ENTRENCH (Sweden) Inevitable Decay CD review by http://www.undergrind.net



By Discord

Old-school is cool.
After being close to non-existent, members from Entrench reunited and have recorded the full length Inevitable Decay for all those Thrash lovers around the globe.
It’s good they decided to stick together, because Entrench finally delivers a full length that is an immediate classic. No dicking around on this one.
With recent efforts from such great bands as Hemoptysis and Exeloume, the new Entrench rises above with a more convincing attitude and a sound that feels less produced, giving Inevitable Decay a super raw and violent touch.
The riff heavy tracks will have you blazing through the album. You can feel the aggressive nature of the songs, that are dripping with speed and those characteristic dirty spit screams.
There is no moment for rest on Inevitable Decay. Even the slower parts resonate with such a threatening pulse that you’ll have a hard time pulling your attention away before the album is over. Like you want to!?
If you need a reason to get interested in Thrash Metal again then Entrench is going to do it.

Review link: http://www.undergrind.net/entrench-inevitable-decay/



Entrench links:

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

Revebnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/entrench



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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase ENTRENCH "Inevitable Decay" CD go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=11203

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jux9aM8W0SU

FESTER (Norway) Winter of Sin Remastered DIGI CD review by ozzeh



By ozzeh

100% badass death metal

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

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

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

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

All in all this album succeeds because of the fuckin' amount of effort these guys put into this release. This is why death metal is the supreme genre of music.

Rating: 98%

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



Fester links:

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

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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/festernorwaybm



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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

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

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

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

ITEM OF THE DAY


MACABRE - GRIM REALITY (IMPORT) CD - 15.00 + S/H



This re-release has 12 tracks, 1-6 are remastered & remixed by Neil Kernon,
tracks 7-12 are the original mix & master.

REMASTERED & REMIXED VERSION:
1. Serial Killer
2. Mr. Albert Fish (Was Children Your Favorite Dish?)
3. Mass Murderer a. Sulfuric Acid b. Morbid Curiosity c. Lethal Injection
4. Son of Sam
5. Hot Rods to Hell
6. Ed Gein
ORIGINAL VERSION:
7. Serial Killer
8. Mr. Albert Fish (Was Children Your Favorite Dish?)
9. Mass Murderer a. Sulfuric Acid b. Morbid Curiosity c. Lethal Injection
10. Son of Sam
11. Hot Rods to Hell
12. Ed Gein

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=11362

THOUSAND YEAR WAR (U.S.) Interview by http://highwiredaze.com



By Kenneth Morton

The Massive Metallic Assaults of Thousand Year War

From the icy wilds of Alaska emerges Thousand Year War like a relentless assault to the senses. Presented a pummeling brand of blackened death, their debut full length Tyrants and Men has been unleashed through the mighty Abyss Records! Here is a recent interview with founding member Hiram Lohr, where we discussed such topics as the ruling evil elite, the metal scene in Anchorage, their thought provoking lyrical content, and whether or not Hiram can indeed see Russia from his house! Read on…


Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in Thousand Year War,and how long the band has been together.

I’m Hiram Lohr – Guitarist, Vocals, Songwriter, and lyrics in TYW. Started out in winter of 2008….. working on a demo with Cult black metal bassist Old Goat from Juneau, Alaska. Later I was joined by former TYW member Kellen on Guitar/Bass and session drummer Mortaeus (AX) for our demo, and session drummer Fredrik Widigs (Ex-Angrepp, Live Witchery/Demonical) Kellen (Guitar/Bass) and me on guitar/vocals. Now for the EP “Vulture Eyes” its me-Vocals, Fredrik-Drums, and Pablo Magallanes-Guitars, Bass (Live Guitarist) -Demonical, Internment)


What is the metal scene like in Anchorage, Alaska and are there very many place to play?

I’m moving out of the state in under two weeks as we speak.I honestly can’t say I’ve been a real part of the Anchorage metal scene. Most of the time I lived there we were just working on songs that would become our full length and concentrating on finding a label…..we were never able to find a drummer in that town so getting out live there was impossible. Although I think there are a few good venues there now. It seems like currently they have a pretty solid following of more mainstream metal, deathcore, and trendier elements of the new wave of metal. Not my cup of tea. When I moved to Alaska I always envisioned some kind of great underground black metal and death metal movement that was more inspired by the grand nature and elements of the north…. but there is actually more of a movement to the American metal movement than the great Scandinavian and European scenes that are incredible and full of heart and soul.


Any local metal bands from your area you could recommend?

Yes….
One that comes to mind is Siege Engine….. more old school doom… the guy Brett Manes has been behind this band for I think over 20 years and that is really impressive to me. Bound By Entrails were one of the only performing Black Metal bands in Alaska and they are unfortunately gone… but are releasing a final opus. I think for some reason people think of 36 crazy fists when mentioning metal in Alaska. Not really sure why. Dont get me wrong, talented guys, but post hardcore is hardly metal. Turbid North are really good but they left…. and also Pariah who lived close to where I am now are great… but also gone. I kind of gave up following Alaska bands … just seems uninspired.


How did you wind up being signed to Abyss Records?

Mainly through the recommendation of TYW’s session drummer Fredrik Widigs. He was playing for a couple other bands on Abyss and so we submitted our recording of Tyrants and Men and were offered to sign. Dan Ferguson is an incredibly hard working guy and has been involved in the metal scene for many years now. Great things are coming and going to come from Abyss!!!


Is there any story or concept to the CD title Tyrants and Men?

Yea. To me the world is encompassed by Tyrants who are the elite world wide ruling leaders. These people are George Bush and his father, Obama, high ranking illuminati, high ranking police officers, overseers of Nasa…. I could go on and on and on….
The ruling evil elite. Men (that includes women) are the opposition and lovers of truth, not power and wealth. This encompasses all my lyrical content for TYW on the CD Tyrants and Men. A look at the duality between these two orders in conflict and constantly battling to turn the world we live in around.


How will your forthcoming EP Vulture Eyes compare to what’s heard on Tyrants And Men ?

Well, the riffs are more complicated and evolved into their own from Tyrants and Men. In Tyrants and Men there were a lot of musical and band influences that at times are dominating and at other times not. This is common when bands start out and find their place in their music. But Vulture Eyes can just be Thousand Year War and the influences very subtle. Everyone has influences. The songs are really hard hitting and rocking with riffs that really stand out and get in your head.


Select any two Thousand Year War songs and what inspired the lyrics?

Open Casket-
In this song I am trying to convey the message that a good majority of the world are asleep. And I mean that the common man and woman are living subjugated to a totalitarian reign of evil from the ruling elite and drowning in all the technology, food, products, politics, and religion that are taking away from higher thinking and lowering our intelligence and moral well being as humans to a level that is unhealthy.
One part in Open Casket especially comes to mind in the chorus:
Is there, a reason? Why they live so dead inside? no stars remain in the soulless sky….. a burning flame within their minds, scorches the thoughts of human kind!
If you think about it and really analyze it….. you will realize there is a reason why people are living soulless and uninspired. The answer is out there, but its not in the schools, government, fucked up society, or bland religion. The passion in your heart, and rebellion in your mind is what fuels the flames and makes us so fascinating and incredible as human beings
Thousand Year War-
I wrote the lyrics for this after being absorbed into what was basically a holy war… or unholy war that was being waged by evil crusaders like George Bush and his father. And Like the crusaders a thousand years before them….they only had evil on their minds and hearts full of hatred and greed. Where one was obtaining documents and slaughtering innocents, another was obtaining oil and slaughtering innocents. The comparison is uncanny. The hundred year war continuing on a thousand years later. Very sad and all under the guise of Christianity which is just a branch off of paganism.



Who did the fantastic artwork for Tyrants And Men and how much input did you have on it?

Gragoth of Luciferium War Graphics is the man behind that cover. Thank you… its excellent!
I always am a big part in the creation of TYW as far as artwork is concerned. To me the Artwork is a huge part of metal….. I love it. I am one of those douchebags that buys cd’s based on the artwork… hahah
When I sit down I constantly have ideas and visions of how the artwork should be and work very closely with the artist and communicate that vision to them in detailed description. I think the art should always mean something. Currently I am working with Michelle Frusco for the cover of “Vulture Eyes“. She is an amazing up and coming artist that I’m sure will gain recognition as a great creator. The cover is very inspired dynamic. Fans should appreciate it.


What made you decide to cover London Dungeon by the Misfits and do you know if they’ve heard it yet?

I love the Misfits! Been wanting to do a Misfits cover forever and London Dungeon leaped out at me. They have not heard it…. probably never will… who knows though!


What could one expect from a live Thousand Year War show?

I am currently trying to organize a mini-US tour 2-3 months down the road…..so far I haven’t been able to take TYW live but am trying to find the right booking agency, session musicians in California, and get us out there on the road and live. What to expect? Expect to get off your ass, circle pit, bang your head, and scream your fucking lungs out. I don’t believe in thumb up your ass bullshit metal/punk shows. Why come see a band live if you don’t want to unleash energy? If I have to drink myself into shambles and charge the audience to get everybody excited and moving… fuck it… I will… just make sure to pick up my blood soaked body and buy me a drink in the end!


Have you ever played in the Los Angeles area or plan to do so in the future?

