ghUsa/Oswedeme/White Square Music/2017 CD Review

  ghUsa  are  a  band  from  France  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  an  old  school  form  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2017  album  "Oswedeme"  which  will  be  released  in  May  by  White  Square  Music.

  Classical  guitar  playing  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  drum  beats  a  few  seconds  alter  and  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording  and  when  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  fashion  and  after  awhile  the  music  starts  getting  real  heavy.

  Vocals  are  mostly  deep  death  metal  growls  along  with  a  few  screams  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  on  some  tracks  the  vocals  have  a  semi  melodic  tone  to  them  and  while  the  music  is  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  the  production  gives  the  songs  a  more  modern  feeling  and  classical  guitars  also  make  a  return  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording.

  ghUsa  creates  another  recording  that  remains  true  to  the  old  school  style  of  death  metal  from  previous  releases,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  anti  religion  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  album  from  ghUsa  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  old  school  death  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Project  9:  :Epitaph"  "in  Gods  We  Fear"  and  "Brave  new  Hell".  8  out  of  10. 

Arkana Code/Brutal Conflict/Metal Scrap Records/2017 CD Review

  Arkana  Code  are  a  band  from  Russia  that  plays  a  traditional  form  of  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2017  album  "Brutal  Conflict"  which  was  released  by  Metal  Scrap  Records.

  Clean  guitars  and  atmospheric  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  and  after  the  intro  the  music  goes  into  more  of  a  heavier  and  melodic  musical  direction  and  after  awhile death  metal growls  and  high  pitched  screams  are  added  onto  the  recording  along  with  all  of  the  instruments  sounding  very  powerful.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  while  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  when  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  old  school  fashion  while  also  utilizing  a  decent  amount  of  melody  and  whispers  along  with  spoken  word  parts  are  also  used  at  times  and  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  while  still  retaining  a  very  modern  edge.

  Arkana  Code  plays  a  style  of  death  metal t hat  is  very  traditional  while  also  mixing  in  influences  from  the  old  school  and  modern  era  of  the  genre,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  violent  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Arkana  Code  are  a  very  great  sounding  traditional  death  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Violent  Human  Corruption"  "Tortured  by  My  Mind"  "The  Holocaust  Horde"  and  "Astral  Illusion".  8  out  of  10. 

Psygnosis/Neptune/2017 Full Length Review

  Psygnosis  are  a  band  from  France  that  plays  an  instrumental  and  progressive  mixture  of  death  metal  and  industrial  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2017  album  "Neptune".

  Ambient  style  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  atmospheric  sounding  synths  and  after  awhile  cello's  are  added  onto  the  recording a nd  spoken  word  parts  along  with  classical  guitars  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections of  the  recording  along  with  a  decent  amount  of  programmed  beats.

  Elements  of  electronic  music  can  be  heard  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while  the  heavier  sections  of  the  music  brings  in  the  heaviness  of  death  metal  and  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  also  utilizing  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  and  tremolo  picking.

  Throughout  the  recording  you  can  hear  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  along with  the  riffs  also  bringing  in  a  decent  amount  of  melody  while  all  of t he  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  songs  also  mix  in  a  great  amount  of  industrial  elements  and  most  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  also  add  in  a  great  amount  of  progressive  touches  and  as  the  album  progresses  classical  guitars  can  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording.

  Psygnosis  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  death  metal,  prog  metal,  industrial,  ambient  and  avant  garde  music  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  something  very  original  while  also  being  mostly  instrumental  and  the  production  sounds  very  professional.

  In  my  opinion  Psygnosis  are  a  very  great  sounding  progressive  and  instrumental  mixture  of  death  metal,  industrial,  ambient  and  avant  garde  music  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Phrase  7"  "To  Neptune"  "Sunyata"  and  "Nirvana".  8  out  of  10.

Meatwound/Largo/Magic Bullet Records/2017 CD Review

  Meatwound  are  a  band  from  Florida  that  has  been  featured before  in  this  zine  and  plays  an  industrial  form  of  death  metal  with  elements  of  hardcore,  noise  rock  and  punk  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2017  album  "Largo"  which  will  be  released  in  My  by  Magic  Bullet  Records.

