EP REVIEW: Grimcult - Revelation of Sinister Flame (2020)

Grimcult - Revelation of Sinister Flame (2020) 

Poland 

Putrid Cult

Grimcult is a Polish one-man Black Metal project situated in Ireland and “Revelation of Sinister Flame” is their debut mini-album released by Putrid Cult. “Nobody” – the warrior behind the music – understands perfectly well how to conjure an epic and cold atmosphere that transports you back to the glorious '90s, reminding us of bands like Graveland, Mutiilation, (old) Behemoth, etc. Simply put, this is Black Metal made by someone with a proper understanding of what the genre is all about and it can be heard in the music as each song conveys that cold, dark mood redolent of all the classics from the second wave. I especially like the fusion of synths in the songs as I feel that it adds another dimension to the music. The songs would've lacked depth without the synths. Obviously, this isn't a masterpiece or anything ground-breaking, but the overall result is auspicious enough to garner some appreciation from Black Metal diehards. If you like well-executed Black Metal in the traditional vein, then you will undoubtedly enjoy “Revelation of Sinister Flame.”  (HT)

https://grimcult.bandcamp.com/album/revelations-of-sinister-flame

INTERVIEW: PAGANFIRE (2018)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Release details:

Vinyl – Anger of Metal Records (Germany)

CD – Bestial Invasion (UK)

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

Cai Cai Vilu (Chile)

Contact the band at: paganfire13@yahoo.com

EP REVIEW: Nocturnal Damnation - Nuclear Massacre of Goatkommando (2020)

 

Nocturnal Damnation - Nuclear Massacre of Goatkommando (2020)

South Korea / Thailand 

Inhuman Assault Productions (Tape) / Deathrash Armageddon (CD) 

If it's blasphemous, militant, and brutal War Metal you seek, then you need to check out Nocturnal Damnation's latest EP, “Nuclear Massacre of Goatkommando,” as soon as possible. The EP is inaugurated with an intro featuring samples of war that sets the tone before all hell breaks loose. The songs vary in pace from mid to fast, but occasionally breaks down to more mid-paced territory to add heavier dynamics. The music is supported by a beefy production and underlined by a strong rhythm section laced with occasional leads. The guitars plot along nicely with everything else while the drums are always battering you into oblivion and offering various tempos. The barbarous growls are perfectly layered over the array of sonic violence and gives the whole thing a verily menacing atmosphere. Nocturnal Damnation stands out in the sense that they put emphasis on structure and making the songs sound cohesive as a whole. The lyrics are your typical lines about war and armageddon, so if you're looking for something poetic, then look elsewhere. All in all, definitely check them out if you're a fan of bands like Wargoat, Witchrist, Zygoatsis, etc. This EP will pulverize you from start to finish. (HT)

ALBUM REVIEW: Shrine ov Absurd - Monotony (2020)

 

Shrine ov Absurd - Monotony - (2020)

Cuba

Independent

Shrine ov Absurd is the sole manifestation by Conspirator (Skjult) and the second feature from a Cuban band on this blog. The musical endeavor in question sounds quite different compared to Skjult and seems more inclined towards melancholia. Atmospheric and well-executed Black Metal is what Shrine ov Absurd is all about. Each song is fierce and murderously intense, featuring some excellent harmonies and dynamics that should keep the listener interested throughout. Conspirator handles each instrument exceptionally well, as nothing really sounds out of place. There are some truly captivating moments, especially the slower, more brooding passages paired with Conspirator's penchant for textures that radiates pure somberness. The song writing is par excellent and contains much depth. It's quite interesting for me to hear bands of such immense quality from countries like Cuba who are not that well known to the world in terms of its contribution to metal. However, as my review can attest, they definitely contribute. All in all, those looking for some bona fide, atmospheric black metal, will thoroughly enjoy this. “Monotony” is all around a very solid effort. (HT)

DEMO REVIEW: Chestcrush – Demo June 2020

 

