Interview with Damnation Army done by Patrick posted on 1-29-19

Interview with Thomas Nyholm vocals and all instruments for Damnation Army done by Patrick

1.Hello Thomas how is 2019 starting out for you my friend? Please introduce yourself to the readers?

Hello Patrick. Things have started out quite good this beginning of the year. Lots of things going on music wise, many projects are in the works and are about to launch. Who am I? I guy from Sweden who has been involved in the realm of metal since 1996. Was very much into tape trading with people from all over the world and started both my own music projects as well as a short lived label in 2004. I launched this year a new label that will mostly focus on my own projects called Ironmaster Productions. I have a Facebook side for those interested in checking that out.

2.When did you first become interested in writing and performing music? What was the first instrument you learned to play?

I started playing guitar at the age of 10 and realized soon after that I could play the most instruments around me. That kind of tickled my interest to pursue starting to write my own material. About the age of 13 I got into metal and then pretty much went through all the history and all genres. It was a great time for discovering a whole new world.

3.Are you self taught or did you take lessons when first starting out? Are their any instruments that you have not learned to play that you would like to one day?

I am self taught. I found that to be easier + I like to figure out things for myself in general. There are many instruments I have yet to try. Would love to explore more on that front and perhaps will a day.

4.Thomas you started Damnation Army back in 2002 what gave you the idea to start this band? Who would you say are the bands biggest influences and have they remained the same over the years?
I really don’t remember to be honest. I just wanted to do something and started to experiment. My two first demos were recorded on extremely poor equipment. Like using tiny headphones for microphones etc. I was lucky to get any sound at all captured. My biggest influences was Scandinavian black metal and some other stuff and those bands I listened to then are still the stuff I consider the best today. I don’t listen much to current things as it doesn’t bring me the sensation of the things I grew up with. I don’t really follow what is going on today but I try to keep up with it a little bit at least.

5.Death Macabre is the brand new release how long did it take you to write the music for this release? How long does it usually take to complete one song?

I was pretty much done with Damnation Army after the release ”Circle of the Brave” (2009, Mascot Records) and didn’t think I would do anything new with this project again. That is why it passed 10 whole years. Then I just suddenly got the idea to do a new album. I wrote, recorded and produced Death Macabre in 4 days so I did 2 songs per day.

6.Where do you usually draw inspiration for the lyrics and what are some topics you wrote about on the new release?

I don’t really drawn inspiration lyric wise from anywhere. It just come to me totally naturally. I have never been interested in discussing lyrics as, like the music, it is for the interpretation of others to draw their own conclusions about it.

7. Death Macabre is only a digital release are their any plans to do a physical release soon or would you like to find a label to work with?

The reason why I did, to begin with, a digital release only was to go totally independent. I don’t wait anymore for a label to get a deal with to later decide for me when it will be released. I am open to labels contacting me for a release but I decide when I write and publish material. It will most likely get a physical release in time.

8.Besides Death Macabre are any of DamnationArmy's previous releases still available for the readers to purchase? Besides releases do you currently have any other merchandise available for the readers to buy?


You can fairly easily find "The Art Of The Occult" on eBay and ”Tyrant" and "Circle Of The Brave" on several sites like Amazon etc. I do not have any merchandise myself to sell. The best support you can do at the moment is to pick up the release on bandcamp for now.

9.I know you have always worked alone with Damnation Army but I was curious have you ever thought of adding more members to have a full line up?

No, not interested to add more members.

10.What do you feel is the easiest and hardest part about being the sole member of the band?


The easiest part is that I don’t have to wait on anyone to start recording. After it can be tedious sometimes to have to play everything yourself. I wouldn’t say it is a hard part just energy consuming after a while.

11.I believe you have some other projects and bands you work with are these currently still active or are you soley concentrating on Damnation Army these days?
Yes that is true. My main other projects are Isgärde and Vetraheimr. Isgärde is a pagan black metal band and Vetraheimr is a Dungeon Synth project. Both have bandcamp pages and Facebook pages for those interested. I have been very active with both of these other projects.

12.You have been a part of the underground scene since the late 90's what is it that has kept your attention over the years?

To be brutally honest I had a good amount of years I kind of lost interest, or perhaps focus, on music and metal. I got distracted with others things and didn’t feel I had the time to be active with music. I kind of skipped listening to metal during this time, probably for about 5 years or so. Then when lot of things got solved in my personal life I got back on the horse and feel as enthusiastic as when I started out again. I am not myself if I can’t, don’t feel to produce music.

13.Besides metal music do you currently listen to any other underground forms of music? If yes who are some of your favorite bands and artists?

I can not pin point any particular bands as I listen very fragmental on stuff these days. I like many different styles and genres from different time periods so that can change anytime.

