Album review: Combat Noise - To the Heart of the Battle (2023)

Combat Noise - To the Heart of the Battle

Cuba

Independent

 

Combat Noise is one of the oldest (and also one of the first) death metal bands from Cuba. The band has been around since 1995 and has released a number of demos and full-lengths. The latest album “To the Heart of the Battle” is a truly excellent offering of bludgeoning death metal in the purest sense. The band’s straightforward approach is reminiscent of bands like Bolt Thrower, Cannibal Corpse and Morbid Angel, although executed with pure passion. Just imagine a more bestial version of Cannibal Corpse, but with war themes. The compositions are well thought out and show a level of experience that can only be achieved by musicians who have been playing music for years. “To The Heart of the Battle” comes highly recommended for fans of death metal, especially those curious about the Cuban scene.

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: Caveman Cult (2023)

The Florida band Caveman Cult plays barbaric black/death/war metal that will rip you to shreds. This interview was conducted with Alvar Antillón, founder, singer, and bassist.
 
How did you come up with the name Caveman Cult? It’s definitely compatible with the type of music you play. Is it meant to be tongue-in-cheek in any way?
 
Alvar: Our guitarist Harold came up with the name. To my understanding the name is definitely meant to match the nature of the music and the intent behind it. We definitely are set on being different and much rather have our own style. We are never concerned about what other artists in the genre are doing, we rather keep it our own thing.
 
How do you think your last album “Blood and Extinction” holds up compared to your previous recordings? How do you feel about the outcome and response from critics?
 
Alvar: In comparison to our prior efforts the production on Blood and Extinction is definitely the most clear so far, however it still has that raw quality that we need for this kind of music. Musically with this one we definitely wanted it to be the most relentless and cut-throat record so far. There are no slow parts, more guitar solos, and the songs are kept short and stripped down. We are very satisfied with how it came out and the response has definitely assisted us to progress as a band and getting good prospects for more sick shows.

When it comes to your music, does the word “evolution” have any significance? How would you define your sound and influences?
 
Alvar: I think evolution applies to any artist as one would always want to evolve and progress rather than remaining stagnant. We take the concept of evolution to our music in the way of how we can make the songs more stripped down and primal. Rather than making the caveman smarter we want to make him more ignorant, violent, and definitely a thicker forehead. We take influences from the classics of metal, but obviously much more in the vein of the barbaric and bestial. Picking up from the works of Bathory, Sarcofago, Venom, Bestial Warlust, Blasphemy, Repulsion, etc. Hardcore and punk also most definitely influences our approach to just making the filthiest metal possible.
 
What’s on your playlist most of the time? If I’m not mistaken, you are a maniac for old-school black, death, thrash and heavy metal? Do you have any favorite albums of the year so far?
 
Alvar: I mentioned classic bands in the previous question that I regularly listen to however I listen to all kinds of music that isn’t metal all the time. I feel you get a wider perspective as a music fan in general and it does get boring to me just listening to the same thing. Caveman Cult on tour is the same way we definitely dedicate moments to all kinds of music and even bad music on purpose just for the fuck of it. We can range from funk to industrial, to jazz to ignorant rap. We enjoy keeping it fresh. My favorite recent albums so far that remain relevant to the purposes of this interview would be Abysmal Lord "Bestiary of Immortal Hunger" (2022) and Shitstorm "Only in Dade" (2023)
 
 
I’ve noticed some pretty divisive reactions towards Caveman Cult in the past, with some people even sounding envious of the band for some reason. What do you think might be the cause of this?
 
Alvar: Some people don't like us simply because of our name, I speculate because we don't fit their satanic bestial war metal cookie cutter mold. Whether it be that or envy that people dislike us, we couldn't care less. We just do what we do and if people like it or not that’s not what drives us. It’s good to have haters, confirms we are doing something right.

 
Thanks for your time brother! To wrap up this interview, can you tell us about your future plans, projects, etc.? Good luck with the tour and cheers!
 