Chestcrush – Demo June 2020

Scotland

FHED

Chestcrush is a band situated in Edinburgh, Scotland, with roots in Greece. The release under review is their debut demo and was released by the Welsh label, FHED. Musically speaking, their style is a devastating amalgamation of Black, Death, and Sludge Metal. The band fuses these styles together cohesively and by adding their own unique flavour. Consequently, the music is well crafted and can easily be digested due to the excellent quality of the compositions. The production is massive and brings out the best in each performance, giving the whole thing a very crushing atmosphere. The dynamic range and aggressive approach of the vocals gives this demo a veritably menacing edge paired with the monstrously heavy dissonance conjured by the guitars. Chestcrush is definitely a band that lives up to their name: the weight of their music will crush your mind and soul. This demo must be a sign of good things to come. Check them out if you're looking for something heavy, sludgy, and dark. (HT)

Demo review: Hexorcist - Bestiarum Vocabulum (2020)

Hexorcist - Bestiarum Vocabulum

USA

Dark Recollections Productions 

It says in the promo's information sheet that Hexorcist was created in early 2019 by members of Devastator, Gnosis, and Lvcifervs, and that the band draws influence from the likes of Sarcofago, Necrovore, Morbid Angel, Kreator, etc. That couldn't be more accurate: the debut demo from these maniacs called, “Bestiarum Vocabulum,” offers three tracks of profane, no-frills, Thrashing Death Metal, that perfectly conveys the golden era from the aforementioned bands. These songs create an atmosphere of pure palpable evil, which is something closer to Black Metal, although they incorporate just enough thrashing chops to balance things out. Basically, Hexorcist takes you back to the old days when Black, Death, and Thrash were more or less under the same umbrella. The production on “Bestiarum Vocabulum” is surprisingly clear and backed by a decidedly cohesive performance. Clocking at 10 minutes, “Bestiarum Vocabulum” delivers the killing blow, and is certainly one of the more enjoyable demos I've heard this year. Apparently, the band is scheduled to start recording a full length in early 2021, which is something to look forward to. (HT)

EP REVIEW: Voroth - Voroth (2019)

 

Voroth – Voroth – EP – 2020

Russia

Independent

Voroth is a four-piece death/thrash act hailing from the depths of Nevinnomyssk, Russia, and the self-titled EP under review is their debut release. Upon listening to these songs, I have discovered a band with the ability to write interesting and well-crafted material that doesn't border on sounding like your typical death/thrash fare. The music is actually very forward-thinking and executed with vigour. The production brings out the solid performances and I appreciate the presence of the bass in the mix. I also like the fact that the band opted for singing in their native tongue, as the music always sounds more expressive that way. (Definitely an approach more bands should opt for.) The band seems to have a penchant for writing epic songs, since most of them hit the 5-minute mark and are packed to the brim with instrumental support. Overall, I would rate this as a pretty solid EP, but like most releases, there's always room for improvement; in this case, I feel like the band should try to add a bit more depth to their craft, as the songs have a tendency to sound a little monotonous at times. Other than that, a good first entry from a promising band. (HT)

EP review: The Incursion - SturmSiege (2020)

The Incursion – SturmSiege – EP – 2020

USA

Nihilistic Noise Propaganda

The Incursion delivers yet another ass-whopping release of utterly barbaric Black/Death entitled, “Sturmsiege”. This new EP beats the listener into submission from the get-go, featuring 5 tracks made up of hard-hitting double-bass, frenetic riffs, and heavily gutteral vocals. The atmosphere created by the band is truly oppressive and sets the tone, including their penchant for sick, dissonant riffs that makes the whole experience sound heavy as fuck. The members are all fairly adept at playing their instruments, particularly the drummer who seems to play at inhuman speeds, showing a great deal of virtuosity. (Reminder to the reader: it's not a drum machine.) The Incursion is spawned from the same abyss that gave birth to bands like Goatpenis, Amputator, and Baphomets Horns – so if you like that kind of intense Black/Death Metal sound, then by all means, check these guys out. Definitely a band to keep an eye out for. (HT)

https://nihilisticnoisepropaganda.com/album/sturmsiege

INTERVIEW: NORTHERN - 2020

 

The following interview was done with Heathen from US Black/Death heretics, NORTHERN.

