Antagonist Zero Interview

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

The No Tears release show was held at the Dark River Festival, Kotka, Finland on August 14th.
We toured the Baltics and Poland September 4th-12th together with Estonian progressive death metal band Paean. Now we are about to announce more live dates soon.
We´ve been also been working on a cover song for a Slayer tribute album and of course finalizing the new songs for our upcoming full-length album as well.

2.Recently you have released a new ep, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

No Tears consist of three teasers of our new material and two cover songs. The three new songs might differ a bit from our earlier material, but they are Antagonist Zero for sure. The new material is more intense, melodic, doomy, heavier and melancholic in AZ style. And yet we have added songs sang in our native language Finnish. We are really excited about the forthcoming album and material.
Can`t wait to hit the upcoming full-length for your ears!

3.You refer to your music as 'Catatonic Metal' can you tell us a little bit more about this term?

The term Catatonic Metal suites our music perfectly. It was invented by our former clean vocalist Ville. We all agreed that this is the name for our music style. We all hate to be categorized as something so made up our own term.

4.This is the first release to be put out in 3 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?

After the Doomed album we toured a lot and promoted the album worldwide. And some of our band members also have other bands, so there were periods where we had total breaks from AZ. But we also had a creative break while composing new material for our upcoming album.

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

In AZ lyrics, the main theme is night, the beauty of the night and nighttime. But the lyrics deal with lots of things in life, like sadness and being lost, in a melancholic and metaphorical way.

6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Antagonist Zero'?

Antagonist Zero is the vision of what we want the band image to be: zero enemies, zero opposites. Juho came up with the name and we instantly agreed with it.

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

Well I think some of the Chinese shows were spectacular but also the Hard Rock Laager 2013 show in Estonia was something to be remembered. AZ is a really intense and almost hypnotizing band live. It captures the audience into a beautiful world of melancholy and despair, while the sorrow parts purge out all the pain and anger to complete the experience.

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

Yes, for sure. We have booked some shows in Finland and Estonia for the end of this year. But in the beginning of 2016 we will start the recording of the new album and we’ll be focusing on that. But after the release of the album we´ll be touring a lot for sure.

9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of underground metal?

It has been really good. We`ve been surprised especially how the audience reacts to our live shows by crying and feeling all the pain that we deliver through our music and performance. Also the media have noticed us worldwide and embraced our achievements.

10.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?

My other band Coprolith released a new album in 2014 and toured a lot after that. So anytime now we are preparing to focus on the new album material. Cavus is also in the middle of the recording process for their new album and the Juhos have their new stoner band coming. We will see.

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

Well, No Tears makes a good point on this, but I also have an urge to do an acoustic album in the future too. So there will be a lot of things coming.

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?

AZ is influenced by various elements of metal, such as Doom, Death, Black, Post and even Progressive Rock. Some obvious bands to name would include Katatonia, Opeth, Tiamat, Ghost Brigade and early Anathema.

13.What are some of your non musical interests?

Life?

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

Listen to Antagonist Zero`s Catatonic Metal, buy our cd´s, come to our shows and worship the nighttime harmony!

Ruin/Spread Plague Hell/Nero One Records/2015 EP Review

  Ruin  are  a  band  with  members  from  both  California  and  North Dakota  that  plays  a  brutal  and  old  school  form  of  death  metal  along  with  some  elements  of  doom  metal  and  grindcore  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2015  ep  "Spread  Plague  Hell"  which  was released by  Nero  One  Records.

  A  very  dark,  atmospheric  and  ritualistic  sound  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  some  Gregorian  chants  being  utilized  in  the  background  that  also  make  a  return  on  a  later  track  and  a  few  seconds  later  the  music  gets  a  lot  more  heavy  and  goes  for  a  doom/death  metal  sound  that  also  uses  deep  growls  and  dark  sounding  guitar  leads  and  the  music  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  early  90's.

