GHOST-Lost Of Mercy CD/DVD Coming Soon 2022
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OLDSCHOOL METAL MANIAC XXIII Coming Soon 2022
poniedziałek, 01 sierpnia 2022 20:18 | Wpisany przez Oldchool Metal Maniac |
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Alas, some of the planned interviews aren’t featured at all…and what is most annoying here, is the very fact a number of people DID promise to answer our questions and then they just bailed…like Yosuke (NWN) who has, again, showed how much he truly supports the underground. I was also hoping to get my questions answered by Inferno (BEHEMOTH). It didn’t happen either. Well, if you talk the talk, walk the walk…yet, still, Armando from MYSTIFIER is my biggest disappointment.
He has allegedly been an ardent fan of SARCOFAGO; at first, he was very enthusiastic about the whole idea and so on. But in the end, I wasted a couple of months trying to get his answers sent over to me. C`mon guys, this sort of behaviour is lame as fuck. I spent a lot of time and energy working on my questions, to make them as interesting as possible, and the interviewees have just tossed those questions out. Well, fuck off to you!
 Special Thanks
Cristiano Passos, Paweł Wojtowicz, José Luis Cano Barrón,Mariusz Majchrzak, Michał Hęciak, Wagner Antichrist Moura Lamounier, Gerard Incubus Mineli- SARCOFAGO, Josué Soares da Silva Júnior-BODE PRETO, Irn -GREYHAZE RECORDS ,ROCK BRIGADE,METAL MAGAZINE, Zeder Butcher Gonçalves do Patrocínio ex -SARCOFAGO, Charlie Curcio,Armando- ex SARCOFAGO/ HOLOCAUSTO , Manuel Hemriques- UGANGA, ex SARCOFAGO, Fabio Ihzsko- ex SARCOFAGO ,Rcicardo Neves -MUTILATOR, CHAKAL ,Zhema Rodero -VULCANO, Rua Luzitana- EVILCULT
Black Sin and Damnation- GRAVE DESECRATION, Regener Fortes-PANIC, Valério "Exterminator- WAR METAL HOLOCAUSTO Paweł Kaczyński, Przemysław Bukowski, Wanderley Perna -GENOCIDIO, Armando Pereira -MARQUEE RECORDS, INTO THE CAVE, Reinaldo Resan-INSULTER, Luiz Carlos Louzada- GOAT NECROPSY ,Johannes Chan- DESTRUKTION RECORDS ,Rodrigo --HELLAVENGER/ABISMO RECORDS)
I would like to thank all who have helped us create this very issue of Oldschool Metal Maniac. Without your help, this A Tribute to Sarcofago would never become a reality.
NecronosferatuS
A TRIBUTE TO BATHORY ACT II Good News!
wtorek, 30 sierpnia 2022 16:30 | Wpisany przez Oldchool Metal Maniac |
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Well, early next year, we plan to start working on “A tribute to BATHORY part II”. This`ll be the 25th issue of our Oldschool Metal Maniac Magazine.
We do want this issue to be as unique as possible and therefore we shall focus all of our efforts and energy on this very subject.
So, don’t be surprised to see our activities limited to our website only (www.oldschool-metal-maniac.com).
Before the end of 2022, you can expect A tribute to SARCOFAGO (in September, 160 pages of pure cult, in English) as well as another issue of OMMM (in Polish) in Novem
 Poprawiony (wtorek, 30 sierpnia 2022 16:35) MORBID INSANE- Sicken Crazy/No Future Coming Soon 2022
piątek, 15 kwietnia 2022 19:06 | Wpisany przez Oldchool Metal Maniac |
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A TRIBUTE TO BATHORY ACT II Attention!!!
wtorek, 30 sierpnia 2022 16:27 | Wpisany przez Oldchool Metal Maniac |
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Well, if any of you guys have got any interesting stuff related to BATHORY and you feel like sharing this with us, please email us right away. We are looking for any reviews, interviews, articles and so on… dealing with BATHORY and which aint featured in “A Tribute to Bathory part I”.
 In other words, the more stuff we get, the more Part II will feature in result.
And trust me on this: we want this part II to be at least as awesome as part I.
Any help will be very much appreciated.
Oldschool Metal Maniac # XXIII A Tribute To Sarcofago Coming Soon 2022
niedziela, 20 marca 2022 12:46 | Wpisany przez Oldchool Metal Maniac |
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RISEN PROPHECY- Into The Valley of Hinnom CD Metal On Metal 2015
piątek, 25 września 2015 10:35 | Wpisany przez Oldchool Metal Maniac |
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Poprawiony (piątek, 25 września 2015 10:44) NEW HELLAVENGER
niedziela, 07 maja 2023 08:55 | Wpisany przez Oldchool Metal Maniac |
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Out of the bottomless darkness looms an eternal dread to announce that Chilean HELLAVENGER`s debut album is upon us. This music is awash in pure evilness…it pulsates menacingly, providing these hymns with unsettling energy. To resist this power is not possible, for this storm of devilishness shall easily possess, enslave and imprison your souls.
A slimy creature slithers over an altar of human skulls and bones. It yearns for human souls… The sound of infernal trumpets announces that the apocalyptical beast is come; it awoke in the deepest abyssal pits after centuries of feeding on human nightmares.
Pulsating darkness, like deadly whispering, summoned by ancient spells heralds that the dark album by HELLAVENGER – “The Primordial Fire” has finally arrived. The black flame has been started at the altar of the Hell Lord. The sky becomes covered with bloody crimson, the earth has opened itself to let the filth crawl out and feed on unspeakable fear of innocent beings.
Hell itself has answered to the call of Dark Priests…they practise bloody rituals in the dungeons of ancient crypts to call the name of The One who boldly holds the banner of evil in his hands. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Rodrigo Hellavenger, the master of all Evil:
Hi Rodrigo, how are you?
- Hi Leszek, everything is fine here, in a cold day in Santiago while listening to SAMAEL – “Ceremony of Opposites” album.
When we last talked about HELLAVENGER, you were working on your compilation cd featuring two demos – “Lord of the Burning Abyss” and “The Primordial Flame.” Well, it didn’t take long for you guys to churn out a brand-new album called “The Primordial Fire”– self-released on tape in March 2023. Can you please tell us some more about this tape?
