Condemnatio Cristi "Dreamcrusher" Beautiful melodic intro meets me with sound of saxophone on the Condemnatio Cristi release “Dreamcrusher” This is rather unusual; I can remember the saxophone in extreme metal in Carpathian Forest’s “Defending The Throne Of Evil” or Pagan’s “Monument Of Depression” but that are some other sorts of sounding. “Dreamcrusher” represents totally polished and trendy sounding material. Here you can find modern sweet keys and FX, simple guitar harmonies and hard rock leads, clean female voice, clean male voice and growling… Sure, here are some powerful riffs but its disappear totally in the poppy sound of release. By this atmosphere “Dreamcrusher” reminds me Theatre Of Tragedy, Tristania or The Gathering with their late toothless and useless releases. So if you wanna spend romantic time with a gothic girl (or probably YOU are gothic girl) can choose “Dreamcrusher.” In all other cases forget about it.
Swedish extreme symphonic metallers ZORNHEYM have inked a deal with the Dutch label Non Serviam Records. The debut single, entitled "The Opposed" , will be released on the 19th of August through all digital platforms.
The single and the forth-coming album have been recorded and mastered by
Sverker Widgren, a renowned veteran of sound engineering on the Scandinavian
extreme metal scene (October Tide,
Demonical, IXXI, Diabolical) with cover art created by the wildly talented
photographer and designer Jens Rydén
(Marduk, Thyrfing).
The single is part of Zornheym’s concept that revolves around the horrors of a
mental institution and its inmates. Each song also has its own comic strip
drawn by the amazing artist Anu Bring
(Märvel, Evil-lÿn, Satan’s fall).
Symphonic Extreme Metal band based in Stockholm - founded and
led by multi-instrumental mastermind and songwriter Zorn.
After parting ways with his former band Dark
Funeral, he was determined to shake up the traditional Metal meets
Symphony approach with his new band Zornheym. Zornheym quickly grew from
an ambitious idea into a dramatic musical and cinematic narrative revolving
around the horrors of a mental institution and its prisoners.
Inspiration drawn from icons such as Dissection,
DimmuBorgir and King Diamond is paired with real
string orchestration and a powerful full choir. Every song on the debut album
will have a visual accompaniment in the form of short graphic stories with
further exploration of the themes as short films in place of the standard
approach to music videos.
The line-up is completed by Facebreaker'sBendler on vocals, guitarist and
musical arranger Scucca, and Diabolical drummer Angst. The debut album has been
recorded at Wing Studios by SverkerWidgren, renowned veteran of
sound engineering on the Scandinavian extreme metal scene (October Tide, Demonical, IXXI, Diabolical)
Zornheym- Where Hatred Dwells And Darkness Reigns Vocals: Bendler(Facebreaker,
tour/session vocalist for Scar Symmetry) Leadguitars: Zorn (ex-Devian, ex-Dark Funeral, AktivDödshjälp) Guitars: Scucca Drums: Angst (Diabolical) Bass: TBA
Horrorgraphy
Greece band presents its album 2018 Season of Grief, dark gothic symphony. A
dark metal symphony that reminds us of the best records and times of Therion,
quite simple muscia sometimes without falling into simplicity. It transmits a
lot of feeling and desolacion, as these bands should be. In the vocal part we
can feel the strength of the lyric voice throughout the whole album and the
combination with the guttural and serious voice that leads us to very
remarkable extreme passages. This new band is remarkable and quite pleasant
lara the world scene. Greece continues to contribute much to our entire scene.
1. In a Dark Time 2. Ghosts 3. Hauted 4. The March of the Dead 5. Hounds of
Hell 6. Her Violin Sings at Night 7. Join Me in Suicide 8. Season of Grief 9.
The Rise of Sodom and Gomorrah (Therion cover) Only 500 copies of this work
were released if you like the gothic metal scene, you can have in mind to make
a copy, I recommend them, music for connoisseurs of good metal.
CD.
“Daemonarchrist” Daemon Est Devs Inversvs. Originally known as Immolator and after
3 demos changing their name to Heretical they have been lurking and
refining their darkcraft since 1993!!! This being the bands third full length once
again shows how the oldmixed with the new can be such a brutal and destructive combination.
This also is another perfect example of how symphonic black metal can be
creative yet devastating. You will hear hints of mid era Marduk in some of
the riffing how ever other then that the band has anapproach though not overly original
is all their own as they incorporate their own does of occult sounds and
ambiance that will bring to mind other Italian greats such as Evol (R.I.P.),
Mortuary Drape, Necromass, Opera IX
etc.... They even in corporate the old school gang thrash vocals, some nice lead guitar
work, as well as death metal influences!!! There is some violin and piano on a
couple of tracks to add to the over all atmosphere to. A band that has
resided for far to long in the deepest pits of the underground and
mostly unknown until now will leave it's mark with this epic modern black metal
master piece!!!
