Demo review: Brood In Black - Black Unholy Mass (2021)

Brood In Black – Black Unholy Mass

Kentucky, USA

Blasfemas Records

Brood In Black hail from from the city of Lancaster (there’s another Lancaster in England, but the weather looks a bit crappy there) situated in Kentucky, USA, and the aptly titled “Black Unholy Mass” is their latest offering of pure unadulterated black metal darkness.

Brood In Black are one of those bands that’s 100% loyal to the spirit of old-school black metal. They evoke an atmosphere that takes us back to the first and second wave of black metal with a sound reminiscent of bands like Beherit, Countess, Bathory, etc. That’s not to say that Brood In Black is some boring, uninspired clone of the aforementioned bands; they do their thing well and I happen to enjoy this kind of no-frills, straight-forward black metal, and in the case of Brood In Black, they execute their craft with absolute zeal and fervour. The overall length of "Black Unholy Mass” exceeds the 30 minute mark, which is quite a satisfying duration for a demo.

Performance-wise, the songs are pretty simple and by no means technical, but that’s also one of the band’s strong points. The vocals are appropriately raw, evil, and full of acrimony which gives the music a really unsettling feel. Everything goes together decidedly well, whether it’s the inventive drum fills, the skull-grating buzzsaw riffs, or the venom-spitting vocals.

If you think words like “raw” and “simplistic” are a warning flag for “unprofessional”, then avoid this at all costs – especially if you’re a hipster who think it’s cool to listen to black metal after watching the abominable Lords Of Chaos film. This is about as austere, bleak, bitter and unoriginal as any black metal you can find, but that’s the fucking beauty of it. There’s absolutely no compromise for trends. (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: Chestcrush - Vdelygmia (2021)

Chestcrush - Vdelygmia

Scotland

Independent

A while ago I reviewed the UK-based (originally from Greece) band Chestcrush’s killer 4-track demo, and now it’s time to review their debut full-length called “Vdelygmia” which will be out 14^th July.

Musically, the sound on this album can be described as an amalgamation of blackened death, sludge and grindcore. The whole thing is pretty ferocious and seems to hit on themes pertaining to mental health and the current political/theocratical situation in Greece. In comparison to their demo, Chestcrush seems to have taken it up a notch with a greater level of technicality and heaviness, with an outcome that is more extreme than the previous release. Tempos are all over the place, ranging from crushing mid-paced parts to fast and relentless blasting. One of the band’s strengths is that you can hear all the instruments, and when combined, you realise just how absolutely crushing it all sounds. The atmosphere is totally nightmarish and feels like one hellish fever dream. The vocals are totally overpowering, mixing mid-range, savage bellows with black metal shrieks. The production works perfectly for the assemblage of genres on display here. The title “Vdelygmia” is a Greek word (originally spelled “Βδελυγμία“) which means “abomination.” it’s a very fitting title in the context of how foreboding and dark the overall atmosphere is on this album. There’s a strong black metal current running in these lads’ veins.

Chestcrush’s brand of sludgy, dark, and dissonant blackened death will leave the listener battered and wanting more. For fans of: Ulcerate, Dragged Into Sunlight, Morbid Angel, etc. (HT)

Demo review: Supayniyux - Aniquilacion de Cristo (2021 Re-release)

Supayniyux - Aniquilacion de Cristo

Ecuador / Switzerland

From Deepest Records

Supayniyux is an Ecuadorian/Swiss black metal band and “Aniquilacion de Cristo” is their demo from 2014 recently re-released on CD format by From Deepest Records.

The music on this demo unfolds over a duration of 27 minutes spanning 5 tracks of over-the-top aural violence. Imagine a mix between bands like Nyogthaeblisz, Svartsyn and Sarcofago – that’s more or less what Supayniyux sounds like. The vocals are ultra abrasive, agonized screams drenched in a crescendo of hellish noise. A barrage of hyper-charged riffs bombard the listener at every turn, constructed of basic chord progressions and melodic sensibilities that mesh well with the all-out chaos. The sound on this demo is undoubtedly raw, but not so much to the point where it detracts from the overall quality of the songs, since one is able to follow the riffs and drums, regardless of the heavy layer of distortion that encompass this demo. This whole release embodies a sense of urgency and rage, which is perfectly captured in its apocalyptic fury.

Favourite tracks:

Era de Semen y Sangre

Muriendo En El Horizonte

Overall, this is raw and chaotic black metal done right and a killer demo to boot. Supayniyux is pure black metal madness for black metal fans pure. Recommended! (HT)

Interview: Slaughtbbath (2021)

The following interview was conducted with Daniel Desecrator from Chilean bestial black death menace, Slaughtbbath. 

