Interview: Obeisance (2020)

The following interview was conducted with Chivo from US Black/Thrash band Obeisance.

Hails Chivo. To start things off, can you give us an update on the latest incarnation of the band, including some background on how the group formed?

ETERNAL HAILS TO YOU JIM!!! Fuckin' being in a band can be a pain in the buttocks!! I got a great guitarist in Hexcraft-,we wanna get an old live drummer back. A new drummer had asked me to wait, then I saw he was drumming for a local band that's been rehearsing for TWO YEARS & he put Obeisance on hold... What would you do? So he's out. Our good friends Duende helped us out with our newest CD "Abominations of Penetrations" !!!!

Tell us a bit about your latest album, "Nuclear Penetrator," and the time it took to write, record, and release the material? Are you happy with the result?

Oh, man. Well I read in Soldier of Fortune magazine (Rip) about the US bomber the B1 Lancer the fastest nuclear bomber in the world today, originally designed as a Nuclear Penetrator and Bam! A light went off in my head and I decided that it would be a great title for a song, for an album! Since about 2016, I had a CD of riffs that I made at the studio we did 7"s and “666War!!!” & “Appetite for Desecration.” The studio owner was going to have a son and he was gonna retire forever and ever for all eternity. He's back now, anyway, so I went to a friend who plays drums and great guitar & asked him, hey these are the tunes can you do drums n guitars for this? Are you up to the task? He said yeah! I'll bang em out THIS WEEKEND!! Well, months and months later he shows me four songs...fuck...so at this point I had recorded more songs with other friends and I decided to combine both line-ups and release it as " Musica del Diablo" and I hooked up with another friend, Ibex, who quickly did guitars, bass, and drums (programmed yes, but NOT to be industrial or any SHIT like that, I don't like Fear Factory or Godflesh, fuck off to that!! So the album was ready by 2017, but the bro I had agreed to release the CD turns out was not the label guy, I had to talk to someone else and nah, I was turned off by it and finally it was released by Wit Duiwel records on CD and our usual accomplice Warhemic Productions on Cassette!! BOTH are limited!!!

What inspires your lyrics? I take it Shakespeare is out of the question.

He is actually a very big influence. Jk fuck Shakespeare. Almost everything inspires me lyric wise. I told a friend who has his own satanic Temple that I write about ALL evil, not just the judeochristian concept of Evil. So on "Nuclear Penetrator" there's songs about genocide, nuclear weapons, fucking a 22 year old chick (true story), cannibalism, sleeping in my own vomit (true story), a couple of evil zombie songs (Slayer, Morbid Angel, Incantation, Death, and more have had songs about zombies (so if whoever doesn't like that, fuck off wanker), a war of darkness, and the last victory of the Aztecs over the Spaniards in Mexico City when it was an island. Stuff like that. Oh, I've written stuff about the Aztecs and American Indian tribes since the 90's so I didn't just all of a sudden decide to do so.

How would you describe your music to those who haven't heard it before? 

Fuckin' violent unholy, unwholesome fast Metal, meat 'n' potatoes, not for PC “social justice warrior" pussies. And I'd like to take this opportunity to apologize - FOR NOTHING! FUCK OFF IF YOU'RE OFFENDED WUSSES.

Is WIT DUIWEL RECORDS official? It's your own label, right? What inspired the name?

Yessir. a small, very small (that's what she said) label but we're trying damnit!! The name is inspired by a fb friend of mine who was gonna send me some crocodile biltong but never did, so I thought he lives in South Africa & people there consider him a White Devil and Bam! I asked him how do you say White Devil in  Afrikaans and a label was born. I had a label before, Sick records, I was gonna release Rotting Christ, Libation, Lord of Putrefaction, goood stuff like that back in the 1990's but RAN OUT OF MONEY. So I never released anything. Oh well, but stuff is cheaper to release now, so here's hoping for more releases!!! 6 6 6!!!!

What can you tell us about the scene in Denver? Are there any other bands from there worth mentioning?