Nope…. but yes I do plan to in the future. In this tour idea I would love to spend at least two days in the LA area playing!! Seems like there is a huge true metal fan base in Southern California!


Can you see Russia from your house? (Sarah Palin reference of course)

hahahah! Fuck no…… although the town I live in has a Russian Village and a couple others close by…..does seeing a Russian Village from my house count? For the record Sarah Palin is a wolf killing piece of human shit. And fuck people that kill magnificent predators like wolves….. Can someone please grind her up into blood meal??? wait….that is too dignifying. Throw her remains in a curry house sewer tank!


Any final words of wisdom?

Question everything and always seek truth before all!! If you are listening to leaders in power…. remember to think of the opposite of what they are saying and their message can serve as a warning. Lets rise up together and smash their fucking system!!!
SUPPORT TRUE METAL!
Visit facebook.com/tyrantsandmen, check out our music and download our demo for free @ thousandyearwar.com
Don’t forget to support Abyss Records and buy our Full Length and a shirt!
officialabyssrecords.com

Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions! Hope to see you guys here in the Los Angeles area some day soon.

Thank you Ken!! Its a pleasure for me providing them:) Hails to Highwire Daze and all you True Metal fans out there. If we get shows in the LA area make sure to come out there and bring your friends. If you don’t have the means to do that I’ll personally spend my last penny getting you out to raise your fist and scream with me!!!!!


Interview link: http://highwiredaze.com/tywint1




Thousand Year War links:

Official Website: http://thousandyearwar.com/

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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/thousandyearwar



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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase THOUSAND YEAR WAR - Tyrants and Men DIGI CD and other THOUSAND YEAR WAR merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... d+year+war

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

ENTRENCH (Sweden) Inevitable Decay CD review by http://www.alonemusic.it



By ZEITGEIST

The Swedish old school reopens!
Six years after their formation, Entrench published under ABYSS RECORDS their first full-length from the prophetic title "Inevitable Decay". Already the first track "As Dawn Breaks" one senses the direction taken by the band, with a choice of style that recalls the early Kreator: primordial sounds that catapult us to the dawn of Thrash.
The third track "Portrait Of A Phobia" is subtly inspired flashes to "Golem" of the Protector, flagship of the group stage 80 Thrash / Death. "Into Oblivion" with its frenetic riffing stopped and the "Blind Illusion" give us the same cd in different eras, where sound more modern blend the Old School. "Crossing The River", entirely instrumental approaches to the blast megadethiane tight stairs with a good result. As we closed, "Where Only Ruins Remains" with a slow riffing and powerful at first, culminating with a perfectly executed solos.
The ability of these kids is truly astounding Swedes from composition to execution, but little originality of the themes (life, death and war) and the repetitive structure of the tracks can penalize them in the long run.
"Inevitable Decay" is still a more than full-length as well in only 8 pieces retraces the history of Thrash Metal.

Rating: 7.5

Review link: http://www.alonemusic.it/section.php?ar ... recensioni



Entrench links:

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

Revebnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/entrench



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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase ENTRENCH "Inevitable Decay" CD go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=11203

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jux9aM8W0SU

Eternal Helcaraxe Reveal Cover Art And Tracklisting For "Against All Odds"



Irish black metallers Eternal Helcaraxe have revealed the cover artwork and tracklisting for their Abyss Records debut, Against All Odds. The album, which is due out later this year, is the follow up to the band's 2010 EP To Whatever End.



Tracklisting:
Claim Your Place With The Gods
One Stands Still Here
Invictus
We Assist Death
Shadow Of The Wolf
As The Snow Gathers
Echoes Through Our Blood
Against All Odds (All The Battles To Come - Part II)

Eternal Helcaraxe came to be in May 2003. Between then and February 2004 the band began writing for a black metal project based on raw emotion and atmosphere. After several line-up changes both founding members decided to continue as a two piece and in March 2008 released
the first MCD entitled Palest Kingdom. Shortly after this release in April of 2008 we were joined by Kozel (ex-Mincing Fury) on bass, and the lineup was completed in July 2008 when were re-joined by our first drummer Tyrith who both added a new level of atmosphere and intensity to our sound. Eternal Helcaraxe have performed full live assaults with such bands as Impiety, Shining,
Spearhead, Abgott and Keep of Kalessin. Unfortunately, due to personal reasons, Kozel parted ways with EH and in August 2009 we were joined by Thule, which set in stone the new path. We have completed and released our second and latest MCD which is entitled To Whatever End. Musically and lyrically, it was exactly what we wanted to achieve and it is available now. Recently Eternal Helcaraxe have Joined with Abyss Records (USA) to release the upcoming full length album entitled Against All Odds, which was recorded at Jam Studios in Kells, Ireland in August 2011.
Palest Kingdom and To Whatever End are both currently available via
Abyss Records at: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... +helcaraxe

These Irishmen have a knack for the songwriting craft and what they've produced is all killer, no filler. - No Clean Singing


Praetorian - Guitars.Keys & Vocals

Thule - Bass & Vocals

Maulgrim - Guitars

Tyrith - Drums


http://www.eternalhelcaraxe.net

http://www.myspace.com/eternalhelcaraxe666

http://www.facebook.com/eternalhelcaraxe

http://www.officialabyssrecords.com


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

THIS SATURDAY!!!
DEAD HORSE Reunion Show
with special guests
Venomous Maximus / Bowel / Legion



Join us in the Ballroom on Saturday October 22nd for Dead Horse with Venomous Maximus, Bowel and Legion.

Doors: 7:30PM
Show: 8:30PM

All Ages

Tickets $15

Tickets are available for purchase at the Box Office or online here http://warehouselive.frontgatetickets.c ... &eid=63977

Event page: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set= ... 0503662409

ITEM OF THE DAY


INTERMENT - INTO THE CRYPTS OF BLASPHEMY CD - 14.00 + S/H



The album was recorded at Erebos Studios with Peter Bjärgo (Tyrant, Crypt of Kerberos).

The cover artwork was created by Polish artist Rafal Kruszyk.

1. Eternal Darkness
2. Torn from the Grave
3. Dreaming in Dead
4. Stench of Flesh
5. Where Death Will Increase
6. Sacrificial Torment
7. Night of the Undead
8. Morbid Death
9. The Pestilence

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=11376

THOUSAND YEAR WAR (U.S.) Tyrants and Men DIGI CD review by http://skullfracturingmetal.blogspot.com



By Lister_Fiend

Epic. Heavy. Dark. These are all acceptable adjectives when describing Thousand Year War on their debut album "Tyrants and Men." These Alaskan metallers are most often compared to one of the biggest metal acts today: Amon Amarth, and that is not completely accurate. Thousand Year War definitely shares similar traits (melodic tremolos, lyrical content, etc) but for the most part, they retain their own identity, and most importantly, their own sound.

What is this sound? Well for starters, the riffs range from fast, melodic tremolo madness to heavy, crushing riffs, all the way to thrashing riffs and some nice melodic headbangers. Accompanying the guitars, is a savage black metal influenced vocal assault. The vocals do a stellar job of commanding the music and changing the music's direction at times. Even at Thousand Year War's most melodic moments, the vocals can make the music seem heavy. The drums also manage to stand out with some nice fills and they add to the overall heaviness quite well.

The best part about this record, though, would have to be the epic atmosphere and the way that it adds a whole other layer to the music. Normally this isn't something that serves as a selling point (personally), but the ambiance almost appears as another instrument. Songs like "Spartacus" and "The Sea" tend to reflect this the most. The listener can practically visualize the lyrical content perfectly, while headbanging at the same time. But how is this sound achieved? It's basically from the combination of the extreme vocals and the melodic riffs. The heaviness of the vocals with the guitar melodies mix for the ideal sound needed to make "Tyrants and Men" as good as it is.

As for what didn't click so well with the album. Sometimes the sons just seemed bland and lacked inspiration, like the band needed a filler or generic riff to fill a void, or sometimes a whole song was used as a filler track ("The Storm I Ride"). Another thing that could have been improved is the overall song structuring. Almost all of the tracks followed the same pattern or were just plain predictable. There weren't many moments where the listener could say "What's going to happen next?" They already knew what was coming.

Overall, Thousand Year War delivered a solid debut album, but there is definitely room for improvement. If you're in the mood for some cool melodic death metal, then this band should rank highly on your list of bands to check out.

Best songs:
"Thousand Year War"
"Spartacus"
"The Sea"

Rating: 84%

Review link: http://skullfracturingmetal.blogspot.co ... d-men.html




Thousand Year War links:

Official Website: http://thousandyearwar.com/

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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/thousandyearwar



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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase THOUSAND YEAR WAR - Tyrants and Men DIGI CD and other THOUSAND YEAR WAR merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... d+year+war

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

CHAOSSWORN (Sweden) Chalice of Black Flames CD EP review by http://www.metalcrypt.com



By Michel Renaud

Some very cool fusion of Black and Death Metal here. The vocals are more Black Metal-ish rasps than they are growls, while the music is quite varied, going from slow paced, almost doomy moments to thrashy, crunchy moments all the way to speedy Death Metal parts, clickety drums included. Where Chalice of Black Flames shines is in the use of melody and atmosphere. It's dark and invigorating at the same time, with a gloomy atmosphere coupled with sometimes very lively, almost positive-sounding guitars melodies, two things that contrast yet feel like they belong together. Still, this is Death/Black we're talking about here – you still get your dose of darkness and even somewhat threatening atmosphere and assault-rifle style guitars. Lots of things going on in under 16 minutes, and that leaves me hoping for a full-length sooner rather than later.