  High  pitched  screams  can  be  heard  in  some  parts  off  the  songs  and  when  the music  speeds  up  brutal  blast  beats  are  added  onto  the  recording  along  with  some  elements  of  grindcore  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  some of  the  songs  also  bring  in  horror  movie  samples  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  on  the  recording h ave  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Ruin  plays  a  style  of  death  metal  that  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  early  90's  and  also  mixes  in  elements  of  grindcore  and  doom  to  create  some  very  dark  and  heavy  music,  the  production  sounds  very  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  death,  serial  killers,  murder,  destruction  and  occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Ruin  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  mixture  of  doom,  death  metal  and  grindcore  and  if  you  are a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Perverted  Lunacy"  and  "And  Soon  The  Darkness".  8  out  of  10.

Postvorta Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the musical project these days?
Hi, Well , i m currently rehearsing with the new line up. We are working on the new live set , with songs from Ægeria . I am also finishing to record the second chapter of the trilogy , armentis, which will be an Ep and will be totally instrumental , ambient , drone and oriented stuff. i am also rehearsing with a different drummer the material for the third Chapter called "Antevorta" , very dark stuff !! As you see i'm pretty busy right now !!

2.In September you had released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?
I think , it s darker than "Beckoning lights " (first album) life can change a lot in one year , different feelings , different mind states, a lot of things have happened to me , and i have put all this dark and sadness on riffs. that's it! Every song is a different and single stage , even if it is a concept. I wanted to record a personal interpretation of a song that means a lot to me , it s " in the house in a heartbeat " by John Murphy , and it’s called Placenta, on the album. I am so proud about that. I got an email from John 's manager , telling me he (John) was impressed and excited when he heard that version. So glad and proud . I think it is a dark trip...yep a dark trip !!

3.The lyrics on the album are the start of a trilogy, can you tell us a little bit more about it?
The idea was to split an entire album in 3 parts, 3 Ep. ÆGERIA is based on birth and the rest is based in the cycle of life Lyrics has been always a pain in the ass to me , that’s why i let singers do it . I say what i Have to say with Music .

4.I know that the name 'Postvorta' comes from a Greek goddess, how does this name fit in with the musical style that you play and also can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?
Postvorta is from the Roman mythology that as you know is taken , or better steeled from Greek culture. I have always been amazed by history , all the secrets and ancient Ways of living . I think our music fits well with this , all the shades of magic , of evil.

5.On the album you record everything by yourself but have a live band for shows, are you open to working with other musicians on the future ?
The first album and this Ep have been recorded as a band, even if i used to write all by my self, i don't need other people to compose nor in studio. i found my self re-record other old members lines because they were shit , pure shit , I don't need friends , i don't need band mates, i've never considered them like my family, i hate when i read about brotherhood within a band , because it’s not true. This band was like a factory, and I’ve always been the boss of that factory doing all the stuff , for everyone even if i was a worker, It all has been  on my shoulders,  always. I couldn't feel the band mates like brothers but like Co-workers, but if their job was shit, then go fuck yourself lazy bunch of bastards. i couldn't stand them anymore ! It s hard to put what you think into others heads, so fuck off the others. Only the old singer Nicola helped me, writing all the lyrics and some nice Guitar lines. For the upcoming new album , i'll record everything , no problem with that , i always did…And yes now there is a brand new live line up including Raffaele Who has been already 5 years in the band. Maybe I’ll let  the current live singer Malda sing on the album , maybe not . Still don't know .

6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
We had good shows and bad shows as every other band on the planet. We had the chance to play with Callisto, that is one of my fav band . So proud of it. When it’s possible i love to play with a minimal light set or also with no light at all on the stage.in the past there was a member Who didn't realize we were playing post metal , you know, he thought we were like limp biskit you know , his presence on stage was horrible , like his way to play by the way . This line up is more brutal , less static , i think it will be a more hardcore scenario on stage.

7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?
No , not really. I'm planning a short Tour in Europe for spring 2016 , i hope to play as much as i can . Even if we are a ghost to Italian promoters, we have a lot of request outside italy. The old members have been a massive brake to me in the past. I had to say no tons of times when people requested us, because of them. Things are different now.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of post metal?
Great , i mean within the post metal community the first album " Beckoning light " had a great buzz. Great words from all around the world have been spent on it . Also Aaron from Isis said he liked it , proud of it at max . I wouldn't change a thing on that album . Let see How things will be for Ægeria.

9.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician in the future?
Doing soundtracks for movies and watch my son play with Postvorta Ahahahaha.

