Sarabante are a band from Athens, Greece that plays a form o0f crust/grind with a noise rock and sludge metal and this is a review of their 2011 album "Remnants" which was released by Southern Lord Records.
Drums range from slow, midpaced to fast drumming with a great amount of blast beats being thrown in at times, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they sound very powerful with some doomy and sludgy riffs and at times you can hear some more fast hardcore punk.
Rhythm guitars range from slow, midpaced to fast crust/hardcore riffs that also mix in some noise rock distorted sounds and some influences from sludge and there are little to no guitar solos or leads present on this recording
Vocals are mostly crustcore style yells and growls that have a slight grindcore edge to them and on one song there is some spoken word parts, while the lyrics touch on hateful and everyday themes, as for the production it has a very dark, heavy and raw sound to it while still being professional enough up to the point where you can hear all of the musical instruments that are present on this recording.
In my opinion Sarabante are a very good hardcore/crust band with a noise rock and sludge metal edge and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this album. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Rain Of Shame" "Those That Break, Those That Hold" "Fading Future' and "Do You Feel Safe". RECEMMONDED BUY.
This is a zine dedicated to gothic and doom metal for more info contact hatredmeanswar@yahoo.com
Friday, July 22, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Grief/Come To Grief/Century media Records/1994 CD Review
Grief are a band from Boston, Massachuessets that was around during the 90's that play a style of music that I would describe as sludge/doom and there are also one of the original bands to play that style and this is a review of their classic 1994 album "Come To Grief" which was released by Century Media Records.
Drums are all slow beats with no blast beats while the bass playing is all slow doom metal riffs and sounds very pwerful on this album, as for the guitars they are all slow doom metal riffs that are heavily influenced by 70's stoner metal with no guitar solos present on the album.
Vocals are in between high pitched screams in the Eyehategod style with some deep death metal growls, while the lyrics touch on very depressing themes with some alcohol and drug abuse, as for the production on this albumwhich was produced by Bill t. Miller and recorded during the month of August 1994 at the Lanes in Allston, Mass sounds very raw but maintaining a professional feel.
In my opinion this was a really good album from a classic band and if you are a fan of sludge domm or the more slower aspects of funeral doom you need to get this album for your collection since this is a classic and also a recording that is still very influential even to this day. STANDOUT TRACKS INCLUDE "Earthworm" "I Hate You" and "Stricken". RECOMMENDED BUY
Drums are all slow beats with no blast beats while the bass playing is all slow doom metal riffs and sounds very pwerful on this album, as for the guitars they are all slow doom metal riffs that are heavily influenced by 70's stoner metal with no guitar solos present on the album.
Vocals are in between high pitched screams in the Eyehategod style with some deep death metal growls, while the lyrics touch on very depressing themes with some alcohol and drug abuse, as for the production on this albumwhich was produced by Bill t. Miller and recorded during the month of August 1994 at the Lanes in Allston, Mass sounds very raw but maintaining a professional feel.
In my opinion this was a really good album from a classic band and if you are a fan of sludge domm or the more slower aspects of funeral doom you need to get this album for your collection since this is a classic and also a recording that is still very influential even to this day. STANDOUT TRACKS INCLUDE "Earthworm" "I Hate You" and "Stricken". RECOMMENDED BUY
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Sons Of Tonatiuh Interview
1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?
The band is basically a concept I came up with some time ago that has to do with native cultures in general to which I’m particularly interested in. Over the course of a couple of years there have been several lineup changes due to people’s individual obligations and what-not. At this point though, the Sons lineup is pretty solid with me on guitar and vocals, Darby on guitar and backup vocals, Tim on drums, and Mike on bass. We are a straight up doom/sludge/crust punk band with influences ranging from Neurosis, Eyehategod, Buzzoven, Floor, Sleep…etc
2. How would you describe the musical style that you went for on the new album?
There really wasn’t a specific “style” per say we were going for other than just tunes we had been working on for the past year. Though I guess you could say we had a general taste for foreboding and doomy material which I think we concocted well.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects that you covered with the new release?
