Netherlanders Bodyfarm Keep it Simply Brutal -- Exclusive Interview



Interview By: http://www.noisecreep.com
Interview Posted By: Carlos Ramirez

Many of the up and coming death metal acts we cover here fall under the tech umbrella, but Bodyfarm are a wholly different animal. Formed in 2009, the Dutch group keeps their approach simple and punchy, crafting material in the spirit of early '90s death metal and channeling it with a fresh and youthful energy. Their recently released 'Bodyfarm' EP has even been getting praise from the infamously staunch death metal experts that spend every waking hour on metal message boards. Yes folks, the EP's no-nonsense songs and tar-thick guitar tones are that good.



Noisecreep recently spoke with vocalist-guitarist Thomas Wouters about Bodyfarm's love for pure death metal and the underground scene in his native Netherlands.

I hear some Pestilence and Bolt Thrower influences in your riffing style and overall choices of tempos. But then again, you also throw in blast beats from time to time. Where did you draw the most inspiration from?

Well, we draw our inspiration from a host of different metal scenes and sounds. We really love old school death metal bands like Massacre, Vomitory, Obituary, Bolt Thrower, and Vader. But we also listen to Amon Amarth, Satyricon and Immortal. We get inspired by lots of different styles of metal and I think that makes us a bit more versatile. Although we want to play old school death metal, we try to create our own sound called 'Bodyfarm.' The EP is pretty straight-forward old school death metal, but you will probably hear more influences on the full length album which will be recorded this coming fall.

What were the first few bands or albums that got you obsessed with heavy metal?

I bought my first metal album when I was 8 years old. That was Metallica's 'Master of Puppets,' which is still one of my all-time favorite records. Quint [drummer/co-founder] also started with Metallica at a very young age. Then in puberty I discovered more thrash metal bands like Exodus and Destruction. After that came death metal and there was no turning back [laughter]. The first death metal record I ever heard was probably an old album from Benediction.

What was the Netherlands underground music scene like this past decade? Is death metal as popular as say, black metal or punk?

Well, I'm only 23 years old so I can't speak for the last decade, but death metal in the Netherlands is still alive. Every big tour passes through our country, because we have a lot of big venues. The underground scene however is not that popular. Only a few die-hards really support the underground by going to gigs and buying our merch. I think the Dutch death metal crowd is a bit spoiled because of all the bigger acts who play here so much. When we play with two other underground bands, you never expect it to be a crowded gig. We don't care though. I'd rather play for a small crowd banging their heads than play for a bigger one that doesn't really care.

It used to be that death metal bands would spend endless hours writing letters and trading demos with people across the globe. Since Bodyfarm started out during this internet age, how did you guys get your name out?

Since day one, we've promoted Bodyfarm like crazy. The best part of the internet is that it's made it easier to spread our music all over the world. That's how we joined Abyss Records' roster. They contacted us through our MySpace page. We've also sent our EP to a ton of e-zines and promoted the band on several metal forums. We eventually received a message from Theo van Eekelen [Hail of Bullets] and he told us how much he liked our music. He's been a huge supporter of Bodyfarm.

Interview link: http://www.noisecreep.com/2011/05/04/ne ... interview/



Bodyfarm Links:

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

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 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

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



By Mourning

The black metal band of the Hyperborean finally after three public demo debut "The Spirit Of Warfare" in Abyss Records, the music seems to exit from the nineties of the national scene to which they belong and mixed with a bit more of Norway, so it is retro, cold Northern Europe and melodic as he taught, there are innovations, but perhaps from a too-canon of the genre.
Everything in the platter back to more training that I will not even need to mention that once you are set up in mind, including a riff ultramelodico able to alternate the prowess of the more classic black and fast rhythmic impact on death / thrash Bonecrusher , nothing that can really impress a long-time listener but at the same time ensures many who handles style lacquered requires less evidence and more spontaneous.
The songs have tempo changes well chosen, splettrati fast, acoustic placed at the appropriate moment, embroidery and elegant harpsichord lulling sound that will facilitate the development of the epic direction allowing them to earn points with the increase of "on air", pieces such as "Weapon Mankind "and" The Last Stand Of Leonidas And The Battle Of Thermopylae "embodies the best of the Swedish proposal that doth many times, and then replicated with minor effect, but decent quality in episodes like" Viper "," The Spirit Channeling Warfare "and" The Sick Man Europe. "
The real problem of an album like "The Spirit Of Warfare" is that, despite having a pretty good production and a tracklist that in the end we defended well, unfortunately, lacks the thrust and towing that lead to a higher level complex .
We are therefore faced with a very nice job, despite indications from all points of view, looking with respect to the nature of the black who decided to draw skilfully, can not find a way to completely turn it into the correct expression of who engages in ' listening.
The Swedish education is one that certainly does not displease when switched on the stereo, carries out his task without overdoing it, the disk in question is a base from which to get ideas for strength and composition, but in the future, hoping not to spend another decade to be able to work with a full review, it will take a little 'personality and enthusiasm that come out of bullies from the songs to ensure that something is not reached in more now.
Council, however, to lovers of melodic sounds are inserted in the reader, may experience more than one characteristic is ready to tickle your interest.
This review was originally written in Italian and has been translated using Google Translate, to read the original review in Italian click the link below...

Review link: http://aristocraziawebzine.blogspot.com ... rfare.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

Hyperborean Interview

by Magnus Persson/ Vocalist of Hyperborean



1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?
1 We are from Sweden, we formed 11 years ago so we've been around for a while although the band has not always been active it was on hold for some years before we decided to go and record The Spirit of Warfare. Our music has quite a few influences, I see most people are defining us as melodic black metal and I guess that fits, although I would hesitate to fully use the black metal moniker as we do incorporate elements from other genres such as Thrash metal for example.



2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how does it differ from previous releases?
2 A mixture of different extreme metal genres, mostly from black metal. The album differs quite allot from our early demos, they were more melodic in nature and had allot of focus on keyboards. The sound of The Spirit of Warfare is harsher, although there still is allot of melodic parts mixed in there. The music is more guitar driven and riff oriented than our previous works. The songs are also generaly longer and have more of an epic atmosphere to them.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?
3 The overlapping lyrical theme is warfare ( obviously ). Mostly focusing on world war 1. Most of the songs deal with that time period in one way or another. Weapon Mankind is about the preface leading up to the war. Killing Grounds is about the trench warfare and the fevers that plauged the soldiers. Viper and The last stand.. deals with the battle of Thermopylae and are the only songs about pre modern warfare. A new Sun rises deals with the aftermath of the war and the intellectual despair that followed it in a combination of a lost faith in mankind after the atrocities she produced during the war, and also sense of spiritual emptiness left behind by philosophers and scientists that challenged and in some ways discarded religion. The sick man of Europe is about the war torn former Yugoslavian nations leading up to world war 1 and ending with the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria by a Serbian nationalist in Sarajevo in 1914, an event that triggered ( although its important to point our that it didnt cause ) the great war.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
4 Hyperborea is an ancient greek word discribing a mythological extreme north. A Hyperborean would then be a inhabitant of said north. We thought it fit well as most of our early material focused on norse mythology, it would probably have been more logical to pick a name derived from old Norse instead of old Greek, but what can you do, sometimes things doesnt make perfect sense.

5. What are soe of the best shows that the band has played so far and wow would you describe your stage performance?
5 We dont have a full lineup so playing live isnt an option right now, so I guess we are a studio band at the moment, that might change in future though. We did play some live gigs early on but those were years ago so thats not really relevant today.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?
6 No

7. On a worldwide level how has your music been recieved by melodic black metal fans?
7 Well the album has just been released so its hard to tell at this point, but the reactions so far seems good.

8. Are there any other projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?
8 Hyperborean is our main priority, there are some small projects here and there but nothing of importance.

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
9 The lyrical approach wont deal as much with war as Im kind of feed up writing about that subject at the moment. Misery will be the main theme musically so the lyrics will follow on that subject and then there will be some other underlying themes as well( dont worry, there will be no suicidal teenage angst crap ) Also most of the songs on Spirit were written five or six years ago so the next batch of songs we write will probably reflect that.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
10 as for musical influences you would have to ask Andreas our guitarist. Personaly I mainly listen to older bands like Emperor, old Satyricon, Dissection, Taake and also some classical stuff mixed in there as well, I like Dvorcak.

11. Does Occultism or Paganism play any role in your music?
11 Not really, our first demos focused on norse mythology but we have moved away from that as I find it kind of boring to always write lyrics on the same theme, I would say our world view is more rational in nature, Darwin before Crowley so to speak.

12. Outside of music, what are some of your interests?
12 I read allot of books about history and thats mainly how I find subjects to write lyrics about for Hyperborean.

