Cold Colours Interview

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

Right now, the focus is getting the new album out to the masses and heard. Working on getting some more shows lined up to start promoting the album. Aside from the lineup I have in Minneapolis, I am also putting together another lineup in Chicago. That way I can do shows down there without having to transport a full band and their gear. I’ll just fly down and do shows with them there. I guess that’s one nice thing about being the only full time member!

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

I definitely feel more comfortable with the new material. All 4 albums have been VERY different from each other, which kind of was a bad choice. With the first album, it was a collection of various demos I had done for 4 years. It was very much a solo thing. By the time our second album, The Burden of Hope, came out; Cold Colours was a full band with 5 official members with 5 different ideas. We were all very into Anathema, Porcupine Tree and HIM and it showed. Unfortunately it did not turn out well at all. Another 6 years passed until “The Great Depression.” With that one I very much wanted to bring back the heaviness to the band, as the previous album wasn’t very metal at all. While it’s not a bad album, it almost became too “modern metal” sounding. After the lineup that recorded that album folded, I realized I needed to take back full control for the next album. So the new album is the most definitive of what I have always wanted the band to sound like. There are a few bits from the last 2 albums on there, but it is a much darker and gloomy record.  

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

The common theme on this album is my distaste for people around me. I hold my family and friends close, but there has been a lot of deceit in my life lately and I just don’t have the time to waste on people like that.

4. I know that the band started out as being Wolfthorn, what was the decision behind the name change, and also was the band named after the Rotting Christ cover you did?

I started Wolfthorn in 1995, and that name came from my love of wolves and roses. In 1998, I started up Root of All Evil Records with my friend Earl Root. In 1999 we started recording “Somnium XIII.” Since I had only done a few demos as Wolfthorn, I gave some thought to changing the name. I felt like Wolfthorn sounded like a black metal band, and it seemed very limiting. I wanted a name that was not so “I know what they sound like” sounding. Dave, my drummer at the time, and I went to my house and started looking through my CD collection for a new name. I picked up “Sleep of the Angels” by Rotting Christ and was immediately drawn to the name Cold Colours. I thought it fit the band and I liked how it didn’t make you think of a style of music right away when hearing it. So yep!

5. I know that the band is solo in the studio, have you thought about using a full band on albums like you do with live shows?

Sure. Dave, who played drums on the first album as well as the new one, hates playing live. The guy who recorded and mixed the album, Will Maravelas, was interested in stepping in and drumming for shows. He will also more than likely play drums on the next album. Aaron Lott played on the new album and also plays live. He is also writing with me for the next album.

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

I think my favorite shows are always when we get the opportunity to open for bigger bands that have an audience who can get into us more than the average local shows. The best have been Katatonia, Moonspell, Within Temptation and Candlemass. Our CD release show in 2005 was great as well. It was the end of an era with that lineup and was just a packed audience who all just really got into the music. As a live band, I really don’t try to pull off any “dark and spooky” facade. We definitely act a lot more serious when we’re opening for bigger bands. But for the most part, people are drinking and having a good time. We’re not going to try to be all serious and spooky live.

7. Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

I’m really hoping so. Like I said, I am working on getting a Chicago lineup going so I can play more down there. There are sporadic MN shows happening as well. I would love to get out and play more, but right now I don’t have the personnel to do so. Soon though!

8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to the new album by fans of gothic, doom and death metal?

It’s been pretty good, for the most part. Nothing “WOW” from anyone, but a lot of feedback has been “that’s what I always imagined you guys should sound like” comments. Some of the reviews have been kinda “blah,” but they are mostly from people who really liked the last album. So I am not surprised. All in all, I am very happy with the album, and even if reviews aren’t overwhelmingly positive – at least they are acknowledging the change with the direction of the band. And that is really all I am asking for at this point.

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

Well, I have a death metal/d-beat band called Mordwolf that is doing quite well. We just formed in 2012 and we hit the ground running. We are kinda slacking right now, but I am anxious to get moving on the full length which we are starting in August. Right now there is a 5 song demo that can be downloaded for free at www.mordwolf.net

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

We’ll definitely be sticking to the dark and doomy sound. We have a few songs written that are turning out a lot more of a heavier doom/death sound. It’s going to make sense with the current album. It won’t be as extreme as the previous album to album changes.