Alvar: Caveman Cult is working on a third full length album which we are striving to record this year, we will also be performing once again at Destroying Texas Fest in Houston this July coming up. I have a newer project called Ejecutadór in which I perform guitar and vocals. We play a blend of classic styles along the lines of death and thrash metal. We just recently released our first EP "Stalking the Kill" which can be found on YouTube and also physical copies soon through
 
www.alternativemia.com

Album review: Negative Plane - The Pact (2022)

Negative Plane - The Pact

 

USA

 

Invictus Productions / The Ajna Offensive

Negative Plane can do no wrong. Their latest album entitled "The Pact" is nothing short of a masterpiece. The band has always had a unique approach to writing riffs and kept the music simple, although enriched with great songwriting. Their ability to weave idiosyncratic elements with black metal is absolutely captivating. These days it's difficult to reinvent the wheel of black metal, and bands that offer something unique are few and far between, though I feel like Negative Plane has succeeded in that department. The music exudes a profoundly sinister atmosphere that feels like demon claws scratching at your soul. Musically, the entire performance is excellent, including the vocals. The production is also perfect. "The Pact" will surely go down in history as a classic. Recommended for fans of church burnings, black magic rituals and serial killers. Stand-out tracks: "A Work to Stand a 1000 Years" "Poison and the Crucifix"

Album review: Complot! - Victimes Innocentes (d'une furie meurtrière) (2022)

Complot! - Victimes Innocentes (d'une furie meurtrière) 

Canada

Anti-human Productions

At first glance, one might dismiss Complot! as just another war metal act, although it quickly becomes clear that these Quebecers mean serious business. "Victimes Innocentes (d'une furie meurtrière)" is their debut album and is as much a black metal album as it is a war metal album. A repugnant atmosphere permeates this recording, giving it a ritualistic feel. The production is also seemingly raw, but not so much that you can't discern individual parts, but more in the sense that they knew what they were doing. The performance is very consistent as each instrument is played with razor sharp precision. One particularly pleasing feature is the mix of pulverizing bass riffs that give the whole thing a rather menacing quality. The vocals are downright evil, while the riffs give the impression of being whipped with chains over and over again. Certainly one of the best albums of the year as far as this style is concerned. Recommended for fans of Naked Whipper, Black Witchery and Blasphemy.

Album review: Fleshrot - Unburied Corpse (2022)

Fleshrot - Unburied Corpse

USA

Me Saco Un Ojo / Desert Wasteland

Fleshrot have successfully summoned the undead with their incredible debut "Unburied Corpse", which is one of the most disgusting releases of 2022. The whole thing completely reeks of death and features pulverizing grooves, putrid vocals and repulsive riffs that would make your mother cry. The unmistakable influence of Finnish death metal runs deep in their maggot-infested veins, albeit with a bit of modern polish. The result is an absolutely sick and satisfying death metal album that warrants multiple spins. The artwork is fantastic as well. If you like bands like Coffins, Krypts and Funebrarum, I highly recommend listening to this album. Stand-out tracks: "Wrapped in Entrails" "Unburied Corpse" "Haunted Sick Depravities"

Interview: Thecodontion (2023)

 

The following interview was conducted with death metal squadrons THECODONTION! If you like unique death metal with a different approach, then you should definitely check them out.

Can you tell us a bit more about the descriptor “prehistoric death metal” and how it relates to your music? Does it represent a more individual stance in terms of creativity and setting yourselves apart from other bands?

We label our music as "prehistoric metal of death" because we take many elements from death metal, and we try to put them under a "prehistoric" form. You know, when we started the band we chose to use basses only instead of guitars in order to have a more ancestral, raw sound... which is to be interpreted as a prehistoric feature. For the same reason, probably there aren't many bands that could be compared to us so this is good in terms of uniqueness.

Can you please elaborate on your writing approach and why you choose to employ two bassists taking up the role of guitars?

Our process of songwriting is pretty simple. Usually G.E.F. writes the structure and the rhythm section of a song, then G.D. adds bass leads/solos and works on the arrangements. Since 2022 we're now officially a quartet since L.S. (second bass) and V.P. (drums) are now full part of the band (they only were live members before), so the process might change a little bit for our next releases. Regarding the choice of using two basses, this is linked to the creation of a sound of our own and our lyrics, centered about prehistory, paleontology and fossils.