For the most part they’re anti-religious, sacrilegious, anti-American, pro-native, and partially historical lyrics. “Adam & Evil” is a prime example of some anti-religious beliefs I have personally with how as a kid I was brought up to believe in the myth of Adam & Eve and the creation of all things by “God”.
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band's name?
Tonatiuh is an Aztec sun god. One of the many gods to whom the Aztec’s worshipped. Tonatiuh was the protector of all the warriors that went into battle. Tonatiuh is also the god to which the Aztecs made sacrifices towards. We, as the band, are hence the “Sons” of Tonatiuh. Kind of a play on words. I know there’s a ton of bands with the whole “Sons of” thing going on in their name, but I don’t know many that actually made it past year 1 of their existence. Haha… yeah, of course that’s sarcasm.
5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
Most memorable shows would have to be opening for Withered here in Atlanta Georgia, Zoroaster, Black Tusk in Birmingham Alabama, Dark Castle, Salome in Baltimore Maryland, Khann in Orlando Florida, Hawg Jaw in New Orleans, among many others.
Our stage performance is pretty much an anything goes type of scenario. Haha. We try to keep it fresh every time we get up there. No horseshit rants between songs. We just want to destroy each and every show. Pure volume and raw energy.
6. Do you have any other side projects besides the band, or is this a full time group?
For myself, Tim and Mike it is a full time group. Darby however, is currently also playing in a punk band called Whiskey Shit Vomit as well as Noble Rust.
7. How has the feedback been to your music by sludge/doom and crust fans worldwide?
We seem to get a lot of attention from Europeans. I’ve been selling quite a few albums to them this past year so far. For example there are some distros in Germany, Russia, and Italy to which I’ve sold to. So I guess you could say it’s been pretty good so far.
8. How would you describe your musical progress over the years and what direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
I don’t really believe in “progress”. There is only change. We may have gotten better as musicians if that is what you’re implying. The direction is generally for a bigger sound as I experiment with cleaner vocal styles. But for the most part, we’re just trying to get off the ground and see where it takes us.
9. What are the touring plans for the future?
Currently planning on a southern tour in Jan that will start in Florida and go all the way out to Texas and back. There is also in the works a tour of Mexico which will probably happen in March or April. Next summer we’d like to head up north again and possibly later the far West. And finally possibly much later we’d like to go out to Europe.
10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
See question #1 for that answer.
11. Outside of music, what are some of your interests?
Anti-corporate sticker ideas, raising my 6 year old daughter right, classic literature, electrical engineering, stand-up comedy, women…
12. Any final words or thoughts before we close this interview?
Nothing is final. The infinite universe will reign supreme as humans cease to exist thousands of years from now. Our words are only meaningful within the small scope of time to which we are “allowed” to exist in. As humans we are sad creatures always seeking acceptance from other humans that are seeking acceptance from other humans. It’s a cycle of life to which we will inevitably devour ourselves until there is no more “us”. Sons of Tonatiuh can only hope to influence others to be more forward thinking even though this in of itself is futile. Enjoy what you can now and savor every last breath…
Sons of Tonatiuh
http://www.myspace.com/sonsoftonatiuh (MySpace)
http://sonsoftonatiuh.bandcamp.com/ (Bandcamp)
https://twitter.com/sonsoftonatiuh (Twitter)
The band is basically a concept I came up with some time ago that has to do with native cultures in general to which I’m particularly interested in. Over the course of a couple of years there have been several lineup changes due to people’s individual obligations and what-not. At this point though, the Sons lineup is pretty solid with me on guitar and vocals, Darby on guitar and backup vocals, Tim on drums, and Mike on bass. We are a straight up doom/sludge/crust punk band with influences ranging from Neurosis, Eyehategod, Buzzoven, Floor, Sleep…etc
2. How would you describe the musical style that you went for on the new album?
There really wasn’t a specific “style” per say we were going for other than just tunes we had been working on for the past year. Though I guess you could say we had a general taste for foreboding and doomy material which I think we concocted well.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects that you covered with the new release?
