegrinder worshiping crust/punk band from Sweden that I find myself listening to very regularly since the first time I came across their music. I really believe that, beyond their more than obvious influences, their music has something that sounds both unique and fresh to my ears.

Do you draw any inspiration from cinema? What are some of your favourite films?

Subconsciously, there is no doubt that we are being influenced by all forms of art and, certainly, by cinema.. There are too many movies that we love! So many that it would be impossible to list here. Still, I would like to mention 4 movies I saw this past year that I feel have that "something" special to offer and surely, a great amount of food for thought..

They live (1988)

Her (2013)

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)

El hoyo (2019)

What do you think of humanist ideals in black metal? Are they relevant or do you consider them an abomination?

The only thing that I feel is an abomination in black metal, in music and in any form of art, in general, is those who embrace any and all kinds of authoritarian political ideals and practices. Also, abominations are all kinds of herds inside black metal.. Lastly, we would like to use this opportunity to say a huge FUCK YOU to all those who have assumed the role of Depositary of the "ethics" of black metal...

For the end, tell us how you foresee the future of humanity taking into account all the bullshit that's happened lately. Will we ever be truly free or is this the beginning of a new dark age? Thanks for your time!

Taking a look back, in history, constant recycling can be seen... No matter the time period, mankind has always been living in "trenches", yet there are those "intervals", like the one that we are currently living, when mankind really shows its true and ugliest face... It would be extremely funny to me if mankind felt "free" 10, 20 or 50 years ago... When was mankind, in total, really and actually free? It is completely subjective, how each and every one of us perceives the notion of freedom.. Me? I just keep on reminding myself of something that I mentioned above also, You can either be Calm or Free...

EP review: Woundcult - Through Pain And Sorrow (2021)

Woundcult – Through Pain And Sorrow

Greece

Born For Burning Productions

Woundcult from Greece offers six tracks of raw and unhinged black metal on their latest release, “Through Pain And Sorrow,” a compilation featuring the “Pathway To Distinction” EP and the tracks taken from the split with Zigota.

Woundcult is above your standard black metal act, and manages to exude a verily harsh sound shrouded in an aura of mystery and darkness. The focal point of this release is without a doubt the riffs, which are well-played and constantly drive the music forward. It induces a verily cold and otherworldly atmosphere, coupled with their penchant for dark melodies that will be stuck in your head for a while after you’ve listened to this. Vocals are high-pitched and hateful shrieks, which are well-done, but can sound slightly quirky at times. Definitely a facet the band can improve on. On the other hand, the band has the perfect production for raw black metal. Each song is totally drenched in distortion, which gives it a bit of an old Darkthrone vibe. This is raw and primitive black metal based on total hatred for the human scum!

My opinion is that this is a decent compilation from an underground black metal band that is yet to reach their full potential, and which will be enjoyed by maniacs who just can’t get enough of this style. Nothing ground-breaking, but enjoyable nonetheless. (HT)

Demo review: Cleavercult - Promo 2021

Cleavercult – Promo 2021

Greece

Self-released

The band’s name might suggest the band to play brutal death metal – and that might be true to some extent – but they seem to have a bit of that ancient death/thrash in their veins, especially in the riffs. The guitar sound is pretty obscure, which allows the band to stand out a bit from other bands. Production has a rough edge befitting of the music. Deep and menacing growls command the assault backed by speedy drums and choppy tremolo riffs, which gives way to some decidedly interesting ideas and textures. Melody definitely plays a role in the song structuring, and is employed without losing grip on intensity. The two tracks on this promo are quite straight-forward in their delivery, clocking in at about 3 minutes per track. I think a full-length from these guys would be interesting, so if that ever happens, I’ll be sure to check it out. (HT)

Interview: Embrace of Thorns (2021)

The following interview was conjured with Archfiend Devilpig of Hellenic Black/Death squadron, EMBRACE OF THORNS.

Hails Archfiend! What drives the passion to create such uncompromising black/death art? Has the band's ethos changed much (if at all) over the years?

Hails James Hexetomb. Thanks for having us! Black/death metal and honestly all forms of metallic and old-school rock music has been a lifestyle for us, for more than 20 years as of 2021. I myself have been a fan of extreme music since 92-93 and I could never imagine a life without it. So, it's safe to say that it's been a lifestyle for us without any possibility of ever morphing into something else. The band and the scene has been my family for decades and I/we are now in a position where we just do it for the thrill and the benefit of writing/performing/releasing killer music and getting to play with/for like-minded people. Adoration for the dark, self-expression, self-release, self-betterment have also been crucial in carrying on with the band.

I still think our ethos is the same as it was 20 years ago, so are the things we value for important in both life and in the scene.

What were some of the most challenging aspects in regards to the creation/recording of “Scorn Aesthetics” and how does it compare to your previous releases?

