Twilight's Embrace/Penance/2018 EP Review

  Twilight's  Embrace  are  a  band  from  the  united  kingdom  that  plays a   mixture  of  goth, doom, and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2018  ep  "Penance"  which  will  be  released  in  February.

  Clean  guitars  start  off  the  ep  along  with  some  heavy  riffing  a  few  seconds  later  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  fashion  as  well  as  the  riffs  also  bringing  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  and  the  vocals  are  mostly  deep  death  metal  growls  an d black  metal  screams  can  also  be  hard  at  times.

  Most  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  when  clean  vocals  are  utilized  they  bring  elements  of  goth  onto  the  recording  as  well  as  all  of  the  songs  sticking  to  either  a  slow  or  mid  tempo  direction  and  they  close  the  ep  with a   cover  of  Paradise  Lost's  "Its  Too  Late".

  Twilight's  Embrace  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  goth,  doom  and  death  metal and  mixes  them  together to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self released  recording  while  the lyrics cover  longing,  loss  and  regret  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Twilight's  Embrace  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  goth,  doom  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Dying  Earth"  and  "Penance".  8  out  of  10.

Greber/Cemetery Preston/Ancient Temple Recordings/2018 Full Length Review

  Greber  are  a  duo  from  Ontario,  Canada  that  plays  a  mixture  of  sludge,  doom  metal  and  grindcore  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2018  album  "Cemetery  Preston"  which  will  be  released  in  February  by  Ancient  Temple  Recordings.

  Harsh  noises  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavier  musical  direction  where  you  can  also  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  recording  along  with  some  growling  and  screaming  vocals  while  the  music  also  mixes  in  elements  of  sludge  and  doom  metal.

  Elements  of  hardcore  and  noise  rock  can  also  be  heard  at  times  while  the  riffs  also  bring  in  a  decent  amount  of  dark  sounding  melodies  along  with  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  bringing  in  blast  beats  and  grindcore  influences  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  some  touches  of  crust  punk  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  brief  use  of  melodic  vocals  can  also  be  heard  and  the  harsh  noise  sounds  also return  on  some  of  the  later  tracks  and  the  last  song  is  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Greber  plays  a  musical  style  that  is  mostly  rooted  in  a  more  modern  sludge  and  doom  metal  direction  while  also  mixing  in  elements  of  grindcore  in  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  ad  real  life  themes. 

  In  my  opinion  Greber  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  sludge,  doom  metal  and  grindcore  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Backhanded  Interest"  "By  Any  Other  Name"  "Grave  Plot"  and  "The  Closer  We  Got".  8  out  of  10.

 

 

    

Ossuarium/Calcified Trophies Of Violence/Blood Harvest/2018 Cassette Review

  Ossuarium  are  a  band  from  Portland,  Oregon  that  plays  an  old  school  form  of  doom/death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2017  demo  "Calcified  Trophies  Of  Violence"  which  will  be  released  on  cassette  in  February  by  Blood  Harvest.

  A  very  dark  and  heavy  doom  metal  sound  starts  off  the  demo  along  with  soem  death  metal  growls  a  few  seconds  alter  while  the  solos  and  leads  are  done  in  a  melodic  fashion  as  well  as  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  music  is  rooted  in  the  90's.

  When  the  music  speeds  up  a  decent  amount of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  while  most  of  the  tracks  are  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  the  songs  also  bringing  in a   great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  the  music  always  sticks  to  a  very  heavy  and  dark  musical  direction.

  Ossuarium  plays  a  style  of  doom/death  metal  that  is  very  heavily  rooted  in  the  early  90's  era  of  the  genre,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Ossuarium  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  doom/death  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  demo.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Chapel  of  The  Bone".  8  out  of  10.   

Dirge/Alma | Baltica/Division Records/201 CD Review

  Dirge  are  a  band  from  France  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  an  atmospheric  mixture  of  industrial,  sludge  and  post  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2017  album  "Alma  |  Baltica"  which  was  released  by  Division  Records.

  Atmospheric  drones  start  off  the  album  while  the  music  also  gets  very  experimental  at  times  along  with  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  as  well  as  the  music  also  mixing  in  a  great  amount  of  post  rock  elements  and  after  awhile  drum  beats  start  making  their  presence  known  on  the  recording.

  Most  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  while  the  second  track  brings  in  elements  of  industrial  onto  the  recording  along  with  some  touches of  ambient  and  when  bass  guitars  are  added  into  the  music  they  are  very  powerful  sounding,  female  vocals  and  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  briefly  as  well  as  the  music  also  bringing  in  the  heaviness  of  sludge  and  doom  metal  once  guitar  riffing  is  added  into  the  album  and  as  the  album  progresses  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  on  a  later  song.