For the most part they’re anti-religious, sacrilegious, anti-American, pro-native, and partially historical lyrics. “Adam & Evil” is a prime example of some anti-religious beliefs I have personally with how as a kid I was brought up to believe in the myth of Adam & Eve and the creation of all things by “God”.
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band's name?
Tonatiuh is an Aztec sun god. One of the many gods to whom the Aztec’s worshipped. Tonatiuh was the protector of all the warriors that went into battle. Tonatiuh is also the god to which the Aztecs made sacrifices towards. We, as the band, are hence the “Sons” of Tonatiuh. Kind of a play on words. I know there’s a ton of bands with the whole “Sons of” thing going on in their name, but I don’t know many that actually made it past year 1 of their existence. Haha… yeah, of course that’s sarcasm.
5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
Most memorable shows would have to be opening for Withered here in Atlanta Georgia, Zoroaster, Black Tusk in Birmingham Alabama, Dark Castle, Salome in Baltimore Maryland, Khann in Orlando Florida, Hawg Jaw in New Orleans, among many others.
Our stage performance is pretty much an anything goes type of scenario. Haha. We try to keep it fresh every time we get up there. No horseshit rants between songs. We just want to destroy each and every show. Pure volume and raw energy.
6. Do you have any other side projects besides the band, or is this a full time group?
For myself, Tim and Mike it is a full time group. Darby however, is currently also playing in a punk band called Whiskey Shit Vomit as well as Noble Rust.
7. How has the feedback been to your music by sludge/doom and crust fans worldwide?
We seem to get a lot of attention from Europeans. I’ve been selling quite a few albums to them this past year so far. For example there are some distros in Germany, Russia, and Italy to which I’ve sold to. So I guess you could say it’s been pretty good so far.
8. How would you describe your musical progress over the years and what direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
I don’t really believe in “progress”. There is only change. We may have gotten better as musicians if that is what you’re implying. The direction is generally for a bigger sound as I experiment with cleaner vocal styles. But for the most part, we’re just trying to get off the ground and see where it takes us.
9. What are the touring plans for the future?
Currently planning on a southern tour in Jan that will start in Florida and go all the way out to Texas and back. There is also in the works a tour of Mexico which will probably happen in March or April. Next summer we’d like to head up north again and possibly later the far West. And finally possibly much later we’d like to go out to Europe.
10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
See question #1 for that answer.
11. Outside of music, what are some of your interests?
Anti-corporate sticker ideas, raising my 6 year old daughter right, classic literature, electrical engineering, stand-up comedy, women…
12. Any final words or thoughts before we close this interview?
Nothing is final. The infinite universe will reign supreme as humans cease to exist thousands of years from now. Our words are only meaningful within the small scope of time to which we are “allowed” to exist in. As humans we are sad creatures always seeking acceptance from other humans that are seeking acceptance from other humans. It’s a cycle of life to which we will inevitably devour ourselves until there is no more “us”. Sons of Tonatiuh can only hope to influence others to be more forward thinking even though this in of itself is futile. Enjoy what you can now and savor every last breath…
Sons of Tonatiuh
http://www.myspace.com/sonsoftonatiuh (MySpace)
http://sonsoftonatiuh.bandcamp.com/ (Bandcamp)
https://twitter.com/sonsoftonatiuh (Twitter)
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Brainoil/Death Of This Dry Season/20 Buck Spin Records/2011 CD Review
Brainoil are a band from Oakland, California that plays a sludge/crust style of doom/death metal and this is a review of their 2011 album "Death Of This Dry Season" which was released by 20 Buck Spin Records.
Drums range from slow, midpaced with some fast drumming and blast beats, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they sound very powerful.
Rhythm guitars range from slow, midpaced , to sludge/doom metal riffs that are very distorted and have somewhat of a stoner vibe to them with the faster riffing having a punk rock feel to them while the lead guitars when utilized are very distorted sounding guitar leads.