Morbid Hails, Heathen! Is Northern a continuation of Cold Northern Vengeance or a separate entity all on its own? What are the main differences?

Greetings from the "Live Free or Die" state of New Hampshire. I would say yes to a certain degree. I would also say NortherN is the shadow of CNV. It was spawned from the Eihwaz rune of death and rebirth. The main difference is CNV was mainly about Paganism / Occult where NortherN is more inspired by region / lore of this area. 

Can you give us some background about the formation of Northern, including some info about the members and their respected input?

Out of the corpse of CNV I decided to work with some veterans of the old "scene"of New England. So we have Clayatanas on drums who played in the sick band DESOLATE and Tim Donovan on 2nd guitar who played in December Wolves. Have you heard "Completely Dehumanized" by December Wolves? A very over looked and under rated Black / Thrasher album!!! Hail the old scene! And my darling Noctis on Bass who has a history of music study in the "industry"...

Tell us about the themes that you explore with Northern and where you draw inspiration from. Do your surroundings blend into your deeper psyche when these ideas take form?

Well for the "Cabin Fever" 7 inch it all relates to New Hampshire. The cover art is old New Hampshire in the frontier days. You see these Davey Crocket types in their log cabin cutting up trees with an axe, hunting deer to survive, camp fires, alcoholism and the darkness of the cold. The songs are dark and evil and we use a quote from New Hampshire native GG Allin. "Give us darkness and a bottle to hold". A very New Hampshire sentiment because we have set the record for most alcoholics per capita and the highest recorded wind speed at 231 mph atop one of the most deadly mountains in the world. The winds "blow down from the Psychopath mountain from which many a fool has met his hypothermic murder." Do you get this picture of Evil? Authentic evil... Nothing is more grim than reality here hahaha!!! I am inspired by these surroundings in my day to day life as a trucker. I just so happen to relate it into Black Death Sounds for NortherN. There is no other band quite like us. A true cult of personality in the way of the first wave to a degree! In our case negative fahrenheit degrees!

The sound on the new EP, “Cabin Fever,” is heavier, darker, gravitating towards Black/Death, whereas the debut album showed a wider palette of influences. What prompted the new direction?

I want to go darker. The first one has Black/Death in some songs like "Alaskan Ice" about a serial killer from Alaska that would vacation here for the intent of hunting people ... And "Exaltation from the Grave" is that black death vein as well. On this release I tuned down one whole step. I also was more in charge of producing this / recording and insisted on panning guitars the way I wanted. So it is indeed heavier and more in line with my vision. It is my best stuff!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOfixm7RBTg

There seems to be a lack of seriousness in regards to how bands represent themselves nowadays. How important is the ethos and attitude of a band?

I don't pay much attention but I agree. In the old days the people were more extreme in their dedication to the dark occult arts but of course there are these people that still have this black flame inside. This is all part of the great work... Fuck the pretenders.

It seems like a lot of people nowadays revel in empowering themselves from behind a computer screen by spouting nonsensical opinions on the internet without actually making any form of contribution to the underground. Your thoughts?

The Funderground sucks a long driving African cock. It is a joke full of phonies and scenesters like Fake Dudd from Gaymystium and Neil "And Blow Blake" Lameson from Krieg. It is a total disaster but thankfully Covid 19 is the cure for the "scene" LMAOOOO!

What is your opinion on the current state of USBM? Has the flame died or are there still bands within the scene worthy of support? Also, what do you think about the USBM book that came out recently?