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
13 Thanks for this interview, keep up the good work with the zine and keep promoting the underground!


Interview link: http://darkdoomgrinddeath.blogspot.com/ ... rview.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 hear a sample song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4NkpxSrIjE

Apochs.net Now Streaming Songs From Abyss Records Artists Hyperborean & Bodyfarm



Wake the dead on Zombie Day by blasting the latest burnt offerings from Abyss Records' acts HYPERBOREAN and BODYFARM courtesy of online metal mecca Apochs.net. From their debut full-length, The Spirit Of Warfare, Sweden's HYPERBOREAN bring their unique brand of battle-ready black metal with "Killing Grounds" and the epic "The Last Stand of Leonidas and the Battle of Thermopylae." Warmongers in their own right, The Netherlands' BODYFARM bring the brutality with "Body Farm" and "The Last Redemption," both from the band's self-titled EP. Both releases are currently available through Abyss Records. To access the streams, visit the following locations:
http://www.apochs.net/Exclusive/Hyperborean.html
http://www.apochs.net/Exclusive/Bodyfarm.html
Promos for these two releases, as well as other Abyss Records titles (including DIABOLICAL's Ars Vitae, BANE's Chaos, Darkness & Emptiness and the re-issue of FESTER's Silence) are currently available through Clawhammer PR. Get in touch at [email protected] for any and all review, interview, streaming and airplay inquries.



Hyperborean was formed in August of 2000 with the intention of playing melodic extreme metal. The band recorded two demos Of Malice and Thorns Scar Her Soul with basically the same line-up and they were well received by the underground media.
After the early demos Hyperborean's line-up changed, and with that so did the band's sound when Andreas came into the picture. The soon music took a darker and more aggressive path. A third demo, Prey, was made in 2005 and after that the band was put on hold for a few years. Although on hiatus, the members of Hyperborean were still writing material and those songs eventually became the foundation for The Spirit of Warfare, which was recorded in August of 2009. And now, with the help of Abyss records Hyperborean are ready to release their fury upon the world.



Channelling the Spirit of Warfare
Weapon Mankind
Viper
The Last Stand of Leonidas and the Battle of Thermopylae
A New Sun Rises
Killing Grounds
The Sick Man of Europe

The Spirit of Warfare is an album that is driven by the theme of warfare. The main focus lies on World War I, with Weapon Mankind being written about the mentality that dominated Western European Civilization at this time. Occurring, as it did, at the twilight of the Post-Westfaldic period that saw a Europe divided between various rivaling empires. Europe was a powder keg ready to explode and her nations and peoples were eagerly awaiting and welcoming the explosion.
http://www.myspace.com/hyperboreanofficial



In the late summer of '09, drummer Quint Meerbeek drove guitarist/vocalist Thomas Wouters home after Thomas did a gig with his previous band in Rotterdam. Not content with the band Thomas played in at that time, he asked Quint if he was interested in forming a brand new no-nonsense death metal formation. A few days later the two of them hooked up for a few beers to talk some shit over, and a week later they met in the rehearsal room. This combination seemed an instant success, and BODYFARM was born, hailing from their beloved hometown of Amersfoort. Heavily influenced by bands like Grave, Vomitory, Cannibal Corpse, Obituary, Morbid Angel, Massacre, Vader, and many others, they decided NOT to be a specifically innovative, technical or refreshing band: "We play plain death metal, and have fun while doing it. As long as it's aggressive, catchy, groovy and raw we are good with it. We are not doing something new, we're just doing what sounds good to us and try to keep it relatively primitive. Our only message is to enjoy death metal the way it's supposed to sound" .. .. BODYFARM is rehearsing weekly, working hard on their repertoire. Thomas and Quint decided to be the rock solid foundation, and creative force of the band to make sure BODYFARM will always keep it's unique but recognizable sound. "So we went looking for musicians who wanted to play with us live, and eventually found them. Bram as a guitarist, and Mathieu, a bass player. Both experienced and fast learning musicians, and that is exactly what we're looking for" BODYFARM is working hard on composing new songs every week to thrash with a worthy setlist. With succes! They have shared the stage with bands like HAIL OF BULLETS, HOUWITSER, and many others, and working hard on their live reputation. If you are interested as a band to do a gig with us, or are you a venue who wants us to play? Contact us! .. .. BODYFARM just finished recording their first CD . BODYFARM is currently signed with ABYSS RECORDS, so stay tuned for what's more to come..



Into Battle (Intro)
Bodyfarm
Final Redemption
Heartraped
Slaves Of War
ww.myspace.com/bodyfarmnl

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

ANGREPP (Sweden) Warfare CD review by doomknocker via http://www.metal-archives.com



By doomknocker

Not bad, not bad at all.

No matter what year it is, no matter what era, there will always be some band fascinated with war. I guess it’s an easy enough subject for an up-and-coming metal act…it sorta writes itself, leaving you to concentrate on that ever-so-elusive image treatment. It seems to have worked well with SODOM, MEGADETH, WAR, ZYKLON-B, MARDUK, and multiple others who felt the need to make some sort of statement about the most abhorrent thing mankind can subject itself to, and chances are if left unchecked, countless future acts will leech onto this concept when Satan, paganism, and personal struggles become too done to death (heh…ironic…)

And with that said, we have ANGREPP…

Upon first listen, there seems that this group has that ingredient missing from other groups of their ilk…anger. Rage against the dying of the light. And pretty nifty song-writing. There exists a punkish bitterness in the musicianship, something the likes of WARBRINGER can’t seem to fathom, much less emulate. That’s also what made the earlier mentioned acts as memorable and fantastic as they were. And it doesn’t hurt to come off as a cavalcade of endless riffs, with one after another cascading onto the listener like so much carpet-bombing. There’s all sorts of good things to take in for the listener who occasionally wants pure annihilation with no intrinsic messages and underlying themes outside of the wicked subject matter that seems to be the order of the day, and it’s in plentiful supplies in ANGREPP’s latest. That upbeat punk-like energy explodes with the violence of the group’s obviously competent thrash metal central musical theme from a group of pissed-the-fuck-off noise-mongers who want to just blast their evil hearts out, which is done so with a twinge of professionalism, switching gears time and again from the intense to the groovy in a natural way, leaving much to enjoy and not a whole lot to discredit. Though I guess if any negative aspects exist, it comes from some of the song-lengths…a few of the tracks seem longer than they need to be, it seems, and would’ve been more deathly at shorter lengths (maybe around 1-2 minutes of mayhem would’ve been the way to go), though that can be neither here nor there in the long run. After all, the virulent likes of “Five Horned Formation”, “Warfare” and “Rape, Kill, Rock ‘n Roll” have enough good ideas present to make up for what limitations are there.

As it stands “Warfare” is a fine example of angry, war-faring metal the likes of which haven’t been seen or heard in quite some time. While maybe not on par with the older and more well-to-do acts out there, but for your money you could much worse. Trust me and enjoy.

Review link: http://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/A ... oomknocker




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

CHAOSSWORN (Sweden) Chalice of Black Flames CD EP review by Phuling via http://www.metal-archives.com



By Phuling

Chaossworn - Chalice of black flames

I remember to have at least heard of Cryptic Death, but I’m not entirely sure if I actually ever heard anything by them. But last year they changed name to Chaossworn, and this is the act’s debut release since. On beforehand I was promised by the accompanying flyer that it’d be black/death metal in the Swedish vein for fans of Dissection, Opeth and old Katatonia. Since all three bands have quite a varied sound I didn’t know what to expect, but I definitely didn’t expect it to be this melodic.

As Crowned and winged begets the EP I’m struck by very melodic riffing, with a melody and rhythm that I suppose can be attested to a combined inspiration by the latter two acts previously mentioned. But overall I find the opening track a tad mundane and uninspiring. Not for the lack of talent, but for the lack of brutality and aggression. It’s a slow to mid-paced tune, which is all fine and dandy, but doesn’t really pack a punch or provide anything all that interesting more than a few breaks that contain some wicked drum play. It’s not until Bringer of storms takes over and the blasting begins that I can fully appreciate their sound. The faster pace and riffing that focus more on sleek and malevolent melody, in turn creating a much more aggressive and fierce atmosphere, really does pack a punch. It feels a bit like mixing Dissection’s older material (meaning don’t take note of what they did after the reunion) with a bit of Lord Belial, and maybe even a dash of Watain. It is definitely melodic, but with quite a keen sense of what’s catchy and adds energy to the music. The ending track, which also happens to be the title track, is another slower one, where the opening riffing instantly reminds me of Dark Funeral. So it’s safe to say Chaossworn undoubtedly dabble with metal of the Swedish variant.

The production’s very clean, regards of herr Dan Swanö, but in my humble opinion a bit too clean. It’s by no doubt heavy and powerful, but with the very melodic riffing it becomes a wee bit too melodic on occasion. Vocally it’s utterly powerful, and I can’t help but love Anton’s ability to linger in between harsh, classic black metal shrieks and a husky, deep growl. He moves seamlessly in between styles, and it sounds oh-so-magnificent. More speed is pretty much all I could ask for, ‘cause they’ve got the writing skill, performance and technicality down.

Originally written for http://www.mylastchapter.net
- Phuling, December 23rd, 2010
Rating: 70%
Review link: http://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/C ... 32/Phuling




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 buy 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

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



By: David E. Gehlke

One of those mid-level Swedish death metal bands that are routinely lost in the shuffle, Diabolical have a lot going for themselves, as their un-derivative sound (think Hypocrisy, minus the melody and alien stories) should have netted them more of a following at this point. Fifteen years into the death metal game, the band is putting their career on display with Ars Vitae, which is a smattering of new tracks, live tracks, and older cuts.

The album opens with the new “Sightless 6,” a song that brings to mind the mid-paced exploits of mid-90’s era Hypocrisy (like “Roswell 47”). Actually, this sort of simplistic, song-first style always scores well, and because there’s a noticeable degree of cohesion and dynamics embedded here, it’s an early winner. Same bodes for “Eye,” which is in virtually in the same ballpark thanks to a wide stance of bruising riffs and a blast-beat portion that heads right into a seismic atmospheric portion.

Live songs are always a tricky proposition, but Diabolical benefits from an excellent soundboard recording, giving the more classic Swedish DM flavor of “Under My Skin” and the blasting “Children of the Mushroom Cloud” an ample amount of juice. Closing out the album are a quartet of older jams, all of which suffer from inferior sound quality and fall into the crosshairs of the then-burgeoning Swedish death and black metal scene, something Diabolical were clearly fascinated with around the mid-90’s.

Given the strength of a lot of the new songs and all of the live cuts, it makes one wonder where Diabolical have been hiding all of this time. As one of the more underrated entities in Swedish death metal, moves like a compilation such as Ars Vitae are never a bad idea.

Rating: 7.5/10

Review link: http://www.blistering.com/fastpage/fpen ... 4/menuid/2



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

DIABOLICAL (Sweden) Interview by Queens of Steel



DIABOLICAL can be considered one of the highest quality Swedish bands but, unfortunately and contrary to many others, does not enjoy much recognition and, very unfortunately, his appearances in 15 years can have droppers. However, this 2011 release "Ars Vitae", a compilation that sums up his 15 year career and contains an old EP and exhausted, a whole concert and new themes because, as we commented guitarist Carl Stjärnlöv, this year will enter the studio to record what will be their fourth studio album length.

- Hi Carl, thanks for your time. Before getting into your new album, I would like you to start with some history of the band...
Diabolical has been around for 15 years. The band was founded by Sverker in Sundsvall, Sweden but we have recided in Stockholm for almost a decade. We have released three studio albums: "Synergy" in 2001, "A Thousand Deaths" in 2002 and "The Gallery of Bleeding Art" in 2008. The new release "Ars Vitae" is a compilation containing new studio tracks, a full live concert and the first EP "Deserts of Desolation". We've done plenty of touring throughout the years and we've just come back from a headline tour in Russia.

- And why did you change MISANTHROPIC ORCHESTRA for your current name?
Well, don't you think "Diabolical" sounds a bit more cool? We do. I guess that's why.

- We had to wait 6 years between "A Thousand Deaths" and "The Gallery of Bleeding Art"; what happened? And what was the band up to during those years?
Unfortunately we had lots of label problems during those years. That took a lot of time. We recorded "Gallery" on our own without any pressure from a label which was good because we could spend a lot of time on it making the album exactly the way we wanted it. But that also meant that it took much longer. But now we are on the right track and I hope we will never lose momentum again!

- I read you have had some problems with the different record labels you have worked with. Do you see your current relationship with Abyss Records as a more steady one?
Abyss Records are releasing "Ars Vitae" in USA. That is a new co-operation for us and I hope it will work out fine. Here in Sweden and in Europe our label is ViciSolum Productions which I am glad to say we have a very good relationship with.

- Since some years ago, Sverker is also in DEMONICAL and working a lot in his Necromorbus Studios. Does this slow down things a bit for DIABOLICAL?
I'd say it doesn't. We plan things ahead for a long time so usually there are no conflicts. The fact that Sverker is working in Necromorus Studio is a huge benefit for the band. Me and Sverker live at walking distance from the studio and whenever ther is some spare time there we can work with stuff for Diabolical. Epic win.



- Now getting into your latest "Ars Vitae", how has been its feedback so far?
Mostly awesome I'd say. The thing that some critics find irritating is the lack of new material. I can respect that opinion, but the thing is that from the beginning we we're only supposed to do some pre-production recordings of a couple of songs for the next full-length. But somewhere a long the way we decided to make it a new release on it's own together with the live material we had. We had had those live tracks lying around for a while but we hadn't come up with a good way of releasing them. Together with the new songs and the "Deserts of Desolation" we figured they'd be a great way to sum up our first 15 years as a band.

- It contains old tracks, 4 new ones and a full concert. Old tracks have been remastered, what changes have you done to them?
Sverker made some polishing in Necro, I don't know exactly what he does there when he's in the studio by himself. But I'm sure there are some nerdy and expensive studio equipment involved. And probably alcohol as well. In the end he made it sound better. But there are no "big" changes made, because we wanted to keep the spirit and sound of the original recording.

- And why did you decide "recovering" your "Deserts of Desolation" EP? I think it got a good feedback back in the day, but has been sold out for many years. Did you want, in any way, to give it a second chance or letting people having the chance of listening to it?
Since it has been sold out we thought this was a good way of getting new fans to get familliar with our old material.

- The new songs have been produced by Sverker and recorded at Necromorbus. Do you think these songs' sound fit with the sound Necromorbus can provide? As I think they're specially good in mixing old school vibe with a clear/modern production...
I think Necromorbus and Sverkers constantly improving skills as a sound engineer are perfect for Diabolical. What more could a band wish for than a top notch studio and a band member who knows how to get the best from it?

- And are these songs compeltely new or were already written?
Yes and no. We've had "Eye" for quite some time before we recorded it, which was good because we re-arranged it a couple of times and let it mature. "Sightless 6" was completed shortly before we went into the studio, while "Ortus" and "Infvitabile Fatvm" were pure in-the-studio-creations. I prefer being well prepared and have every song written in much detail before entering the studio. That makes things a lot easier and makes the recording less time consuming.

- So that makes me wonder, do you have any more tracks for a possible upcoming full-lenght album? Can we expect one soon?
Yes we certainly do! We have many tracks written for the next album, some of which we already perform when we play live. I am very excited about the next album and I am confident that we will give birth to a truly epic album this time. We will enter the studio later this year. We have plans, but I can't tell you the exact dates yet.

- Talking of the new songs in the album, I noticed (specially guitars) have a more melodic sound. Did you have any new approach in terms of guitar or while the composing?
Yes, we were actually experimenting quite a bit on these songs trying to find something new for us. We have several new band members since "Gallery", even I was playing drums instead of guitar on that album, so it felt natural to try to experiment a bit and try to find our best way forward musically.

- This "new" sound contrasts the more "traditional" sound in "Deserts of Desolation", so the mix between them sounds great. Was this something planned? I mean to combine these two "different" (as your basis is pretty much the same) sides from DIABOLICAL?
"Ars Vitae" is summing up 15 years of musicianship so naturally there are great differences between the new stuff and the old stuff. So I think it gives the listener a good overview of our career.

- The CD also features a full live show. Please, tell us a bit about it; where was recorded, when, why did you choose that show, etc.
It was recorded in Diabolical's birthplace - Sundsvall a few years ago. It is the best live recording we have so far and it shows the band at the peak we had with that line-up. So it was a good way to show how we used to sound like a few years ago and put it in contrast to where we are heading today.

- Have you done any arrangements to those live tracks? As they sound actually great, I'd dare say they even sound as they were recorded in a studio.
The circumstances during which they were recorded were really good, with many tracks and good microphones. That was the first reason why it sounds good. The second reason I've already mentioned - it's hugely beneficial to have a band member working in a great studio with great knowledge how to mix things to sound awesome for us.

- Due to this and the good compilation from different periods in you career; could you say "Ars Vitae" is a good way for newcomers to start with DIABOLICAL?
It's a perfect start!

- You have recently come back home form your Ars Vitae Tour; how did it go? And how has been the reaction from your fans toward the new songs?
This was a truly amazing tour. The crowds in Russia are the craziest people I've ever seen. They were moshing like maniacs at every concert. They were literally pulling me off the stage and tossing me into the air after one show! And they showed huge interest in us off stage as well, we had to spend the good part of an hour after every show writing autographs and taking pictures with them.

- And finally, what are your near-future plans?
We are going to focus on writing new material and then enter the studio to record our next album. However that won't keep us away from the stage! We have some touring plans as well.

- That has been all, thank you once more for your time. If you now want to add any final words, last lines are yours.
Thanks for the interview, Tania! Everybody get your hands on "Ars Vitae" and follow us on the web at
diabolical.se
myspace.com/religionist
facebook.com/diabolicalofficial.


Original interview link: http://queensofsteel.bitacoras.com/arch ... diabolical

English interview link: http://queensofsteel.bitacoras.com/arch ... olical-eng

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

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



By Mike

I was just sent this promo today and I popped it in. I have to tell you that I am loving this EP. I have listened to it at least a dozen times already.
From the outset of the album, there is a minute and a half intro entitled Into Battle. It has the sounds of a symphonic power metal band, so I thought that was what I was getting myself into. Wow, was I wrong. Once the album proper starts off with the a song with the namesake of the band, Bodyfarm, you are in a whole different realm. It starts off with a death metal / grindcore type riff almost verging on thrash metal. Then, the growl hits and you know that you have some death metal goodness coming at you.
Throughout the four vocals tracks of the album, you are treated to plenty of death metal riffs and solid leads mix in with some very solid vocals. When you can get your hands on Bodyfarm’s self titled release on 04.26.11, I suggest that you do. It is good listening.
In the late summer of ’09, drummer Quint Meerbeek drove guitarist/vocalist Thomas Wouters home after Thomas did a gig with his previous band in Rotterdam. Not content with the band Thomas played in at that time, he asked Quint if he was interested in forming a brand new no-nonsense death metal formation. A few days later the two of them hooked up for a few beers to talk some shit over, and a week later they met in the rehearsal room. This combination seemed an instant success, and BODYFARM was born, hailing from their beloved hometown of Amersfoort. Heavily influenced by bands like Grave, Vomitory, Cannibal Corpse, Obituary, Morbid Angel, Massacre, Vader, and many others, they decided NOT to be a specifically innovative, technical or refreshing band: “We play plain death metal, and have fun while doing it. As long as it’s aggressive, catchy, groovy and raw we are good with it. We are not doing something new, we’re just doing what sounds good to us and try to keep it relatively primitive. Our only message is to enjoy death metal the way it’s supposed to sound” .. .. BODYFARM is rehearsing weekly, working hard on their repertoire. Thomas and Quint decided to be the rock solid foundation, and creative force of the band to make sure BODYFARM will always keep it’s unique but recognizable sound. “So we went looking for musicians who wanted to play with us live, and eventually found them. Bram as a guitarist, and Mathieu, a bass player. Both experienced and fast learning musicians, and that is exactly what we’re looking for” BODYFARM is working hard on composing new songs every week to thrash with a worthy setlist. With succes! They have shared the stage with bands like HAIL OF BULLETS, HOUWITSER, and many others, and working hard on their live reputation. If you are interested as a band to do a gig with us, or are you a venue who wants us to play? Contact us! .. .. BODYFARM just finished recording their first CD . BODYFARM is currently signed with ABYSS RECORDS, so stay tuned for what’s more to come..


Review link: http://wickedchannel.com/2011/04/metal- ... farm-2011/



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

ITEM OF THE DAY

BURZUM - BURZUM / ASKE DOUBLE 12" LP - $25.00 + S/H



Limited Edition Gatefold LP (180 Gram)

Track List:
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 ... ts_id=5989

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

MAAX (U.S.) can only be described as pure, old school, alcoholic heavy metal hellfire scathing the night with buzzsaw riffage of fist-banging, slut-fucking black thrash n' roll to haunting passages of Luciferian menace. A suicide requiem by the unholy name of "Dawnbringer" CD & "Six Pack Witchcraft" DIGI CD EP is now available on Abyss Records http://www.officialabyssrecords.com.
MAAX began their journey in the Summer of 2006,from the ashes of another failed musical endeavor.Continuing to forge the fires at home were Kyle Kreider/Guitars and Jeff Brown/Drums, all though not able to escape the revolving door curse, Vocalist/Bassist Sky Kingrey exited Maax soon after the "Dawnbringer" sessions. Soon after joining Indie label Abyss Records to help spread the sounds of MAAX and unite Headbanger's around the world & spreading the rage upon humanity !!!


MAAX (U.S.) Black / Thrashing Heavy Metal
"Dawnbringer" CD $10ea
"Six Pack Witchcraft" DIGI CD EP $7ea
Small Embroidered Patches $5ea
Back Embroidered Patches $10ea
Stickers $1ea

MAAX releases and merchandise available on Abyss Records @
http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... ax&x=0&y=0

CORROSIVE CARCASS (Sweden) - Rot.In.Pieces Demo review by http://www.mariosmetalmania.com



In today's death metal the keywords seem to be over the top brutality and extremely loud productions. And then you have some underground bands who still make music that sounds like it was recorded 20 years ago in some dark basement in Stockholm. Luckily for me Corrosive Carcass is a band of the second group. This Swedish band formed in 2004 released their first demo which proves that these guys have been doing nothing else than listening to the big death metal bands from their home country non-stop. It's been a while since I heard such an honest tribute to bands as Dismember without being an actual cover band. They have an old school sound of guitars and drums, and an overall filthy production just the way it should be. The music itself is pure death metal which should be enough said. The riffing is awesome, the buildup of the songs is great, the vocals are raw and filthy without being to guttural like the new bands and the rhythm section is tight as fuck. If 'Like an Ever Flowing Stream' and 'Into the Grave' are in your top records of all times go check this band out!
Rating: 95/100

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



Corrosive Carcass links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/recreation666

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Corrosive ... 2603437551



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



To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8L3vNU6JGg

FESTER (Norway) Winter of Sin Remastered DIGI CD review by http://www.canadianassault.com



By Patrick

Winter of sin was originally released in 1992 but thanks to the US label Abyss Records it is now being re-released so both old and new black/death metal fans can bask in the greatness that is Fester! Fester comes out of the legendary Norwegian underground and lets face it back in the early 1990's no other country came close to releasing great black metal like Norway. Fester was definitely ahead of their time and went against the norm {remember this was originally in 93 before black/death was blended together by so many} instead of the raw, primitive style that Norway was known for Fester played fast black metal but their guitar riffs/chords were a little thicker and even had a few solo's intertwined with the riffs to give them a death metalish feel and sound. Fester even went a little further to make Winter Sin a "classic" within the black metal scene by adding some avantgarde and melodic interludes to their already gloomy and grim sound. Even today in 2011 this still stands out as a great and original masterpiece. Definitely get this if you like original and dark black metal.

Review link: http://www.canadianassault.com/albumrev ... N.html#hat




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

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

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

FESTER (Norway) Silence Remastered DIGI CD review by http://www.minacious.org



By Mordant

This is the second full-length from Fester, originally released in 1994, here we encounter a more mature Fester which have gotten rid of some of their rawer features and replaced them with a more melodic sensibility. Which doesn’t have to be a bad thing, quite the contrary since this is a really fucking great album. They have moved away from some of their Black Metal tendencies and moved much more towards Death Metal and Doom/Death Metal, yet at times there is an almost Heavy Metal feel to the music. What makes this so great is the combination the steady and heavy drumming, the raw, heavy and melodic riffing and the vocals which are very sick, whispered screams almost, very strange and very good. Get this album.

Review link: http://www.minacious.org/rev-fester_-_silence.html




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 order FESTER - Silence 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=EkSQoaAzGpQ

And to preview a song from FESTER - Winter of Sin Remastered DIGI CD go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKH4_MK_6DI

TORTURE DIVISION (Sweden) With Endless Wrath... DIGI CD review by Phuling via http://www.metal-archives.com



By Phuling

With Endless Wrath We Bring Upon Thee Our Infernal TortureTorture Division Torture Division - With endless wrath we bring... - 80% I’m not sure if there’s really any reason for me to introduce this band, I imagine most death metal fans out there are somewhat familiar with them by now. Or at least should be, considering the fantastic job they’ve done spreading their music for free, and the fact that the members behind it have a solid history of delivering ace death metal (do Grave, Entombed, The Project Hate MCMXCIX, God Among Insects and Vomitory ring a bell?). With endless wrath we bring upon thee our infernal torture is the compilation of Torture Division’s first three demos, and thrown in as a bonus is a single containing a W.A.S.P. cover.

Right from the get go Ejaculation of the wicked pummels through you. Even if you’ve never heard the material before it’d be instantly evident we’re dealing with a talented bunch, capable of writing and performing heavy-as-hell material. While being far from original, they take the best of both the European (with Sweden in particular) and North American sounds. While remaining incredibly heavy and utterly powerful, their tunes also hide a keen sense of melody. Churning riffing and wicked guitar lines push things forward as the blasting drumming keeps the brutality at a high level. It feels like taking the general old school sound of Sweden, mixing it with the Polish flavour of Vader and the Floridian touch of Morbid Angel and Deicide. The lads slickly wander the fields of both old school and more modern brutality, which at times actually remind me a bit of Vomitory.

The tempo’s fast, the riffing qualitative and the burly growls easily let you scream along (something it’s almost impossible not to during a track like We are torture division). The production’s great, much thanks to Dan Swanö’s handiwork. But, I do sense a degeneration in sound quality for the last five tracks (from the third demo and the single), where it’s slightly weaker. While With endless wrath we bring upon thee our infernal torture is nothing but high quality, top notch shit, I have to say their new demo compilation Evighetens dårar (also out on Abyss Records) is even better. Get ‘em both now; there’s no reason not to!

Originally written for http://www.mylastchapter.net
- Phuling, December 23rd, 2010

Review link: http://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/T ... 89/Phuling




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

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



By OccultBlackMetal

Hyperborean are a band from Sweden that plays a very melodic style of black metal and this is a review of their 2011 album "The Spirit Of Warfare" which was released by Abyss Records.

Drums range from slow, midpaced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beatd, while the bass playing has a strong and somewahat powerful tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars, as for the keyboards when tey are utilized briefly they bring a very tragic feel to the music.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, midpaced to fast melodic black metal riffs that are also technical at times with some thrash death and traditional metal influences, while the lead guitars are very melodic, progressive nd technical metal guitar solos, as for the accoustic guitars when they are utilized they use finger picking and full chords to bring another element of war to the music.

Vocals are very high pitched black metal screams with some ocassional deep death metal grows, while the lyrics cover Lovecraft style thems and war as for the production it has a very dark and heavy sound to it.

In my opinion Hyperborean are very good melodic black metal band, and if you are a fan of this style you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Chanelling The Spirit Of Warfare" "Viper" and "The Sick Man Of Europe". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Review link: http://darkdoomgrinddeath.blogspot.com/ ... results=20




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

Interview with Magnus Persson of Hyperborean (Sweden) by http://www.funeralrain.net



Posted By: Samuel
After reviewing their debut The Spirit of Warfare, I had the oppurtuniy to interview the vocalist of Swedish melodic black/death act Hyperborean! So, loyal FRZ readers, enjoy!
Hello, and welcome to Funeral Rain Zine! Thanks for taking the time to do an interview.

Who do you consider to be your primary musical influences?
We have never really had a band that we have aspired to be like so its kind of a hard question to answer. Personally I like bands like Dissection, Emperor and old Satyricon. But if you ask our guitarist Andreas you might get some different answers.

You guys have been together for a whopping 11 years and are finally releasing your debut! Were you ever tempted to throw in the towel?
Well we haven’t really been together eleven years as a band. I´m the only one left from the first line-up. Andreas joined in 2004 I think it was, and since then he and I have made up the core of the band. The band has been put on hold a few times and hasent always been active for these years. If we hadn’t recorded this album I doubt we would still be around, finally recording it gave us motivation to keep going.

Are you guys happy with the album? Is there anything you would change about it if you could?
Overall we are fairly happy for the time and the budget we had. There are some things you would change if you had the chance but why dwell on them now? We will learn from the process and improve for the next one. It would be nice to have more studio time though as we only had about a week to record it in.



Was it difficult to find a label to release “The Spirit of Warfare?”
Well not really, we sent out one batch of promos to labels and we got some answers pretty fast and Abyss Records made us a good offer and we decided to take it. It has taken a little bit of time to get it out but its out now so we will see how it does.

Could you elaborate on your lyrical concept and name?
Hyperborea is a word from ancient greek that describs a mythical land in the extreme north. Since we hail from Sweden and started out writing songs about norse mythology we thought it fit us well. The lyrics for this album were meant to be a concept about world war 1 but it changed and got a bit wider to deal with warfare itself as the subject. World war 1 is still the focal point but there our some other wars mixed in there as well. What happened was that our third demo Prey had songs that were supposed to be included in the concept album but we decided they werent of good enough quality so the theme got a little split up. And then I wanted to write on some new subjets so I included the two songs about the battle of Thermopylae and Channeling the Spirit of Warfare which is more about warfare in a more general sense. For future albums the lyrical direction will switch as I tend to get bored writing on just the one same subject all the time.

Are you planning to tour in support of your album?
No, currently we don’t have a full line-up to play live. But if there is demand for us in the future we will probably try to get a full line-up together again.

What are your goals as a band?
I don’t know really, must there be one? Just to make good music, keep making albums and hopefully do well as a band.
Will we be hearing more music from Hyperborean any time soon?
I believe so, we are currently working on a follow up album and we can get into a decent studio it shouldn’t take to long before we can get it out.

Thanks a ton for your time! I am as a rule skeptical of melodic extreme metal, but I’m rather taken with “The Spirit of Warfare”! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I can understand your skepticism, in my opinion melody in extreme metal has to be handled carefully, there really must be a balance to what you do with it. If you just go for all out melody I think the music loses its substance and just becomes a mess without any foundations,its important to get some grit into tthe music, otherwise it just becomes power metal with growl. Thank you for this interview and for supporting Hyperborean!
Hail!

Interview link: http://www.funeralrain.net/2011/05/03/i ... perborean/



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

BODYFARM (Netherlands) - Bodyfarm CD EP review by cosmosgaming.com



By Chris Dahlberg

Bodyfarm
Our Take
Denmark’s Bodyfarm formed in 2009 and released a quick self titled EP the following year independently to help get their name out there. Apparently this worked quite well, as this year the death metal group was picked up by Abyss Records and had their EP released to a much wider audience. It’s fairly short at 17 minutes in length and doesn’t find Bodyfarm really distinguishing themselves from the pack just yet but if you like traditional heavy hitting death metal you will find that these guys do have quite a bit of potential.
The symphonic intro track “Into Battle” might not be what most listeners are expecting from a death metal EP, but the way that it creates an ominous tone before the band launches into their assault works pretty well. Once the instrumentalists have launched into their fast/mid-paced death metal they don’t let up until the release has ended, and what I do like about Bodyfarm is that they are able to build intensity throughout their songs until it has reached a breaking point which is similar to many of the old school acts. However, while you can clearly tell that these guys know what they are doing and can craft material that has that dirty and raw feel that listeners are looking for there isn’t enough riff variation in the four tracks to really make Bodyfarm distinguishable. Perhaps it is simply because this is such a short release, but there just aren’t any riffs that really stand out and make you want to come back to a particular song again and again and this is one area that the band could work on.

Vocalist Thomas Wouters has the standard death metal growl, but one of the first things that listeners will notice is that he enunciates his words a lot better than most people in this genre typically do. This ends up being both a good and bad thing depending on the particular song that you are listening to, as while some of the tracks have some okay lyrics ones such as “Heartraped” are just a little too silly. But aside from the lyrical silliness, the vocals do have a lot of power and Wouters is able to vary his pitch a little bit throughout the EP so that it does not become overly repetitive. The fact that the band is trying to write about some different things than most death metal groups is nice, but it hasn’t worked out quite as well as you might expect.

With a bit more work I could see Bodyfarm becoming a noteworthy death metal band, but right now they’re not quite there just yet. They have the right sound to appeal to the old school death metal crowd but aren’t distinguishable from the tons of others that have entered the genre recently. If you’re really into this genre it may still be worth checking out, but don’t expect to be blown away or have found your new favorite group.

Review link: http://cosmosgaming.com/articles.php?id ... ype=review



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

ITEM OF THE DAY

HAIL OF BULLETS - LOGO (RED) BACK PATCH - $10.00 + S/H



SIZE APPROX: 8 1/4" X 8 3/4"

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... ts_id=9039

And check out more patches available through Abyss Records, over ONE THOUSAND to choose from: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/index.php?cPath=63

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



By Dennis van Dommelen

Second release from Hat. A true Norwegian Black Metal band formed in '93 as Ravner, put to ice in 1996 and returned as Hat (Norwegian for hate) in 2006. Debut record “The Demise of Mankind” was a rather standard black metal album which I was already forgotten. It is with “Vortex of Death” that the band makes a small step forward within their sound. First of all the songwriting which has definitely improved. Songs like: “The Flesh I Wear” and “Ultimate Evil” are recognisable songs. Sure repetition can also be a strong point but with this kind of –overall- fast black metal it is important that songs differ from each other. There is much more variation in tempo during the album and the use of spoken (intro)parts are very effective to the overall atmosphere of the album.
The guitar tone is a highlight of this release, achieving the standard level of grim coldness. Technically, I would be hard-pressed to find any errors in the album. Every transition is seamless, every note clear and true. The tremolo picking is moderated nicely, and is always executed flawlessly, along with every blastbeat. The bass when audible adds muscle mass to the otherwise cutting and lithe sound. This conditional use of bass is great because the album never sounds thick but never gets too wafer thin, like far too much black metal. Undertrykker's vocals are right on par with the guitars. His voice is very dominant and grim.
The drumming is pretty enjoyable. Undertrykker (again) surely gives us our fair share of blast beats. However, there's a lot of other stuff being done here. Most significantly, there are many drum parts that compliment the more hook-oriented guitars parts. Nevertheless I would love to hear more variation during the faster parts on their next release. Leaves me to say that the cover art of “Vortex of Death” is really fantastic and concludes an overall good black metal release.
Rating: 78/100

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



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 order 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

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



By Samuel

Hyperborean are a Swedish band formed in 2000, and the newest addition to the Abyss Records roster. The Spirit of Warfare is their just released debut. My gut instinct is to compare this to Arsis, but I shouldn’t, because I can’t stand Arsis, and I must say, I quite enjoyed this tidy little slab of melodic death/black/power/whatever.
They play, as they state on their myspace, symphonic extreme metal. I was a little reluctant to listen to this, because I was under the impression that this was straight melodeath, which I will admit I am a little prejudiced against. However, in the space of 49 minutes and 19 seconds, the legions of Hyperborean besieged and conquered my ears without mercy.
This isn’t trite wanky crap like Arsis, but a glorious and epic soundscape that blends melodic death metal, black metal, and very tasteful use of symphonic elements (read: not Dimmu Borgir). In fact, the symphonic elements, mainly consisting of occasional piano, are so subtle I’m not sure that “symphonic” is a good label to attach to this band.
As I mentioned above, the press email I received says this band was formed in 2000, and it shows. This music sounds like it took time write, enduring the collective scrutiny of the band many times before being recorded for The Spirit of Warfare. All of the songs sound tight and professional, with absolutely none of the signs of amateurism or immaturity that are sometimes present on a debut album. Most of the songs are pretty long, with 4 around 7 minutes and one above 10 minutes, but they don’t feel like it. The band offer enough variation to keep the listener captivated, and the beautiful thing about that is they do it without one dimensional shredding solos or unnecessary vain technicality. The mood evoked changes throughout the album, but as a whole the Spirit of Warfare captures a feeling of oncoming battle and inevitable triumph, of burning cities and banners fluttering in the wind above fields of carnage. Noble riffs gallop forward over tense, dramatic drumming, punctuated by a raspy and passionate yet very controlled vocals delivery.
I’d say this is a must have for fans of melodic death or black metal, perhaps for someone who likes Dissection or At The Gates. Stand out tracks are “Channeling the Spirit of Warfare” and “The Last Stand of Leonidas and the Battle of Thermopylae”. My applause gentlemen, you’ve earned 7.5/10, and I think someone with more a taste for the melodic would rate this as high as a 9/10.

Review link: http://www.funeralrain.net/2011/05/02/h ... f-warfare/




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

FESTER (Norway) Winter of Sin Remastered DIGI CD review by http://www.heavyhardes.de



By Lord Obirah

The founding year of the Horde dated to 1989. Long, long time ago so that the boys vanished from the rehearsal room and the first signs of life in the form of demos The Introduction (1991) and Winter of Sin (1992) among the people brought. No Fashion Records ultimately was responsible for the release of the debut Winter Of Sin, which is these days about Abyss Records back into favor.
The underground status never was able to grow out. Perhaps it is due to the complex orientation of the material. Maybe it's the mid-tempo in its music, which are quite rare really fast, no, on the contrary tend to tighten the hand brake as they pass gas. Perhaps it is due to the gloomy and melancholic nature of the music, not really outstanding in the class or the playful honky sound. No matter what it is, for me, Winter Of Sin a great album, just because it beats not only stubbornly forward, because the band uses unusual songwriting and because of the underground sound gives it a flair that many bands aspire to no avail.
Enriched, this new edition also features a live track called "When Darkness Confirms (Live '91)", which displays about nine minutes, depending on where the live-resistant hammer. The noble digipack does the rest to this album not only put to Underground Black metal fans to the heart.
This review was originally written in German and has been translated using Google Translate, to read the original review in German, click the link below:

Review link: http://www.heavyhardes.de/review-7712.html




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

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

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

ANGREPP (Sweden) Warfare CD review by autothrall via http://www.metal-archives.com



By autothrall

I don't need no corpse paint to know how to rock

Sweden has long exceeded its quota of producing great bands, but I don't think anyone had the guts to pass Angrepp the memo, so here they arrive with a debut album of flak-jacket, artillery gunning black metal with a huge debt to the classic, barbaric thrash of bands like Hellhammer and Bathory. Similar to Horned Almighty's latest album Contaminating the Divine (which is excellent), this is a band who know exactly how to rock, and they prove that the ability to write fairly simple riffs with a punk attitude has not yet been over saturated, since I found the majority of the material here to be both engaging and entertaining, great for a night out with your friends: that is, if your friends wear spiked armbands and chain-smoke the joints and bones of angels.

But what makes Warfare slightly more impressive than the average shakedown are the brief segues into more eerie riffing territory, somewhat reminiscent of how, on their past 4-5 albums, Norway's Satyricon have manifested their style. Songs like "Dead and Destroyed" and "Firebrand" excel in this area, the former with some huge rocking rhythms that pan out in morbid grooves and excellent leada work; the latter exploding into a grim melodic black rhythm past the half-way mark. "Rape, Kill, Rock n Roll" also segues into this interesting bridge in which a chug rhythm plays alongside some writing doom notes, then erupting into a modern Satyricon styled power groove.

If you've not had enough of that rock style in your black metal, this album's a very pleasant surprise, sure to win all the margin walking fans of black and punk or black/thrash, provided they have no gripes with a cleaner tone, because Warfare is pretty pro sounding, eschewing most of the filth and chagrin of many similar bands, and recorded by Dan Swanö. Almost all of the songs rock, especially those above and the hammer title track, the punk explosion of "Legions Arise", the stoppy breakdown to "Dictator" or the rampant thrashing black that is "For Now I Have Risen".

The riff writing is not complex, but Angrepp requires no overkill or exhibition of their individual instrumental proficiency to impress the listener, because they rock like a bomber over an infantry theater, unchallenged and reigning death and fire upon the grunts below. Very likely to impress fans of thrash, grind and hardcore in addition to the more punk-inspired black metal, so this is one young act that should very well see their star rising before long.

-autothrall
http://www.fromthedustreturned.com
Rating: 80%

Review link: http://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/A ... autothrall




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

ETERNAL HELCARAXE (Ireland) To Whatever End Demo CD EP review by http://www.lordsofmetal.nl



By Neithan

Helcaraxe, as Helcaraxë known as the icy barrier route that Fingolfin and his elfish army had to take on their run/ banishment from Aman to Middle Earth, as described in Tolkien’s “The Silmarillion”. This is an Irish black metal band that spawns its second demo. The line-up is made out of Praetorian (also in Éadóchas) on guitar, drums, keyboards and vocals, Maulgrim on guitar and Niall Hughes (Solace Of Nadir) on bass.

When dealing with an Irish extreme band it is hard to get around that big legend Primordial, and yes, Eternal Helcaraxe does have similarities, just not that much. Just like Primordial, Eternal Helcaraxe is a band with a rather distinctive sound which is not exactly to be labeled as black metal: it is just that Primordial is years ahead in terms of composing and studio experience. The vocals are neither black rasping or death grunt-like, yet more a mix of a black and thrash metal vocalist with a typical grim attitude. Another comparison to be made is the organic dark pagan metal of Forefather, even if the vocals have nothing in common. So you might say that Eternal Helcaraxe has a sound which is unique, yet typically from the British isles as well. The music itself is not so much pure black metal, even if ‘Strike’ rages like hell, yet more what some call post black metal rock (swampy cumbersome dark music) and includes both progressive elements and influences from other genres: for instance, the title track of the demo has some riffing that can be regarded as power metal (the real kind, not that happy sing-along shit), and in songs like ‘Kin, Comrades & Country’ and ‘All the Battles to Come’ the similarities to Primordial are more obvious.

‘To Whatever End’ is an interesting demo to those who like dark, organic up-tempo metal with breaks; especially the drumming is well taken care of. The big amiss on this one is the sound: it just doesn’t match, it is too dull and this makes the demo miss some essential Sharp cutting edges. I do think that with a profesional producer and studio, this band may very well come up with a surprise in the near future. Keep an eye on the lads!
Look for their debut full length "Against All Odds" coming to Abyss Records...

Review link: http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showreview.p ... 32&lang=en




Eternal Helcaraxe Links:

Official Website: http://eternalhelcaraxe.net/

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

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/eternalhelcaraxe666



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 ETERNAL HELCARAXE - To Whatever End Demo CD EP or their first Demo CD EP "Palest Kingdom" go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... +Helcaraxe

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ih4eXw283s



And to preview a song from their first Demo CD EP "Palest Kingdom" go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_44LhwIvXwA

BANE (Serbia) - Chaos, Darkness & Emptiness DIGI CD review by Dave's Underground Laboratory



By Dave Schalek

Hot on the heels of my foray into the mediocrity of Balfor comes Chaos, Darkness, And Emptiness, a new album from Bane, a Serbian act also straddling the line between death and black metal with melodic and symphonic overtones. In fact, so similar to Balfor are Bane, that the review above very nearly also applies to Bane. It's almost as if two mediocre students insisted on copying each others' homework right before entering the laboratory. That's a no-no.
OK, all facetiousness aside, Bane certainly have the formula of melodic/symphonic blackened death metal down pat with plenty of shredding guitars, lots of blasts that periodically segue into slower, more progressively oriented passages, Shagrath-esque vocals, an over produced sound, etc, etc. Like Balfor, though, Bane suffer from mediocre, unmemorable songwriting and a totally by the numbers formulaic approach. Truth be told, however, Bane do have a bit more of feeling and emotion in their approach, and are periodically able to rise above the mediocrity and show flashes of potential, if not brilliance.

Review link: http://heavymetal.about.com/b/2011/02/2 ... 1-2011.htm




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.slugmag.com



By Bryer Wharton

Hyperborean The Spirit of Warfare Abyss Records: One of three records released Tuesday from Abyss Records, it's a massively promising debut from this Swedish melodic black metal act. A far cry from your typical Swedish melodic black metal, precise and potent songwriting not ruled by the standard black metal tremolo riffing. A great sensory assault reminiscent of the innovativeness of Melechesh and Absu.

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




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.) Six Pack Witchcraft DIGI CD EP review by Phuling via http://www.metal-archives.com



By Phuling

Maax - Six pack witchcraft

Upon a glance of the cover I’d have expected this to be either pure rock and roll or a crustcore album. But Six pack witchcraft is none of the above, what Maax (or Mäax if you wish) does here is completely bastardize the lovechild of Venom and Motörhead, and they do so in the ugliest way possible.

A few seconds into the opening track Die by the ax’ I’m almost overwhelmed by the insanely burly sound of the guitars and bass, and it really takes me a while to come to terms with the production. It sounds as to have been recorded in the rehearsal room, but for some reason onto a cell phone. The drum sound is relatively clear, the vocals are minorly reverbed (just like they should be) and comes across in a decent manner. So do the guitar leads, but the rhythm guitar and bass presents one of the burliest and ugliest offering I’ve heard to date. But it’s still ugly in a good way, ‘cause this lot of hairy, denim-wearing men is all about bringing back the golden days of pure rocking metal.

The influences from the previously mentioned Venom and Motörhead are obvious, and I suppose there’s a hint of a blackened punkiness of later Darkthrone in there as well, just as a buttload of heavy metal shines through. It all comes together in a neat knapsack of thrash, rock and roll, punk, black metal and a humongous buttload of attitude. It’s difficult to withstand the energetic, testosterone-ridden journey Maax takes you on. Every track is filled to the rim with simple and wickedly effective riffing. The powerful vocals sound just as harsh and evil as most metal vocalists wants to sound like, but fail terribly at achieving. It’s like being given a brief look into the mischievous, blasphemous, grave robbing, beer drinking, porn watching and bike riding metalhead heaven.

Originally written for http://www.mylastchapter.net
Rating: 75%

Review link: http://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/M ... 66/Phuling




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



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

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



By Icumblood

I totally love Dutch death metal and every extreme release from that part of the world attracts my attention.Here we have a four-piece band from Amersfoort,The Netherlands called BODYFARM who attack the world with their self-titled EP.After the epic intro "Battle",the sonic mayhem begins with "Bodyfarm" which is a raging mid-paced death metal beast.The following track "Final Redemption" is the slowest one in this release with lots of doomy gloomy passages."Heartraped" put the speed back on track and it is my personal favourite with its mix of fast rhythm and BOLT THROWER heaviness.The final comes with "Slaves of War" - great headbanging track with obvious OBITUARY influence.BOLT THROWER,OBITUARY and ASPHYX are the main influences of BODYFARM and you can figure that out by listening to the solid guitar riffs or the angry vocals of Thomas Wouters.Having in mind that this band was formed in 2009,their debut recording is nothing but impressive.In case you are into oldschool death metal this EP is a must hear!

Rating: 9/10

Review link: http://www.extreminal.com/extreminal/en ... asp?id=442



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

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



By OccultBlackMetal

Diabolical are a band from Sweden that has been interviewed by this zine before and plays a musical style that mixes melodic black metal with technical death metal and this is a review of their 2011 album "Ars Vitae" which was released by Abyss Records.

Drums are mostly technical slow to midpaced playing with some fast parts but that much in the way of blast beats, while the synths are very dark sounding and dont over dominate the music, as for the bass playing it has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they sound very powerful.

Rhythm guitars are mostly slow to midpaced to fast technical death metal riffs that are also influenced by melodic black metal and thrash, while the lead guitars are very technical and melodic metal guitar solos.

Vocals are mostly deep death metal growls that have somewhat of a black metal edge to them in the high pitched screams, hile the lyrics cover death and the apocalypse with an occult edge, as for the production it sounds very heavy and professional with some songs being recorded live.

In my opinion this is another great album from Diabolical and if you where a fan of their previous releases, you will not be dissapointed. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Sightless" "Sicidal Glory" "Guidence Of Sin" and "The Dreaming Dead". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Review link: http://darkdoomgrinddeath.blogspot.com/ ... results=20



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

ITEM OF THE DAY

OPETH - COLLECTOR'S EDITION (SLIPCASE) 5 CD BOX SET - $30.00 + S/H



DISC 1 - Blackwater Park
1. The Leper Affinity
2. Bleak
3. Harvest
4. The Drapery Falls
5. Dirge for November
6. The Funeral Portrait
7. Patterns in the Ivy
8. Blackwater Park

DISC 2 - Damnation
1. Windowpane
2. In My Time of Need
3. Death Whispered a Lullaby
4. Closure
5. Hope Leaves
6. To Rid the Disease
7. Ending Credits
8. Weakness

DISC 3 - Deliverance
1. Wreath
2. Deliverance
3. A Fair Judgement
4. For Absent Friends
5. Master's Apprentices
6. By the Pain I See in Others

DISC 4 - Lamentations - Double CD (Live)
1. Windowpane
2. In My Time of Need
3. Death Whispered a Lullaby
4. Closure
5. Hope Leaves
6. To Rid the Disease
7. Ending Credits
8. Harvest
9. Weakness
10. Master's Apprentices
11. The Drapery Falls
12. Deliverance
13. The Leper Affinity
14. A Fair Judgement

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... ts_id=4059

And check out more Opeth merchandise available through Abyss Records: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... TH&x=8&y=7

DARKER THAN BLACK RECORDS (DIVISION VINLAND)


ABSURD - "Raubritter / Grimmige Volksmusik" CD - $10 + S/H
2 EP's on 1 Disc
(Anti - Christian / Pagan Black Metal)

Preview a song at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8NqSiygAaE


ASKIVAL - "Eternity" CD - $10 + S/H
Limited to 1000 Copies
(Epic / Folk Black Metal)

Preview a song at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvLhDSo1IKw


GODLESS NORTH - "Fimbulvetr ... Anthology" DOUBLE CD - $12 + S/H
Entire Studio Discography on 2 Discs
(Black Metal Supremacy)

Preview a song at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yK3UjulqEk8


MIND ASYLUM - "L'Asile de l'Esprit" CD - $10 + S/H
Debut Album
(Melancholic Black Metal)

Preview a song at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPV6oielUDM


NORDWIND - "Thy Will Be Done" CD EP - $7 + S/H
Debut EP - Featuring Godless North Members
(Heathen Black Metal)

Preview a song at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDwDjuJwQ88


PANTHEON - "Vargrstrike" CD - $10 + S/H
Re-Issue with Bonus Demo
(Elite / Mythological Black Metal)

Preview a song at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlp-Ch2J9r4


PUREST - "Renascence" CD - $10 + S/H
Debut Album
(Misanthropic Black Metal)

Preview a song at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3Y2sfLKSik


THUNDERBOLT - "The Sons of the Darkness" CD - $10 + S/H
Re-Issued Debut Album
(Satanic Black Metal)

Preview a song at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uR4nKwmJ2lU


DARKER THAN BLACK RECORDS (DIVISION VINLAND) releases now available through Abyss Records.
To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/ind ... ers_id=106

And check out all the new merchandise currently available through Abyss Records: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/products_new.php

CORROSIVE CARCASS (Sweden) - Rot.In.Pieces Demo review by http://www.minacious.org



By Mordant

This is the first and thus far only release from this Swedish Death Metal band, and it got them signed to Abyss Records, who will release their debut album, and possibly re-release this demo officially. And when listening to this demo I get why they where signed so quickly. This is high quality old school Death Metal. Despite being from Sweden, their brand of Death Metal feels like it's much more inspired by Autopsy, then say Entombed or Dismember. The music is minimalistic, raw, filthy and fucking ugly, just like Autopsy, though there are some Swedish Death Metal influences in the music. Great demo, I can't wait to get their full-length album.

Review link: http://www.minacious.org/rev-corrosive_ ... ieces.html



Corrosive Carcass links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/recreation666

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Corrosive ... 2603437551



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



To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8L3vNU6JGg

FESTER (Norway) Winter of Sin Remastered DIGI CD review by metal.de



By Eckart

The history of the Norwegian band is SOLID as short as tragic: Founded in 1989, the quartet released two demos in 1992 after his debut album "Winter of Sin" on No Fashion. the second album "Silence" hired the band to the Austrian label Lethal Records, the album's brief existence alongside a limited edition secured especially little attention. Consequently, it was in the years that still are solid, until the musicians in 1999 for a third album came together again and signed a record deal with No Fashion. However, these activities were stopped abruptly, as a bass player Jørgen Skjolden died suddenly and the band broke up once again - this time probably for good.

If so now re-released "Winter of Sin", it means the first edition of the album for a long time at all. For too long this rough diamond was available from the second-hand market, and at fancy prices. And if the keyword "diamond in the rough" is, so we are in the characteristics of this work: "Winter of Sin" offers basically the same style that was to "Silence" finally perfected. The album is most likely to locate in the intersection of Black and Death Metal holds, but far from the bustle of the former black metal scene. Rather, it is distinguished by its reefs always be guitars, with its more intricate rhythms and evocative as its more hysterical vocals.

In a direct comparison of the songs sound "Winter of Sin", however impetuous than the follow-up album, rampant, but less mature. The leads are not sitting quite so sure, and that the musicians have improved in the two years between the two albums, their playing skills, is also not to be missed. Nevertheless, songs like the title track, the acoustic-mystical launched "The Ancient Gods Wore Black", "Victory!" und "Liberation" auch heute noch überzeugen. and "Liberation" convince even today.

As part of the new edition of the album has been donated again a remastering, which freshens up the sound a little bit antiquated.As a bonus there is a very old song "When Darkness Confirms" in a live version of 1991, which is technically sound but only for lovers, but is equal to more than nine minutes.There is also a new artwork and liner notes by the band. Overall, the new edition of "Winter of Sin" that is a thoroughly successful thing - with a meaningful bonus and subtle improvements.

Review link: http://metal.de/black-metal-1/review-/f ... e-release/




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

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

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

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



By Janet Willis
Hyperborean – The Spirit of Warfare

Melodic black metal without waning to the emotional and introspective side is the first thing that comes to mind. The basic rhythm guitar work is still skeletal, but the use of proper production and some great leads and melodic work really makes the track three dimensional without losing that cryptic and sinister feel necessary to the style and bands sound.

Another thing that comes to mind is the lack of filler, droning atmospherics, over the top symphonics, and predictability. This band still captures the old school feel of isolation and vehemence and sounds as though it’s a war ritual being performed and vowed right before the attacks commence in some bunker in the forest, but somehow these tracks sound fresh and unique while still holding true to their roots. Parts of tracks like “Killing Grounds” have a majestic pagan war feel in breaks between the shouts of war and vengeance and the use of a piano keyboard style as opposed to a straight synth really cranks the intensity up a notch. Whether the sound makes other non suspecting observers stop and say “Whoa…that’s pretty damn awesome…” or turn and run away from the buzzing chainsaw guitars and overwhelming atmosphere of darkness and aggression, you’re sense will be stimulated to full extent so don’t pass this one up.

Review link: http://www.hellridemusicforums.com/foru ... post395217




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

BODYFARM (Netherlands) - Bodyfarm CD EP review by Dave's Underground Laboratory



By Dave Schalek

Another star of Dutch/Continental death metal may have just appeared in the form of Bodyfarm. Abyss Records sure thinks so, as the label has gone through the effort of re-releasing the band's self titled, self released debut EP to a wider domestic audience.
Consisting of four songs with an intro, this EP is chock full of thundering riffs backed up by a rolling form of controlled chaos in the percussion. Anchoring it all is a deep, powerful production, very slick for a self released effort. The whole thing comes off with the same sort of galloping motion as Bolt Thrower, high praise, indeed, but with a firmer foot in the territory of brutal death metal. To these ears, this EP is a merely tantalizing taste of what may be to come from Bodyfarm.
Dave's Grade: A~

Review link: http://heavymetal.about.com/b/2011/05/0 ... 2-2011.htm



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

TORTURE DIVISION (Sweden) Evighetens Dårar DIGI CD review by Alex_P via http://www.metal-archives.com



By Alex_P

Torture Division - Evighetens Dårar

Evighetens Dårar is Torture Division’s second compilation, and its constituent parts were a series of demos issued over the last year (which can be downloaded from their website). The band is formed of current and ex members of several leading Swedish death metal bands (among them Grave, Entombed, and the Project Hate MCMXCIX). Stylistically, they play Swedish death metal with some moderate death/grind influence. It’s a style of music that has seen thousands of interpretations, but fortunately Torture Division are skilled enough as songwriters to both stand out and be worth your precious time. Each of these nine songs (discounting “the Axe Murderer”, a jokey ten-second grindfart) is unique, catchy, memorable and interesting. At 28 minutes, Evighetens Dårar is concise. The lyrics mostly tread familiar ground (torture, brutal sex, war), although “Ravishing Rampage Sluts” (yeah, really) pays homage to Acid Bath and Cannibal Corpse fairly cleverly.

Dan Swanö)))’s mix on these songs is as close to perfect as I’ve heard on any modern release. It’s rare to have a mixer (and producer?) who does so much for the material, but here he deserves special mention. The two examples I’d give are the beginning of “Eld Och Plågor”, which just curb stomps the listener with its heaviness, and the end of “Overtorture”, which is a perfect representation of the Swedish spirit.

Albums (fine, compilations) like Evighetens Dårar are why I’m glad I’m a music critic. The chance to be exposed to new, awesome music is one of the best things in my life. Since it’s free, you ought to expose yourselves to it too. It’s pay what you want, but if you’re like me, you’ll download it for free and then buy the CD.

Originally written for: http://thenumberoftheblog.com/
- Alex_P, January 4th, 2011

Rating: 86%

Review link: http://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/T ... 697/Alex_P




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 - Evighetens Dårar 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=35Q5Zl2Q8HI

To preview a song from TORTURE DIVISION's first album go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SIkZUsvT2A

ITEM OF THE DAY

FESTER - WINTER OF SIN DIGI CD + T-SHIRT (SMALL, MEDIUM, LARGE, X-LARGE, XX-LARGE) + STICKER COMBO - $23.00 + S/H



"Winter Of Sin" has been Remastered & includes Bonus track (Live performance from 1991)



1. Winter Of Sin
2. Senses Are The True You
3. The Ancient Gods Wore Black
4. Entering...
5. Victory!!!
6. Liberation
7. As The Swords Clinch The Air
8. A Dogfight Leaves A Trace
9. The Commitments That Shattered
BONUS TRACK:
10. When Darkness Confirms (Live '91)

T-SHIRT FRONT:


T-SHIRT BACK:


STICKER:


To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=10316

And check out more package deals available through Abyss Records: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/ind ... 02bc1a4627

FERAL (Sweden) "Dragged To The Altar" CD on Ibex Moon Records, available through Abyss Records (Ibex Moon Records Official Mailorder) for $10 + S/ H @ www.officialabyssrecords.com/product_in ... s_id=10409

CHRIST BEHEADED (US) "Open The Gates Of Hell" CD EP available for ONLY $7 + S/H on Abyss Records. Also CHRIST BEHEADED T-shirts, Long Sleeves, Hooded Sweatshirts, Patches, Stickers & combo Deals available @ http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... ed&x=0&y=0