  Distorted  noises  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  heavy  bass  guitars  and  elements  of  noise  rock  a  few  seconds  later  as  well  as  some  aggressive  industrial  style  vocals  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  and  the  music  mixes  in the  heaviness  of  death  metal.

  Elements  of  hardcore  can  be  heard  in  the  music  at  times  and  when  guitar  leads  are  utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  raw  and  distorted  yet  melodic  fashion  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  while  black  up  shouts  are  also  used  at  times  and  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's.

  On  this  recording  Meatwound  takes  death,  industrial  metal  and  noise  rock  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  very  dark  and  heavy  recording,  the  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  angry  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Meatwound  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  death  metal,  industrial  and  noise  rock,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRRACKS  INCLUDE  "Séance"  "Reproduction  Blues"  and  "largo".  8  out  of  10.

 

Carnal Garden Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
The band was actually formed in 2012 as a personal project and went through various line up changes, until I found the right people to complete the Carnal Garden puzzle. We released our first release, "On The Final Day" EP late 2015 and the time has come for our first full length assault entitled "Where They Are Silent" with the help of Ukrainian Eclectic Productions.

2.How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recordings?
Old school groovy death metal. Simple as that. You can find groovier parts or full on up tempo outbreaks, but our sound is pure death metal.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
We cover various topics and it mostly depends on who writes the lyrics for each song. I am more of a horror fan, meaning undead armies, demons and serial killers, while Kostas focuses more on sociopolitical and environmental issues.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Carnal Garden'?
I've actually been asked this question a lot lately. The name was inspired by a movie I came across late at night some time in the past. The movie is called "Cabin By The Lake" and it is not even one of my favorites. The protagonist there, a serial killer, invited girls for a romantic boat ride and killed them. Then, he dragged them underwater where he "took care" of his victims dressing them etc. That's when I came up with the idea of a carnal garden.

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Carnal Garden is actually a studio project, at least until now. There are no plans for a full live band or a live gig, but life taught me never say never. We'll see what the future has in store.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
No, not really. We will soon begin working on new material though.

7.Currently the band is signed to 'Eclectic Productions', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?
We are fortunate enough to have a label that helps us in any way it can. Evgeny, the man behind Eclectic Productions has been supporting us in every step. Check out Eclectic's site https://eclectic.net.ua for some great extreme bands.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of death metal?
Actually it is better than we expected. Most reviews are encouraging and we see a bigger interest in our music. Thanks to everyone who spent some of his/her time to listen to our music and write a few words. You fucking rule!

9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
I don't think we'll stray from our death metal path. As I mentioned before we may at parts be groovier or chaotic, slow or fast, but our identity is what it is.

10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
I cant' deny that I was listening to a lit of Dismember and Entombed, as well as some US death metal when I composed the songs for "Where They Are Silent". Our biggest influences are bands from both scenes (the US and the Scandinavian). You can also find our heavy metal roots in most of the songs. As far as these days, I've been listening to various and different genres of music. I never spend much time on one specific style as I'm easily bored. Lately I've been listening to many jazz & funk records, some electronic music and a lot of Thin Lizzy and The Allman Brothers. I guess it's all until the new Dying Fetus and Suffocation albums come out. Hahahaha!

11.What are some of your non musical interests?
I like reading books and watching movies. Going for a walk, listening to music... I guess usual stuff like most people.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
We'd like to thank you for giving the time and space to present our work. Keep it real, be yourselves and listen to good death metal! Meaning not our shitty "Where They Are Silent". Hahaha!

Cadaver Disposal Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?
The recordings finished in late January and since that, we have been rehearsing a lot for we are about to unleash the songs live as soon as possible, starting at the end of April with a release-show for “Transformatio Mundi”. Apart from that, some of us have other bands they play in, so Alex has been on a European tour for 5 weeks with MAJESTY and Torturer is rehearsing with bands like BETHLEHEM or MOR DAGOR.