The scene in Denver has some diehards like Drek, Philip, and more! But it seems to be infested by PC sjw Antifa pussies who throw a tissy fit & act like wussie mini tyrants and try to get stuff banned, like Obeisance. But we did end up playing when they thought they cancelled our fest show, but WE PLAYED! AND the crowd reaction was GREAT!! So hail to Drek n Philip and the Denver diehards worshippers of Bluecifer the demonic Denver bronco!! Nice city and most imposing Rocky mountains. We didn't eat Rocky mountain oysters though. Do you eat those in South Africa?? They're a delicacy in Denver for some reason

What are 10 metal albums which had a lasting impact on you?

Fuck! My Metal warbrother I always have a problem with these lists, as 10 is few but I will try!

Viking - Do or Die
Mercyful Fate - Don't Break The Oath
Sacrifice -Torment in fire
Venom - Welcome to Hell/singles
Voivod - First four
Slayer - Show no up to Reign In Blood
Possessed - 7ch, Beyond The Gates, The Eyes of Horror
Sarcofago - I.N.R.I., Rotting, Hate
Sepultura - Morbid Visions
Darkthrone - Soulside Journey up to Transylvanian Hunger
Celtic Frost – Morbid Tales, Emperor's Return, To Mega Therion
Bathory- S/t, The Return, Under The Sign Of The Black Mark, Blood Fire Death
Sodom up to Tapping the Vein
Hellhammer!!

You've been a veteran of the US black/death/thrash scene for years, how have things changed over the years when you compare the current state of the scene to how it

was around 15-20 years ago?

The left ruins everything!! They've come to the scene and wanna change it. They think they're so important and wise, they're fuckin' stupid useful idiots as Stalin called 'em. A buncha fuckin' bandwagon jumpers messing with the scene. But it should survive, but more underground. I love the scene but not these wuss left wing hipster ridiculous Interlopers that just don't fuckin' belong. Like someone said about the bullfighting scene- it is moribund, but will never die. Says I. But what the fuck do I know?

What do you think of people in the extreme metal community that use their social media presence as a means to spout their myopic political views? Should metal be apolitical?

They're ridiculous and stupid and ONLY radicalize people to the opposite of what they want to indoctrinate you to. Metal should be almost whatever you want. But when it starts getting left wing, preachy and that you HAVE TO ACCEPT all these ludicrous stupid degenerate things? Fuck off! I DON'T HAVE TO ACCEPT ANY-FUCKING-THING!! I don't Have to accept what you believe in or support what you believe in. So I can be called whatever, felicidades. I take opinions from who they come from, and if it's some left wing idiot that has no clue doesn't like me or Obeisance, GOOD.

Going back in time, how did Daniel Corchado end up playing on 2002's Lucifer Master? Were you friends? Also, what do you think of The Chasm/Cenotaph?

I don't like to brag but yeah he's my Brother. We've been bros since the 1990 when Cenotaph came to play in Juarez Mexico. I called him when I started Obeisance and spoke with him when he left Cenotaph and started The Chasm. I love both bands but Cenotaph's early unmelodic stuff and The Chasm's stuff with vocals. I don't listen to The Chasm much any more because I don't wanna unconsciously rip off some riffs, like this other dude's band whose made a CAREER out of stealing The Chasm's riffs and arrangements. Daniel & Antonio of the Chasm have helped me by being Obeisance since 1994 up to Lucifer Master which Daniel recorded, produced, played rhythm & lead guitar (along with Julio Viterbo of Shub-Niggurath) on. Obeisance was just me in 1994, Daniel helped me with demo 94 then Antonio joined and we recorded "Hellbent on Slaughter" also in 94. Then “Inferno Eterno” in 1996 and “Lucifer Master” in 2002.

What albums have you been blasting lately? Are there any highlights for you in recent years or do you prefer sticking to the classic(k)s?

Wargasm- Why play around?
Hegemony - debut full length
Diabolic - new one Rips!
Van Halen - misc. Not Van Hagar
Obeisance - 666WAR!!!
Necrophagia LA - The figure 4
Necroseizure - new
But yeah, I stick to the classicks

Can you share with us any crazy stories or anecdotes about past gigs?