  Dige  plays  a  musical  style  on  this  recording  that takes  industrial,  ambient,  experimental  sludge,  doom  and  post  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  something  very  original  while  keeping  a  great  portion  of  the  music  instrumental  and  the  production  sounds  very  professional.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Dirge  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  experimental,  industrial,  ambient,  doom,  sludge  and  post  metal,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Red  Dawn  Tibesti"  and  "Pure".  8  out  of  10. 

Druid Lord Interview

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

We've been staying busy playing shows in the South. Including different areas of FL, GA, SC, NC, and TN. I've also started to arrange some new parts of songs. I don't want to waste any time writing new material. Time goes by so quickly and we are full of new ideas.

2.You have a new album coming out in early 2018, 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?

"Grotesque offerings" is a much darker feel to it. The songs are slower in feel. We still have the Death Metal elements of course, but we wanted to capture a certain mood about this record.
The songs all intertwine with each other to create this heavy dark mood. The lyrics, vocals, guitars solos, the drum style just works for us. The 'Druid Death Cult" and "Baron Blood" ep's were along those same lines we just continued that feel. Our first album and and split EP had more Death Metal elements and more different tempos. I think for me personally this album flows better that our first album.

3.This is your first album since 2013, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time span?

We just had to reorganize. We wrote a few songs but then our previous drummer Stephen left the band. That's when our current drummer Elden Santos joined in. At this point we started writing the 2nd half of the album. Then our second guitar player Ben left the band for almost a year and Chris Wicklien from Killing Addiction (FL) joined us. Ben did return to DL, but all this was an adjustment period. We still played some great gigs during all these changes. We also took time to record 'Grotesque Offerings',  and have had it mixed and mastered by Mikko Saastamoinen in Finland.

4.A lot of the lyrics on the new album are inspired by horror movies and the occult, which movies and forms of occultism do you cover in your song writing?

It's no secret that we enjoy 'B' horror and occult movies and books. Anything about witches, vampires, gothic castles, infamous madmen, and just the dark side of life. The lyrics and music must work together to create a feeling of dread. Paul Naschy's  inquisition inspired our song "Last Drop of Blood". We take inspiration from Dario Argento, Mario Bava, Lucio Fulci and Edgar Allen Poe (loosely). One of our tracks was also inspired by Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. I also listen to a lot of horror soundtrack music for inspiration.

5.I know that the bands name comes from Celtic Paganism, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?

We are fascinated with the Druids and how they played a part in Celtic history. They were thought of as priests, poets, philosophers, and in folklore many were thought of as magicians or alchemists. I always felt that the Druids were connected with the forces of nature and the world around them. The believed in the powers they invoked into their everyday lives. They celebrated Samhain during the harvest (I’m a huge Halloween freak). So it made sense to bring those ideas into the band.


6.Some of the band members have been playing extreme metal since the mid 80's to early 90's, what is it that motivates you to keep going after all f these decades?

It's the passion for playing heavy music. That stays with us.  I'm not satisfied playing any traditional rock at this point. Some of us have been with some other bands that did quite well in the 90's. We still enjoy the whole process of writing music, recording, and most importantly playing for our fans. Most importantly we enjoy what we do. I've always stated if it's not enjoyable anymore then don't do it. I still get that 'high' feeling when I see our final product of our latest album. Doesn't matter if it's a CD, Tape, of LP. These are things that will be around forever. Like I mentioned playing live is also a huge part of the process. Putting all your energy and focus on stage to create a live show that people will remember.

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?

We use a few stage props. Skulls, candles, fog, tombstones..etc. We play loud and our tone must be on point. We create this big/heavy atmosphere. We as guitar players use a variety of guitar pedals to create certain moods of the songs. Some of our most memorable shows were the Day of Death 2 in New York and Swarmfest in Tampa, FL. Playing with bands like Deceased (at that fest mentioned), Acheron (mine and Tony's previous band), Massacre, Obituary (multiple shows), Noctunus AD, Cough, Hollow Leg, Olde Growth, Killing Addiction. we just played with The Obsessed. Getting to meet WINO was fucking awesome! Honestly we've played with so  many killer bands it's hard to remember.

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

We are in those stages right now. Making contacts for a US tour in 2018. I'm also trying to find promoters who'll bring us over to Europe. That's a must for us. It's all about the right people hearing our music and giving us those opportunities.

9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of doom and death metal?
We've been very fortunate to have  so many old and new fans. This latest album has really brought us to new levels. The reviews of "Grotesque Offerings" have been great (that I've seen so far). Druid Lord is very pleased we worked out a deal with Hells Headbangers so more people have the opportunity to hear our music. 

