Humiliation Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

First of all, thanks & greetings from Malaysia. Bearbee here, the vocalist that is engaged with this interview. Recently, in March 2013 there is a new released by Eldritch Lunar Miasma Records (UK) & Dybbuk Records (Mexico) which is 7” split with Decrepitaph and we really like the outcome from this release. It exposes our band name around the world. Thanks for Eldritch Lunar Miasma Records & Dybbuk Records for this release. By the way, our new 4th full length album is on the wayand will be released soon under Deepsend Records (USA). We are also working with DeadBeat Media (Malaysia) & Slaughterhouse Records (USA) for another 7” split Humiliation/Warmaster (Holland). We will play in KL Metalcamp VI (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) on 04th May 2013 together with few local acts & German thrash legend Destruction. In early July 2013, we will play in In-Flammen Open Air in Torgau, Germany. This year is a really busy year for Humiliation but we feel great anyway.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new material and how it differs from previous efforts?

We try to get 90’s death metal sound for all of our materials. We will never change our musical style since our existence. Since we want to have 90's feeling, the new track from the split with Decrepitaph is a little bit loose here and there compared to our 3rd full length album “From Strength To Strength” back to 2012.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

We are more interested in real things. Historical, past wars are the real things that had happened. Our lyrics are into war related topics. Furthermore, we like to integrate or associate our lyrics with war sound like tank rolling vibration, machine gun continuous blasting, thunderous sound of fighter, artillery firing. So all of our lyrics are influenced by this scenarios.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

We are inspired by war and Humiliation can’t be disassociated with war. This is a great combination in this brutal world. We try to tell that war are about ash & dust at the end. Nothing is left. We are inspired by brutality of war. This is the reason we choose Humiliation as band name.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

We played in Japan in end 2011, the tour was awesome. We played in Europe in winter 2012, it was the first experience in snow & frost. We played in Singapore & Thailand in 2011. For all shows, we released total energy that we have whenever we were on stage. It is hard to choose which was the best show so far. On the stage, we try to minimise the talking & we will maximise the time given to play as many songs as we can. Normally we start the show with 3 songs non-stop. We have done this before.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?

As i mention at the above, for this year, we will have few releases & we will play in Germany. We hope we manage to get mini tour instead of playing for one show only.

7. Recently the band has put out a 7 inch, what are your thoughts on the other band that participated?

Decrepitaph is really a great band! We really like the way this split is done. Thanks for Wayne from Decrepitaph for making this split possible. We like the way how Decrepitaph tell the world about ancient death metal. Musically, sound produced on Decrepitaph's song really suite with their style which has made the song sounds brutal & dark.

8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of death metal?

We started out in mid 2009. Since then, we never stop producing music. Most of the reviews that we got are generally really positive. From those reviews, we believe that our musics are accepted by metalheads globally. But that not making stop from making musics. We shall continue and sustain our momentum.

9. What is going on with the other musical projects these days?

New full length album will release soon. Another 7” split with Warmaster (Holland) will come in May 2013. Just keep on watching us for our next coming releases. Beware!

10. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

We would like to play at every corner of the world. We aim to put Malaysia in the map of death metal. We have set direction from the beginning that we will maintain to produce mid tempo death metal music in simple way.

11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Bolt Thrower for sure!!! I listen more to the 90’s death metal bands. Majority of them are great bands and they influenced me and the band in many ways. I still listen to oldies stuff such as (to name a few) old Sepultura, Massacre, Gorefest, Benediction, Autopsy, Asphyx, Unleashed. Meanwhile, for new stuff that become among my playlist are like Obscure Infinity, Revel In flesh, Succubus, Lavatory, Cruelty Division come cross my playlist. I can’t wait for Bolt Thrower new album, Hail of Bullets new album & of course Carcass upcoming release.

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

I work at manufacturing factory, I don’t have much free time. So most of my time I spend for Humiliation like trading, selling merchandises etc. The drummer, Mudon work at multinational company & he also don’t have any hobby besides spending time for Humiliation. The 1st guitarist, Matt is into car race activities...legal & illegal race. The 2nd guitarist, Asraf is more into car activities. The bassist, Afe is more into printing shirt as his hobby.

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Thanks Scot for this interview, really appreciate it. In the future, do expect more releases from Humiliation. For more detail about Humiliation, please visit our websitewww.humiliation.my or contact us at humiliationband@gmail.com

Beware of Malaysian Military Death Metal!!!!!