Review link: http://www.metalcrypt.com/pages/review.php?revid=6128




Chaossworn links:

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

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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/chaossworn



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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

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

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

ITEM OF THE DAY


SODOM - AGENT ORANGE DOUBLE DIGI CD - 15.00 + S/H



CD 1:
1. Agent Orange
2. Tired And Red
3. Incest
4. Remember The Fallen
5. Magic Dragon
6. Exhibition Bout
7. Ausgebombt
8. Baptism Of Fire
9. Don`t Walk Away (TANK cover)
CD 2:
1. Incest (Live)
2. Agent Orange (Live)
3. Tired And Red (Live)
4. Remember The Fallen (Live)
5. Ausgebombt (Live)
6. Ausgebombt (German version)

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... ts_id=8837

DEAD HORSE Interview by http://battlehelm.com



By Anders

DEAD HORSE pretty much blew my socks of when I heard them the first time back in the late 80s/early 90s. This wasn’t your ordinary thrash metal band. They had a huge dose of humour to their attitude. Now that they are back I had to interview them. Anders Ekdahl ©2011

When I mail-ordered the Horsecore LP from you guys in 1989 I thought of you as more of a joke band (together with Darth Vader Church) but time has proven otherwise. What were your intentions when you formed Dead Horse?
Allen – Like any real Musicians we wanted to “Make it”! When first formed, Brain Dead (pre deadhorse), wanted to be more of a skater punk alternative metal band like Suicidal Tendencies and DRI. In 1989 there was no Seattle wave of alternative music, hippies in Texas were wearing flannel shirts and goatee beards way before that scene.


I totally missed out on your “Boil(ing)” LP. How different was it from the Horsecore one?

Scott – The Boil(ing) e.p. was slower, more re-fined, less humor (even though there’s humor), recorded better, mixed better etc.

Allen – Boil(ing) took deadhorse back in the direction we wanted to go all along. If you ever hear the Feed Me EP you can see the change. A lot of people after Peaceful Death were thinking of us as a “Death Metal” band and that is not the direction we ever intended to go in.


Like I said I thought you were some take on bad westerns and cowboys when I bought that first album. Then years later I get to hear an Entombed cover of “Scottish Hell” and all the pieces fell into place. I wasn’t the only one that totally adored “Horsecore”. What kind of feelings do you get when a band like Entombed cover one of your songs?

Scott – I remember the first time I heard the Entombed version, I was pretty stoked, and of course we all dig Entombed.

Allen – We had a blast on tour with Entombed. They are good guys. BUT, they never paid us one dime for the rights or royalties. Still love them though.


What made you call the quits in 1996?

Scott – Bad management, bad business decisions, bad blood.

Allen – The stress of family life, Divorces, and a long distance member of the band took its toll.


And why are you back in 2011?

Allen – For 15 years there has been children whose parents have been talking about deadhorse. A new generation of fans. Man it’s all about the fan. Instead of drinking 40s we are all in our 40s
What the fuck were we thinking, Scott?

Scott – To re-release the Boil(ing) record. See if people missed us.



When you leave a mark such as the one you did, intentionally or not, how do you tackle peoples adoration years later? Is it even comprehensible that people remember what you did 20 years ago?

Allen – Honestly we never realized what we had done in the scene in Texas. After 15 years there are still people contacting us from San Francisco to Georgia wanting to set up shows.
If you ever saw us play you remember that we tried to be entertaining at best, even if we were out of tune, had not lights or were just trashed ourselves. But it was our fan base then and now that sustain the Horsecore.


What kind of scene were you part of back in the days. What you did in the late 80s/early 90s was kinda new?

-Houston and Texas in that era was a Boiling pot of amazing talent. The scene was active and the live show venues were doing great jobs promoting artists, CD sales were hot. Now instead of going out and getting a disk people sit at home and download. Ticket sales have become so high it is pure insanity. $15 ticket – $5 dollar sir charge and people have come to accept it or just not participate. We were always careful not to play too much. That way when it was time for a show people would turn out.


What are the best memories from that time capsule?

Scott – For me personally, my fondest memory was opening for Sepultura in 1996 in Dallas at Deep Ellum Live, sold out crowd. Sepultura had a night off opening for Ozzy supporting their “Roots” CD, and called us to play with them. Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul were at that show standing on my side of the stage, I completely forgot what song I was playing for about 5 seconds when I noticed them standing there… I Stole all of Life of Agony’s beer out of their dressing room, because they were complete douche-bags to us. Great times!

Allen – Roll’n and a Puck’n of coarse!


How far did Dead Horse reach the first time around? I’m in Sweden and I got to hear of you through a flyer/reading fanzines.

Allen – We toured California to New York and Canada about 5 times over. We had a chance to go to Europe but our management turned it down, even though we said “go for it”. Would have been low on money but we would have killed on merchandise. For a band with so much potential deadhorse has had the worst management you can buy. AHHH!


What can we expect from you now that youre back again?

Scott – Better, musicianship, better vocal, better attitudes!

Allen – God willing a new FULL length recording and some live mayhem!


Interview link: http://battlehelm.com/?p=1670



Dead Horse links:

Official Website: http://horsecore.net/#/dh-bio/

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

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Deadhorse ... 3106179900

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/deadhorsetexas



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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To Pre-Order DEAD HORSE - BOIL(ing) 12" LP (Release Date: October 22nd, 2011) and for more DEAD HORSE merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... dead+horse

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9egfGSckhA

ANGREPP - Warfare CD review by http://bringerofdeathzine.blogspot.com



By OccultBlackMetal

Angrepp are a band from Sweden that mixes together black metal, thrash and punk and this is a review of their 2010 album "Warfare" which was released by Abyss Records.

Drums are mostly fast with alot of blast beats being thrown in, while the bass plaing follows the riffs that are coming out of the guitars and it is all rhythm bass and at times it has a very powerful sound.

Rhythm guitars are mostly fast black/thrash riffs that mix in a punk as well as a rock 'n' roll attitude with some slower riffs being used at times that have some death metal influences, while the lead guitars are primal 80's sounding guitar solos.

Vocals are all high pitched black metal screams with some deep growls being thrown in on ocassion, while the lyrics murder, hate, death and melencholy, as for the production which was recorded at Unisound with Dan Swano producing, sounds very heavy and all of the instruments sound brutal.

In my opinion Angrepp are a very good black/thrash metal band that should appeal to all fans of that genre.RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Five Horded Formation" "Rape Kill Rock'n'Roll" "Firebrand" and "For Now I Have Risen". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Review link: http://bringerofdeathzine.blogspot.com/ ... 10-cd.html




Angrepp links:

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

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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/angrepp



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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

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

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

ITEM OF THE DAY


DISSECTION - LIVE IN STOCKHOLM 2004 12" LP - 18.00 + S/H



1. At the Fathomless Depths
2. Night's Blood
3. Frozen
4. Soulreaper
5. Where Dead Angels Lie
6. Retribution - Storm of the Light's Bane
7. Unhallowed
8. Thorns of Crimson Death
9. Heaven's Damnation
10. In the Cold Winds of Nowhere
11. The Somberlain
12. A Land Forlorn

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... ts_id=9896

THOUSAND YEAR WAR (U.S.) Tyrants and Men DIGI CD review by http://darkdoomgrinddeath.blogspot.com



By OccultBlackMetal

Thousand Year War are a band from Anchorage, Alaska that plays a mixture od melodic death and black metal and this is a review of their 2011 album "Tyrants And Men" which was released by Abyss Records.

Drums range from slow, midpaced to fast drumming with some blast beats being used on occasion, while the bass playing has a very strong and powerful tone that dominates throughout the recording.

Rhythm guitars range from slow, midpaced to fast riffs that combine melodic death and black metal together along with some traditional and classic metal influences, while the lead guitars are very melodic sounding death metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are a mixture of deep death metal growls and high pitched melodic black/death metal screams, while the lyrics cover Mythology, epic and wat themes, as for the production it has a very heavy, powerful and professional sound to it.

