Interview: Aeon Void

AEON VOID from Turkey play deadly, possessed death/black metal that evokes a sinister atmosphere reminiscent of the ominous black metal sound associated with labels like Norma Evangelium Diaboli. The music on their debut EP “Fragments of Illusion” is incredibly well-honed, and one of the best releases of 2023. I had the opportunity to speak with the main maniac behind this terror incursion. Read on as we unveil some dark insights.

Hails. Can you tell us how Aeon Void was conceived and what bands inspired your unholy craft?
 
Infernal Hails!
 
We started our activities in Istanbul with Horrida Vultum. The compositions of the songs actually took shape spontaneously after we decided to get together to practice regularly with the instruments. In fact, we created it by restoring the ideas which emerged during the jam sessions. Rather than the idea of "let's do it like the way this or that band does", we wanted to reflect our own RABID approach and aesthetic ideas in a chaotic context. We thought about this together and these 5 songs emerged. I can mention a few of the main bands whose philosophy we have absorbed as sources of inspiration: Katharsis, Deathspell Omega, Thunderbolt, VI, Teitanblood, Azarath, Dead Congregation, Mayhem, Marduk...
 
Are there certain environmental factors that contribute to the darkness of your sound?
 
Everything, especially the human being and its population, becomes more intolerable with every passing day, so life continually fills us up with more hatred.
 
I really enjoyed your debut EP, “Fragments of Illusion.” How long were you working on the songs and are you satisfied with the outcome? I think you nailed the production and that it compliments your sound very well, so congratulations.
 
The writing and recording phase of the guitars was completed from 2018 to 2019. Drums have been recorded in 2020. We took the process slowly so that some things could become stable and mature. At the same time, we tried many new things during the recording sessions. Reamping of the guitars; also bass & vocals recordings were done in 2022. Let me summarize the messy process as follows:
 
We were looking for members to play the other instruments, and we had some auditions related to this. After not being able to pick the right person to get the result we wanted, I took over the vocal and bass parts, and this required a preparation phase on its own. I don't see it as something negative because it was an opportunity to improve myself in every aspect. We are also happy with the result because our goal was to release this EP the way we wanted it to sound. Now we are striving for better. Thank you.
 
The artwork of your debut EP is so sick! I love it. Who is the evil genius responsible for this profane image and what exactly does it depict?

It's done by the Russian artist Alex Shadrin. The cover design of the EP directly reflects the chemistry of the EP: DEATH.

Starting from this point; we wanted it to be drawn in accordance with the image in our minds. A dead baby on the cover indicates what should have happened at the beginning of all humanity, but unfortunately it was not like that and it came to this situation. The dead baby figure actually expresses the feelings we desire, such as the extinction of humanity and the end of everything without any differentiation. So the baby in the middle reflects the only "remedy" of the sinful humanity.

Have you had any other musical experience prior to Aeon Void or is this your first band?
 
Yes we had. For me it was nothing more than rehearsing processes. But Horrida Vultum had played in Godslaying Hellblast and is now playing in Nex Carnis, also he has another project which is about see the light of the day soon and I am dying to listen to it.
 
What are some of your current favorite bands? Are there any releases from this year that have grabbed you?
 
I want to mention my favourites from this year:
1-The Devouring Void & Atrate split
2-Somniate- We Have Proved Death
3-Spirit Possession- Of the Sign...
4-RUIM- Black Royal Spiritism -I- O Sino de Igraja
5-Necrovation- Storm the Void
6-Ascended Dead- Even Fall Apocalypse
7-Blut Aus Nord- Disharmonium- Nahab
8-Horda- Form
9-Marduk- Memento Mori
10-Tetragrammacide- Typo Tantric Aphorisms from the Aracheophidian Quran
11-CH'AHOM - Ts'ono'ot
12-Acausal Intrusion- Panpsychism
13-Voidescent- Dust and Embers
 
I understand Aeon Void is currently a duo. Do you plan to recruit more members in the future or do you prefer the line-up as it is? How many instruments are you playing?
 
Actually we have new members currently, and we've already started working together. As you will appreciate, it is very difficult for two people to hit the stage. I played the guitar and the bass and on top of that I recorded the vocals for this EP. I prefer to shift my focus more on the guitars and the vocals.
 
Thank you for your time! I hope to hear more sick tunes from your band in the future, especially a full-length. Any last words before we close this interview?
 
You're welcome! I am always working on for the better.