Hails. Can you give us an update on the current status of the band?

Everything has been on hold for us since the beginning of last year due to the virus. We had our last album's release national tour and some other dates in Brazil and the States but all had to be canceled. However, we are working on new stuff and some releases. There's a 4 way split CD coming out soon.

Slaughtbbath have been active since 2002 – how do you stay inspired to write and record material on such a consistent basis?

Me and the guitarist began the band in 2002 but we have been really active recording demos and playing live since 2005 by the time our drummer joined and we got a stable line up. We were very young when we started so having this band is something quite natural for us. We don't have any obligation with it so when there's no more energy or inspiration the band will just cease to exist.

What can you tell us about your last full-length "Alchemical Warfare" and the inspiration behind the title? Are you happy with the final result?

Well the inspiration for the title, as a lot of our music, comes from the mighty Slayer but of course you can find a lot of symbolic meaning of Alchemy and Warfare within the lyrics of most of the tracks. There are always a lot of details that could be improved but for what's done we are satisfied.

Slaughtbbath's music radiates pure destructive fury – what are some of the factors resulting in such an harsh sound?

Being actually angry and furious instead of faking it!

How did you initially come up with the name Slaughtbbath and what does it mean?

It's a combination of the words 'Slaughter' and 'Sabbath'.

Musically, what are some of your biggest influences?

Slayer, Sepultura, Sarcófago, Kreator, Mayhem, Darkthrone, Morbid Angel, etc.

Do you agree with the philosophical sentiment of life being inherently meaningless? What gives you purpose?

Each individual gives existence it's own meaning. Before philosophers we are animals of survival and instinct. Instead of asking yourself what's the purpose ask yourself what keeps you enslaved of not doing what you desire.

What is your stance on progression in black/death – should the genre be pushed forward or do you prefer stagnation as opposed to bands stepping outside the usual confines of what has already been established?

I couldn't care less to be honest, politics, ethics and morals in music and art in general is not my thing. To each his own.

Can you tell us something about your artwork and profession as a tattoo artist? Are there any artists that had an influence on the development of your style?

For sure there's a lot of artists that have influenced me and helped me to develop my technique and style. I can name Doré, Bosch, Goya, Giger, etc. At the moment I'm working with many bands on their artwork, some of them are Druid Lord, Perversion, Profanatica, Nihilo, Qrixkuor, Perdition Temple, Varathron, Ruinous, etc. Regarding tattooing, that's my main job and I have been doing it for many years. It has also given me the chance to visit many countries.

Does sentiments like "the underground is dead" have any relevance to you? What is the true underground in your opinion?

No, and I must say I haven't even heard something like that. Underground just means doing stuff as you want and as you can first and not for the masses in my opinion.

Lastly, what's next for Slaughtbbath and when can we see some new material manifest? Thanks for your time!

I already said some of our plans. We can only wait for this stupid worldwide situation to change so we can return to play live and tour. Thanks for having us in your ‘zine. Cheers

Album review: Northern - Cabin Fever (2021)

 

Northern – Cabin Fever

New Hampshire / USA

Sinistrari Records

Northern (formerly known as Cold Northern Vengeance) will soon release their second full-length album entitled “Cabin Fever” via Sinistrari Records. 

The latest album from these New Hampshire harbingers of death is a cold and furious blast of gut-wrenching pagan/black metal darkness that will unequivocally raise a few dead souls. The atmosphere on this album is morose and beautifully melancholic, which is ideal for a snowy and isolated winter setting. Deep and abrasive howls are belched out atop an array of glacial riffs and swift, well-executed drums. The vocals are effectively delivered, powerful and quite comprehensible. The production is unpolished and veritably raw, which is quite fitting to the overall atmosphere. Tempo-wise, it ranges from fast to mid-pace to slower, more brooding passages. Each song on this album sounds like it was recorded in one take, which adds to its charm. However, the production does sound a little inconsistent on some of the tracks.

“Cabin Fever” is one of those albums you need to listen to when you’re alone in the woods with a couple of beers, or just taking a hike on a cold day. Don’t mistake it for some fruity post-black metal outfit. The tone is rancid and grim.

