Interview: Speed Command (2021)

The following correspondence took place between Catacombs Walker and German Mulc (vocalist/bassist) of SPEED COMMAND – a killer Thrash Metal band from Argentina that had just recently put out their debut album called "Vestiges Of Peace" through Carnal Beast from Japan.

Hello German! How are you in the middle of all this disaster that we are currently experiencing?

Greetings friend. You could say we are resisting everything, because it is not only this plandemic, but to live with the loneliness of not being able to be so close and often with the people that one appreciates, dealing with the country's economy, the new modalities that society adopts and affects you, etc.

Tell us a little about the beginning stages of the band. Under what influences did you begin to raise the Thrash flag? Did you undergo any member changes? I understand you are currently looking to recruit another guitarist?

The band started sometime before 2011, but this year was the beginning as an established band. We started from the beginning wanting to play old school thrash metal, at that time with influences from Exodus, Slayer, Destruction, Kreator, Sepultura. We have always undergone changes in the position of bass player, so I decided to take that position and give the position of rhythm guitar to someone else, so at this moment we are in the cross-hairs of a possible member.

"Vestiges Of Peace" left us surprised in all aspects, the sound is brutal, the skill with which you execute the instruments keep us headbanging throughout and the production is excellent. How was it received by the audience and the press, and how did they contact the label or, on the contrary, was it the label who contacted you?

I'm glad you liked the album, the truth was that it was very well received, I think that the people who follow us have been waiting for this album for a long time and the press is giving us very good reviews all over the world.
When we had the album almost ready I came across this label on the internet, and decided to write to him, automatically the interest in our album grew, so we kept in touch and sent him the audio of how the album was turning out. So Akira Sugiuchi wanted to release the album as soon as it was ready, because despite a raw and not very modern sound unlike other bands, he liked the authentic and old school way of sound and the style that we created.

How was the overall composition process? Did each member contribute or was their someone in charge? How long did it take you to compose and record everything? Are you satisfied with the final result?

The album took us a little over a year and a half to record, since we did pre-production and it was all in the middle of the pandemic. If we are satisfied with the result, it was a stage to close after such a long time, but perhaps I would have liked another mastering, but we know that in the future we can improve many aspects.

In the midst of all this pandemic chaos, things have gotten more difficult. Did this affect the release of the album or, on the contrary, was it also inspiration to carry it forward? What can you tell me about the direction the planet is taking?

Yes, the pandemic delayed the recording a bit but it was not an obstacle to continue working on the album, it cost but it finally came out. The course of the world is reflected all on our cover, there are reflected the mundialistic pigs, what was once the civilization of nations, and what they are today all converted into a single world nation. There the cover will be up to your interpretation, and we were not wrong on the cover of our first demo, it seems like it was today.

Tell me about the lyrics and the title of the album. What inspired you when writing and what message do you intend to shout to the world?

The lyrics were always compromised, sincerely I am not interested in singing about Satan. I am interested in talking about the reality of our days, about pesticides and food manipulation, the world synarchy and its power, false freedom, the struggle of man in a world in ruins (wolf division), etc., and the passion for heavy metal are some of our themes. My inspiration was always the search before so much injustice and how miserable the man who is corrupted can be, that is my message for those who are asleep.

I believe that Speed Command is one of the best bands that have emerged from Argentina in recent years. What do you think of our current scene? What bands have surprised you?

Thank you for considering us among those bands. I am not much into scenes. I think that each band does their thing out of passion and that’s the important thing, later there will be others that will be part of the scene but they are made of plastic. There are good bands, especially in the rest of the country that come out of the Buenos Aires bands, mainly because they have achieved a more raw and perhaps real sound for those of us who like the old school. I have been impressed by Sinners Path, Thrasher, Ultimo Vomito, Municion, Speed onslaught, Caustic, Stake Impalement.

I know you are also part of the struggle to release material with your Metal Squad Records label. How do you see the future of it and what projects would you like to complete?

In the last few years the label has grown a lot, after 11 years I am going to release the first pro CD. The idea is to continue growing and a project that I would like would be to launch a 12” vinyl.

Personally, who or what was it that motivated you the most to start your path in music as a fan, an artist, and a producer?