EP review: Aeon Void - Fragments of Illusion (2023)

Aeon Void - Fragments of Illusion

 

Turkey

 

Zazen Sounds

Aeon Void is a duo hailing from Istanbul, and “Fragments of Illusion” is their debut EP released under Zazen Sounds. The EP features five tracks of possessed death/black metal that’s about as relentless as it gets. This otherworldly atmosphere is accentuated by the malicious vocal attack as every utterance is spewed forth with absolute malice. Every track offer a rush of pure darkness and volatile aggression replete with uncompromising riffs and blasting drums. Their music has some unmistakable Turkish characteristics, injecting their own trademark violence into it. As far as references go, I can hear trace elements from bands like Abigor, Marduk, Infernal War, et cetera. One of the highlights of this release is without a doubt the ungodly riffs, which are ruthlessly executed and sharp as obsidian blades. There's something nuanced and sinister about the atmosphere that reminds me of French and Swedish bands, particularly the ominous black metal sound associated with labels like Norma Evangelium Diaboli. All in all, this is a near flawless release from a very promising band.

Interview: Diabolizer (2021)

When it comes to brutal Death Metal brimming with pure devilish rage, then DIABOLIZER from Kadıköy is a band you need to hear. Here is a conversation with vocalist, Ali Abomination. (Also formerly of Malefic Order and Godslaying Hellblast.)

Prophet beheading hails! For the kunts out there not yet familiar with DIABOLIZER, can you give us a little idea of your sound and influences?

Angel lacerating hails from Kadıköy! Diabolizer was formed By Mustafa (Guitars), Aberrant (Drums), Malik (Bass) and me (vox) in 2012. Some of the earliest riffs have been around since the early 2000's though. We wanted to achieve a style that was different from all our other bands. We just had the vision of creating a really violent, aggressive and destructive Death Metal. As for influences there may have been many many influences from the past two decades, so instead of making a list I could easily summarize it: Metal. Evil to the fucking bone Metal.

There's something utterly menacing about Turkish bands that makes them sound more brutal compared to some European scenes. Do you agree and why do you think that is? Are there environmental, religious, political factors involved?

I wouldn't necessarily say that bands emerging from our circles are more brutal or anything in comparison to another scene. But I do agree that there's an easily sensible feeling of utmost madness and rage flowing through our songs. Living in one of the most chaotic cities in the world under pretty fucked up social circumstances surely would be adding to that feeling. The daily dose of sickness and decadence we are constantly being subjected to is way too fucking high when compared to Europe.

Can you talk a bit about the recording of your debut album, "Khalkedonian Death," and the inspiration behind the title? Are you happy with the overall outcome?

Along with most Turkish bands you know, we come from Kadıköy, right at the southwestern edge of the Anatolian part of nowadays' Istanbul. Kadıköy's historical name was Khalkedon, it is what this place was called when this area was under the reign of the Byzantine Empire. Kadıköy has a lot of meaning for all of us, we all grew up, learned about Metal and met each other in the streets of Kadıköy. So with this title, we wanted to pay our tribute to the streets where everything we're all about has emerged throughout the years.

As for the recording process, the guitars were recorded by Mustafa at home, the drums were recorded at the Deadhouse Studio in Ankara (another very important city in Turkey's underground.), the bass were recorded somewhere in Copenhagen since the bassist has been living in there since 2014) and the vocals were recorded at Mezar Studios. The mixing and mastering were handled by Ozan Yıldırım, at the Deadhouse Studio again. I can surely say that we are all satisfied with the final output. It took a painfully long time to get everything complete, but at least it's worth the wait.

Let's discuss one of your biggest influences, DEICIDE. Do you agree that their last excellent album was Serpents of the Light? I tried getting into their later material several times, but to no avail.

I totally agree. Stench... has some interesting moments, I'll admit that, but it hardly ever sounds like Deicide.

Would you describe your journey into metal and how you got to where you are now? Who are some of your favorite bands?

It dates back to my elementary school years, where a kid had put on this magical sounding tape. I'm talking about 3 decades ago now, haha. My journey has mostly been chaotic, through many highs and lows throughout the year, but somehow I have managed to not conform to society's norms and I will remain a permanent part of this until the day I die. Some faves would be (old) MayheM, Urgehal, Morbid Angel, Immolation, Funeral Winds, Azarath, Infernal War, Angelcorpse, Sodom, (old) Deicide, Bathory, Necroholocaust, etc just to name few which immediately got spilled out.

