My Reflection/This World Belongs To Us/Inverse Records/2014 Single Review

   My  Reflection  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  plays  a  gothic  form  of  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2014  single  "This  World  Belongs  To  Us"  which  was  released  by  Inverse  Records.

  The single starts  out  with  electronic  music  sound s before  going  into  a  more  modern  gothic  metal/hard  rock  direction  along  with  some  melodic  female  vocals  and  powerful  sounding  bass  lines  and  a  mixture  of  clean  and  heavy  parts  as  well  as  adding  in  a  small  amount  screams  and  grows  that  bring  in  black  and  death  metal  influences  while  the main  focus  is  on  melodic  gothic  metal  and  on  the  second  track  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  added  in  along  with  a  small  amount  of  acoustic  guitars  after  the  heavier  parts.

  My  Reflection  are  another  band  that  is  in  the modern  gothic  metal  vein  having  a  very  catchy  and  almost  poppy  sound  while  using  small  amounts  of  death  and  black  metal  in t he  heavier  parts  but  in  a  more  commercial  manner  along  with  a  very  professional  sounding  production  and  lyrics  that  cover  everyday  themes.

  In  my  opinion  My  Reflection  are  a  very  great  sounding  gothic  metal b and  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  single.  8  out  of  10.

Imbrogilio Interview

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

We have been playing a ton shows in and out of state in support of this new EP. We feel like were on "fire" so we don't want that flame to go out ever again. So we are running as fast as we can to feed that flame.

2.You have a new ep coming out this year, how would you describe the musical sound of the new recording and also how does it differ from your previous releases?

It's basically a more positive continuous of the previous album “Declared Self Hatred”. It differs in the regard that these lyrics and the material is more mature. It is a lot of in the moment writing along with a lot of pure on fire energy. We feel that sort of thing prevails through this recording.

3.The band split up for a while and then got back together, what was the cause of the split and the decision to reform?

Well the decision for the brief 1 year hiatus was that I was burned out ultimately and wanted to take a indefinite break. Whether it was a week or 10 years, it just needed to happen. I felt like the band lost its drive along the way so I laid it to rest for a while. 

Our new drummer-vocalist Bret Newland brought it up to me of getting everything back together with him of course on drums. So I seeked out our original drummer’s (Nate Harrah) permission to pursue this idea even further. I got his blessing and we moved forward with the idea and it became something much bigger than what any of us would've thought in the beginning. So we got Josh Deeter(bass, and vocals) back into the fold and it was magic from that point on.

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

The EP as a whole is about the struggle in the pursuit of happiness and what it takes to achieve such a thing as that. We are all hard working blue collared people in this band with no end in sight of a true wealthy way of life. We’re not complaining but we work very hard to do what we do and overall this EP is about the financial struggle to keep this music alive.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Imbroglio'?

The actual definition is "A constant state of confusion". In that regard we never write the same type of song. Were always exploring and always want to keep the listeners guessing in every way sonically. But that is completely unintentional. We like to surprise ourselves more importantly.

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

Well we have played so many but there are a few highlights that I can remember. One being when we were able to open up for Converge, Trap Them, Coliseum, and Burning Love in 2011. That was a highlight for me in my career. Without Converge this band wouldn't exist. It was nice to share the stage with a band such as Converge.

Our stage performance is us just giving it everything we have and what our bodies will allow us to do. I am up there expelling every ounce of negative energy I have but also having a blast being one with the crowd and the people. We tend to go out with a bang every night and we truly have a passion for our live setting.

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

Absolutely. All will be announced shortly. We have a lot of weekend warrior stuff going on and we have a small 2 week tour we are currently working on for the end of October - early November.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your newer material by fans of underground music?

Nothing short of amazing. This band is always evolving and always creating. The followers that we do have truly care and only want to hear our best material. I feel we keep topping ourselves on every level with in musicianship and songwriting. It keeps us young and the spirit of the band and mission alive.

9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

The beautiful part about this question is I truly do not know. I will never know. There is always an idea but when that idea grows.....it becomes something else entirely.