10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
I love Hendrix , Pink Floyd , Dire Straits , you know, old stuff . I Love Buckley, i love the grunge , nirvana above all. i am a Nin ultra fan and collector. I wish i could write my " ok computer " one day , love Radiohead, i wish i could play like Placebo, they are simply perfect. I don't listen to metal (pure heavy metal ) but i spend my time listen to isis , neurosis, cult of luna , Rosetta , Caspian and on and on and on...it means i m a post metal / post rock guy .

11.What are some of your non musical interests?
I love my family and i love to spend time with them , my son is my life. I love also my day job as audio and light services. I would love to be a light designer one day.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Oh , yes , thank you for your time . Thank for doing what you do and help people discover bands!! It s a great thing!! And keep Listening to Postvorta

Vhod Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little
bit about the musical projects?

Hello, man.  Basically, VHOD is a one-man act which is carrying on from a
few past projects (Morbid Darkness, Godcursed, Worms Of The Birth) with
the hopes that I can simultaneously stay true to my roots and branch out
into more progressive areas without watering down the product too much.

2.How would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the
recordings?

I would say it is rooted deeply in an old-school approach.  Musically, I
try not to limit myself to any one genre of metal, letting feel guide me
through the song writing process...mostly a brutal melodic death
metal/thrash metal sensibility with hints of doom.  Vocally, my approach
is nearly all in a death metal style, with exception to the odd song.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you explore with your
music?

I write about what is current in my life or some current interest which is
compelling enough to inspire a lyric.  The album deals with everything
from Stephen King's 'Flagg' character to mental illness to extremist
religious sects.

4.Vhod is a  continuation of some sorts of your last 3 musical projects,
what was the decision behind breaking up those bands and moving on with a
solo project?

All of those projects were solo projects at the time of consolidation.  I
was feeling a bit overwhelmed by running 3 acts and in some ways I was
needing something new.  Rather than just create yet another new project I
decided to merge all the old ones into something new.

5.You have a musical history that goes back to the mid 80's and early
90's, what is it that motivates you to keep going after all of these
years?

It certainly is a labour of love.  1989 was when it really started for me
and I was 12 years old at the time.  I suppose when you take something so
serious at such a young age it really shows that it means something to
you.  Music has been my main drug all these years and the satisfaction of
writing and producing songs, EPs and albums is enough to never want to
stop.

6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'VHOD'?

Originally it was a working title for an album I was dreaming up in early
2012 which never came to be.  While working out the details of the merger
I really had to use something fitting to the whole concept.  Vhod is a
Slovenian word for 'entrance' or 'doorway', and what this project meant
most to me was that it was going to offer an entrance into something
personal in a much deeper way than before.

7.With this musical project you record everything by yourself, how would
you compare it to working with a full band?

There is much more work involved, obviously, but when you play back a mix
you have much more to be proud of if it all works out.  I've played in
bands that were at times super tight and at other times a complete train
wreck.  There really are pros and cons for both scenarios.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of
extreme metal?

I've received great feedback in general.  Promotion has been minimal in
the past but the fans who are into the music really respond positively.

9.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician in the future?

I intend to continue what I've been doing all these years, letting myself
evolve and experiment as I see fit, but ultimately I aim to keep it heavy
and sincere.

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

Back in the early days it was Metallica, Slayer, Possessed, Death,
Bathory, etc.  Every great metal band from every metal genre at the time,
no boundaries.  Whatever moved me made it into my own music in some way or
form.  These days, I'm still listening to all the old stuff, lots of new
stuff as well as other musical styles.  At this very moment: Sorcerer,
Ghost, White Lies, Horrendous, Slayer, Your New Pale Sun, Khemmis,
Barrows...

11.What are some of your non musical interests?

I enjoy art and literature...been a bit busy for both lately.  I've been
tattooing for a little over a year and this has become quite a new
passion.


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


Thanks for your interview, man.  Check out vhod.ca for all necessary info
and take advantage of the free downloads available there.  Be sure to join
the mailing list for free stuff and future updates.  Keep your ears to the
ground for 'Dreamcleaver' coming in November and be sure to get your copy!
Keep it heavy!

Graveshadow Interview

1.       For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

Ben: We all have a lot of varied influences, and although we have some core influences, it’s the mix of backgrounds that really define our sound…plus weed.

