1. Can you update us with what is going on these days, and 25 years ago when you first started the band , did you still think you would still be out today releasing new material and tour?
well we've been through some much shit and so many line up changes that nothing seems to surprise me anymore, but when I think back of all the obstacles we had to take these last 25 years it's pretty close to the eight wonder of the world that Thanatos is still alive. We just released our 5th album and although it's out on a tiny label and things still aren't really hot for us these days we're pretty proud of this new album. Even a lot of our old fans who always preferred the debut album or the 2nd one to anything else we released after that, are saying that this new album might be our best so far...
2. I know that the name Thanatos comes from Greek Mythology does anyone in the band today still have an interest in things like that?
I had Greek and Latin classes in high school and back then we were searching for a name that related to death but did not contain the english word 'death'. I still love those old Greek mythogical stories but we were never really influenced by that lyric wise, it was always more horror stuff, anti-religious and occult references and harsh reality.
3. I know that the band split up for some time, what projects were you doing during the hiatus and what made you decide to get back together?
Not that much actually; I sang in a band called Church of Indulgence, which was like a mixture of Slayer, Pantera and Paradise Lost, but that turned out way too lightweight for me, so after a couple of years, reforming Thanatos, albeit with different, more dedicated band members seemed like the only logical thing to do. So we didn't come back together, I simply reformed the band with new band members.
4. Are there any plans for a U.S tour?
Not at the moment to be honest; Paul (other guitarist) and me concentrating on the new Hail of Bullets album right now, but who knows what will happen next year? if we get a good offer to play on one or several metalfests in the US we would definitely come over
5. What are some of the best live shows that you have played so far?
The best shows for me were the ones where we shared the stage with some of our old favorite bands and bands that inspired us like Morbid Angel, Destruction, Kreator etc. Some other great shows were our first two shows in Portugal in the early nineties ans some legendary shows in Holland back in 'the good old days' when the Dutch audiences were still a force to be reckoned with. Supporting Sepultura on their first European headliner tour in Holland was also a blast
6. How would you describe the musical progress over the years?
Hmmz, hard to say; the progression from the first to the second album was pretty obvious; we became way more technical and added more death metal to our sound. Angelic Encounters was more of a musical regression because of the bad drumming and pretty basic song structures. On 'Undead.Unholy. Divine' we found the right balance between death and thrash again and on Justified Genocide we more or less 'perfected' our style and added some extra aggression and slightly more technical songstructures again without overdoing the technical aspect
7. What direction do you see the music heading into during the future?
I think we foundour own niche some time ago. Now it's a case of simply writing the best possible songs within the death/thrash territory which doesn't mean there's no room at all for experimentation, but basically I don't see us heading in any other direction
8. How would you describe the lyrical content of the music?
Like I said it was always a mixture of horror stuff, anti-religious and occult references and harsh reality, but on the new album we definitely concentrated more on the atrocities of real life. historical events like the horrors that took palce during WWII or the pain and misery caused by organised religion. certain lyrics are just pure explosiosn of hatred ...
9. What were your main influences when you first started and what are you listening to nowadays new or old?
Slayer, Venom, Death, Massacre, Celtic Frost, Possessed, Dark Angel were and are still some of my all time favorites... Lately I've been listening a lot to Shining, Behemoth, Bloodbath, Kiss, Priest, Sabbath/Heaven & Hell
10. What are some good films or literature that you would recommend?
My favorite book of all time is Bret Easton Ellis' American Psycho. Apart from the classic horror flicks like The Beyond, Dawn of the Dead, Suspiria, Deep Red, The EviL Dead, Chainsaw...etc, i can really recommend the recent wave of brutal European horror movies like Martyrs, Eden Lake, Frontiers, Inside etc...Sick stuff that will make you feel uncomfortable for the next few days if you have any emotions left that is...
11. I know that when you first started you were one of the first extreme metal bands in Hollan, were do you stand in the modern scene and do you fell that you helped inspire some of the younger bands that have came from that country?
We're still very much underground over here, people recognize that were one of the pioneers, but to be honest a lot of Dutch metalfans, esp. the younger generation couldn't care less about bands like Thanatos, Asphyx and Pestilence that started it all for Holland, but fortunatley there are still those that do care....