Clocking at 25+ minutes, the 7 songs on “Cabin Fever” will certainly tickle your fancy if you like cold, harrowing black/death with a frosty aura. (HT)

Split review: Churchacide / Plaque Swarm – Eschatological Retaliation (2021)

 

Churchacide / Plaque Swarm – Eschatological Retaliation

Texas / USA

Antichriconoclast Productions

I had a chance to listen to this killer split a few times over the weekend (whether I was running errands or just listening to music) and I just want to say right off the bat that this is one murderous fucking split from start to finish. The split will be released by members of Churchacide’s own label called Antichriconoclast Productions (good luck pronouncing that!) which specialises in releasing material related to the members’ respective outputs.

Both bands hail from Texas, and first up on this split is Churchacide, presenting us with a total of 7 tracks containing feral, crude old-school death metal with raspy vocals reminiscent of Pete Helmkamp. The music is predominantly mid-paced with faster sections interspersed throughout. The production is clear and sharp, which gives the music extra bite. Guitars are frenetic and well-executed, consisting of first-rate riffs and solos sharp enough to split your brain in two, while the drums are also good, but retains a kind of sloppiness that adds to the charm of the music. The bass is heavy and noticeable in the mix, which is nice. Overall, the performance from Churchacide is fucking solid. Favourite track: Imammolation

Plaque Swarm dominates the next half of the split and offers up a clangorous whirl of evil and hypnotic black/death metal, with a sound redolent of bands like Dead Congregation, Death Worship, and Perdition Temple. The atmosphere is massive and filthy, which hovers over the listener like a cloud of destructive darkness. The ambiance is decidedly dark and full of sinister cadences due to the droning wall of sound created by the guitars and ridiculously fast drums. The vocals are very fitting for this style: crude, deep and menacing. The skull-fucking sonic assault of Plaque Swarm is definitely not for sissies and will appeal only to real maniacs, and perhaps even serial killers. Favourite track: Spectre of Doom

You really have to be in the mood for this kind of heavy, merciless black/death, because the brutality of this split will knock you flat. Both bands come highly recommended to maniacs into proper metal. (HT)

Interview: Lingua Mortis Artwork (2021)

 

I had the honour to do an interview with the notorious Gilbert Miranda: a talented Costa Rican maniac renowned for his artwork and involvement in killer bands like Paganus Doctrina and Insepulto. Enjoy the interview. 

Greetings, Gilbert! Firstly, can you give us an update on the current status of your two bands, Paganus Doctrina and Insepulto, including a brief description of each output's sound and aesthetics? 

Hi Jim! Thanks for the interview, mate.

Paganus Doctrina is on hold since 2015. I have no time nor will to write new music at the moment since I founded Lingua Mortis Artwork back in 2016. All my efforts are totally oriented to strengthen LM as much as possible since it is my passion and my job at this very moment in my life. Paganus Doctrina is extreme Black/Death Metal. Perhaps somewhere in the future I might pick the guitar up and write some new tunes, but that’s not in schedule at the moment.

In regards of Insepulto: I’m not part of it since 2018. So, I have nothing to say about it anymore.

What can you tell us about Lingua Mortis Artwork and how it all started? Are you able to make a living from it?

Lingua Mortis Artwork is the brand I founded in 2016 to develop myself as an artist within the metal scene. It came out spontaneously and with no plans or expectations at all. I was unemployed back then and had no income at all nor any chance to get a new job on the Construction/ Architecture field because of the economic crisis back then. Then all of a sudden, Morbid Funeral, a friend's band, contacted me to do a layout for the reissue of their album "The Occult" on tape format. I suggested them to do a custom made artwork for the cover instead of a digital collage. They agreed and I started working on pen in an amateurish drawing that became the cover. I thought to myself that if I would invest more time into practice and lots of discipline things might become better and bigger. So that is how I started practicing drawing every day until the present day, looking to improve my skills, explore new techniques, everything by prove and mistake. I started posting my drawings on Facebook and people seemed to like it. Then, INVOCATION SPELLS from Chile knocked on my door and purchased my first drawing to adorn the front cover for their second album released via Hells headbangers, and that was quite a surprise and huge incentive to actually pursue on getting better in the art fields. They took an amateur practice drawing for it and HH released it! Fuck! That was the moment I realized a youth dream could actually become something serious. And that is how I started Lingua Mortis Artwork, my passion and my current job. I love it! It is a demanding job but it never feels like you are actually working. Perhaps I won’t become a millionaire but it certainty makes feel alive and I’m able to pay the bills. And that my friend, is quite an achievement if you ask me. I took the name Lingua Mortis after a song by the Chilean black metal band, FORCE OF DARKNESS. Since the semantic of my art deals with the darker aspects of death and the occult, I think the name fits perfectly to my aims.

What are some of your biggest artistic inspirations, and what does your process entail when working on a new piece?

