Shadecrown/Agonia/Inverse Records/2016 CD Review

  Shadecrown  are a  band  from  Finland  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  doom  and  death  metal with some  thrash  elements  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2016  album  "Agonia"  which  will  be  released  in October  by  Inverse  Records.

 Armospherric  synths  and  acoustic  guitars  which  are  also  used  on  other  tracks  start  off  the  album  and  after  awhile  melodic  yet  melancholic  sounding  guitar  leads  are  added  onto  the  recording  along  with  some  heavy  riffs  that  also  use  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound   to  them.

  The  songs  also  alternate  quite  a  bit  between  the  heavy  and  soft  parts  throughout  the  recordings  and you  can  also  hear  a  great  amount  of doom  metal  elements  in  the  songs  while  the  vocals  are  mostly  death  metal growls  along  with  some  whispers  also  being  utilized  at  times  and  some  of  the  later  tracks  also  bring  in  elements  of  thrash  while  some  songs  also  bring  in  clean  singing  and  touches  of  goth  metal as  well  as  a  brief  use  of  high  pitched  screams and  there  is  also  a  great mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  some  of  the  faster  sections  also  bring  in  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats.   

 Shadecrown  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  the  melodic  styles  of  doom  and   death  metal  and  mixes  them  with  some  goth  and  thrash  elements  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  depressive  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Shadecrown  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  mixture  of  doom  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Led  Astray"  "Walk  Through  Hell"  "Tear-Stained  Heart"  and  "Drown".  8 out  of  10. 

Skeleton Of God Interview

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

We're psyched for the re-release to be in our hands and contemplating releasing a couple new songs in the near future.
>
> 2.Your last album was released in 2008, 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?

We consider it a progression, it's similar to the original vision but evolved.
The newest stuff has more of a death metal, psych, doom vibe. The early 90s stuff has more of a straight up "brutal" death metal vibe. We consider both psychedelic and weird variations of those styles.

>
> 3.There has been no new material in the last 8 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?
We've been busy with our personal lives and other musical pursuits.
We're both creative, motivated people; there are many more interests we pursue.
>
> 4.The band was broken up for more than 10 years, what was the cause of the split and also the decision to reform?
We broke up because we had other goals to pursue , Erik was working on Napalm America, I moved to Arizona to work on my BFA. I Can't recall what Tim and Joel were up to.
We just couldn't keep it together. I regret not being more serious at the time.
After not really communicating for years we just happened to cross paths again. As soon as we stared hanging out we decided we should work on a new recording. It was great, we got to know each other again and realized our chemistry was still there. After the recording was under way we contacted Joel and and he flew out to Colorado to lay down the bass tracks. Was great to have everyone (sans Tim) back in the studio.
Joel passed away in 2015, the re-release is dedicated to him!


>
> 5.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explored on the last album?
>
The lyrics are based on the visions / hallucinations I experienced on a Salvia Divinorum trip. It was frightening and enlightening; you literally see "inside" yourself. Trying to put the experience into words was a challenge but it worked out fairly well, they were close to interpreting the visions I experienced.
The themes deal with personal perspectives on spirituality, paranoia, failure, success, family/friends, enlightenment, politics etc...


> 6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Skeleton Of God'?
When I came up with the name it just rolled off my tongue joking around.
At this point it represents the "remains" of naïveté, I guess, ha.
>
> 7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
>
The best shows were with Carcass (on their Necroticism tour) and Anal Cunt (on the Morbid Florist tour).
Stage performances were energetic and straight forward, no bullshit or gimmicks, most of the time anyway.

> 8.The last album is getting re-issued on 'Everlasting Spew', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?
>
It's a new label, we're the first release. We're very honored to be involved with an upstart with such a clear, professional vision.

> 9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to you music by fans of death metal?
>
We've alway received a lot of great feedback!
Primordial Dominion was a bit challenging for death metal purists who were hardcore Urine Garden fans but most people have warmed up to it. We've always included "psychedelic" and progressive elements in the music, we never wanted to repeat ourselves.


> 10.Are any of the band members currently involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?

