Without Mercy Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new ep?

Mostly we have been crazy busy adding some new things to our live show and booking the release tour for western canada.  We even started writing our next EP and planning some things for our internet fans that can’t get out to shows.

2.Recently you have released a new ep, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical direction it has taken and also how does it differ from your past recordings?

This ep was a great musical direction for us. It really represents the journey and path that we went on to get this thing out.  It really stands alone on many levels for us based on production value, song structure and musicianship. But probably one of the best parts about it was it helped us to close a chapter on a previous and outdated representation of the band. It helped us to evolve and bring along our fans and to reconnect with everything that made us start this in the first place. It was an absolute rebirth... hence the EP Title, Reborn.

3.This is the first release in 4 years, can you tell us a little bit more about the gap?

To be honest the gap was a result of being swamped.  The last release that we put out brought on a plethora of opportunities that were not available to us before.  We had festival appearances, multiple tours and even press events that struck us off guard.  When you’re an indie band doing things on your own with a complete DIY, noone is there to prepare you or guide you through this.  By the time we looked up it had already been three years!  This time around we are much more equipped and have a solid team helping us out.

4.Can you tell us a little bit more about the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the new release?

For this release, the lyrics really hit close to home.  When it came time to write the album we had made the decision to go with a really honest and organic approach.  Mostly the songs deal with things like, the loss of close friends and family, the internal conflict of self worth and even rebuilding your identity after a tremendous loss.  For me personally, the opening track deals a lot with some of the ignorance and empty egos that wrap around someone who has a very warped sense of entitlement. 

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Without Mercy'?
The name came from a combination of factors.. we wanted something powerful but also recognizable.  Something that represented how were about this entire organization, tenacious. 

6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

Our stage performance has be known for its energy level but probably more so for our humor. We love a great casual feel and will even crack a joke or two amongst some of the highest energy head spins around.  As for memorable shows who can forget great festivals like  Hell Mend Ya in Prince George, Armstrong Metal Fest, or any shows put on in Red Deer, Calgary and our hometown in Abbotsford. Those crowds are insane.

7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
Of course!  Without Mercy heads out on tour in May to cover as much of western canada as we can.  Then we have some festival appearances that should take us through the summer.  Also NYB productions is hosting our dual cd release show in Abbotsford and Vancouver on March 28 and 29.  Details for those shows and our tour can be found on our facebook page.

8.The new ep was self released, are you open to working with another record label again in the future?

We have yet to have the pleasure of working with a label. We’re not closed minded in that regard at all and would welcome the opportunity if it was presented.

9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your newer music by fans of death and thrash metal?
So far the reaction to the EP has been astounding.  Many people have commented on the change in direction that we have undergone and they seem to whole heartily approve of it. We have noticed the highest amount of digital downloads on release day that we have ever seen and this time was also the first time we handled pre orders which also seemed to spike.  

10.When can we expect a full length?
Hahaha to quote my favorite horror movie, “In time”.

11.What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
It has been an overwhelmingly eclectic collection in the last few years. Personally I’m really into the latest Jeff Loomis solo record that was an incredible release. Band wise Lamb of God is a staple but also our band standards such as:  Aeon, Cannibal Corpse, Nevermore, Pantera, Man Must Die and Decapitated.  We listened to a lot of the older albums which we all really dig as a band too.  Albums like:  Slayer’s God Hates Us All, Slipknot’s Iowa, Pantera’s Far Beyond Driven and some of the local bands that we love since they’re great buddies of ours.

12.Do you have any non musical interests?

We all do!  Matt (drums) is pretty handy with his green thumb and all. Tristan (Bass) really digs the lake, talking gear and beer tasting. And I’m quite the video game nerd and love martial arts training.

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Thanks a million for this man!  And as always, Fuck Pussy Metal.

Mesetiah/Tesis/3rd Track productions/2014 EP Review

  Mesetiah  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  plays  a  very  heavy  and  brutal  form  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2014  ep  "Tesis"  which  was  released  by  3rd  Track  Productions.

  The  ep  starts  out  with  a  very  heavy  and  brutal  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  sounding very  powerful  along  with  some  death  metal  growls  and  thrash  influences  and  after  awhile  melody  and  leads  are  brought  into  the  music.