10.What are some bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Everything. We as a band listen to so much different styles of music. Pretty much what happens in the moment is what happens. It's all on the fly a lot but there are times where we find parts and it takes a little bit to fine tune them, and make them what we are hearing our heads. It's sometimes painful. But the outcome is greater than what any of us could have expected.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?

We all work in different things. Bret works at UPS and outside of that he has a really good hand in refinishing drums as a hobby. All of his drums are completely customized by him. Josh works for a wiring harness company but loves motorcycles and old school hot rods. So he is always working on something in that nature. I work in the tool and dye machinery trade but outside of that I am a digital design artist. I am currently getting ready to venture into illustration.

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

Thank you for doing this interview with us. Thank you for the support and showing interest in what we are doing. Be sure to check out The Path Less Traveled Records and its artist roster, and Red Moth Records who handles all the physical units and pressings of our band.

https://www.facebook.com/imbroglio666

 

Lahdon Aika Interview

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

Santeri: We just released the 7" split with Frogskin and immediately started working on the upcoming full length. With some amount of preparation already done previously we hope to get it done and out by the fall. Generally speaking, new material seems to be in pipeline aplenty.

2.Recently you where a part of a split, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical direction of the newer material and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
Santeri: Our new stuff, especially the material on the upcoming LP, is slower and, some would say, musically more massive and multilayered than previously. Consequently the song lengths have been growing and growing.
Akseli: And the new ones are more thought trough. Years ago we just put riffs together and decided this is a song now. That method does not work anymore…

3.Can you tell us a little bit about the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?
Santeri: Simply put, the lyrics for Lähdön Aika are (for me) a channel to explore the pessimism and frustration brought forth by the state of the world - for example, ecological issues and the last shreds of humanity being torn apart by various forces in the society. In addition, a healthy dose of morbidity and death always works wonders when making art.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Lahdon Aika'?
Akseli: If you translate Lähdön Aika directly to English it might sound quite stupid but with the name we mean the moment you die. The name came from the lyrics of one of our oldest songs called Milloin. We had few other names in mind back then but we decided to go with Lähdön Aika.

5.The band has a history that goes back 10 years, what is it that keeps you motivated to write and perform music after all of these years?Santeri: What else could you do? Seriously though, the music we have been able to put out despite all the usual the struggles just resonates.
Akseli: We had some lineup changes 4-5 years ago and from that at least I got some new motivation to write songs

6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would  you describe your stage performance?Hard  to name any specific highlights, but when all things click (at least somewhat) we hope the result is a slowly pulsing and violently overcoming sonic wall of despair. Or at least something very loud.Akseli: For me personally the best show has probably been the 10 year anniversary show last August, played with good bands and lot friends there.

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

Akseli: Hopefully when the new album is released we´ll do some shows in Finland. Some shows abroad would be great someday but we´ll see what happens.
Santeri: Hopefully yes. US and/or European tours would be gravy.

8.The new split is being released by a variety of many different labels, can you tell us a little bit more about them?
Akseli: 82-Records is a label/distro that is ran by a friend of ours and 82 was also involved releasing 2 of our previous 7”s. Rämekuukkeli is a label/distro from Tampere and I sent them an email last spring that would they be interested to co-release the split and gladly Tuukka was really interested. 
Santeri: Rusto-Osiris is my own label, specializing in all things odd, loud, and distorted.

9.What are your thoughts on Frogskin the other band that was a part of the split?
Akseli: Great band and nice guys. Some of us have played in same bands years ago. Hopefully they´ll start playing more shows with their new vocalist.

10.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of sludge and crust?
Akseli: Usually the feedback outside Finland has been more positive than the feedback we have got here. At least that was the case with the older recordings.

11.When can we expect a full length album and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Santeri: By fall, we hope. As hinted above, so far the new stuff has been more and more melodramatic, pompous and excessively serious. And slow.