2.You have a new album coming out during the end of April, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
Very good question! We sound as we do, I think. We never said “we need to sound like this and this band”, for we do not want to be a cheap copy of somebody. During songwriting, we always just play and try things out and if we like it, we make a song out of it. And – I think this is what really important – we do not stand still. This can clearly be heard when one compares our debut “May all be dead” with the current album “Transformatio Mundi”: The songs are way more complex now, the riffing varies a lot to fit the concept of the album. While we often read to sound a little like bands such as “Grave” or “Asphyx” in the past, we have now read that “Transformatio Mundi” has kind of unique style, which is really great and a fantastic compliment.

3.This is the first album to be released in 4 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time span?
From the beginning of 2014 until the middle of 2016, the band didn’t even exist. We split up due to job reasons and everybody had to deal with his daily businesses, be it bands or be it a regular job – so nothing really exciting to tell you about this time.

4.The lyrics on the new album have a concept to them, can you tell us a little bit more about the songwriting?
Most of the songs for “Transformatio Mundi” were (at least partially) written before the band split up in early 2014. After the reunion, they were all taken into consideration again and later finished, so that is the reason why we could start recording that short after the reunion. Most of the ideas come from Dennis (Guitars), who then sends his ideas around and the other members listen to it, giving feedback and have their own input then. When the songs for the album were finalized, I was starting to write the lyrics for them. As for the concept, I wanted to do something different this time and came up with the idea for an untypical topic for a Death Metal band. Since I used to study theology in my past, I thought this would fit pretty well – and probably does.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Cadaver Disposal'?
„Cadaver Disposal“ was founded after my former band „Braindead“ had split up. We wanted to do different sounds with this new project, so we also decided to choose a new name. We had a song entitled “Cadaver Disposal” and thought this would perfectly fit. The idea for this song came from the Charlton Heston-movie “Soylent Green”, where humanity found a…well…”interesting” way of treating the dead.

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?
Haha, to be honest: „Cadaver Disposal“ has never played live. YET! As already said before, the band split up due to job reasons in early 2014 and was dead for 2 years, so there was on chance of playing live. Once again: YET. As we are currently rehearsing a lot, we are about to hit stages as soon and as often as possible. And regarding our upcoming stage-performance: Since the album has a concept, also our shows will have this – be strained!

7.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?
Indeed we have planned a release-show planned until now. It will take place on April 28th in a club called “Helvete” in Oberhausen / Germany. We’ll be playing together with our buddies of “Depression” and “Meatknife” and as said before, this is going to be the first gig ever for “Cadaver Disposal”. Other gigs will surely take place. As for touring: We are open for everything, let’s see what will be.

8.The new album is going to be released on 'Nihilistic Empire Records', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?
„Nihilistic Empire Records“ is run by my best friend Jens. It is a small label from Duisburg and we got a deal with them in 2010, still being named “Braindead”. NE has released a few albums until today, like the fantastic “SELBSTENTLEIBUNG”, “DEUS INVERSUS” or “FINAL DEPRAVITY”. Since Jens is also our audio engineer and owns the AMP Studio (we recorded both our albums and the Demo here), we have everything out of one hand, which is great.

9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of death metal?
The feedback on the music we did so far has been really great. When we released our Demo “Signum Gloriae” in 2010, the reception was nearly enthusiastic, we were featured in so many blogs, mostly in the “Highly recommended”-sections. When we released our debut “May all be dead” in 2013, the reception was fantastic as well: Magazines and webzines really enjoyed our kind of sound and we got tons of real high ratings. As for “Transformatio Mundi” – the first reviews are slowly coming and yes, the trend seems to continue…J

10.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?
Our drummer Torturer is playing in a few other bands: So he will be doing several shows with BETHLEHEM, MOR DAGOR and GOAT TORMENT and maybe release an album with those bands, too. Bass-player Alex is also playing in MAJESTY, he just returned from a large European Tour together with BATTLE BEAST and will definitely play some more shows and festivals with them in 2017. As for guitarist Dennis: He is also playing with the Black Metal Newcomers “MALLEVS MALLEFICARVM” and in “FINAL DEPRAVITY”, so as well: Several shows with both of the bands.