- Yes, that Demos compilation CD through your Thrashing Madness label was done in a very smooth and quick manner, and we are very satisfied about the result. I think it has helped us to show our Evil music in a wider range of Metal maniacs in Poland, Europe and the rest of the world, so thank you! We recorded our Debut album last year which took a lot of sessions and hard work to come up with the final version for a master to be put onto tape. This Independent version is intended to be shared with our close circle just to show our new Primordial Black Metal tracks in the most honest way. It is also used as promotional stuff to send to labels which could be interested to release other versions and some zines that could support our Dark Art.
Well, the first thing that needs to be discussed here is the album`s production – it is much better and clearer than previous stuff`s; yet, the demo quality made these songs' previous versions sound much filthier. Sure, this stuff still oozes of sulphur and tar but it is much clearer, hey. Did this sound change take place on purpose or what?
- Of course, it is always “a thing” to move from a demo sound to an album production because much better equipment is used and, as well, much more hours of sound engineering are spent. I think this is a natural improvement when a band wants to achieve a more powerful, dark and violent sound. Also, the demo tracks and everything about that happened in a period between 2011 and 2018 while the album was recorded in 2022, so the differences will be perceived in both sound and musical aspects. However, the Message, which is the most important thing, remains through the same Abyssal path.
Where did you record “The Primordial Fire”? Tell us about the studio and so on.
- This time we recorded in a studio called Mad Arabian studios where Bliol, the owner, is a professional sound engineer which has lot of experience with his own bands (GORHOTH, CEREMONIAL, EUTANASIA, etc.) and other good albums which have been recorded with his support. We had several meetings with him previously to start the recording phase because we needed to agree on a morbid vision about how we wanted our album to sound like. After this definition we agreed on the equipment to be used (amps, effects, mics, etc.) and scheduled the agenda where all the recording must happen.
The recording session took place (with breaks) between February and November 2022, right? Why so long, if I may ask? Are you happy with the final outcome?
- The recording sessions took place during the early months of the year only. We first recorded the drums, then both guitars, the bass, the vocals and finally the solos. What took more time to finish this process was the mixing and mastering phases, because some difficulties to agree on agendas to make them faster and, also, we had to have several versions before band approvals. We are proud of the outcome for this Independent Cassette version and we hope that Devil worshippers who listen to the Album can appreciate it as well. Nevertheless, we still need to work in some adjustments in the mix/master for the upcoming versions in other formats for labels that could be interested in this release.
I have blasted “The Primordial Fire” a couple of times already and I am under the impression that your style has changed. It is still very original but a bit different from the demo stuff. Would you agree? I would say this time, your music is much more brutal and intense, huh?
- As we defined our style as Primordial Black Metal we can move within different sounds and approaches over this Mystical genre. When I created the tracks for the “Lord of the Burning Abyss” demo I wanted to praise honor to the first inception of the sound that VENOM created in the first half of the ‘80s. With this Debut Album, we developed our Sinister path with much more violent and dark aspects as it we have moved between 1986 and 1991, a period from where many classic recordings inspired us in the composition of the songs. So, because of this, you should perceive more intensity, obscurity and violence throughout the album.
I am aware of the fact that creating music means searching for one`s own music identity. With each and every new release a band gets nearer to the moment in which they can say – hey this is our own, unique style. When it comes to HELLAVENGER, well, I think I can hear a lot of progress in your music, but you seem not to be too sure which path you guys will follow in the future. What do you say?
- We are very clear about the Sinister path we want to follow and, as mentioned in the previous question, it is called “Primordial Black Metal”. This means that in the future you could hear First Wave or Second Wave Black Metal moments adding Death Thrash elements which have always been a big inspiration for us. As you know me for so many years, you know that I am a fuckin’ obsessed maniac for all the Metal recordings which sound evil and dark so you could notice this obsession in very different manners through the album tracks. I think that is good, because we don’t reach an “obvious” result and every song has its own charm. In other words, our Devil Art is like a Horror Movie, where you have lot of different scenes but in the end, they are part of the same Film with the same Macabre message.
Hey, can you elaborate on each song this album features? What are the lyrics all about? Which track is your favourite?
- I would prefer that all lyrics part can be explained once the new versions of the album are available. At this moment, I can only say that the whole album talks about topics like: the search of the Power of the Occult, the Serpent and its poison, the Doom over mankind, invocations of the spirits from Beyond, the conquest of Lands beyond the Abyss, the triumphant procession of our Iron Legion and other funeral stories. I don’t have a favorite track as I use to listen to the whole album in a round. I also want to highlight the amazing works of the two Metal maniacs that created the intro and interludes featured in the Album: one of them is Synod from the GRABUNHOLD band in Germany (great BM band btw), I entered in contact with him thanks to Andreas Condemptor from BAXAXAXA. The other maniac that helped us is Daren from Poland, who played in great bands like HOLY DEATH and MGLA, I must thank you again Leszek for providing me with his contact.
There is some Polish element featured in this stuff too, right?
- Yes, as mentioned in the previous answer, Daren “Neradiza” composed two of the great intros featured on the album.
Ok, it might sound like a premature question, but what has the response to “The Primordial Fire” been so far?
- We have already distributed some copies of the cassettes here in Chile and most of the feedback we have received have been very good, in terms of the sound and production of the tape. We have sent several parcels to our close allies in other countries, so we expect that our poison will start burning people's veins in the most Perpetual way very soon.
Can you spill the beans a bit and tell me how many tapes you guys have sold so far? How many copies have you made in total?
- The Independent release consist of 150 copies of a tape production completely made in Chile, which meant a great satisfaction but, at the same, lot of headaches because all the delays and few details that are always found due to the, sometimes, lack of a professional attitude on the works of the people within the UG here. Anyway, the response towards the cassette has been good until now so we really hope to get a good contract with some other labels. In general terms, most of the copies have been given to our contacts in Chile and abroad as a gift because of their comradeship and constant support to the band. Few copies were sold to people in Chile to recover some of the investment we spent but, in the end, the most important thing for us is to show our music in Physical format, without ANY internet/virtual support or promotion until now. We strongly believe that this is almost the only way to do something different and against the system in a world where people have the urge to show every single step or idea in the Virtual/Fake world.
This album is out on tape. If I get it right, you guys are going to release it on LP and CD in Europe, Asia, USA? Any interest from any labels so far? Or is it too early to ask?