Dead Awaken Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
Currently, we're awaiting our first copies of the album!
Doing a local release gig tomorrow(March 31st).
Then it's time to start harassing people with the album, to get out on the road.
Hopefully we'll get some good reviews.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?
It's very aggressive.
More focused than our old demo's.
Most of the songs on the album are juiced up demo songs.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the new release?
Mostly war and it's horrors. Always been a fave topic of mine.
We will probably turn direction on our next release.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
Actually, I believe it was Joakim, our former drummer who was listening to Cannibal corpse.
The name came from some of their lyrics. The name stuck in his mind, as he thought it was really cool.

5. Originally the band was called Abyssal Chaos, what was the decision behind the name change?
Good question. The name change was before I entered the band.
I remember the guys in the band (Who were really young, when I joined) thought "abyss" was the coolest word in the world.
I love the irony in that 11 years after the birth of the band, we're on Abyss records!

6. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
Opening for Vomitory was great!
I think our performances are intense, yet laid back.
We focus on the music, which you can probably tell.
We have a lot of fun!

7. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?
Not yet. I've found that no one wil book you, until the album is out.
Frustrating.

8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to the newer music by fans of death metal?
People seem to like our stuff.
It seems like we're automatically labelled "Old school".
How the hell do you define that?
Old school to me means bands like old Massacre, Bolt thrower, Obituary, Death, early Entombed.
I don't think we sound like any of them(Well, possibly Bolt thrower), even if that's what we grew up listening to.
But, as we're in our 40's, maybe that's what naturally comes out of us..? You tell me.
We try to make it timeless.

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
Angrier. Not necessarily faster, but intense.
Some of the lyrics touch on very personal topics.
I think things will become a bit less worked out and more from the heart.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Mats, our drummer, lisens to a lot of newer style death metal, like Anaal Nathrakh, Origin, etc.
Personally, I still love some of the older stuff, like Bolt thrower. I also lean a lot towards Triptyon and Monotheist, the last Celtic Frost album. I love the evil spirit and the darkness of it.
We're both heavily into Immolation too.

11. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
I love spending time with my family.
Hanging out with my friends, having a beer or two.
Got into alcohol late, but now I'm a whisky nerd.
I also play a lot of video games, survival horr and first person shooters.
My primary interest is still guitars and guitar gear.

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Thanks for the interview!
Keep supporting Death Metal! New or old, nevermind! We need our exreme music.
Check out our album. Hope you'll like it.

Insurrection Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

The band is preparing for it'S 3rd studio album, PROTOTYPE, to be recorded in april by Fuck the Fact's Topon Das and mixmastered by Pierre Remillard, the evil mastermind behind Obliveon and then some (cryptopsy, ghoulunatics, krisiun, etc)

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it diifers from previous releases?

I have no idea!  there's a bit of everything on there, yet it all has the same insurrection signature. it'S strange.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the new release?

a lot of it is about political struggle, coup d'etat, and well, insurrections lol some of it is about plastic surgery, religious fear of the afterlife, office workers, etc

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

Insurrection is all about revolt, uprising, a force for change

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

We've been known for our energetic stage act. no frills, no costumes or props, but a hell of a show. we've played rouyn and rockfest, but sherbrooke'S been very kind to us as well ! 

6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?

we're trying to tour for the rleease of the third album, quebec, ontario and maritimes is the plan so far!

7. The new album is getting funded by Indiegogo.com., can you tell us more about this deal?

well, since we're not label material, we might as well ask the people who'll be listening to to album to help us out. we offer some cool deals to whoever helps us with the funds, so that we can get back to doing the album

8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of death metal?

so far, we've been lucky, everyone seems to enjoy it, well everyone who'S commented on it... the others are welcome to let us know what they didn't and would've prefered. doesn't mean we'll change our stuff but we do listen

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

that's a good question, we don't rewally plan that stuff ahead, we just do what we like and make sure it's up to our standards... so it'll probably be in the same direction as the previous releases, with a twist of lemon!

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

well, the band's always been listening to a LOT of different stuff, there'S some bands that we all enjoy, like neuraxis, testament, etc, but we all meet somewhere in the metal spectrum

11. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

we all like to gather around bad movies. I mean the BAD ones, if you've ever seen the movie Elves (no the one with will ferrell) where a team of mad nazi scientists  create the perfect soldier on the eve of christmas by inseminating their own daughter for the perfect breed... anyways, elves... yeah... 