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Santeri: Deathspell Omega and Wovenhand.
Akseli: This would be an endless list, but back then Bolt Thrower, Neurosis, Iron Monkey,  Cult Of Luna, Tragedy, From Ashes Rise, Wolfpack, Dead In The Water... And I still listen to these +loads of newer bands but I think there are too many to mention

13.What are some of your non musical interests?
Santeri: Politics, animal rights, environment and all that shit. Saving the world.
Akseli: I got 2 kids so that keeps me busy.

14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Akseli: Thanks a lot for the interview! Check our stuff @http://lahdonaika.bandcamp.com and you can order our records from there if you don´t find them from your local dealer.
Santeri: To paraphrase Dark Angel: "Death is Certain, Life is Not."

The Body/Thou/Released From Love/Vinyl Rites/2014 Split Album Review

  This  is  a  review  of  a  split  album  between  Portland,  Oregon's  The  Body  and  Baton  Rouge,  Louisiana's  Thou  called  "Released  From  Love"  which  was  released  by  Vinyl  Rites  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  The  Body  a  band  that  has  been  featured  before  in this  zine  and  plays  an  apocalyptic  and  experimental  form  of  doom  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  begins  with  a  very  dark  and  distorted  sound  that  goes  into  a  heavier  doom  metal  direction along  with  some  sludge/grind  style  screams  and  on  the  second  track  they  bring  in  some  experimental  and  harsh  noise  sounds  and  mix  it  in  with  doom  metal  along  with  a  dark  and  heavy  production  and  lyrics  that  cover  apocalyptic  and  alchemy  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  The  Body  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  apocalyptic  and  experimental  doom  metal,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Manifest  Alchemy".

  Next  up  is  Thou  a  band  that  plays  a  noise  soaked  form  of  sludge/doom  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  off  with  a  very  distorted  sound  that  gets  more  dark,  heavy  and  melodic  after  awhile  along  with  some  high  pitched  screams  and  you  can  also  hear  atmospheric  sounds  in  the  background  and  they  also  add  in  a  good  amount  of  drones  later  on  in  the  track  before  going  into  the  second  song  which  is  a  cover  of  Vic  Chesnut's  Coward  which  starts  off  with  an  experimental  sound  before  adding  in  screams  that  have  a  depressive  black  metal  feeling  to  them  which  leads  to  a  heavier  sound  which  is  more  close  to  sludge/doom  metal,  the  production  sounds  very  powerful  and  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  sorrow  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Thou  are  a  very  great  sounding  noise  soaked  sludge/doom  metal  band  and  if you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Coward".  

  In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  split  and  I  would  recommend  it  to  all  fans  of  sludge/doom  metal.  8 out  of  10.    

The Witch/Black Flower Field/2014 EP Review

 

  The  Witch  are  a  band  from  France  that  plays  progressive  stoner  metal  and  this  is  a review  of  their  self  released  2014  ep  "Black  Flower  Field".

  Spoken  word  parts  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  a  more  heavy  and  melodic  metal  direction  along  with  elements  of  retro  rock  along  with  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  and  after  awhile  a  mixture  of  melodic  and  vocals  and  growls  and  their  are  a  great  amount  of  thrash  and  stoner  rock  elements  in  the  music.

  On  the  other  tracks  psychedelic  elements  are  brought  in  at  times  along  with  a  great  amount  of  heavy  and  prog  sounds  as  well  as  small  amount  of  acoustic  guitars  and  after  awhile  sludge  style  screams  become  a  part  of  the  recording  and  on  one  of  the  tracks  they  bring  in  horror  movie  samples  before  going  into  a  heavy  and  progressive  doom/death thrash  metal  direction  and  at  time s the  bass  guitars  sound  very  powerful.

  The  Witch  have  their  very  own  sound  on  this  ep  and  while  they  are  labeled  as  a  progressive  stoner  metal  band  and  you  can  still  hear  a  good  amount  of  thrash  and  death  metal  in the  music  along  with  a  great  amount  of  melody,  the  production  is  very  professional  sounding  and  the lyrics  cover  occultism,  darkness  and  stoner  themes.