11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
I think this is difficult to say. When you listen to “May all be dead” and “Transformatio Mundi”, you can clearly see the development there. So I think this will continue, but always having in mind that we will always sound like we feel like. So I cannot tell you a trend yet. Dennis already wrote two new songs and the only thing I can say is: They are kinda unique.

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
The thing with our songwriting is that we never put any limits on it. Once we start composing a song, we just need the feeling that it sounds great, so this question is difficult to answer. But yes, most of has have been influenced by the Oldschool Death Metal bands from the early 90s, such as Massacre, Deicide, Bolt Thrower, etc – but also by bands like Kreator. In one of the first reviews on “Transformatio Mundi”, I also read something kinda funny like “Judas Priest” (cause the riffs sounded epic) or “Voivod” – conincidence, but we saw this as compliments. To sum it up: We are of course trying to do our own thing and never want to be a cheap copy of anybody.
Personally, I listen to lots of different styles of music: Bowie, Cohan, Dead Can Dance, Nick Cave, Laibach, Depeche Mode, lots of industrial – and all the metal stuff, of course.

13.What are some of your non musical interests?
We are not only a band, but we are also friends in real life. Since we all have a regular job, we spend parts of the weekends together, having some beers, laughing, BBQ, whatever. My personal non-musical interests are movies, series and lots of literature, mostly biographies or documentaries.

14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
First of all: Thanks a lot for doing this interview with us, it was a pleasure to answer your questions and be sure that if you need some more information, you will get them, just ask. I hope that all those who read this interview will like our upcoming album and if you want to see “Cadaver Disposal” live in your town, just send us an e-mail. Last but not least: In case you haven’t seen it yet, we have just uploaded a new lyrics video for another song called “Congregation”. Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=mo6BNoWhLVQ&t=144s
See you all soon!
Stefan (CADAVER DISPOSAL)

Of Fire Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?
1. Oh well, We where supposed to release the album in August 2016 but the record company where greedy so We told them to fuck off. But We recorded a video for the song "Scavengers" of the new album during the summer and in November 2016 We went touring in Russia for 10 dates and show every night. We did 2 shows in siberia wich was truly awesome but damn it was cold overthere! It was a great tour Indeed and met lots of beautiful people, We will never forget russia it was awesome in all ways! Then We got home and did 2 shows in our beloved Stockholm and now We are just waiting for the release of the new album.

2.You have a new album coming out in April, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
2. It's more rock n'roll and more faster songs, and a Wider sound that covers more "styles" than the first album. For example We have one punky song called "Straight from the grave" some fast but not 300bpm with blastbeats through the whole song, more like rock n'roll fast or thrash fast songs, one song is an epic 12min song wich is more like 3 long parts and very atmospheric, and ofcorse some slow and heavy songs. The work with this album is taken by far more serious and every song has really been under the microscope and We have really given everything We have got, We are very proud of this album and It's the best album we have done in our lifetime. We have Done this album for ourselves to be proud of, like it should be.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?
3. The lyrical theme for this album is mostly about truth. True monsters that We have learned to fear like wolves, sharks, monster catfish, tigers etc, are they to fear? Or are they superior predators that keeps the balance of the ecosystem just trying to survive and pass on their genes just like us. Hatred and disgust of humanity as it has become with religion, society and politics. We want the listener to unleash the animal inside and praise mother earth. We need the nature, the nature doesn't need us. We cannot something We are not.

4.Originally the band was known as 'Spasm', what was the cause of the name change and also the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Of FIre'?
4. That is correct, well basically it was to many band called Spasm and We didn't feel connected to that name at all it was more or less just a working name until further abuse. OF FIRE is originally a song by Dismember and the name came up when We talked about old memories from our youth, sittning on grass, drinking beer and being rebellious teenagers with a boombox. We always played that song and it stands for the greatest time of our lives, We where like sons of fire. instantly the name clicked so we looked it up and there was no band called so We just took it.