- Not sure Leszek, we are still in the physical distribution phase, this means that we still need to send all remaining copies and then wait for the response of the owners of labels who receive the tape. So then, the deals will depend on their impressions of our Album after they listened to it on their cassette players and how fluent the offers and communications are conducted. I must say that there are some labels already interested but patience is the greatest virtue we need to practice on a daily basis. As you see, we are trying to do everything in the most UG way, the same way followed by the Old legends before the internet pushes everything as an “instant click”. I know that perhaps it is completely outdated and slower compared to how most of the bands promote their music nowadays through virtual platforms, but we strongly believe that there is NO better experience than receiving a cassette, put it in your stereo and listen to the entire stuff for the first time while looking at the cover and reading the track list. This is the Spirit of the Evil One in our minds and we will worship this forever!!!
Some HELLAVENGER members are involved in FORCE OF DARKNESS too. Does it affect your live shows in any way? Are HELLAVENGER going to play some tours in order to promote this new stuff? If so, where can your fans expect to see you guys?
- We have prioritized the musical compositions and recordings with our band therefore we have not played in any show yet, although we have been invited to some concerts in the past. Our main purpose is to transcend with our evil recordings and deliver our powerful message through them, however, we are starting to plan rehearsals of a setlist in case we are invited to play live in a future Satanic Ritual where other bands and atmosphere are the proper ones.
HELLAVENGER `s music is very awash with this peculiar devilishness. Tell me what your inspirations are when it comes to writing such devilish music, huh? Man, when I listen to this album I can sense the Horned One is close...
- After becoming Possessed as a teenager and almost three decades dedicated to the listening of Dark and Evil stuff, I think we only need to find the way to express our poison inside the best way we can, and this means that frequent practice of our instruments is required. At the same time, it is also mandatory to keep walking the Left-Hand Path and avoid all the lies, traps and chains that Global Manipulators use to force the people to obey their rules like innocent lambs. You know, the NWO agenda is advancing everywhere with its multiple attacks (the global virus was one of the hardest ones) so, for me, to collect Metal music and attend Metal concerts/fairs is not enough to confront the dirty game they play. We must become Warriors, perhaps not the perfect ones but at least we should do our best by learning history and occult themes, keep healthy and strong, and not follow every stupid trend imposed by politicians or people in power. We know that nowadays the rainbow flag, political correctness and cancellations are as disgusting and dangerous as the Christian cross and its followers so beware of falling in their traps!
When we take a closer look at the Chilean scene, one thing becomes obvious. A lot of Chilean bands have got this unique dose of devilishness in their music. You know, as if these bands were born with the devil`s mark. This is so unique and natural, man, I tell you. Why is it like this?
- Well, I wouldn’t go that far about a “Devil’s mark” in the Current Chilean bands. Although there are a lot of them that sound violent and dark, play with good technique and have cool live performances, I’m not sure if all of them really have the Devil branded in their souls (and this applies not only to Chilean bands, of course). What happens in Chile is that our country has been a Social experiment for decades and that is why so many people, including metalheads, hate everything related to authorities. And for the worst, the greedy politicians from left and right wings are always trying to take advantage of this and wash some old and young people's brains infecting them with their pathetic ideologies of a “better country”. This has infected in a so hard manner in the last years that polarization because of political affinities on the population, including Metal scene, is beyond any sense. I think that could resume why Metal has served as a weapon for so many bands to express the disconformity, frustration and anger against all that is imposed by the force. On the other hand, musically speaking, I think nowadays it is easier than before to search for legendary recordings and replicate an “Underground” sound but, at the same time and IMHO, most of the bands are really lost regarding a radical message that should be spread instead of abusing clichés. In the early years of Metal, bands tried to express something unique in both musical and lyrical aspects against what shitty things were happening in Society, to demonstrate the opposition against Religion and Moral laws and that was demonstrated in the lyrics and also in the Visual appearance. After more than 40 years since then, the historical context has changed a lot, but the rulers of the world are the same and, unfortunately, the acceptance of the new digitalization era has blinded most of the rebel souls which are part of the Worldwide metal scene. Nowadays, I see most of the people involved in Metal activities affected by a compulsive consumerism to buy every stuff labeled as a “must”. It’s sad but people keep buying and buying instead of listening and thinking and then spending tons of hours feeding their egos on virtual platforms by showing every single private moment of their lives. And regarding Metal concerts, I think that a grand majority go just to get completely drunk and record videos with their phones instead of banging their heads and appreciating the complete shows. Being said that, what I am trying to bring and preserve are some of the most important Traditions in the Underground and they are: to try to become stronger every day, to understand who the fuck are the actual enemies in your life and to avoid to be blinded by the False Light.
You have been part of the metal scene for years. You are also an ardent music fan too. Tell me what bands have impressed you recently? Any good, promising Chilean bands you wish to recommend to us?
- You know that I am always looking for obscure stuff from the past and the present. As per old discoveries, some trades and re-releases have brought very good stuff to my ears such as: BACKOUT (BEL), ZONA MORTA (BRAZIL), TERMINATOR (POL), FATA MORGANA (CZE), AZAZEL (POL), OBLIVION (USA, NY), MISERY (SWI), S.F.H (CAN), DEAD CHRIST (UK), DEMACRATOR (PAN), O.T.T. (USA) among many others. As per International acts from the current times, I follow the work of UG bands such as GLASNIK SMRTI (SERBIA), SIJJIN (GER), CAIXÃO (POR), BAXAXA (GER), NECROCARNATION (ARG/GER), GOAT TYRANT (POL), TRUPI SWAD (POL), MALOKARPATAN/KROLOK (SVK), CRYPS OF WALLACHIA (BEL), MOONCITADEL (FIN), DEUS MORTEM (POL), AZAXUL (GER), CONTUMACY (PER), OATH OF CRUELTY (USA), RADIATION (SVK). OBROK (BUL) and tons more. In regards of bands from my country that I support and know that are working on new stuff or have recent releases out I can name: ABISMA, MALIGNANT ASCETICISM, PACTO AMEN, SOUL’S PYRE, ORACULUM, SCIENTIAM TEMPLUM, INVOCATION, NECROPHOROS, ORION, ROTTEN TOMB, KERASFORA, IMPURO GRAL, INSURREXION, BLACK BEAST...there are more of course but they escape to my mind now.
Well, so, “The Primordial Fire” is out. What should I wish you guys as far as this stuff is concerned?
- We really hope to find a Label to release our Album in other versions and that it can help us with good promotion and distribution within the Ultimate Underground maniacs throughout the world, because, honestly, this Album was recorded with our entire guts and burning dark souls! Our email contact is: Adres poczty elektronicznej jest chroniony przed robotami spamującymi. W przeglądarce musi być włączona obsługa JavaScript, żeby go zobaczyć.
Time to wrap up, I guess. Thanks a lot for your time and your answers. Any last words for our old school metal maniac readers? Take care.
