Interview with Valle Crucis done by Patrick posted on 12-18-18

Interview with Valle Crucis done by Patrick

1.Hails please introduce yourself to the readers?

We are Valle Crucis, black metal from South Carolina, USA. Our members include myself (Skullcrusher) on guitar/vocals and Ashriel on drums. We formed in April of 2016 and currently have two releases, a self-titled EP and a newly released full length album entitled “Iron & Blood”.

2.When did you first start listening to black metal and who were the first bands you discovered?Who would you say are some of your current favorite bands?

My introduction to Black Metal was the original Stormblast record from Dimmu Borgir my senior year of high school. I really didn’t try to get more into it until a few years later when I started listening to Immortal and Satyricon. It took a bit to immerse myself in it because of my religious upbringing and this was during a time when I was breaking away from that. Some of my favorites now include Sargeist, Behexen, Hell Militia, Ondskapt, & Marduk.

3.When did you first meet the other member of the band?And was it long before you two decided to start Valle Crucis?How did you choose Valle Crucis as the name of the band does it have a special meaning?

I believe we met in 2014. During a extreme metal show here in South Carolina. We didn’t form the band until a couple years later after we both departed from previous bands. The name of the band comes from a legend of a hellhound haunting a church yard in a town in North Carolina. I wanted to incorporate some local (somewhat local) lore into the band.

4.I believe the band is two man band would you like add more members to make a full line-up or do you prefer to work as a two man band?

Negative. There are no plans to add another member. Working with people is draining and slightly annoying, so the less people we have involved, the easier it is to get things done and schedule shows, practice time, etc.

5.Who would you say are the bands biggest influences?And for the readers who have never heard Valle Crucis's music how would you best describe it?

Our influences come from bands like Sargeist, Behexen, Dark Funeral, Marduk, Satyricon & Merrimack. We’ve been described as a mix of Marduk & Mork Gryning,. Very dark, aggressive yet melodic passages.

6.Iron&Blood is the bands debut release how long did it take the band to write the music for the debut?Do you both work on writing the music or does one member usually write everything?

The music was written over the course of a year after our self-titled EP release.

7.Who usually takes care of writing the lyrics for the music?What are some topics you all wrote about on the debut release?

Myself. I’ve written about depression, hatred of religion, hate of the status quo in the United States of politics and society, anger towards several things, sex. There’s a wide array of topics that I’ll write about.

8.What does black metal mean to you two?

Black Metal to us is unapologetic, freedom, it is a vessel for expression. Not much more to say in that respect.

9.Valle Crucis comes out of the U.S black metal scene what is your opinion of the black metal scene in the U.S.A?

Lacking. And this is outside of the more well-known acts. It’s usually one a few things. Bands are trying “too hard” to be kvlt or true black metal and not being true to themselves. Second, there are the ones that have good sounding music, but the presence and attitude is missing. Third, some are just sellouts trying to be as popular as they can be, begging to get on shows or for people to hear their music. Not to say all the bands are like this, but a fair number seem to be.

10.Who are your all-time favorite bands coming out of the U.S black metal scene?Are their any new bands you feel the readers should check out soon?

Some of the ones I would say are top favorites are Burial Oath, Atrum Inritus, Judas Iscariot, Kult ov Azazel and Obsequiae. Some newer ones I’ve been keeping up with (and people may or may not already know them) are Imperialist, Von Nacht and Helleborus.

11.Besides working in Valle Crucis do either of the members currently play in any other bands or solo projects?

Neither of us are currently involved in any other full band projects. I, however, am working some solo Funeral Doom material that will likely be released early next year.

12.Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final comments for the readers?

We thank the readers for taking time to read the interview and hope that they enjoy what they hear from us.

                                                           Band  Contacts
                                              https://vallecrucisblackmetal.bandcamp.com/
                                               https://twitter.com/ValleCrucisSC
                                            https://www.facebook.com/ValleCrucisBlackMetal

Interview with Blackult done by Patrick posted up on 12-17-18

Interview with Blackult done by Patrick

1.Hails please introduce yourselves to the readers?

Nebulah: Hail Underground Maniacs!

2.When did you first start listening to black metal music and who were the first bands you discovered?Who are some of your current favorite bands?

Nebulah: I first started listening to metal when I was 16 years old and I started following black metal the first time I discovered Dimmu Borgir, 1349, Emperor, Marduk, Immortal. Then I fell into the underground and learned more about Black Metal and started listening to Bathory, Darkthrone, Burzum, Mayhem, etc... but right now i like Judas Iscariot, Kampfar, Satanic Warmarster, Nargaroth, Arckanum… and our compatriots Narbeleth and Ancestor.

3.When did you two first meet each other and was it long before you started Blackult? Who would you say are the bands biggest influences?

Nebulah: We knew each other from childhood and started listening to metal the same year (2006) and we created Blackult and attempted to create a thrash metal band in 2012. Our influences are from the true spirit of Black Metal and Ancestor debut album “Hell Fuckin´ Metal” (2008). We picked the Blackult name from the first track of that album. And Narbeleth was a major influence being it was best and most important cuban Black Metal band. 

4.Our Kind is the bands debut release featuring the Black Metal Army demo and the Below Enchant Moon EP. when did you first come in contact with Crushing Notes Entertainment?

Nebulah: in 2016 I saw a post a of Crushing Notes Ent. on the internet, they wanted some Latin-American bands to sign on the label. I sent a demo from my personal project Hexed and they liked it but a demo not was enough. So I sent the Blackut albums and then we signed for a compilation album and “Our Kind” CD. This was very slow because in 2016 I was going through a lot of personals problems, but finally we released the album. 

5.Have you all started writing new material for the next release? How long does it usually take to complete one song?

Nebulah: In 2019 we will start writing new material. We have some tracks but nothing set in stone. Writing black metal riffs for me is very easy and when I write a riff I send to Necromancer, because he lives in Spain, so the process is very slow because the internet in Cuba is very expensive.

6.Besides the “Our Kind” debut does the band have any other merchandise currently availible? If yes what is availible and where can the readers buy it? 

Nebulah: Everything is available at www.crushingnotes.com. Only the album is on sale right now but the label will be releasing some t-shirts, stay alert! 

7. I know Blackult is a two man band would you like to find more members to make a full line up to play some live shows or do you prefer working in the studio?

Nebulah: When we are in studio we have a full band and we intend to play live with a full band, but Necromancer lives in Spain, so for that reason Blackult doesn’t perform full time on the road. When Necromancer comes to Cuba, of course we will play and we try to find a drummer for Blackult live shows, but not a full time member. 

8.If you had the opportunity to work with any musicians who would you like to work with? 

Nebulah: With Lord Dakkar from Narbeleth in a split album that would be awesome!

9.What does black metal mean to you two?

Nebulah: My life, my path to walk in this world!

10.Besides working in Blackult do either of you work with any other bands or solo projects?If yes please tell the readers a little about them?

Nebulah: I have a one man project called Hexed still being raw black metal like Blackult, but it is very different in lyrics and sound. I play in Spermask a porn groovy gore band and recently I started playing rhythm guitar in a death melodic band called Dark Mill.

11. Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final comments for the readers?

Nebulah: Thanks for the interview and thanks to the black metal horde to find our music and support! This 2019 Blackult will be more active we stay in the shadows a lot of time! HAIL BLACK METAL! FOR THE GLORY OF THE FUCKIN´ UNDERGROUND! 

                                                        Band  Contact

                                          https://www.facebook.com/Blackult/

                                                        Label Contact

                                            http://www.crushingnotes.com/index.html

                                          

Dodsfall--Doden Skal Ikke Vente cd,lp {Osmose Productions} posted on 12-9-18

Dodsfall--Doden Skal Ikke Vente  cd,lp {Osmose Productions}
After a four year silence Norway's Dodsfall return with their fifth full length release.Doden Skal Ikke Vente is ten tracks of crazed and furious yet very well written and crafted black metal.The guitar work is done with alot of skill combing both crazed guitars and some slower,mid paced patterns. The guitarist does write some very creative and interesting guitar sections.The vocals are razor sharp black metal screams and screeches their are even some clean vocals used in some of the tracks.The drums are played with both hyperspeed blasting drum patterns and some more complex drums that go from a mid paced to a faster drum pace.This is my first encounter with the Norweigan black metal band Dodsfall but if you are a fan of well written and performed Norweigan black metal then do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Doden Skal Ikke Vente when it is released in mid January.
                                                                         
                                                                   Label Contacts
                                                          http://www.osmoseproductions.com/
                                                        https://osmoseproductions.bandcamp.com/
                                                         https://twitter.com/OsmoseProd

Fornace---Deep Melancholic Wrath cd{Paragon Records} Posted on 12-4-18

Fornace---Deep Melancholic Wrath  cd{Paragon Records}
Fornace comes out of the mighty Italian black metal scene with their third full length.Deep Melancholic Wrath features five tracks of raw intense black metal with a mix of both fast paced and some slower mid paced sections.The guitarist write some fast and crazed guitar parts but also writes some memorable guitar passages.The vocals are mainly grim,black metal shrieks and screams that really fits Fornace's musicial style.If you are familiar with Fornace's previous releases then you know what to expect so be sure to get a copy of Deep Melancholic Wrath.If you are a new listener and enjoy old school black metal with some modern influences then be sure to pick up a copy of the new release today.
                                                                        Label  Contacts
                                                                https://www.paragonrecords.org/
                                                            https://www.facebook.com/paragonrecordsli/

Interview with Morgal done by Patrick posted on 11-26-18

Interview with Morgal done by Patrick

1.Hails please introduce yourselves to the readers?

HAIL!

We are Morgal, Satanic legion from Finland.

2.When did you first start listening to black metal and who were the first bands you listened to?Who are some of your current favorite bands?

SS EXILER: "20.04.1889, Mutiilation, Abruptum"

CRUSHER: "Cant remember for sure when I started listening black metal, but before I got laid for first time. I remember when I heard Satyricon Dark medieval times first time in the radio, I thought what the fuck is this"

LORD WARMOON:"I Heard Behexen - My Soul for His Glory album and it hit me hard and still does.

Nowadays my ultimate favourite band is Nifelheim for sure."

3.Morgal was started in 2014 when did you first get the idea to start this band?And what is the current line up of the band?

We just started to play together and this is the result. The line up is the same as the day we started.

4.For the readers who have never heard Morgal how would you best describe the bands sound?And who would you say are Morgal's biggest influences?

Ultra violence black metal. Morgal's biggest influences are Motörhead, Nifelheim and Hurriganes.

5.Morgal recently signed to Werewolf Rec to release the new self titled EP. when did you and the band first come in contact with this label?

Chiefs from the Werewolf Records and Illuminating Void came to see our self organized event and we suppose they liked it.

6.How long did it take the band to write the music for the new release?Does the whole band take part in the writing process or does one member write everything?

About two years. We do all songs in our rehearsal chamber. Everyone takes part of making these songs. Natural process is: Our guitarist

have one or two guitar riffs and then we start to play together and we do this until the song is ready.

7.Who usually handles writing the lyrics for the music and what are some subjects written about on the Self-Titled EP.?

Lord Warmoon writes all lyrics for these songs. Subjects of this album is: Satanism and violence.

8.Are the bands previous releases still availible for the readers to buy?Besides physical releases does the band have any other merchandise currently availible if yes what is availible and where can the readers buy it?

No, at the moment nothing available except 12" Vinyl lp,Digital and MCD.

9.Does Morgal play live very often or do you prefer working in the studio? What have been some of the bands most memorable shows over the years?

We play live as much as we can and we also like to working in the studio. Steelchaos 2018 was a fucking blast. 

10.Are their any tours or shows planned in support of the upcoming release? If yes where will the band be playing and who are some bands you will share the stage with?

No tours planned yet. Next show is in Turku Saatanalle VII

11.Morgal comes out of the legendary black metal scene in Finland what is your opinion of the Finnish black metal scene?

There is good bands from Finland and there is also not so good bands from Finland.

12.Who are your all-time favorite bands coming out of Finland? Are their any new bands you feel the readers should check out soon?

All-time favourites: Impaled Nazarene, Archgoat, Beherit, Satanic Warmaster.

Everyone should check out: Huoripukki, Sadokist and Nocturnal Sorcery.

13.Besides working in Morgal do you or any of the members currently work with any other bands or solo projects? If yes please tell the readers a little about them?

Our drummer plays in: Sadokist and Bergelmir.

14.What does black metal mean to you?

Everything.

15.Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final comments for the readers?

Listen our records and come to our shows if you want to hear what Hell sounds like.

                                                   Label Contacts

                                              https://werewolfrecords.bandcamp.com/

                                               https://www.facebook.com/werewolf.rex

SpearHead--Pacifism Is Cowardice cd {Invictus Prod.} posted on 11-26-18

SpearHead--Pacifism Is Cowardice  cd {Invictus Prod.}
Coming out of  England's war black death metal scene is SpearHead with their fourth full length.Pacifism Is Cowardice is the bands new release featuring tweleve songs of barbaric blackend death metal.The guitars are played with intenisty and speed with some very well performed guitar patterns.The guitarist even adds in some impressive solo's and  mid paced patterns.The vocals are a mix of heavy death metal growls and some gruff screams with both vocal styles fitting perfectly with the music.The drumming is done with hyperspeed blasting drums that are chaotic and heavy.The drummer does a good job of writing and performing the intense and furious drum patterns.If you are a fan of SpearHead's previous releases then do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Pacifism Is Cowardice when it is  released.

                                                                Label Contacts
                                                      https://invictusproductions.net/
                                                   https://invictusproductions666.bandcamp.com/
                                                  https://twitter.com/invictusprod
                                                               Band Contacts
                                                    https://www.facebook.com/SPEARHEAD.DEATHMETAL

Death Vanish--Cold Hammer Of Melancholy cassette {Eternal Death Rec.} posted on 11-5-18

Death Vanish--Cold Hammer Of Melancholy cassette {Eternal Death Rec.}
Death Vanish is the new solo project of Valder{One Master vocalist,guitarist} which is much more in the vein of primitive and raw black metal then his other bands.Cold Hammer Of Melancholy is four tracks of traditional  icy cold  black metal.Valder's vocals are grim black metal screams and some gruff  growls.The music is in the vein of the early U.S black metal scene with primitive and harsh music going from extremely crazed and fast to a more mid paced pace in a few sections.If you are a fan of early of Beherit,Profanatica,Demoncy then do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Cold Hammer Of Melancholy today.

                                                         Label Contact
                                                  http://www.eternal-death.com/
                                                  https://eternaldeath.bandcamp.com/

Interview with Sjukdom done by Patrick posted on 10-10-18

Interview with Sjukdom done by Patrick

1.Hails how are things going with you and the band this week?Please introduce yourself to the readerss? Sjukdom: Hails! I suppose proper introductions are in order. We are Sjukdom, a Black metal band from Northern Norway, way up in the Arctic region. We play a style of black metal that is rooted in the traditional Norwegian vein, but we're not afraid of doing things a little bit different from time to time so to speak.

2.When did you first discover black metal and who were the first bands you listened to?Who are some of your current favorite bands? Sjukdom: Depending on who you ask in the band, it would be either early or mid 2000. We started out with the classics of course and would eventually over the years explore more and more of the genre. There is really a lot of cool stuff happening in black metal these days, a lot of contemporary bands are really good. The current era of black metal is probably the most interesting one since perhaps the mid 90's.

3.When did you first meet the other members of the band and was it long before you all started Sjukdom? Does Sjukdom have a special meaning and how did you all choose Sjukdom as the name of the band? Sjukdom: Founding members Natt and Avsky first met at the end of July 2011 and I didn't take very long before we formed the idea of starting our own black metal band. A couple of months later we got in contact with Hul and our first rehearsals were had in September of that year. The name Sjukdom orriginated from one of those very early rehearsals. We were basically just brainstorming ideas, throwing names around until someone said "Sjukdom" and the name has stuck with us since. For those not aware, "Sjukdom" is a northern Norwegian spelling of the Norwegian word "Sykdom" (Disease/sickness).

4.What is the current line up of the band?And who do you feel is the bands biggest influences? Sjukdom: The band currently consists of 'Avsky' on vocals, 'Natt' on drums, 'Nekrosis' on guitar and bass and finally 'Aske' on guitar, contributing from Stockholm on a session basis. As for influence, we all contribute in our own ways.