From the first moment that I discovered some radio programs where I recorded some songs on a virgin cassette that I bought, it was the impulse to continue discovering that path, after the magazines that at the time came out, etc. The idea of starting a band came up in high school with a partner, because there were no bands that played the style we liked, and we had decided to do it ourselves, that's where it all started. After going to record stores to rent CDs to record them on cassettes, it made me fall in love with labels, the charm of record stores and think that at some point I should find one, and that's how it was. Since I discovered all that art of music I knew that I should be involved, that it was my passion and I could not leave it.

What plans do you have as a band once the live shows are enabled again? Do you think things will really go back to the way they were before or will we live a life haunted by restrictions?

The idea is to be able to present the album live and to be able to make something filmic perhaps, and I sincerely believe that nothing will ever be the way it was, for me live music has to have that mystique, ritual that is a heavy metal recital, the live heavy metal cannot be otherwise, but it is like going to the court and they prohibit you from singing, jumping, etc.

Thank you very much for your time, German! To close the interview, leave a greeting to the readers. I hope to see you soon on the stage! Cheers!

Thanks to you Guido for the interview, it has been a pleasure. Stay real and don't be moulded, heavy metal is not for soft conformists.

Demo review: Sküllfükk SS - Uncut Speed (2021)

Sküllfükk SS – Uncut Speed (2021)

Estonia

Corrupted Flesh Records

The beer-cuzzling crew from Estonia called Sküllfükk SS unleash pure havoc on their latest demo (“Uncut Speed”) featuring 7 tracks of sleazy and offensive black/thrash/speed metal. 

The whole release is permeated with a raw and old-school production complimentary to their style. The music is catchy and infused with punk attitude. You can tell these guys had fun when they recorded the material. Their music will transport you back to the '80s, which is probably what the band intended, since their palette of influences include bands such as Venom, Mercyful Fate, Motorhead, etc. 

Those with an affinity for balls-to-the-wall metal punk, will no doubt enjoy this, as the music is full of killer riffs and incendiary vocal lines. Those looking for something more sophisticated, however, should stay away, as Sküllfükk SS is a band that embraces simplicity and old-school ethos with a healthy dose of punk injected in their veins. 

The overall output is quite impressive considering that “Uncut Speed” is only their second demo. There's something promising here, so hopefully we'll see another release at some point. If you’re a fan of bands like Bunker 66, Vomitor, Abigail, etc., then definitely check it out! (HT)

ALBUM REVIEW: Paganfire - Wreaking Fear and Death (2013)

Paganfire - Wreaking Fear and Death (2013)

The Philippines

Anger of Metal Records / Bestial Invasion

A few dozen demos and splits later, these Quezon City-based maniacs finally release their debut album upon the filthy masses entitled, "Wreaking Fear and Death." The music can be described as Thrash Metal in the vein of early Sodom, Exodus and Sabbat. The Asian element is quite prominent, as some of their song titles and lyrics are in their native tongue. Often a lot of Thrash Metal bands end up sounding sterile and boring due to over-polished production, that's why Paganfire is a breathe of fresh air as they retain a considerably raw tone, yet all the instruments can be heard in the mix. I find the production rather appealing. There's some Black/Death elements lurking in their sound, like the Necrovore-ish riffs on opener, "Bakal sa Bakal, Laman sa Laman" coupled with the general Mayhem-esque (Deathcrush era) buzz-tone of the guitars. Paganfire's sound will certainly find its appeal among the true metal legions and comes recommended to fans of bands (most notably their early works) such as Demolition Hammer, Mayhem, Exodus, Order From Chaos, Sodom, Sepultura, etc. Paganfire is like the drunkin' offspring of the aforementioned bands. This is not sheltered pseudo thrash with songs about the local pizza scene. Nope. This is raw, violent and uncompromising Thrash Metal that will surely send the hippies packing. (HT)

INTERVIEW: PAGANFIRE (2018)

The Filipino thrash squad known as Paganfire have been stomping poser skulls and catalyzing riots ever since their bloody inception in 2003. I caught up with the infamous Nonoy (Guitarist/vocalist) to try and figure out what goes on in that mad brain of his. Read forth!