Vocals are all high -pitched sludge metal screams with some ocassional deep crust/grind/hardcore growls, while the lyrics touch on dark and hateful thmes, as for the production it has a very heavy and raw feel to it.
In my opinion Brainoil are a very good crust/grind/sludge metal metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Death Of This Dry Season" "To Bury The Pages Of Existence" and "The Beauty Of Death". RECEMMONDED BUY.
Drums range from slow, midpaced with some fast drumming and blast beats, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they sound very powerful.
Rhythm guitars range from slow, midpaced , to sludge/doom metal riffs that are very distorted and have somewhat of a stoner vibe to them with the faster riffing having a punk rock feel to them while the lead guitars when utilized are very distorted sounding guitar leads.
Vocals are all high -pitched sludge metal screams with some ocassional deep crust/grind/hardcore growls, while the lyrics touch on dark and hateful thmes, as for the production it has a very heavy and raw feel to it.
In my opinion Brainoil are a very good crust/grind/sludge metal metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Death Of This Dry Season" "To Bury The Pages Of Existence" and "The Beauty Of Death". RECEMMONDED BUY.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Sons Of Tonatiuh/Self Titled/Hydrophonic Records/2010 CD Review
Sons Of Tonatiuh are a band from Atlanta, Georgia that plays sludge/doom metal with a crusty punk edge and this is a review of their self titled album which was releases by Hydrophonic Records.
Drums are mostly slow beats with some midpaced parts and fast playing, while the bass playing has a very heavy tone with riffs that follow the guitars and at times has a sound of its own.
Rhythm guitars are mostly slow doom/sludge metal riffs with the midpaced riffing having a crusty/punk edge while the lead guitars are stoner/doom sounding guitar solos when they are used.
Vocals are all high piched sludge/doom/crust screams, while the lyrics cover some dark sounding themes, as for the production it has a very heavy sound that gives all of the musical instruments a very good sound.
In my opinion Sons Of Tonatiuf are avery good sludge/doom metal band that should appeal to all fans of this genre. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "To The Throne" "Adam And Evil" and "Oracle". RECEMMONDED BUY.
Drums are mostly slow beats with some midpaced parts and fast playing, while the bass playing has a very heavy tone with riffs that follow the guitars and at times has a sound of its own.
Rhythm guitars are mostly slow doom/sludge metal riffs with the midpaced riffing having a crusty/punk edge while the lead guitars are stoner/doom sounding guitar solos when they are used.
Vocals are all high piched sludge/doom/crust screams, while the lyrics cover some dark sounding themes, as for the production it has a very heavy sound that gives all of the musical instruments a very good sound.
In my opinion Sons Of Tonatiuf are avery good sludge/doom metal band that should appeal to all fans of this genre. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "To The Throne" "Adam And Evil" and "Oracle". RECEMMONDED BUY.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Prophecy Of Doom Interview
1. Can you update us with what has been going on with the band since the break up?
1) Our drummer Mark runs a rehearsal studio in Cheltenham which is doing well; Jim is in a band called Warprayer; Shrew and Shrub spend some drunken time in Alehammer.
2.What was it that caused the split and do you have any plans on reforming in the future?
2) The main reason we stopped the band at the time was that it was becoming increasingly hard to find gigs and the slow metallic grindy sound that we loved to play wasn't seen as fresh. This didn't really bother us as we just enjoyed making a racket but in 1996 I (Shrew) had a serious motorbike crash which took a long time to get over so everything was put on the backburner. There are no plans to reform and play live but if i'm honest I would like to do another 7" sometime as I do miss doing vocals and writing lyrics.
3. Your early since was more grindcore and then your later stuff was more doomy, what made you decide to go into a slower more heavier direction?
3) I think the later material changed into a slower and heavier direction mainly because Shrub had more free rein to write songs so it was not really a conscious decision to change, just a different person's writing style. I like both styles.