12. Any final words?
Hope you're all able to pick up our new album, if not you can order it directly from our website: www.thanatos.info
13. Thanks for the interview?
thanx for your time
cheers
Stephan
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Annex Theory Interview
1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band fro those that have never heard of you before?
We're a six piece progressive group from Winnipeg, Canada (vocals, two guitars, keys, bass, percussion) and we have
a very wide array of influences, all of which are present in one form or another in our music. Our vocalist Trevor and myself
formed the band in 2008, got the right group of guys, and simply wanted to do something different. We plan on releasing a debut
full length album soon and touring extensively.
2. How would you describe the musical sound that is present on the ep?
There are so many sub genres in music now (especially in metal) that I think just "progressive" is a fair term to coin it. We have a lot
of polyrhythmic riffs, but at the same time withhold the melody in the keyboards and leads. We're also fans of having really spread out,
multi octave chords on keys over top of riffs. There are lots of technicalities and subtle things that musicians will appreciate but at the same time the average listener won't get lost.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?
Trevor writes mostly about situations and events that happen in his life. I don't think it is a concept EP in any way, though "Horizons" and
"Orbit" are part of the same story. I guess writing about real experiences helps put across a more prominent message because they are things
that he actually understands, not just a false concept or anything of that sort.
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands 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've been lucky enough to play with some great bands. Despised Icon was an amazing band to play with because it was their last
tour ever and we're big fans of them. We played with The Contortionist and Last Chance to Reason, they we're both incredible live bands
and extremely humble guys to hang out with.
In terms of our live show, we try to bring a lot of energy to the stage. Everyone for sure has a very different presence on stage and it is
definetely a reflection of how we all are as people as well. We're just guys who love music, and love to have fun. That our live show in a nutshell!
6/ Do you have any touring plans for the future?
As much as possible. We currently have an east coast tour booked for the summer, and we're gonna try our best to keep it consistent!
7. Are there any side projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?
Trevor sings in a local band called Damascus who play shows locally, but this is all of our full time bands.
8. On a worldwide level how has your music been recieved by extreme metalf ans?
Yes actually! We have fans adding us from Turkey, the UK, croatia, south america and the states now that the EP is out and everyone can
actually purchase it. Its been fantastic to be able to promote more and hopefully we can work hard and build up some hype before putting
out the album.
9. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
To be honest i'm not sure. We've already changed immensely since we started and all of our musical tastes are certainly opening up. i can
definately see us going in a more technical/experimental direction, but we're always gonna have those melodic parts.
10. Currently you are singed to Pivotal Recordings, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?
Pivotal have been amazing to us so far. Trevor came in contact with Ian (Crepea, who is now our manager at pivotal) when he was in Quo Vadis. Ian thought we had potential and has since then taken us from the ground up. He's been a great help to us and we're extremely thankful.
11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
The djent scene obviously has been a huge influence. Bands like Periphery have definitely revolutionized the genre, there are loads others. Recently i've been digging bands like Volumes, The Contortionist, Born of Osiris, that kinda stuff. We also love dubstep, and personally i listen to a lot of acoustic stuff like Andy McKee and Don Ross. The chord structure they use is amazing!
12. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
More progressive, more melodic, the cliche! Haha, I guess we'll just keep trying to expand our musical minds and take what we can from it!
13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Annex Theory/Beneath The Skin/Pivotal Recordings/2011 CD Review
Annex Theory are a band from Wineberg, Manitobia< Canada that plays a very technical form of death/thrash metal and this is a review of their 2011 album "Beneath The Skin" which was released by Pivotal Recordings.
Drums range from slow, midpaced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being used at times, while the bass playing has a very heavy and powerful sound with some technical sounding riffing, as for the synths when they are utilized they bring a dark and atmospheric sound to the music/
Rhythm guitars range from slow, midopaced to fast riffs that combine influences from thrash, groove and death metal with alot of talented soundiong technical riffing, while the lead guitars are very technical and melodic sounding extreme metal riffing.