Fuck, ok. An old drummer had a couple, we were in San Antonio Texas at the great Sacrifice of the Nazarene Child fest and he was happy! Our set went down well, he fucked this chick with big tits and a big ass and he got drunk. Well, it was held at Sam's burger joint that has big, tasty burger. My old guitarist got a burger, but he wasn't that hungry so our drummer came up and scarfed it down!! The next day we're coming back to El Paso, he felt like vomiting and he puked up a SOFTBALL SIZE vomit, probably the whole burger!! In Queretaro Mexico (on tour with Thornspawn, Morbosidad & Manticore) a kid thought I was the legendary Antimo Buonanno who played that night with Hacavitz. We went to get burgers at 3am & We were refused service at a hotel coz well we're horrible black death metallers and when we finally were lying in bed, we couldn't fall asleep coz we were joking and carrying on with Lou from Manticore and Dobber of Insect Warfare, Braced for Nails & Infernal Dominion who was drumming for Manticore on that tour in Brooklyn NY (on tour with Masacre!). I had to run to the stage, borrow a strap and cable for the borrowed bass I had and the lights went off! and I didn't have a pick for the bass!!! So I assumed I had one in my pocket, NO! It was a coin, but we had to start playing!!! So I played with the coin and it was a great set!! In Mexico City (on tour with Terrorist) when we were taken to our hotel, the promoter warned us if we saw a chick that was really pretty, it was probably a she-male. So after the show we went back to the hotel and a member wanted drugs!! So another friend called somebody and told our member- wait in the street in front of the hotel (in one of the most dangerous cities in the WORLD) the drugs were delivered & as he was going back in to the hotel he saw a pretty blonde and decided to pick HER up. So he went up and said, "Hi! What's your name?" And "she" said " Michelle" in a deep super masculine voice and our member said "ah, ok!" and RAN BACK to the hotel!!

What's the last album you bought?

Necrophagia - The shape of four
Raped God 666 - The Executioner
Hegemony - Enthroned by persecution
Necroseizure - Death of ballturret Gunner

Lastly, what does the future hold in store for Obeisance and Wit Duiwel Records? Long Live The Chivo!!!

THANK YOU for this interview, Great questions!! RESIST THE ANC!!! New Obeisance CD "Nuclear Penetrator" out now!!! Limited edition!! On Cassette thru Warhemic Productions! CD on Wit Duiwel records! Next Obeisance CD "Abominations of Penetrations" coming soon!! With Wit Duiwel records we hope to release CD's by Pyre, Wrath (Germany), Wargrinder, Morbid Macabre-Damn goat re-release, and More! HAILS to you Jim and you, faithful reader.

Album review: Sammath - Across The Rhine is Only Death (2019)

Sammath - Across The Rhine Is Only Death (2019)

Holland

Hammerheart Records

The Dutch warmongering hate-cult, Sammath, return with their sixth album, "Across The Rhine is Only Death," released under the banner of Hammerheart Records. The music presented on this album is a confession of rage captured in the form of blisteringly fast, caustic black metal that takes no prisoners. An apocalyptic atmosphere permeate this album all the way through, with songs comprised of hard-hitting drums, menacing screams, and a chainsaw guitar that constantly release explosive blasts of noise and insanity-inducing violence. The music of Sammath will leave you feeling dazed and battered, like a weapon directed at the senses. Compared to the previous album, I would say that Across The Rhine... is slightly more “punk-based” in terms of riff structure, which I personally don't mind since I like hardcore punk. Every song hits the listener like a ten-ton brick wall, never letting up or toning down in intensity. It wouldn't have hurt for the band to add a few guitar solos here and there, but then again, nothing's perfect. "Across The Rhine is Only Death" isn't just any album, it's a collection of songs that perfectly embodies the oppression of war, and by unequivocally capturing that essence on disc. Recommended to fans of Revenge, Nocturnes Mist, and Angelcorpse. (HT)

https://sammathhhr.bandcamp.com/album/across-the-rhine-is-only-death

Review: Trench Warfare - Hatred Prayer (2019)

 

Trench Warfare – Hatred Prayer (2019)