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

no! :D ahahah but on a more serious note, thanks for the interest and we hope you'll enjoy Prototype

Dead Awaken/Where Hope Turns Dripping Red/Abyss Records/2013 CD Review

  Dead  Awaken  are  a  band  from  Sweden  that  plays  a  very  old  school  form  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "Where  Hope  Turns  Dripping  Red"  which  was  released  by  Abyss  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  some  brutal  sounding  blast  beats  being  utilized  at  times,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  death  metal  riffs  that  are  heavy,  brutal  and  old  school  sounding  with  some  thrash  influences  being  used  at  times  as  well  as  some  melody,  while  the  lead  guitars  when  they  are  utilized  are  very  old  school  sounding  death  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  are  mostly  deep  death  metal  growls  with  some  high  pitched  screams  being  used  at   times, while  the  lyrics  cover  war  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy,  old school  and  professional  sound where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on this  recording.

  In  my  opinion  Dead  Awaken  are  a  very  great  sounding  heavy  and  brutal  old  school  death  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Carnivore"  "Rocket  Symphony"  "Manic  Destructive"  and  "State  of  Corrosion".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

Kingdom Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

Hell! In the end of last year we’ve recorded 10 new tracks and started to search for a label that can release our second full-length. We started sending promo tracks to some labels and after a while Bart from Helltrasher responded and so new cooperation has started. On 25 march “Morbid Priest of Supreme Blasphemy” will manifest

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?

Starting from”Unholy Graveyard” our sound became more raw, dark and evil. This is how I expect Kingdom to sound 

3. I know that alot of anti christian topics are in the lyrics, can you tell us a little bit more about your anti christian and also do you have any interest in Satanism or Occultism?

Texts are less satanic more occult. I am rather against any kind of religions, because every one of them kills your individuality and makes you a slave of dogmas that are humiliating for every human. Lyrics are mainly about evil, blasphemy that are somehow connected with demonology, black magic and my visions of devils rituals.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

It’s hard to say that because I simply don’t remember what was the main idea when 10 years ago Kingdom was brought to life.  

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

Kingdom has never played concerts but maybe this year few show can be possible. I’m very curious how the new tracks come out live. We will see. 

6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?

Like I said in question before, maybe

7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your new album by fans of death metal?

Because the official release is going to be on 25 march You are the first one with interview, and I saw one review that was good for us hehe 

8. Your music is rooted in the old school blasphemous death metal sound, do you feel this musical style is coming back after all these years of death metal going into many directions that do not fit the original  rules of the genre?

If there is a band playing music  that is not worth for me to listen I simply don’t do it. So for me only bands that are in old school style are playing pure death metal and like You said I think that many new bands or older ones are giving hope that old school death metal is coming back

9. What is going on with the other musical projects these days?

If the question is about projects that I am involved in there is only one- Ritual Lair. With RL we released one demo, one split with mighty Deadly Frost, and one EP for label Under the Sign of Garazel. RL is an old school primitive black metal in veins of Hellhammer, Blasphemy, Sarcophago.  

10. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

The path is known and we are going to walk it till the end of Kingdoms days. So You can be sure that this morbid, evil, barbaric proclamations will be created in the future

11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

I have in my discography mainly old bands: Morbid Angel(to Gateways..), Nunslaughter, Mayhem, Burzum, Bolt Thrower, Angel Corpse, Incantation etc.etc. but also “younger” death/black metal Dead Congregation, Apocalypse Command, Perdition Temple, Manticore etc, so there is enough good music to listen

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

First is finding free time to use it for my interests but if there is some books, sport(handball – rather as a fan), creating new tracks, drinking with friends and some more.

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Thanks for interest and support death metal madnessss!!

Insurrection/Fracture/2012 CD Review

  Insurrection  are  a  band  from  Canada  that  plays  a  very  heavy  and  technical  form  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2012  album  "Fracture".

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  some  blast  beats  being  used  at  times,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  death  metal  riffs  that  are  very  heavy  and  technical  sounding  with  some  melody  being  thrown  into  the  riffing  at  times,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  and  technical  sounding  death  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  range  from  deep  death  metal  growls  to  high  pitched  screams,  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  a  mixture  of  French  and  English  and  cover  philosophical  themes,  as  for  the  production  it h as  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  for  being  a  self  released  recording  and  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  album.