It pretty much sucks rainbow aids. I support Imprecation ( Black Death ) , Sivad and the return of the Kings : GBK! I anxiously wait for the new album ! How can you not love GBK? A true Cult USBM legacy! I will be honest that the USBM book has some cool stuff in it along with lots of hipster Aids awareness. They miss the mark because they should have touched on crucial albums that played a role in USBM. Let us make it clear that Vital Remains "Let Us Pray" is an album that should be touched on. That the early era of that band was more "BLACK"... That Slayer "Show No Mercy" is first wave BM. That the first 2 Deicide albums are very BLACK. We knew it back in the glory days so why don't these fucking pussies recognize? The label that released CNV "Domination and Servitude" album is interviewed in the book . They of course do not mention us because they have turned into a total fucking hipster label !!! Fuck Bindgay Recordings!!! Fuck off pussy!!! Fuck hipster BM !!! I also want to give respect to K.E.P. Productions for booking a truly sick Black Metal Fest in total defiance of Antifa scourge. If you were at that massive event you know that this was done in the spirit of Old! Amazing! Hail Vengeance Fest in New Jersey!!! Hail Kyle!!!

Tell us a little about the debut album, “Desolate Ways To Ultima Thule,” and the context behind the title? What was the reception like and how do you perceive criticism towards your music?

The meaning of Ultima Thule is a distant or unknown region that is synonymous with the North. So the album might lead you to that conclusion. I like the songs on the album but not a huge fan of how it was produced.  The guitars could have been thicker but it is still a killer album that can put you in a trance if you open your mind to it... From a underground perspective it did well in my eyes. From Blake Judd perspective he would not have been satisfied by the amount of Heroin he gained from it. I don't care about criticism or popularity. If I cared about these hipster allures I would have quit long ago. I do the art because it is the call of the wild for me... We are the Davey Crocket of Black Metal.

What role does symbolism play in your music? Has it become a lost art, considering that most people barely understand the meaning behind certain symbols? Furthermore, what can you tell us about some of the band's aesthetics?

We play with symbols and it all means something to me. Nothing is done for the hell of it... So let me clarify that the Ouroboros with Wolf Angle on the cover of "Desolate Ways to Ultima Thule" is the same that Boyd Rice came up with. I give total credit to Boyd Rice as perhaps my biggest inspiration . So I guess we use this in the same way that countless bands use the Anton LaVey Baphomet. I also want to make it clear that we will only use that logo for that album. I love Boyd Rice and the wisdom that he applied to that symbol. Hail NON FOREVER!!! We used a black sun as an enigmatic symbol synonymous with multiple meanings. Some people say the Black Sun is symbolic of the Black Hole from which all creation came and will be eaten by... Some link it with a Sun Wheel... Some link it with Nazism. Let your mind wander... Where is this distant unknown symbol from? Why? 

Which bands would you cite as your biggest influences? (Particularly those that influenced your writing.)

I will tell you some of my favorite albums:

NON - GOD AND BEAST

VITAL REMAINS - LET US PRAY

MERCYFUL FATE - DON'T BREAK THE OATH

GORGOROTH- PENTEGRAM

BURZUM - DET SOM ENGANG VAR

CRAFT - TOTAL SOUL RAPE

GBK - JUDEOBEAST ASSASSIN

DEICIDE- LEGION

MORBID ANGEL - COVENANT

SAMAEL - CEREMONY OF OPPOSITES

MARDUK- THOSE OF THE UNLIGHT

BATHORY- HAMMERHEART

SISTERS OF MERCY- FIRST LAST AND ALWAYS

FIELDS OF THE NEPHILIM- THE NEPHILIM

HANK WILLIAMS 3 - STRAIGHT TO HELL

DEAD CAN DANCE - WITHIN THE REALM OF A DYING SUN

AUTOPSY- MENTAL FUNERAL

SLAYER- HELL AWAITS

THE DARK SHADOWS SOUNDTRACK

EMPEROR / ENSLAVED SPLIT

THE CURE - PORNOGRAPHY

What are your thoughts about the whole Burzum phenomenon regarding the ban of his music on social media? What could possibly be so dangerous about his music? I actually find gangster rap way more pernicious.

More signs of Communist Scum behavior. Burzum is transcending art and does not follow the rules of the status quo so of course the children of Jehovah must ban it... The antinomian power of Black Metal shall prevail over the mundanes. Bring forth the Acausal.