I have a band called Devil Worshipper, it's a heavy, "psychedelic rock" project. Erik has helped me out with some drumming and recording so it has some SoG "soul".
Erik has a studio and records bands from time to time. He also works on music of his own, more in the electronic realm.
>
> 11.Are there any plans to release new material in the future?
Yes. Hopefully a couple new songs early next year.
>
> 12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your current music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
My influences are all over the place and always have been, it's hard to nail down any primary influences as they relate to SoG but here are some that were and have continued to be interesting and or influential to some degree: Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Pentagram, Kiss, Devo, Iron Maiden, Hellhammer, Bathory, Slayer, Mercyful Fate , Dark Angel, Destruction, Death, Autopsy, Morbid Angel, Fatal, Napalm Death, Immolation, Godflesh, Cathedral, Entombed, Suffocation, Carcass, Dark Throne, Satyricon ,Can,  Melvins, Sleep , The Cows, Soundgarden...

Some the stuff I've been listening to on repeat lately: Jex Thoth, Autopsy, Disma, Thee Oh Sees, Dead Moon, Om, Brian Jonestown Massacre, old Megadeth (Killing..., Peace), Wooden Shjips, Zeke, Fungal Abyss, Satyricon, Godflesh, Black Sabbath, Pentagram , Trypticon blah, blah.....


>
> 13.What are some of your non musical interests?

I make art = illustrations, sculptures, paintings etc....

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

Thanks for the interest and support! \m/

Skeleton Of God/Primordial Dominion/Everlasting Spew Records/2016 CD Re-Issue Review

  Skeleton  Of God  are  a  band  from  Nederland,  Colorado  that  plays  a very  brutal  and  psychedelic form  of  death  metal  with  some  elements  of  doom  and  grindcore  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2008  album  "Primordial  Dominion"  which  will  be  re-issued  on  September  8th,  2016  by  Everlasting  Spew  Records.

  A  very  dark  yet  distorted  sound  starts off  the  album  along  with  some  heavier  guitars  and  high  pitched  grindcore  screams  a  few  seconds  later  and  you can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording  and t he  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  psychedlic  and  experimental  elements.

  Melodic  guitar  leads  can  also  be  heard  at  times  and  after  awhile  death  metal  growls  make  their  presence  known  on  the  recording  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  great  amount  of  brutal  blast  beats  can  be  heard  while  the  slower  sections  of  the  songs  are  very  heavily  influenced  by  doom  metal  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  some  of  the  tracks  are  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Skeleton  Of  God  plays  a  musical  style  that  is  mostly  rooted  in  death  metal  while t he  doom, g rind  and  psychedelic  elements  gives  them  more  of  an  original  sound,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  death, sex, psychoses,  and  esotericism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Skeleton  Of  God  are  a  very  great  sounding  psychedelic  death  metal  band  with  elements  of  doom  and  grindcore  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Tentacle  Gears"  "Dark  Energy"  "Eyeland"  and  "Journey's  Twilight".  8  out of  10. 

  

  

Aeternitas Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?
Well the most important act after finishing the recordings was to find a new label, which took some time. But finally and luckily we found our new label Massacre Records and are honoured to be part of the Massacre family now. Because some of their early bands such as Theatre of Tragedy had a huge influence in the beginning of our band.

2.You have a new album coming out in October, 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?
Our new songs are kind of modern symphonic metal, which means we have catchy chorus parts with strong melodies highlighted by our two singers Alma and Oliver. As basis we work with metal riffs and rock parts and – of course – we use huge orchestra arrangements in a lot of songs.
In comparison to our two early albums we are straighter now. At that time we had much more different genres combined such as Death Metal and a variety of different vocal parts and singer. And on our last album – the gothic-rock Musical "Rappacinis Tochter" – we had less metal parts and more Musical elements.

3.This is your first full length album since 2009, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time span?
As mentioned above the 2009 album was a gothic-rock Musical that we performed on stage in a real Musical show for over 50 times in different theatres for about 5 years. That was a huge fun but also a huge work to manage the shows and the complete staff and it left us little time for being creative and write new songs. After some years we saw that we cannot handle such a project for second time. So we had to think of what should be the new style for the next songs and albums and finally we came to our modern symphonic metal presented on our new album "House of Usher". But it was a long way until the final result. That's the reason for the long period from our last album release.

4.The lyrics on the new album are based on the E.A Poe story 'House Of Usher', what was the decision behind putting this story to music?
The last album was based on a short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne a companion of E.A. Poe. So apart from all the musical changes we wanted to maintain the gothic-novel topic within the new album and came to the extraordinary short story "The Fall of the House of Usher" by Poe, which fits perfect to our new musical concept.