14.When you need to take a break from working on new music or band business what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I am very much a thinker so I like to spend a lot of time to ponder on things.
Philosophy. Other than that I like strength training, watch and learn things about cinema. Occasionally read a book. Study things I get interested in.

15.Do you get the chance to go to very many concerts in your town or do you prefer staying in? What have been some of the most memorable shows you have had the chance to see? Who are some of your favorite bands to witness live?
Tricky question. I don’t like live concerts. I am more into listening to records and enjoy it by myself. I did try out go to some shows in the past but even the bands that I liked very much I wasn’t to keen on seeing live once I did it.

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

Check out Damnation Army, Isgärde and Vetraheimr if you are interested. Easily found on bandcamp, youtube, streaming services etc. Also I want to put a word in for my friend Tim Nordstedt who has done the cover art for Death Macabre. You can find him on Facebook if you search Tim Nordstedt Design. Thanks a lot for the interview Patrick.

                                              Band   Contacts
                                        https://damnationarmy.bandcamp.com/
                                        https://www.facebook.com/damnationarmyofficial/
                                                Isgarde contacts
                                             https://isgarde.bandcamp.com/
                                          https://www.facebook.com/isgardeblackmetal/
                                             
                                         

Interview with Misanthropic Might done on 1-24-19

Interview with Misanthropic Might done by Patrick

1.Hails please introduce yourself to the readers? How is 2019 starting out for you and the band?

Sic: Hi, i am Sic, guitar player and deep vocal singer from Misanthropic Might.We had a good start, everyone is healty, motivated and confident for 2019.

We received the LP`s from the press shop, it´s a good start in a new misanthropic year.

2.As 2018 has come to an end what were your top five releases from last year?

Sic: Deicide-Overture of blasphemy / Marduk-Victoria / Uada – Cult of a dying sun / Ingested – the level above human / Aborted – Terrorvision

3.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?

Sic: One of my first BM contacts was Marduk with Heaven shall burn, Dissection´s The Somberlain and Cradle of Filth Vempire. Maybe 1995/96? my first black metal show: Cradle of filth Vempire tour

I started with death metal, Cannibal Corpse, Deicide and Obituary.

My current bands? There is a lot. Uada, Satyricon, Cytotoxin, Benighted, Marduk, Zhrine, Impaled nazarene, Cannibal Corpse,....

4.Who would you say are the bands biggest influences? And how do you feel Misanthropic Might's music has changed over the years?

Sic: Bands like Marduk, Setherial, Enthroned but also old trash and death metal bands.

We become better musicans, the songs get more perfected and varied. A song like FEINDT sound a little bit different than those who judge or lungs of steel. But you can hear the misanthropic might style in every song. The last two Albums we decided to focus on better recording quality, but all in all....a look at the modern world, its ideals and humanity itself is inspiration enough... 

5.Feindt is the bands third 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 usually write everything?

Sic: We started writing songs a few weeks after releasing MENSCHENHASSER. One song is written in 2 weeks, one need 2 months. it´s totally different. We all play in other bands, so sometimes it can take time to write some new stuff, its a natural process. The song 1679 was the last song written in only two days before the recording was starting. Every member is fully involved into the writing process. 

6.Who usually handles writing the lyrics for the music and what are some topics you all wrote about on Feindt?

Sic: The most lyrics are written by PURGATORY and me. But if another member has an idea we also use some ideas.

FEINDT is an misanthropic song, about the real worlds enemy, the human.

THOSE WHO JUDGE is equivocal, about witchhunt

1679 is about the black death in Vienna and STRIGOI has the Vampire theme.

The idea behind the Album title „FEINDT“ was to combine the german word „Feind“ (enemy) and the english word „feint“.... 

7.Besides the newest release Feindt are the bands previous releases still available for the readers to purchase?Besides physical releases does the band have any other merchandise available if yes where can the readers buy it?

You can purchase all of our Albums on our Bandcamp site and the homepage (www.headfuckcrew.com) the current album FEINDT is available as download, cd and first time on limited 180g Gatefold Vinyl limited to 150 pieces. We also have some shirts, ...Hoodies are coming up next time! 

8.Does Misanthropic Might play live very often or do you prefer to work in the studio? What have been some of the bands most memorable shows over the year?

Sic: We play as much as we can live. It is harder doing some live shows than ten years before. More big bands crossing europe, underground bands will be booked less. So if someone need some misanthropic music in he´s town, let us know.

Our release show was great and our last one(SATAN CLAUS FEST)in Czech rep. was also fucking amazing. We played at last, 12:00 midnight. One of use had birthday, the promoter too, so it was a very good party. The Ukraine tour with Severance from Texas was also unforgettable, really crazy guys in eastern Europe, we like to play there!!! 