2.       So far you have released an EP and have your first full length coming out in November, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on both of the recordings?

Valerie: The EP set the tone for the heavier elements that we draw influence from where as the album has a more dynamic and ethereal sound that lends itself much more to storytelling.

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

Will: The lyrics are very varied, but the core of our content is telling stories. I’m a very big nerd and took a lot of influence form Dr. Who, Game of Thrones and the Warcraft universe. At the same time though we like to share a bit of ourself in our lyrics as well. “Namesake” is about some of the emotional problems I dealt with after my grandfather died and living up to his name seeing as how I’m named after him.

4.       What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Graveshadow?

Roman: Well, we got really drunk one Halloween in a cemetery. I passed out for a few hours and when I woke up the first thing I saw was a shadow from a nearby grave across my legs….I brought it up at the next rehearsal and the rest is history.

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

Matt: I would say for sure that out best show was opening for Apocalyptica at Ace of Spades. The crowd that night was nothing short of incredible. A smaller show we played at Blue Lamp where our sound was just so dialed in that it really came through well.

As far as our performance is concerned, it’s important that we have a lot of room haha. With so many people the room really allow us to go full bore and bring the crowd into the fold. In a word: electrifying.

6.       Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?

Will: We will definitely be playing shows, focusing more on regional and select ones in our home town. Touring is on the horizon, we have some irons in the fire we aren’t at liberty to discuss right now, but if all goes well, next year is going to be amazing!

7.       On one of the tracks you have the singer of Primal Fear adding in some vocals, can you tell us a little bit more about his contribution to the recording?

    Heather: Ralf was a delight to work with. I did write the lyrics and melodies that he performed but he absolutely brought the power like only he is able to. All around a very kind and respectful individual, very happy that we had the chance to work with him

8.       On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of symphonic metal?

Matt: Overwhelmingly positive. It’s been an honor to be included on a varierty of radio programs both in the US and in Europe that have led to digital purchases of our EP. We’re looking forward to when we’re able to take this show across the pond.

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

Heather: Absolutely more vocal layering in recording. The guys have talked about incorporating more doomier elements while maintaining the melody we have now.  It’s hard to say, the symphonic element will always be there but we enjoy mixing various styles of metal. You can expect a healthy dose of both beauty and chaos in future material.

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

Valerie: The biggest influences for me have been Tori Amos and Nightwish. I still listen to them pretty frequently but I’m starting to branch out into slower and heavier music like Type O Negative.

Ben: I’ve always wanted to be in a band like Led Zeppelin, I really like how the had the freedom to do heavy riffs with softer melodies, which speaks to me on a deeply creative. I listen to a lot of modern metal like Epica and try to mix that with my early influences.

Heather: There are three vocalists that I have to give credit to as far as influence are concerned: Brittney Hayes of Unleash the Archers, Stu Block’s work with Into Eternity and Lizzy Hale of Halestorm. With out them, I wouldn’t be the vocalist I am today. Lately I’ve been listening to Devin Townsend and Disforia.

Matt: My two greatest influences are Metallica and Black Sabbath. Currently I’ve been listening to a lot of Anthrax and Rancid for rhythm ideas. While they’re not symphonic, it does help me hone into the symphonic sound of Graveshadow.

Roman: My greatest influences are Dave Lombardo, Johnny Kelly from Type O Negative, Bill Ward and Gas Lipstick from HIM. As far as what I’ve been listening I really dig on 80s metal. But really I bounce around between a lot of different genres from classic rock, black metal, doom….you know, random shit.

Will: My background is in punk and thrash. Early influences were bands like Extinction of Mankind, Toxic Narcotic, Iron Maiden and Amon Amarth. I’ve been listening to a lot of Opeth lately, as well as bands like Sabaton and Iced Earth.

11.   What are some of your non musical interests?

Heather: Kitties…um….I really love cats haha, but I love the Zelda games too. There’s also Netflix binges on Futurama, Angel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Charmed and Stark Trek.

Roman: I like to ride my motorcycle, skateboarding, I have an unhealthy obsession with Trailer Park Boys but I also really like to get outdoors and do things camp or go to the river.

Valerie: I really, really enjoy dogs, their honestly most of life. I also love travel and going to live shows.