In my opinion Thousand Year War are a very good melodic death/black metal band and if you are a fan of this style, you should check out this band. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Defiance" "No Gods, No Masters" "The Storm I Ride" and "Spartacus". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Review link: http://darkdoomgrinddeath.blogspot.com/ ... abyss.html




Thousand Year War links:

Official Website: http://thousandyearwar.com/

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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/thousandyearwar



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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase THOUSAND YEAR WAR - Tyrants and Men DIGI CD and other THOUSAND YEAR WAR merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... d+year+war

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

MAAX (U.S.) Unholy Rock and Roll DIGI CD review by http://ringmasterreviewintroduces.wordpress.com



By RingMaster

Whilst listening to the new album from Indianapolis blackened thrashers Maax the image of a musical pentagram with them in the middle as a focal point drawing on five distinct flavours plays in the head. With Unholy Rock N Roll the band even more so than before suck the flavours from rock ‘n’ roll, black metal, thrash, punk and classic rock to forge their own relatively unique sound. As the tracks unveil the band acts as a link between classic rock and the likes of AC/DC, punk sounds like Wednesday 13, the trash energy of a Kvelertak, the rock power of a Motorhead or even Status Quo, and the blackness of Venom. The resulting sound is one that works in varying degrees but with constant frequency leaves a smile on the face and adds fun to the day’s energy.
Unholy Rock N Roll released via Abyss Records is the follow up to the band’s Six Pack Witchcraft EP and comes with a definite thrashier flavour especially when compared to their debut album of 2009; Dawnbringer which was a colder black metal toned release. It shows a strong and definite evolution in sound and direction from the bands formation in 2006 and one that is very welcome, the band firing with more energy and accuracy with this spread of influences and ideas. The album was written and recorded with new addition Jeremy Starkey (Necrophagous) on bass joining founder members guitarist Kyle Kreider and drummer Jeff Brown (since replaced by Dave Dalton (Legion, Ratzkrieg, SoSayeth)) plus vocalist Tim Green and guitarist Brett Schlagel. The album shows arguably an even steadier and more purposeful feel from this line-up than before, a power that is impossible not to be dragged along by even if the flavours at times do not always quite hit the mark.
The consistency across the release is strong but a few songs lift the album from a good listen into one that instigates a more regular attention. The title track has an infectious anthemic appeal that means it is hard not to punch they air as its gang shouted chorus calls out whilst ‘Maax’ with all the subtlety and insistency of a red hot poker laced with punk venom stands firmly in front of the face and unleashing some alcohol loaded intensity. Alongside the best track on show ‘Black Thrash ‘Em All’, the trio make Unholy Rock N Roll worth more than a glance. This track leaps into the ear with striking guitars and black edginess that border on lechery, with dirty growls and infectious rhythms.
To be honest there is not one song that lingers after running its course though this is not to say they are less than satisfying but though they admirably do not go for obvious hooks and tricks the songs are missing that spark and addictiveness to make one return often. Unholy Rock N Roll is a good solid release but there is the question of it being too varied and up against other more genre dedicated and sterner intense albums elsewhere it will get lost in the metal ethers, hopefully not as it does entertain and bring good sounds and attitude.

Review link: http://ringmasterreviewintroduces.wordp ... ck-n-roll/




Maax links:

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

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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/maax



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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase MAAX - Unholy Rock and Roll DIGI CD and other Maax merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... words=maax

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYmZLEnfZ1o

To preview a song from their 2010 release "Six Pack Witchcraft" go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giNCctZobOE

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

ENTRENCH (Sweden) Inevitable Decay CD review by http://www.metalmaniacs.com



By Mike Abominator

Good thrash metal is hard to come by these days. So many new bands jumped on the bandwagon of ugly ass Reebok high tops, tight pants, little vests with all the coolest patches fresh from ebay and even the poofy hair. Even quite a few of the older bands came back and tried another go at it. Most of the bands in both of these groups failed in my opinion. Then again, there are exceptions like the sets at Maryland Death Fest 2011 by old thrashers like Voivod and Nuclear Assault. They both kicked ass! Not sure about any new material that will be coming out, but both of those live sets RULED! Now Entrench have come to join the thrashing madness. They are from Sweden, but have a sound that is totally German. Think “Terrible Certainty”/”Extreme Aggression” era Kreator mixed with a little “Persecution Mania”/”Agent Orange” era Sodom. It has speed, power, aggression, ripping riffs, shrieking vocals and will make you head bang. The pace gets even a little faster at times, into the old Sadus speed, which is always welcomed! I know those will say “why waste time with a copy cat band when the originals are so much better.” This might be true at times, yet there are some bands that mix in their own stamp on the style so well, they can run with the greats. Entrench seems to be a band that has the potential to do just that. I wouldn’t call this album a “classic” but it is quite an impressive debut and all in all, a KILLER thrash album!

”As Dawn Breaks” starts everything off here, and you will swear that it’s 1987 all over again. It’s a total riff o’ ramma on this banger. Nice and fast at times and also has some killer head banging moments, like in the middle where it slows down a bit with some mid paced bangery, then gets fast again once the guitar solos kick in. “Debt of Sorrow” is second and has some punches at the start that then lead to some double bass mayhem. A break comes and then a ripper of a riff introduces the manic speed of the ripping fast part. Relentless thrash at its best. “Portrait of a Phobia” is a roller coaster ride of thrashing rage that is all over the place and full of awesome riffs. I love the punk riff during one of the fast parts. The speed is more controlled, but is still fucking killer! This is one of the longer songs on here, but it doesn’t get old. “Into Oblivion” starts off with total mid paced banging. Throw in some heavy double bass and the killer mid one/two combination. The slower/fast part that comes with the vocals also rules. It remains pretty mid paced, the faster parts don’t get all that fast. But it is still a crusher of a song. Most of the songs have that “roller coaster” feel to them actually. The pace changes up quite a bit, but it all fits very well together.

“Doubt What’s Left” brings back some fast ripping again. The changes on this album are dynamic and flow so well together. The fast stuff blends well with the mid paced “mosh” stuff. There are multiple tempos all over this album. That is what makes it so enjoyable. Entrench actually remind me of my good pals here from Southern California Witchaven. “Blind Illusion” is next up. The song starts off fast and manic. The riffs tear you to shreds. It then slows down with some prime Sepultura like rolls and open riffs. It then slows down to some mid paced banging. You will find yourself banging your head clean off with this one. This song would be their “video” that all of us maniacs would stay up for back in the day, on the third hour of MTV’s original Head Bangers Ball. The song takes off again with pure thrashing fury. There is an instrumental song “Crossing the River” that is next. This ain’t no pretty, classical inspired piece of artsy music, full of feelings. This thrashes and rages with the best of them. Reminds me a little of the old Metallica instrumentals, just with some more speed at times. Pretty fucking killer! Some effects at the end of the song lead into the album closer “Where Only Ruins Remain”. This banger starts off nice and slow. It still has the same killer and catchy riffs as the other songs though, especially when the fast part kicks in and the shrieks and screams from vocalist Fredrik slash through your ear drums. This song is a long one at over 7 minutes, but it never gets boring and always rages. Great work from these Swedes!

This is totally pounding and ripping thrash metal on display here. The guys can fucking jam, the riffs shred and the fingers are all over the fret boards at times. The drumming of Joel KILLS and he can get fast and attacking, as well as slower and nasty, with the best of them. The production and the sound of this are also old school, but you can hear everything, like those old Harris Johns recordings of the golden era. I HIGHLY recommend this to fans of blazing thrash, or just killer metal in general. Great work by Entrench and Abyss Records on this one!

Review link: http://www.metalmaniacs.com/2011/entrench-“inevitable-decay”-album-2011-abyss-records/



Entrench links:

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

Revebnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/entrench



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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase ENTRENCH "Inevitable Decay" CD go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=11203

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jux9aM8W0SU

Medley for FESTER's new album "A celebration of death" now online.



Norwegian FESTER will unleash "A celebration of death" early 2012 through Abyss Records.
A special tape edition will be released through Total Holocaust Records (Different art, alternative versions of several songs etc).
The art on the CD includes epic art of Eliran Kantor. The art on the tape edition (this video) is done by Artiom. This medley includes clips from - "Rites of Ceres"-"The black Tower"-"March of death"-"I'll hunt you down"-"Metalized"-"Jeg spytter på deg" and "Last day of battle pt I & II".

To view the clip go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xC_tqqTh ... ture=share

FESTER merchandise now available from Abyss Records: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... rds=fester

ITEM OF THE DAY


DEAD HORSE - BOIL(ING) 12" LP - 15.00 + S/H



Limited Edition of 1000 copies on Clear transparent w/ Red & Black Splatter 180 Gram Vinyl, 18" X 24" Poster,
4" Vinyl Sticker & FREE Download card.

Track list:
1. One Nation
2. What a Beautiful Day
3. Reach Around
4. My Apology
5. Eaten by the Grey
6. My Dog the Prophet
7. Someone

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=11198

MAAX (U.S.) set to play the Goregrowler's Ball



Following the release of their second full length album "Unholy Rock & Roll" earlier this month, Abyss Records artists MAAX (U.S.) will be performing at The Goregrowler’s Ball V Metal Festival on Saturday November 19th. More info on the Goregrowler's Ball can be seen below and for more info on MAAX and Abyss Records check out the following links.



Maax links:

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

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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/maax



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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Friday, November 18 at 5:30pm - November 20 at 11:30pm
Location:
The Korova
107 E Martin St
San Antonio, TX
ADMISSION: $28.00 ADV./$30.00 DAY OF (Per Day)
ADVANCE 3 DAY PASSES: $60.00 **Offer ends 10/31/11 or if passes sell out before. After 10/31/11, only single day passes will be available.**

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE NOW!!! ORDER THEM AT OUR OFFICIAL SITE AT http://www.goregrowlersballfest.com

SAN ANTONIO LOCAL TICKET OUTLETS:
HOGWILD RECORDS, FLIPSIDE RECORDS, TEXAS TRASH CLOTHING EXCHANGE.
Cash only at outlets. Subject to ticket fee.

These are the bands confirmed to participate in The Goregrowler’s Ball V Metal Festival.