Do you consider creativity as an integral aspect to what you do? How do you feel about bands that keep repeating themselves to the point where they become a weak rehash of their former selves?

Of course. We don't judge the other bands, but creativity should be indeed an integral aspect for all the bands, if your intent is creating something "artistic". Otherwise, it's just a matter of writing stuff like an autopilot, sounds a bit like the negation of doing art. We also don't like to repeat ourselves, we started as a war/death/grind band, and then we added more atmospheric elements. The most important thing is having something to tell, music is a form of language after all.

Which bands would you cite as inspirations that somehow influenced your work with Thecodontion?

We could say many, but no one in particular. There are many bands (metal and not metal) we esteem and that influenced us in some way. For example solos are often influenced by '90s melodic death metal bands, drumming has references to cavernous death metal but also post-metal bands, bass solos have a sound that reminds of some post-rock/shoegaze bands... it's hard to cite someone specifically. Bands like Auroch, Howls of Ebb, Oksennus, Mithras, Chaos Echoes and Mitochondrion, just to name a few extreme metal bands, can be considered influences for sure, though.

Are you interested in any literature? What inspires the lyrics in Thecodontion?

Everyone in the band has different interests in terms of literature, comics, etc. G.D. is the most well versed in books about prehistory and dinosaurs, like "The Rise and Fall of Dinosaurs" by Steve Brusatte and the Michael Crichton's original novels about "Jurassic Park". Our lyrics are often inspired by scientific descriptions of prehistoric animals/fossils and geologic events, we even use official documents like academic papers for being more accurate. Then, lyrics are put in a sort of poetic form.

Can you tell us a bit about what you’ve released so far and also describe your evolution with each release?

"Thecodontia" and "Jurassic" were written very quickly, it's rabid, instinctive, war metal/grindcore with low budget production. They're recommended for fans of old school grindcore and some war metal. Then we started to experiment a little bit: "Supercontinent" and the split with Vessel of Iniquity are the result of these experiments, with longer riffs, more atmosphere, better equipment, more solos, etc. We're adding new elements and the forthcoming releases will mark another step up compared to "Supercontinent".

What are you listening to lately? Are there any albums from this year that you enjoy? 

Several things, it depends on the single member so you can have very different answers. Anyway, we listen to many genres, from dark pop to experimental/drone, from extreme metal to movie soundtracks. By the way, Aeviterne, Cosmic Putrefaction and the Bedsore/Mortal Incarnation split are some of the albums from this year we enjoyed the most.

If some major label offered you a deal, would you sign with them? And do you think working with a big label could affect the artistic integrity of a band?

Honestly, we don't have a specific idea about it. We don't think much to labels and so on: our main focus is the music and our artistic goal, which is just releasing what we want to do. If you start thinking about signing with a major, probably the risk is that you lose your focus and you won't produce genuine music anymore, and we absolutely want to avoid this. If a big label contacts us then we'll think about it, but we're happy with I, Voidhanger Records which is a very good label.

Do you feel that music can define a person’s character? And would you call yourself a “metalhead”?

Not sure, people can be attracted by a certain music genre for innumerable reasons. There's nothing wrong with calling themselves a "metalhead", but it's not something we really do.

Lastly, can you tell us about your future plans for the band and what we can expect from your output? Thank you very much for your time.

The split with Vessel of Iniquity we released last year is the first of three splits. The other two will be probably published in 2023, plus another special split which will be dedicated to a famous (now deceased) Italian singer-songwriter. These new splits will mark a slight change in our sound, but we don't want to "spoil" anything, you'll see.

Thank you too for interviewing us!