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

A lot of the same stuff as always. My collection is massive, so I rarely listen to albums more than once every 8 month; unless it is a new release. My Dying Bride, Amorphis and Paradise Lost are 3 of our biggest influences. All 3 are still putting out great albums. Lately, my faves have been bands I have loved for years, finally getting me as excited as when I first started listening to them. Bands like Artillery, Vicious Rumors, Voivod and Kreator are really bringing me back in after lulls of sub-par albums in the 90’s and early 2000’s

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

Honestly, I don’t really do much outside of music other than “family man” stuff. I am happily married with a 3 ½ year old son. Everything else I do is music related. Whether it’s practicing, writing and recording; shopping for music, reading metal magazines and sites, etc. I pretty much live on metal music when I am not working or being Daddy.

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

Thanks for the support. Check out the new Cold Colours CD. I am really happy with this one and am really hoping to reel people in this time!

Concrete Icon/Perennial Anguish/Black Vulture Records/2013 CD Review

  Concrete  Icon  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  plays  a  very  old  school  form  of  death/doom  metal  with  elements  of  sludge  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "Perennial  Anguish"  which  was  released  by  Black  Vulture  Records.

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

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  old  school  death  metal  with  doom  as  well  as  mixing  in  some  sludge  elements  and  dark  melodies  in  the  riffing  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  dark  and  melodic  sounding  doom/death  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  range  from  deep  death  metal  growls  to  high  pitched  screams  along  with  a  brief  use  of  clean  singing,  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness,  death,  suffering,  sorrow  and  apocalypse  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  to  it.

  In  my  opinion  Concrete  Icon  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  old  school  death  metal  and  doom  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Haven  Defiled"  "Sadness  Among  Us"  and  "Perennial  Anguish".  RECOMMENDED BUY.

Schwarzer Engel/In Brennedon Himmeln/Massacre Records/2013 CD Review

  Schwarzer  Engel  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  with  a  musical  style  I  would  describe  as  being  dark  gothic  metal  with  influences  from  doom,  black  and  melodic  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "In  Brennedon  Himmeln"  which  was  released  by  Massacre  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  mid  playing  with  only  a  small  amount  of  fast  drumming  and  blast  beats  being  present  on  this  recording,  while  the  synths  bring  a  very  dark, atmospheric,  symphonic  and  gothic  sound  to  the  music,  as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars  and  at  times  they  have  a v ery  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow, mid  paced  to  fast  gothic  metal  riffs  that  also  combine  influences  from  industrial,  doom,  black  and  melodic  death  metal  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  dark  and  melodic  sounding  gothic  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  range  from  death  metal  growls,  black  metal  screams,  and  clean  singing  gothic  vocals  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  female  singing,  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  German  and  cover  dark  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy,  dark  and  professional  sound  to  it  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Schwarzer  Engle  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  dark,  gothic  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "In  Brennedon  Himmeln"  "Der  Faehrmann"  "Rache"  and  "Verneinen".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

Temple Of Void Interview

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

Alex: Temple of Void is a new death/doom band from the dark recesses of Detroit. Brent and I have a long history of playing in bands together. This is number five, I believe. But for the rest of us, this is a brand new collaboration. Many things had to fall into place to make it happen. But we’ve emerged from the primordial ooze and we’ve already started constructing our own universe. The band has a lot of history playing in other successful local and national bands and we’ve brought all that knowledge to the table with us.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

Alex: We’ve taken some molecules from the DNA of Paradise Lost, Katatonia, Autopsy, Entombed, Bolt Thrower, and My Dying Bride and mutated them into something unique. It’s our own chimaera. It seems to be equal parts old school death metal and doom. We have traces of dark melodies like Katatonia and Paradise Lost, but we’ve anchored the sound around thick, heavy, trem-picked death metal guitars. The bass was described as “titanic,” and I don’t think any of us have played with a drummer that pounds this fucking hard. Jason is a beast among men.

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

Alex: I hate to speak on Mike’s behalf but I know he pulls reference from film and literature. The man has a VHS collection that’s second to none. It provides a wealth of inspiration. He’s also very well read can pull from Robert E Howard to Oscar Wilde to Shakespeare.