 Your thoughts on the following:

Moral Codes

Moral Codes is really up to the individual. From a sort of ethic that is imposed by Society? It really depends... People delude themselves into thinking that things like Civic Nationalism are bad for the individual but if the Nationalism is based on a constitution that ensures the freedom of an individual how can it be so bad? I am looking at this from a societal perspective. You could look at it so many ways. It all depends

Charles Manson

Charles Manson was a psychopath that manipulated and exploited the weakness and ignorance of the youth but alas there is a wisdom there... Seek and you shall find.

Censorship

Censorship just makes people want it more. Censor me , Censor Burzum, Censor the truth... It just makes people yearn for it more. Forbidden fruit is the most alluring. 

Life After Death

Life After Death is something I have looked into and highly suggest the book DMT : The Spirit Molecule. Do you know that when dying your brain releases this chemical that makes you trip balls? Death seems interesting the more you look into it... Fascinating subject.

Aleister Crowley

Aleister Crowley lived in my state for a short time. He conducted rituals deep in our countryside... He blasphemed Jesus and crucified a frog right in New Hampshire. 93 North is all I have to say.

 What do you consider as 10 essential albums in the whole plateau of unholy Black and Death Metal?

I listed some albums earlier but here are 10 more in this vein:

Incantation "Onward to Golgotha"

Necrophobic "The Nocturnal Silence"

Deicide self titled

Morbid Angel "Altars of Madness"

Angel Corpse "Hammer of Gods"

Monstrosity "Imperial Doom"

Impaled Nazarene "Tol Compt Norz Norz Norz"

Arghoslent "Hornets of the Pogrom"

Dismember "Like An Ever Flowing Stream"

Dissection "Storm of the Light's Bane"

What can you tell us about your involvement with Martyrvore, Cold Northern Vengeance, and Ancestral Shadows? How was your experience working with those bands and how do you reflect upon each period?

Ok, Martyrvore I did vocals for a split release with Witch Tomb and I also did the lyrics and performed on a song called "Nuclear Orgasm"... I was in this band when I was still on good terms with Gemini. To make a long story short I had a falling out with this loser. He actually started worshipping Blake Judd lolol! He might have even sucked him off! Lolol ... This loser turned to heroin and took it a step further and started dealing it and the singer of Martyrvore actually died of an overdose from the shit Gemini aka Ratt Shittings dealt out to him. It is a long and rather dismal story but this guy Gemini is now in prison for various charges involving heroin, credit card fraud, identity theft, etc. It is a shame as he was a great musician but definitely a sociopath type of guy. I also started CNV with him in 2002. Just for the record Necrochrist in Martyrvore hates him as well. I send a Hail to Nechrochrist and the natural disaster of Martyrvore!!! May the typhoon Gods rejoice!!!

CNV started in 2002 as a middle finger to the entire scene of this area which has by and large been defined by terrible Boston / Massachusetts hardcore bands with some exceptions. Anyways I had been trying for years to put together a Black / Death metal band but all I could find were these kids into stuff like Converge that would do "Punk" music and say stuff like "We have Black Metal parts" or "We want to play death metal" but in reality they were these straight edge geeks that thought Earth Crisis was the best thing ever. So after wasting my time trying to do something with these guys I met Gemini who was into the real shit. Honestly I was trying to do a project called Demonic Attack but Gemini was really into what we both called "Northern Black Metal" so I thought I am into that stuff. We would hang out in Necrochrist of Martyrvore's evil basement that we called the Dungeon. It was the winter time, there was tons of  snowstorms and we would just crank black metal and get boozed up and run out to the ocean in these fucking raging storms. It was totally inspiring and intense and we were leaning towards these extremes of Satanism and Evil shit! Watching snuff films, Nazi footage and delving further into the abyss. The first time I walked into the room of Gemini he had a swastika flag on the wall and that was it. I thought man this guy is fucking evil... Great! That was how it was back then. The more extreme the better! I am not going to go to far into it but we were really into the old black metal mind set of actually hailing Evil. It was extreme and many crazy things happened. We kind of opened the gates to Chaos and Destruction... I will sum it up with this lyric from the song we did "Demonic Entrapment"

"Winter of death and despair. Casting a spell from the Blackened lair. Isolated and misanthropic. Behold the rise of an Evil Prophet. Chaos, War, Evil and Hate. Cursed and Tormented Shall be my Fate. Fucked with dark forces and summoned the dead. Demonic entrapment inside your head."

