So far, Regnum Noricum from Linz. The band was founded in 2014, purely for fun, or rather, for the fun of extreme metal. Their debut, "Norici Erbo," which we briefly talked about, was released in 2017. Then two guitarists left, two new ones joined, and COVID was here to stay. However, there was a lot to do during the pandemic, so the single "Eternal Wandering" was released in 2023, produced by Hardbeat.Studious, and now we're in 2025, welcoming the new year with the Upper Austrians' second album, "Lost Legacy."
The lyrics aren't about the devil himself this time either, but rather a look back at our Celtic past. Roman soldiers loot Celtic tombs (they're called "tumuli" here in southwest Styria.) and are struck by a curse, Celtic culture is supposedly repressed and abandoned to its fate, Esus is praised, Christians arrive, potions are brewed, Samhain is celebrated, and the Wicker Man also appears. I like these approaches: no Satan or nationalism for once, as has happened a thousand times in black metal.
For me, the album starts off rather inconspicuously with "Malediction." I think a faster song would have been a bit more appropriate, especially since the six-and-a-half-minute track is the longest on the album. When things get up to speed, Regnum Noricum really unleashes a very relaxed black metal explosion. The sound, very natural, is harmonious. It's not poorly produced, but simply appropriate. This is what a drum kit can sound like, dear metalcore fans. When the guitars start riffing, it vibrates wonderfully (I wonder if our German readers will be able to understand that? I don't know...). The vocals may not be a huge revolution in black metal, but they're just mean enough to convey the lyrical themes in an unpleasant way.
In fact, I think the entire album is good from start to finish. There's even a minor hit with "As The Cross Came To Our Land." However, "Samhain," which features Rauhnacht, is a song I'm not convinced by. Perhaps it's because of the German vocals; I can't stand my native language sounding harsh in black/pagan/folk metal. Yes, German is used elsewhere, but I noticed it especially in this song.
However, the guys do it quite skillfully, mixing a lot of variety with convincing songwriting. Nothing seems half-hearted, nothing arbitrary. You can tell they have quite a bit of songwriting experience; a solo like the one on "Inside The Wickerman" isn't something you just improvise. The resolution of this solo can be described as solid. The mid-tempo transitions to uptempo, like in "Lost Legacy," are brilliant. The song also has a great chorus.
Nemoreus's "Arnea" is a 2021 folk metal album from Austria, characterized by its blend of German and English lyrics, folk instrumentation (including fiddle, flute, and bouzouki), and heavy guitar riffs. The album, released independently on Bandcamp, features 12 tracks, totaling around 44 minutes. The album begins with an intro track called "Solitude," The title track, "Arnea,". The album also features singles like "Mountain High," "Bring The Demons To The Hall," and "Arnea". While the album is praised for its folk elements and the quality of the music. However, the overall consensus is positive, highlighting Nemoreus as a promising act in the Austrian folk metal scene.
(Editor: I have a request for a record label owner, you know who I'm talking to. Like many editors, I sometimes use the internet, which is already equipped with AI, to help us with biographies that some bands don't send us. We have to rely on that or on your websites. Stop trying to correct my work! Next time I'll ban you from all my social media. You know who I'm talking to, the one who thinks he owns the underground bands of a country just because he releases bands on CD-Rs in cardboard sleeves. I'm more than happy with over 277,000 visits and followers from all over the world who support my honest work, especially in Europe.)
Fallaness's "Sagenwelten" is a strong debut album in the Atmospheric Black Metal genre, showcasing a one-man project's ability to create a compelling and cohesive sound. The album, available on Running Wild Productions, features well crafted songs with dramatic breaks, tremolo picking, and haunting synths that build a dark and mysterious atmosphere. While the lyrics are in Austrian German, the music effectively conveys the album's themes of legends and stories from the old Danube and Vienna. The album excels in creating a dark, and immersive atmosphere, drawing listeners into its world of legends and lore. The songs are well structured, with a good balance of heavy, crawling riffs and more ethereal moments, including dramatic breaks and effective use of tremolo picking. The sound is well produced, providing a suitable backdrop for the music without being overly polished or sterile. While influences from bands like Drudkh, Agalloch, Gaerea, and Summoning are noticeable, Fallaness manages to create a distinct sound, making it more than just an extension of previous works. The album's themes and lyrical content, while not easily understood by all listeners, contribute to a cohesive and engaging listening experience. The Austrian German lyrics might be a barrier for some listeners who prefer English or other widely understood languages. The CD is limited to 300 copies, potentially making it difficult for some to acquire. "Sagenwelten" is a highly recommended album for fans of Atmospheric Black Metal, offering a strong debut that blends powerful musicality with a compelling atmosphere The album's strengths lie in its ability to transport the listener to another world through its sound and storytelling.