  In  my  opinion  The  Witch  are  a  very  great  sounding  progressive  stoner  metal b and  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Skeleton  Skull"  and  "From  Here  To  Underground".  8  out  of  10. 

Frogskin/Lahdon Aika/82-Records/Rusto-Osiris/Ramekuukelli/2014 Split EP Review

  This  is  a  review  of  a split  ep  between  Finland's  Frogskin  and  Lahdon  Aikha  which  was  released  as  a  joint  effort  in  2014  between  82-Records,  Rusto-Osiris  and  Ramekuukelli  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Frogskin  a  band  that  plays  a  very  heavy  form  of  sludge/doom  metal.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  off  with  a  very  distorted,  heavy  and  slow  sludge/doom  metal  sound  and  a  few  minutes  alter  growls  and  screams  become  a  part  of  the  track  along  with  some  melody  and  the  production  is  very  powerful  on  their  side  of  the  split  along  with  some  very  dark  lyrics  and  there  is  also  a  brief  use  of  clean  playing  in  the  track  as  well  as  some  atmospheric  sounds  being  mixed  in  the  heavier  parts.

  In  my  opinion  Frogskin  are  a  very  great  sounding  sludge/doom  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.

  Next  up  is  Lahdon  Aikha  a  band  that  plays  a  mixture  of  sludge,  doom  metal  and  crustcore.

  Their  side  of  the  split  starts  off  with  a  clean  and  distorted  sound  before  getting  a  bit  more  heavier  and  going  for  a  more  slow  doom/sludge  metal  direction  along  with  some  powerful  bass  lines  which  also  leads  up  to  some  crust  style  shouts  along  with  elements  of  hardcore  and  the  production  on  the  song  is  very  powerful  along  with  some  hateful  lyrics.

  In  my  opinion  Lahdon  Aikha  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  sludge,  doom  metal  and  crustcore  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.

  In  conclusion  i  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  split  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  doom  metal,  sludge  and  crust,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  8  out  of  10.

  

Tentacle/Ingot Eye/PRC Music/2014 CD Re-Issue Review

  Tentacle  are  a  band  from  Boston,  Massachusetts  that  is  a  side band  of  Ice  Dragon  and  plays  a  mixture  of  drone  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "Ingot  Eye"  which  will  be  re-issued  by  PRC  Music  in  the  year  of  2014.

  A  very  dark  drone  doom  sound  brings  the  music  into  existence  along  with  some  melodic  chanting  before  evolving  into  vocals  and  they  use  a  mixture  of  Ozzy  style  singing  and  aggressive  sludge  type  screams  and  some  death  growls  and  the  recording  uses  a  more  modern  sound  than  the  members  other  musical  project.

  The  4  songs  that  are  presented  on  this  album   bring  in  a  very  dark  and  stoner  induced  atmosphere  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  they  also  bring  in  psychedelic  sounds  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  the  guitar  riffing  sticks  to  a  heavy,  dark  and  slow  doom  metal  sound  from  the  beginning  to  end  of  the  recording  along  with  most  of  the  tracks  being  very  long  and  epic  in  length  without  ever  resorting  to  guitar  solos  and  leads  and  the  last  song  is  a  live  track.

  Tentacle  create  a  very  interesting  sound  with  their  music  with  the  way  they  take  70's  era  metal  and  psychedelic  rock  and  bring  them  to  modern  day  with  occult  elements,  sludge,  stoner,  drone  and  death  metal  influences  to  create  a  very  dark,  heavy  and  original  sound  along  with  a  professional  yet  retro  production  and  lyrics  that  are  based  on  the  writings  of  H.P  Lovecraft.

  In  my  opinion  Tentacle  are  a  very  great  sounding  Lovecraftian  mixture  of  doom,  sludge,  stoner  and  drone  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Blackness  Of  My  Soul  Will  be  So  Grey"  and  "Our  Serpent  Mothers  Kiss".  8  out  of  10.