  In  my  opinion  Insurrection  are  a  very  great  sounding  technical  death  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Absentheisme"  "History  Repeats  Itself"  "Set  The  World  On  Fire"  and  "Colony".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.  

Morgengrau/Extrinsic Pathway/Blind God Records/2013 CD Review

  Morgengrau  are a  band  from Texas  that  plays  a  very  old  school  form  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "Extrinsic  Pathway"  which  was  released  by  Blind  God  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  only  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  being  used  at  times,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid paced  to  fast  early  style  death  metal  riffs  that  utilize  some  raw  thrash  elements  as  well  as  some  dark  sounding  melodies  in  the  riffing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  dark  and  melodic  sounding  death  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals a re  all  early  style  death  metal  growls  that  go  back  to  the  origins  of  the  genre  with  a  thrash  feeling  being  utilized  at  times,  while  the  lyrics  cover  death,  the  left  hand  path, atrocities,  and  war,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  dark,  heavy  and  old  school sound  to  it.

  In  my  opinion  Morgengrau  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  death  metal  band  with  a  sound  that  goes  back  to  the  origins of  the  genre  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Antihetical"  "Inner  Self"  which  is  a  Sepultura  cover  "Chemosh  Enlighten".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.  

Kingdom/Morbid Priest Of Supreme Blasphemy/Hellthrasher Productions 2013 CD Review

  Kingdom  are  a  band from  Poland  that  plays  a  very  old  school  form  of  blasphemous  and  evil  sounding  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "Morbid  Priest  Of  Supreme  Blasphemy"  which  was  released  by  Hellthrasher  Productions.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  some  brutal  sounding  blast  beats  being utilized  at  times,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow, mid  paced  to  fast  old  school  style  death  metal  riffs  that  are  very dark,  heavy,  raw  and  primitive  sounding,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  dark  and  evil  sounding  death  metal  guitars  and  leads.

  Vocals  are  mostly  deep guttural  death  metal  growls  with  some  high  pitched  screams  being  used  at  times,  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness,  evil  and  blasphemous  themes  with  a  couple  of  songs  being  written  in  Polish,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a very  dark,  heavy,  old  school,  raw  and  primitive  sound  to  it.

  In  my  opinion  Kingdom  are  a  very  great  sounding,  dark,  heavy,  old  school,  blasphemous,  evil  death  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Slaves  Of  Ruin"  "Morbid  Priest"  "Supreme  Blasphemy"  and  "Summoned  From  The  Dead".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

Ara Interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?

Sure! We are a death metal band from Milwaukee that plays a fairly technical style, but we try to make sure each song has its own identity. A lot of records these days don't feature songs that have individual character, but we try to cover as many dimensions as we can through varying tempos, melodies and attitudes.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

At first I wanted it to be as ugly as possible in a Portal/Ulcerate kind of way, but then a lot of melody started seeping in. I love those bands and I am enjoying the revival of the Incantation type of sound where death metal is trying to be scary again, but I didn't want to be an obvious throwback to a previous era or cop the sound of any act right now. As challenging as the music is, I want it to be memorable so there is an effort to keep the structures relatively simple while the riffs are complex. Also you'll hear a lot of more melodic lines clashing with harsh, ugly textures. So, we try to be fairly multidimensional within the death metal umbrella.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

There is a lot of imagery that deals with death and depravity and such but not so much in vivid detail for shock value. Adam chooses to write from the perspectives of people who have lost their minds and to me, the breakdown of rational thought is more frightening than details about gore. From what I can decipher, there is a lot of topics on megalomania and disdain for human life. Also, he may or may not be influenced by a certain popular trading card game which will remain unnamed at the moment.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

When we started the band we immediately felt the sound had an all-consuming vibe to it mainly due to the ridiculous speed and complexity of our drummer Erik. It was hard not to think of Origin when we heard what he brought to the table, and the imagery of things being obliterated in a vacuum kind of made sense with how we sounded, so the guys started researching stars and constellations. So I believe Jim (bass) was the one who found the name of the constellation Ara and we liked the contrast of the simple, brief name with the complex music. And according to what I just now read online, in ancient Greek mythology, Ara was identified as the altar where the gods first made offerings and formed an alliance before defeating the Titans. There are various interpretations of Ara throughout the centuries, and Jim, who does our graphic design as well, drew from those to come up with a pretty sick web presence and shirt design. There are still themes of space utilized in stuff we are working on now, and since we want to accompany our fairly dense sound with vast, oppressive imagery, that is most likely going to continue.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