Dishumanized started in 2017 as a solo project of Tyrolean musician Harald Berger, who has made a name for himself in the Austrian metal scene in the past through his work as a lyricist and songwriter for bands such as "Diabolic Voices", "Zerofour" and "Deathplagued". After a few singles, the first full-length album "The Maze of Solitude" was released in 2023, which met with an extremely positive response from fans and critics alike. Since it was Harry's wish from the beginning to bring the project to the stage, he decided to hire some musician friends for future live gigs shortly after the release of the album. Fortunately, all of his preferred candidates were immediately available and highly motivated.
Harald Berger (Lead Guitar & Vocals)
After his first steps as a Drumer in the Bands "Ascension" and "Slender", Harry switched to guitar and joined the Death Metal Band "Diabolic Voices", witch later became "Zerofour". From 2008 to 2011 he was also part of the Death Metal Band "Deathplagued". Since 2017 his main focus is "Dishumanized".
Patrick Kösslbacher (Bass)
Patrick "Pati" Kösslbacher from Lienz, started his musical journey with "Legacy of Sorrow", and played in some great bands like "Relinquished", "Deathplagued" and "In Somnia"! He is also part of the beloved Deutschrock band "Schedelweiss".
Wolfgang Hauser (Rhythm Guitar)
Wolfgang "Wonga" Hauser, who - like Harry - comes from Virgen made a name for himself in the Austrian underground in the past with his participation in the Brutal Death Metal Band "Carnal Mutilation".
Michael Oberwalder (Drums)
Michael ‘Michi’ Oberwalder, originally from St.Jakob in Defereggen now linving in Heinfels began his career as a drummer with “Hellstorm” and “Scapegoat”, and later founded “Carnal Mutilation” together with “Wonga”.
T: Why does the name Dishumanized have any special meaning?
H: The name is very important it’s a synonym for the entire concept. Humanity has become completely disconnected from nature and unbelievably cruel to animals. We’re destroying our own living space, and that’s the dumbest thing any species could possibly do. No animal would ever be that stupid! Every great idea whether it’s rooted in technology, religion, or anything else somehow ends up being misused by mankind: to control, to manipulate, to destroy. That’s a dishumanized society. But there are people out there who still feel that something is deeply wrong. And I hope my lyrics might reach a few more of them.
T: How did you decide to create the band and why?
H: I’ve loved music especially metal for as long as I can remember. It was always my dream to write my own songs and lyrics. Since the mid-90s, I played in various bands, but after a few really frustrating experiences with band breakups and internal conflicts, I actually wanted to quit. Still, I couldn’t live without music especially the creative process of songwriting, which I missed as an outlet and emotional release. So in 2017, I founded Dishumanized as a solo project.
T: What influences did the band have from the beginning?
H: Musically, the main influences were always thrash and death metal mostly the American stuff. Slayer, Exodus, Testament, and all those early Florida death metal heroes. But i don’t believe in boundaries. The closing track on our debut album, for example, was kind of a mixture of Rammstein, Pink Floyd, and blackened death metal at least in my mind.
T: How much time do you dedicate to music in your life?
H: As much as I can with a wife, two kids, two dogs, and a full-time job, boredom definitely isn’t the problem, haha. But like I said, music is a huge part of my life. I’m totally obsessed with it! I’m constantly writing riffs and lyrics in my head it never really stops.
T: What are your musical influences? What is the music you listen to the most?
H: "My first musical influences were bands like AC/DC, Iron Maiden, and Queen. But it didn’t take long before I discovered Metallica and Slayer and from there, I went straight into the really heavy stuff like Suffocation and Cannibal Corpse. But I also love Elvis, Pink Floyd, Limp Bizkit, Dubstep and Movie Scores. Most of the time though, I’m listening to thrash and death metal. I love the raw energy and often meaningful lyrics of thrash and the sheer technicality and intensity of well-crafted death metal."
T: How has the process of recording your CD."The Maze of Solitude" been?