Hails Nonoy!!! I'm sure you've done this a million times before, but for the sake of our readers, please give us a some background on Paganfire's history and tell us what the band is all about - your sound, influences, etc.

N: Hails Jim!!! PAGANFIRE have been thrashing since 1999, but in 2002 we had major revamps in our ranks which saw us do the demos and studio fiascos, we have released our debut album back in 2013 and is hopefully still making rounds nowadays, we play true underground thrashing metal, no trendy shit!! We are into most 80’s thrash metal bands and some other genres but most of the time we do not check out erstwhile “modern” bands and albums.

Can you tell us a little about your lyrics and where you draw your inspiration from? What kind of feeling do you wish to transmit through your music? 

N: Our lyrics are about arson, violence, cannibals, poseur eradication, serial killers, religion, the cosmos and beyond, etc., etc. No specific feeling but we would want to melt people’s faces with our material on and off the stage.

What can you tell us about the scene in Quezon City? Do you have much of a following? And how is the reception to local gigs?

N: There is no Quezon City scene or Philippine scene for that matter, or if there is one it’s totally shitty, everyone is just trying outplay everyone and to impress each other, haha. In the end, it’s a competition of shitheads, trendsucking rip offs. As far as we are concerned, we walk our own path and it’s either you are with us or against us. No grey areas!

What can you tell us about the recording/reception/format (etc.) of Paganfire's last album, "Wreaking Fear and Death"? 

N: I am honored that a few metal maniac labels picked it up and thus making it available on all formats, and I am glad that most of the time, the true underground metal maniacs realize it for what it is, and treat it is an underground gem.

Who did the killer artwork for "Wreaking Fear and Death" and how did you hook up with the artist?  

N: He is NORMAN TRINIDAD of KAMBING and TRIDENT NATION 'zine fame! His artwork speaks for itself!! They reek of true metaldom! Not trendy and standard takes on all things metal, his art used on every PAGANFIRE release is representative of the sound: raw, violent, brash and most of all METAL!!

Are there any local music stores over there where you can obtain good metal? Also, what was the last album you bought?

N: NONE. Most people get their metal fix from other people who order stuff from abroad then sell it online, practically it’s a very small community of people buying and selling from each other, no shops to go to regularly where you can pick up Sarcofago or even Slayer’s old albums on a regular basis, I have traded some titles lately but most of them are “standard” thrash metal albums, some notable stuff I caught is the reissue of MUTILATOR – IMMORTAL FORCE and the forgotten RIGOR MORTIS – FREAKS cd’s and yeah I also have the MUTILATOR dvd from Peru.

You've done many splits, but I'm particularly interested in how the split with Nunslaughter came about - also, what are your thoughts regarding the unfortunate passing of Jim Sadist?

N: It took but a couple of years before it finally materialized as NUNSLAUGHTER’s release schedule is always busy!! I just kept in touch with Don until the earth cracked in half and spew out this monstrosity of a split!! I have never been in touch with Jim, but of course when someone of your kind passes away it is sad, but Jim left behind a true legacy based on his music and his friends, all I can say is he is gone but will never be forgotten.

You have a very extensive discography with many demos, splits and EPs - what are the releases you're most proud of? Which particular Paganfire release would you suggest as a "starting point" for someone new to your music? 

N: That’s a hard one, but for me ALL of them are my favorites as each reflects the true underground spirit, from the most D.I.Y. to the extravagant pro releases, each of them are products of hard work and trust, which is slowly dying away in the underground scene wherein everyone just wants to be the next flavor of the month and people measure their credibility with the number of “likes” on their profiles and update us with the food they eat rather than the true stuff that matters!! Their songs and their god damn attitude!!! A place to start with PAGANFIRE should always be the 2004 demo, if you can realize it for what it is, then you will definitely sink your teeth on the rest!! If not, then go the fuck away and look for the next trend that will suit you.

Besides making people deaf with your music, what do you do to relax? Are there any cool places in your City to venture to in case you feel the need to "escape" from the masses of shitheads?

N: I can relax anywhere, just leave me alone and don’t bother me hahaha, I can sit down gobble up some beers by myself and I will be OK, BUT I also prefer to travel, specially going to my hometown, reconnect with friends and relatives, go for a swim (or in my case a dip), binge drink etc., etc. or just go out and eat with the missus and offspring, there is just not so much to do to escape in this 3rd world hellhole, ONLY THE STRONG WILL SURVIVE!