Scorn was definitely one of the most challenging albums to create, since it signaled the twilight of the old line-up and initiated a new chapter. Nuctemeron (drums) had to part ways in 2015, so Maelstrom came to the fold and we started shaping the album, working with material that introduced some innovations, at least when it comes to EoT. Most challenging was to acknowledge that we were not kids dabbling with metal any more and to channel that creativity in a more structured way. Some things worked as planned some didn't. Maelstrom and I rehearsed as a two-piece for an extended period of time because the rest of the line-up was in a transitional period to put it mildly. I think the end result was surprising for a lot of people, but not for us, since we were simply out for blood. We have effectively learned to channel all of our bile through music and I think Scorn was both a landmark and a sign for future things to come.

Can you please give some details about the artwork that adorns the cover of “Scorn Aesthetics” and the theme surrounding it?

It was heavily inspired by the work of German modernist painter Erwin Hahs and his painting "groβes Requiem" in particular. It is a Promethean figure struggling to tear his shackles apart. We wanted a cover that would stand out from the pile and Matthias Frisk who made it, delivered the Goods!

What is the current status of Embrace of Thorns and what can you tell us about the member(s) involvement in other bands? (Past and current.)

The current status is that of intense rehearsals. We are preparing material for a sixth full length. Covid-19 and lock-down set some hurdles up our way but we slowly but surely are overcoming them one after another. A European tour with REVENGE has already been announced for the entire March 2022, fingers crossed that it will happen. Members have been quite active in other bands like: Necrovorous, Serpent Noir, War Possession, Impure Worship, Triumpher, Profane Deed, Stygian Darkness, Shadowmass, Caedes Cruenta, Yoth Iria, Necromantia. Our Drummer Maelstrom is hands down one of the best players in the scene and his work ethic is second to none, so he's kept himself pretty busy all these years. As for myself I've been focusing on EoT primarily during the last five years with some odd exceptions.

What is it about simplicity in metal that appeals to you? Also what do you think of tech-death and bands that try to cramp as many riffs into one song as possible?

I believe that I come from a song-based, riff-driven school of thought. Don't get me wrong, I can appreciate technical players and I love some really technical metal bands. I also love seventies prog/psych/acid/hard rock that gave birth to some really technical and well-rounded musicians. That being said, I still believe in the power of the riff and at least in metal it seems that often times a very intricate structure dilutes the aforementioned power inherent in that sound. Modern tech-death doesn't appeal to me, not because it sounds technical, but because it kinda sounds neutered and clinical.

What are some truly underrated bands in the pantheon of black and death metal in your opinion?

There are tons of bands that qualify for a place in a list like that, still I believe that each and every obscure band of the past seems to be unearthed these days. I believe that Bloodspill from Texas, Abyssals (FR), Salem(Isr), Deteriorate (US), Masochist(US), Graf Spee (Uru) and bands like Holy Terror, Sentinel Beast,Original Sin,Exorcist, Deathrow, Sabbat (UK) are more or less under-appreciated.

Eastern European metal like: Aria, Pokolgep, Root, Torr, Kat has also stayed relatively obscure, mostly because of the language barrier. But this is a really hard question to answer.

Thoughts on the current surge of political correctness plaguing metal today?

I don't think anything of it. The worldwide climate and undercurrent has been that of a very divisive nature. I think that the world has been spiraling out of control for at least a decade and it won't get better any time soon. I personally feel really uncomfortable regarding lots of issues that plague the modern world, but this fact mostly derives from my philosophical views. My view of the human being modern and what not, is perfectly summarized by the Words of H.P. Lovecraft:

“I expect nothing of man, and disown the race. The only folly is expecting what is never attained; man is most contemptible when compared with his own pretensions. It is better to laugh at man from outside the universe, than to weep for him within.”

What do you personally think about progression in black/death? Can it be pushed beyond the seemingly set boundaries of the genre or do you think it should remain as is?

I personally would be really reluctant to try to mix it with influences from other, often times irrelevant scenes. The parameters have been set, as you said, long ago.

However there are always things from the past to re-interpret and personal flavor or idiosyncrasies to add. The genre has a vast range and an endless list of possibilities to offer. There is still room for self expression. One just needs to be smart and bring relevant things into the fold.

What's happening with your label Kill Yourself Production nowadays? What's the pros and cons of running a small underground label?

Κill Yourself ceased activities in the summer of 2020.It was great while it lasted and was firing on all cylinders. During the last years the market for CDs shrunk considerably so I decided to call it a day while it was still well respected rather than see it fall into irrelevance. Fans wrote and said that the label made a considerable dent, when it comes to quality underground releases. I think we always were fans first and then businessmen, and I wouldn't have it any other way. The pros include getting to release and to distribute the best of the underground metal from all around the globe, selling music at various live events, getting to know bands, supporters and generally being a vital part of the scene. The cons are that it is basically a very slow business, one gets stuck with stock that doesn't sell, and seeing quality metal staying in stock forever kills a big part of the creative drive behind it.