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

Alex: The band has a unilateral love for comics. Eric was inspired from a line in Alan Moore’s Watchmen. I believe Doc Manhattan was traversing time and space and made a comment about the void winds. That was the genesis for our name. We wanted something expansive and non-specific. A name that could grow with the band and not pigeonhole us into a certain scene or aesthetic. My bandmate in Hellmouth was the man to take it from its seed through to fruition. Jay was helping out Temple of Void since the beginning. And since everyone in the band is really interested in iconography and ancient history to one degree or another, it just fit us perfectly.

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

Alex: Haven’t played our first show yet. But I can guarantee it’s going to be heavy as fuck. We’re bringin a lot of amplification! Heads will bang.

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

Alex: Our first show is July 18th. Anyone out of state wants to book us...get ahold of us!

We don’t expect to be playing out a ton. We’ll just take it slowly and whatever happens happens. Currently we’re working on some midwest and east coast dates for later in the year...

7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or received any interest?

Alex: Archaic Sound is putting out the demo in digipac format with a bonus track. That’ll be later this year. Til You Fukkin Bleed has put out the demo on cassette. And we’ve signed with a couple labels to do a full-length CD and LP in early 2014. They haven’t announced that yet so we’re keeping details under wraps. But we’re very excited to be working with some good friends.

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

Alex: I do Hellmouth. Same four guys for over five years now. We’re currently wrapping up a demo of new material to shop around to labels so we can do album III. We went into the same studio ToV did. It’s called Mount Doom, and it’s run by a great dude. Hellmouth has been keeping it under the radar, but something’s brewing. It’s still very much in keeping with what we do, but somehow we’ve made it more disgusting sounding. More blast beats, more grind, more black metal influence on this record.

Eric does Knife. They sound like a mix between Rollins Band, Danzig and Crowbar. He just put out their debut EP on his own label, Caveman in a Spaceship. They rule hard.

Mike does so many bands I honestly can’t keep track. His newest venture is a thrash band called Nuke. They’re finishing up their demo and from what I’ve heard it’s really freakin cool. He also does Acid Witch, which I’m sure you’re familiar with. They need no further explanation. He’s been doing a band for years called Failed. They’re hard to describe but I’ll go out on a limb and say AmRep style. He also does a cover band with some students of his and they just opened for Everlast this weekend. I’m sure he can die a happy and complete soul now.

Jason does a Latin American styled band called the Motorcity Troubadours. They’re very similar to the likes of Ibrahim Ferrer and Antonio Carlos Jobim. Very cool, talented stuff.

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

Alex: We’re currently writing for our debut full-length. We’re about halfway done. As we continue to write we’ll constantly evolve as we play up our strengths and eschew any weaknesses. We spend a long time crafting our songs. They go through many forms until we’re totally satisfied. We have a vision for the band and we need to make sure that our output matches the vision, while still advancing it in the future. We won’t stagnate, but exactly how we’ll grow is anyone’s guess. I expect it will always be some cross between doom and death, but I don’t know which way the pendulum will swing the most.

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

Alex: What we listen to and what we play can be totally separate things. From a metal standpoint, I think the band is influenced by Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride and Anathema. We also look towards old Katatonia, Bolt Thrower, Neurosis and Entombed. We don’t look to emulate any particular band. We’re not interested in copying. We’re interested in what Temple of Void can create. It’s our own idiosyncratic sound and vision. Something unique. But still familiar in reference.

Personally, I’m listened to the hell out of Coliseum right now. Diggin the new Darkthrone, Vallenfyre, rockin some old Kraftwerk, Vastum, Goldie, Underworld, Necros Christos, Killing Joke, Jay-Z and Fudge Tunnel.

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

Alex: Motorcycles and fast cars. Film and literature. 

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

Alex: There’s a lot of good metal coming out of the Detroit area. Look out for the likes of Beast in the Field, Writhing, Konkeror, Isenblast, Perversion, Saprogenic, and Serpent Speech.