9.Are their any shows or tours planned in 2019 if yes where will the band be playing and who are some bands you will be sharing the stage with?

Sic: We plan some festival shows and club shows but no tour at the moment. 

10.What does black metal mean to you?

Sic: ….and I following the freezing moon!!!

11.Who are your all-time favorite Austrian black metal bands and are their any new bands you feel the readers should check out soon?

Sic: there is no special band i would call my favorite, there are a lot of good one.

You should check out Blessmon, Theotoxin, the negative bias, Ellende, Nocturne, Enclave(Trash metal- guest vocals on FEINDT), Asphagor, there are so many... 

12.Besides working in Misanthropic Might do you or any of the members currently play in any other bands or solo projects? If yes please tell the readers a little about them?

Sic: Purgatory, Machine and me are in PARENTAL ADVISORY(since 1997). it is a brutal death metal band, if you like dying fetus, benighted or any kind of fast grooving death metal, check it out. In march 2019 we enter the studio and record a new album.

Slavetrader our drummer was playing in different bands beside Misanthropic might, currently he is also the live drummer from “the negative bias” 

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

Sic: thanks for the interview, keep the hornz up, support underground and pay for your music.....keep alert, be your own king and let the flames burn! 

                                                                Band Contacts

                                                    http://www.headfuckcrew.com/

                                        https://misanthropicmight.bandcamp.com/music

                                           https://www.facebook.com/misanthropicmight

                                            

Misanthropic Might--Feindt cd {H.F.C Records} 1-20 -19

Misanthropic  Might--Feindt  cd  {H.F.C Records}
Misanthropic Might are a band that combines the best of blackend death metal with some war metal elements.Feindt is the bands third full length release featuring nine songs of barbaric and brutal blackend death metal.The guitars are mainly played at a extremly fast and chaotic pace that does have some good guitar patterns mixed into the sound.The guitarist does slow to a more mid paced style and can write and perform some memorable patterns.The vocals are a good mix of raspy black metal screams and some deeper death metal growls.The drums are done with alot of skill and intense drumming patterns.The drums are mainly done with crazed blast beats but the drummer does slow to a more calm pace throughout a few of the songs. If you are a fanatic of crazed blackend death war metal then do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Feindt  today.
                                                                              Band  Contacts
                                                            https://misanthropicmight.bandcamp.com/music
                                                         https://www.facebook.com/misanthropicmight
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Archean--Self Titled cd {Ogmios Underground} done on 1-11-19

Archean--Self Titled cd {Ogmios Underground}
Coming out of  France's old school black metal scene is Archean with their self titled debut.The debut release contains five songs of filthy old school black metal with some punk influences used within the guitars.The guitars are played at a fast thrashing pace with some slower mid paced guitar patterns entertwined within the music.The vocals are a mix of grim old school black metal screams and some deeper gruff growls and screams.If you enjoy filthy old school black metal with both thrash and some punk influences then defintly do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of the Self Titled release when it is available.

                                                           Band Contacts
                                               https://archean.bandcamp.com/releases
                                              https://www.facebook.com/ArcheanBlackMetal/
                                                         Label Contacts
                                                  http://www.ogmiosug.fr/
                                               https://ogmiosug.bandcamp.com/
                                              https://www.facebook.com/ogmiosug

Interview with Fornace done by Patrick posted on 1-1-19

Interview with Fornace done by Patrick

1.Hails how are things going in Italy this week?Please introduce yourself to the readers?

Hell¥o! Possessed here! I'm the founder and only original member of Fornace.

Beyond appearances and common places the north of Italy where I live is really a sad place with sad people this week as always!

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 that you listen to?

It was 1996 and a compilation tribute to Venom was my first impact with black metal even if I listened heavy and thrash since 1993 you know classics stuff like Iron Maiden, Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth..then my interest focused on extreme bands and an album like "Morbid visions" by Sepultura changed my life and I went totally crazy..Kreator, Sodom, Destruction, Bathory, Possessed suddenly became my daily bread.

Some months later I discover norvegian black metal with album like "Battles in the north" by Immortal and "Filosofem" by Burzum: these was my firsts album..

During the years I kept listening and discovering extreme bands (they were other times, internet did not exist..)

Currently I consider the best of what I could hear bands like Mgla, Peste Noire, Baptism, Forgotten woods, Joyless, Denial of God, Amezarak, Sargeist, Horna, Sacrilegium, Mutiilation, old Katatonia..

3. Fornace was started in 2000 when did you first get the idea to start this band?How did you choose the name Fornace for the bands name?

To be honest my first drummer/vocalist Gnoll has the idea to create an extreme band..we were close friends and I started to play after him just to form Fornace! I always like Fornace in itself, moreover near our first rehearsal room (Gnoll's house) there is a beautiful Fornace (the artwork of our third demo "The awakening..) so the choice of the name was a must!