My inspiration comes from many sources. Visual artists in the metal scene have always inspired me a lot: Mark Riddick, Christopher Moyen, Juanjo Castellano, Ed Repka, Dereck Riggs, Dan Sea Grave, Necrolord, Daniel Corcuera, and lots more. Also, music plays an important role as well as literature. I’m constantly reading and watching in order to improve and get inspiration.

The process of my work is not that different from the one I applied when being involved in architecture. The client comes over and asks me to do a logo or artwork, I inform them on my rates and different alternatives I offer. Once we agreed to work together I start to discuss ideas that comes from both sides in order to fit and surpass the expectations of my client. Once the concept is set I start a series of drafts and sketches that I bring to the band with the aim to set a definitive composition to work with. During the process I bring advances for them to get a sneak peek on how everything is devolving. Once the artwork is done, it is delivered when it is totally paid. I don’t request money advances. I haven’t had the need for that so far. I have the luck that the band’s I’ve work with are serious and honest. I’m so thankful for this! I know cases of other designers that are really sad when it comes to irresponsible and blatant “clients”… Basically, that is the way it works.

I specialize on both: black/white drawing handmade by pen and ink, and full colored acrylic paintings. I tend to color black/white pieces with Prismacolor markers and the result is quite appealing. Recently I’ve been doing a lot of these on my board. Logos are handmade too, although I do an alternative version on vectors (digital) since band’s need that format too when it comes to print larger banners and show backgrounds.

What's happening with your 'zine "Call To The Infernal Hordes"? Is it still active? How many issues have you put out?

CTTIH is dead since 2015. I put only 9 issues out of which the first three were written in Spanish while the rest were published in English. CTTIH represented my second endeavor as a 'zine editor, I had a former one published in the '90s called UNHOLY. There are no plans to come up with a 'zine anymore, have no time nor will to do it. I respect so much 'zine editors because it demands a hell of work and devotion. I love doing artwork for printed fanzines. I would like to have more commissions in that department.

What are you currently listening to? Discover any good bands lately? How's the scene in Costa Rica these days?

At this very moment I’m listening to Iron Maiden’s “Matter of Life and Death” album because of my woman’s recommendation. It happens that it represents her favorite Maiden album and I haven't had the chance to actually listen to it. And I loved it! I’m more of a classical Iron Maiden era fan, you know. But I ended up loving this record. I need to purchase it sometime this year.

I’m not discovering that many bands as I used to do in the past. In any case, I’ve been recently possessed by the works of these bands while working: ARCTROS, AND OCEANS, SATANIKA, SLAUGHTER MESSIAH, SLAUGHTBBATH, LIK, ASPHYX, GOD DETHRONED, INVINCIBLE FORCE, VULTURE, COBRA SPELL, MIDNIGHT PRIEST, IRON SAVIOR, ONSLAUGHT, GRAVE DIGGER,SKULL FIST, DARK FORTRESS, TESTAMENT, SODOM… and lots more.

I’m not that updated on the current status of the Costa Rican scene. I have managed to know some bands mainly because they approached me for an artwork commission. I can recommend HERESY, PAGANIST, EXECUTOR, TROBEROTH and TEDIO. Certainly there are many more but don’t recall any at this moment.

Paganus Doctrina's 1995 demo "Natural Inbio de paganismo" is a cult gem in every conceivable way. How old were you guys when you recorded the material, and do you have any anecdotes to share from those days? If I'm not mistaken, you also had contact with Euronymous?

I was 18 years old when recorded the vocals for the demo. Anecdote is that I had terrible throat infection because of a heavy flu. I was barely recovering and I had to do the vocals anyway. I think you can hear that in several vocal parts. The demo is going to be reissued on CD format somewhere this year by an Uruguayan label I’m friends with and which will include some bonus material. I will make a painting based on the original demo cover to serve as front cover. Yeah, I had contact with Euronymous in 1993, we exchanged a couple of letters before he got killed. Not much to say about it actually.

When you guys recorded “Omnipotence Aeternae Diabolous” – were there any pressure to make a record that would withstand the test of time? Are you satisfied with the result? Furthermore, what can you tell us about the themes explored on that record?

There was no pressure in that regard. We just needed to expel all this black energy into sonic chaos and that is what we accomplished to do with OAD. I’m still satisfied with it. I wouldn’t change anything. It represents us the way we felt back then and it is black and corrosive as we wanted to be. Venomous, chaotic…with mistakes and everything. Love it!

Lyric-wise, it is a complete compendium devoted to the archetype of Lucifer, the philosophy behind Satanism and the occult. It’s up to the listener to create a landscape of reflection while getting a listening or just enjoy the poisonous chaos. Both choices are fine by me.