The Greek scene has many maniacs and bands with respect for underground ethos. What do you think is in the soil there that brings about this kind of attitude and give birth to so many killer bands?

The metal scene in Greece has had quite a history already, it's been going on for more than 30 years. Truth is that there are lots of people here that love their metal and rock n' roll, but it was always a niche thing. I don't know why there are top-shelf acts in Greece, because this really goes against the odds. The infrastructure has until recently been sub-par and the fans love the big names but don't really care about the underground. The only plausible explanation I can give is that the bands who are active now, were inspired as fans by the early bands, at least this is the case with us.

I understand you have a penchant for classic rock. What’s some of your favourite records and what is your opinion on vinyl format?

I was introduced to "classic" rock at a very young age via older cousins and whatnot. So this genre is by and large a huge part of my musical vocabulary. I rediscovered that sound around 10 years ago and have been incorporating it gradually more day by day in my listening habits. Favourite bands vary from: Blue Oyster Cult, Grand Funk Railroad, Βloodrock, Frank Zappa, Captain Beefheart, Hawkwind, Uriah Heep, Rush, Thin Lizzy, Wishbone Ash, Alice Cooper band, King Crimson, Camel, Gentle Giant and the rest of the classic heavy/prog canon to more obscure stuff like: Jane, Birth Control, Novalis, Eloy, Mythos, T.I.M.E, Sir Lord Baltimore, The Third Power, Bang, Dust, Litter, Aorta, Patto, Bubble Puppy, Stark Naked, Frost, Help, Ultimate Spinach, Eden's Children, Amon Duul II, Fever Tree, Frijid Pink, and the list can go on forever. It's a whole different world, that's very near and dear to me as metal also is.

How integral is playing live for your band and what can you tell us about the recent DVD that came out called “Revelation of All Sins”? What’s some of your most memorable shows that you can recall?

As you might know the band has pretty much turned 20 years old back in 2019. So we thought we should somehow celebrate that fact. Regarding the recordings per se, we know that the market for live albums has not been prosperous for a while, but we had friends behind the soundboard for the 2015 show, who pretty much offered us the recording for free and the same story pretty much applies to the Lithuanian gig. We were lucky because we ended up with two professional sounding recordings and it was simply an opportunity we couldn’t let go down the drain. As said we had been sitting on those recordings forever and there had been plans for earlier releases that simply fell apart until Saturnal recs/Rex Korkmanen came in the picture.

We enjoy both playing live and being in the studio/rehearsal. There is no comparison between the two. Totally different dynamics. When a band is killing it live ,then the experience can be life altering. Memorable Shows include: Killtown death fest 2012, Barcelona, Istanbul, playing with Archgoat and Mortuary Drape in Athens, everything we did in the US for several reasons and Finland, because we had the best stage mix ever.

Your thoughts on the following:

Stoicism:

I think that it is a good quality in man. I'm not in favor of instant gratification. Life will always throw curve balls to one's direction, and one should be prepared to tackle the hardships that life brings.

‘Zines:

The flesh and blood of the scene, too bad that the printed ones is a forgotten craft. I've been collecting them for ages.

Demo tapes:

As above, it's too bad that lots of bands tend to skip the demo phase all together and don't master their craft through demo recordings. Some of my fave recordings ever are demo tapes.

Ross Bay Cult:

The original grave desecrators, still inspiring, still awesome after all those years. There is more substance to Blasphemy and tons of old school metal spirit than meets the eye. It's way more riffy and dynamic that run-of-the-mill goats 'n' gasmasks metal.

Lastly, what’s next for Embrace of Thorns and where can maniacs get hold of your merchandise? Thanks for your time!

It was cool man.

We are on Bandcamp: https://embracethorns.bandcamp.com/

You can find what is available over there.

New album coming in early 2022.

EP review: Bestial Entity - Treason Of The Dead (2021)

 

Bestial Entity - Treason Of The Dead

Greece

Fistbang Records 

Bestial Entity, a duo from Greece, unleash their monstrous and crushing four-track EP called “Treason Of The Dead” via Fistbang Records.

These maniacs are adept at playing dark and sepulchral black/death that sounds like a mix between bands like Pseudogod, Resurgency and Hate Manifesto. The atmosphere on this release is purely blasphemous and will chill you to the bone. The guitar tone is deliciously filthy, with riffs that sound like they emanate from the abyss, paired with a thunderous and cohesive percussion that is able to switch from mid-tempo to blasts with absolute ease. Deep and menacing growls are perfectly integrated into the mix, not too loud, nor too soft, and really add depth to the overall assault. The production is also very good and gives clarity to the performance.