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
5. Well it has been so many but top 5 would have to be, kazan in Russia, great place and superior crowd, i think the show is on youtube aswell. Tyumen in Siberia, awesome place and the crowd was mental! The most epic atmosphere Ever, a true magic night in cold Siberia. Cheliyabinsk in Russia, after 18 hours and over 900km in a shitty tourbus We came to packes place with swedish flags and people wearing clothes and tattoos with the swedish flag, heck they even spoke swedish with us and and made us feel like gods! And show was out of this world, fucking crazy. Bucharest in Romania, we where on tour with our mates in Wormwood and there had been LOTs of struggles on that tour but the show in Bucharest was amazing, the place was packed flor to roof and the crowd was like a boiling sea in front of us, it was a tuesdayand some people borrowed money to be able to buy a ticket just see us. That made the whole tour worth while indeed. Finally Stockholm, Sweden, our hometown and a place called Copperfields, nowadays It's one of the top place to play in Stockholm and We where opening for our brothers in Wormwood at their releaseparty, it was a great night with all of our friends and We manager to loosen up the typical stiff swedish crowd that night, and that is hard. A true Victory for us haha.
We are a true live band, we're been in bands and playing live since early teen years playing live is what we do best, we are natural with no makeup, no fancy clothes, intros etc. We like to keep it true, honest and down to earth all the way, we believe that if you need to hide behind a character with makeup and stageclothes and to play a role, then you need to question your self have you really got what it takes to deliver and are you really true to your self. But that's just what We think, there is no law and no right and wrong.
We are natural born killers om stage, We are the bringer of fury and adrenalin, true animals and give 500% always and in your face! No bullshit.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?
6. Only loose enda right now so Not at the moment but we are working on it. We are always looking for gigs So all you bookers out there, get in touch with us A.S.A.P especially now  when the new album is coming! In August OF FIRE is officially 5 years old so We would like to celebrare this with a Grand night with friends and foes and maybe play some songs live.

7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
7. Actually We are kind of signed with two labels at the moment with CD and Cassette release, although the CD release is delayed We have all the rights so that's why We release it digitally ourselves and a cassette release with a Malaysian label.
We are always open for working with people/labels/bookers etc. As long as it benefits OF FIRE and as always the problem is the money. We have had LOTs of labels interested but they want money We don't have and they won't gamble so they are the cowards not us. We want a label that truly believe in us and truly helps us, not taking our money. We are not doing this for the money but we won't get robbed so we wait until the right label comes around before we sign to Any commitment.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of death metal?
8. It's all good, the ones who likes what We do really likes us and that's all we could ask for, true fans. All We want is for everyone to be true to themselves, not to follow the stream of dead fish. Go fetch your life instead.
9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

9. Who knows, we don't want to be stuck in a genre we play OF FIRE music and this album is kind of Rot n'roll as We call it but for the next album is for the one who lives to see. we have such a diverse resource of musical inspiration between the members in the band, so it could go anywhere from here but it will always sound OF FIRE.

10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
10. Oh there is so many bands that inspire us, it must be at least 50 of them so.. but to name a few that everyone likes is Black Sabbath, Iron maiden and Metallica really.
We listen to every kind of music and everyone in the bands taste in music differs a lot so It's really hard to give you a righteous answer but all the biggest bands in all genres there is We guess from blues, jazz to hardcore and prog, thrash, doom ti'l death metal and black metal.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?
 11. We all praise the nature and are often out in the wild fishing, hiking, exploring and so on and it is vital for all of us to spend much time in the nature. Its probably the love of being in the wild that links us together at the most.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
12. We are thriller to let "Death do us all" upon the world so don't miss it when it comes out! If you like it, support us! Stay true to your self, you cannot be something your'e not, you only have one life so live it well! Praise mother earth and may she be with you!
Cheers!