All of our shows so far have been in our hometown in Milwaukee, and we have played quite a bit at the newly renovated Quarters, which now is largely a metal venue. We always have a blast there but have also really enjoyed playing at DIY art collectives like The Borg Ward as well as higher profile places like Cactus Club. Since we are fairly new and the record just came out, people are still feeling the music out which is understandable given the complexity, so we aren't having people grab the mic to accompany Adam live or totally rage in the pit just yet, although we are hoping for it very soon! But every show so far has been really good and for a new band, we couldn't be happier with the crowds we are playing to and the reception. As far as stage performance, Adam usually dominates the stage with his presence which is good and allows us to keep the music as close to how it sounds on the record as possible. Our last show actually was filmed by a friend and you can check it out here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqM2YLUN0xA

6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?

We want to tour really badly and definitely want to get out there this year. Erik and I also play in Northless who currently has a lot on its plate so the amount of time we have this year is a bit slim although we are trying to make it out for a few dates in hopefully June. Our schedules open up a bit next year so we hope to spend much more time on the road then. 

7. Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label and if so what kind of label do you feel that would be a perfect fit for the music?

As much as we love DIY and currently have what we feel to be a great record that we did ourselves, we definitely are looking for label support. I have two labels in mind that would be in my opinion amazing homes for the band. Deepsend records really seems to have their finger on the pulse of the greater bands in the current death metal movement, and Profound Lore has a diverse roster where every artist on there totally floors me.

8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your musical by fans of technical death metal?

We haven't quite had worldwide feedback, but since I feel our music is influenced far more by bands overseas, I hope people outside our country like what we are doing. The emphasis we have on melody is less a focus currently in stateside death metal bands, so I feel as the band gets more noticed, people outside of the United States will hopefully appreciate it.

9. What is going on with the other musical projects these days?

Northless is very busy getting songs together for a double LP we are recording in May. Everything is coming together really well and fairly quickly which I am a huge fan of, and when you hear how inspired the material is you may be surprised at the time frame everything was composed in. We also have a handful of shows coming up here and on the road. Concentric has been inactive since the departure of our drummer, which is unfortunate since we have an entire 3rd record written and essentially ready to record. I know we could do pretty much whatever we want with our sound in Ara since we already have a diverse style, but I'll always want to keep Concentric alive in some way, at least through recordings.

10. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

A lot of songs are already written for a full length, and even more melody is being utilized. We may have to focus more on keeping the ugly in there. Some of the newer stuff is ridiculously fast, and some structures are very progressive while others are a bit stripped down but still have more than enough going on. That live show I linked you to above ends with a new song that I think accurately represents the mode of writing we are currently in.

11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

We are all across the board although we all love good, interesting death metal. Most of my influences are as mentioned overseas, and we all like pretty diverse stuff. Jim has a wide palette of influences, and depending on when you get in his car you may hear metal or a jazz 3 piece. I think if it's well thought out and interesting, regardless of the genre we all will appreciate it. Like for me, I've been listening to the new My Bloody Valentine a lot as well as the new Suffocation. I think all of us are loving that most recent Pallbearer record. 

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Eating, acting like idiots, sharing mutual disdain for humanity, horror movies, buffets, smorgasbords, all you can eat restaurants, appetizers, desserts, seconds.

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Thanks for your time and stay tuned, you will be hearing a lot from us in the future!

Ara/The Blessed Sleep/2013 EP Review

  Ara  are  a  band  from  Milwaukee,  Wisconsin  that  plays  a  very  heavy,  brutal  and  progressive  form  of  technical  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2013  ep  "The  Blessed  Sleep".

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  some  brutal  sounding  blast  beats  being  thrown  into  the  music  at  times,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  technical  riffs  that  are  very  heavy  and  brutal  sounding  with  some  progressive  elements  being  thrown  into  the  riffing,  while t he  lead  guitars  are  very  technical  sounding  death  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  range  from  deep  death  metal  growls  to  high  pitched  screams,  while  the  lyrics  cover  philosophical  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  for  being  a  self  released  recording  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  In  my  opinion  Ara  are  a  very  great  sounding  heavy,  brutal  and  progressive  technical  death  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Demise  of  Reason"  and  "Despair  Personified".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.  