5.I know that the band name means  'the  personification of eternity' in Roman mythology, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?
The band name results from our first album "requiem" – also a concept album –which was a real requiem based on the original Medieval Latin Mass lyrics. Herein the Latin words for eternal and eternity, aeternus and aeternitas, were important and thus seem to fit best for the band name.

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?
Some of the best shows we had were on the Wave and Gotik Treffen Leipzig. The different venues all over the town and the atmosphere is very special and always a pleasure to be part of it. We had also some great shows during our theatre shows on our Musical tour e.g. in a very old and nice theatre.
With the new songs we returned to a straight rock performance with lots of fun on stage.

7.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?
We had and will have some single shows with our new songs and hope to perform on some festivals next year. Everyone who is interested in seeing us live in the future should follow us on our socials to be up to date.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of goth metal?
We always had lots of fans and positive feedback from the Goth Metal scene in Middle and South America and also from Russia although we never played live in these regions.

9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
After lots of changes in the past our main goal is now continuity. We are always working to improve ourselves but will follow the path which we are on with "House of Usher".

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?
In the early years there were the godfathers of Gothic Metal "Paradise Lost" and also mentioned above bands like "Theatre of Tragedy". In the younger past "Within Temptation" had an influence in our current style.
Personally I also listen to modern American Metal bands such as Alter Bridge.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?
Although I didn't find much time besides music, job and family I am interested in good modern TV series.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
This question always reminds me to consider some very intelligent and philosophic last words… Till then I would say: Enjoy our music and enjoy all good music and give the music the value it deserves.

Harri Kauppinen Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your solo project?

A: Hi there mates, i'm a singer-songwriter from Finland releasing my debut album at 30th September.

Earlier i was a singer of the dark-metal band called Beyond The Dream. When we decided to end that band it was right time for me to explore some new ways to do my music and wrap my emotions.

I'd buy my first acoustic guitar few years back and that led me to do music the way you can hear on my upcoming album. There is still a darkness in those songs but they are covered up with fragile singer-songwriter style, like a folk singer doing heavy songs, y know!

2.You have your first solo album coming out in September, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?

A: Humanity and uniqueness. Those were the production guidelines when the album was in the "making -phase". We tried to capture the feeling by taking long takes when recording, and i'm quite sure that you can hear that. And hopefully you can enjoy that too.


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

A : The lyrics are poetic version of mans every day life. There is no need to write down every detail from your basic day, 'cause that is just too boring. But when you color the things a little bit and but them into your musical world the words grow into their places.

Let's take an example, the song called "Maa palaa". The lyrics are basicly about the frustration about the day-to-day traditions, go to work - do your job - pay your bills...etc. that is how you get yourself into the choking fog and don't know how to get out. The story is written like the story about the Phoenix-bird, burn yourself out and rise again, stronger than before.


4.What are some of the things are able to do with your solo project that you where not able to do with your previous bands?

A: That's simple, to do things exactly how i want to. If i want to play acoustic guitar little bit off key to make it sound disturbing, i am able to do that, heh.

5.Do you have any live shows planned for the future?

A: At the moment, no. First, i like to know how people will receive my music and there is still many things open about playing live, am i doing it solo, duo or with a band...


6.The album is coming out on 'Concorde Music Company', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

A: The Concorde Music Company is for artist who are willing to invest to their own release. The label is offering help for production, distributing and marketing.


7.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of the darker styles of metal?

A: There haven't been so much feedback yet, 'cause the release is not out, except the promos. The Maa palaa-single and other previews have received quite good feedback, surprisingly good actually. I'm playing around with quite hazard elements when i'm making my music, but that is just interesting to me. And of course, i'm happy if it's interesting for someone else too.


8.Are you also involved with any other musical projects these days?

A: Musical projects, no, but i do write lyrics, and help recordings, for others bands when asked. I don't need another musical project or a band to interrupt me. This arrangement let me focus 100% on my own music.


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

A: I hope that i'm able to explore deeper into my music and see what it has to offer. When i've found the new paths in this gloomy-musical creation, then it is time for the new album. When it is? I really don't know yet.


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?