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

I myself am not. I have a few things that are a possibility but nothing definite. I like to keep my focus with Druid Lord. Tony keeps busy with running his Blakk Magic studios. Elden our drummer also plays live with an Iron Maiden and Slayer tribute band.

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

Keep recording and playing live. I'm already putting together ideas for a new record. Play gigs in cities we've never played. New year, new goals and objectives for the band.

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

Bands that have always influenced me were Celtic Frost, Hellhammer, Possessed, Cirith Ungol, Black Sabbath, Candlemass, Necrovore, and 70's electronic styles like Klaus Schultze. As far as new releases I enjoyed the latest Krypts, Blood Incantation, Phrenelith, Void Meditation Cult, Acid Witch, Hooded Menace, Cultes Des Ghoules, Spectral Voice, and Desolate Shrine albums. It's good to keep up with new bands in the scene. There are so many generic bands out there,but then there are those few that just create their own feeling and sound.

13.What are some of your non musical interests?

Collecting and selling rock and roll memorabilia. I have a big collection of 70's/80's rock and metal. Things like posters, magazines, tour books, shirts. Spending time doing outdoor things such as hiking and kayaking. I hate being confined inside all the time so i do as much outside activities as I can.

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

Hails Doomed To Darkness Zine!!! Thanks for the interview. Keep an eye out for our new CD, LP, and Tapes on all formats available late Jan on Hell Headbangers. Druid Lord is spreading our Doom and Gloom to new areas!. Check our www.druidlord.com for our latest merch. We still have left over 2017 shirts. Cheers

Pete

Stygian Obsession/Form Is Void/Pacific Threnodies/2018 CD Review

  Stygian  Obsession  are  a  band  from  the  United  States  that  plays  a  very  old  school  and  atmospheric  mixture  of  doom  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review of  their  album  "Form  is  Void"  which  will  be  released  in  2018  by  Pacific  Threnodies.

  Atmospheric  soundscapes  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  death  metal  growls  a  few  seconds  later  which  leads  to  a  heavier  direction  while  the  faster  sections  of  the  songs  bring  in a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  as  well  as  being  heavily  rooted  in  the  90's  and  the  riffs  also  mix  in a  great  amount  of  dark  sounding  melodies.

  Atmospheric  and  heavy  parts  mix  together  quite  a  bit  throughout  the  recording  while t he  solos  and  leads  are  also  done  in a  very  dark  yet  melodic  fashion  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  having  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  as  well a s  the  music  also  bringing  in  a  touch  of  black  metal  at  times.

  Stygian  Obsession  plays  a  musical  style  that  goes  back  to  the  more  darker  side  of  death  and  doom  metal  from  the  early  90's  while  also  mixing  in  an  atmospheric  edge,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  old  school  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  ritualistic  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Stygian  Obsession  are  a  very  great  sounding  old  school  and  atmospheric  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  "Deep  In  The  Bonds  Of  Darkness"  and  "All That  Are  In  The  Graves  Shall  Hear  His  Voice".  8  out  of  10.

Hamferd/Tamsins Likam/Metal Blade Records/2018 Full Length Review

  Hamferd  are  a  band  from  the  Faroe  Islands  that  plays  an  atmospheric  mixture  of  doom  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  album  "Tamsins  Likam"  which  will  be  released  in  2018  by  Metal  Blade  Records.

  Acoustic  guitars  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  melodic vocals  a  few  seconds  later  while  the  heavy  guitar  riffs  takes  the  music  into  more  of  a  doom  metal  direction  as  well  as  introducing  death  metal  growls  onto  the  recording  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  When guitar  solos  and  leads  are utilized  they  are  done  in  a  very  melodic  fashion  while  most  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  some  songs  also  bringing  in  clean vocals  and  as  the  album  progresses  a  small  amount  of  black  metal  elements  can  be  heard  as  well  as  having  acoustic  guitars  also  return  on  some  of  the  later  tracks  and  they  also  give  the  songs  a  more  progressive  feeling,  a  decent  amount  of  melody  can  be  heard  in  the  guitar  riffing  and  the  music  also  speeds  up  briefly  and  also  adds  in  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats.

  Hamferd  plays  a  musical  style  that  takes  atmospheric  doom  and  melodic  death  metal  and  mixes  them  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  are  written  in  Faroese  language  and  cover  a  concept  involving  the  history  and  folklore  of  their  culture.

  In  my  opinion  Hamferd  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  and  progressive  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  "Stygd"  and  "Vapn  I  Anda".  8  out  of  10.