Does the members in Paganfire consume copious amounts of goat piss whilst chanting the hymns of Manggagaway during rehearsals?

N: Goat piss and pig’s blood with meat from the carcasses whilst the rambling of a thousand ogres on through the night!!!!!!!

I demand to know your all-time favorite bands, including a list of 10 albums that are so important to you, that you would simply cease to exist without them. 

N: METALLICA – RIDE THE LIGHTNING, SLAYER – HAUNTING THE CHAPEL, HOLY TERROR – MIND WARS, DEMOLITION HAMMER – TORTURED EXISTENCE, RIGOR MORTIS – S/T, ORDER FROM CHAOS – AN ENDING IN FIRE, SODOM – OBSESSED BY CRUELTY, KREATOR – TERRIBLE CERTAINTY, SEPULTURA – MORBID VISIONS, and INFERNAL MAJESTY – NONE SHALL DEFY pretty much standard fare eh? There are tons of favorites bands, what comes to mind are VIO-LENCE, FORBIDDEN, SADUS, DEATH, MORBID ANGEL, SARCOFAGO, MUTILATOR, PROTECTOR, DEATH ANGEL, DISSECTION, DARK ANGEL, CANCER, DESTRUCTION, HOLY MOSES, ONSLAUGHT, DEATHWISH, POSSESSED, EXODUS, SABBAT (japan and UK) etc., etc.

What's next for Paganfire? Will you eventually pass the fire onto your younglings, so that they may continue the legacy of the Pagancult whilst you slaughter the poser angels in the morbid afterlife?

N: Next is the release of the new 2 track demo, and the start of making the 2nd album, I would be glad if my boys pick up instruments and start a band, but I won’t make them either, it’s their choice, it’s their lives anyway, if they don’t do that I won’t encourage them either, to be honest I don’t look forward to any afterlife, we are all worm food when we go. To die is to rest but METAL is the best!!!!

Thanks for filling the blanks, mate!!! Good luck for the future and keep spreading the antichristian terror!!! 

N: Thanks goes to you as well mate!! I am glad that you still do interviews and reviews, always remember that you are the one and only maniac from South Africa that I know, from the good old snail mail days to nowadays FB networks hahaha yes we will keep that in mind, and as we say TULOY ANG LABAN AT WALANG ATRASAN!!!  Interested maniacs keep in touch: paganfire13@yahoo.com, argh!!! KAMATAYAN SA HUWAD NA METAL!!!!!

Release details:

Vinyl – Anger of Metal Records (Germany)

CD – Bestial Invasion (UK)

Tape – Mandarangan (USA), Afterlife Prods (Malaysia), Eternal Darkness Creations (USA)

Cai Cai Vilu (Chile)

Contact the band at: paganfire13@yahoo.com

Demo review: Maze of Terror - Death Worshipers (2019)

 

Maze of Terror – Death Worshipers – Demo (2019)

Peru

Independent

Peruvian death-thrashers Maze of Terror released an absolute scorcher of an album back in 2016 titled, “Ready To Kill.” I loved the aggression and ballsy attitude of that album. Fast forward to 2019, after a split and two EPs, the band released this killer demo called “Death Worshipers.” The four songs on this demo are very well composed and contains absolutely no filler at all. The music can be described as thrash metal, although in the most uncompromising sense imaginable. They also incorporate some black and death metal elements into their sound. The vocalist is a maniac and sounds like he is hell-bent on murdering someone. All instruments are well played and blend together nicely, coupled with a solid production that enables you to hear everything. The guitarist's penchant for solos is impressive and it definitely sounds like he knows what he's doing. I must say, for a thrash metal band, Maze of Terror sounds more extreme than a lot of black and death metal bands. The music on this demo is raw, unapologetic, and fierce. I love the sample on the first song, 'Incubus,' which is taken from the cult horror movie The Entity. Anyway, if radio-friendly “pizza thrash” is your thing, then stay far away from Maze of Terror. These Peruvian maniacs will skin you alive. (HT)

https://mazeofterror.bandcamp.com/