Ben: The past few years I’ve gotten really into nutrition and fitness. Working at a nursery has allowed me to start getting into gardening, especially carnivorous plants.

Matt: Beer and my dog, traveling with my wife, horror movies, going to shows and just enjoying a night with my friends.

Will: I mentioned earlier that I’m a huge nerd, I love playing video games. Skyrim, Final Fantasy VII or IX, Dishonored and World of Warcraft have been my poison lately. I love mead and binging Netflix shows like Parks and Rec, Dr. Who, South Park and the X-Files. 

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

Will: First, thank you for taking the time to talk with us today. Honestly, just that we’re so thankful for the support that we’ve gotten from the metal community. Anyone who’s come to a show, bought an album or merch, you are the reason we do this and we can’t thank you enough. Keep an eye out for the album release and we’ll see you at the next show!

Enshine/Singularity/Rain Without End Records/2015 CD Review

  Enshine  are  an  international  band  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  melodic  and  atmospheric  form  of  doom/death  metal and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2015  album  "Singularity"  which  will  be  released  in  October  by  Rain  Without  End  Records.

  Dark  and  atmospheric  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  elements  of  post  rock  and  after  a  few  seconds  the  music  starts  getting  more  heavy  and  melodic  along  with  some  death  metal  growls  making  their  presence  known  on  the  recording  and  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Throughout  the  recording  there  is  a  perfect  balance  between  soft  and  clean  parts  along  with  the  music  being  very  progressive  at  times  and  when  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  remain  true  to  a  very  melodic  and  atmospheric  musical  direction  and  some  tracks  also  bring  in  a  small  amount  of  acoustic  guitars  and  clean  singing  vocals.

  When  high  pitched  screams  are  utilized  they  bring  elements  of  black  metal  onto  the  recording  while  some  of   the  heavier  riffs  bring  in  a  trace  of  modern  prog  metal  and  some  tracks  also  bring  in  a  small  amount  of  spoken  word  samples and  they  also  bring in  a  brief  synth  instrumental  before  making  a  return  back  to  a  heavier  musical  direction  on  the  following  tracks  which  also  shows  elements  of  dream  pop  and  goth  rock  finding  their  way  into  the  songs  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  whole  album  also  sticks  to  a  very  slow  or  mid  paced  musical  direction.

  Enshine  creates  another  doom/death  metal  album  that  is  very  melodic  and  atmospheric  while  also  mixing  in  a  good  elements  of  progressive  and  post  rock  elements  that  really  make  the  music  stand  out  a  lot  more,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Stillness,  Out  Of  Body  Experiences  and Science  Fiction  themes.

  In  my opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Enshine  and  if  you  are a  fan  of  this  band,  you  should  enjoy  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Dual  Existence"  "In  Our  Mind"  "Dreamtide"  and  "Apex".  8  out  of  10. 

Ad Nauseum/Self Titled/Broken Limbs Recordings/2015 EP Review

  Ad  Nauseum  are  a  band  from  Florida  that  plays  a  mixture  of  sludge,  doom  metal  and  harsh  noise  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2015  ep  which  will  be  released  in  October  by  Broken  Limbs  Recordings.

   Harsh  power  electronics  start  off  the  ep  and  a  few  seconds  later  dark  and  heavy  guitar  riffs  start  to  kick  in  and  takes  the  music  into  more  of a  doom  metal  direction  along  with  some  high  pitched  sludge  screams  and  the  noise  sounds  also  mix  in  with  the  more  heavy  parts  of  the  recording  and  there  is also a  brief  use  of  clean  playing.

  At  times  the  music  can  be  very  avant  garde  and  there  is  also  a  brief  use  of  death  metal  growls  and  elements  of  hardcore  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  blast  beats  can  be  heard  and  they  also  give  the  music  more  of  a  brutal  feeling  while  most  of  the  songs  and  riffs  stick  to  a  very  slow  yet  heavy  musical  direction.

  Ad  Nauseum  plays  a  musical  style  that  is  mostly  rooted  in  sludge  and  doom  metal  while  also  mixing  in  elements  of  hardcore  and  harsh  noise  to  create  a  style  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  angry  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Ad Nauseum  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  sludge,  doom  metal  and  harsh  noise  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Futility"  and  "Slalom  In  The  Public  River".  8  out  of  10.