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…

EP review: Shizoparanoic Platoon – Warfare: Mass Annihilation (2019)

 

Shizoparanoic Platoon – Warfare: Mass Annihilation

Greece

Askio Productions

The latest EP from these Greek tyrants, entitled “Warfare: Mass Annihilation,” mercilessly bludgeons the listener’s brain into submission from the get-go. The album contains six tracks and clocks in at thirteen minutes, launching a barrage of straight-ahead aural violence characterized by ugly riffs, sickened growls, and cavernous drums. The hellish cacophony is supported by a raw production that fits their style perfectly.

Fans of bestial black/death metal will absolutely love this release. The EP is short, but makes up for it with pure visceral brutality. On top of that, there is no filler, so to speak. There’s a lot of replay value, thanks to the punishing riffs and well-arranged songs.

Prior to this release, the band released a compilation album, which I haven't heard, but after being blown away by this EP, I definitely plan on checking it out. Every track on this EP is great, especially the cover of Blasphemy's Demoniac, which I highly recommend hearing. Schizoparanoic Platoon's name pretty much tells you what to expect, so be prepared to have your brains reduced to a pulp with this disc. A highly recommended War Metal act from Greece! (HT)

Album review: Koldkrypt - Holocauste Global (2022)

Koldkrypt – Holocauste Global

France

Hessian Firm

“Holocauste Global” is the second full-length album by the French black metal powerhouse, Koldkrypt. Their brand of hateful, cold and misanthropic black metal is just what the doctor ordered. The disc is comprised of eight tracks, with drawn-out compositions and an atmosphere cold enough to drop temperatures in your room once you start listening.

Koldkrypt is unlike any other black metal project I’ve heard before, while at the same time sounding familiar without fitting into any particular trend. This isn't orthodox black metal, nor is it second-tier Darkthrone worship, or some war metal-like stuff – it's simply black metal without gimmicks; straight to the point, like a bullet to the head.

There is an epic quality to the riffs on this release, which at times evokes images of medieval battles and castles in some frostbitten kingdom. The atmosphere has an apocalyptic feel to it, combined with well-written compositions and hate-filled vocals.

A lot of emphasis is placed on guitars on this recording, and I must say the guy is really proficient, as he incorporates a lot of intricate melodies that sometimes border on the virtuosity of power metal, but they work well as they convey a lot of depth.

The mix of harsh elements with sombre guitar melodies works well, although don't mistake this for a post-black metal outfit trying to unite people around some lame environmental theme. Here is a quote that illustrates the misanthropic and anti-human nature of the music: 

“The release is driven by hate, but not by hate for any one group of people within society, or the fact that society even exists at all. Typhus X directs caustic hatred towards humanity as a whole, drawing attention to our shortcomings and failures as a species”

In light of that, it should come as no surprise that Typhus X covered Zyklon B's 'Warfare', and to say the cover is sick is an understatement; Koldkrypt's version absolutely honors the original. This record is driven by pure visceral and primal aggression, while also showing a certain level of virtuosity that showcases the phenomenal talent behind this project. Fans of Scandinavian black metal from the '90s will love this project. As I listened to this, I was reminded of bands like Kvist, Arckanum, and Zemial. Even so, Koldkrypt does not sound like those bands, although they do emit a similar energy.

This is apocalyptic, vitriolic, and well-executed black metal that will appeal to those with a disdain for trends and the mainstream. It is time to celebrate the end of your worthless existence with this soundtrack. Rejoice! (HT)

Interview: Death To Peace Productions (2022)

 

We interviewed Warweolf of Death To Peace Productions, which is a record label based in Quebec that specializes in underground black metal.

1. HAILS Steve! Please tell us about your label, DEATH TO PEACE PRODUCTIONS, and what it stands for.

Hails Death by Hammer!

In the beginning, Death to Peace Productions was supposed to be solely a distributor of underground music. After meeting a few owners of production labels, I was hooked and decided to start my own label. Death to Peace Productions is an underground elitist black metal label yearning for the annihilation of all religions and a certain way of life. We have expanded our horizons over the years and are now working with extreme metal bands (thrash and death metal), as well as some dungeon synth and dark ambient, for example. This Saguenay, Québec label has not stopped growing since its beginnings, in 2012.

I’ve had two collaborators over the years. When they left, for personal reasons, I asked an old colleague to join me, with whom I had previously worked in distribution and show bookings.

Death To peace Productions also brings to the table two more services that many people don’t know about: Ombre Nordique Studios and Northern Shade Photography. At Ombre Nordique Studios, my own home studio, I offer mixing and mastering for any band, well known or not, from all over the world. After all these years, we decided to also add a distribution service to our label, like in the good old days. Who knows what else awaits in the future! Maybe event organising and show bookings are in the cards for us… I have a team that would do great at that.

As for news regarding the distro: we were lucky to buy a whole inventory, from a closing label in Hamilton, Ontario: Von Frost Records. We got a great deal on many vinyl records, cassettes, the whole distro and Discogs store. This gave us an easy start.

2. What have you released so far? And what kind of formats do you specialize in?

Putrid Christ—Queen of the Wolves, USBM CD 2013

Infernal Execrator—6 Execrating Years Of Irreligiousatanic Elite "Mastema Hedonistic Terroritual 666", Black/Death Metal, Cassette, compilation limited‎ 2014

Unrest / Idolatry—Infection Born Of Ending, Black Metal Canada 7", EP, Ltd, Split 2015

Suicidal Madness—Au Crépuscule d'une Vie, Depressive Black Metal France Cassette S/Sided, Numbered, Limited 2015

Goatpreacher—Chaos Sabbath, Goat Metal Russia Cassette limited EP 2016 en collaboration avec Von Frost Records (R.I.P)

Trwoga—Wieczyst Zima, Dark Ambient Poland Pro CD-r Limited 2020

Loup noir—Requiem, Heathen black metal France Pro CD-r 2021

Between 2015 and 2020, we were mainly into merch production: patches, back patches, t-shirts, stickers, pendants, etc.