Revel In Flesh/Manifested Darkness/FDA Rekotz/2013 CD Review

  Revel  In  Flesh  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  with  a  musical  style  that  I  would  describe  as  being  old  school  Swedish  style  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "Manifested  Darkness"  which  was  released  by  FDA  Rekotz.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  some  brutal  sounding  blast  beats  being  utilized  at  times,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars,  as  for the  keyboards  they  are  only  used  briefly  on  one  song  and  bring  a  very  dark  feeling  to  the  music.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  Swedish  death  metal  riffs  that  are  very  old  school,  raw  and  primitive  sounding  with  some  melody  being  thrown  into  the  riffing  at  times,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  dark  and  melodic  sounding  death  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads.  as  for  the  acoustic  guitars  they  are  only  used  briefly  and  use  finger  picking  to  add  some  dark  elements  to  the  recording.

  Vocals  are  mostly  deep  death  metal  growls  with  some  high  pitched  screams  being  thrown  into t he  music  at  times,  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  gore  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  to  it.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Revel  In  Flesh  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  band,  you  should  enjoy  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Revel  In  Flesh"  "Manifested  Darkness"  "The Maggot  Colony"  and  "Twisted  Mass  Of  Burnt  Decay".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

Slaughterday Interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?

Hi, Bernd from SLAUGHTERDAY here. The band was formed in 2010 by Jens and me with the intention to play raw old-school Death Metal inspired by the bands of the early 90s. Until 2012 we were busy rehearsing and writing songs and finally at the end of 2012 we entered the studio to record 4 songs that can be heard on our 1st demotape „Cosmic Horror“, which has just been released by FDA Rekotz.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

As I already said, the band is totally dedicated to the old school Death Metal of the early 90s. I would describe our sound as a mix of the Swedish and the American style and some creeping doom parts that remind a bit of horror movie soundtracks. In addition we try to keep the sound raw and natural without triggered drums, etc.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

The lyrics deal with obscure and subliminal horror heavily inspired by the stories of H. P. Lovecraft. They are about demons, ghosts, ancient rituals and surreal places that provoke fear and which are incomprehensible to human minds. The intention is to create a dark atmosphere together with the music.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

The band was named after the song “Slaughterday” by the band Autopsy. We think that the name sounds cool and catchy and Autopsy is one of our biggest musical influences. There is no direct meaning behind it. It could simply be the day you die or maybe a kind of doomsday when humankind gets slaughtered by an evil cosmic force.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

As we have never played live so far, I can’t give you any exciting information on that topic, sorry.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?

There are no concrete touring plans due to the fact that we are just a

two-piece and we are very tied to our jobs as well, but there are some plans and efforts to play some gigs at the end of 2013. At the moment we are talking to some friends about helping us out live.

7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of death metal?

Feedback has been cool considering the fact that we appeared on the “Death Metal map” just about a few months ago. There are people from all over the world who are interested in SLAUGHTERDAY and it’s still the beginning. Hopefully we can spread our name even more in the future with the release of our “cosmic Horror” demo and with our 1st full-length record of course.

8. Are there any other musical projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?

There are no other projects besides SLAUGHTERDAY, so we completely concentrate on this band.

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

We don't have the intention to change our musical direction and we won't make up any plans about how the upcoming songs should sound like. We just go into the rehearsal room, start playing and see what happens.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

As I already said, Autopsy is a huge influence, but there are also other bands like Entombed, Dismember, Massacre, old Death, Asphyx and some newer bands like Hooded Menace or Tormented that influence our sound. But I have to say that we don't only listen to Death Metal all day long as we are huge fans of old Heavy Metal, Thrash and 70s Rock. I also like a lot of progressive and experimental stuff while Jens is more the traditional type of guy, so we complement each other quite well.

11. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

We are usually very busy with our jobs, families and kids. But in our freetime we enjoy reading books (Lovecraft of course, ha, ha), watching 80s Horror movies, having some beers with good friends and watching soccer.

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Thank you very much for giving us the opportunity for this interview and the possibility to spread our name and our music. If you are into old school Death Metal check us out! The cosmic horror has just begun...