- As always, my eternal gratitude for your comradeship and constant support to my bands and projects through the years. I would urge to the OMM readers to keep supporting Old School Metal maniac zine and Thrashing Madness records and to stay alert about the HELLAVENGER news when, hopefully, our Album is out and available through other labels. And as last Call: Be part of our Iron Legion and enter the Burning Abyss! We need Evil Warriors to keep fighting against all Manipulations! Primordial Black Metal is the only Law!!! In Nomine Satanas HELLAVENGER
NecronosferatuS Poprawiony (poniedziałek, 08 maja 2023 15:52) NEW INTERVIEW KNIFE
sobota, 29 kwietnia 2023 17:10 | Wpisany przez Oldchool Metal Maniac |
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Teutonic metal is doing fine these days, no doubt. If you need proof, well, you go listen to KNIFE`s excellent, self-titled debut album…ok, lads and ladies, this is KNIFE from the German town of Marburg:
Hello. Some time ago Florian sent me your debut, self-titled album from. This stuff kills, I must say, congratulations on awesome music!
Thanks a lot, glad you enjoy it. We put a lot of effort in the debut album and we’re happy that
people seem to dig it. It is time for real metal to reclaim the throne.
Well, as I can see you used up the COVID time really productively. I am sure you rehearsed a lot before recording and releasing your debut album, huh?
We mainly used the pandemic to write the songs and plan the release and basically did not have a lot of time to rehearse once the album was scheduled. Luckily, we all have more or less experience in recording so the songs and the recordings turned out great. But still we are
sure the next record will be even more METAL because we became tighter due to the shows
we have already played.
These days, there are fewer and fewer bands who rehearse together. Yes, I understand that some bands` members live very far away from each other but otherwise I think that`s weird.
There’s nothing better for a band than to get together to rehearse and create their music; jamming with each other. Otherwise, music somewhat lacks emotions…and I would say
while rehearsing a lot of great ideas can be found as well! What do you think about it?
 I totally agree, even though we usually meet after Laz has already some ideas for the choruses and verses and I have already prepared parts of the lyrics. But of course the arrangements, the feeling and the energy only emerges when we play together and thus steadily improve.
Your music adds “fuel to the fire” of the archaic, metal tradition. So that this amazing genre shall never be forgotten. Was that your aim when you formed KNIFE?
You nailed it. It is quite simple: our aim is to deliver the energy of the first wave of Black Metal, the rawness of Punk and the power and melody of Heavy and Speed Metal. True Metal is supposed to be
played to crowds of maniacs with a passion for our music and this is what we want to do.
This album stands for a solid dose of old school metal, the way I love it! And man, I was so surprised to learn KNIFE formed just in 2019. How hard is it to play music like this, these days?
Thank you, mate. As mentioned before, we took a lot of time to prepare everything. For whatever reasons we were fortunate enough to release our music more or less directly after the first recordings.
I think that it always depends on what your band wants to achieve. Our main goal is to play fuckin’ fast a raw Speed Metal. If we sell records or not, or if we play in front of 5 or 500 people. It is the
music that drives us. So to us playing Metal is not hard, it’s just what we do.
 Well, I am trying to figure out what bands are your main inspirations? Any names?
As our “Slasher” on the album cover shows, to of our main influences are VENOM and IRON MAIDEN and I think this summarizes it quite well. But of course bands such as MOTÖRHEAD, JUDAS PRIEST,
SLAYER, KREATOR, SODOM, BATHORY, GBH, RAMONES, ENTOMBED, AGENT STEEL, VAN HALEN, WHIPLASH, TURBONEGRO or W.A.S.P.. are among our influences. I guess that all bands we listen to leave their marks in the KNIFE sound.
Your full-length album was recorded at Fat Knob Studio. Can you please tell us some more about the recording session? How did it go? How much time did you spend recording these songs?
The recordings were done by our drummer Ferli in his Fat Knob Studio. After starting with the drums we added the rest of the instruments and Ferli and Laz spent a lot of time to find the right sound of the album. It was important to capture the energy. If you read the name KNIFE you know what to expect. And this is what we wanted to have.
Before the debut album was out, you guys released some eps including two tapes (“Black Leather Hounds” and “Locked In”). Tell us now, why you decided to release these on tape?
Don’t you think that tapes are old-school to the bone?
When we started the band we wanted to give the people a first glance of what to expect when the KNIFE is risen. I think playing in an old school band requires an old school recording medium.
We did not want to do an online release only. We wanted to give the underground a nice release, something to enjoy and collect. It did not make sense to release a CD or a 7 inch vinyl. So we wanted the first
releases to be something special. We’ll hopefully release the album on tape as well.
 Well, apparently, a lot of people were interested in buying your tapes. Weird, right?I mean because tapes are just getting popular again, it wasn’t like this for a long time. What do you think about it? I can understand fans are into vinyls (quality of sound) but tapes, huh?
We were really surprised that the tapes sold quite well from the beginning. The second edition of the “Black Leather Hounds” was sold out within a few hours. Insane! Of course the best medium for our kind of music is the vinyl but I think that a tape is nice collectible but not really a serious medium for the perfect sound.
Your image is totally traditional and the way it used to be – that is, an integral part of music. This is sad that there are so many bands these days who forget about it. They usually create
good, interesting music but they look, at the same time, like a bunch of pussies. Why? Wasn’t like this in the past, that’s for sure!
think it is two-edged sword. Wearing denim and leather obviously is a kind of an image but this is just the way we think a Metal band should look like. Come on, it can’t be any better. Chains and Leather forever!
I do not really get why new bands do not care about their image. To us, Metal is a way of living and we want to convey this image to the people. But some even care TOO much and focus more on “looking 80s” than being authentic. A mustache and a mullet do not automatically make people Metal.To me, metal music has always been strictly associated with somewhat kitschy looking
layout/front covers. Well, paradoxically, that has always helped to make bands more recognizable.
 Don’t you think that your front cover fits this pattern as well?
I hope so, hehe. The photos and artworks are very important. If you have a cover like ours people know what to expect: the grimness of steel! The artwork is obviously influenced by some of our 80s faves so we also wanted to pay homage to the old Gods of Iron.
Maybe you can identify the different artworks that had an impact on the “Knife” artwork. Last year, you released another tape cassette titled “Sounds of Sacrifice”. It features three
different songs titled “Sacrifice”. Two of these belong to VENOM and BATHORY and one is your own. That’s a good idea to compile all three songs together, tell me how did you get the idea of such a release?