5.Stridshymner Og Dodssalmer is the bands second full length release how long did it take the band to write the music for the new release? Does the whole band take part in the writing process or does one member write everything? Sjukdom: The writing of 'Stridshymner og Døssalmer' started immediately after our debut was released in late 2013. Back then guitarist 'Hul' did most of the work when it came to song writing, writing 5 out of the 7 tracks. The remaining two were done by 'Aske'. Of course, during the writing process everyone gets to have their say in things, everyone gets to input their opinion on how to best exploit their instruments.

6.Who usually handles writing the lyrics for the music and what are some subjects written about on the debut? Sjukdom: Lyrics are almost exclusively done by Avsky, with Natt having done the lyrics for two of the songs for the debut. The lyrical subjects on the first album were pretty diverse, covering a range of subjects from nuclear war to plagues and death, from anti-religious themes to themes about Norwegian nature and landscapes. With 'Stridshymner og Dødssalmer' the lyrics are mostly focused around the concepts of death and war, hence the name of the album which translates into "War hymns & Death psalms". 

7.Besides the new release does the band have any copies of the debut still available for the readers to buy?Besides physical releases does the band have any other merchandise available if yes what is available and where can the readers buy it?

Sjukdom: We have a very small stockpile of our debut album left, possibly as little as 10 CD's left. Our inventory of merch is also pretty slim at the moment, but we're working on changing that very soon. Orders can be placed via email or via our facebook profile.

8.Does Sjukdom play live very often or do you prefer working in the studio? What have been some of the bands most memorable shows over the years? Sjukdom: We try playing live as often as possible, but we haven't appeared on stage now since 2017. We've had some vacant slots in our live line-up and that has prevented us from being as active on the stage as we would have preffered to be. There has been quite a few memorable shows over the years, but I think our last one back in March of  

2017 was our best one. We had a 12 or 13 track set-list and played for almost an hour and twenty minutes.

9.Are their any tours or shows coming up in support of Stridshymner Og Dodssalmer if yes where will the band be playing and who are some bands you will be sharing the stage with? Sjukdom: Nothing is set in stone just yet, but we are working on doing something. It's too early to reveal any details though.

10. Sjukdom comes out of the legendary Norweigan black metal scene what is your opinion of Norway's black metal scene over the decades? Sjukdom: The Norwegian Black metal scene has had it's ups and downs over the years. Of course it started out very strongly in the late 80's and early 90's. It kept a good momentum going into the early 2000's, but after that it kinda stagnated a little bit. Things have been looking up though, Black metal is very much alive in the current decade, both in Norway and internationally. 

11.Who are your all-time favorite bands coming out of Norway's black metal scene?And are their any new bands you feel the readers should check out soon?

Sjukdom: The obvious answer would of course be Burzum. Or would it be Mayhem? Maybe Darkthrone...

12.Besides playing in Sjukdom do you or any of the members currently play in any other bands or solo projects? Sjukdom: Nekrosis has a solo poject that has yet to be named. Aske some projects of his own as well, one of which is called 'Voider', chaotic and dissonant black metal, something worth keeping an eye on in the future. Natt played drums for Northern Norwegian Blackthrash band 'Black Sputum' for around about three years. Avsky appears as guest vocalist on the album 'Vituperate' by 'Black Sputum'.

13.What does black metal mean to you?

Sjukdom: Music for those passionate about the dark and macabre. If you gaze long enough into the abyss, the abyss will gaze right back at you... And we have been gazing for a long time now indeed.

14.Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final comments for the readers? Sjukdom: Keep an eye on our facebook page for news regarding merch and future releases. Sjukdom doesn't end with 'Stridshymner og dødssalmer', there will be more to come!

                                                          Band  Contacts

                                                   https://www.facebook.com/Sjukdomband

                                                   https://www.sjukdom.net/

                                                         Label Contacts

                                                   http://www.osmoseproductions.com/

                                                  https://osmoseproductions.bandcamp.com/
                                                 https://twitter.com/OsmoseProd
                                               https://www.facebook.com/osmoseproductions/