USA

Transcending Obscurity Records

For some reason, Trench Warfare's "Hatred Prayer" flew under my radar last year and I am absolutely kicking myself for it. The album was released in 2019 by Transcending Obscurity Records; a renowned label from India with a reputation for putting out killer stuff. From beginning to end, "Hatred Prayer" is a tour de force and shows the band execute fast, raw and relentless death metal in the vein of heavyweights like Rebaelliun, Perdition Temple, and Nocturnal Vomit. The music is absolutely crushing, with a vocalist belching out furious barks, backed by a salvo of sick riffs and maniacal solos that attacks the senses with maximum ferocity. The drums are fast-paced and well balanced in the mix, retaining a certain rawness, paired with a sharp, throbbing bass that makes for an emphatically heavy sound. Numbers like 'New Lord' shows their capacity for slower segments; however, the focal strength of the band is without a doubt their knack for fast and bludgeoning songs filled with over-the-top aggression. The band also has a predisposition for substance and atmosphere, which is one of the reasons for why this album is so enjoyable. "Hatred Prayer" is like a palette of multiple death metal styles merged into one, and it works surprisingly well. Essentially, this is a death metal record that often borders on war metal due to the high-octane and aggressive nature of the music. Songs like 'Axiom' and 'Blood Cleansing' perfectly demonstrates what the band is about. Overall, the music is fairly straight-forward in its delivery, but executed with a lot of depth. If you have a penchant for militant and bestial death metal, then definitely check it out. A highlight from 2019. (HT)

https://trenchwarfaremetal.bandcamp.com/album/hatred-prayer-black-death-metal

Demo review: Mesmeric Revelation (2020)

 

Mesmeric Revelation – Demo 2020

India

Black Cum Productions

You know you're in for a treat when a band's music gets dubbed as "Kolkata Gutter Grind" by their label. The story began when I logged into facebook one day and saw that all my friends had posted this. So after listening to it I immediately purchased the cassette and had no regrets. The music can be described as blackened noise-grind in the same vein as their label peers Methgoat. The guitars on this EP are tremelo picked, backed by a massively thick, raw production filthy enough to stain the horizon. Strangely enough, for this style the lead guitars will pop up throughout the mix several times, mostly strummed high notes, brief and fitting for what you're being subjected to. The drums will stay on constant alternating blasts with the tempo not changing much except for a few short, slower parts here and there. Lastly, the vocals are drowned in reverb and echo, which gives the music an immensely evil effect, making the vocalist sound like a descendant of Kali herself. This has been on my playlist regularly since it was released. If you're a fan of Nyogthaeblisz, Chaos Cascade, or Methgoat, this will be right up your alley. Special thanks to Kolkata Inner Order Propaganda and War Vellum for all the sick music lately. (LR)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IyydtuFwL8

Album review: Obeisance - Nuclear Penetrator (2019)

 

Obeisance - Nuclear Penetrator (2019)

USA

Wit Duiwel Records

Obeisance has been around in the underground for well over a decade, churning out some killer releases over the years, with albums like "Lucifer Master" and "Unholy, Unwholesome & Evil" being prime slabs of black/thrash. Their 2019 album, "Nuclear Penetrator", sees the band take on a slightly different sound, but not straying too far Here the band embrace more of a brutal war metal sound. It's an improvement to 2018's "Musica Del Diablo", which suffered from a bad production due to a problem with the audio at the pressing plant. The music presented on this release is fast and relentless for the most part, but also incorporate a few mid-paced numbers like the hilariously titled 'Have Some Meats'. Generally, I'm not too fond of programmed drums, but it seems to work here, giving some of the songs a kind of “grind” feel. They switch up the pace just enough to prevent the songs from sounding the same. The riffs are well executed and show solid craftsmanship, while the vocalist emits his usual blackish rasp sounding like a more deranged, evil version of Cronos. The riffs are killer, and so are the solos, which come at you like they're hitting a speedball. It's a fun album to listen to, even though it would probably have sounded better real drums, and while "Nuclear Penetrator" may not be the best example of Obeisance's work, it still stands as a killer entry in the realm of all things unholy, unwholesome & evil. (HT)

https://obeisance.bandcamp.com/album/nuclear-penetrator

INTERVIEW: INFESTICIDE - 2020

The following interview was conducted with guitarist Isaias SpeedBlosky from Mexican Death Metal band Infesticide.

 

Hails. Firstly, tell us about your band name and the twisted imagery behind it.

Infesticide was created as a non-earthly plane where Death and Darkness are melting as one... If I remember correctly, I was 17 years old. I wanted a powerful and dark expression... a way to translate that incandescent madness that feeds our visions.