H: Oh, that was a wild ride. I started with a single in 2017, then another in 2018. Since I did everything myself including programming the drums it took forever. I actually planned to release the album in 2020, but then COVID hit... you know the rest. In the end, it was late 2023 when I finally released it. I recorded everything at the studio of my great friend Andreas Maierhofer from the band My Dark Fate but it's a three-hour drive for me, so it wasn’t exactly easy.
T: How much time do you dedicate to the composition and structure of an album like The Maze of Solitude?
H: I really took my time with it over three years, actually. I probably spent just as much time on the lyrics, concept, and artwork as on the music. Maybe even more. The meaning behind the project is really important to me. Let’s be honest every riff, every melody, every drumbeat in thrash or death metal has already been written. The only way to create something truly personal is through your voice and your lyrics. The Maze of Solitude deals with smartphone addiction, COVID, digital slavery... all of which are fresh and highly relevant topics today.
T: Your band sound is very special with extreme sounds and old-school elements of thrash and death metal or how would you define it?
H: Oh, thank you that’s exactly how I hope it sounds! The new stuff will be even heavier. Musically, variety is what matters most to me. A lot of newer bands just repeat the same song structures over and over that’s really boring.
T: What difference do you find between the style and sound your band had at the beginning and now? Any difference?
H: Definitely. Now that we’re a full band, things are changing. After the album was released, I started looking for a live lineup to play the songs and luckily, I found great people. We’re already working on a new album now together. Our drummer and our guitarist both come from an extreme death metal background, so things are getting a lot heavier. If The Maze of Solitude was mostly thrash with death metal influences, the new one might be the other way around.l
T: What significance does the cover of The Maze of Solitude represent, and who is in charge of the art?
H: The cover as I mentioned before is extremely important for me. The visual art, the lyrics, and the concept are deeply connected. The cover should provoke thought and invite personal interpretation. At its core, the monolith in the center represents the smartphone a dark, towering, all-consuming presence. The figures around it represent society’s blind dependence on technology. And the man in the front, who can’t take it anymore, stands for all those who still feel, who still resist, but are on the edge of going insane! The artwork was drawn by Silvio Hauser (Instagram: @moleguts_tattoo), a professional tattoo artist and the brother of our guitarist.
T: What do you think about the current underground metal scene in your country Lienz, Tyrol?
H: I think the metal scene in East Tyrol, where I live, is picking up again. There was a rough period when it wasn’t in high demand and then COVID shut everything down. But since 2023, things have been looking good again. There are some great local bands like Hard Excess, In Somnia, Inner Enemy, Putrid, and Circuit of Agony. And there are also many great musicians playing in cover bands across all genres. There’s a lot of talent and potential in the region.
T: What honest metal underground bands and zines from South America do you know?
H: Sorry I don’t think I know any.
T: Would you like to come and play in South America, or have you already been offered to do so? And in which countries would you like to play?
H: Oh no that’s not possible. We all have full-time jobs and families. It’s a hobby. A really great hobby! But still, it’s just a hobby. If we get to play a few shows in Austria, that’s amazing. Maybe Germany or Italy but I wouldn’t want to drive 10 hours to a gig, and I hate flying haha. So that’s about it and honestly, that’s totally fine.
T: Was it an independent production, the making of your CD."The Maze of Solitude"?
H: Oh yes completely independent. And to be honest, that’s how I like it, and how it’s going to stay. I wouldn’t be happy with a label telling me what to do. This is about creative freedom and a meaningful message, you know? I have friends who’ve had really bad experiences with labels some don’t even own their own albums anymore. They’ve been told to write a melodic hit song or other crap like that. I’m a very stubborn guy none of that would work with me.
T: What is the band preparing for its immediate future?
H: We’re working on our second album hopefully ready by winter 2025/26 And we hope to play some small, cool shows with great friends and fans. That’s all we want. The most important thing is fun and freedom. I currently play in three bands (I’ve also been a member of Switchback sincp 2012 and Pentagon since 2016), and there’s no negativity in any of them. I’ve had such bad experiences in the past thgat I would leave or shut down any project immediately if that kind of shit ever started again!
T: Thank you very much for your time in answering the interview for our more than 219,000 visitors of "The Legion Of TchorT 'Zine". Any last words for our readers? Where can our readers get merchandise from your band?