Locktender Interview

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

Andrew: To be honest, we have set 2013 aside mainly for recording. We have done and will do a couple weekend tours here and there around the Midwest, but for the most part we have set this year aside to record Kafka and our next LP Rodin. We have spent so much time working on these albums, that it was really the best move to get them out there before we started working on more new material. Now that Kafka is complete, we are making plans to recordRodin sometime in the early fall.

Jason: That said, we also have the opposite problem of most bands by having way too much material and already started working on the release after Rodin. We get so excited by new material that all we want to play live is new songs that haven't been recorded yet.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album?

Andrew: For me at least, it's odd to isolate Kafka as a sound on its own because I was writing it at the same time as Collected & Rodin. I feel I'm always tinkering with a bunch of things at once, and what gets recorded isn't necessarily what was started first rather what gets completed first. Some of the Rodinsongs are older than Collected & Kafka songs. That said, I feel Kafka was centered around being positive and optimistic. I think it's apparent with a lot of my lyrics and even some of the brighter sounding chords with the guitars. I loved what we did with Men As Trees, but since becoming a father I wanted to focus on what is good/what we can do better rather than focus on the negatives. 

Jason: When we are writing a lot of times the music will come first and once we have several songs it becomes obvious which ones go together. The Kafka songs all seemed to fit together the same way that the Rodin ones do, with a cohesive sound and flow. We kind of feel like where one is light the other will be dark. That isn't to say that all the future music will be heavier and darker, or that we are committed to a specific direction. It's an organic process and at the same time a little bi-polar.

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

Jason: We touch on a lot of topics, together and in our own way since there are all four of our voices on the record. Kafka's aphorisms that we based this album on are so wonderful and really abstract that they can open themselves up to lots of interpretation. Specifically the album touches on the experience of leaving and arriving in new places, freedom and living fully, integrity and artistic value, religion, environmentalism, the ability to connect with others, parenthood...actually a lot of themes of transition and experience, both looking back and anticipating the new. Andrew's is right that Locktender does try and take these subjects, a lot of which could be approached negatively, and try to see them in a positive or optimistic light. There is still a lot of anger on the record but we try and focus that in a way that isn't pessimistic or nihilistic.

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

Andrew: Locktender actually started when I moved to the Philadelphia area after a brief stint teaching English in South Korea. Jason and I really wanted to start a 3 piece band in Korea, which didn't work out since I left to come back to the states to start a family. I had a bunch of music written that was intended for Jason & I, but when I moved back to Philly I started playing music with Jon & Kyle (old friends, ex-Lady is Not for Burning/current-Casillis). So what was originally a super fast hardcore/techy punk screamo sound got really slowed down and re-thought with those guys...like really slowed down...like no distortion even. Very different but very cool. I think that had a big influence on the sound we ended up with. We played for awhile and things slowly fizzled out due to life commitments. Regardless, during that time we decided to call ourselves Locktender. It came about from me running along the Delaware River in Pennsylvania and seeing the old locktender's houses and monuments. A locktender was someone who controlled the different locks/accesses and flows of the river and I feel like that idea translated well to music, especially ours. Once Locktender ended up relocating to Cleveland and starting with all the guys from Men As Trees, we had a different name at first but ended up coming back to Locktender. I feel like it fits our music well. 

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

Andrew: That's really a hard one. Certain shows are memorable for different reasons. A lot of the shows on our first European tour hold a special place in my heart. Playing on the Adriatic Sea in Slovenia during a thunderstorm, having Lithuanian friends travel 2 days to see us in Berlin and even playing for our Luxembourgian friends and picking stuff up like we were only there yesterday with Men As Trees. All great times. Stateside, we can't complain either. We just played Michigan for the first time in 4 years for all our old friends. It was a blast. And also recently got to do a weekend with The Reptilian. Super proud of how far those dudes have come and how great their music is. It's hard to pick one great show I guess. Skeletal Lightning Fest this year was a total riot too. I guess regardless of the turnout, it really only takes a couple rad people to make a show great. With regards to performance, probably any band can relate to things just feeling right. Playing with good friends, cool venues, etc, etc. I love playing with people we have known for years. It's nice to be a part of a scene that is so based on friendship.