It’s a fairly short EP, yet an utterly convincing representation of what the group is all about. If you enjoy the amalgamation of styles between black, death and war metal, then this will no doubt tickle your fancy. “Treason Of The Dead” features 9 minutes of pure unholy black/death terror. Hopefully a full-length will manifest at some point. Recommended. (HT)

Album review: Human Serpent – Heirlooms Eternal (2021)

Human Serpent – Heirlooms Eternal

Greece

The Scars of Millions Proselytism

This is my first encounter with Human Serpent, a trio hailing from Central Greece playing furious black metal with a melodic touch. The band formed in 2012 and “Heirlooms Eternal” is their fourth album. 

I’m surprised I haven’t heard of them before, but then again, it’s difficult keeping track of all the killer bands coming out. Human Serpent is certainly not an amateurish band, and have already procured a position for themselves in the Greek underground scene as an elite band carrying the torch for true Hellenic black metal.

One of the first things I’ve noticed about their music is the overwhelming display of powerful melodies, yet somehow the band still manage to sound emphatically heavy at the same time. It’s an auspicious combination that works. Everything sounds perfectly balanced, whether it’s the performance or the production. The atmosphere on this album is absolutely mind-crushing and steeped in melancholia.

Human Serpent definitely has a sound of their own. So in that respect it’s quite tricky to make comparisons. I’ll just add that they definitely have a bit of that old-school Hellenic black metal in their sound and that the musicians are quite accomplished, with the guitarist delivering a solid arsenal of riffs that will put a smile on anyone’s face into true iron-clad black metal that’s all about the riffs. The songs are mostly fast and fierce as could be desired, featuring hard-hitting drums, venomous bass-lines, soul-shattering guitars, and hateful vocals.

On the balance, “Heirlooms Eternal” is 8 tracks of pure Hellenic fury and well-worth your time if you like well-executed black metal with a majestic and crushing atmosphere. (HT)

ALBUM REVIEW: Wargrinder - The Seal of Genocide (2012)

 

Wargrinder - The Seal of Genocide (2012)

Greece

Nykta Records

"The Seal of Genocide" is Wargrinder's debut album and offers 13 tracks of hard-hitting Black/Death Metal from lone-musician, Terry Eleftheriou. Released back in 2012, this is some decidedly enjoyable audio violence, with proud nods to Angelcorpse and Black Witchery. Whilst this album arguably does not quite reach the same level of intensity as the aforementioned hordes, it holds a worthy candle in terms of its unapologetic, raw and mayhemic overtones. The songs are refreshingly rhythmic, with the composer proving himself to be as proficient with riffs as he is with percussion. With an emphasis on catchy riffing, merciless percussion and gutteral vocal passages - this aural assault will irrevocably bombard your senses with its martial-esque tones and unbridled relentlessness. Musically, this record is relatively straight-forward and unashamedly militant, so don't expect to hear any mystical forest black metal. I can confidently say that this is pretty impressive stuff for a one-man project, and I was pleasantly surprised to hear the odd solo thrown in for good measure. The solos are well balanced and thoroughly chaotic in nature. There's much to sink your teeth into here. A well recommended listen. (HT)

EP REVIEW: Wargrinder - Ironclad Destroyer (2020)

Wargrinder – Ironclad Destoyer (2020)

Greece

Helter Skelter Productions

Wargrinder is a band I've been following ever since their debut album, “The Seal of Genocide.” Basically, they're one of those bands you either like or don't. I personally enjoy the kind of fast and merciless Black/Death style played by bands like Arkhon Infaustus, Angelcorpse, Perdition Temple, etc. Wargrinder falls in that category. The latest EP, “Ironclad Destroyer,” is a continuation of their style from “Tank Tread Doctrine.” The songs on this EP are crushing and blisteringly fast for the most part, but do occasionally plunge into more mid-pace territory that go well with the chugging guitar parts. There are no solos, although the music sounds good enough without them. The EP is also supported by a solid production job, which makes sense, since a good production is mandatory for this style. Brutality-wise – on a scale from 1 to 10 – Wargrinder gets a 11. Every song hits you harder than a Mike Tyson knockout. Everything on this release is exceptionally well-arranged with immaculately timed performances all around. If this is the first you read about Wargrinder, then I guess it's obligatory to point out that everything is played by one person named Terry Eleftheriou. Once again, he did an amazing job. I just republished an interview I did with Terry back in 2017, so maybe give it a read to understand what the band is all about. “Ironclad Destoyer” was released by Helter Skelter Productions on CD format. Buy or die. (HT)

https://regainrecords.bandcamp.com/album/ironclad-destroyer