Vocals range from thrash style growls, deep death metal growls and clean singing awith some high pitched screams being used on ocassion, while the lyrics cover everyday themes, as for the production it sounds very powerful, professional and heavy sound and you can hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording.
In my opinion Annex Theory are a very talented sounding technical death/thrash metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Beneath The Skin" and "Orbit". RECEMMONDED BUY.
Drums range from slow, midpaced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being used at times, while the bass playing has a very heavy and powerful sound with some technical sounding riffing, as for the synths when they are utilized they bring a dark and atmospheric sound to the music/
Rhythm guitars range from slow, midopaced to fast riffs that combine influences from thrash, groove and death metal with alot of talented soundiong technical riffing, while the lead guitars are very technical and melodic sounding extreme metal riffing.
Vocals range from thrash style growls, deep death metal growls and clean singing awith some high pitched screams being used on ocassion, while the lyrics cover everyday themes, as for the production it sounds very powerful, professional and heavy sound and you can hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording.
In my opinion Annex Theory are a very talented sounding technical death/thrash metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Beneath The Skin" and "Orbit". RECEMMONDED BUY.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Misguided Agression/Flood The Common Ground/2011 CD Review
Misguided Aggression are a band from Ontario, Canada that plays a mixture of progressive groove metal with some death metal influences and this is a review of their self released 2011 album "Flood The Common Ground".
Drums range from slow to midpaced drumming with only a small amount of fast drumming and not much in the way of blast beats, while the bass playing has a very thick and heavy tone with some groove metal riffing.
Rhythm guitars range from slow to midpaced rffing that combines progressive metal with groove and death metal and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.
Vocals are a combine of groove and death metal style growls, while the lyrics cover dark and everyday themes, as for the production it has a very powerful and professional with all of the musical instruments being very easy to hear.
In my opinion Misguided Aggression are a very good progressive groove metal band with a heavy death metal edge and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Winter Soldier" "The First Stone" and "Hidden Empire". RECEMMONDED BUY.
Drums range from slow to midpaced drumming with only a small amount of fast drumming and not much in the way of blast beats, while the bass playing has a very thick and heavy tone with some groove metal riffing.
Rhythm guitars range from slow to midpaced rffing that combines progressive metal with groove and death metal and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording.
Vocals are a combine of groove and death metal style growls, while the lyrics cover dark and everyday themes, as for the production it has a very powerful and professional with all of the musical instruments being very easy to hear.
In my opinion Misguided Aggression are a very good progressive groove metal band with a heavy death metal edge and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Winter Soldier" "The First Stone" and "Hidden Empire". RECEMMONDED BUY.
Trials Interview
1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?
We formed a few years ago in Chicago IL, with the sole mission of playing heavy music. Our record "Witness To The Downfall" will be arriving in the world on August 1st.2. How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the new album?
51 minutes of the brown note. 3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band's name?
The name was a reference to life being difficult (as in, 'Trials and Tribulations'). And since we named the band, things have only gotten harder!
The name was a reference to life being difficult (as in, 'Trials and Tribulations'). And since we named the band, things have only gotten harder!
5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
The shows lately have been really good. Cabaret Metro in Chicago was definitely a highlight for us, although we seem to do really well in more divey venues as well. Our live show is pretty straightforward -- no costumes, props or anything like that. Just aggressive music being played by aggressive people.
6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?
We are working on that at the moment.
7. Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label and if you what kind of label do you feel that would be a perfect fit for the music?
7. Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label and if you what kind of label do you feel that would be a perfect fit for the music?
We did have interest from several labels, but doing things on our own seemed to make more sense business-wise. And more importantly, we get to maintain complete control of our band and our music. However, we're not opposed to working with a label in the future. So far the reactions have mostly been very positive, and I think any fan of heavy music will find something to enjoy with this band.
8. Are there any side projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?Our drummer Adam records some stuff on his own, but as far as actual bands, this is our full-time gig.
9. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by underground metal fans?
8. Are there any side projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?
9. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by underground metal fans?
10. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?