H: We collaborate with a great little shop in our city. It’s called Monotonous, and it’s run by our friend Moreno and his lovely partner Caro. There you’ll find our merch along with lots of other great stuff from bands in our region. Just go to www.dishumanized.at there you’ll find the shop and all links to our digital releases. Thank you so much, my friend, for doing all this out of love for music just like me! And many thanks and greetings to all readers and music lovers who took the time to read this. Very much appreciated!
Nàire EP."Epoch" is a self-released digital EP from Austria, launched on 10 July 2021, with a CD version following on 10 November 2021 through Narcoleptica Productions (catalog NP‑361‑21), limited to just 150 copies.
The EP is categorized as Atmospheric Sludge Metal or Sludge/Crust, featuring dense, heavy textures typical of those styles.
Tracklist (total runtime: 23:04):
1. The Final Siren – 8:08
2. Mammon – 7:25
3. Epoch – 7:31
Recorded, mixed, and mastered between January and July 2021 by Terence Rogers. Band lineup includes Weg0r (bass), Lucifer (drums), Michi (lead guitar on track 1), and Terry (vocals, rhythm and lead guitar on tracks 2 and 3). The EP. edition comes in a limited digifile or booklet style a six-page booklet in a simple cardboard sleeve, sold out now.
Vienna is the city that embraces the violent thrashers of Mortal Strike. Much violence in each of the songs that make up this great musical plaque that is "For the Loud and the Aggressive" performed on November 29, 11, 2014 Themes make up this long duration and are a frantic dance with death from beginning to end. I do not need to break down songs from the album or recommend any, since it is an album to place and open your best beer, you just have to let it play until the end, while you shake your neck from one side to another. They have some influence from the Germans Tankard and logically take advantage of their physical album to add a cover of them the super classic "Zombie Attack". Austria gives us more and more talent in each style and if you are a true fan of the impossible thrash that you do not enjoy this great band, you will be revitalized and wanting to kick enough skulls after hearing them, guaranteed, health and metal.
Graz continues to provide everything in metal, especially power. Norikum new generation metal practitioners are a big sample of this genre. The melody and ensemble they manage to do with the brutality of music is sublime, this adhered to the great performance in each of their instruments. His album "Ad Nauseam" is a real extreme wildness and melody together and with too bestial energy. In some moments making me remember The Haunted and some other legends of the genre. "Occupation, Pyramid, Prey, Grind" some songs that really perplexed me in the face of so much brutality embodied in a few minutes and a lot of technicality that I had not heard for a while. Austria continues to provide enough talent for the world metal scene and even more so on the melodic and death metal side, if you feel like it don't lose sight of this album and this great band.
From Salzburg Austria comes the devastating sound of Scapegod's black death and dark. An incredible and powerful sound that walks between the most melancholic back and all the darkness represented in each of the songs and always does not fail to notice the impact of death in its sound. His album Dystopia is characterized by having quite melodic themes, but also combines with direct guitars drums of ultra speed and voices from the afterlife, the voices are of the same ultratumba Nine songs make up this great album of the Austrians I think it is a good trip that you should decide to do, totally recommended this great album of this interesting band, try to explore and get lost in the darkness of Dystopia.
Under Destruction The first thing that comes to mind is melodic death with a high level and great execution, a waste of virtuosity and quite a talent for these Austrians. "Deliverance" is the album that we are presented today with a fairly clean and worked sound, a real machinery of melodies and extreme metal, making use of two combined weapons to provide.
Asphagor
and his great album "The cleansing" teach us that not everything is
said in extreme metal. The Austrians surprise us with such a composition of an
album that takes us from the most extreme to the most subtle but always in the
darkest environment. Crushing guitars that can also be melodic, a powerful
voice that does not faint that combines guttural and darker vocals, and a huge
drums. They can take you from the frenetic to the darkest dance near your
death. The Delphic Throne, Sun Devourer, The Solipsist, (In The) Sea Of Empty
Shells Each of these titles make up the first part of the album that is really
very violent and leads us through a storm of violent and extreme settling as
well as dark and cold. Then the cd. continues to take shape and becomes an indomitable
animal with individual pieces such as: Circle Of Abaddon, Monodia (He, My
Wall), Aurora Night, and the homonym "The Cleansing" To close with a
flourish a cd. that I think for lovers of black metal and extreme metal will
never disappoint. Very professional sound achieved and a great work of world
under. If you are interested in knowing more about this band you can listen to
their previous albums "Anti 2013" "Havoc 2010".