FINAL RUNNING ORDER FOR EACH DAY:

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 18TH. DOORS AT 5PM

EXHUMED
GOATWHORE
IMPIETY
SOLSTICE
NOKTURNEL
HELLWITCH
GRAVEHILL
PUTRID PILE
NOISEAR
HAVOK
SARGON
ENABLER
UNCLEANSED
VAGINAL BEAR TRAP
EMPERIAL MASSACRE

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 19TH DOORS AT 12PM

BRUTAL TRUTH
HIRAX
INTERNAL BLEEDING
MALIGNANCY
DECEASED
FUNERUS
SACRIFICIAL SLAUGHTER
DEHUMANIZED
ATROCIOUS ABNORMALITY
HOD
CARDIAC ARREST
LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR
DERKETA
MAAX
VORE
LOCUSTA
SEVERANCE
BARING TEETH
GUTSAW
BLOWTORCH SODOMY
INFERNAL DAMNATION
FUNERAL RITES
VEX

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 20TH DOORS AT 1:30PM

SUFFOCATION
VIRAL LOAD
BLOODSOAKED
IMAGES OF VIOLENCE
MEATHOOK
ROTTENNESS
DROGHEDA
FACE OF RUIN
FACE OF OBLIVION
INVIDIOSUS
HOT GRAVES
THE MEATFUCKERS
DISFIGURED
ENGAGED IN MUTILATING
EXTREMELY ROTTEN
VOMIT GOD
GOREMATORY
PILLCRUSHER
FLESH HOARDER
EVISCERATED


Official Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/eve ... 1841559164

THOUSAND YEAR WAR (U.S.) Tyrants and Men DIGI CD review by http://alternativematter.net



By Tony

Thousand Year War is a relatively little-known death/viking metal band out of Sweden that started back in 2008. Their new release Tyrants and Men is their first studio album, and, not having heard any new viking metal in awhile, I was really eager to check this out.
The album is a good one, as the band is quite good at their craft. However, I’m still left feeling like I haven’t heard anything new. While the album is an epic joy to listen to, you could almost be forgiven for thinking you’re listening to Amon Amarth at several moments in tracks like “The Sea” and “One Final Breath.” Thankfully the album isn’t all of the same, with several tracks like “Open Casket” and “The Storm I Ride” being moreso melodic death metal tunes, but even these did feel a bit derivative, if quite enjoyable.
Despite this, one high point on the album was the song “No Gods, No Masters” which has an interesting feel to it in that the riff sounds almost happy or light-hearted, but still quite intense and visceral. Although the tone and theme is totally different, the songwriting for the guitar parts almost reminded me of German folk metallers Equilibrium, of whom I’m a huge fan.
Also of note is the production on the album. These are the most solid drums I’ve heard on any kind of death metal in awhile it feels like, and while the guitar is not insanely technical, it’s catchy and has a great tone for the vibe the band is going for. Vocals are also varied enough to at least not be repetitive.
Overall, while there may not be anything groundbreaking on Tyrants and Men, it will nonetheless have fans of the genre getting off their feet and throwing fists and horns in the air. I recommend checking it out as long as you’ve got realistic expectations.

Review link: http://alternativematter.net/reviews/th ... ts-and-men




Thousand Year War links:

Official Website: http://thousandyearwar.com/

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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/thousandyearwar



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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase THOUSAND YEAR WAR - Tyrants and Men DIGI CD and other THOUSAND YEAR WAR merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... d+year+war

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

ITEM OF THE DAY


NUNSLAUGHTER / THE SPAWN OF SATAN - SPLIT CD - 12.00 + S/H



Live July 19th 2002 at The Revolution in Parma, Ohio

Nunslaughter
1. Satanic Slut
2. Immune to Poison
3. Altar of the Dead
4. Church of Disgust
5. Midnight Mass
6. She Lives by Night
7. Killed by the Cross
8. Obsessed with the Visions of a Satanic Priest
The Spawn of Satan
9. Devil's Ransom
10. Witchcraft
11. The Master
12. The Everlasting Terror
13. Ritual Murder

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... ts_id=4307

THOUSAND YEAR WAR (U.S.) Interview by http://darkdoomgrinddeath.blogspot.com



By OccultBlackMetal

Thousand Year War Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

We had a line up change right before the official release of our debut
'Tyrants and Men'
Kellen who had played bass/guitar and helped with songwriting was
removed from the band for personal reasons and I took on Pablo
Magallanes(Guitar/Bass- Live Demonical, Live Internment) and am using
our session drummer from the first album, Fredrik Widigs(Live
Drums-Witchery, Live Drums-Demonical, The Ugly, Ex- Angrepp)

I just finished working on 5 new songs and a misfits cover of London
Dungeon for an EP entitled "Vulture Eyes"
The artwork is in the process is being finished and I believe Pablo
and Fredrik will be recording soon and I will be jumping into the
studio once that is all done for vocals. Right now its a pretty hard
time for me. Just moved back to the states and really struggling hard
to keep my head afloat and get Thousand Year War live. Trying to push
for a mini tour in the States!


2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album?

Its much much different....The influences are significantly more
subtle than Tyrants and Men and I doubt anyone will be thinking of
Amon Amarth when listening to the new tunes. Its very rocking and dark
metal! Title track vulture eyes almost has this black'n'roll feel to
it and its a really catchy song. Then you have Sombre as the Nightly
Shrouds is very dark, slow, but with riffs that really hook you in,
while bloodlines just rips you apart with aggression and melody. My
vocal approach is also much different in that Im straying away from
the lows while using mainly highs and a sort of low gravely singing
voice ....its very original but also fits the songs really well. When
you think some of the riffs are poppy my vocals will come in to being
a certain darkness and desperation to the mix.


3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explore with
the music?

The lyrical topics all have to do with opposition of Government, world
leaders, and organized religion. My lyrics hold as much importance as
to the music I write. I believe in every single word I write down!
When I look around I see a people that are being warped and
manipulated to function under control of the ruling powers. It is
really disheartening and dispiriting, but also inspirational as far as
lyrics are concerned. Seems like people are becoming the product the
new world order wants them to be.

Here is an excerpt from a new song Vulture Eyes that I especially like:

Take in what you see, below your black wings, a kingdom built on ruin
now laid in tragedy

The founders of this land, lay buried in the waste, memories of them
now the legacy of hate

Betray all that you know, soar high above the lands, rip flesh from
all the bodies, in this country of the damned!


America is simply one of the foundations of a sadistic kingdom murder
obsessed and power hungry....our founders were nothing but villains
and theives with intent on building an empire of injustice, and the
best democracy money can buy


4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

The name Thousand Year War is inspired by the holy war the crusaders
waged close to a Thousand Years Ago and how that war or crusade is
simply continuing on in the Middle East and orchestrated by the
leaders of the United States, England, and other countries....so
Thousand Year War


5. Are there any touring plans for the future?

Absolutely....but none of its really solidified at all. I really need
some session guys in the U.S.A to work with and we need a booking
agency. I 100% want to get a tour going to spread the word, get some
funding coming in, and gather up a broader audience. Desperately want
to get the music live in Europe. I hope summer 2012....



6. On a worldwide level how has your music been recieved by melodic
death/black metal fans?

It seems like its been very well received so far! I'm happy with the
response. There have been the typical Amon Amarth comparisons, but
everything has been real positive. Abyss Records and Clawhammer PR are
really doing a good job getting the word out there...I hear from
people all over the world that are enjoying the sound of TYW:)


7. Are there any projects besides this band or is this a full time line-up?

For me my focus is Thousand Year War right now...I just don't have
any time or energy for anything else. I have 2 kids and am married, so
this is plenty for me to concentrate on. Although I would do vocals
for anyone wanting someone to lay down some tracks studio wise of
course. Long as its just writing lyrics and and doing vocals I would
gladly take part in something else. But writing guitars takes a lot
out of me and I want to just do that in TYW. I really could see myself
eventually working on some old school black metal with an eerie
atmosphere. Something like Arckanum/Wolves in the Throne Room,
Gorgoroth. I enjoy alot of raw but well produced black metal. Its
great art and expression of the natural world.


8. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?

I see TYW taking on a sort of more black metal style and very
emotional.....a lot of feeling and depth. Sort of taking a step away
from the Swedish Death Metal while circling around it and embracing
certain elements of it. There is something very original in this
upcoming Vulture Eyes but its hard to say exactly what it is, if that
makes sense. I think I am finding our very own style....which is a
great thing!


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

Some bands that have influenced my music are Old Man's Child, Amon
Amarth, In Battle, Rotting Christ, Satariel, Composer Phillip
Glass...to name a few. But now I really don't find bands as being an
influence anymore. Feelings, anger, hope, despair, the great
wilderness, wars, human emotion, these are all being translated into
TYW's music.

Nowadays I am enjoying Astriaal, Cradle of Filth's new album,
Summoning,Heaven and Hell, Dio, Gorgoroth, Windir, the Misfits,
Primordial, Iron Maiden, Arckanum, Three Inches of Blood, Demonical,
Diabolical, Bane(BM band), Nordman, and some traditional scandinavian
folk.

There is this style of music called Deathcore and I FUCKING HATE IT.
Can't wait until it passes. Its just a stupid trend and a pissing
contest to see how complicated of a shit ass riff you can write and
throw together in one huge shit pile of a song. uhggg
Hopefully those bandana wearing, above the knee shorts sporting, penny
picking model styled half assed long haired d bags dance their dumb
asses out of the metal scene and onto the next dumb ass trend.
Necrophagist chartered those territories years before this trend with
tasteful songwriting and skill. Get a clue!