Jason: I'd agree with all those shows for sure. We've also been able to play a ton of great Cleveland shows with bands that have toured through and we'd known in the past or gotten to know more recently. Joe from Masakari does lots of great booking here and we try and keep involved as much as we can.

6. Do you have any touring or show plans for the future/

Andrew: Like I said, this year is really focused on recording. We are still trying to get out there as much as possible. We are doing a weekend tour in July with Brighter Arrows. Long time buds who are just phenomenal musicians. Then we will record Rodin and hopefully do a another weekend in the fall with our friends in Yusuke. All of the recording is eventually leading up to us touring Europe again in 2014, most likely with those noodlely dudes in The Reptilian.

Jason: We are also playing our first hometown show since winter, a big benefit show for one of our good friends. It's going to be August 9th at the Grog Shop, lot's of great bands and an awesome cause.

7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to the new album by fans of underground music?

Andrew: So far it seems pretty positive. It's always hard to tell in this scene. I feel like music is released and it can be years until someone hears your music and responds to it. It does seem that people are enjoying it so far though. I'm curious to see people's reaction to Rodin since it is a lot darker in my opinion.

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

Andrew: It's pretty much a full time thing for all of us. With the amount of music we write and the length of our songs, it's almost hard to focus on other stuff and still give Locktender 100%. We are all also extremely busy with work/family/life/etc that there isn't a lot of time left for other endeavors. 

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

Andrew: We are always all over the map. Anything we do will sound like Locktender but since each release will focus on a different artist, the music tends to take the tone of that artist's work. Rodin will be darker but has it's bright moments and will also see the return of some additional instrumentation like melodica and strings. Next we are working on songs inspired by the German Romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich. Those songs are so night & day of each other but it works based on the art they are written for. 

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

Andrew: To be honest, I tend not to listen to a lot of music that sounds too much like us as I don't want to be influenced by it when writing. I personally spend most of my time listening to Sam Cooke, Motown & Lagwagon. As for influences, Envy & City Of Caterpillar will always hold a special place in my heart.

Jason: It's always great to see bands we love and respect and play with them on tour or in Cleveland. Last year was really great for that. For our music it almost seems like its own thing since we've been playing together for over 10 years now. Early on I think we would write things that we're heavily influenced by certain bands or songs but less so now. Andrew has a very unique guitar style that he writes with and I think has come into its own and evolved in Locktender.

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

Andrew: I think we all vary but have similar wants out of life. I'm a family man so I try to spend as much time with my wife and daughter as possible. Jason and I also hang a lot since we are brothers. Additionally, I'm all about getting together with old friends with good food, drinks and just relaxing. 

Jason: I'd agree with all that. We are lucky to all be very close and able to spend a lot of time together socially. We're also all involved in DIY-influenced hobbies outside of the music scene like brewing, cooking, publishing and have also always been pretty outdoorsy guys.

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

Andrew: Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with us. Hope to do it in person in the future :)

The Orange Man Theory/Giants, Demons And Flock Of Sheep/Subsound Records/2013 CD Review

  The  Orange  Man  Theory  are  a  band  from  Rome,  Italy  that  plays  a  mixture  of  death  metal,  stoner,  sludge, noise  and  punk  rock  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "Giants,  Demons And  Flock  Of  Sheep"  which  was  released  by  Subsound  Records.

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

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  death  metal,  stoner,  sludge,  noise  and  punk  rock  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  and  there  are  no  guitar  solos  or  leads  present  on  this  recording.

  Vocals  range  from  deep  death  metal  growls  to  high  pitched  noise/sludge  screams,  while  the  lyrics  cover  violent  and  hateful  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  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  The  Orange  Man  Theory  are  a very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  death  metal, s toner,  sludge,  noise  and punk rock  and  if  you  are  a f an  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Kill  Me"  "My  Heritage"  "Point  Of  No  Arrival"  and  "Help  Me".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

Cold Colours/Self Titled/Sleaszy Rider Records/2013 CD Review

 Cold  Colours  are  a  1  band  from  Minnesota  that  plays  a  very  depressive  from  of  gothic  doom/death  metal  with  some  black  metal  influences  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2013  album  which  was  released  by  Sleaszy  Rider  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  some  blast  beats being  utilized  at  times,  while  the  keyboards  bring  a  very  atmospheric,  symphonic  and  gothic  sound  to  the  music,  as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  gothic  doom/death  riffs  that  also  utilize  some  melodic  death  and  black  metal  elements  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  dark  and  melodic  sounding  doom  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  range  from  deep  death  metal  growls  to  some  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  as  well  as  some  clean  singing,  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  depressing  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  to  it.