I am not really sure how the idea emerged. I guess it came up while listening to these ancient gods. Our song “Sacrifice” was originally entitled “Sound of Sacrifice”. At some point we discussed the fact
that there are several songs with that title. So we decided to cover them and make a fine compilation.
By the way, the live video of the “Sounds of Sacrifice” session was shot on Cronos’ birthday. Nice coincidence. Originally we planned to include MOTÖRHEAD’s “Sacrifice” as well, but it did not fit the atmosphere.
And it is also not that easy to play, hehe.
For many fans, to be inspired by other bands aint a problem. For instance, Quorthon claimed he had not been inspired by VENOM which is not true since there are a lot of similarities between these two bands: VENOM and BATHORY, right?
On the flip side, Quorthon removed any “funny” elements from this genre, he indeed planted the seed of darkness in this sort of music and thus this genre`s level of extremism became much higher. Well, if you were to choose which one was better, BATHORY or VENOM what would be your choice?
You’re right. I never understood why Quorthon claimed that he was not influenced or at least inspired by Venom. But thinking about which band is better...puh, that is a tough choice. Well, as you said, BATHORY brought the true darkness into Metal but I really dig the “Fuck you”-attitude of VENOM’s irst three records. On the other hand we also have the epic BATHORY records...Holy hell...well, I think VENOM would be my choice, at least when just considering the impact (and their three first records and singles).You videoed the whole “Sounds of Sacrifice” session.
 Can you please elaborate on this topic a little bit?
We were tired of all these bands doing these high quality “live in the studio” sessions. People in their everyday clothes playing music with “good” sound and so on. Our video is the antithesis to these
videos. It should just show four Metalheads in a nasty rehearsal space, sacrificing their souls to the Gods of Rock N Roll!
Do you have any other videos part from “Sounds of Sacrifice”?
After the lyric video for “Black Leather Hounds”, we shot the first video “Sword Loser” for the release of the “Black Leather Hounds” tape. We wanted to give the people who did not get a copy of the tape the chance to enjoy our music. There are also two videos to the songs “Chromium Prayer” and “K.N.I.F.E.” but they are rather visualizers. The second real video clip is “Inside the Electric Church” followed by “Behold the Horse of War”.Well, time is flying by so quick, right? I am sure you guy are working on some new songs.
Are you going to release any new stuff this year? How will these new songs compare to what we already know?
We were busy writing songs during the winter and they will be released later this year. They still follow the tradition of the first album. Fast, raw, aggressive Speed Metal Punk. In your face.
You guys are involved in other bands beside KNIFE, right? Can you please tell us some more about this topic a little bit?
Laz and I used to play together in an Action Rock band for more than 20 years. This band went on hiatus. Ferli is involved in several other bands such as CARNAL GHOUL and MILKING THE GOAT MACHINE. But currently we are all focusing on KNIFE
Well, after two years of no live shows, the situation seems to be improving! Plenty of summer fests are going to take place this year. So, you guys are playing at Wacken this year, huh? That’s really nice. Excited? Where else are you going to play live this year?
It is really weird to get the chance to play Wacken. I was there in 2000 and watching VENOM among other great bands. And now we will be there to play. Amazing. We are really excited. This is going to
be great. We will play some great festivals this summer like the Basinfest in Czech Republic, Pitfest in the Netherlands and Rock Hard Festival in Germany. At the end of this year we will play a 4 dates show with SODOM. Hell yeah!
Well, I am not sure if you know of the very wild, truly possessed fans here in Poland. So, when are you guys going to come over and play live in Poland?
We hope to come to Poland as soon as possible. We’ve already received some messages. Hopefully we will come to you maniacs this autumn. We’ll work on that.
I know you are now busy with your debut album recording session. How is this process going? Any issues?
Can you please elaborate a little on your new album?
We were busily recording new material the last winter and we can’t wait to unleash hell upon the headbanging hordes. Unfortunately I can not tell you more about it, but you can be sure that it will blow your speakers like the debut album did. Be prepared for an overdose of KNIFE Metal.
Like, you know, how many songs it will feature, the album`s title, what’s the name of the studio and who is the producer/sound engineer?
We decided to record the new album in the Fat Knob Studios again, with Ferli being the producer. The album title as well as the song titles and all the other important information will be published very
soon. There are still many things in progress. Stay tuned
When is it supposed to be released? Is Dying Victims going to be your label again?
The new album will be released via Napalm Records sometime this year. We still can’t give further information.
Can you please tell us more about the video clip you are making? Thanks.
The only thing I can tell you is that you can expect a tribute to the ancient Gods of Steel
Right, time to wrap up, I guess. Anything to add, any last words for our old school metal maniac mag readers?
Thanks, and take care.
First of all, thank you for the interview. And of course thanx to all the bangers you supported us. We hope to play Eastern Europe very soon. Until then, stay clean and do not forget to raise the fuckin’
KNIFE! Cheers.
Poprawiony (sobota, 29 kwietnia 2023 18:29) DEATH STRIKE Interview 2023
niedziela, 02 kwietnia 2023 20:02 | Wpisany przez Oldchool Metal Maniac |
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So, here we have an enjoyable chat with Paul Speckmann about DEATHSTRIKE and some other things. To me, all of the bands (MASTER, ABOMINATION, SPECKMANN PROJECT) he has been/is involved in are killer. Furious death/thrash with plenty of aggressiveness and awesomeness. Plain and fucking simple. If you happen to be in Germany this year, go and see DEATHSTRIKE live. They crush. Ok, read on.
Hi Paul, how are you doing?
- Doing great, just returned from Germany from playing a great festival called Taunus Metal Festival, it reminded me of why I like the underground so much brother! Nothing like this kind of atmosphere to keep a crazy old man like me in the scene!
Paul, what is the current status of DEATH STRIKE? According to Metal Archives, the band is active. And your label has been Nuclear Blast. Could you please elaborate a little on what is going on these days, what the current line-up is, how often you rehearse and so on?
- It's obvious to anyone out there that this is MASTER, plays DEATHSTRIKE, it's the same lineup at the moment or whatever lineup I choose to play the songs I wrote in 1985 along with Mittelbrun!
And further, what is DEATH STRIKE`s relationship with MASTER? As I can see DEATH STRIKE and MASTER share members with each other (Ruston Grosse and Pat Shea).
- Ruston Grosse and Pat Shea left the band MASTER for personal reasons and reside in the USA these days brother! Pat has become a pilot, and Ruston, teaches drums online and in person in Florida as well as filling in from time to time with famous bands, like in example his next show with INCANTATION! I wish the fellas the best with their lives of course, we had some killer times and made some killer memories together!