Now we mostly specialize in DIY type cassettes. The recording is done by an expert team in Montreal, located 666km away. The booklets and stickers for the tapes are made in my hometown. When everything is ready, devoted friends of mine come over and help cutting the booklets and apply the stickers on the cassettes. All done by hand! When all goes well, we have around 100 cassettes ready in a day.

3. What bands do you currently represent and what are your upcoming releases?

As for the bands that we have worked with and released either one or many albums or merch, we are interested in releasing a 12’’ vinyl record of cult album “Chaos Sabbath”, by Goatpreacher. We will also definitely release a 5-way split, “Apocalypse of the Impure”, containing tracks by bands such as Mysteriis (Colombia), Miasma (Canada), Rotting Jehovah (USA), ENT666 (Canada) and Swarm of Hatred (Chile). Each of these bands will be showcasing two previously unreleased tracks. In addition, an intro, an outro and interludes will be churned at yours truly’s Ombre Nordique studios, in collaboration with Kashnum, composer for Trwoga, and Wampyrion, composer for Alcath. The second release will be hailing from Greece. Last year, we released Trwoga (dark ambient from Poland), and this year we got an offer from Wampyrion Markhor Necrowolf, a dungeon synth composer.

4. From your perspective, what can you tell us about the Quebec scene and what are the best bands from there in your opinion?

The Quebec scene is very rich in “Métal noir Québécois”, our own style of black metal, very sought after all over the world, but mostly in Europe. It is also the birthplace of many great bands in many styles of metal such as thrash (Voivod), and death (Crucificator, Necronomicon)

Great bands from my home town : Deathroner (Death Thrash), Triskèle and Kenaz (pagan).Atroce.

Other amazing bands from all over Québec : Forteresse, Délétère, Miasma, Monarque, Akitsa, Saccage, Hiverna, Ossuaire, Verglas Sanglant, Neige et Noirceur, Chasse Galerie.

There are also many great festivals where many well-known bands come and perform. You might be familiar with La Messe des Morts (an indoor black metal festival), Trois-Rivières Metal Fest, Skogen Festival and the Québec Deathfest, amongst many others.

5. What's 10 albums you can't live without?

Good question, I’d never really thought about it before. In no particular order, I would say:

Forteresse—Métal Noir Québécois

Deicide—Amon- Feasting the Beast

Arckanum—Fran Marder

Deathwitch—Dawn of Armageddon

Pogrom 1147—Black Metal Complete

Absurd—Werwolfthron

Storm—Nordavind

Gorgoroth—Destroyer

Cannibal Corpse—Butchered at Birth

Marduk—Heaven Shall Burn... When We Are Gathered

6. Do you agree with the humanist sentiment "every human life is precious"?

Never. It would be like saying that hippies and vegans follow the best philosophy. There are too many of us on this planet, 8 billion skeletons. Many are frail, sick, falling apart. Of those 8 billion, if only a quarter would exist, it would bring balance in the world. Life and humanity don’t go together hand in hand, and some have a goal of populating the planet more and more: it’s just too much. China and India are too populated. You can guess by our motto at Death to Peace Productions, that I am a lot more interested in the Anti-human/anti-life philosophies. Annihilation of all religions and a certain way of life!!! Death to peace!!!

7. Is life returning to normal in your area after the epidemic? What is your opinion about the whole ordeal?

Governments all over the world didn’t handle this well at all. Here, all politicians acted like assholes. Mandatory mask-wearing and 3 mandatory doses of vaccine (4^th one now recommended now, they are crazy), as well as 9pm to 5am curfews. Being a night bird, I was going crazy, I couldn’t sleep and couldn’t do anything. No family gatherings, or holidays. Small businesses and restaurants were closed. Jail time for those who did not comply. Domestic violence and killing cases exploded, as well as the suicide rate. To shut us up those rats gave us each 500$, as if it would bring us our lives back. We are supposed to be in a free country, yet the Canadian and Quebec government acted like they were back to the middle-ages. In French we say GOUVERNEMENSONGES…GOVERNLIARS!

8. What is your opinion on the current state of the "underground"? (If there even is such a thing anymore.)

The underground as we know it is very rare these days because of the Internet. You can easily find just about anything right now using Soulseek, for example, which kills the scene and cult bands. Before the Internet, Soulseek, Napster, mIRC, Emule and especially Youtube, we had to order directly from the label via our local music store. I remember that we used to order from Napalm Records Austria to get rare albums, these albums that get more valuable with time. Now, with digital downloading, any band can produce itself with Bandcamp. Smaller labels like Death to Peace Productions are often asked for digital copies, but it is not our cup of tea. If bands on our label want to do it, it is their choice, as we are not for or against it. The artists can decide for themselves, but I personally love listening to an album in its analog format, a limited edition good old vinyl record or cassette of some obscure band.

9. Lastly, what's next for DEATH TO PEACE PRODUCTIONS and do you have any last words for your enemies and the fucking sheep out there?

2022 is an important year for our DEATH TO PEACE PRODUCTION label: we are celebrating our 10th anniversary in August. After ten tumultuous years, we are now happy to offer a distribution service, plus mixing and mastering at Ombre Nordique Studios, and professional photography at Northern Shades Photography.

Finally, here is what I would like to say to all our enemies:

DEATH TO PEACE PRODUCTIONS is a Canadian production/distribution Label of underground elitist black metal, wanting the annihilation of all religions and some way of life... Hail Satan...Praise the Goat!!!

Warweolf