This band is pretty well known by now in the
underground today. The fact is that Beltane is one of the first black metal
acts that still is active all back since 1994 and with a lot of good releases
in their back. This album that is their fifth full length (their sixth one is
out when this is written). Album begins first with the slower dark and very
melodical track "Return to Irongate" that is a damn good one and
worth a lot as it is one of the best (more to come). The second track
"Shelley Beach" is a very raw and intense track that really shows
that Beltane can do fast music with lots of melody in it. Third track
"Shadow Knights" is a bit of masterpiece and sounds a lot of a mix
between dark metal, Iron Maiden, Manowar and this one must really be heard if
you will understand what I mean, this is so fucking good. Fourth one "Yet
Again" is very much Beltane, but with a bit of sound of symphonic /
melodical and industrial parts somehow, real good and has a bit of a feeling
from old Darkthrone and Burzum in it too. "Intro ov Death" is a bit
like "Shelley Beach", but with a more sick feeling in it and is a
introduction for the sixth track. And this one is one of the albums absolutely
best tracks I believe personally "of course". It has a feeling of
both black/viking and folk metal and some old traditional heavy metal. Real
heavy one and with a great melody that you sucks in to a bit. Seventh one
"Cape D´evil III-Lux Lucis Domus" is a melodical and also a very raw
track that has a touch of goth in it. In fact I can inform that much in
Beltanes music has a bit of both dark and heathen black metal and some gothic
symphonic feelings. So those who are into many genres will not be disappointed
here, I can guarantee. Next track called "Navigator" has even more
goth rock feeling inside and also much industrial / electronical touch as weel,
this track reminds me much of Blutengel and old Die Krupps, real nice and dark
track, also one of my favorites. Track nine "A Dark Godess" returns
more into the typical Beltane sound with pure raw black metal and with a true
evil atmosphere in it. Also here I got the vibes from older bands from the
early days, good as hell. Last track "From the Dark" is one hell of a
good job, it starts up with some good introduction on drums and has a nice and
heavy guitar that leads in and opening up a melody and musical thing that is so
much Beltane and to be honest this band is worth much more than just a review.
Some extra note, this album includes several great guest artists that gives the
special feeling and very dark/heavy/melodical touch, but wihtout Xan and
Baphgirl it would never be Beltane. This release is one of the best albums that
have came out during 2011 I think without any doubts and even as they are a
very underground, but known band they really proves that not just those
"famous or true fashion" metal bands can do it and do it damn good :) www.angelfire.com/band2/beltane
T: Infernal greetings SiN!!
When and how did the idea to form Astarium?
SiN: Hail, TchorT! Idea about
ego-black metal project has visited me in 2001, but I wasn’t good
instrumentalist and hadn’t good skill of playing on guitar. This fact didn’t
give me possibility to embody my idea into life in that time. During the
following years I've played, acquired skill and experimented with sound. In
2005 I’ve recorded track “Morannon” in which the leading role was executed by
keyboards on the same level as the guitar. And I’ve understood that this style
is what I searched! At this moment Astarium was born.
T: Why is Astarium name? Do
any special meaning?
SiN: Heh, I wanted to call
project - Astaroth, but I’ve found many bands with this name. So Astarium is
just product of my imagination without any idiographic meanings.
T: Do you always perform
all the instruments and voice in all of your productions?
SiN: Yes, there are just
guitar and sampler. In some tracks I’ve used guimbarde, and now I’m amassing
such material to make experimental compilation in future. About voice, I’ve
used deep-chested voice and low screaming. On upcoming album you can
hear whisper, because this type of vocal is much better conjoining with
atmosphere of some tracks.
T: SiN, here are all
your accomplishments, many in different formats and different labels. We have
from a Brutal Black Metal to a Symphonic / Ambient. Can you tell us more about
each production?
SiN:
“Monolith of Abysses” (Demo
2006) – first demo in raw symphonic black metal style, recorded under
impression of H.P. Lovecraft’s novels, self-released (CDr) at first and
re-released on “Northern Point Records” (Pro-CDr). Now is available only by
“Dominion of SiN” like hand-made CD and tape.
“On the Edge of Chasm”
(Full-length 2008) – album in raw symphonic black metal style, that
included new songs and, recomposed and re-recorded with better sound, material
from previous demo. Released by “Satanarsa Records” (pro-CDr), Apocalyptic Art
(pro-tape), Heerwegen Tod Productions (pro-CDr with big booklet), Wulfrune Worxxx
(hand-made tape) and self-released as promo (pro-CDr with big booklet).
“Winter Growths (Part I)”
(Demo 2009) – experimental demo in ambient / neo-classic style, dedicated to
winter themes. Released by NitroAtmosfericum Records (pro-CDr), Acclaim Records
(CDr), Snail Prod (pro-CDr with bonuses), Wulfrune Worxxx (hand-made tape) and
Tryby label (pro-tape).