What’s your stance on social media and the myriad of clowns that pollute these platforms? What’s the pros and cons in your opinion?

I don’t care about people in social media anymore. If they want to make a fool of themselves it’s up to them. I use Social Media only to promote my projects, and more importantly LINGUA MORTIS ARTWORK. If you want to check my portfolio and follow my development/ improvement here’s where you can find me:

www.instagram.com/lingua_mortis_artwork

www.facebook.com/linguamortiscr

Email: u.xerxes.h@gmail.com

10 albums you can’t live without.

It’s hard for me to choose only 10 albums. Here are some of the most important records in my life: Iron Maiden (Seventh Son of A Seventh Son), King Diamond (Fatal Portrait), Def Leppard (Hysteria), Death (Scream Bloody Gore), Sarcofago (INRI), Mayhem (De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas), Slayer (Show No Mercy), Kreator (Endless Pain), Testament (New Order) and Metallica (And Justice For All).

Do you think mankind should be self-governed, and if so, do you think we are capable of that, or are we too stupid and ignorant?

History shows we are useless as a mass. And the current pandemic situation shows it. No matter how much knowledge advances deep inside there is a complete lack of common sense. There is actual fear to life by the constant menace of death, and many just enslave themselves and stop actually living. Instead, they bet their existence locked inside their houses, like a bird into a cage and governments promote it as being “save”. At least the bird is there against its will and nature brought it more common sense than us, if you open the door it will fly away. We will close the door and embrace being locked. Death should be a reminder that we MUST LIVE without fear, because no matter how healthy or sick you are, you will be GONE someday, by a virus or by anything else. So yes, I think we are too stupid and ignorant.

Lastly, what does the future hold for your endeavors and how can people get in touch? Thanks for your time!

Thank you for the space in your site, Jim. It was quite an honor. Currently I’m in the process to find a new brand for my artwork endeavors oriented to the tattoo business. It might happen sooner or later this year. I will release new t-shirts and goodies as well. Keeping myself busy with Lingua Mortis is my priority now, as well as spending time with the people I care about and love. you can contact me via the details mentioned somewhere above. Cheers!

EP review: Disembodiment - Mutated Chaos (2021)

 

Disimbodiment – Mutated Chaos

Canada

Everlasting Spew Records / Caligari Records 

Everlasting Spew Records has recently released this EP of Canada's Disembodiment called “Mutated Chaos” on Pro CD format, while Caligari Records released it on tape. The band may be new, but its members have played in bands like Oath Div. 666, Nilblorts, and They Were US.

Disembodiment from Quebec is a new juggernaut in death metal, playing a style that perfectly blends different elements of the genre into one astronomically heavy sound that infuses heavy grooves with sepulchral darkness. Each song is replete with hard riffs, dynamic drumming, putrid vocals and sick bass lines. The songwriting on this EP is absolutely supreme, which is further enhanced by a clear and crisp production, perfectly complimenting the excellent craftsmanship displayed by the band. You definitely need a pair of good earphones in order to fully digest the power and heaviness of these compositions. This EP isn't particularly lengthy, but that's also one of its strong points, since it gets the point across more thoroughly and leaves you wanting more. Highly recommended for fans of bands like Convulse, Suffocation and Incantation or death metal in general. (HT)

Album review: Slaughtbbath - Alchemical Warfare (2019)

Slaughtbbath – Alchemical Warfare (2019)

Chile

Hells Headbangers Records

Slaughtbbath, hailing from the depths of Chile have released numerous demos, splits, EPs, and a debut full-length with a pretty consistent output since their inception in 2002. Their second full-length is fittingly titled “Alchemical Warfare.”

Musically, their style is rooted in the bloody sounds of Blasphemy, Sarcofago, and Bestial Warlust. Having said that, you can expect nothing but a high-octane dosage of supreme darkness from this Chilean horde. The album is a tour de force from beginning to end, featuring 8 tracks and 34 minutes of infernal black/death steeped in vitrioloic poison, which is enough to satiate your need for all things morbid and chaos-driven. Each track is stacked to the brim with blasphemous riffs, savage vocals, hard-hitting drums, and heavy bass lines, including the fact that the whole thing is boosted with an excellent production (at least by black/death standards) which allows all the instruments to be heard and distinguished from one another. Listening to this album will plunge your soul into the very depths of Hell. “Alchemical Warfare” is a more than worthy follow-up to “Hail To Fire” and comes highly recommended to fans of well-executed bestial black/death. (HT)