Can you please tell us some more about this “Fuckin` Live” album from 2015? What is this Obscene Extreme Asia, by the way?
- Curby and Obscene Extreme here in the Czech Republic had a few international festival shows in Asia and Mexico as well! We were invited to play the Obscene Extreme Festival Asia and one of the three evenings was recorded live!
As I can see you guys are going to be performing at Thrash Nightmare in October 2023 in company with plenty of other awesome bands. I am sure you guys must be pretty excited about it! Wish I could come over and see you play live! How often do you play live yourselves and how often do you go and see other bands play live?
- We are back at it playing 50 or more shows this year, thankfully things have picked up since Covid disappeared here! I look forward to playing shows equally my friend! Once in a while I go to a show to support friends, but as often as we play live, I prefer to visit my own gigs! At 60 years old things change a bit my friend!
I have always wanted to know why DEATH STRIKE`s demo 1985 has been so royally ignored (or maybe let`s say underappreciated) by deathrash fans…a lot of people seem to consider POSSESSED or DEATH as pioneers of death metal but they weirdly tend to forget about MASTER’s demo 1985 (and rehearsal) and DEATH STRIKE`s fucking death from the same year. Or ABOMINATION`s demo 1988!! These demos fucking crush!!!!!! Always have and always will!
- People are sometimes blinded by the truth, the truth often hurts and many time pioneers are forgotten, but we play on and deliver intense concerts frequently so be it! I live always in the future; the past is somehow meaningless too me now!
Paul, you have been living in the Czech Republic for many years now, right? 23 years now! Can you please tell me whether you feel more American or Czech? Do you speak the Czech language? Have you been Czech`fied and if yes, to what extent (food, mentality and so on)?
- My language skills have much to be desired, but my understanding is better of the Czech language! Obviously for me, this was the best choice I ever made in my life, the beer, the food, and my family here in Czech are the best ever! If, and when I tour America, which is every several years, of course I cannot wait to get back home where I live In Stare Mesto, believe me! I have no desire to ever return to the USA, unless a decent tour comes up again one day sir!
But how much are you the same guy you were back in Chicago in the mid-80s? Do you still blast metal stuff all day long? Do you still collect music on cd, dub tapes or read zines? Are you still in touch with all the people from your home city who were around when MASTER, DEATH STRIKE or ABOMINATION were (more) active?
- No, the jealous fools who never left Chicago to do another thing can cry all they wish. I made something of myself and don't have time to look back at their failures, good riddance! You would think people would be happy that one of their own made something of themselves, but all they are filled with, is envy! I have certainly changed in some things, I only listen to old Metal stuff, not interested in the newer bands, but this happens when you reach old age! I certainly see a few great younger bands on the road and I wish them the best of course, The Metal must live on!
There have been no new songs since 1991, right? Are you currently working on any new DEATH STRIKE tracks? If yes, are you going to perform these songs at this Thrash Nightmare fest?
- No new songs, this is only a chance for me to share the DEATHSTRIKE-MASTER tracks in their original form and a chance for me to enjoy myself, as the original DEATHSTRIKE lineup lasted a few months and never played a live show together! For that matter also, the original lineup of MASTER played 3 shows together, this is, was the sad reality for the other members! Dreamers they were, and I am still living the dream! Some guys chase women and use too many drugs and fall by the wayside!
Ok, can you please tell us about your plans for 2023. Do you plan to play live at any other fest either in the Czech Republic (apart from the above said fest of course) and abroad? Any chance DEATH STRIKE/MASTER/ABOMINATION fans can see you in Poland?
- DEATHSTRIKE has one more show this year in Germany as well, and anyone who wants to contact the band for a gig in Poland, can write me at Adres poczty elektronicznej jest chroniony przed robotami spamującymi. W przeglądarce musi być włączona obsługa JavaScript, żeby go zobaczyć.
That’s pretty much it, I think. Anything to add. Thanks a lot, and take care.
- I really have also nothing to add here except, as I always say, support the underground and your local scene, this is the way we can continue in Metal! speckmetal.net for more info!
Paweł Wojtowicz Poprawiony (poniedziałek, 03 kwietnia 2023 11:01) GRAVE DESECRATOR INTERVIEW 2023
czwartek, 30 marca 2023 06:52 | Wpisany przez Oldchool Metal Maniac |
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GRAVE DESECRATOR is Brazil`s one of most interesting bands, me thinks. Formed exactly 25 years ago, they have been pretty active and just provided us with their amazing, brand-new album "Immundissime Spiritus". A good reason for an interview, in my opinion, huh. Lads and ladies, this is GRAVE DESECRATOR`s main man: Butcherazor. Enjoy.
Hello Butcherazor. Well, it has been seven years since “Dust to Lust” was released… a long time, indeed. You surely have taken your time working on your new album, huh?
Butcherazor - Hi Leszek! We've been working on a new album since 2017/18, I think. A long time since "Dust..", many things have happened around here.
Anyhow, I would say these seven years have been very good for GRAVE DESECRATOR. Why? Because we have been provided with a very, very good album. Man, these 10 songs killed me totally, awesome stuff in other words, really!
Butcherazor - Thank you, brother. We've always worked hard on the songs. Not with the interest of revolutionizing something but creating good riffs, different perspectives. It's always a long creative process.
Can you please elaborate on “Immundissime Spiritus”? Where did you record this stuff? What studio?
Butcherazor - The main thing was Black Sin and I talked about what we wanted before writing anything. The idea in GRAVE DESECRATOR has always been to bring the macabre and violence. And we always try to make progress on that. It's like digging a grave deeper and deeper in each album. We've always written separately and put the whole thing together in the studio focusing on the atmosphere we're looking for. This time we record most of the stuff in our homes. Just the drums, some vocals and solos we did in the studio. We chose Tellus Studio in Niterói city, Rio de Janeiro, to record, mix and master. An amazing studio.
You have mentioned that Black Sin is no longer with GRAVE DESECRATOR. Can you please elaborate on this topic a little bit? What happened? Do you have a guy to replace him?
First, he's a good person, a good musician, but in recent years the environment has become very toxic. Emotional exhaustion is normal in any band, ok, the problem is when you leave the band days before several scheduled shows and tell the producers that the band is over. That's the attitude of a rip-off. Well, good luck to the musicians and producers who will be working with him. And yes! We have a new guitarist. A. Círio Sacrilege. A brilliant musician. And let's be clear, it only ends when I decide! I'm the FUCKIN' GRAVE DESECRATOR!