In your opinion, does playing in a band and being into this kind of music entail a certain extreme lifestyle?

Well, I gotta be honest, you can not make a living through Metal in a country like Turkey, so I do have a white collar job. That doesn't mean we don't take shit to EXTREMES at every opportunity, but you gotta be able to finance that first.

What's some killer Turkish bands you can recommend to all the maniacs reading this?

Engulfed, Thrashfire, Nihil Kaos, Hellsodomy, Burial Invocation, Decaying Purity, Cenotaph, Decimation, Deggial, Death Ritual, Hyperdontia (half-turkish).

There is a legion of idiots on social media giving extra support to bands from "non-white" countries, mostly due to having some vain, savior complex. What do you think of these retards and what kind of fans would you prefer?

Now this sounds like a double-edged sword. On one hand, as a 3rd world cunt, I find it good that bands outside Europe/USA receive more recognition and appreciation, because these parts of the world generally get ignored by the metal crowd. Countless times I have come across comments like "Turkish band? Nah, I'll pass". It can be frustrating at times, you know. One important person who needs to be nominated would be Shaxul (Manzer, ex-DSO). for many years he has released tons of killer material via his label, "Legion of Death Records". He has always supported and promoted bands from obscure countries. It is a shame that the label went broke, but his contribution to many bands was unmatchable.

On the other hand, there are these trendy bandwagon jumpers who keep praising bands from obscure countries, for the sole reason that those bands are hailing from "there be dragons" countries. I mean, it doesn't really matter to me where a band is from, as long as they play good and sincere stuff. But seeing some really shitty bands getting endless praises just because they are from somewhereistan is fucking annoying too.

What can you tell us about your shows? I've seen some videos and they seem pretty out there. You guys are definitely purveyors of true extreme metal.

Thanks a lot mate! Some respect ought to be handed down to the fans too. Not too many concerts happen in Turkey and this causes the crowd to be a lot more bloodthirsty. When their bloodthirst and our bursting evil energy crashes, all hell breaks loose.

Photo by Cem Gaygusuz

Every decade has its jewels. What are some of your favorite albums from 2010 onwards?

Would you mind if I'd rather not list anything? The list can and will be changed any other day, and I really don't feel like making lists like this. There's a huge abundance of worthy new stuff, with the numbers growing every year.

Well, that's that. All hail Hell and Metal Any closing remarks before we put this interrogation to rest?

Thank you very much for your sincere support throughout the years and huge respect for Death by Hammer! Keep following us, we intend to spit out our devilish khalkedonian venom across Europe next year. Satanic hailz!

Album review: Diabolizer – Khalkedonian Death (2021)

 

Diabolizer – Khalkedonian Death

Turkey

Everlasting Spew Records / Me Saco Un Ojo Records / Desiccated Productions / Dark Desires Records

I’ve always had an affinity for Turkish Black/Death Metal ever since I discovered bands like Malefic Order, Impuration, Godslaying Hellblast and Sarinvomit some years ago. The band in question, Diabolizer, hail from the city of Kadıköy and play some truly menacing death metal informed by bands such as Deicide, Vader, Krisiun, etc., though it must be noted that the references does not necessarily suggest a similar sound, but more certain elements that are comparable. Diabolizer is a much more brutal machine and does not spare a single second from assaulting the listener with their absolutely visceral attack of diabolical death metal, which is absolutely profane in its essence.

I like pretty much everything about this release, but my favourite must be the vocals – the vocalist belches out a fiercely intimidating growl that strikes a middle-ground between a vicious bestial grunt and more Glen Benton-esque type growling. Absolutely magnificent! There’s something about Turkish bands that’s just next level in terms of how utterly relentless they are. I personally think the environment plays a contributing factor. Whatever the case, these Turks are PISSED!

I’ve noticed some really cool and more progressive parts in Diabolizer’s sound, where the bassist shows off some juicy jazz licks, which adds a heightened sense of composition, all the while still keeping the music tight and straight-forward. There’s no doubt to the fact that the musicians are very adept at playing their instruments. You’ll hear anything from precise and rampant blasting to razor-sharp guitar solos. This whole thing is a mammoth beast of brutalizing death metal infused with an eminently malicious edge. The need to artistic expression knows no barriers of country or state, as the devilish fires of hell reign supreme in Turkey. “Khalkedonian Death” gets my utmost and highest recommendation. Favourite track: Sulphurous Vengeance (HT)