What can you tell us about your new opus, Envenoming Wounds, and what people can expect from it?

Utter Darkness! A total festering celebration to madness and chaos. It's a direct album, It's our vision of how Death Metal should be presented, simple as that.

What were the recording conditions like for the new record? Was there any internal pressure to meet a certain deadline? Are you pleased with the result?

It was a very analog process. We had total control, metronome wasn't used, mostly songs took just one take... We had enough time to dial guitar tones an atmospheres. The studio wasn't far away from my hometown, so it was very comfortable to capture, experiment and transmit Infesticide's aims. It was recorded between June-August of 2019 then mastered in Sweden in December of that same year. Yes! Very pleased.

What are some of your biggest influences musically? Do you have any idols?

Demolition Hammer, WASP, Morbid Angel.

Izzy Stradlin, David Bowie, Trey Azagthoth.

What's your opinion on people playing in black and death metal bands with aspirations to become “famous”?

I do not care at all! We executed our music for ourselves.

How did you manage to link a deal with Blood Harvest and how do you feel about being signed to such a killer and renowned underground label?

Rodrigo and I talked for a few days about Infesticide. He offered us a deal, then I just signed... It wasn't difficult at all. Blood Harvest understood our vision. It's the perfect label to work with.

Who did the artwork for your new album and how important is it for an artwork to represent your music? What's some of your favourite album covers?

The artwork is oil on canvas, the artist name is Carmen Grim. It represents every song title, expressing artist's perception... Altars of Madness is my favorite one.

Your previous album, Death's Formulas Fatal, had a more cavernous production and sound. What prompted the new, more straightforward approach? And also, what do you think of bands like Cannibal Corpse and Incantation that mostly stick to the same formula?

I never liked the "Cavernous" sound, DFF was recorded very primitive, basically in a bedroom... resulted adding that environ-ment feeling. On Envenoming Wounds things were different... I'm against guitar modern sound; that 5150, Mesa Dual and HM-2, EMG pickups with lower tuning, pretending to sound "heavy" I hate it with all my heart! Envenoming Wounds is a statement of how DEATH metal SHOULD SOUND! Guitar tone basically is AC/DC eq... love the sound of an overdriven Marshall amp! Those bands bore me.

What metal albums have you been feeding your brain with lately? Do you have any favorites from this year so far?

Concrete Winds - Primitive Force

Many people in bands hold the opinion that you need to be a musician in order to have a valid opinion about music. What is your opinion about that?

Everyone has an opinion you know? But earth is full of idiots... Musicians are like robots, they execute what is best for that note, that scale bla bla... there's no substance! There's no emotions anymore. And the other side you have those stupids who write reviews, throwing his point of view without even reading the lyrics! I hate them both! Fuck them both!

That should wrap things up. Lastly, what does the future hold for Infesticide?

New music very soon...

Demo review: Koffin - Nailed Into The Coffin (2020)

 

Koffin – Nailed Into The Coffin - Demo (2020)

Estonia

Morbid Chapel Records

Koffin is a young band hailing from Tartu, Estonia, and "Nailed Into The Coffin" is their debut demo and released on CD by Morbid Chapel Records. Koffin play a chunky style of old-school Death Metal that's loads of fun to listen to. There's no doubt that these guys are inspired by old Scandinavian death metal as there is some obvious influences shining through. The band has an excellent grasp for heaviness with a sound that brings to mind bands like Convulse, Rottrevore, and Rippikoulu. The low-end production is absolutely paramount and gives the riffs the necessary crunch to distinguish itself along with everything else. Between the four members, there isn't one instrument being played that doesn't stand out, everything goes well together and the mix is excellent. At this point, I've listened to this demo several times and still can't get enough of it. Demos come and go, but few rip through you with such heaviness and conviction as the release in question. Highly recommended. (HT)

https://morbidchapelrecords.bandcamp.com/album/nailed-into-the-coffin

Album review: Dead In Silence - Vocatus et Morbo (2020)

Dead In Silence - Vocatus et Morbo (2020)