And how much time did it take you guys to get this album recorded? Anything special about the session? How did it go?
Butcherazor - "Immundissime spiritus" was the most painful and time-consuming album to record. For several reasons. And this time we did it without any label support, which made things more complicated. But the most important thing is that we got the result we wanted. This is the best GRAVE DESECRATOR album for me.
Tell us a bit about those last seven years and GRAVE DESECRATOR. Have you had any issues, problems and so on during that time? Has the line-up been changed in any way? What did you use those years for?
Butcherazor - Private problems, work, no money, line-up change, Covid, no money again, line-up change one more time, etc. etc. "Immundissime..." was spawned in chaos and finally this filthy demon will can possess your mind.
You mentioned that this time you guys will be attacking from “multiple directions” so to say. In other words, there`ll be more labels involved. As far as I know the label in Brazil that`ll take care of your album is Xaninho Producoes, how about releasing this stuff in Europe, Asia and the USA? I don’t think there’s going to be any problems cooperating with international record companies, huh? – because this album is simply amazing! Any offers so far?
Butcherazor - Yes, we talked with some labels in Europe and now we are negotiating with a label from Switzerland.
Well, talking about non-Brazilian editions of this album. Do you have any bonus tracks for Asian editions, for instance? You know, these extra songs are sort of mandatory when it comes to Asia. In Japan, FYI, albums are usually delayed but their local editions are usually enhanced with bonus stuff to make fans more interested in particular editions. Or, perhaps, you guys plan to release all the stuff at the same time, both in Europe and USA as well as Asia?
Butcherazor - So far, we have nothing established in Asia. But we don't have any bonuses for that. Everything we've done is on this new album.
So, tell me whether your new album will be paired with any touring all over the world?
Butcherazor - We're going to try to get our music out to as many cities as possible. Mainly for the South American audience. There are many places around here that we should visit.
Your album is going to be out very soon. I am more than sure you are about to start touring in order to promote it, right?
Yes of course. Unfortunately, we had to cancel some shows and reschedule others because of the aforementioned guitarist. But we're going to take this cursed band to as many cities as we can.
I must say I did enjoy your live show in Chorzow (Poland) during your 20 Years of Desecration European Tour 2018. You played live on three occasions here in Poland. And the show in Chorzow killed. Total fucking destruction. So, I do hope you`ll not forget about Poland and you`ll come over to play live again, huh?
Butcherazor - Of course, we will back to Europe again to drink some beers in Poland! haha
Who`s responsible for the new album`s layout and front cover?
Butcherazor - I designed and did all the layout. The cover was made by a friend of mine from Rio de Janeiro, Alexandre "Moicano". He is a great tattoo artist and painter in our city.
I have been blasting your new album on repeat all day and I must say the more I keep pounding these songs the more bulldozing they become. I must say my fave work of yours has been your second album for a long time; but now, I am not that sure which one I prefer most, because “Immundissime Spiritus” is just killer. Tell me how hard it is to maintain this high quality of music and, at the same time, to be able to release such fresh, sincere and honest music, huh?
Butcherazor - I did the same. Ha-ha, I really like what we do. I declare myself a riff maker who seeks to make the most cursed riffs. That's why my god is called Tony Iommi. Ha-ha.
Missa Pro Defunctis” oozes of Wojciech Kilar`s “The Ninth Gate” soundtrack. Is this assumption correct? Do you like Wojciech Kilar?
Absolutely. Wojciech's music was a big influence on this track. I've always wanted to try something that sounds like a band playing as an orchestra. I really liked the result. Oh man, Wojciech Kilar is fucking great! I got to know his music in the movie Bram Stoker's Dracula. It's spectacular!
“Immundissime Spiritus” is awash in devilishness. I think that thanks to this dark element your music becomes so omnipotently powerful. Why is it like this, I want to ask? Because darkness is always mysterious, attractive and thus alluring to listeners` imaginations? What are your inspirations when it comes to writing such darkness-suffused music, huh?
Butcherazor - Evil is the answer. Evil is my way. I really don't like cold riffs with boring melodies. I am inspired by the evil I hear in SLAYER, POSSESSED, VULCANO, BLACK SABBATH, etc. A riff that can rip your eyes out, burn your bones and consume your soul. I have hell inside my mind and hell is attractive. And to compose I penetrate this atmosphere. Whether with classical music, experimental films, literature... Check out the Brazilian gothic literature!!!
I suspect you guys are inspired by horror literature and soundtracks. Can you please name some movies and soundtracks that you find really impressive and inspiring?
Everything around can influence me to create music, lyrics, art. It depends on our perspective. I'm not totally chained to horror movies. The world can offer what is more subversive, evil and degrading than any B-movie. It's the weird arts, experimental films and music, controversial literature, that really capture my attention. This is probably not yet so evident in GRAVE DESECRATOR but that's what poisons my mind. I could name several cliché movies and soundtracks that I love, like The Exorcist, The Devil Rides Out, etc etc and composers like Basil Poledouris, Jerry Goldsmith, Vangelis, Ennio Morricone, James Bernard, etc. But it's been a while since I've been bewitched by Kenneth Anger movies and stuff like that. And I'm currently obsessed with the films of the Austrian Peter Tscherkassky. I've also been listening to a lot of classical Brazilian composers who are geniuses and totally ignored by most people: Heitor Villa-Lobos and José Maurício Nunes Garcia.
Can you please tell us some more about Brazilian gothic literature you have briefly mentioned? Sounds really interesting to me.
To explain this in the best way I could make an analogy with Brazilian Extreme Metal. We didn't create it but we absorbed a lot of ideas and we created our own style. SARCÓFAGO and SEPULTURA are perfect examples. In the same way, we created in the past a very rich literature. Writers and poets who delved into the abyss of terror and the grotesque in the aesthetics of Gothic literature. Some specialists call our style "Tropical gothic" due to adaptations. The cold and dark place that gave way to a light and sunny environment, but which brings an approach as diabolical as European tales. Álvares de Azevedo, Fagundes Varella, Augusto dos Anjos, Bernardo Guimarães, Cornélio Penna are great influences for me. A few years ago, I became an independent researcher on the history of Rio de Janeiro, I am writing a book about some bizarre and unknown stories and I have found many texts that have influenced me a lot.
Brazil, similar to Poland, is an ultra-roman catholic country, yet the antichristian rebellion is quite popular in both countries. Why?
