Interview: Hunters Moon (2021)

Melbourne-based duo HUNTERS MOON first burst into the scene back in 2006, releasing a self-titled demo the same year, followed by the EP "The Serpents Lust" in 2009. Fast forward to 2021, and the band has put out one of the best albums of the year with “The Great Pandemonium” (reviewed here), re-establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with. To get a good sense of what they sound like, imagine a crude mix of early Morbid Angel, Dissection, and Destroyer 666. Jim Hexetomb conducted the following interview with J. and D.

Hails! For those readers unfamiliar with Hunters Moon, could you provide a little background and tell us how the band was conceived?

D. and I went to school together and have played in bands since we were young. We began Denouncement Pyre and after a while, I had a few ideas that didn’t really suit what we were going for in DP. As those ideas took shape they ended up manifesting as “The Serpents Lust” mLP. Despite the long hiatus, we’ve never stopped writing songs. The new album is the culmination of those efforts over the last decade. Now with a full-time drummer at the helm, our intention is to be actively releasing albums more frequently.


Where did you get the name "Hunters Moon" and why was it chosen?


The Hunters Moon is the sign of the wild hunt. A name that fits the themes and sound of our music.


How would you describe your music to someone who hasn't heard it before?


Having read so many reviews of the album, it quickly became apparent that people hear and perceive things in such different ways. I’ve read comparisons that couldn’t be further from what we were aiming for, and then others that were more aligned with what we had in mind. One reviewer said we sounded like second wave black metal mixed with elements of Australian death metal, that description kind of resonated with me. We aren’t glued to a particular sound or aesthetic which is why T.S.L and T.G.P sound so different. The thing that unifies the albums is the mixture of sinister but at times melodic sections. I wouldn’t say that our music is necessarily ground breaking but we do try to write memorable songs that invoke a specific atmosphere.


Your latest album "The Great Pandemonium" is one of my favorite albums of the year so far. Can you tell us a little about the recording process and what inspired the title?


Great to hear that you’ve enjoyed the album. It was one of those recording experiences where everything went right, which isn’t always the norm. We had a great drum room at our disposal in the way of an 18th-century church. This environment gave the drums a huge spacious sound that is hard to emulate in a small space. The rest of the album was tracked in my personal studio. We tried to stick to analog processing for the bulk of the album, which adds to the overall atmosphere. There were no time or financial constraints, so the record was done in a relaxed and focused manner. The album was mastered at Orgone Studios by Jaime Gomez Arellano (Mayhem, Paradise Lost, Primordial).

Are there any bands out there with whom you feel you share a musical kinship?


We all have fairly broad musical interests. The list of bands we are interested in would be unending. Based on our sound, you would no doubt hear our worship of 80s and 90s Black Metal. Our tastes cross many genres, metal and otherwise - from subdued to violent and crushing.


Would you consider Hunters Moon to be a Black Metal band? Are there any criteria you believe a band must meet in order to be true Black Metal?


I wouldn’t say that we are exclusively a black metal band, though this is probably the most suitable sub-genre that aligns with our sound, themes, and aesthetic. We have a wide range of influences and our material blurs the lines between multiple genres and sub-genres. For us, black metal is all about the atmosphere. If a band has that aura then it becomes less Important as to whether sonically they cross the boundaries between black/death or otherwise.


Why did it take so long for Hunters Moon to release new material? Also, do you think the band shares a common fan base with your other bands like Denouncement Pyre and Nocturnal Graves?


Whilst the band has been inactive for a long time, we have all been actively involved in music but not HUNTERS MOON specifically. I started an audio company (High Voltage Audio) designing and building pro audio analog gear for recording/mixing/mastering studios. D. has been very active in both Denouncement Pyre and Nocturnal Graves. Our drummer D.M is a professional drummer and drum teacher. In the midst of the hiatus, D and I continued to write songs over this period until which time a suitable drummer was found and the new album could be realized.

Perhaps those who follow DP and/or NG will find something of value in Hunters Moon also, but of course, that is not up to us.

Can you tell us a little about your lyrics and where you get your inspiration?


For this record, in particular, inspiration was found through John Martin’s illustrations of Paradise Lost, as well as using various other biblical references. Both the album title and some of the track titles & lyrics are reflective of this. Visually they capture something that aligned with our idea of how the music should sound. They are the essence of The Great Pandemonium - Foreboding, doom-laden, yet fiery and chaotic.


Do you have any favorite albums of 2021 so far?


Sijjin - Sumerian Promises is a great record. Baxaxaxa - Catacomb Cult is also killer. Perfect atmosphere and sound. I just checked out the new Funeral Mist record, which after a couple of listens is as interesting and killer as anything they have done. Albums by Grave Miasma, Lvcifyre, and Concrete Winds are also worth a mention.


What is your opinion regarding the current situation in Australia regarding the draconian restrictions? I've seen some pretty hectic videos about police brutality there.


Draconian is an apt assessment. You have to make a concerted effort to rise above all the dissent and fear, in order to pave your own way through the unending insanity. If you become adrift in the sea of negativity it’s hard to stay afloat. I made an effort to use the house arrest to hone crafts, write music, and generally try to immerse myself in productive outlets as opposed to becoming downtrodden. You quickly learn how to circumvent and bend the rules in order to stay sane. The restrictions definitely slowed down parts of the recording process. We tracked drums right before the scourge (Nov 2019). The remainder we had to do in stages throughout 2020/2021 as we couldn’t always get together.


Your thoughts on the following:


Elitism - Inevitable, for some are hungrier than others


Post Black Metal - Not black metal


Humanism - Each man should seek his own virtues to uphold, not those that are determined by the greater good


Theocracy - Dreamers, ideal for slaves


Sadistik Exekution - The Magus is one of the best albums to come out of Aus. ever

Thanks, and best wishes to the lads in Hunters Moon! Any last words?

Thanks for the interview.

Album review: Caveman Cult - Blood and Extinction (2021)

 

Caveman Cult - Blood and Extinction

USA

Nuclear War Now!

Chaos reigns supreme on Caveman Cult's latest full-length, entitled "Blood and Extinction", released via Nuclear War Now!

On the band's latest album, we are presented with nine tracks of decidedly violent, bestial black/death informed by bands such as Bestial Warlust, Conqueror and Blasphemy, while also blending hardcore punk elements into their sound.

These cavemen manage to achieve a really abrasive sound, as they belch out a torrent of profoundly savage riffs, eminently harsh vocals, as well as chaotic and cavernous drumming that never lets up – all this combined will leave you with bleeding ears, including their penchant for fast and ripping solos, showing their adoration for this style.

The sound of Caveman Cult can easily be distinguished from other bands in this genre due to their rhythmic percussion and signature tempo changes. They also sound considerably more vitriolic than most bands who attempt this style, including the fact that the songs are rather direct, as they eschew anything remotely filler, which makes this a profoundly savage release reminiscent of a band like Conqueror. Moreover, they even employ Conqueror-esque riffs, which are done so well, and not to mention absolutely crushing and heavy as fuck. The production on this release is quite raw, but not in an unintelligible way. It’s actually perfect for this style and really brings out the best sound possible for the band.

As each track storms in and rages with unholy vengeance, the next track follows with a similar intensity. There's enough variety and depth to the music to warrant repeated listens. Anyone into vicious, bestial black/death, or war metal that's executed with absolute inexorable rage will fucking love this release. Recommended to fans of Abysmal Lord, Invultation, and Deiphago. (HT)

Demo review: Hecatomb - Horrid Invocations (2021)

Hecatomb - Horrid Invocations

Australia/Norway

Invictus Productions

Hecatomb is an international project featuring Rick Warkill from Australia and Mangressor from Norway (Abhorration). Together, they unleash a fierce barrage of raw and bestial death metal that pays homage to the past in the most relentless sense.

"Horrid Invocations" is their debut demo, featuring five tracks of pure unbridled mayhem that give nods to *ahem* yes, Mayhem (Deathcrush era), Sadistik Exekution, and Sarcofago.

Several bands in recent memory have done this style rather well, including Morbid Insulter, Third Eye Rapists, Shitangel, and more recently, Abhorration. They don't try to sound old-school, they just play death metal, and that's what separates them from some retro band made up of members who look as if they formerly played in some shitty sludge or metalcore band (posers in other words). Hecatomb is the real deal. The music is absurdly crude, featuring a foray of harsh screams that sounds like an ancient demon just awoke, along with riffs that radiate nothing but darkness, and drums that plow through the songs with pure unyielding force. In addition, the artwork has that simplistic and underground look, which perfectly reflects what the band conveys with their music.

Overall, if you are looking for some raw, evil, and unapologetic metal of death, then "Horrid Invocations" will satisfy your craving. (HT)

Album review: Autokrator - Persecution (2021)

Autokrator - Persecution

France

Krucyator Productions

"Persecution" is the fourth full-length album by the French black/death act Autokrator, which was released earlier this year through Krucyator Productions.

The music can be described as black/death metal replete with horrific nuances that will deeply penetrate your mind and make you feel as though you've crossed a portal into an abysmal realm. An atmosphere of pitch-black darkness permeates this album along with horror-like aesthetics.

Drums are mercilessly fast and sound almost programmed at times. However, it was confirmed they weren't, which makes the performance even more impressive, considering how dynamic the drummer is.

The vocals are very deep and abrasive, yet also well-balanced in the mix. They add a menacing aspect to the music, which further accentuates the heaviness of the riffs and drums. 

The fast and relentless bludgeoning of "De Gloria Martyrum Et Confessorum" will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up, while "DCLXVI" features savage vocal lines and nailing percussion that makes it equally devastating in its execution.

As a theme, the album examines the persecutions of Christians in ancient Rome, under the reigns of Diocletian, Marcus Aurelius, Domitian, and Trajan.

The songs have a tendency to blend into each other without the listener noticing it, so you'll be forgiven for thinking that you're still listening to the same track, while the music is well into the third track already. It's not a bad thing. The songs have a very cohesive flow, featuring drawn-out riffs and sinister nuances that will drag your soul into the very depths of hell. That, combined with the onslaught of brutal vocals - all makes Autokrator's latest offering worthwhile, although it is not without its shortcomings: while the album is severely punishing during some parts and gets better with repeated listens, it also has a tendency to drag a bit, particular during the last two tracks, which are a bit more instrumental, but still enjoyable.

Autokrator's approach varies from album to album, and that is what makes them interesting. The sound is cleaner and less cavernous than "Hammer Of The Heretics" without losing any of its relentlessness.

Overall, "Persecution" is a solid album that packs a powerful punch. It is certainly one of the more notable releases of this year and should be investigated by fans of dark and relentless black/death/doom. (HT)

Promo review: Abominablood - Agonizing Symphony of Deity (2021)

 

Abominablood - Agonizing Symphony of Deity

Argentina

Independent / Promo 

Abominablood hails from the dark Patagonia of Argentina and has already released a series of demos, splits, and EPs, that amount to quite an impressive discography.

The band is led by L. Warpig Venomous Abominator, who is the morbid composer behind everything, even though there are session musicians who collaborate.

Musically, this is ritualistic blackened death packed with nuances composed of utterly insane, throaty vocals radiating pus that fill your ears with worms, accompanied by overwhelming blast beats, and riffs that rip everything to shreds. It conjures up a filthy atmosphere unleashing vile aberrations at the listener in a pure Lovecraftian frame. The sound of the guitars fascinated me, especially when I heard those spectral guitar solos. Warpig achieves a sound that goes well with the concept it tries to convey through its four songs (an intro, two songs, and outro). His vocal style changes from an acute guttural growl to a serious one from the putrid bowels of death with surgical precision. The melodies that accompany the slower parts of the compositions are profoundly morbid and induce the listener into a deep and terrifying trance. Fans of bands like Cruciamentum, Disma, and Krypts will enjoy this. (Catacombs Walker)

Interview: Goatpenis (2021)

Brazilian cult GOATPENIS needs no introduction. They are true legends of underground Black/Death with a trajectory dating back to 1989 when they began their activities as SUPPURATED FETUS. Not even the recent passing of former frontman Sabbaoath can deter them from waging war on the world. The following interview was done with guitarist Virrugus Apocalli.


Hails! Thanks for taking the time to do this interview. Could you please inform us of the current status of GOATPENIS? Are there any new releases or reissues planned for the near future?


Thanks for the opportunity. Goatpenis is keeping up the works. After Sabbaoth’s death, we took some time to process what happened, create a plan of attack and come back to the front with total power! We’re currently finishing a new material that should be released in 2022. It will be dedicated to the legacy and memory of Sabbaoth.


How did the passing of your former singer Sabbaoth (RIP) affect the band and will you continue making music under the GOATPENIS name? Who will take over the vocal duties?


No doubt Sabbaoth’s death was a shock, completely unexpected. However, if we left the front it would be the same as surrendering to the enemy because of a casualty of a soldier! As long as there are men to fight, the war must continue! Sabbaoth was the founder and will never be replaced but the attack can not stop. We’re currently counting on Necro Abhorrence’s vocals, the last member to join the Anti-Human Command.

How would you describe the evolution of your sound over the years? Has the core philosophy and influences remained the same?

I would describe it as natural. The more you do something, the better you become. The philosophy will always be the same: The repudiation of the human species.


What kind of elements did you focus on during the writing of "Decapitation Philosophy" and what can you tell us about the recording process?


The focus was always contempt and hate for human existence. D. P. is another album that envisions several ways to exterminate people. It can be through beliefs, religions… About the process of recording, it was like the other albums: fast and intense!

Can you tell us something about the inspiration behind the title "Decapitation Philosophy" and what it means? Who did the artwork?

I’m always focused on composing songs. Sabbaoth was the one who created the arts and the lyrics. After that, we would get together to discuss the name of the album. When we decided that the album would be called Decapitation Philosophy, we focused the creation process on something that would forward to the methods of execution of some cultures.


Can you share with us some highlights and anecdotes from your time with the band? And what would you say are some of the factors contributing to the band's longevity?


I became a member right after the Inhumanization album. When I got in, the band was quite unstructured, Sabbaoth was the only one fighting to not let the band break up. Since then we gathered forces and raised the band exactly where we wanted. Sabbaoth and I always had the perfect sync in the ideas and in the attitudes. We had different members through the years, but the two of us always held strong. I believe you must have commitment and willpower. Luckily today we’ve got a very solid and killer band: MGM.666 on the drums since the Anesthetic Vapor album and Necro Abhorrence on the guitars since the D.P. album and now taking on the vocals!

What is your opinion on the media and how it exploits people's weaknesses by filling their heads with nonsense, similar to how religions indoctrinate people? Is the vast majority of people utterly ignorant and beyond contempt?

Very simple: people are so stupid, weak, and lazy. Those who influence and the ones who are influenced. They deserve the worse and I hope they get buried in their own mediocre existence!


Do you have any hope for the human race and do you believe we are destined to become extinct because of our own self-destructive nature?


My hope is that actually happens!


What are some great Brazilian bands that everyone needs to check out in your opinion?


I'd rather not recommend because I don’t usually listen to anything.


How would you react if some basement-dwelling hipster accused GOATPENIS of being an NS band?


If it would be an accusation through the internet, I wouldn’t react based on my 7th answer. However, if one of these potheads finds a ball lost in their pants and comes talk shit to me in person… Decapitation Philosophy… Hahaha


Finally, what's next for you and GOATPENIS? Thanks again and good luck with everything!


Thanks for the interview, excellent questions! We must continue, honor Sabbaoth’s legacy. We will remain focused, work hard, create new materials, keep the mind and body strong, and hope for the worst!!! 

In memory of Sabbaoath aka Evandro Siebert (1970 - 2021)

EP review: Tempter's Sacrament - Temptation Steel Scourge (2021)

Tempter's Sacrament - Temptation Steel Scourge

USA

Invictus Productions

Furious and well-executed Blackened Death/Thrash informed by the likes of Vomitor, Aura Noir, and Gospel of The Horns is what Tempter's Sacrament brings to the table with their debut EP, "Temptation Steel Scourge", which was recently released by Invictus Productions.

Throughout each of these four tracks, you will be subjected to a barrage of face-ripping riffs with wild, turbulent solos, unyielding and energetic drums, and infernal shrieks from the depths.

The EP is inaugurated with "Putrid Triumph" and immediately we are pulled into the abyss as the band belches out some sick as fuck riffs, thrashing ahead with confidence, with occasional bursts of speed and fury.

It's pretty clear that the band is well-rehearsed. Everything flows together really well and the arrangements are tight. In terms of musicianship, the guitars and song structures are verily impressive, paired with how utterly savage it all sounds.

The cover of Morbid Angel's "Unholy Blasphemies" will rip right through you, as it conveys the right amount of intensity, with the band adding their own evil and sick twist to this much acclaimed classic track.

As I understand it, the group is already working on their debut album, so this EP will serve as a taster for what's to come, and from what I can tell, the forthcoming album should be an absolute ripper.

Overall, this 14-minute EP comes as a blessing for those with a penchant for true unholy metal mayhem, as "Temptation Steel Scourge" delivers the goods. (HT)

Album review: Loup Noir – Requiem (2021)

Loup Noir – Requiem

France

Death To Peace Productions

Loup Noir ("black wolf") from France is the project of sole musician Alrinack. He seems to be behind a dozen other projects as well, although this is the first of them that I have heard.

"Requiem" consists of six songs of pure black metal with minimalist arrangements and an underproduced sound that suits the music they play.

You can expect nothing less than an auspicious slab of raw black metal done right, as the whole album is replete with compositional depth and an atmosphere that is both melancholic and rich in texture.

Loup Noir has that characteristic French sound, which is always apparent in their music. While I wouldn't claim this to be the next best thing, Loup Noir's music is certainly moving enough to leave an impression on the ears of anyone with a proclivity for true underground black metal.

The interplay between the drums and guitars differs in interesting ways as the music incorporates intriguing passages filled with spooky, yet decidedly melancholic riffs, which in addition is complemented with an array of haunting howls and screams.

The songs range from mid-tempo to slower, more brooding passages, but one thing that is certain is that the flow always feels right, including the fact that each composition flows together seamlessly.

Overall, "Requiem" has a very strong feeling of decadence, in addition to its minimalistic approach giving it an emphatically nostalgic tone. Furthermore, the music has a lot of replay value, with the music hardly wearing off after the first couple of spins. This is simply excellent black metal. (HT)

Death To Peace Productions · Loup Noir - Hymne Guerrier

Album review: Paganfire - Of Deathblades And Bloodsoaked Paths... (2021)

 

Paganfire – Of Deathblades And Bloodsoaked Paths...

The Philippines

Bandcamp

Thrash is definitely not dead, and Paganfire proves this with their latest opus, "Of Deathblades And Bloodsoaked Paths...", which is a total poser holocaust from beginning to end.

Over the years, the band has put out a dozen demos, EPs, and splits, but for some reason, this is only their second full-length. They are definitely an underground band in the true sense of the word.

Paganfire's brand of thrash is unyielding, brutal, and energetic, often defying easy categorization due to sounding rawer and more violent than most bands in the genre. Make no mistake, this is essentially thrash, but with more than a fair share of black/death influences in their sound.

As opener "Bloodsoaked Life" kicks in, guitarists Nonoy and M.A. complement each other with a plethora of cunt-shredding riffs, brutalizing ears with sheer ferocity and precise arrangements. Riffs are aplenty and Paganfire makes good use of them.

Alvaro's screams are fierce, pissed off, and in your face, as he utters every word with intense determination.

Paganfire follows the tradition of having solos in their music, as each track features at least one solo, but also inflicts trauma with Jay's hard-hitting, yet well-played drums and Alvaro's thunderous bass lines. As a whole, each member contributes to the madness, yielding a sickened and furious slab of skull-fucking thrash that will leave you wanting more.

On "Poseurdom Shall Fall" you can hear infernal riffs and screams reminiscent of Sarcofago, while "The Executor is Back" is a fiery track filled with razor-sharp solos and a Slayer-inspired riff towards the end.

The cover art is perfect for this kind of thrash and gives a good indication of the band's sound and ethos.

Paganfire's second album was well worth the wait and features some of the best material they've released so far. In my opinion, "Of Deathblades And Bloodsoaked Paths..." is the best thrash album of the year, and if not, it sure as hell comes close. Check them out if you enjoy Num Skull, Sarcofago, and Demolition Hammer. Apparently, a few labels will release this, although the labels haven't been announced yet. (HT)

Album review: Invultation – Unconquerable Death (2021)

Invultation – Unconquerable Death

USA

Born For Burning Productions (CD) / Sentient Ruin Laboratories (LP)

Hailing from Ohoi, USA, Invultation strike with their second full-length album entitled, "Unconquerable Death", which was released by Born For Burning Productions earlier this year. Andrew Lampe (Echushkya, Longbarrow, The Wakedead Gathering) is the sole musician behind this project.

Musically, the sound leans towards bestial and filthy Black/Death informed by bands such as Teitanblood, Proclamation, and Archgoat. Those who enjoy the aforementioned bands will certainly appreciate what Invultation has to offer, as the music exudes a profoundly blasphemous atmosphere.

Opening track, "Hanged Mass" begins with a short, but sinister ambiance before a roar of pure unbridled chaos plunges the listener into the abyss.

The songs on this release offers a variety of tempos, from mid to hammering fast parts, as well as a series of whore-sodomizing riffs that will have you bang your skull from beginning to end.

Tracks like "Insatiable Cruelty" and "Banners Under The Moon" feature blistering guitar solos that will make your brain explode. As a matter of fact, this whole album is full of sick riffs and frantic solos, which certainly adds a very chaotic aspect to the music, coupled with the mix of insanely deep and evil vocals.

One of the biggest strengths of this album is the compositional depth and consistency of the music. The music is easily distinguished from one track to the next, as there is enough variety to keep it from becoming monotonous.

All in all, "Unconquerable Death" is an apotheosis of filth and darkness, as Invultation offers an arsenal of bestial metal styles that epitomizes the genre. From its killer aesthetics to the artwork to its ominous music, everything about Invultation feels right. (HT)