  As  the  ep  continues  the  band  stick  to  mostly  a  mid  paced,  old  school  but  still  brutal  sound  while  also  still  utilizing  catchy  sounding  melodies  at  time s as  well  as  a  small  amount  of  groove  metal  elements  and  on  the  last  song  they  spped  up  a  bit  and  bring  in  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats.

  Mesetiah  are  another  band  that  sticks  to  an  old  school  death  metal  sound  and  while  there  is  nothing  original  on  this  ep,  the  band  makes  up  for  it  with  their  talent  and  their  ability  to  play  their  instruments  as  well  as  adding  in  catchy  parts  to  keep  their  music  interesting.

  Song  lyrics  cover  dark  and  violent  themes,  while  the  production  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  In  my  opinion  Mestiah  are  a  very  decent  sounding  old  school,  brutal  death  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Legacy  Of  The  Damned"  and  "Mother  Of  All  Executions".  7/5  out  of  10.    

































  

Devoid/The Invasion/Transcending Obscurity India/2013 EP Review

  Devoid  are  a  band  from  India  that  plays  a  mixture  of  thrash  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  ep  "The  invasion"  which  was  released  by  Transcending  Obscurity  India.

  The  ep  starts out  with  an  intro  which  uses  atmospheric  sounds  and  ethnic  style  guitars  as  well  as  other  instruments  and  when  the  music  goes  into  the  first  song  the  ep  goes  for  more  of  death  thrash  direction  along  with  a  mixture  of  growls  and  screams  as  well  as  groove  and  melody  and  after  awhile  blast  beats  are  added  into  the  music  which  also  leads  to  solos  and  leads.

  As  the  ep  continues  the  music  continues  its  mixture  of  death  metal  ,  groove  and  modern  day  thrash  while  also  sticking  to  mostly  a  heavy  mid  paced  direction  while  also  speeding up  a  bit  at  times  and  at  times  there  is  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  samples  as  well  as  the  leads  getting  technical  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording.

  On  this  ep  Devoid  take  the  heaviest  elements  of  modern  day  thrash,  groove  and  death  metal  to  create  a  very  decent  sounding  and  while  it  is  not  the  most  original  sounding  album  it  is  still  another  fine  example  of  extreme  metal.

  Song  lyrics  cover  political  and  everyday  themes  while  also  having  a  good  sense  of  their  own  country's  culture,  while  the  production  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  along  with  the  bass  guitar s being  mixed  down  low  in  the  mix.

  In  my  opinion  Devoid  are  a  very  decent  sounding  mixture  of  death,  groove  and  thrash  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Invasion"  and  "Brahma  Weapon".  7/5  out  of  10.   

Without Mercy/Reborn/2014 EP Review

  Without  Mercy  are  a  band  from  Canada  that  has  been  featured before  in  this  zine  with  a  musical  style  I  would  describe  as  being  a  technical  form  of  death  metal  along  with  groove,  thrash  and  metalcore  elements  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2014  ep  "Reborn".

  The  ep  starts  out  with  heavy  guitar  riffs,  drums  and  death  metal  growls  as  well  as  combining  many  different  extreme  metal  genres  together  and  after  awhile  solos  are  added  into  the  music  and  all  of  the  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  As  the  ep  continues  the  music  sticks  to  mostly  a  mid  paced  and  heavy  sound  while  also  bringing  in  technical  and  melodic  elements  as  well  as  a  small  amount  of  high  pitched  screams  and  there  are  no  fast  parts  or  blast  beats  being  utilized a nd  on  the  last  song  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  is  added  into  the  music.

  On  this  ep  Without  Mercy  combine  heavy  and  mid  paced  elements  of  death  metal,  groove  and  thrash  together  along  with  metalcore  and  technical  and  they  show  you  do not  have  to  be  fast  to  be  heavy.

  Song  lyrics  cover  violent  and  everyday  themes,  while  the  production  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  ep.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  decent  sounding  recording  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  death,  groove,  thrash  metal  and  metalcore,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Worthless"  and  "Morphine".  7/5  out  of  10.  

SystemHouse33/Depths of Despair/2013 CD Review

  SystemHouse33  are  a  band  from  India  that  plays  an  experimental  form  of  thrash  metal  with  elements  of  death  and  groove  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2013  album  "Depths  of  Despair".