Butcherazor - Oh no! There is nothing popular here in that sense. We are a minority here and we don't make a fuss. We are not known here. Brazil is still a conservative country and sick with a fever of Christianity. We just got out of a far-right government. A fascist and religious government that many metalheads supported. Brazil is a disgrace and some aspects.
Well, let us talk about your lyrics. What is more difficult to create? Music or lyrics? What does the writing process (of both) look like? I mean do you compose music and then write lyrics or do these two things happen at the same time? How important is inspiration when it comes to writing both music and lyrics? Is it an intentional or spontaneous process?
Butcherazor - Composing riffs or writing lyrics is equally difficult for me. I have no obstacles to create but for me to find exactly what I'm looking for is difficult. I tend to compose riffs first. Riffs are most important to me to create the perfect environment for the lyrics. Finding the idea, everything flows. I dive into different atmospheres for inspiration, with old movies, books, places, etc.
Well, judging by your “Death Misery Ecstasy” I am curious to know if you think that death is the absolute end of a human being?
Butcherazor - This song talks about exactly that. It's an analogy for saying that "death is the end and I'm fine with that". There are no other lives, there is no heaven or hell. And the greatest ecstasy is to be consumed by mother nature.
In general, your lyrics are damn dark. The main motifs, as far as I can tell, deal with blackness, misery, fall of the soul, abyssal depths and bewitching. How did you get inspired to write about such themes? Music, movies or books?
Butcherazor - Everything can be inspiration. I like to read about these topics. "Finis Hominis" for example is inspired by Lord Byron's poem "Darkness" and that title was stolen from a Brazilian movie with the same name and talks about the same things.
What happens to man when the thread of life gets broken? Are we just carrion to be devoured by maggots that help to break down the matter, help to rot the tissue? Or, perhaps, death helps to release the soul from the chains of the material substance? Do you believe in reincarnation in any form?
Butcherazor - If the "other side" existed, some human being from this place would try to market for you. The idea of another life exists only to alleviate your fears and frustrations. There are no proofs for reincarnation. Only decomposition is real!
Heaven and hell according to you? Do these two exist? Judging by what is happening right now on earth, I would say hell is right here, lock stock and barrel. Your opinion on this matter?
Butcherazor - The "hell" is here. Here you will be judged by your actions. The glory and suffering are part of life. Anything beyond that is fantasy.
When we look at human mankind, it is hard to deny that it is us and us only who are responsible for all the evil that has been affecting us. And these wrongdoings aren’t caused by some “devilish whispering”, just the very opposite. It is our internal need to obliterate, it is our destructive nature. But, as some claim we are created to liken gods, well, maybe most of our population has been paying homage to wrong gods then? What do you think?
Butcherazor - These are primitive ideas of every human being. Easy and comforting answers to difficult questions. Creating fables is not a problem. Art is fantasy. But we need maturity to understand the universe as it is.
Is Satan not an artificial creature created by religion to excuse religion`s own crimes? It is much easier to blame the Horned God for anything one would like to, instead of taking responsibility for one`s own wrongdoings and malice – using religion as an excuse?
Butcherazor - Exactly. And using the term "Satan" is perfect symbolism to express revolt against religions and political systems based on it.
How do you imagine Lucifer if you remove all the deformation imposed on him by religious teachings? I mean the Church purposefully created an image of him as a terrifying beast; of hell full of eternal pain and suffering and so on - in order to terrorize and control masses. Or maybe Lucifer is some sort of omnipotent energy that is so deeply intelligent that it can take any form there is and thus become what we indeed want/imagine him to be?
Butcherazor - Lucifer is an idea. And I like it. The symbol of the one who turned against god's laws and built his own world. And if his image terrifies Christians, it sounds much better!
In the past, many heretic groups (including Gnostics) perceived Lucifer as the god of goodness, and Jahve, the demiurge, as the tomb of all evil. Maybe the devil isn’t as bad as people say it actually is, huh?
Butcherazor - The Devil is the law! The Devil represents justice and freedom. The Devil will not judge you by your race or culture. The Devil will accept you regardless of your sexuality. The Devil represents unity between people and revenge against those who attempt against it. Meanwhile Christianity represents racism, xenophobia and ignorance.
On February 10, 2022, the vocalist of legendary KAT, Roman Kostrzewski died. That’s a huge loss for our Polish scene. This band has always been extremely influential and important. Always has and I think always will be. I know you`ve always been a huge KAT fan. Which album is your favourite by the way?
Butcherazor - I'm sorry for your loss. I honestly never followed KAT very much. Our former bassist, Necrogoat, was a really big fan and always talked about it. I remember the album "Metal and Hell". It's a great album. RIP Roman.
Well, that’s about it. Thank you for your time. Anything to add for your ardent fans/readers? Thanks again and take care.
Butcherazor - Thanks to you Leszek for this great interview and to the manic people of Poland. We had a good time there and want to come back often. Follow us on social media and if you like our shit buy our stuff. See you soon! METAL AND HELL!!! NecronosferatuS/ Pawł Wojtowicz Poprawiony (czwartek, 30 marca 2023 16:15) |
Another gem from the Italian label Metal on Metal. UK`s RISEN PROPHECY is back, after five years, with their second full length album. This is one of the more interesting bands this label has to offer, the label which has a good eye for valuable bands. And RISEN PROPHECY is a valuable band, for sure. It is dynamic thrash metal with a lot of Power influences. Boss Oliver`s powerful guitars keep as amazed again and again, cutting with their razor sharp riffs; solos are just breathtaking, the sound is just overwhelming. Plus, a very distinct vocal turns this material in a really explosive mixture. So the outcome is like this: a very interesting piece of music. And the music from “The Valley of Hinnom” is, indeed, unique. Here, you may find unusually complex songs, it all is perfectly balanced, and every single element is well hearable. The self-complementing instrumentarium of every band member is definitely noticeable. the rhythm section of Ben Olivier Bass and James Chalton is this album`s fuel. It all sounds very clear yet still filthy and rough. Too, Dan Tyren`s powerful vocal is this album`s bright point. There are no weak points here in this album, it all is just super tight and compact. The songs` amazing atmosphere is abundant with different moods. There are some calm moments, and there are some really wild ones. These 36 minutes of music is not enough, really. We need more. this stuff for maniacs into ICED EARTH, FORBIDDEN or UK`s SABBAT. Yeah, RISEN PROPHECY is cleverly influenced by these bands and they do not copy them mindlessly, oh no! Keep an eye on this talented band as they`ll show you again what they`re capable of! LWS