10. Does Paganism play any role in your music?
.
No, not at all. To me paganism is just a spin off of modern day
Christianity. They both feed off each other and I find them both
unappealing and just a tool used by people to control other people.
Concerning spirituality what I find I find attractive is the movements
by buddhist, tibetan monks, and the ways and beliefs of native
americans and other native tribes throughout the world. Power and
positivity through our minds is more impressive than having somebody
shove a bible, koran, or whatever and tell you what to believe and
think.


11.Outside of music what are some of your interests?

My interest is first of all my two kids and wife.....and I love being
out in old growth forests and away from people. I'm pretty much
obsessed with Disc Golf in a big way. Play at least an hour or more a
day...its a great game once you get really into it! I like studying
about Freemasonry, natural medicine, illuminati,ancient alien
existence, and any and all lost or deceased civilizations. We have so
much to learn from these people if we approach them with an open mind.
Used to do subsistence fishing in Alaska which I really
enjoyed....basically anytime I can hunt and gather I'm truly happy.


12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

I would like to thank you very much for the priviledge of this
interview!! If you enjoy TYW's music please purchase a cd from me
through paypal@ thousandyearwar@gmail.com 11$ including shipping(send
shipping info!)
And of course support our label and buy TYW Merch/CD's and other great
abyss records bands @ http://www.officialabyssrecords.com
Download our demo for free at http://www.thousandyearwar.com and
'Like' TYW at http://facebook.com/tyrantsandmen
Check out http://www.infowars.com for more info on the New World
Order......HAILS!!!

Interview link: http://darkdoomgrinddeath.blogspot.com/ ... rview.html



Thousand Year War links:

Official Website: http://thousandyearwar.com/

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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/thousandyearwar



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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase THOUSAND YEAR WAR - Tyrants and Men DIGI CD and other THOUSAND YEAR WAR merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... d+year+war

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

MAAX (U.S.) Unholy Rock and Roll DIGI CD review by http://occultblackmetalzine.blogspot.com



By OccultBlackMetal

Maax are a band from Indiana that has had their previous albums revewed as well as being interviewed by this zine that started out as being pure black metal but has evolved into a more black/thrash metal band over the years and this is a review of their 2011 album "Unholy Rock'n'Roll which was released by Abyss Records.

Drums range from slow, midpaced to fast drumming with a good amount of blast beats being thrown in, while the bass playing has a very dark tone with riffs that follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they have a very powerful sound to them..

Rhythm guitars range from slow, midpaced to fast riffs that combine black metal with thrash and speed metal along with some ocassional riffing that has a more traditional metal/rock feeling to them as well as some clean playing being utilized briefly on one song, while the lead guitars are very chaotic 80's underground metal guitar solos and leads.

Vocals are a mixture of high pitched black metal screams, deep growls and early 80's black/thrash metal type of singing as well as some ocassional gang shouting and samples being used briefly, while the lyrics cover Satanism, Luciferian, Occultism, Anti Christianity rock'n'roll and thrash, as for the production it has a very raw and primitive 80's extreme metal sound to it.

In my opinion this is another great album from Maax and if you enjoyed there last recording, you should enjoy this album. RECEMMONDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Coldest Steel" "Unholy Rock'n'Roll" "Do What Thou Wilt" and "Black Thrash Em All". RECEMMONDED BUY.

Review link: http://occultblackmetalzine.blogspot.co ... s2011.html




Maax links:

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

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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/maax



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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase MAAX - Unholy Rock and Roll DIGI CD and other Maax merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... words=maax

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYmZLEnfZ1o

To preview a song from their 2010 release "Six Pack Witchcraft" go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giNCctZobOE

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

ITEM OF THE DAY


ASPHYX - DEATH... THE BRUTAL WAY (LIMITED EDITION) SLIPCASE CD / DVD - 13.00 + S/H



Limited Edition Slipcase Edition w/ Bonus DVD

DISC 1:
1. Scorbutics
2. The Herald
3. Bloodswamp
4. Death The Brutal Way
5. Asphyx II (They Died As They Marched)
6. Eisenbahnmörser
7. Black Hole Storm
8. Riflegun Redeemer
9. Cape Horn
10. The Saw, The Torture, The Pain

DISC 2:
DVD (NTSC - ALL REGION) featuring the band's entire reunion show from:
2007's Party.San festival in Bad Berka, Germany.
1. Intro
2. Vermin
3. MS Bismarck
4. Serenade in Lead
5. The Sickening Dwell
6. Food for the Ignorant
7. The Krusher
8. Wasteland of Terror
9. Asphyx (Forgotten War)
10. Pages in Blood
11. The Rack
12. Last One on Earth

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... ts_id=6812

THOUSAND YEAR WAR (U.S.) Tyrants and Men DIGI CD review by http://www.hardcity.info



By Dimitris Lazdi

When a band makes a great success it is likely that it will have copies of. The reason for the hit on the now legendary Amon Amarth and comment on the course back to the THOUSAND YEAR WAR. Melo Death in the footsteps that have designed the Amon Amarth and the general Swedish school with a band to share the fate between Sweden and Alaska. Okay there are good compositions here and move everything in the known pattern which I have advanced. When epic as in No Gods, No Masters , and when heavy and unbearable as the opening of the album Defiance definitely are a band that fans of melodic Death Metal will love, but certainly not original. And this cuts to a large extent the way to glory. If you are fans of Death - viking Metal give it a listen. Surely, their compositions will be an enjoyable companion.

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

Review link: http://www.hardcity.info/2011/10/thousa ... d-men.html




Thousand Year War links:

Official Website: http://thousandyearwar.com/

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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/thousandyearwar



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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase THOUSAND YEAR WAR - Tyrants and Men DIGI CD and other THOUSAND YEAR WAR merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... d+year+war

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

Diabolical (Sweden) Ars Vitae CD 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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/diabolicalswe



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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase 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


TORMENTED - ROTTEN DEATH T-SHIRT (M - XL) - $15.00 + S/H

FRONT:

BACK:


To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... ED+T-Shirt

ENTRENCH (Sweden) Inevitable Decay CD review by http://www.metal-rules.com



By Carlos Llanas

Thrash metal is considered to be some of the fastest, meanest, and aggressive styles of metal out there. Its sole purpose is to wreck your fucking neck. That is exactly what Entrench managed to do with the release of their debut album "Inevitable Decay". Coming out of Västerås, Sweden, Entrench is as aggressive and relentless as the thrash gods of old. Many of the newer thrash bands sound too generic and weak, yet Entrench manages to keep the same level of ferocity the likes of Kreator circa "Pleasure to Kill" and Slayer's "Show no Mercy".

The album is an eight track thrashfest from start to finish. Songs like "As Dawn Breaks" and "Doubt What's Left" are chaotic tracks that have reverb filled aggressive vocals and speedy riffs with lots of fast picking. I even heard some Sodom and Possessed influences in these songs. Another cool thing about this album is that the songs are lengthy and very rarely does it sound repetitive. The creepiness of some of the riffs really set the mood right before it kicks you in the face with speed; it's a great mixture.

The album cover isn't an intricate piece of art or anything, but it flows and it looks like it belongs with the record. It gives off a very "old school" feeling; Back to the day when many bands just didn't have the money or means to have a masterpiece for an album cover. Entrench kept it true with this one. It's a town in ruins with a fire in the middle of it and no trace of life anywhere; "Inevitable Decay" indeed.

Overall, I enjoyed listening to this album. It took me back to a time when thrash was real. It's fast, it's loud, it's mean, and it fucking rules. It isn't anything new or anything that hasn't been done before, but Entrench does it very well. It is a very good buy for fans of Kreator/Sodom/Possessed style of thrash. I hope these guys stick around for a long time.

Rating: 4/5

Review link: http://www.metal-rules.com/review/viewr ... ter=&pos=1



Entrench links:

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

Revebnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/entrench



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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase ENTRENCH "Inevitable Decay" CD go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=11203

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jux9aM8W0SU

TORTURE DIVISION (Sweden) Evighetens Dårar DIGI CD review by http://www.apochs.net



By apochs

Torture Division is a Swedish Death Metal act that appears to enjoy doing things a little differently when it comes to recorded material. When you look at this three-pieces discography, you will start to see a pattern. Prior to their With Endless Wrath We bring Upon Thee Our Infernal Torture, the band issued three demos and a CD single, the single being the odd ball out here, as these releases were collected and issued on that very release. Once again, we find the band collecting their three demos that follow, which are simply Evighetens Dårar I - III, which makes the title of this demo compilation pretty obvious. But there happens to be a reason for all of this madness.

According to many articles available, Torture Division is a band that has a "free music" policy. All these tracks were made available on their website for free, never actually published, and included the artwork. So, why is it available for purchase through Abyss Records then? Well, according to information about the previous release, it is in an effort to gain the most exposure possible. The band owns the rights to the music still, not the label. The label doesn't even own the rights to the actual CD either. So, what this really boils down to is whether or not you want a physical property of the band, or if you're cheap and don't want to buy the disc. Either way, there is no shame on you, but one listen to the compilation factory press of Evighetens Dårar, and chances re good you'll want to buy it anyway. All three demos were mixed and mastered by Dan Swano, and you can really tell in the recording due to the signature quality that is typically linked to him, usually having a dark quality to the production that is just slightly raw, but still clear enough to that the vocals are understood, and the distortion doesn't get mangled as if it's like listening to a chord that just seems like it's been distorted from the start like some Swedish Death Metal acts sometimes issue, all making the performance sound as fierce as humanly possible, regardless of how poor it is, which in this case, it's far from poor to begin with.