4.What where some of the bands that you enjoyed playing with the most?
4) I've really no idea and I can never answer this question.
What where some of the best shows that the band has played?
5) Some of my favourite gigs of the past were playing at The Dome in London with the Cromags which was also filmed for the video magazine Hard & Heavy. That was a lot of fun. Also playing the Planet X in Liverpool (part of UK tour) with Deviated Instinct stands out.
6. What is the meaning behind the band's name?
6. The meaning for the Band's name was and still is, the direction humanity is heading towards. We must collectively stop and turn back or it will no longer be a prophecy it will be our DOOM!!
7. How would you describe the lyrical content of the music?
7) This is connected to the above question really, the lyrical content tries to wake conditioned sleeping robots from their egotistical slumber.
8.Out off all the releases that the band put out, which one where you the most satisfied with?
8) Overall musically and lyrically we were quite satisfied with our last studio recording of 1996 which was released on Agipunk Records (Italy) called Tri-Battle Thought Form Engagement. Some of the riffs are devastating.
9. Out off all the record labels, that the band worked with which one did you feel did the most to support the music?
9) Again I've really got no idea.
10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and waht are you listening to nowadays?
10) I'm still listening to the stuff i've always listened to, I do like Tyrant from Sweden a lot, Extinction of Mankind and Bulletridden to name a few.
What are some of your interests outside of music?
11) We are just old gits who like to have a drink. Drinking, motorbikes, green spaces and friends.
12. Any final words or thoughts?
12.) Thanks to anyone who's still interested in POD, we really did try to be sincere in what we did and still carry those feelings with us today. Cheers for the questions.
1) Our drummer Mark runs a rehearsal studio in Cheltenham which is doing well; Jim is in a band called Warprayer; Shrew and Shrub spend some drunken time in Alehammer.
2.What was it that caused the split and do you have any plans on reforming in the future?
2) The main reason we stopped the band at the time was that it was becoming increasingly hard to find gigs and the slow metallic grindy sound that we loved to play wasn't seen as fresh. This didn't really bother us as we just enjoyed making a racket but in 1996 I (Shrew) had a serious motorbike crash which took a long time to get over so everything was put on the backburner. There are no plans to reform and play live but if i'm honest I would like to do another 7" sometime as I do miss doing vocals and writing lyrics.
3. Your early since was more grindcore and then your later stuff was more doomy, what made you decide to go into a slower more heavier direction?
3) I think the later material changed into a slower and heavier direction mainly because Shrub had more free rein to write songs so it was not really a conscious decision to change, just a different person's writing style. I like both styles.
4.What where some of the bands that you enjoyed playing with the most?
4) I've really no idea and I can never answer this question.
What where some of the best shows that the band has played?
5) Some of my favourite gigs of the past were playing at The Dome in London with the Cromags which was also filmed for the video magazine Hard & Heavy. That was a lot of fun. Also playing the Planet X in Liverpool (part of UK tour) with Deviated Instinct stands out.
6. What is the meaning behind the band's name?
6. The meaning for the Band's name was and still is, the direction humanity is heading towards. We must collectively stop and turn back or it will no longer be a prophecy it will be our DOOM!!
7. How would you describe the lyrical content of the music?
7) This is connected to the above question really, the lyrical content tries to wake conditioned sleeping robots from their egotistical slumber.
8.Out off all the releases that the band put out, which one where you the most satisfied with?
8) Overall musically and lyrically we were quite satisfied with our last studio recording of 1996 which was released on Agipunk Records (Italy) called Tri-Battle Thought Form Engagement. Some of the riffs are devastating.
9. Out off all the record labels, that the band worked with which one did you feel did the most to support the music?
9) Again I've really got no idea.
10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and waht are you listening to nowadays?
10) I'm still listening to the stuff i've always listened to, I do like Tyrant from Sweden a lot, Extinction of Mankind and Bulletridden to name a few.
What are some of your interests outside of music?