Mexico

Independent

Dead In Silence is a one-man project from Mexico City playing melodic black metal and "Vocatus et Morbo" is their debut album. The music is rather simplistic, consisting of sorrowful and dark melodies reminiscent of old Scandinavian black metal. The vocal style is quite unique and drenched in distortion. The drums are programmed, and while I’m not too enamored with them, I've heard worse. The songs are quite lengthy, which gives the listener enough space to get into them. The music is decently constructed, even though I found it a bit quirky at first. It may take a few listens to warm up to. There's definitely some good riffs to be heard on "Vocatus Et Morbo" and the songs are quite memorable. The band plays a different kind of black metal that puts emphasis on atmosphere and expression through riffs. There's also two covers of Von and Beherit, which I find to be two rather odd choices considering the transition in style. Nevertheless, the cover of Von's 'Devil Pig' is quite good, whereas the cover of Beherit's 'Salomon's Gate' is pretty forgettable. With the addition of the two covers and ambient track at the end, this feels very much like a compilation. For reference points, I will cite bands like (old) Burzum, Ildjarn, (old) Katatonia, etc. So if you enjoy atmospheric black metal, including the above-mentioned bands, then definitely check it out. (HT) 

 
https://deadinsilence.bandcamp.com/album/vocatus-et-morbo

Demo review: Grizzly Fetish - Promo 2020

Grizzly Fetish - Promo 2020 

Japan

Independent

Grizzly Fetish hail from Tokyo, Japan, and this is their newest release, a promo featuring three new songs. I wasn't able to snag an official copy so bandcamp sufficed. They have their own unique style, mixing genres like death metal with crust and adding synths to give it an ominous atmosphere. The guitars are dirty, raw, punkish and fast. The drums are programmed but don't sound too cheesy. The vocals are raspy with occasional effects that sound pretty trippy. My favourite part about this is definitely the synths; they stand out from anything I've heard before on a metal release and are nicely laced throughout. The first song starts off with a killer Entombed-esque riff that carries the song for the most part. The drums have a tendency to drop then pick back up again, which is fun when they kick back together. Towards the end, there are some synths and leads very reminiscent of Left Hand Path. The second song is basically a crust song (aside from one section of a verse that blasts for fifteen seconds). The artist creates a very unique sound, so even though it's a different genre, it doesn't feel out of place. The drums retain a basic 1-2 beat throughout, so there's nothing really special going on. The third and final track has a death 'n' roll with a little grind feel that is spastic, with the drum programming going insane and the vocal delivery all over the place. It's something you have to hear for yourself to understand. I enjoyed this a lot, it was fun and groovy. If you're a fan of Reek of the Unzen Gas Fumes, you'll enjoy this. (LR)

https://grizzlyfetish4444.bandcamp.com/album/promo2020

Album review: Angelgoat - Primitive Goat Worship (2017)

 

Angelgoat – Primitive Goat Worship - Full Length (2017)

Serbia

Grom Records

"Primitive Goat Worship" is Angelgoat's second full length, and was released by Grom Records in 2017. I like all the band's releases, but this is my favourite from them. This is also their heaviest and most evil sounding record in my opinion. If you look at the band's song titles and imagery, it's quite evident that the band is about one thing and one thing only: the adoration of Satan and darkness. Now to the average person this might seem like some cheap gimmick, although I can assure you, the band is deadly serious about their craft. Fortunately, the music also speaks for itself, as "Primitive Goat Worship" offers a style of no-frills black metal that's about as true to the genre as it gets. A very raw and apocalyptic atmosphere permeate this album, with songs comprised of heavily distorted guitars, maniacal screams, and an incredibly menacing bass tone. The drumming is also very well-performed and vigorously drives the music at militant speeds, but also switches it up enough to keep it interesting. This is master-class black metal and while there's nothing really “innovative” about it, the music has a propensity for sounding deliciously and fiercely evil. Musically, Angelgoat can be compared to bands like (old) Darkthrone, Maniac Butcher, (old) Mayhem, Goat Semen, Archgoat, etc., without actually sounding like those bands. Sure, there's a commonality as far as playing black metal, but Angelgoat has a distinct sound that also borrows a lot from classic speed metal and thrash. I love the guitar tone on this album. Worth mentioning is the fact that all instruments were performed by one sole maniac known as Unholy Carnager. That being said, he definitely did a terrific job. All in All, this is an essential album and recommended for maniacs into primitive and ugly black metal. (HT)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeAfepszsfw