PASADENA NAPALM DIVISION (U.S.) P.N.D. EP CD review by http://www.metalunderground.com



By Joe Reviled

Crossover thrash will likely never be as invigorating and rush inducing as it was at its inception, no matter how many new bands try to rehash the past. The feeling that came with something new coming virtually out of nowhere and sparking a movement simply can't be recreated. The second time around, everything is expected, and there's nothing to come out of left field and cave in your sinuses like an errant elbow in the pit. But when a legend of the old guard returns, it can potentially be the next best thing to having been there in the days when punks and metal heads still took the steel toes to each others' teeth, and a band called D.R.I. spat in both of their collective faces by fusing metal and punk into an arrogant, brash, and volatile sub-genre. Now, D.R.I. vocalist Kurt Brecht is back with three members of Dead Horse and Bubba Dennis of Verbal Abuse on bass in Pasadena Napalm Division, a band that tries to resurrect the pure crossover snottiness of decades past.
Formed in 2008, and drawing its members from Austin, Pasadena, and Houston, Pasadena Napalm Division recently released its P.N.D. EP on Abyss records. From the outset its pure old school crossover all the way with the opening track, “Spell It Out,” setting the tone with that juvenile sense of humor that's arrogant and simple enough to cut through the bullshit and get to the heart of the target. It's the continuation of D.R.I., and Brecht sounds like he's back in the bad old days of near starvation, van breakdowns, and getting ripped off by shady promoters, and he couldn't be happier or more ready to let the venom flow. Every word in this song is actually spelled out in Brecht's own unique hardcore yell delivery. “I l-o-v-e you, I k-i-l-l you.” Classic stuff from the crusty old progenitor.
Next on deck is “100 Beers with a Zombie,” a song with serious overtones in a humorous guise. Dark comedy espousing the damaging effects of repeated overconsumption. The best comedy comes from pain, as they say. The song goes through the requirements, ticking off the boxes on the old school checklist, with some competent guitar solo work thrown in as well. Then there's “Non Ti Amo,” sung by Brecht entirely in Spanish, with a gang vocal chorus. It's an evil sounding anti-love song. “Speaking In Tongues” almost has Pasadena Napalm Division sounding a bit like a D.R.I. cover band. This one has a bit of Motorhead fever and speed metal gallop to it, with some “Haunting the Chapel” era Slayer vibrations. This track is the highlight of the E.P., with Brecht sounding like thrash's answer to Ian MacKaye.
“I'm a failure, fuck, fuck, fuckin' failure.” This is the sound of the middle class, middle age realization that the dream is dead, or worse, was never pursued in the first place. It was given up in pursuit of something fake—something sold to us all and bought wholesale at big box retail outlets like super-sized tubs of Prozac chewables. The second last song on the E.P, the appropriately titled “Failure,” shows that Pasadena Napalm Division has a message behind the sneers and jabs. Ending the disc is the so-called hidden track, “Okra,” a joke tribute to the edible green seed pods of the flowering plant.
You can't dig up the bones of the past and expect them to whirl around the pit and head bang like they did in the days of yore. But as Pasadena Napalm Division shows, there's plenty of life left in those old bones yet.
Highs: The P.N.D. E.P. is a total throwback to crossover's early days in the most positive sense of the word.
Lows: What's up with the hidden track? It seems like a complete waste of studio time.
Bottom line: Fans of D.R.I. and crossover thrash should check out this release and keep their eyes peeled for a future full length from Brecht and co.

Review link: http://www.metalunderground.com/reviews ... aseid=4712




Pasadena Napalm Division links:

Website: http://pndrocks.com/

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/pasadenanapalmdivision

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PasadenaNapalmDivision



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055



Other links:

To purchase PASADENA NAPALM DIVISION - P.N.D. EP CD and other P.N.D. merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... s=pasadena

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IstqPmF_kE4

BANE (Serbia) Interview by http://www.wintertorment.com



Interview with Branislav (lead guitarist, growls, lyrics for Bane) by Patrick (08-22-2010)

1. Metal hails brother! How are things going in Serbia? Please tell the readers a little about yourself.

Hails Patrick! Things are pretty chaotic for at the moment, but good enough, thanks.

Well, I am Branislav - founder, main writer, lead guitarist & vocalist for Serbian Black/Death Metal band BANE (http://www.myspace.com/baneband), and lead singer for Serbian/USA Modern Death Metal band Synesis Absorption (http://www.myspace.com/synesisabsorption).

Beside that I use to play in Technical Death Metal band disdained.


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

I started listening to Metal about 10 years ago, but extreme Metal came in about 7 years ago, when I discovered bands such as Cryptopsy, Cannibal Corpse, Morbid Angel, Broken Hope, etc...


3. When did you guys form BANE? How did you all come up with name of the band? Does it have a special meaning? If i am not mistaken you all stopped the band for a few years. Why did you all stop the band?

BANE was formed by myself in 2006, and I am the only original member. The band name simply represents in a way the music and emotions I have to express: misery, death, curse, ruin, etc...

Yes, the band was inactive from 2007 (after the first demo was recorded) to mid/late 2009. There are several reasons, but the main ones are because I could not find a steady line-up, and because at that time I was very busy with touring & recording for disdained (which is now disbanded).


4. When did you guys decide to re-start up the band? What is the "current" line-up? For the readers who have never heard the band how would you describe the bands music?

I decided to re-activate the band in mid/late 2009, when I started writing some new material for BANE. Luckily, with a few struggles once again, I finally managed to gather a full (live) line-up:

Branislav - Growl Vocals & Lead Guitars
Khargash - Scream Vocals & Bass
Vandal - Rhythm Guitars
Zombi - Drums

The music we are now playing can be best described as "Swedish Styled Black/Death Metal" from the mid 90`s. For fans of early Dissection, Dark Funeral, Naglfar...


5. Earlier this year the band released it's debut EP "Misanthropia". How long did it take you all to write/record the songs for this release? Happy with how everything turned out? How has the response been from the press and fans?

Correct. The writing process & recording of that material was realized pretty quick actually...I would say about 2-3 months in total.

I am very satisfied with the EP, since at first I did not even think it would be released. Victory By Fire Records released it in March 2010, and just a few weeks ago Set Productions from Egypt re-released it. And it will most likely re-appear on a 3-Way Split CD later this year on US Label Winter Thorn Records.

The response of the fans & press is very nice as far as I know and heard.


6. I know you have told me the band is currently working on new songs for the bands new full-length. What can you tell about this release? How many songs will be on it? Will this be a self-release or have you found a label to help you release it? Do you all have a release date set for it?

The new material for our first full-length album is about 95% complete at this time. We are entering the studio in about a week or so to begin the recording of the album entitled "Chaos, Darkness & Emptiness". The artwork is done by legendary Marcelo Vasco (Belphegor, Gorgoroth, Satyricon, Vader, Obituary, etc....).

The album will contain 9 songs, and will be equally divided into 3 chapters.



Chapter I - CHAOS
Chapter II - DARKNESS
Chapter III - EMPTINESS

It will be released on ABYSS RECORDS (USA) as a special Digi-CD edition, with a bonus track - cover of Dark Funeral`s "The Dawn No More Rises". It will also be released on European soils (co-release between 2-3 Record Labels) as a standard jewel case CD version. And finnally, a limited MC version will be released on Satanic Deathcult Productions.


7. You also told me the band is preparing for a european tour in support of the new full-length. How is this going? Can you tell us any confirmed dates for the tour? Where are some of the countries you will be playing/touring in?

Yes. At the moment, there are only confirmed dates in France, Poland and Czech Republic. But we are hoping to visit other countries such as Belgium, Holland and Germany.

There are still a few open days for booking, so local organizers can write to me for more info, a deal will be easily fixed: [email protected]

The tour dates will be announced in early September, if not earlier. So if you are reading this interview and located in Europe, and would like to see BANE live, then drop by our MySpace page for frequent updates & info.


8. Who are some bands you will be playing/touring with? If you could set-up a "dream" show/tour who are some bands you would love to play with?

We will do the whole Tour with great French band NIBIRUS (http://www.myspace.com/nibirusband). Also on some dates of the Tour Brutal Death Metal/Hardcore band LIVARKAHIL (http://www.myspace.com/livarkahil) will share the stage with us. For now this is all I know.

Definitely I would love to play a Tour as support to DARK FUNERAL, or any Swedish Black Metal band: Naglfar, Setherial, Watain...


9. In your opinion what is the best and worst thing about the underground scene today? and what does the term "underground metal"mean to you?

Well, the best thing for sure is that it`s still alive, and that there are tons of new bands releasing their material on Tapes, Vinyls, CD-r`s, etc...so the spirit or the Underground in that way is still alive, and happy to see that there are a lot of small labels supporting small bands, and the other way around. And the worst thing...is probably that there are too many new bands/releases, that it`s impossible to follow everything. And most likely by now I have missed many releases which I would have enjoyed if I had a chance to listen to them.

"Underground" has a big meaning for me, a value that cannot be replaced with anything. By underground I think of all the bands, shows, releases that will never be supported in mass-media, that I love and support. It`s just something that to most people has absolutely no meaning, but yet for me, means a lot.


10. Bane come out of the mighty Serbian metal scene. Serbia seems to have a strong metal scene. Would you agree? What is your opinion of serbia's metal scene?

At this time, it is really bad. Since the last time we spoke about this, things have gone even worst...a few more clubs have closed, which means that it`s even more hard to find a club/local organizer and promoter who will help you support UG bands anywhere in the country.

As for releases, people seem to have no interest at all in buying original CD`s, MC`s, Vinyls...and our first and only Metal Shop closed, so we now don`t even have the possibility to enter a store and buy merchandise.

So to be honest, the Metal scene in Serbia is horrible. Even bands seem to be really lazy, and do not work on themselves for promotion, recording, etc...only a VERY small number have gathered some attention on themselves, but that attention mainly comes from abroad countries.


11. Who are some of your all-time favorite Serbian bands? Are their any new up and coming bands the readers should watch out for?

Some of my favorite Serbian bands are: Dead Joker (Brutal Death Metal), May Result (Black Metal), Infest (Death/Thrash Metal), Draconic (Modern Metal), Through Art (Melodic Death Metal), Shadowdream (Ambient/Metal) etc...

Or course, there are a few new bands I would definitely recommend:

Ancient Sorrow (Old School Black Metal), Mrznja (Black Metal) , Blasphererion (Black/Death Metal)...damn, I can`t think of any more at the moment.


12 .Besides bands does Serbia have any good/honest zines or distros/labels to check out?

The only and true Metal Record Label is of course GROM RECORDS (http://www.myspace.com/gromrecords).

As for zines...NOCTURNE MAGAZINE (http://www.myspace.com/nocturnemagazine).


13. You handle guitars for the band. When did you first start playing the guitars? Are you self-taught or lessons?

I seriously started playing the guitar when I was 13 years. Since then, I never had a guitar class in my life, so I guess you can say I am pretty much self-taught.


14. Who are some of your influences/favorite guitarist? Do you play any other instruments?

Some of my favorite guitarists and main influences: Chuck Schuldiner, Jon Nödtveidt, Ishahn, Lord Ahriman, Luc Lemay, Jonathan Levasseur, Andy Timmons, Guthrie Govan...and no, I don`t play any other instrument seriously.


15. Do you or any of the members in bane have side-bands or projects to the readers should know about?

We all have different side projects:

Branislav:

-Synesis Absorption (http://www.myspace.com/synesisabsorption)

-Goat Eater (http://www.myspace.com/goateaterserbia).

Khargash:

-Obscured (http://www.myspace.com/obscuredsound).

Vandal:

-Infest (http://www.myspace.com/infestserbia).

Zombi:

-Infest (http://www.myspace.com/infestserbia)

-Simargal (http://www.myspace.com/simargalband).


16. Well brother thank you for taking the time to fill out this interview. Do you have anything you would like to add before we end the interview?

Patrick, I would like to thank you once again for the true support you have given to this band since it`s re-activation, it really means a lot to us.

Everything that I would say is already mentioned above, so thanks to everyone who read this interview, and if you are interested in reading more info about BANE, feel free to drop by, add & follow us on:

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/baneband
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bane-Serb ... 837?ref=ts
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BANE_band
Last.fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Bane+(+Serbia+)

And for direct band contact & booking, write to:

[email protected]

Let thy Chaos forever reign upon us!

-Branislav

Review link: http://www.wintertorment.com/2010/08/se ... views.html



Bane links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/baneband

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/baneband



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055



Other links:

To purchase the new BANE - Chaos, Darkness & Emptiness DIGI CD featuring bonus Dark Funeral cover go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=10306

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tP0LoHYAEBE

ITEM OF THE DAY

BURZUM - BURZUM / ASKE (SLIPCASE) CD - $17.00 + S/H



1. Feeble Screams from Forests Unknown
2. Ea, Lord of the Depths
3. Black Spell of Destruction
4. Channelling the Power of Souls into a New God
5. War
6. The Crying Orc
7. A Lost Forgotten Sad Spirit
8. My Journey to the Stars
9. Dungeons of Darkness
10. Stemmen Fra Tårnet
11. Dominus Sathanas
12. A Lost Forgotten Sad Spirit

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=10319

Check out more BURZUM merchandise currently available through Abyss Records: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... M&x=8&y=13

FERAL (Sweden) "Dragged To The Altar" CD / T-SHIRT Combo Deals (Sizes S-XL) available from Ibex Moon Records available through Abyss Records for ONLY $16 + S/H @
www.officialabyssrecords.com/advanced_s ... al&x=0&y=0

DEAD HORSE (US) "Boil(ing)" 12" LP coming to Abyss Records Aug/Oct 2011, this long OUT OF PRINT release will be released soon on Abyss Records, Limited Edition of 500 copies 1st pressing colored vinyl. Pre-Sales will soon be available on Abyss Records website, so watch for that and orders yours before they SELL OUT!!!!


Line Up:


Also coming soon to Abyss Records Official DEAD HORSE merchandise, available in July 2011.

Also be sure to check out the event of 2012, DEAD HORSE Live in Houston, Texas @ Warehouse Live October 22nd, 2011
tickets on sale now, see link link for details
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=197180503662409

HYPERBOREAN (Sweden) - The Spirit of Warfare CD review by http://www.mariosmetalmania.com



By Robin van Tilburg

Hyperborean is not a band that likes to rush things. They formed in 2000 and since then three demos have seen the light of day. “Of malice” in 2000, “Thorns scar her Soul' in 2003 and Prey”in 2005. A few years later, in the year 2009 to be exact, the band recorded the songs for what would be there debut album. That album is called 'The Spirit of Warfare' and has just been released through Abyss Records. When a band has been around for as long as Hyperborean has, you can't help but to grow expectations towards the material. Sadly, these expectations are only partly redeemed. The music, which holds up mostly between black and to a lesser degree death metal, does not exceed the mediocre a lot of the time. But there is still enough to enjoy the album as a whole. Take for example the opening track 'Channelling the Spirit of Warfare' with its catchy melodic riff and fast blast beat sections. Also worth mentioning is the lyrical theme, which mainly handles the period of World War I. Not a very original subject for a metal band, but Hyperborean has made it quite interesting. I think I'll give Hyperborean the benefit of the doubt. No matter for how long they've been around, they've managed to come up with an interesting debut album that justifies their existence. Check their MySpace if you dig fast, melodic Black Metal.
Rating: 70/100

Review link: http://www.mariosmetalmania.com/CDDVDreviews.html




Hyperborean links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/hyperboreanofficial



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Records/164573050232055



Other links:

To purchase HYPERBOREAN - The Spirit of Warfare CD go to:
http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=10305

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4NkpxSrIjE

DIE HARD (Sweden) Evil Always Return CD EP review by http://masterful-magazine.com



By masterful-magazine

Taking their name from a Venom song, these Swedish fiends play old school black/thrash in the vein of Barathrum, Possessed, Sodom and "Kill 'Em All" era Metallica that is fueled by beer and Satan. "Evil Always Return" features Watain drummer Hakan Jonsson donating his services. The hoarse vocals of Andreas "Hasse" Hansson remind of earliest Sepultura, circa "Morbid Visions" and "Bestial Devastation" and to a lesser degree of Unleashed frontman Johnny Hedlund. This is bestial black/thrash with some minor death metal leanings. The playing is fiery and most tracks are quite catchy. The explosive lead/solo in 'The Weak Leading the Blind' is a plus and it's a pity there are so less actual leads/solos to be found here. 'Necromantic Action' is probably the least interesting cut of this record. "Evil Always Return" is a serviceable throwback record that can compete with the best of them, given the pedigree of its members. Recorded at Blueflame Productions Studio in Uppsala, Sweden (Loch Vostok, F.K.Ü.). The collage artwork is definitely old school in execution and very fitting for a retro band like this. Die Hard will appeal to retro-black/thrash metal bands such as Bewitched, Nifelheim and Merciless.

Review link: http://masterful-magazine.com/recenzja_ ... je&id=2878



Die Hard links:

Website: http://www.diehard.se/

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/diehardthrash

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Die-Hard/148666655155328



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055

Other links:

To purchase DIE HARD - Evil Always Return CD EP and other DIE HARD merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... s=die+hard

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEJlPKq3osk

HUMANGLED (Italy) interview by http://hatredmeanswar3.blogspot.com



Posted by OccultBlackMetal

Humangled interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?

We are a death metal band from Italy born in 1995 but we have been "frozen in time" for a decade, and after passing over difficulties we are now to present our first full length "FRACTAL" which contains all the different aspects of our music.


2. How would you describe your musical sound?

Angry, tasty , impudent.


3. What is the meaning behind the band's name?

Our monicker was born from the words Human+Mangled, just to signify Humanity Mangled, a reminder of our human condition during and after life.


4. How would you describe the lyrical content of the music?

We like to write about different matters in our lyrics and we think that these should make sense together with the music and images we offer. Our songs usually cover the different aspects of life but specially focus on the personal and social aberrations, using splatter/gore stuff only as an acrid flavoring.


5. According to your myspace page, the band is only a studio project, do you ever plan on doing shows in the future?

Sure, we'll try to if possible, it's one of our desires to play our songs live.


6. On the Metal Archives page it said the band has been around since the 90's but the first full length just came out recently, why did it take so long?

A decade (1997-2006) is a quite long "pause to think" right ? well, the band disbanded for such long time, but when we decided (Goreds and Scurb) to start something again we wouldn't even expect to release our first full lenght in 2010. Let's say that during this pause we developed other forms of artistic communication while our "seeds" where rotting.


7. Are there any current side projects besides this band, if so who are they and what kind of music do they play?

Yes, they actually exist, but we can't reveal the secret now (laugh).


8. How would you describe your musical progress over the years and what direction do you see the music heading into on future releases/

We started in '90s with the idea to mix death-grind metal riffing and vocals with industrial rhytmics, to create an hybrid that would sound extremelly heavy and annihilating at the same time, but we recently moved towards a more classic sounding death metal trying to find the rotten roots of our first devotion to the genre. Nowadays we think that the overall death metal movement is loosing some of the original sense (no matter how technically skilled and fast it sounds) out of the "brutal melodic groovy" music it used to be at the beginning.


9. How have extreme death metal fans worldwide react to your musical style so far?

We are excited by the reactions received till now; (of course there's always somebody that don't appreciate your proposal but for now it's really quite an exception !)


10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and what are you listening to nowadays?

We are really passionates of Death Metal (and music in general) before being musicians, so let's say that everything of the many records we listened since the end of eighties till today may have an influence on our music indirectly. But, on the other hand, all these make a mixture that can give a general precise feeling but not referable in any band in particular.


11. How would you describe the death metal scene in your home country of Italy?

Quite promising, even if we are not used to consider it as a "scene" yet. There are really kickass bands and it seems that they are starting to get the attention they deserve on the worldwide underground scene, specially the most brutal acts.


12. What are some of your interests outside of music?

Really too many to spend the rest of our life in lazyness. We'll rest after we trespass.


13. Any final words or thoughts?

See you all on the final massacre

Interview link: http://hatredmeanswar3.blogspot.com/201 ... rview.html



Humangled links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/humangled

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Humangled/50430188818



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055



Other links:

To purchase HUMANGLED - Fractal DIGI CD and other HUMANGLED merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... =humangled

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpLkU2593sk

ITEM OF THE DAY

ASPHYX - THE RACK 12" LP - $15.00 + S/H



Limited Edition of 666 copies on Blue Vinyl & 18" x 24" ASPHYX poster

1. The Quest of Absurdity
2. Vermin
3. Diabolical Existence
4. Evocation
5. Wasteland of Terror
6. The Sickening Dwell
7. Ode to a Nameless Grave
8. Pages in Blood
9. The Rack

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... ts_id=8415

Check out more vinyl available through Abyss Records: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/index.php?cPath=24

OUT OF PRINT !!!!

SATANIC WARMASTER (Finland) "WINTER'S HUNGER / TORCHES" (Limited Edition) 7" EP $15 + S/H


NORTHERN HERITAGE RECORDS (2011)
Recorded in Satanic Metal Temple - July/September 2010.
"2nd part of the series of grim and fierce basement recordings."
Tracks:
1. Winter's Hunger
2. Torches

ORDER HERE:
www.officialabyssrecords.com/product_in ... s_id=10862

Diabolical (Sweden) Ars Vitae CD (US pressing) review by http://www.slugmag.com



By Bryer Wharton

Diabolical Ars Vitae Abyss Records: Unfortunately, not a fully new album from this Swedish death/thrash band, that I nearly forgot about despite endless spinning of their 2002 album A Thousand Deaths when it came out. Ars Vitae is a compilation of some new, some unreleased and a bunch of live tracks, which includes a personal favorite of mine, "Children of the Mushroom Cloud." Slightly reminiscent of early Dissection.

Review link: http://www.slugmag.com/article.php?id=2772&page=5



Diabolical links:

Official Website: http://diabolical.se/

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/religionist

Official Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/diabolicalofficial



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055



Other links:

To purchase the US pressing of DIABOLICAL - Ars Vitae CD go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=10307

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Mg35q4yfLE

NOCTIS IMPERIUM (Venezuela) Nihil CD EP review by http://www.masterful-magazine.com



Death/black metal from Caracas, Venezuela featuring session studio drums by Nick Barker (ex-Cradle Of Filth, ex-Dimmu Borgir, Lock Up, Twilight Of the Gods). This EP is a precursor to their upcoming debut "Glorification of Evil: The Age of the Golden Dawn". Noctis Imperium sounds as a mix between Swedish act Mutant ("The Aeonic Majesty") and later day Behemoth ("Pandemonic Incantations" and onward). As per usual Barker's work behind the kit is nothing short of fantastic. Most of the material is culled from Noctis Imperium's earlier demo recordings. These new tracks show a great display of majestic arrangements and improved technical skill of all involved. The 'Ra-hoor-khuit' intro is only a minute long and adds nothing to the record. The cover of Morbid Angel track 'Maze Of Torment' is a nice choice and fits well with this band's direction. Noctis Imperium are on a crossroads of sorts now being able to explore either their death – or black metal leanings further in future material. The clean production makes the performances shine even more. The two last tracks are live cuts which only serve to pad out the running time. The EP was mastered at Mastersound Entertainment by Alexander Krull (Atrocity, Leaves' Eyes) in Germany. As a precursor to their upcoming full length "Nihil" is an ideal place to start from.

Review link: http://www.masterful-magazine.com/recen ... je&id=2915



Noctis Imperium links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/noctisimperium

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Noctis-Im ... 8160549224



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055



Other links:

To purchase NOCTIS IMPERIUM - Nihil CD EP or other NOCTIS IMPERUM merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... s+imperium

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26gonSRg_vI

ANGREPP (Sweden) interview by http://www.metal-army.com



ANGREPP’s lead singer, Adrian talks sex, satanism and their debut album “Warfare”

MAA: Black.Thrash.Metal.Sweden. Couldn’t imagine it getting better than that. There has been no record of ANGREPP since 2006, how did those four years treat you?”
ANGREPP: A lot and nothing happened during those years, it came to point where we had to decide if we should go on with the band or quit. I think it was a good choice that we continued. I guess the first years as an artist can be hard time and you have to have a lot of patience. We did some crappy shows and that’s was one of the reason that brought us down but later on better gigs came and we got the motivation to keep spreading our blasphemy.

MAA: Tell me more about the history of ANGREPP, what has the band done, how did it get together and what go you started in music, especially black metal?
ANGREPP: Dawid and Karl are actually the only original members. I didn’t know them before we started to play together it was through a friend who used to play with them that put us together. When I came in the band they where going under the name Draug and played more typical black metal, a lot of DARKTHRONE and MAYHEM covers and that kind of stuff. There where no high ambitions by that time, I think I drove the guys further in there thoughts that we could do something more meaningful. As we changed direction of our music we also changed our name.

MAA: You’re considered black/thrash/punk metal, do each of you bring those elements individually or was just the way to go?
ANGREPP : We have found our sound I think, Dawid writes most of the music at least from the start and then we put together the songs during rehearsals. All of us put effort in the music even though it has been in the past mostly med Dawid and Fredrik who pulled our sound together.



MAA: Where did you guys record Warfare, and please describe the process?
ANGREPP : The album was recorded in a friend’s studio where also Fredrik works when doing his session jobs. Since the studio was recently built there came up some things that made the process quit painful but it turned out well in the end. Hopefully it will go easier next time.

MAA: What was the biggest challenge in recording this full-length? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
ANGREPP : There are no challenges if you just put your mind into it. Just focus and you will achieve.

MAA: The rhythm overall on this album kicks ass. Should we expect the same in future projects?
ANGREPP : Probably, we will see where the road takes us. We try to make an identity for every song and that will we continue with that I can assure you. Some of the songs that already has been written for next album are a bit more original black metal but overall I can’t see us dropping our original sound.

MAA: Any struggle in writing the songs?
ANGREPP : Not really, we have a simple process and it works out well for us.

MAA: Many are comparing you to HELLHAMMER, DARKTHRONE, VENOM, and HIGH ON FIRE; with that said, who were your influences for this album and what are your lyrical inspirations for the band?
ANGREPP : DARKTHRONE has of course been a large influence as for many. But then there’s also BATHORY, CARPATHIAN FOREST, AURA NOIR, SODOM and other bands that influence us. During our writing process we seldom talk about this should sound like that band etc, we more speak in terms of this is really ANGREPP!
I don’t know if you have read the lyrics for the album but they can wary a lot. Mostly it’s feeling from inside of me that are for the moment or the values that I have based my satanic philosophy on. Some of the lyrics can sometimes seem very simple, like rape, kill, rock n roll, yeah it’s a funny title and also the lyrics but is has a much deeper meening then people understand. I wrote those lyrics because I was so feed up with people denying what they really want, I love to fuck, drink, fight and listen to heavy music. That’s it.

MAA: What made you guys go towards a more thrash feel sound for your full-length debut?
ANGREPP : It just came out of itself, it was never anything we had in mind. The thrash sound fits the ANGREPP sound.

MAA: What is the one thing you want people to get out of Warfare?
ANGREPP : Nothing more then having a good time actually. We are not into this to brainwash people, try to convince them into certain values or anything like that. It’s purpose forthfills at most with some good friends a lot of beer and some noose candy.

MAA: Who would you like to work with in the future?
ANGREPP : Dan Swanö made a great job mixing and mastering the album, but I don’t know how we will do on our next album. There are some plans for some guest musicians on our next album, we’ll see how that works out.

MAA: What are the upcoming plans for the album: any music videos, tour dates?
ANGREPP : Music videos are a bit to mainstream for my taste but you should never say never, although I’m certain we wont do any music videos for at least a couple of years and if we do it it would be a recorded live show because it’s there the music is absolutely the best.
Since the album got delayed so much we gave up finding gigs this year and Fredrik is already booked for alot of tours for the rest of the year. I think next year will be an exciting year with alot of shows through europe.

MAA: If you could tour with one band, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
ANGREPP : BATHORY, don’t need to say why.

MAA: Anything else you would like to add?
ANGREPP : Thx for showing interest!
Without casualties there can be no victory!

Interview link: http://www.metal-army.com/?p=9380



Angrepp links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/angrepp

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Angrepp/16296315939



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055



Other links:

To purchase ANGREPP - Warfare CD and other ANGREPP merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... ds=angrepp

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iya851WiY1U

BODYFARM (Netherlands) - Bodyfarm CD EP review by http://www.mariosmetalmania.com



By Sammy De Maere

The Netherlands have always had a strong reputation when it comes to death metal. This reputation has again become stronger by adding another promising band. Bodyfarm is band that brings strong, non compromising death metal influenced by the great bands of the Dutch, Swedish and American scene. Together with an intro this EP contains 4 very nice songs. The rythmn section is very tight, the lead guitars are playing killer riffs, fine hooks and some nice breakdowns, but luckily not enough to turn into some boring modern act. The vocals complete this record in style, they are brutal yet quite understandable for the trained ear. If you like the newer records of bands as Grave and Vomitory go support your local underground and pick this one up!
Rating: 80/100
Review link: http://www.mariosmetalmania.com/CDDVDreviews.html



Bodyfarm Links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/bodyfarmnl

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bodyfarm/107945989258106



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055



Other links:

To purchase BODYFARM - Bodyfarm CD EP go to:
http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=10334

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4M4NwkjrWU

WAN (Sweden) Wolves of the North CD review by http://www.funeralrain.net



By General Blaspheme

This is a fairly lengthy album from Wan, 13 tracks in a genre that is sometimes known for eight-song full lengths. And it’s pretty damn good, to top it all off.
It’s a mid-paced black metal, with a cold atmosphere and grim vocals. It’s nothing that will cause immediate brain seizures at first listen, or riots in listeners, or any of that stuff. It’s not a major breakthrough in black metal, and it’s probably not going to make Wan into the hugest band in black metal. But what this album is, is a solid and perfect example of what black metal’s aesthetics are.
It relies less on punk and thrash than some bands, taking a more bass guitar driven sound with a lot less tremolo picking, with the drums buried in the back except the snare, of course, and a very clicky bass drum sound.
Personally, I think it kicks a fair amount of ass, and it’s actually interesting to listen to.
7 out of 10.

Review link: http://www.funeralrain.net/2010/07/03/w ... the-north/




Wan links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/theunholywan



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055



Other links:

To purchase WAN - Wolves of the North CD and other WAN merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... wan+wolves

To preview songs go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyODLUBG26Q

HAT (Norway) Interview (2009) by http://www.lordsofmetal.nl



Boy, isn’t Norway a great country: a marvelous, almost untouched nature, and a lot of great music, especially if you are into black metal. I have written it before: whenever you think that the well of new great bands must be dried out in a nation with fewer than five million inhabitants, another great debut album is released. This year this already happened with great debut albums from bands like Svarttjern, Posthum and now Hat (Norwegian for hate). ‘The Demise Of Mankind’ is an album that will not be misplaced in someone’s yearlist of 2009, and so Lords of Metal contacted Nevresch and Undertrykker to talk about ‘The Demise Of Mankind’ and the band itself.


To introduce the band to our readers: I think a description of raw epic Norwegian black metal in the vein of Taake, old Gorgoroth (with singer Hat!) and the debut of Elite (‘Kampen’) is a nice way to picture what a listener can expect from “The Demise Of Mankind”. Now how do you describe your music when you talk to people?

Nevresch: We create music that has the presence of our demons, that is the main idea. I guess you could say we have failed if this does not come forth on our releases. A Hat song has its own life and will. We do not let fancy ideas destroy the nature of something that is bigger than us. If a song demands something we will apply it. We have been compared to old Gorgoroth, old Darkthrone and so on. Darkthrone was our first meeting with this kind of music. They are also the first ones, in my opinion, that managed to catch the Satanic presence and record it. There is something dark and powerful in their early works. I don’t talk to that many people about our music.

Undertrykker: I describe it as misanthropic Norwegian Black Metal.


Since the English word “hat” has a different meaning from the Norwegian word for hate: have you never considered of renaming the band into Evig Hat, eternal hate: your MySpace already uses that one, and with all due respect: the name “Hat” is not that much of a common house hold name in the scene yet…

Nevresch: When we started this band for the second time around, we wanted to start off with clean sheets. We chose the name Hat, and could not care less if people think it sounds silly. The name is perfect for the music we create. No fancy shit, straight to the point, Black Metal. We actually enjoy the stupid translation of the word. Anyway this music is not for the common pig, and if someone likes our stuff, that someone will spread the word. This way people who buy our albums buy it because of the music and nothing else.

Undertrykker: When we started Hat I don’t think we ever expected this to be a problem. We did not at the time even think about releasing an album that would be sold abroad. The name suits our music very well, and we both felt comfortable with it. So for the time being I don’t think we’ll change it..


One of the things that drew my attention was the original beginning of the album: not an obligate intro, but a choir in which the evil rasping vocals fall in: how did you get to that idea?

Nevresch: It was important to be very direct from start on. The choir is not a regular choir, but a recording of a “normal” congregation, praising their Lord. The vocals falling in say: Guds skitne avkom skal dø (Gods filthy offspring shall die). The idea was one of the last things we did on the album. At first there was no choir, but only the dry rasping vocals. But the song demanded something more.


It is hard to pinpoint favorites, since all songs have something special. How long has the band worked on the album, from writing the first tunes to mixing the final mix?

Undertrykker: I guess it took us about a year from start to finish. The first song on the album ‘Guds skitne avkom’ (Gods Filthy Offspring) was ready around the time the demo came out. So I think a year is a good estimate.


Going on about the album: any surprising reactions so far, either bad or good?

Undertrykker: I am a bit surprised that the reactions has been as good as they have. This is the first album I have been a part of so I did not really know what to expect. But I am generally happy with the overall sound and feel of the album, and it seems like a lot of people feel the same way.

Nevresch: I read a review in Norwegian saying: ‘The Demise of Mankind’ is a true black metal album that will fill people with joy. Now, that is disturbing.



Just wondering: once a band has recorded the album and did the mixing, it is a matter of giving things out of hand to the label. How did you experience that, was it exciting to release a debut after all those years, or was it more the fulfillment of a creative process?

Nevresch: I am a very result oriented guy. I created the artwork and the layout as well, so to receive the disease was liberating. But I am always looking forward, so new processes has been in focus after handing it over.

Undertrykker: It was such an amount of hard work put in to making the album, that by the time everything was finished I needed a break from it. But it was extremely fulfilling holding the finished record for the first time. Nevresch did an outstanding job on the layouts as well.


The black metal scene has pretty much become a normal scene, and so, like other scenes, it comes down to the few same bands dominating the scene, without much room for new acts. Does this feel frustrating to a talented young outfit like Hat?

Undertrykker: Not really, I have never been part of the “scene” anyway.

Nevresch: We do not belong in a scene at all. Group mentality and fame is something I keep great distance from.


It is hard to see where Hat is coming from, except that it concerns a little coastal place in Norway. Now that sure helps, since Norway has one of the biggest coast lines in the world. I compared you guys to bands from Bergen. Is a guess that your living place is somewhere in Hordaland an adequate one?

Undertrykker: We are actually from a place called Drøbak. It is about 30 km south of Oslo. I really don’t know why we sound like we come from Bergen??


Because of the epic yet nihilistic sound of the album… After doing some research I found out that you started in 1993 as Ravner, then called it a day in 1996 and restarted in 2006: if you had not stopped but released an album like ‘The Demise Of Mankind’ back in the nineties, Hat would not have been one of the many good Norwegian bands on a rather small label, but one of the pioneers. Has that thought ever crossed your mind or was the early Hat not comparable to the level of the band these days?

Nevresch: We were young and furious. I think the potential was there already, but the lack of will to believe in our own creation was not. No mystery was revealed to us either. We have learned to know some of the secrets in the dark. And through these mysteries Hat arised.


Even if Antichristian Front Records is not one of the biggest labels around, you have your distribution of the album not only covered across Europe, but also the two Americas and Australia: how important is it for a band that does not play live to have world coverage, and how are the reactions so far from those regions?

Undertrykker: I think it is important, because the underground is yet again growing. It’s pleasing to be able to spread our plague to the utmost corners of the world.


How big is the chance that we can see Hat on European stages outside of Norway: I read that you have no ambitions to play live, but hardly anything changes as much as a man’s mind…

Undertrykker: The chance of that ever happening is very, very slim. But as you say, you never know...


Any idea of what the world can expect from Hat in the near future?

We do have five-six songs ready, but we haven’t decided yet what to do with them. We signed for one album with Antichristian Front Recs. So if we get a deal that is pleasing in terms of distribution and such I hope there will be another Hat album on the way in not too distant future.


Any final words of hate from Hat for this interview?

Undertrykker: Thanks for some interesting questions. Check out our MySpace for samples of ‘The Demise Of Mankind’. Skål for faen!!

This interview was conducted in 2009 and since then HAT has signed with Abyss Records, There has been a second pressing of "The Demise of Mankind" and in 2010 they released their second full length album entitled "Vortex of Death" which is available for order through Abyss Records...



Interview link: http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showintervie ... 85&lang=en



Hat links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/Evighat

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hat/154439157951339



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055



Other links:

To purchase HAT - Vortex of Death DIGI CD and other HAT merchandise go to:
http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... hat+vortex

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TX-KoqPnUJY
or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7XWXxp5LRk

And to preview a song from their first release "The Demise of Mankind" go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJD28wHlPpU

ITEM OF THE DAY

SUFFOCATION - THE CLOSE OF A CHAPTER (LIVE IN QUEBEC CITY) CD - $12 + S/H



1. Infecting the Crypts
2. Thrones of Blood
3. Surgery of Impalement
4. Catatonia
5. Liege of Inveracity
6. Despise the Sun
7. Subconsciously Enslaved
8. Immortally Condemned
9. Effigy of the Forgotten
10. Tomes of Acrimony
11. Breeding the Spawn
12. Pierced from Within
13. Funeral Inception

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... ts_id=7661

And check out more SUFFOCATION merchandise on the Abyss Records website: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... N&x=14&y=0

BANE (Serbia) - Chaos, Darkness & Emptiness DIGI CD review by http://www.mariosmetalmania.com



By William Nijhof

Bane from Serbia was created in 2006 and brings you straight in face black/death metal filled with melody. They released their demo in 2007 and their first EP in 2010. This is their debut which is also released in 2010. This album starts with a dark and melodic intro and then becomes a journey of high speed blasts and typical black metal riffs combined with dark and atmospheric elements in it, the same goes for the acoustic and melodic parts in the music (its ravaging and it makes you listen to the entire album). If you think that that is all…no fucking way. As I already said that the music brings you in a kind of ecstasy because this is a journey that is brought to you in three chapters. The first 2 chapter starts with an instrumental and then the chaos comes, well done!! The third chapter is the more chill out chapter and sounds also great. The best parts are the vocals, low grunts combined with very well performed black scream (in my opinion). I Guess you can call this their answer too all the rock opera and other stuff hahaha. This album is filled with variety and the production of this album is over the top good. If you like bands like Cradle of Filth (old style) then you are going to enjoy this album.
Rating: 80/100
Review link: http://www.mariosmetalmania.com/CDDVDreviews.html




Bane links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/baneband

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/baneband



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055



Other links:

To purchase the new BANE - Chaos, Darkness & Emptiness DIGI CD featuring bonus Dark Funeral cover go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=10306

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tP0LoHYAEBE

HYPERBOREAN (Sweden) - The Spirit of Warfare CD review by http://www.themusicfix.co.uk



By Dominic Hemy

As the proud owner of all three original Hyperborean demos, I was stunned when news filtered through that, some six years after the last of these, the band were re-emerging with debut offering The Spirit Of Warfare. Picking up where they left off, the three core figures now left proceed to charge through some particularly vitriolic yet surprisingly melodic black metal. The fascination with Cradle Of Filth has diminished somewhat since the early recordings, but is still noticeable and whilst not as sensationalist as the British headline makers, they are also significantly less compromising. Elements of prog and doom creep in as the songs shift and evolve beyond the usual manic thrashing and buzzing synonymous with the genre, but the guitars still have that evisceral chainsaw buzz as Magnus Persson sounds like he’s gargling razor blades; the waves of hatred and anger radiating from the very dark heart at the centre of The Spirit Of Warfare make it a delight to behold for lovers of more insidious music.
Rating: 7/10

Review link: http://www.themusicfix.co.uk/content/ca ... orean.html




Hyperborean links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/hyperboreanofficial



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055



Other links:

To purchase HYPERBOREAN - The Spirit of Warfare CD go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=10305

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4NkpxSrIjE

MAAX (U.S.) Interview by http://www.metalmaniacs.com



By Janet Willis (Defecation of the Divine)

As of lately I’ve been lost in progland, and that does literally mean classic 70’s prog rock and kraut stuff, even I need a break from metal at times for a trippy and laid-back jazzy jam or two. I actually had yet another awkward moment with a band and it was a fight over English grammar from someone who isn’t a native speaker, they wanted their FU quote to be as explicit as possible…what a damn surprise, huh?
Well, then this interview came back to me like a boomerang that fortunately knocked me unconscious and when I awoke I had the fortunate epiphany that it was worthwhile for me to keep writing and supporting the bands that truly deserve it. Afterall, I’m one of the few still buying and spending my spare time to float the good shit to the top of the sesspool and this band definitely earns it.
For those who like their metal and rock and roll filthy and feisty, bands that give you a black eye without ever laying a hand on you, and strive to enjoy their time on this third turd from the sun we are given Maax. There was a great quote I saw in a brewery that read, “God Created Beer Because He wanted Man To Be Happy”, and I agree wholly, but also think we need to add metal to that phrase.



Metal Maniacs: I received your EP “Six Pack Witchcraft” in a package form Dan at Abyss Records and was instantly addicted to your sound. Talk about balls, that was some aggressive and trashy anthemic metal noise. This was the first impression you’d made on me and from now on I’ll be a loyal MAAX junkie, so tell others out there about you all. How did you get started, what other releases do you have out, etc.?

Kyle Maax: Thank you! Some of us were involved in a previous band with a somewhat confused direction so I created Maax to further the musical direction that was originally intended by the drummer and myself and that was becoming lost on our previous band. It was a “riff soup” sort of thing and individual influences were clashing severely so Maax was born and we started writing songs for our debut album “Dawnbringer”(on Abyss Records) immediately in a purely Black Metal direction and that said album is just that, a filthy slab of USBM! Fenriz said the album (Dawnbringer)sounded like a summation of they’re entire career without sounding like Darkthrone HaHaHa! Thanks Fenriz!



Metal Maniacs: That’s one hell of a compliment and not too far off either, your stuff hits like a bullet through the temple…fast, devastating, and with full intention to destroy. You guys are described as black thrash, which definitely fits your sound, but you also have this awesome gruff, dive bar almost Celtic Frost in your sound as well. What do you think you sound like other than MAAX and what influences directed your sound?

Kyle Maax: Well, again it’s sort of a melting pot but with a more methodical direction and purpose. Of course bands like Celtic Frost and Bathory come out but in all honesty bands like Motley Crue play a bigger role in our influence department. It’s not so much that we set out to write songs with a decidedly Celtic Frost-ish direction I think it’s more the vocal style and the shit demo production that invokes that feeling with the listener and the obvious 80’s era sounding and structured songs bring that about. You could take a song like “Live Wire” and tune down the guitars add some paint peeling vox and you got a kickass BM or Black & Roll sounding jam! And of course a healthy homage being paid to Motorhead.


Metal Maniacs: I totally agree with you on all of that there, especially the Motorhead bit. So all in all how has the reception been for “Six Pack Witchcraft” overall? What are your feelings on it in hindsight?

Kyle Maax: It has been well received so far. The listeners seem to really pick up on the attitude and bestial devastation qualities of the recording possesses. The EP clocks in at around 15 mins’ and that leaves much to be desired about “Six Pack”, although it really sticks in your cranium with catchy numbers like: “Fire In The Hole” that you will not only sing along with, but you’ll also sprain your neck and bang your fists right down to the corner beer joint to raise some hell to it! The EP should come with a disclaimer! I only wish we would have taken more time on the production value, it was intended as a demo but it rocked to hard so we decided to release it as is.


Metal Maniacs: “Fire in the Hole” is a mega scorcher!!!!! I honestly think you guys did the right thing in releasing it as an EP and not a demo, even with the rawer production because I personally really dig the raw sounds when they scream out at me like yours does and at the end of the day if it slays, it slays. The shortness of it doesn’t ruin it for me, I dig EP’s, but it’s also because every track was so monstrous and rockin’ that it just packed a point blank, large caliber blast to the cranium that it didn’t need much else to make the impact distinct and deliberate. A disclaimer would have been entirely appropriate too.
What current plans do you have (tours, splits, new material) ?

Kyle Maax: We are currently working to get the next full length released through Abyss Records this fall. The aptly titled “Unholy Rock & Roll” is the next logical step and I know if you dig “Six Pack” you’ll dig “Unholy” and the production is better this time around, so many folks seem to harp on that being a short coming for us but like you said, “…BALLS“, and it has a gnarley, ugly mean ass set of balls on it! No tours to speak of yet, no splits either, but new material we have and our next agenda after “Unholy” is another barn-burner EP.



MAAX plays Central Illinois Metalfest on Saturday July 23rd --------- and ------------- on November 11th it's MAAX in NEW YORK!!!

Metal Manaics: Some people bitch about and rely too much on production. To my ears, if it’s meant to ugly, vulgar and annihilating then it doesn’t usually need anything but the raw power and spirit put into it to make it successful, although a few face warts like Lemmy has might help (speaking of metal with some balls). Great production on a titanic testicle sporting and testerone loaded filthy metal release at times is as pointless as putting a pink tropical cocktail umbrella in a glass of moonshine, it just converts it into a joke.
To wrap this up is there anything you’d like to touch on that hasn’t been already or even just give a few shout-outs?

Kyle Maax: Yeah! There are TOO many fucking bands man! This type of thing is becoming harder to do and extreme/underground music’s existence is suffering due to lack of money, downloading/file sharing and shitty attendance at shows, so needless to say Maax are grateful to be given these opportunities to be listened to on a more wide spread level thanks to the folks at Abyss Records, (http://www.officialabyssrecords.com) and Maax would like to appreciate people like yourself who can give us a voice through interview and some credibility through review. Thank you! Cheers motherfuckers!


Metal Maniacs: I completely agree about the oversaturation of bands and crappy turnouts. I try to avoid interviews with bands and even cut back writing reviews because at times the bands aren’t good, or good enough and I don’t want to throw away time and support on them when it van be used on someone that I really feel deserves it. I get so many bands in interviews saying FU and arguing with me over English Grammar that it just makes me feel extra defensive about the good stuff. On the upside, maybe this will weed them out and the underground will go back to tape trading and such, I’m always looking for awesome new sounds (new to me, they can be 30 years old for all I care as long as they are great) and would love to see that mentality start up again.
So hey Kyle, thanks for your time and insight, bands like Maax make the bullshit worth trudging through!!!!
Interview link: http://www.metalmaniacs.com/2010/interview-with-maax/



Maax links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/maaxmetal

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/maaxmetal



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055



Other links:

To purchase MAAX - Six Pack Witchcraft DIGI CD EP and other Maax merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... words=maax

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giNCctZobOE

and to preview a song from their debut album "Dawnbringer" go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uNDPFcYcdw

ITEM OF THE DAY

BEHERIT - DEMONOMANCY (RITES OF THE BLACK PAST) CD - $15.00 S/H



Collection of Early Demos, EP's, Rehersals and Unreleased Promo Tracks

SEVENTH BLASPHEMY - Demo 1990
1. Intro
2. Seventh Blasphemy
3. Penetrator Hammer
4. Ghost Of Death

MORBID REHERSALS - 1990
5. Morbid Gods
6. Voices Of Succubus
7. Grave Desecration
8. Ulitmate War

DEMONOMANCY - Demo 1990
9. Intro (Temple)
10. Metal Of Death
11. The Oath Of The Black Blood
12. Grave Desecration
13. Witchcraft
14. Goat Worship
15. Demonomancy

DAWN OF SATAN'S MILLENIUM - Ep 1990
16. Intro: Black Mass Prayer
17. Beast Of Damnation
18. Hail Sathanas
19. Dawn Of Satan's Millennium

UNRELEASED STUDIO/PROMO TRACKS - 1991
20. Paradise, Of Thy Demonic Host
21. War Command (Blasphemy cover)

BEHERIT/DEATH YELL SPLIT - Ep 1991
22. Werewolf, Semen and Blood

PROMO - 1992
23. Intro (Tireheb)
24. Solomon's Gate
25. The Gate Of Nanna
26. Nuclear Girl

MESSE DES MORTS - Ep 1993
27. Beherit
28. Satanic Chaos
29. Seventh Blasphemy
30. Messe Des Morts

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=10731

And check out more BEHERIT merchandise available through Abyss Records: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... &x=10&y=18

Diabolical (Sweden) Ars Vitae CD (US pressing) review by http://www.metalchroniques.fr



By Sheol

Ars Vitae is not an album like the others in the discography of Diabolical. We can not say that this is a new album in the truest sense, neither a live nor a compilation ... No, actually Ars Vitae is a tripartite album is a little while AC at a time, with four new tracks recorded Necromorbus, nine live tracks and a remastered version of their debut EP sold out Desert Of Desolation released in 2000 when Magnus Odling (Setherial, Blackwind) took the microphone. Consider this as a small review after fourteen years of activity in the service of Death Metal.

You should definitely ask for the interest of such a release! Well aware that Ars Vitae is not only essential to fans of the group, but will be more meaningful to those who had known the group later on (with The Gallery Of Bleeding Art or A Thousand Death for example) initially for the four new songs composed specially for the occasion (well to be more accurate we will discuss three new songs since "Ortus" in fact serves as an intro), and are particularly good, but also for the following titles which are of very good quality and found for the first time in a live version, and then for the debut EP, remastered for the occasion, which will allow everyone to enjoy the evolution - pretty huge and still-Swedish during these ten or eleven years. The idea of ​​such an album is actually very good because it will enable those who have experienced the different line-up of the group to assess the nine live tracks, among others, played by the current lineup, which is said to passage appears in great shape and gives more want to see the band live.

There is no denying not only the prod of the new songs is excellent, but the old songs played live also enjoy powerful sound and very clean (so much so that one wonders sometimes if it really live elsewhere, especially since the audience is very quiet ...) and send the ball while being executed with a precision that commands respect. We can also appreciate, with this mix of new and old songs all the versatility of style Diabolical, which arises at the crossroads of Death, Death melodrama, Death and technical Death / Thrash. The end of the album devoted to the first EP Desert of Desolation is interesting "to get an idea" but a little more anecdotal as it is noted that the time spent ... the sound is not great, quite dirty and the compounds are moderate, but the approach is honest and can, again, to measure the evolution of the group in eleven years. But I think rather than just being remastered, these titles would have deserved to be totally re-recorded with current line up. As a result, interest in the album would totally doubled and the curtains would have boosted the die hard fans. But hey, have can not have butter, butter money and favors from the dairy ... Even though you will probably tend to zap that part of the wafer to focus on newer hardware, Ars Vitae is not thereby lose his interest, quite the contrary, do not worry!
So an essential album for fans of the group, which seduce on those unfamiliar Diabolical from afar. Yabon!
Rating: 8/10

This review was originally in French and has been translated using google translate, to read the original review in French click the link below...

Review link: http://www.metalchroniques.fr/guppy/art ... fr&pg=5288



Diabolical links:

Official Website: http://diabolical.se/

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/religionist

Official Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/diabolicalofficial



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055



Other links:

To purchase the US pressing of DIABOLICAL - Ars Vitae CD go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=10307

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Mg35q4yfLE

TORTURE DIVISION (Sweden) With Endless Wrath... DIGI CD review by http://hatredmeanswar4.blogspot.com



By OccultBlackMetal

Torture Division are a band from Sweden that plays a very brutal form of Swedish death metal and this is a review of their best of compilation cd "With Endless Wrath We Bring Unto Thee Are Infernal Torture" which was released by Abyss Records during the year of 2009.

Drums are very fast and brutal with alot of blast beats, while the bass playing is all rhythm bass that follows the riffs that are coming out of the guitars and there are some powerful bass leads being used at times.

Rhythm guitars are mostly fast death metal riffs with some midpaced heavy parts being thrown in at times, while the lead guitars are melodic and very dark sounding death metal guitar solos.

Vocals are deep death metal growls with some high pitched screams being thrown in, while the lyrics cover death, gore, and torture, as for the production it has a very heavy sound that makes the music sound very brutal.

In my opinion Torture Division are a very good brutal death metal band and if you are a fan of that genre you should add this album to your collection. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "We Are Torture Division" "Invoking The Knifer" "End This Rotten World" and "The Torture Never Stops" which is a WASP cover.

Review link: http://hatredmeanswar4.blogspot.com/201 ... th-we.html




Torture Division links:

Official Website: http://www.torturedivision.net/

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/torturedivisionsweden

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Torture-D ... 7566534436



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055



Other links:

To purchase TORTURE DIVISION - With Endless Wrath We Bring Upon Thee Our Infernal Torture DIGI CD or other TORTURE DIVISION merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... e+division

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SIkZUsvT2A

To preview a song from TORTURE DIVISION - Evighetens Dårar DIGI CD go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35Q5Zl2Q8HI

Italy's HUMANGLED Announce Lineup Change



Italian deathsters HUMANGLED have parted ways with bassist Tat0 and drummer Raffaele Pezzella due to pure logistic reasons. According to a statement from the band, there is no ill-will on either side and everyone remains close friends.

Humangled are fully committed to evolve as band and are pleased to announce that bassist Frank Nichols and drummer Valdaster have joined the fold. With this newly revamped roster, Humangled are working hard on new material, following their Fractal debut album which was released by Abyss Records.



In other Humangled news, the band have posted a video for the track 'Liquidfire', which can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilLJr2GpoPQ
The clip was directed by the award winning Vincenzo "Vinx" Ricchiuto and stars Italian actresses Arianna Neri Alice Iozzelli and Paola Giuntoli.

'Liquidfire' comes off Humangled's first album, Fractal, which was released on May 31st, 2010 by Abyss Records. The CD was recorded in Italy and mixed/mastered in Sweden by Dan Swano at Unisound Studios.

Article link: http://www.bravewords.com/news/151915



Humangled links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/humangled

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Humangled/50430188818



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055



Other links:

To purchase HUMANGLED - Fractal DIGI CD and other HUMANGLED merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... =humangled

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpLkU2593sk

ITEM OF THE DAY

AUTOPSY - AWAKENED BY GORE CD - $10.00 + S/H



Compilation containing both of Autopsy's demos plus never before released live and rehearsal tracks.

1. Human Genocide
2. Embalmed
3. Stillborn
4. Mauled to Death
5. Charred Reamins
6. Ridden With Disease
7. Critical Madness
8. Mauled to Death
9. Stillborn
10. Embalmed
11. Disembowel
12. Severed Survival
13. Service for a Vacant Coffin

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=10693

And check out more AUTOPSY merchandise available through Abyss Records: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... SY&x=6&y=4

BODYFARM (Netherlands) - Bodyfarm CD EP review by http://mundorockheavy.blogspot.com



By http://mundorockheavy.blogspot.com

An epic adventure and interesting metalhead is proposing these barbarians Bodyfarm Dutch style that anchored in the European death metal old-style (style Bolthrower, first Dismember, Asphyx) allows us to find short five cuts here from the old heavy metal , something that always cherish this place yet. For those who do not have the pleasure to tell these guys are led by the brutal vocalist Thomas Wouters, who is accompanied by a good ax as Bram Hilhorst, a guy who knows the true note sound old school, real sparks bringing through the six strings on issues as charged to the bad blood that falls short of thing. Behold, as an example the mammoth and almost hypnotic start with "Bodyfarm" a cut that is in some way that sound almost martial and epic about Asphyx noventeros, followed by crushing riffs and big heads in the next "Final Redemption", which then ostensibly to cut faster and more direct, like the good death to the old, full of vertigo and groove to the bone that is reflected in "Heartraped." Of course, this material can be taken as a preview of what should be a more long-term future issues, but judging by this thing apronte here should become a future classic style. And last but not least the issue closes with "Slaves of War" keeps the irrepressible desire to address the incessant Moshe, a track and an EP which generally requires a staff car were high for the foreseeable future. Know him directly http://www.myspace.com/bodyfarmnl

This review was originally written in Spanish and has been translated using Google Translate, To view the original review in Spanish click the link below...

Review link: http://mundorockheavy.blogspot.com/2011 ... yfarm.html



Bodyfarm Links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/bodyfarmnl

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bodyfarm/107945989258106



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055



Other links:

To purchase BODYFARM - Bodyfarm CD EP go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=10334

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4M4NwkjrWU

HUMANGLED (Italy) Fractal DIGI CD review by http://www.funeralrain.net



By General Blaspheme

Humangled’s death metal is quite refreshing for me to hear because they aren’t American. And we all know there is a huge sound difference, as well as writing style and image style difference, between American and Italian death metal.
Hell, American and European death metal in general. So after bludgeoning myself with North Am DM for awhile, It’s nice to get back to Euro DM.
Anyway, Humangled play a mid- to fast-temp death metal that’s quite catchy in the riff structure, and a very old school vibe fills up the album with touches of new school sound. It’s quite technical in places, but these guys still seem to like bashing in heads just for bashing in heads sake.
My favorite tracks are “Brutalize the Pedophile” and “Under the Root”. I’d recommend it for fans of fellow countrymen Faust, Death, Bloodbath, and less technical Morbid Angel.
7 out of 10.

Review link: http://www.funeralrain.net/2011/01/12/h ... d-fractal/




Humangled links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/humangled

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Humangled/50430188818



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055



Other links:

To purchase HUMANGLED - Fractal DIGI CD and other HUMANGLED merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... =humangled

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpLkU2593sk

CHAOSSWORN (Sweden) Interview by http://www.myspace.com/clawhammerpr/blog



CHAOSSWORN Interview at Absolute Zero


1, Tell us a bit about Chaossworn and how the band came to be?

-Chaossworn is a band from Haparanda, northern Sweden, and we play a kind of music that most would describe as melodic death/black metal. We ourselves don't care much about categories and genres, but that distinction usually gives people a good hint of our sound. Historywise, the earliest traces of Chaossworn can be found as early as in 2004, when a band called Cryptic Death was put together by Anton Johansson (vocals, guitar) and Niklas Pelli (drums.) CD made some demos, played gigs and had some major line-up changes, before, in 2008, the two founding members were joined by Andreas Pelli (bass) and Janne Posti (lead guitar.) This new line-up proceeded to record a self-financed MCD and write more songs, but the destiny of the Cryptic Death moniker was to fade away and die as the slight change in musical style from the early years along with a need for a mightier alias demanded a name change. And so, in the fall of 2009, Chaossworn was born.


2. I have to ask why release a 3 song MCD are your 1st major release??

-Why not? The three tracks are pure gold and worth more than 300 albums by mediocre bands, who infest the scene as of today. Quality before quantity. Also, with a three-song release we can get the word out there, build a buzz and hopefully create some demand for a full-length. And, according to what we've heard from all kinds of people and read in reviews, it seems to be working.


3. Your working with Abyss records a new label to me. How did you come to work with them.

-We had the legendary Dan Swanö do the mastering for the record, and he tipped off his namesake, Dan Ferguson/Abyss Records, about us. Obviously he then liked our stuff as he approached us, and we agreed to a deal to release this MCD.


4. Sweden is a major metal kingdom what sets you apart from the rest there??

-Our blend of bleak and haunting melodies, harsh crunchy pounding and black atmosphere is pretty diverse, and I can not think of any band that sounds just like us. Our goal has never been to be unique or different, though; we don't care what other bands sound like, we just make the music we love and it turns out this way. You get to hear us, fair and square, and it's honest and pure fucken metal. Also, if you've got quality, that'll set you apart from the rest as well. And that we do have, no question about it.


5. Your sound to me is very much melodic Black /Death with a progressive element is this what the demo was like or have you grown to this sound?

-What we sound like now is roughly what we've sounded for a couple of years now, since the line-up stabilized in its current form. How we'll sound in the future, no one knows; we don't set any barriers or such for ourselves so we might go in whichever direction. We strive to channel the darkness within ourselves into the song-writing and execution, and as long as we feel the atmosphere and spirit is strong in the music, there's no need to change what we're doing.


6.Does Chaossworn like to perform live or do you prefer to be in the studio creating your metallic sounds?

-We love both parts. Unleashing the energy in our songs and ourselves, on stage, is a cathartic experience to say the least; and we always put on a furious, headbanging, show. The studio is also a much loved place: the possibility of refining and honing every detail to perfection, thus pushing the full picture towards its full potential, is a most rewarding experience.


7. Where did the name Chaossworn come from ???

-At the time of the band's rebirth, we needed a moniker that would define what we stand for as a band, as well as outline and complete our musical and lyrical expression. The conformity of Law stands for stagnation, whereas Chaos is a never-ending source for progression and creativity. Considering our disregard for genre boundaries, or any boundaries whatsoever, the name is not only fitting - it is the only name good enough to represent us.



8. Are you working on a full length for Abyss or was this just a one Ep offer??

-We made a deal for the release of this MCD, but we haven't decided yet what the future holds in her hands. So far we've been quite happy with what Dan/Abyss has done for us, so we're content for the moment. A full-length is in the plans, and we've got quite a lot of material ready for it so it shouldn't take long before we hit the studio.


9. Whats the Bands thoughts on the current underground metal scene has it lost its way?

-Changed? Yes. Lost its way? Nah. Instead of tape trading and snail mail we've got MySpace sites and e-mail. It's just another way of getting out there. It's much easier to contact people now, and it's much easier to record stuff. Of course there are more and more bands trying to get noticed, but there were shitloads of bands before as well - quality will always prevail, no matter if you promote yourself via TDK D90's or mp3's. At least here, in Scandinavia, there are thousands of bands and supporters in the underground metal scene pressing forward and keeping the scene alive so I don't believe we've lost our way at all, actually. What is more alarming is the trend of more and more record labels having to trim their rosters or even close business, as record sales dwindle. The underground supporters still buy records, but the others, the pack, the herd, who aren't as devoted to getting the whole package with cover designs, lyric sheets and whatnot that heighten the listening experience, and therefore don't care as much, are betraying us. Fucken sheep.


10. If you were asked what Chaossworn sounds like what would the band say and don't tell me Rock or Metal Describe the band...

[Janne] -Our foundation lies in the feeling and atmosphere. Without those there is nothing. Darkness, chaos, death, despair...all of these and similar things infest our minds and must therefore enrich our music. Somber melodies, catchy riffs, tempo changes, growling, screaming, choirs, epic arrangements...we like diversity and details. As said before, we could be labelled as melodic death/black metal of the mid-1990's Swedish kind. Albums from those years by bands like Decameron, Dissection, Unanimated, Opeth etc. could fall in the same category. All of us listen to all kinds of music though, and all of that influences us. The main motivation and inspiration comes from within us, though, and that is what drives us forward.


11. Thanks for the time any closing thoughts here

Thank you. Hail the black flame.

Review link: http://www.myspace.com/clawhammerpr/blog/537119972



Chaossworn links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/chaossworn

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chaossworn/167302977421



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055



Other links:

To purchase CHAOSSWORN - Chalice of Black Flames CD EP and other CHAOSSWORN merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... chaossworn

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZR_svLB6yM

ITEM OF THE DAY

MEGA SLAUGHTER - LOGO (WHITE) PATCH - $5.00 + S/H



SIZE APPROX: 5 5/8" X 2"

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=10929

Check out more patches recently added to the Abyss Records website, over a thousand currently available: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/index.php?cPath=63

NEW MAAX T-SHIRTS NOW AVAILABLE - $15.00 +S/H



To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=maax

FESTER (Norway) Winter of Sin Remastered DIGI CD review by ozzeh via http://www.metal-archives.com



By ozzeh

100% badass death metal

Fester play a furious blend of old school death metal with heavy traces of doom metal. This record is nothing short of classic in my eyes. Obscure but brilliant, Fester truly deserve more respect.

The riffs found on this amazing release are unique to say the least. While they utilize pinch harmonics like Immolation, Fester are not afraid to throw in some tremolo picked guitar riffs as well. The contrast in the two guitars is what makes this release so essential.

Heaviness and melody are awesome when done right and Fester have pretty much mastered it. The production is very clear and extremely well done for such an underground band. The high level of musicianship is what surprises me though. These guys play as if they've been playing their instruments their whole lives.

The guitar solos found on the majority of the songs are nothing short of mesmerizing. I've seen Joe Satriani live and the solos on Winter of Sin are easily at or above the skill level of Satch. Vocally this album is a little on the high pitched side, like something you might expect from a death/thrash band (Hypnosia).

All in all this album succeeds because of the fuckin' amount of effort these guys put into this release. This is why death metal is the supreme genre of music.
- ozzeh, January 28th, 2008
Rating: 98%

Review link: http://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/F ... 7264/ozzeh




Fester links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/festernorway

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fester/204292849614033



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055



Other links:

To purchase FESTER - Winter of Sin Remastered DIGI CD and other FESTER merchandise go to:
http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... rds=fester

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKH4_MK_6DI

And to preview a song from FESTER - Silence Remastered DIGI CD go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkSQoaAzGpQ

NOCTIS IMPERIUM (Venezuela) Nihil CD EP review by http://occultblackmetalzine.blogspot.com



By OccultBlackMetal

Noctis Imperium are a band from Caracas, Venezuela that plays black metal with a strong death metal edge and this is a review of their 2010album "Nihil" which was released by Abyss Records.

Drums range from being midpaced to fast with alot of brutal blast beats while the bass playing has a very powerful sound of it own with alot of fast and dark riffs, as for the keyboards they are rarely used but when utilized they are only there to enhance atmosphere..

Rhythm guitars combine the heaviest and fastest elements of black and death metal together while staying on the more dark side, while the lead guitars are very melodic and contain alot of early 90's satanic death metal influences.

Vocals are mostly high pitched black metal screams with some deep death metal growls, while the lyrics cover some Thelemic occultism, darkness, war, and imperailism, as for the production it has a very professional sound and you can hear all of the instruments that are present on this album.

In my opinion Noctis Imperium are good for what they do with the way they mix modern black metal with some death metal influences, and I can see this band getting mixed reviews in the underground since they are too primal for the mainstream black metal audience but probably would not be considered true by some of the more underground black metal audience, but other than that this is still a good metal album that would appeal to fans of Dark Funeral, Belphegor and other bands similar.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Bring Me Sacrifice" and "Unus In Nihil". RECOMMENDED.

Review link: http://occultblackmetalzine.blogspot.co ... s2010.html



Noctis Imperium links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/noctisimperium

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Noctis-Im ... 8160549224



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055



Other links:

To purchase NOCTIS IMPERIUM - Nihil CD EP or other NOCTIS IMPERUM merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... s+imperium

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26gonSRg_vI

PASADENA NAPALM DIVISION (U.S.) interview by http://www.absolutepunk.net



Pasadena Napalm Division Interviewed by: Linda Ferreira (02/13/11)

The following is a mini interview of generic questions that we posed to all bands that wanted to answer:

Pasadena Napalm Division (Questions answered by Scott Sevall. Kurt Brecht, Bubba Dennis and Greg Martin)


1. How did you get your band name?

Scott: Originally we were using Junker but found out it's a clothing company in L.A. and they said we needed to stop using that name. We all came up with at least 100 names a piece, and after about a year settled on P.N.D.


2. How did this band get started?

Scott: Greg, Ronny and Scott played in dead horse together in the 90's. Scott kept pestering Greg to play metal again, finally Greg agreed, conned Ronny into playing, heard Kurt was in Houston with nothing to do, called him, he agreed, had a few bass players who didn't make it, put an ad out, Bubba D answered it, viola!


3. What bands are you influenced by?

Bubba: DeadBoys, old Alice Cooper, NewYork Dolls, Slayer, old ziggy stardust David Bowie

Scott: Black Sabbath, Slayer, The Clash, Hank Williams SR. and JR., early Metallica, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Frank Zappa. etc.

Greg: Lamb Of God and Slipknot.


4. If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

Bubba: Elvis & Johnny Cash, those guys could party!

Scott: Black Sabbath, Slayer, Dropkick Murphys, Mastodon, Pantera, Down, C.O.C. Metallica.


5. If you were a furry, what animal would you be? Why that animal?

Bubba: I am a "Furry". Other than that, a mogui (pre-gremlin).


6. Why should people listen to your band?

Bubba: Because we’re great!


7. If you were chosen to be in Guitar Hero/Rock Band, what song would you want in the game? How hard do you think it would be to five-star on expert?

Bubba: “Okra.” Really hard!


8. If you won a Grammy, who would you thank?

Bubba: The person who fucked up and gave us a Grammy!


9. If you could change something about the music industry, what would it be?

Bubba: Radio brainwashing.


10. Memorable tour experience?

Bubba: Playing CBGB's to a sold out crowd before it closed/ playing a show w/ Cheeta Chrome.


12. What is your favorite song to play?

Bubba: “Bleach Blond Dispair”


13. What is your vacation spot of choice?

Bubba: My couch

Kurt: Thailand


14. What music reminds you of your childhood?

Bubba: DeadBoys, Stooges, NY Dolls, MC5, old Alice Cooper, old David Bowie


15. If you could have any super power, what would it be? Why?

Bubba: Invisible


16. Do you feel that your band has "made it"?

Bubba: If "it" is a turd, then yes!


17. What is something that most fans don't know about you?

Bubba: We have fans?

Kurt: I have a concealed carry handgun license and am usually packing.


18. What's your favorite holiday?

Bubba: Halloween


19. What do you like to do in your spare time?

Bubba: Build monster models, collect universal monster shit.

Kurt: Buy, sell, trade and shoot guns.


20. What kind of hidden talents do you have?

Bubba: I make custom latex monster masks


Interview link: http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=2173262



Pasadena Napalm Division links:

Website: http://pndrocks.com/

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/pasadenanapalmdivision

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PasadenaNapalmDivision



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055



Other links:

To purchase PASADENA NAPALM DIVISION - P.N.D. EP CD and other P.N.D. merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... s=pasadena

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IstqPmF_kE4

ITEM OF THE DAY

ARCH ENEMY - BLACK EARTH (LIMITED EDITION) DIGI CD - $15.00 + S/H



LIMITED EDITION WITH 3 BONUS TRACKS

Tracks:

1. Bury Me An Angel
2. Dark Insanity
3. Eureka
4. Idolatress
5. Cosmic Retribution
6. Demoniality
7. Transmigration Macabre
8. Time Capsule
9. Fields Of Desolation

Bonus Tracks:

10. Losing Faith
11. The Ides Of March (Iron Maiden cover)
12. Aces High (Iron Maiden cover)

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/product_info.php?products_id=193

And check out more ARCH ENEMY merchandise available through Abyss Records: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=ARCH+ENEMY&x=14&y=3

HAT (Norway) - Vortex of Death DIGI CD review by http://www.pestwebzine.ucoz.com



By Adrian

This is the first time I'm listening to Hat's music, although they have released a quite well acclaimed debut album in 2009 on the same Abyss Records, and the band was founded in 1993, but I guess back then they were only teenagers trying to get to know their instruments as they have released the first demo in 2008 only.
Anyway, although their name could sound pretty funny, especially for English speaking countries, it really means "hate" in Norwegian, and what I like about it is that they are expressing this in their music also. Their music is full of hatred, raw, razor-sharp, as all bands playing this genre should sound. There is nothing innovative or groundbreaking on "Vortex of Death", but the guitar riffs are creating a perfect ground for an overall dark and freezing cold atmosphere that Hat delivers. There are not so many tricks used on this album, no influences from other genres, no compromises, only pure raw Black Metal skillfully composed. An album recommended to all Black Metal fans.
Rating: 9/10

Review link: http://pestwebzine.ucoz.com/index/march_2011/0-348



Hat links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/Evighat

Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hat/154439157951339



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055



Other links:

To purchase HAT - Vortex of Death DIGI CD and other HAT merchandise go to:
http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... hat+vortex

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TX-KoqPnUJY
or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7XWXxp5LRk

And to preview a song from there first release "The Demise of Mankind" go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJD28wHlPpU

BANE (Serbia) - Chaos, Darkness & Emptiness DIGI CD review by Rockerilla magazine



By Mystery Flame

Serbia will add your name to the list of nations of the 'east, such as Poland, Ukraine and Flomania, which produce extreme metal club quality of higher education, these groups often know how to customize their own style Please use melodies or instruments of their traditional lands. In the case of Bane's what you do not check their excellent sound directly back to Sweden of Dark Funeral, Dissection and Old Man's Child, Blackened Death drenched in melody and great intensity, Quincke will not be a novelty, but because this type of style, appealing not often hear, especially so well produced and performed, I would recommend cold.
Rating: 8/10

Review was originally written in Italian and has been translated using Google Translate, Original review in Italian can be seen below...

La Serbia aggiunge il proprio nome alla lista di nazioni del' est, come Polonia, Flomania ed Ucrana, che producono metal estremo di qualta superiore, Spesso questi gruppi sanno personalizzare il proprio stile utilzzando melodie o strumenti tipici delle loro terre. Nel caso dei Bane cio non si verifica il loro eccellente sound riporta direttamente alla Svezia dei Dark Funeral, Dissection ed Old Man's Child, Blackened death intriso di melodia e grande intensita, quinck non sara una novita, ma poiche questo tipo di stile accattivante non si ascolta sovente, soprattutto cosi ben prodotto ed interpretato, lo consiglo coldamente.

Review appears in July/August issue of Rockerilla magazine (Italy)




Bane links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/baneband

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/baneband



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055



Other links:

To purchase the new BANE - Chaos, Darkness & Emptiness DIGI CD featuring bonus Dark Funeral cover go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=10306

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tP0LoHYAEBE

PASADENA NAPALM DIVISION Featured In Terrorizer's
"Thrash's Modern Big 4" Poll



Texas-based "All-Scar" thrash group PASADENA NAPALM DIVISION are currently being featured in Terrorizer Magazine's "Thrash's Modern Big 4" poll. To celebrate the recently released Secret History of Thrash special, Terrorizer is asking their readers to select four bands from a list of eighteen of today's heaviest-hitters. In addition to being a part of the poll, PND are also featured in the issue's Future Of Thrash article and have the song "Terror Cell" included on the accompanying sampler disc. Visit this location: http://truecultheavymetal.com/blog1.php/2011/07/06/thrash-poll-who-d-top-thrash-s-modern-big-4 to pick PND as one of today's "Big 4".



PASADENA NAPALM DIVISION released their self-titled EP in September 2010 on Abyss Records and is currently hard at work on a follow-up album. PND features DRI vocalist Kurt Brecht along with Scott Sevall (guitar), Greg Martin (guitars) and Ronnie Guyote (drums) of legendary thrashers DEAD HORSE and Bubba Dennis (bass) from VERBAL ABUSE. The battle-hardened scene vets came together to form a much needed old-school styled trash act. The band's debut EP was met with critical acclaim by the metal media and its follow-up is highly-anticipated to say the least. To tide their thrash-hungry fans over, PND are set to release a limited edition 7" featuring the song "Terror Cell" and the exclusive, as-of-yet unreleased track "Bleach Blonde Despair." This 7" will be available through Abyss Records and will be limited to two different pressing of 500 copies each. For more info on PND, visit:
http://www.pndrocks.com/
PASADENA NAPALM DIVISION on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/PasadenaNapalmDivision
http://www.officialabyssrecords.com



Scott Alisoglu / Ryan Ogle
ClawHammer PR
http://www.myspace.com/clawhammerpr

ITEM OF THE DAY

HYPOCRISY - VIRUS (LIMITED EDITION) CD / DVD - $12.00 + S/H



CD:
1. XVI
2. Warpath
3. Scrutinized
4. Fearless
5. Craving for Another Killing
6. Let the Knife Do the Talking
7. A Thousand Lies
8. Incised Before I've Ceased
9. Blooddrenched
10. Compulsive Psychosis
11. Living to Die

DVD:
NTSC - ALL REGION
Tracks 1-12 recorded in Strasboug 08-04-2004, track 13 at some festival.
1. Born Dead Buried Alive
2. Fusion Programmed Mind
3. Adjusting the Sun
4. Eraser
5. Turn the Page
6. Fire in the Sky
7. Necronomicon
8. Slaves to the Parasites
9. Reborn
10. Roswell 47
11. God is a Lie
12. Deathrow (No Regrets)
13: Total Desaster (bonus track)

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/product_info.php?products_id=2719

And check out more HYPOCRISY merchandise available through Abyss Records: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=HYPOCRISY&x=7&y=9