  The  album  starts  out  with  an  intro  which  uses ethnic musical  sounds  along  with  a  dark atmosphere  and  after  the  intro  the  music  goes  into  a  heavy  groove/thrash  metal  direction  along  with  aggressive  industrial  style  vocals  and  sounds  as  well  as  some  death  metal  growls  and  after  awhile  blast  beats  are  added  into  the  music.

  As  the  album  continues  it  keeps  its  heavy  and  mid  paced  sound  while  also  being  more  aggressive  than  most  bands  of  that  genre  and  actually  having  decent  instead of  crappy  music  which  that  genre  is  known  for  and  at  times  melodies  are  brought  into  the  recording  as  well  as  a  small  amount  of  synths  and  on  the  5th  song  guitar  leads  are  introduced  and  the  following  song  there  is  alos  a  brief  use  of  melodic  singing  and  the  growls  make  an  even  stronger  presence.

  On  this  album  SystemHouse33  take  modern.thrash/groove  metal  and  make  it  sound  very  interesting  by  bringing  in  the  heaviness  of  death  metal  as  well  as  being  experimental  and  they  bring  new  life  to  a  very  stagnant  genre.

  Song  lyrics  cover  dark  themes,  while  the  production  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  SystemHouse33  are  a  very  decent  sounding mixture  of  experimental,  thrash,  groove  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Depths  of  Despair"  and  "Resistance".  7/5  out  of  10.          

Human Decay/Filgli Di Dio/2014 EP Review

  Human  Decay  are  a band from  Italy  that  plays  a  very  old  school form  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2014  ep  "Filgi  Di  Dio".

  The  ep  starts  out with  a  very  heavy  early  90's  sound  along  with  some  leads  and  starts  adding  in  melody  after  a  few  seconds  which  also  leads  to  some  death/thrash  style  vocals  and  there  is  nothing  modern  being  utilized  but  the  ep  shows  a  great  amount  of  skill  and  talent  and  after  awhile  the  death  metal  parts  start  to  really  kick  in.

  On  this  ep  Human  Decay  go  back  to  the early  90's  death  metal  sound  along  with  elements  of  thrash  and  while  they  add  nothing  new  to  the  genre  they  show  that  they  are  very  talented  musicians  on  the  3  songs  that  are  present  on  this  ep.

  Song  lyrics  are  written  in  Italian  and  cover  dark  themes,  while  the  production  has  a  very  dark,  heavy  and  old  school  sound  with  the  bass  guitars  being  mixed  down  low  in  the  mix.

  In  my  opinion  Human  Decay  are  a  very  decent  sounding  old  school  death  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check out  this  ep>  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Vampiri".  7/5  out  of  10.

Kuazar/Wrath of God/2009 CD Review

   Kuazar  are  a  band  from  Paragauy  that  plays  an  old  school  form  of  death/thrash  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2009  album  "Wrath  Of  God".

  The  album  starts  out  with  with  a  very  heavy  and  old  school  thrash  metal  sound  along  with  blast  beats  before  adding  in  aggressive  vocals  and  melody  as  well  as  an  early  death  metal  feeling  as  well  as  the  bass  and  leads  bringing  a  technical  feeling  to  the  recording  as  well  as  some  growls.

  As  the  album  progresses  it  gets  more  fast,  heavy  and  melodic  and  the music  combines  the  early  days  of  both  death  and  thrash  metal  and  on  the  4th  and  8th  song  clean  guitars  are  added  into  the  music  before  returning  to  a  heavier  direction  on  the  next  song's   and  adding  in  groove  elements  while  also  remaining  true  to  death/thrash  metal.

  On  this  album  Kuazzar  take  the  mid  80's  thrash  sound  and  combine  it  with  the  early  stages  of  death  metal  and  they  create  an  album  that  is  very  old  school  and  heavy  yet  brutal  all  at  the  same  time.

  Song  lyrics  cover  violent,  hateful  and  everyday  themes,  while  the  production  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  Kuazar  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  death  and  thrash  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Truth  Of  Reality"  "Inner  Prison"  "Hunter  And  Prey"  and  "Twenty  Days  in  Hell".  8/5  out  of  10.