Album review: Exaltation - Under Blind Reasoning (2022)

Exaltation - Under Blind Reasoning

New Zealand

Sentient Ruin

Exaltation's debut album, "Under Blind Reasoning," is certainly a vicious slab of feral death metal. The hostility of the music has a certain apocalyptic quality, reminiscent of bands like Krisiun, Rebaelliun and Morbid Angel, while it also has some war metal tendencies. It also helps that the production isn't overly polished, giving the music a kind of organic appeal and raw urgency that many new death metal bands lack. Exaltation's strength lies in their ability to compose well-written songs while displaying a high level of aggression that is immediately noticeable. Listening to it, I was reminded of albums like "Black Force Domain," simply due to how ridiculously ferocious and unhinged the music is. It's also refreshing to hear a band that opts for a go-for-the-throat approach instead of conforming to trendy "old-school" gimmicks. Fans of gritty and violent death metal are in for a treat!

Interview: Nekrosity (2023)

Join us as we plunge deep into the morbid psyche of D.J, the putrid growler of Swedish grave-robbers, Nekrosity!  

Hails from the southern hemisphere! Nekrosity has been around since 2009 – what led to its rotten formation and how would you describe your sound and influences?

Hails! As you mentioned, we started NEKROSITY somewhere around 2009 - 2010, before the line-up was set into stone in 2011. The original idea came from me (D.J) and the bass player R.E, where wanted to breathe new life into another old project we had around 2000. The first demo we did ("Return from the Crypt") is basically built out of scraps from old rehearsal tapes, completed with new riffs and arrangements. The intention has always been to capture and express the dark and sinister elements within the genre. Even if we have refined our craftsmanship as a band, we still share the same vision and determination in what we want to achieve. Our influences has mainly been old bands such as MORBID ANGEL, AUTOPSY, GOBLIN, old ENTOMBED, NECROPHAGIA, SADISTIC INTENT, DEATH STRIKE, INCANTATION, old SLAYER etc. But as time have passed creativity have had its natural course. This have driven us further beyond but the initial idea is kept intact and keeps playing a vital part in our abomination.       

It is my opinion that Nekrosity’s sound is more akin to bands such as Repugnant and Nominon than bands like Dismember and Entombed, though the sound is unmistakably Swedish! Thoughts?

I agree that our expressions are more similar to both NOMINON and REPUGNANT to an extent. When we recorded and released "Void Gazer" it took the band to a new level. It was a conscious decision to step away from the HM2-pedals and expand our sound, as our old demos were more or less nothing but a hymn to the old Swedish sound in the vein of both ENTOMBED and DISMEMBER. But everything that doesn't evolve is cursed to dissolve.   

That debut album, “Voidgazer,” is amazing! Can you tell us about the whole recording process and what your vision was while writing this masterpiece?

Thank you, glad to hear you enjoy it! As we turned everything inside out, reversed it and dissected every piece of the album with open eyes, this is where it ended up. It worked as intended. Some of us have been playing in different bands together since 1997 so our chemistry is well established. The essential plan with the record was to offer the world a carefully prepared Death Metal album with a diverse, dynamic sound. A mixture of brutality, speed and heaviness entwined with darkness.    

What can you tell us about your lyrics? I think they’re exceptionally well-written and the song titles are genius! What are songs like Lazarus Curse and Malignant Observer about?

Our lyrics are as much of importance as the rest of the album. It is critical that all the elements are aligned to create the perfect atmosphere on every level. The foundation is built on Death and horror, with all its branches and thorns. Those two songs that you mention are two different shapes crafted upon the same foundation. Shortly described, "Lazarus Curse" is an Lovecraftian inspired nightmare about the end times, presented through an infestation of undeath.  "Malignant Observer" takes another route. Here we tell the tale of a spirit that is shackled between the physical world and afterlife, where the threads of fate repeats itself in a never-ending cycle.

The horror nuances are evident in the atmosphere! That being said, I gather horror films are a big inspiration for you? What are some of your favorite films and what’s the last good horror movie you saw?  

Absolutely, it's one of cornerstones when it comes to inspirations that have been there since the beginning of the band. Pretty much all of us are much into old 70's and 80's flicks. Most of my favourites are old classics like Day of the Dead, La Noche Del Terror Ciego, Beyond, Suspiria, Return of the Living dead, Hellraiser, City of the Living Dead etc. It's quite rare that modern movies ignite that same feeling, but once in a while it happens. One new film that comes to mind which left a really positive impression on me was Hereditary. They managed to capture a tormenting, eerie atmosphere that collided with grief and loss in this one. Highly recommended.  