11) We are just old gits who like to have a drink. Drinking, motorbikes, green spaces and friends.
12. Any final words or thoughts?
12.) Thanks to anyone who's still interested in POD, we really did try to be sincere in what we did and still carry those feelings with us today. Cheers for the questions.
Heinali And Matt Finney Interview
1. Can you tell us a little bit about the prject for those that are not familiar with your music?
1. this is a project that started in early 2009. we've put our 4 albums and we're currently working on 2 new songs plus our 5th album for Handmade Birds Records. our music is a mix of ambient/classical/doomgaze/drone/spoken word. Heinali is from the Ukraine and Matt is from America. we've never met in person.
2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new release and how it differs from previous recordings?
2. it's definitely our most fully-realized work. we've been striving for a darker and darker sound with each album and Ain't No Night is like black on black. that was the idea. a seedy portrait of people and places and the awful things we do to each other. there's elements of noise and drone metal and blues. we're in love with it and we hope you will be too.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?
3. it's all over the place. addiction, lack of money, lack of faith, loss, rape, nostalgia, the death of America, the deaths of friends, the death of Matt's father. some of them are pulled from stress dreams. some of them are stories pulled from people close to me. most of them are things that happened specifically to me (Matt) though. the big picture would be coming as close as you can to giving up completely but still stepping back a little. it's been really tough lately and i wanted to paint that picture as brutally honest as i could.
4. One of the members lives in the US and the other in Ukraine how did you get in contact with each other and which route do you use to record music?
4. we met through a mutual friend. he used to post music from Heinali's solo stuff and Matt's old band. he recommended us to each other and we hit it off instantly. we haven't looked back. since we can't record in person for right now we do it by sending stuff to each other. we work through email and chatting online.
5. Currently you are singed to Paradgisms Records, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?
5. they contacted us through our myspace. they said they really enjoyed our music and they would love to re-release our album Conjoined. we said sure and since we were already working on a new album they said they'd like to release that as well. they've been great to us. really supportive and helpful. we feel great about working with them.
6. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by ambient/shoegaze/drone/ doom fans?
6. it's been amazing. more than we can ask for. it's always awesome to hear that people enjoy what you do and that your work connects with them. we're grateful for the response and word of mouth that our listeners have been generating. thanks guys!
7. How would you describe your musical progress over the years and what direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
7. our music started out with a lot of electronic/post-rock/classical influence. that's still all there and it will remain but we've progressively gotten heavier and darker. that was the idea. we wanted to make music that would punch you in the stomach. it will probably only get darker but there will be some twists and turns in there as well. we're constantly listening to different things and pulling influences from them so it's always changing and the ideas keep morphing. it makes it exciting for us.
8. Are there any other projects besides this band or is this a full ime line-up?
8. Heinali still does some of his solo stuff but this is the main project for both us.
9. What are some band or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
9. both of us have tastes all over the map, as cliche as that sounds. but we do share a lot of similarities. Nirvana, The Angelic Process, The Cure, Explosions in the Sky and Joy Division are the foundation. Heinali loves classical composers and you can hear it in the way that he writes music. it's incredible. we've mentioned them in past interviews but it could go on for a while. right now, i've been listening to Omega Cen by Alrakis, Tunnel Blanket by This Will Destroy You, and Blackberry Belle by The Twilight Singers.
10. Your music is very poetic, what are some poets that have had the most impact on your music?
10. thank you so much! i don't read anywhere near as much as i used to but i've never read a whole lot of poetry to begin with. i started doing that because i could never force myself to write anything long. short bursts of anger and catharsis seemed to work best for me so i stuck with it. Raymond Carver is a huge influence on the way i write. i started writing lyrics when i was younger by listening to Nirvana and being obsessed with Cobain's words so those are the big two.
11. Outside of music, what are some of your interests?
11. there's nothing outside of music. we like to read, watch movies/tv, but music is what keeps us together. it's our hearts completely and we'd be lost without it. again, that's really cliche but sometimes only a cliche can say what you mean. music is what keeps us going.