That is all I am going to say about that... We were very controversial. People will say we were just being edge lords but if you were there it was a genuinely dark environment that we were compelled by. There was a dark mystery there... A Nexion was opened.  I will not say anything more about the CNV history as it could go on forever. I will say that I think that the early stuff and "Domination and Servitude" are some of the best USBM that certain hipsters from decibel refuse to recognize.

Ancestral Shadows I played drums on one album but I must say big thumbs down as the main guy behind the project has done his best to fit in with the hip to be scenesters in this area. The singer has also professed to being a fucking feminist!!! Lololol... I refused to work with this band after such revelations. Plus the music has really turned gay and so full of emotional melody hahaha! Big thumbs down!

Only the early AS with Death Spirit was real !

If you could assemble the perfect line-up to perform at a festival – who would you choose and what would the ideal conditions be?

It would be Venom, Bathory, Celtic Frost, Mercyful Fate, Slayer time warped back to 1985 in some obscure Cave with plenty of Blood, Fire, Death. Haha!

Who did the artworks for “Desolate Ways To Ultima Thule” and “Cabin Fever”? Do you find the visual representation of your work as crucial as the music? Obviously, nobody's going to buy a black metal album with an unicorn artwork.

Jeff Smith did the cover art for the first album. My idea and he made it happen so credit to him there. It is an Evil Shamanic guy in a trance with the fire and ice... Cabin Fever is just a picture of old frontier life in New Hampshire. It has a dark reality about it. The rugged coldness of this region prevails. Grimness and true Isolation. The aesthetics are very regional. It is totally tied to this area. I absorb it and out comes NortherN.

Outside of music, what are some of your favorite passtime activities? Also, if killing Christians were legal, would you have partaken?

I work so much I don't have much time anymore. I would say travelling / exploring with my dear Noctis ... It depends of the Christian. Jim Jones and Bob Larson are great entertainment but that smiley douchebag Osteen would definitely be splattered all over the Church.

Thanks for your time. Feel free to inform our readers about your future plans for Northern, including anything else worthy of note. See you in the bottomless pit. 

Cabin Fever 7 inch is being pressed. 

Next album "Disenchantment" is almost done. 

Just to continue being Hated and writing and working on this art form. The pangs of coldness galvanize the steel of NortherN !!!

Hails for the interview! In total fucking darkness... 

Album review: Goatsmegma - Demonic Goat Smegma Eating Ritual (2019)

Goatsmegma - Demonic Goat Smegma Eating Ritual - Full Length (2019)

Estonia

Morbid Chapel Records

Goatsmegma from Tallinn, Estonia, unleash their ravaging debut album entitled, “Demonic Goat Smegma Eating Ritual,” and was released by Poland's Morbid Chapel Records. The release in question offers 8 tracks of absolutely murderous War Metal that feature some of the crudest vocals I've heard in a while. The production has a rehearsal-like quality to it, which gives the music a very raw and intense feel, coupled with the band's propensity for violent overtones. Every song is injected with a copious amount of blasts, hellish vocal lines, and severely discordant guitar riffs. The music remains simple yet thoroughly well-executed and enjoyable. The energy emitted on “Demonic Goat Smegma Eating Ritual” reminds me of Antaeus' "Cut Your Flesh And Worship Satan" in terms of its raw intensity, although the style is quite different. The artwork for this release is totally profane and cult, which I absolutely support. Those of you looking for some truly menacing bestial Black/Death – particularly fans of bands like Morbosidad, Blasphemophagher, and Black Witchery – should definitely check these guys out. Highly recommended. (HT)

https://morbidchapelrecords.bandcamp.com/track/demonic-goat-smegma-eating-ritual