4.How would you say the bands musicial style has changed over the years since the beginning?Who would you say are Fornace's biggest influences?

Yes, I know we aren't the same band of the beginning and not just because line up changes but basically because life changes: much anger turns into melancholy, into awareness, there is a need for solitude, of refinement and this you can hear in our last 2 albums especially...what has not changed is the spirit and the purpose of Fornace: create inspire quality music able to satisfy us.

About influences I could say hellenic black metal in our demo era, and finnish black metal for our last 2 albums..but everything you listen influenced you.

5.Deep Melancholic Wrath is the bands third full length release how long did it take the band to write the music for the new release?How long does it usually take to complete one song?

Not so much time, when we have the ideas or riffs they come automatically, maybe some arrangements or third guitars lines needs more time but the base s really direct. What made us waste time (as always) is some line up problems and all about sounds in studio: we are never satisfied and we want to take care of every detail.

6.Who usually handles writing the lyrics for the music and what are some topics written about on the new release Deep Melancholic Wrath?

Me and Sadomaster, topics deals with introspective thoughts, the passage of time, memories and depression..nothing new but everything real and lived!

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

Yes I still have copies of our "Pregnant is the night" album, especially Autodafe edition and few copies of "My journey is ending but the torment will be eternal"

The 3 demo tape are (of course) sold out. If someone is interested in ours albums (trade are welcome) can contact me at robertoiviglia@gmail.com or ask to our label Paragon records.

8.Has Fornace played very many live shows over the years or do you prefer working in the studio?If yes what have been some of the bands most memorable shows?

During the 2009/2011 we were a live band and we had many shows, some of them with bands like Taake, Azaghal and I have beautiful memories of all shows we had, but when line up problems arrives it's a waste of time to start over again, even the live situation in Italy is scandalous too so I decided to dedicate Fornace to "studio". Currently we have a new drummer (Stefano) so I want to write new songs, I cannot waste my time: when you have good line up you have to get the best out of it! Shows pass but the albums remain!

9.Are their any shows or tours planned in support of Deep Melancholic Wrath? if yes where will the band be playing and who are some bands you will be sharing the stage with?

See the answer above :)

10.I know over the last few years alot of underground metal bands have been making videos for some of their songs.Is this something you and the band have ever thought of doing? If you had the opportunity to make a video for any song off the new release which song would you like to see made into a video?

We live in a period in which there is a desperate need to be noticed, even before understanding if anyone is interested. They want to seem important, famous and even "influence" the choices of others.

Luckily I belong to another generation where support and respect earned it with sweat, with fatigue, with obstinacy and passion. The videos I saw when I was a kid were from seminal, historical bands: they were not bands who wanted to become famous because they already were..this fashion of making videos, being "social" does not belong to the underground spirit and many bands that belong to this circuit are not worthy of being part of the underground because they are the first ones that would not want to be part of it with their attitude. 

11.Fornace comes out of the Italian black metal metal scene what is your opinion of Italy's black metal scene over the years?

I'd say Fornace comes out of Italy..I don't know what you mean for "scene" but this word for me it means cooperation with bands, sector employees and this is utopia in the scale of a nation, it could exist some little reality but it's not enough to talk of a scene...

What I often see are some usual bands (rather useless) play in important festival or bands that play for paying..it's really sad!

There are valid bands but they do not always have the attention they deserve.

Returning to your question I noticed how fewer people go to concerts even for important black metal bands and how the interest has decreased compared to 15/20 years ago; there is consequently a decline of pubs, that organize black metal show. This is a consequence of the internet age: people can watch concerts, listen to music comfortably at home so it comes without the magic of the past, in Italy as in the world.

12.Who are your all-time favorite Italian bands and are their any new bands you feel the readers should check out soon?

To be honest I haven't some "all time favourite italian bands" but I recognize we have very important and cult bands that I really appreciate like Mortuary Drape, Necromass, old Necrodeath, Death ss..during the 2000/2010 also came out some interesting and underground black metal bands but the only name I can do (not only for the immense value but also because I played there) is Movimento d' Avanguardia Ermetico.

13.What does black metal mean to you?

Beyond a fantastic kind of music where darkness, melancholy, introspection, epicity coexist, black metal is individualism, is being a wolf among the sheep, is awareness of own's destiny, is wisdom, is elitism.

For sure is not facebook, is not twitter, is not "social"..fuck off!

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

Thanks to you for your interest and I apologize for delay..we are writing new killer songs for next album so maybe we'll talk again..stay evil & underground!

                                                               Label Contact

                                                            https://www.paragonrecords.org/

                                                           https://www.facebook.com/paragonrecordsli/