For as much talent as Torture Division has on this release, it's hard to imagine that the band willingly records this material and gives it out, allowing the fans to do what they want with it. Evighetens Dårar is one of the finest Death Metal albums to come out in a long time, and there isn't a single bad song to be found on this recording. In fact, the further you get into the release, the stronger the music becomes. Much of the compilation is composed of fast paced material that just flows naturally from start to finish with a commanding presence. "Under Fire Command" is easily the most intense of the songs on the album, which is built up only by the previous songs, "The Axe Murderer" and "Righteous Fire Ensemble" slowly picking up the intensity with each track. The vocals are clear enough to be understood, yet the perfect pitch against the somewhat melodic and chaotic guitar chords and blasting drums, being very menacing and lyrically capturing exactly what Death Metal is all about.

Aside the general progression in intensity here and there, the music general transcends itself into other music styles. It's hard to ignore an ominous Napalm Death influence in some of the songs, sometimes even striking up on Napalm Death choruses, but without being a total rip off of the inspirational source. The more Grindcore and D-Beat influence lies within the speed of the music, which is blended seemlessly between the traditional Swedish Death Metal sound, holding a very menacing, melancholic melodic to the guitars, laced with punishing drums that have no problem matching the speed to the atmosphere they play, and merging nicely into blast beats that are executed perfectly and sound as intimidating as the vocals are from the start of the song until the very last word they utter in the song. While there's this nice combination of styles in the mix, there's also no denying the solid old-school approach that some of the material here contains. "Eld Och Plagor" is a candidate for that, having a much slower pace that carries a nice rhythm to it that is backed by strong rhythm guitars, both working together at times to put together an intense sound at the same speed that weakves a very haunting atmosphere. There also appears to be a breakdown in this song that would be similar to that of some of today's better off Deathcore bands, but suits the music nicely.

But, while the songs with that extra rhythm are fantastic and really stand out, there is no denying the Grindcore-based impact on the album stands as another solid foundation for the band. "Total Death Punishment" features some gang chants that appear briefly, fantastic blast beats, as well as drumming that equally keeps the pace of the faster guitars, all of which comes crushing down upon the listener with it's intensity. This is also the only song utilize some sound effects in the background, which is a very sinister laughter, but sounds more like a door opening. Of course, there's also "The Axe Murderer" which lasts only nine seconds in length. While it doesn't really do much, it winds up being rather enjoyable compared to some of the other Grindcore-based acts out there that issue albums with tracks that are as short as this.

Torture Division prove that some of the best things in life can truly be free, but if digital downloads aren't your thing, then Abyss Records answers your prayers with the band's Evighetens Dårar compilation. The songs presented on this release are fantastic, though they do wind up jumping around from one style to another quite a lot. The good thing about this jumping is that the band makes these jumps and transitions practically seemless and natural for the song, and the general intensity behind many of them matches the overall melancholic and intimidating atmosphere of the music being played by the band. If you haven't heard Torture Division yet, then there is absolutely no excuse. Free or not, this band, as well as this release/the demos the compose the release, are well worth looking into as soon as possible.

Review link: http://www.apochs.net/CDs/TortureDivisi ... Darar.html



Torture Division links:

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

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

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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/torturedivision



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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



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 release go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SIkZUsvT2A

ITEM OF THE DAY


POSSESSED - DEMOS 12" PICTURE LP - 17.00 + S/H



Limited Edition of 400 copies

"Death Metal" DEMO 1984
1. Death Metal
2. Evil Warriors
3. Burning In Hell
4. Fallen Angel
DEMO 1993
5. The Seventh Sign
6. Last Ritual
7. Human Extermination
DEMO 1991
8. The Martyr's Wake
9. The Seventh Sign

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... ts_id=8818

THOUSAND YEAR WAR (U.S.) Interview by http://alternativematter.net



By Tony

I recently had the awesome opportunity to interview Hiram Lohr of Thousand Year War about the inspiration for their awesome album Tyrants and Men, the state of the metal scene in the US, and current events in politics and the music industry. He certainly had some brilliant and interesting things to say. Without further ado…


1. What inspires you to write the music that you do? Does the majesty of the nature in a place like Alaska influence the sort of blackened feel some of the songs have?

A lot of times I will just be sitting alone with an acoustic guitar and riffs will come to my head….and other times I’ll be out in the woods and a melody comes to mind that I’ll translate to guitar as soon as I’m able too. Alaska as far as nature is truly inspirational. Often words or music really fall short in giving it justice! Nature in Alaska is nothing short of spiritual! I just moved out of there though….


2. Other than the oft-mentioned Amon Amarth that you guys get compared to, what would you say are your influences musically?

Well my influence for the Tyrants and Men record obviously had that strong Amon Amarth leaning…but the influences were many and included
everything from Satyricon, Astriaal, Dark Tranquility, Unlord, Satariel, etc.
But now my musical influences are really subtle. I think on Tyrants and Men we were really trying to find our sound just like everyone else is when they are first starting. But now with our upcoming EP it’s really developing into a sound that will be unique to TYW.


3. In an interview on the Abyss Records blog you mentioned there wasn’t too much of an inspired metal scene in Alaska, just lots of more mainstream type stuff. Where did you end up moving to, and how’s the music scene there?

I ended up moving back to where I grew up outside of Redding, CA (Northern California). I’m just here for the winter while planning a move near Portland, OR where there seems to be more metal heads and more of a metal scene. The scene here in Redding is almost exactly the same as in Alaska. hahaha. Not too excited about it and I’m struggling hard to get a live line-up here to play with. You have a lot of kids playing deathcore or over the hill musicians that really just want to get high or drunk rather than make pro music and play great shows.


4. What’s your goal with this release, or is there a message or theme you wanted to put out there with Tyrants and Men?

My goal is to get the name of TYW spread out across the world and gain more and more fans!!! The message in this album is very important and I’m hoping a lot of people in the metal scene catch on to it. The lyrics are very anti-government and defiant of the ruling elite group of human beings that are trying to turn people into brainless cattle. Hopefully people are awakened and inspired.


5. Do you have any tour plans to support the album?

Yes, for sure! I am dying to get out there live. I really am. Struggling right now to get a live line-up…..it’s hard in America. While Europe has this amazing metal scene and is choked full of musicians, here we really have a hard time forming serious metal bands, especially live. Geographically, America is a huge shit pile. Makes it hard for everyone to connect. There may be some like minded musicians out there but it’s a good possibility that we are separated by not only towns….but states.


6. What’s your opinion on the current state of the music industry?

Oh god…it seems fucked and amazing at all the same time! Hardly anyone is buying CD’s…you know of anyone buying CD’s now?? Only hardcore collectors. There are tons of people that know of our music and other underground artists’ music, but when it comes down to actually showing support by buying mp3′s…it doesn’t happen too often. When people steal (download) mp3′s without buy them they are fucking our labels and us in the ass. I try to explain that to everyone that is a fan and supporter of metal music. We put thousands of dollars, hours, blood sweat and tears into music creation and promotion…to have someone just steal our music after all of that is a real kick in the balls! Know what I mean?



7. What was the writing process for Tyrants and Men like, and how do you feel about the outcome?

Creating Tyrants and Men begin with me sitting in a freezing ass cabin in the coldest winter we have had in Southeast Alaska(2008) for a long
time, with guitar and nothing but my thoughts and isolation. I originally had about 7 songs that were going to become a long EP called Isolation. I moved up to Anchorage and got in contact with former member Kellen and we started melding together ideas from the guitar riffs that I was writing. The fusion turned into an excellent mix of melody and atmosphere. From there we would sit down and translate everything into Guitar Pro(which TYW is endorsed by) and after those were all completed they were sent to Fredrik Widigs(Session Drums) to record the drum tracks in Sweden.
I really like the outcome and I don’t think I would have done this particular album any differently. It’s really classic. I know there are
some strong comparisons to Amon Amarth, but that is just how it is when you create your first release…and from that I believe TYW has come into it’s own sound, and with this upcoming EP Vulture Eyes fans and critics will really see that! So Tyrants and Men was crucial and a necessary building block for TYW. I also am very proud of Tyrants and Men!


8. If your interview from Abyss Records was any indication, you’re pretty passionate when it comes to things like world events and social issues. What’s your opinion of the Occupy Wall Street movement? Do your beliefs show in your music at all?

Yeah…I really am. I think that movement is the result of people finally just getting fucking sick of the powers that be running everything into a huge shit show! Although there seems to be a lot of disorganization within this movement, I still think its good that a lot of people are finally opening their eyes to the corruption and selfishness of banking corporations and CEO’s that essentially could care less about anyone but themselves. I saw one video of a Iraq vet that stands up to over 20 cops and just screaming at them…asking them why they are hurting innocent people. That is very powerful and it seems like everyone there were very moved. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmEHcOc0Sys


9. What do you think you’d be doing if you weren’t playing music?

Insane…losing my mind somewhere travelling the roads of America. I really don’t know…music is my voice and source of inspiration and expression. I’m going nuts just not being able to play live right now. It’s just eating me away right now to know that I could be out there pushing the music and message of TYW out to new fans and supporters!!