12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
12. thank you again for wanting to speak with us and we hope that if you're reading this you enjoy our music. thanks!
1. this is a project that started in early 2009. we've put our 4 albums and we're currently working on 2 new songs plus our 5th album for Handmade Birds Records. our music is a mix of ambient/classical/doomgaze/drone/spoken word. Heinali is from the Ukraine and Matt is from America. we've never met in person.
2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new release and how it differs from previous recordings?
2. it's definitely our most fully-realized work. we've been striving for a darker and darker sound with each album and Ain't No Night is like black on black. that was the idea. a seedy portrait of people and places and the awful things we do to each other. there's elements of noise and drone metal and blues. we're in love with it and we hope you will be too.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?
3. it's all over the place. addiction, lack of money, lack of faith, loss, rape, nostalgia, the death of America, the deaths of friends, the death of Matt's father. some of them are pulled from stress dreams. some of them are stories pulled from people close to me. most of them are things that happened specifically to me (Matt) though. the big picture would be coming as close as you can to giving up completely but still stepping back a little. it's been really tough lately and i wanted to paint that picture as brutally honest as i could.
4. One of the members lives in the US and the other in Ukraine how did you get in contact with each other and which route do you use to record music?
4. we met through a mutual friend. he used to post music from Heinali's solo stuff and Matt's old band. he recommended us to each other and we hit it off instantly. we haven't looked back. since we can't record in person for right now we do it by sending stuff to each other. we work through email and chatting online.
5. Currently you are singed to Paradgisms Records, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support that they have given you so far?
5. they contacted us through our myspace. they said they really enjoyed our music and they would love to re-release our album Conjoined. we said sure and since we were already working on a new album they said they'd like to release that as well. they've been great to us. really supportive and helpful. we feel great about working with them.
6. On a worldwide level how has your music been received by ambient/shoegaze/drone/ doom fans?
6. it's been amazing. more than we can ask for. it's always awesome to hear that people enjoy what you do and that your work connects with them. we're grateful for the response and word of mouth that our listeners have been generating. thanks guys!
7. How would you describe your musical progress over the years and what direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?
7. our music started out with a lot of electronic/post-rock/classical influence. that's still all there and it will remain but we've progressively gotten heavier and darker. that was the idea. we wanted to make music that would punch you in the stomach. it will probably only get darker but there will be some twists and turns in there as well. we're constantly listening to different things and pulling influences from them so it's always changing and the ideas keep morphing. it makes it exciting for us.
8. Are there any other projects besides this band or is this a full ime line-up?
8. Heinali still does some of his solo stuff but this is the main project for both us.
9. What are some band or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
9. both of us have tastes all over the map, as cliche as that sounds. but we do share a lot of similarities. Nirvana, The Angelic Process, The Cure, Explosions in the Sky and Joy Division are the foundation. Heinali loves classical composers and you can hear it in the way that he writes music. it's incredible. we've mentioned them in past interviews but it could go on for a while. right now, i've been listening to Omega Cen by Alrakis, Tunnel Blanket by This Will Destroy You, and Blackberry Belle by The Twilight Singers.
10. Your music is very poetic, what are some poets that have had the most impact on your music?
10. thank you so much! i don't read anywhere near as much as i used to but i've never read a whole lot of poetry to begin with. i started doing that because i could never force myself to write anything long. short bursts of anger and catharsis seemed to work best for me so i stuck with it. Raymond Carver is a huge influence on the way i write. i started writing lyrics when i was younger by listening to Nirvana and being obsessed with Cobain's words so those are the big two.
11. Outside of music, what are some of your interests?
11. there's nothing outside of music. we like to read, watch movies/tv, but music is what keeps us together. it's our hearts completely and we'd be lost without it. again, that's really cliche but sometimes only a cliche can say what you mean. music is what keeps us going.
12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
12. thank you again for wanting to speak with us and we hope that if you're reading this you enjoy our music. thanks!
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