  In  my  opinion  Cold  Colours  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  gothic/doom  death  metal b and  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  recording.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Disgust"  "Suffering  God"  "Of  Sand  And  Tears"  and  "Cold  Colours"  which  is  a  Rotting  Christ  cover.  RECOMMENDED  BUY. 

Sleestak/Altrusian Moon - A Lo-Fi Collection Of Psychedelia and Space Rock/2012 CD Review

  This  is  a  review  of  another  recording  from  Sleestak  with  the   musical  style  this  time  arounf  being  an  instrumental  hybrid  of  doom  metal,  sludge,  psychedelic  and  space  rock  with  the  album  being  self  released  in  2012  and  called  "A  Lo-Fi  Collection  Of  Psychedelia  and  Space  Rock".

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  playing  with  no  fast  playing  or  blast  beats  being  present  on  this  recording,  while  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  riffs  that  combine  doom  metal,  sludge,  space  rock  and  psychedelic  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  with  some  clean  playing  or  melody  being thrown  into  the  riffing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  and  tripped  out  70's  psychedelic  rock  guitar  solos  and  leads,  as  for  the  acoustic  guitars  they  use  finger  picking  and  full  chords  to  bring  in  progressive  rock  elements  to  the  album.

  Vocals  and  songwriting  are  mostly  absent  form  this  recording  with  the  music  being  all  instrumental  except  for  one song  and  they  have  a  sound  that  reminds  me  of  Cathedral  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  spoken  word  parts,  while  the  song  themes  cover  Altrusian  fiction,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy,  dark  and  professional  sound  for  being  a  self  released  recording  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording  with  most  of  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Sleestak  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  doom  metal  mixed  with  psychedelia  and  space  rock,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Phase  2"  and  "Phase  5".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.       

Planet Delirium/The Law Of Synchronicity/1999-04/2012 CD Compilation Review

  Planet  Delirium  where  a  band  from  Milwaukee,  Wisconsin  that  played  a  mixture  of  death,  doom  metal,  gothic,  hardcore,  thrash  and  blues  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2012  compilation  album  "The  Law  of  Synchronicity  1999-04".

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  playing  with  no  fast  playing  or  blast  beats  being  present  on  this  recording,  while  the  synths  bring  a  very  experimental,  gothic,  and  psychedelic  sound  to  the  compilation, as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  riffs  that  combine  doom,  death  metal,  thrash,  gothic,  hardcore  and  blues  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  along  with  a  good  amount  of  melody  being  thrown  into  the  riffing  as  well  as  some  soft  and  clean  playing,  while  the  lead  guitars  when  they  are  utilized  are  very  old  school  sounding  blues/  hard  rock/heavy  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads,  as  for  the  acoustic  guitars when  they  are  utilized    use  full  chords  to  enhance  the  blues  elements  of  the  album.

  Vocals  range  from  clean  singing  gothic  vocals,  deep  death  metal  growls  and  hardcore  style  shouts  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  rapping,  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  drug  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy,  dark  and  professional  sound  for  being  a  self  released  recording  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  album  with  only  a  couple  of  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Planet  Delirium  where  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  doom,  death  metal,  gothic,  hardcore  and  blues  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  'Opium  Daze"  "Wrong  Side  Of  The  Day"  "The  Misanthropic  Scarecrow"  and  "Generation  Sex".  RECOMMENDED  BUY. 

Sleestak/The Fall Of Altrusia/2011 CD Review

  This  is  another  review  of  a  recording  from  Sleestak  with  the  musical  style  being  a  very  heavy  and  psychedelic  form  of  doom  metal  with  the  album  being  self  released  in  2011  and  called  "The  Fall  Of  Altrusia".