How would you describe the evolution of Nekrosity from the first demo to your last album? What aspects do you think you’ve improved on?

As I mentioned previously, a big proportion of the first demo comes from scraps and songs from old rehearsal tapes dated 20+ years back, from a previous project. This gives some of the songs a more impatient and juvenile touch, even if we managed to include some new ideas and arrangements at the time in the same vein. In comparishment to "Void Gazer", where we had a different approach and mindset, I think the improvement is huge.    

The black and white artwork on Voidgazer is really neat! What inspired this approach and who is the artist?

The artist who is responsible for the artwork Göran Nilsson from HYDRA Grafisk Design, a friend of the band. He was actually the vocalist on our second demo "Rot to Survive", when I only wanted to handle the guitar. He later on left and relocated in Norway and is now working as a graphic designer and artist over there. We sent him the working title and some material, to get an idea and create an artwork out from his own perspective. The result was, as expected, very successful.   

Do you have any inspirations as a vocalist? How would you describe your vocal style?

I started to handle the vocals for real back in 2000, with my previous band SADISTIC GRIMNESS. Before that, in the 90s, I was only handling the string instruments in various projects. The inspiration mainly came from Quorthon (BATHORY) and Killjoy (Necrophagia) I suppose. But when it comes to NEKROSITY, other than Killjoy, are David Vincent (MORBID ANGEL), Chris Reifert (AUTOPSY), Bay Cortez (SADISTIC INTENT) and Craig Pillard (INCANTATION) honorable mentions.  

How do you view your country’s metal scene? I think Sweden has one of the best scenes in the world! 

We're really spoiled here when it comes to good metal bands, but with the usual ebb and flow over the years of course. I am sorry to say it, but I am not as involved with the underground as I used to be when I was younger, so my knowledge about the current state of the scene is rather limited compared to how it used to be. There will always be exceptions though, that will reach the turntable in the end of the day. Even at my place.

Which of the Northern European countries do you think produces the best black and death metal bands?

This usually depends on the timeline to be honest. But in general I would say Sweden and Norway for Black Metal. When it comes to Death Metal my vote goes to Finland and Sweden, but this is a personal opinion from an overall perspective. Finland for an example, seem to have been climbing on the ladder the last 10-15 years when it comes to Black Metal, if we look at the numbers of good bands. Sure, they gave us classics like Beherit, Impaled Nazarene, Barathrum and Archgoat back in the day, but but it seems like they have becoming a stronghold lately when it comes to new quality bands.

What can you tell us about your previous band Sadistic Grimness? Also, you were signed to a Russian label and even went to play a show there if I’m not mistaken? How was that whole experience?

SADISTIC GRIMNESS was active between 2000 to 2010, a band that started out as a Black/Death metal band inspired by old BATHORY, NIFELHEIM, BESTIAL WARLUST and the likes. This changed over the years and transformed into something completely else in the end. At the time, when we were a full band, the cocktail of members was nothing but a wandering disaster. We signed a Russian label called DAEMON WORSHIP PRODUCTIONS and released an album called "Asteni" in 2009. A year after we did a small tour together with the french maniacs VORKREIST, in Finland and Russia. We did two gigs in Russia, in Saint Petersburg and Moscow to be specific. The climate and mentality over there differs very much compared to Sweden and surrounding countries. It would take too long to describe the whole experience but I can tell you this: It happened more during that short period of time than it does in a whole year in Sweden. Another thing worth to mention is that it's something special about being hold in custody at the Russian border for 7 hours, when you've slept 2 hours the night before... and then enter the stage again in the evening.   

Is metal a way of life for you?

In many ways yes, but I listen to many different genres beyond metal. Each style I engage in offers something different and worthwhile my attention that fuels my own fire. This the only thing that matters in the end of the day. There are no room for limitations.          