10. Do you have anything else you want to say?

LIVE FREE! Don’t waste your life slaving to some sadistic system. If you don’t like the life your living…pick up your shit….kick rocks….and walk around, sleep under trees, and wander the world until you find happiness and freedom. I’ve been there before. Life is too short to be a unhappy little slave drone to a increasingly uninspired world. Be homeless if you have to! You’ll find yourself smiling at least more than being fucked in the ass by a shit ass job.
Thank you very much for this interview!!! keep up the great work, keep supporting metal, abyss records, and thousand year war!
Our demo is free on our site too…download it and please buy TYW music, and ‘Like’ our facebook band page!!


Interview link: http://alternativematter.net/interviews ... d-year-war



Thousand Year War links:

Official Website: http://thousandyearwar.com/

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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/thousandyearwar



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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase THOUSAND YEAR WAR - Tyrants and Men DIGI CD and other THOUSAND YEAR WAR merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... d+year+war

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

MAAX (U.S.) Unholy Rock and Roll DIGI CD review by http://www.nocleansinging.com



By Islander

I don’t know any actual zombies, reanimated corpses, or other manifestations of the walking dead. Not personally. But I can imagine that when they congregate among themselves to get shit-faced and party like the fucking ghouls they are, they’re crankin’ the new album by Maax.
I’ve been fumbling around trying to decide on a genre label for this music. As I listened to the first track, “Coldest Steel”, I was thinking “death ‘n’ roll”. But as I moved deeper into the grisly vomit-rocket of this album, that didn’t seem to fit. Later, I thought about “thrash ‘n’ roll”, because most of the songs do sound like a breed of thrash, but “thrash ‘n’ roll” really doesn’t capture the gory filth that pervades the music.
“Slut-fucking black thrash ”n’ roll”? I suppose that could work. “Alcoholic heavy metal hellfire”? Yeah, that has possibilities. “Entombed meet Motorhead, get blasted, and then dress up in the freshly flayed skin of the just dead and start jamming”? That’s getting closer. But I finally decided that the band itself nailed the description in the title of the sixth track: “Rot and Roll”.
Yes, there’s plenty of filth on Unholy Rock N Roll — distorted, buzzsaw guitars spinning with greedy voraciousness; blasting rock drum rolls and gut-busting bass lines; headbang-worthy hammer-riffs; feverish guitar solos that erupt like a rampant viral outbreak; and gruesome vocals that sound like they’re being vomited up from someplace far lower than the stomach. Put it all together and you get a kind of diseased thrash without the annoying classic-thrash vocals. In other words, sweetness!
As nasty as all the songs are, a big part of what makes this album such a kick to hear is the variety within it. There’s definitely a healthy dose of putrifying party-thrash (“Maax” is a good example), but in the latter half of the album, the music takes a pronounced turn toward black metal. “Overthrone” is a corpse-grinding motherfucker of BM malevolence, and “Black Thrash Em All” lives up to its name: thrash ‘em into mincemeat and let Satan sort ‘em out. And “Deliverer” is as grim and serious as a heart attack. starting as a death ‘n’ roll crusher and then becoming thoroughly charred.
The only slow song on the album is “Purge of Depravity”, but don’t worry: Even that song is just as disturbed as everything else. It sounds like the rambling mantra of a homeless person, accompanied by unhinged guitar noise.
Maax (pronounced “May-axe”) is from Indiana, and Unholy Rock N Roll is their second album. It’s out now and available in digi-CD format from Abyss Records or via digital download from iTunes and Amazon mp3. Link to the band’s Facebook page can be found below.
If you have any zombie friends you’re planning to visit, this album would make a nice housewarming gift

Review link: http://www.nocleansinging.com/2011/10/2 ... ck-n-roll/




Maax links:

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

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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/maax



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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase MAAX - Unholy Rock and Roll DIGI CD and other Maax merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... words=maax

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYmZLEnfZ1o

To preview a song from their 2010 release "Six Pack Witchcraft" go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giNCctZobOE

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

ITEM OF THE DAY


THYRFING - FARSOTSTIDER CD - 12.00 + S/H



1. Far åt Helvete
2. Jag Spår Fördärv
3. Farsotstider
4. Höst
5. Själavrak
6. Elddagjämning
7. Baldersbålet
8. Tiden Läker Intet

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... ts_id=3098

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



By MetalGeorge

After an impressive, evocative classical intro piece, Serbia’s Bane erupt into a halcyon whirlwind of semi-symphonic blackness with their Chaos, Darkness & Emptiness debut.
Bane-similar to the Indian group Demonic Resurrection-do great work in taking us back to the late 90s school of melodic death/black metal thought. Though the riffs fly fast ‘n furious here, they never lose their melodic lustre, and always seem primed, poised and aimed at sending the songwriting message straight to the heart of modern day metal falseness.
Practically everything surrounding Chaos, Darkness & Emptiness screams professionalism, from the massively ace production quality to the level of aggression found within the band’s compositions. Bane clearly have an ever-present focus in mind, and seem determined to bring Serbian metal up front and fucking center to the underground consciousness.
You know what I say? Good for them! As Sam Dunn’s Global Metal documentary showed us, Scandinavia and Germany aren’t the only proud metal countries out there, and Bane are proof that solid steel exists in countries all around the world.
What’s better is that Bane are also difficult to really pin down aesthetically. Though this album’s overall feel could be recommended for Behemoth fans, there really is a level of uniqueness which is intriguing on the surface; I truly hope Bane expands on this even further on future LPs.
Until then, Chaos, Darkness & Emptiness is a blower first full strike, and hopefully just the beginning signs of awesome things to come from this sick Serbian quartet.

Rating: B





Bane links:

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

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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/baneband



Abyss Records links:

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

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

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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:
To purchase 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

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



By OccultBlackMetal

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

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

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

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

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

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



Noctis Imperium links:

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

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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/noctisimperium



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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

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

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

ITEM OF THE DAY


FESTER - THE COMMITMENTS THAT SHATTERED... 1991-1992 CD - 15.00 + S/H



CD comes with 12 page booklet & limited to 1000 copies.

1. When Darkness Confirms
2. Persecution
3. Senses Are The True You
4. A Dogfight Leaves a Trace
5. Laughing Insanity
6. Deceitful Religion Dispute
7. I Hate You!
8. Visions Of The Macabre
9. The Commitments That Shattered
10. The Extacy
11. Entering...
12. A Dogfight Leaves A Trace
13. Sences Are The True You
14. Deceiful Religion Dispute
15. When Darkness Confirms

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... ts_id=8434

FESTER (Norway) Silence Remastered DIGI CD review by ochsenschaedel via http://www.metal-archives.com



By ochsenschaedel

unique, yet strange and calm northern bleakness

One of those unrecovered treasures of sinister norwegian metal must be FESTER’s second album. Not only as this is the first review but because they weren’t the most popular bands of their country when it comes to the style of their musick back in 1994. Black Metal was the big thing and Fester kicked off with “Winter of sin” as a supposedly band of this genre. Their first assault was quite OK, but with this attempt they managed to form a certain style of metal that put them a bit besides the common areas of black metal, in Norway and the rest of this rotten world.

“Silence”. There could not have been a better choice for the titel of that CD. Usually metal is supposed to be in your face, is meant to be somehow “loud”, direct, a streight look into your eyes. But this album is pure understatement, is shy, is the feeling of loneliness amongst thousand people. FESTER understood how to build their own niche of tasteful and relaxed, gloomy and mystic bleak metal. Yes, “Silence” is bleak, yet somehow filled with warmth.

Some words to the sound: low tuned, accentuated guitar tones meet strong pounding, strangely produced drum patterns. Quite traditional heavy metal riffing mostly mid tempo like performed. Every riff is placed with care, every melancholic melody line goes directly into your brain and won’t leave you. The unhurried tempo isn’t changed that often and thus you might think it’s a pure doom metal album, but it is not. There are not really any traditional doom metal riffs in there. Its rather heavy metal riffing inspired by calm black metal aesthetic feelings. You see, it’s not easy to described what those four young norwegians created here. It is definitely a sound that has NEVER been there before and has never been copied by any other bands.

And its not only the guiter- and drumsound, the melodies and structures that create this eerie feeling. The vocals are among the most strangest ever on a metal record. There is no screaming or growling, there is only this whispering voice, somehow mysterious and distant. Maybe later beeing re-covered (copied?) by danish dark folk band OF THE WAND AND THE MOON. Lyrics deal with loneliness, night, ravens, misery, death. Nothing special, but well done.

Eight tracks (plus one semi accustic/keyboard track) with a flawless line of great compositions and perhaps one “hit” that has to be “voices from the woods” with its majestic, keyboard-filled chorus. But my personal favourite for the last 14 years was always “growing thirst” with that great uptempo riffing and haunting melodies.

This album is trying to catch the mood of silence and loneliness as perfect as a metal album could ever do so. Its is a piece of art that you will recognize easily amongst 100.000 faceless albums.
- ochsenschaedel, January 27th, 2009

Rating: 90%

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



Fester links:

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

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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/festernorwaybm



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

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



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