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  playing  with  no  fast  drumming  or  blast  beats  being  present on  this  recording,  while  the  sound  effects  bring  the  psychedelic  elements  to  the  album,  as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  doom  metal  riffs  that  are  very  dark  and  heavy  sounding  with  elements  of  death,  sludge,  stoner,  post  metal  and  psychedelic  being  thrown  into  the  riffing  at  times  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  as  well  as  some  clean  playing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  psychedelic  sounding  metal/rock   guitar  solos  and  leads,  as  for  the  acoustic  guitars  they  use  finger  picking  and  full  chords  to  enhance  the  60's  and  70's  rock  elements  of  the  album.

  Vocals  range  from  deep  death  metal  growls   to  clean  singing,  while  the  song  lyrics  are  a  concept album  about  The   Fall  Of  Altrusia,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy,  dark  and  professional  sound  for  being  a  self  released  recording  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  album  along  with  some  of  the  songs  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Sleestak  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  heavy,  psychedelic  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "In  The  Beginning"  "The  Marshall  Prophecy"  and  "Pakuni  Shaman  Chant  Of  The Altrusian  Moth". RECOMMENDED  BUY.

Sleestak/Skylon Express/2010 CD Review

  Sleestak  are  a  band  from  Milwaukee,  Wisconsin  that  played  a  mixture  of  doom,  death  metal,  sludge,  stoner,  psychedelic  and  space  rock  on  this  recording  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2010  album  "Skylon  Express"  which  consists  of  the  ep's  "Library  of  Skulls"  and  "Skylon  Express".

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  playing  with  no  fast  drumming  or  blast  beats  being  present on  this  recording,  while the  sound  effects  bring  the  psychedelic,  space  and  70's  rock  influences  to  the  album,  as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  doom,  death  metal,  sludge,  stoner,  psychedelic  and  space  rock  together  to  create  a  sound  of t heir  own  along  with  some  melody  and  clean  playing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  psychedelic  sounding  stoner  rock  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  range  from  clean  singing,  spoken  word  parts  and  deep  death  metal  growls,  while  the  lyrics  cover  Altrusion  fiction,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy,  dark  and  professional  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording  with  most  of  the  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Sleestak  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  doom,  death  metal,  stoner,  sludge,  psychedelic  and  space  rock  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Skylon  Express"  Library  Of  Skulls"  and  "Sleestak  Wardance".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

Memory's Garden/Windows To The Soul/1997 Demo Review

  Memory's Garden  where  a  band  from  Wisconsin  that  played  a  mixture  of  doom  and  death  metal  with  psychedelic  elements  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  1997  demo  "Windows  To  The  Soul".

  Drums  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  playing  with  not  much  in  the  way  of  fast  playing  or  blast  beats,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the  riffing  that  are  coming out  of  the  guitars.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  heavy  and  dark  sounding  riffs  that  combine  doom  and  death  metal  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  while  also  mixing  in  some  70's  rock  influences and  melody  into  the  riffing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  70's  sounding  hard  rock/metal  guitar  solos  and  leads,  as  for  the  acoustic  when  they  are  utilized  use  full  chords  and  finger  picking  to  add  some  psychedelic  elements  to  the  demo.

  Vocals  range  from  deep  death  metal  growls  to  high  pitched  screams  as  well  as  some  spoken  word  and  horror  film  samples  as  well  as  some  clean  singing  doom  metal  vocals,  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  psychedelic  themes,  as  for t he  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  dark  and  heavy  sound  for  being  a  self  released  recording  along  with  a  couple  of  songs  being  long  and  epic  in  length.

  In  my  opinion  Memory's  Garden  where  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  psychedelic,  death  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of t his  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Planet  Delirium"  and  "Crypt  Of  Morning".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

Sickness/The Dark Harvest/1993 Demo Review

  Sickness  where  a  band  from  Wisconsin  that  played  a  mixture  of  doom  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  1993  demo  "The  Dark  Harvest".

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

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow, mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  doom  and  death  metal  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  dark  sounding  doom/death metal  guitar  solos  and  leads,  as  for  the  classical  guitars  which  are  only  utilized  briefly  use  finger  picking  to  enhance  the  dark  atmosphere  of  the  demo..

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

  In  my  opinion  Sickness  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  death  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Dark  Harvest"  and  "Sickened  Thought".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.