“Katuar” (Split 2009) –
combined album with Moscow industrial black metal / dark ambient band uRAn 0,
my project presented middle tempo symphonic black metal. Materials of both
hordes are demo-versions of tracks that will be included in future albums.
Released by NitroAtmosfericum / Satanarsa Records (pro-CDr), Thorn Laceration
Records (pro-tape) and Smell The Stench (CDr).
“Dethroned of Impostor”
(Full-length 2010) – second album in symphonic black metal style, material
for it I’ve recorded during 2 years. This album is my pride! Released by
Victory By Fire (black-CDr), Apocalyptic Art (pro-tape), Margin Art Records (CD
with big booklet), Wulfrune Worxxx (hand-made tape) and self-released as promo
(pro-CDr with big booklet).
“Invasion to Forbidden” (EP
2011) – mini-album about confrontation between stupidity of human and
power of nature, included 2 re-mastered tracks from second album and Burzum
cover. Released by Akne Prod (hand-made tape), Tryby label (pro-CDr with
special box) and NitroAtmosfericum Records (pro-CDr).
“Tribute - The Heart of a
Dog” (Split 2011) – combined single with dark ambient / noise project Spasm Of
Charity, dedicated to cognominal novel of M. Bulgakov. Astarium presented
ambient / neo-classic track. Released by NitroAtmosfericum Records (pro-mCDr
with special hand-made sleeve), IndieLabel (net-release) and Wulfrune Worxxx
(hand-made tape).
“Ostracism of Anachoret”
(EP 2011) – unplanned mini-album included tracks created in 2007, half in
ambient style and half in raw symphonic black metal. Self-released at first and
re-released by Tryby label (pro-tape), soon will be released by Niberu Records
(pro-tape and pro-CDr) and as split by Eastern Myth Records (pro-CDr).
T: Will third full-length
album sound like The CD “On the Edge of Chasm” and CD “Dethroned of Impostor”?
Are you working under new songs for the third CD? Do any progress?
SiN: Yes, I’m working under
new album, named “Wyrm”. Musical part is ready now and I’m recording
vocals. The material for third album has many distinctions in comparison
with the previous two albums. Most powerful difference is style – symphonic
depressive black metal with doom, drone and dark ambient influence. Music will
be minimalistic and will sound in middle-slow tempo. Lyrics are presented by
themes about suicides happened under inspiration of winter and autumn. This
album is not just experiment, but part of my life which I want to perpetuate in
music. After this record I’m planning to make return to old-school symphonic
black metal with new hate and evil!
T: The sound Symphonic /
Ambient shown full in "Winter Growths (Part I)". How was born idea to
venture with this style?
SiN: In fact, my ambient music
is the same Astarium’s symphonic black metal, but only played without guitars
and arranged otherwise. So I can not say that I’m venturing with this style.
Many bands used this concept, when creative work is splitting on different
ways, conjuncted by one idea. In 2009 I’ve made first only ambient release
“Winter Growths (Part I)”, because I have recorded many rehearsals during
previous years in this style. It'll be pity to lose this material. In next
winter I’ll continue this series with second part of “Winter Growths”.
T: What bands have
influenced on the fate of Astarium?
SiN: There are Burzum,
Eisenwinter, Kataxu, Nokturnal Mortum, Darkthrone, Bal-Sagoth.
T: How is the Black Metal
scene in Russia? What bands can you recommend?
SiN: To tell the truth, I
am not especially informed about our scene. For me, really interesting bands
plays in total underground and I don’t like most of hordes, released on big
russian labels. My favorite bands are Veretragor, Ghornumn, Gmork, Kabalah,
uRAn 0, Necrolatreia, Flegethon.
T: “Dominion Of SiN” is
your label and distributor that you've created. What production do you have in
production by Dominion Of SiN and distribution? Prices? And where can you buy?
Can you tell us more about it?
SiN: “Dominion Of SiN” is
small DIY label, born to make last re-releases of old Astarium’s materials and
distribute stuffs of project released on other labels. So fans can order some
rare releases from me, just wrote letter on my email (astarium@mail.ru or sin@astarium.ru). Prices
are most lower-income – not more 3 euros or 4 usd. At moment label have only 1
release – DIY CD and tape “Monolith of Abysses” in one package, but soon during
this year will out another materials on tapes and CD with exclusive design.
T: SiN, would you like to
add anything else to The Legion Of TchorT Zine? Where our readers can get your
music?
SiN: Check my site – http://www.astarium.ruyou can find page of my label there, and more
information about labels that released my stuffs and other, other, other. Also,
you can listen my music online through last fm net-radio.
Thank you, TchorT, for
interesting questions! Stay metal, Friend!
To readers I can say: Carry
your Black Flame with honor!
T: Thanks War BrotherSiNfor all the
supportand friendshipgiven,
I hope we will soon have"TheLegion OfTchorT"
Compilation ItoXIIin Tape formatfor "Dominion
Of Sin" Label.