13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Trials/Witness The Downfall/2011 CD Review
Trials are a band from Chicago, Illinois that combines death, technical, thrash and groove metal together with a great amount of melody and this is a review of their self released 2011 album "Witness To The Downfall".
Drums range from slow, midpaced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats, while the bass playing sounds very strong and powerful with some heavy and technical riffing.
Rhythm gutiars range from slow, midpaced to fast riffing that is also vey melodic and technical with a combination of inflences from death, thrash and groove metal with some soft playing being utilized at times and there are littl e to no guitar solos or leads present on the roecording, as for the accoutic guitars when they are utilized they being a classical music feel to the music.
Vocals are death/thrash/groove metal growls and yells with a great amount of clean singing being thrown in, while the lyrics cover hateful and everyday thmes, as for the production it sounds very powerful and professional sounding for a self released recording.
In my opinion Trials are a very good technical and meodic sounding death/thrash/groove metal and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "This Is Starvation" "Shadows And Traps" and "Take This From Me". RECEMMONDED BUY.
Drums range from slow, midpaced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats, while the bass playing sounds very strong and powerful with some heavy and technical riffing.
Rhythm gutiars range from slow, midpaced to fast riffing that is also vey melodic and technical with a combination of inflences from death, thrash and groove metal with some soft playing being utilized at times and there are littl e to no guitar solos or leads present on the roecording, as for the accoutic guitars when they are utilized they being a classical music feel to the music.
Vocals are death/thrash/groove metal growls and yells with a great amount of clean singing being thrown in, while the lyrics cover hateful and everyday thmes, as for the production it sounds very powerful and professional sounding for a self released recording.
In my opinion Trials are a very good technical and meodic sounding death/thrash/groove metal and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "This Is Starvation" "Shadows And Traps" and "Take This From Me". RECEMMONDED BUY.
Icon In Me Interview
1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
We're getting ready to release our second studio album named Head Break Solution. A lot of preparations – interviews and other promotion, ETC. More recently, we released our new video for the song Un-Slaved, and before that we launched internet single which is still available for free download on our official website www.iconinme.com. Also, we are booking a tour to support our new album, which will happen this fall. So as you can imagine we are not sitting without a job (
2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?
Well, the songs on this album has more speed and attack. I think it more towards thrash metal. But the songs still have a lot of melodic - catchy moments - so our signum is still here. By tradition, we have many guests on the new album whom all have their own unique musical mood. Well, the sound from the masters of craft - Ben Schigel very good! This album will punch you right hook, and you don’t have time to dodge. I recommend it to all fans of good metal songs :)
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?
Tony>>> The red thread I'm using now is «casualties of war», mainly. People suffer, people die, infrastructure collapses, warmongers rule the earth etc
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band’s name?
Our name doesn't pose too much hidden meaning. This is just a call to everyone more confidence in their own strength rather than go with the flow and commit their lives every pseudo-religions imposed on us from above. Also, it seems that ICON IN ME just sounds good.
5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
Ooooh. We put on a sick show dude !,.. Machine for beating dust out of your head. Our singer Tony is amazing frontman. He goes out and hypnotizes audience like a boa constrictor with rabbits. I think you should once in a lifetime visit one of our live performance.
I think one of our best show was a support of Machine Head in Moscow. This was our first live show and we were very excited. But everything went very well and the guys from MH watching all show our side of the stage - and then they came up and thanked us for the excellent support. That was really cool!
6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?
As I said before, we are booking a tour in support of new album this fall. Maybe it will include not only the territory of Russia as well as Europe and America. Very soon, we will know about it.
7. The new album is coming out on Goomba Music, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?
Yes it's true - the album's release in America and Canada is thru Goomba Music. I think that the guys from "Goomba" does a really professional work and know how to submit a new group in the U.S. market. They have done a great job promotion vise over the past few weeks and I am sure that this is only the beginning.
8. on a worldwide level how has your music been received by extreme metal fans?
Internet is very important role the in the modern world. With it, the musicians all over the world have the opportunity to show their metal music to fans. We are also actively using the Internet to promote our music. Also, if you know our debut album was released on the well-known metal label - Massacre rec. So we already have some, little fame in the circles of metal heads all over the world.
9. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
OMG. I think that it is too early to plan our musical future. Our new album hasn’t released yet - so that we still have a lot of work to promote it before we start to think about the new records. We will see later.
10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
I've always listened to a lot of different music. I wasn’t only a extreme metal head. So my list of bands that influenced me as a musician - can be very large. I’m listening to a lot of different music , in the past and nowadays aswell.. But the main style for me is metal. Right now answering your questions I hear the new In Flames album.
11. outside of music what are some of your interests?
Most of the musicians in our band have families and children. Thus I think that this is a big interest for most of us. Also I'm interested in shooting and hunting. But of course the music is our love for life.
12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
I wish that the metal fans should listen to less shit that we get from the pop channels like MTV, etc. Don’t believe all sorts of corrupt politicians - no matter what country they are - they only want money and power. Stay metal. Listen good music and go to a good metal show. Peace to ya’ll!
We're getting ready to release our second studio album named Head Break Solution. A lot of preparations – interviews and other promotion, ETC. More recently, we released our new video for the song Un-Slaved, and before that we launched internet single which is still available for free download on our official website www.iconinme.com. Also, we are booking a tour to support our new album, which will happen this fall. So as you can imagine we are not sitting without a job (
2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?
Well, the songs on this album has more speed and attack. I think it more towards thrash metal. But the songs still have a lot of melodic - catchy moments - so our signum is still here. By tradition, we have many guests on the new album whom all have their own unique musical mood. Well, the sound from the masters of craft - Ben Schigel very good! This album will punch you right hook, and you don’t have time to dodge. I recommend it to all fans of good metal songs :)
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?
Tony>>> The red thread I'm using now is «casualties of war», mainly. People suffer, people die, infrastructure collapses, warmongers rule the earth etc
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band’s name?
Our name doesn't pose too much hidden meaning. This is just a call to everyone more confidence in their own strength rather than go with the flow and commit their lives every pseudo-religions imposed on us from above. Also, it seems that ICON IN ME just sounds good.
5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
Ooooh. We put on a sick show dude !,.. Machine for beating dust out of your head. Our singer Tony is amazing frontman. He goes out and hypnotizes audience like a boa constrictor with rabbits. I think you should once in a lifetime visit one of our live performance.
I think one of our best show was a support of Machine Head in Moscow. This was our first live show and we were very excited. But everything went very well and the guys from MH watching all show our side of the stage - and then they came up and thanked us for the excellent support. That was really cool!
6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?
As I said before, we are booking a tour in support of new album this fall. Maybe it will include not only the territory of Russia as well as Europe and America. Very soon, we will know about it.
7. The new album is coming out on Goomba Music, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?
Yes it's true - the album's release in America and Canada is thru Goomba Music. I think that the guys from "Goomba" does a really professional work and know how to submit a new group in the U.S. market. They have done a great job promotion vise over the past few weeks and I am sure that this is only the beginning.
8. on a worldwide level how has your music been received by extreme metal fans?
Internet is very important role the in the modern world. With it, the musicians all over the world have the opportunity to show their metal music to fans. We are also actively using the Internet to promote our music. Also, if you know our debut album was released on the well-known metal label - Massacre rec. So we already have some, little fame in the circles of metal heads all over the world.
9. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
OMG. I think that it is too early to plan our musical future. Our new album hasn’t released yet - so that we still have a lot of work to promote it before we start to think about the new records. We will see later.
10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
I've always listened to a lot of different music. I wasn’t only a extreme metal head. So my list of bands that influenced me as a musician - can be very large. I’m listening to a lot of different music , in the past and nowadays aswell.. But the main style for me is metal. Right now answering your questions I hear the new In Flames album.
11. outside of music what are some of your interests?
Most of the musicians in our band have families and children. Thus I think that this is a big interest for most of us. Also I'm interested in shooting and hunting. But of course the music is our love for life.
12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
I wish that the metal fans should listen to less shit that we get from the pop channels like MTV, etc. Don’t believe all sorts of corrupt politicians - no matter what country they are - they only want money and power. Stay metal. Listen good music and go to a good metal show. Peace to ya’ll!
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