Your thoughts on the following bands:

*Amon Amarth

A band I've never been interested in or understood why people praise so much. Probably works best as a gateway band for younger people, before entering more extreme territories, I can imagine. 

*At the Gates

Great band with a very solid discography which continues to have a very high standard, when it comes to creating music. Just check out their latest album, it's terrific. 

*Iron Maiden

One of my all-time favourite bands. I have a hard time to choose my top 3 albums, but if you would ask me today I would go for "Killers", "Powerslave" and "Somewhere in Time". Might change tomorrow though.

*Sadistic Intent

One of the jewels in US Death Metal scene, which finally is starting to get the recognition they truly deserve. A very important one for me and NEKROSITY. I am still waiting and hoping for the "Second Coming" album they were supposed to release 25 years or so. They say hope is the last thing that leaves you, feels like we're dying with this one. 

*Dissection

An extremely important band for me. They managed to combine both melodies with sinister, aggressive riffs very early on in a smooth way. It's easy to fall into the cut and paste trap there, but they crafted very well written songs and had potent, dynamic structures. Still up to this day they remain as one of the best extreme metal bands from Sweden. Hail the Metal of Death!

Thank you very much for your time! What’s next for Nekrosity?

We're in the middle of writing and arranging new material for another album. This is done according to the same traditions on the previous record, but a new chapter. Death is certain, yet the execution might end up a bit differently than people expect.

Thank you so much for the interview! TÄNK PÅ DÖDEN! 

Interview: Azazel (2022)

 

AZAZEL are among my top Finnish black metal bands. They started in 1992, and so far they have put out a demo, EP, split, and three full-lengths. Their sound can be best summed up as straight-forward black metal in its purest form, though characterized by strict underground ethos. I had an opportunity to interview the drummer, Idimmu, who also played in SLUGATHOR (Death Metal) and EVOKED CURSE (Black/Heavy Metal) among others. 

Hails! First of all, congratulations on your killer music with AZAZEL! I consider AZAZEL to be the embodiment of all that is sacred and pure about black metal. In terms of your musical approach and ideas, what is the core philosophy behind AZAZEL?

Azazel is about Satan.

You’ve been pretty consistent with your last three albums. All quality releases! What’s the key behind staying consistent and inspired?
 
Thanks for your words. Azazel have had at least 4-5 completely different line-ups. Of course stuff varies a bit, but the main thing was to not to follow any current trends, just do our own thing. For Azazel it works to publish new music quite rarely. It’s not about the quantity (hmm... Darkthrone, Horna… anyone?), but quality. The receipt is quite simple. Primitive riffs, simple melodies, if any. Mavrofos is now our main-composer, and his skills are getting better and better. He has told us that although he is the main-musical mastermind of Rienaus-band, he write completely different kind of stuff for Azazel. He is able to think what suits to Azazel, and what is for Rienaus.

What was the recording process like for your last album, "Aegrum Satanas Tecum"? And how did you manage to create such a harsh and evil sound? The production is perfect!

We recorded the album during fall 2021-early 2022. We used Ilari Ilmonen as recorder/mixer. The instruments were recorded at Rock Bear-venue in Vantaa, Finland and the vocal-parts were executed at our vocalist, Satanachia’s place in Mänttä, Finland. We told Ilari not to make it to clean and stuff. I don’t recall exactly what we had in mind, but it was supposed to have that mid ‘90s vibe to it. Like Judas Iscariot, Darkthrone-Total Death, and so on.

Based on what I've observed, you are influenced by bands such as SODOM, BATHORY, MORTUARY DRAPE and DARKTHRONE. However, I can also hear the trademark Finnish elements in the riffs. Is my evaluation correct? The sound is undeniably old-school in the true sense! What bands inspire you the most?
 