A: Nowadays i do listen a lot of dark-doom metal and Finnish folk-singers and of course they will effect my music. But there is still "a number one band" for me and it is Cradle of Filth, even i've been not so thrilled about their few latest albums. That band has been a main influence for me since i was a kid and started to play music.


11.What are some of your non musical interests?

A: The basic answer, movies and books. Even i do not read enough and that's a little shame. I watch movies alot, maybe cause it's easier...that is a lame excuse, i have to make myself to read more!


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

A: There is a wolf inside every man. The wolf that is ready to kill the weaker one.
Tame that beast down and check out my debut album, out 30.9.2016.

She Beast/III/2016 EP Review

  She  Beast  are  a  band  from  Australia  that  plays  a  mixture  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2016  ep "III".

  Horror  movie  samples  start off  the ep  along  with  some  bass  guitars  a  few  seconds  later  which  also  leads  up  to  more  of  a  heavier  doom  metal  direction  along  with  some  high  pitched  sludge  style  screams  and  there  is  also  a  small  amount  of  mid  paced  sections  and  blast  beats  along  with  elements  of  punk  rock  and  southern  etal.

   One  track  is  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  there  is  also  a  brief  use  of  melody  being  utilized  on  a  couple  of  songs  and  when  guitar  leads  are  utilized  they  give  the  music  more  of  a  retro  and  stoner  metal  vibe  and  all  of  the  tracks  stick  to a  heavy  musical  style.

  She  Beast  plays  a  musical  style  that  focuses  more  of  the  heavier  side  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  while  also  having  some  southern,  stoner  and  punk  rock  elements,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  real  life  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Sea  Beast  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "The  Fly"  and  "Saw  Pig".  8  out  of  10. 

Bethmoora Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
1. Copenhagen based sludge/doom 5 piece Bethmoora, has existed for about a year in its current form, all members with experience from previous bands. Huge riffs, bludgeoning rhythms and disturbing vocals are key elements of the slow descent.

2.How would you describe your musical sound?
2. Blackened Psychedelic Funeral Sludge Doom? It's hard to describe your own music, if you don't set out to play a specific genre from the start. We do think that we have a common base in doom metal, but try to pull in all the stuff we like, be it from psychedelic rock, sludge, funeral doom, black metal or noise. The sound is massive and we play slow and heavy music. We like the music to become physical so that we and our listeners can feel the frequencies.

3.Your lyrics cover a lot of occult topics, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this subject?
3. Fantasy has always been an intriguing topic and is that main genre that Anders reads. This of course will also influence what you write.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Bethmoora'?
4. It is a really cool name and it is a story of a doomed city by one of the early writers of the fantasy/horror genres Lord Dunsany. And we also like the band Bong.

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
5. We enjoy every time we play: Opening the Nothern Discomfort festival was an awesome first gig. Opening for Remote with only 10 people and opening for Dopethrone with Dreich and a lot of people. All awesome shows.
The tempo is slow and thus the movement on stage is fairly scarce, but the sound is thick, immersive and blasts at you. There are no theatrics.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
6. We have four shows coming up in September and October. One of them opening for YOB. We are planning a winter European tour with Dorre (February).

7.You have a split coming out with 'Dorre', what are your thoughts on the other band that had participated on the recording?
7. We enjoy their tracks and it is awesome that on one record you can span wide and still stay within the same genre. Which we have also tried to depict on the album cover.

8.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
8. There has been some interest in releasing our demo, but we have not actively tried to contact any labels. We are working on material for a full length and will be more actively looking for labels.

9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of sludge and doom metal?
9. Pretty damn well which came as a pleasant surprise.

10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
10. Louder, deeper, and darker ;)

11.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?
11. All the members come from different musical backgrounds. To name a few that we have on heavy rotation: YOB, Kataklysm (the old stuff), Conan, Fister, Cult of Occult, Indian, Coltsblood and the list goes on ... and on. Basically if it slow and/or heavy we dig it.

12.What are some of your non musical interests?
12. We are five fat fathers so time not spent with the band is spent with family and friends. Being five people the interests are numerous, there are interests in beer brewing, effect pedal building, board games, and more.

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
13. Our band is an outlet for most of us all. We have to have a regular session to stay sane. We would still be playing even if it had never left the rehearsal space. We are just trilled that there are people out there who seem to enjoy the noises we make.