Good question. I think you should ask Mavrofos, as he listens a lot music outside of metal too (like industrial, dark electronics, gothic-stuff and even techno…), but if you ask me, I’m just an old school metal-guy who loves even such old bands as Angel Witch, Venom and Iron Maiden! The names you dropped are really important for sure, just that to me Darkthrone was really the 90’s thing, so I don’t have a lot of their newer stuffs. In Year 2008 friends and me brought Mortuary Drape to Finland for the first time, so…
 
About Finnish bands. PERSONALLY I am into bands like Beherit, old Black Crucifixion, Archgoat, The Lord Diabolus, and so on. Not really keen to the “Finnish”-sound, but I’m sure our song-writer has some influence from that side of music as well. Outside of Finland I’d add Grand Belial’s Key and Burzum as more or less influences too.

Bathory is Satanachia’s favorite band, but mostly first 4 albums. He said that he got into black metal in year 1988!! He was already back then into Slayer, Bathory, Venom and Celtic Frost… so there’s some TRUE old school for you!!! XD P.S. Satanachia confessed that “Blood on Ice” rules too…!

How would you describe your drumming style? Do you have any favorite drummers or inspirations?  

I am actually not very technical drummer. My style is quite clumsy and primitive and the way I perform live is more like energetic and very powerful. Of course I have some favourite drummers anyway… I can tell: Nicko McBrain, Proscriptor of Absu, Chris Reifert (Autopsy), Away of Voivod, Fenriz during Soulside Journey-death metal -era, etc.

Your extensive music experience includes playing in SLUGATHOR and many other bands. Would you mind telling us a bit more about your other projects?

There is now only 1 active band for me, it’s called SATANIC TORMENT. Its bass-driven black/death metal, like Necromantia, Barathrum, Beherit. So far Satanic Torment only released 1 full-length and some demos and eps. The full-length is called “Submit to the Lord of Darkness”. The ST-guys including me also had a side-project called HOSTIS HUMANI GENERIS, who plays old school death metal like Nunslaughter and Asphyx, but that band is on ice right now. I also had some different projects with the same guys, like Witchtiger and Evoked Curse, who are both dead, and then I played drums for all recordings of NECROSTUPRUM with Tomasz of Throneum. Death Metal-band Slugathor released a new album this year (2022). It’s called “Crypt of the Ancient Fire” with pretty much the all old line-up (Tommi, Axu, Antti, Jarno, Immu). This album was originally recorded in 2010, and now only finished and released last and this year. There is also one doom band, but things are working slowly, and I have nothing to tell yet….

After releasing a new album, SLUGATHOR broke up again. (At least according to metal archives.) Why? How is the reaction to your new album so far?  

Slugathor never reformed. This is misunderstanding. We just dug up our unreleased 2010 studio-recording, that was supposed to be released already back then. We listened to the stuff and thought that it's actually really strong material, so of course we wanted to release it. I am sure most of our old fans were into the album. We received at least nice words from Bill of Disma and Make of Eternal Darkness…

What did you think of the Lords of Chaos movie and what’s your opinion about nowadays Mayhem?

I have seen that movie, but I’d rather not comment too much, except to me it was silly and childish version of the events in Norway. The reality was much darker and not so “Hollywood”. About Mayhem. I have seen the new documentary-series called Helvete - Historien om norsk black metal, and there was some pretty interesting things on it (except the last episode: “Let’s make Norwegian black metal commercial”). My opinion of Mayhem? I am only into them until “Wolf’s lair Abyss”, but those cover tracks on “Daemon”-album are really nice too actually (Death Strike/Death/Morbid). So… to me the true Mayhem is the 80’s and early 90’s stuff. It was always hard for me to get passed with the idea about Mayhem without Euronumous…

Thank you for your time! Lastly, what’s next for AZAZEL? 

We are planning a split recording with one band that we maybe shouldn’t announce at this point. We are still on Primitive Reaction Records, and plan to release besides that split at least one more album with Azazel (who knows when, last time there was 6 years gap with 2^nd and 3^rd album…). We are going to record some old track also for that split-release, most probably it will be “Azazel” from 1993 demo, but we are not 100% sure yet. Of course new songs as well. We aim to be even more old school than on “Aegrum Satanas Tecum” of course. Azazel won’t play live anymore. Or maybe 1-2 times, but not really. That stuff is really too complicated for us because of various reasons…