And here it is, our 200th episode! Woohoo! No. 100 was a personal selection of the best songs, or most liked ones, we played in the 99 preceding ones. This time the idea popped up that again we should make a (personal) selection… of what we learned from each other’s tastes via the MetalCast. That is, the songs/bands that were new to us (depending on the crew member) and thus pick a song from those respective bands. As you can imagine, we’ve played a whole ocean of songs so far, so making a choice was not as easy. Each of us picked two songs, so in a way this episode is a trip back in time, but also shows that even we are not all-knowing on our own. Some picks may even be thanks to some of you, the listeners, when you requested band x or y to be played. Enjoy! P.S.: for this episode three hosts came together to celebrate it in a proper manner.


Hosting: Polina, Kobe, Si
Tracklist: Polina, Judit, Kobe, Si, Tim, Marcus

01. Amorphis – Magic & Mayhem
02. Powerwolf – Raise Your Fist Evangelist
03. Hate Eternal – Dogma Condemned
04. H.e.a.t – Late Night Lady
05. Baroness – Gnashing
06. Gojira – Oroborous
07. Serenity – Heartblood Symphony
08. Carach Angren – Van Der Decken’s Triumph
09. Deströyer 666 – I Am Not Deceived
10. Gwyllion – A Thousand Words
11. Týr – Tróndur í Gøtu
12. Threshold – Fighting for Breath

199 episodes, the 200th one so near. But what’s that? Non-Metal? Yep, we’re a bit fed up with all the riffing, blastbeats, arpeggios, growls, and so on. So we decided to shed a light on what we listen to or appreciate besides the divine sounds of the music style that is generally called Metal and exists in various forms. No, we’re not going to play Britney Spears or Justin Bieber or Puff Daddy/P Diddy/whatever or Tiësto or anything else like that. We like to keep it tasteful, decent, and varied enough as you are accustomed to. So, we offer you the flipside of the MetalCast coin. Rest assured, there still are links to Metal or Metal bands in this episode. Enjoy!


Hosting: Polina & Kobe
Tracklist: Polina, Judit, Kobe, Tim, Si, Marcus, Karsten

01. Mike Terrana – Revenge of the Cachaca (Jazz / Rock / Fusion)
02. Quantum Fantay – Portable Forest (Prog-Space Rock)
03. I dieci comandamenti – A Ciascuno La Sua Spada (Musical)
04. Stanton Moore – Knocker (Jazz / Funk)
05. Dornenreich – Sehnlauf (Ambient / Rock / Neofolk)
06. Hexvessel – The Tunnel at the end of the light (Darkwave / Psychedelic Folk Music)
07. Celtus – Moonchild (Irish Folk / Fusion)
08. Kreuzweg Ost – Oh no los so magnifico (Martial Industrial)
09. Los Lobos & Antonio Banderas – Cancion Del Mariachi (Mexican / Latin)
10. Lysergene – Neonflow (Down-Tempo Electro-Industrial)
11. Hexperos – Diadem Of The Night (Ethereal / Neo-Classical)
12. Dave Weckl Band – Swunk (Funk / Jazz)
13. Spock’s Beard – Time Has Come (Progressive Rock)

Coming closer to the magical no. 200! But before we present you that one, here’s another Extreme Special, so to speak. This one was requested by a Mr. Thomas Kelley, one of our listeners, asking to compile a list of bands with which he/we/you (?) grew up with. Since Power Metal, for example, wasn’t that big, the list mainly consists of Thrash, Death and Black Metal bands like Cannibal Corpse, Deicide, Ancient, Hypocrisy, Cradle Of Filth, Satyricon, Marduk, Sepultura, Grave, and Slayer. While most of us have the required material, we let our Extreme Metal specialist Marcus have the joy of picking the songs. Well, he actually didn’t leave us much time. In any case, for you veterans out there, it’s a trip back in time. For you youngsters, listen and learn. But foremost, enjoy! Cheers!


Hosting: Si
Tracklist: Marcus

01. Satyricon – The Dawn of a New Age
02. Slayer – Circle of Beliefs
03. Ancient – Trumps of an Archangel
04. Deicide – In Hell I Burn
05. Hypocrisy – Inferior Devoties
06. Marduk – Darkness It Shall Be
07. Grave – Severing Flesh
08. Cannibal Corpse – Beyond the Cemetery
09. Death – Vacant Planets
10. Emperor – Thus Spake the Nightspirit
11. Sepultura – Desperate Cry
12. Cradle of Filth – Queen of Winter, Throned

Latin Metal or Metal with exotic influences. That was the basis for this episode. While there are many bands that incorporate such elements into their compositions, it’s not always easy to find those bands, let alone find them appropriate for this episode. One example our quest originated from was Diablo Swing Orchestra. And so the crew searched wherever they could and found bands and songs that would make this a very interesting Special. Once again we explore the boundaries of Metal, or better, the exotic terrains of Metal. As spring is drawing near, the weather improves and this episode should already put you in the right mood.Tune in, leave your feedback at the usual places and keep on rocking!

Hosting: Polina & Kobe
Tracklist: Polina, Marcus, Si

01. Diablo Swing Orchestra – A Rancid Romance
02. Sex Machineguns – Brazil Carnival
03. Uaral – Niche
04. Musth – Let Go In Mexico
05. Flametal – Bruja Tortura
06. Ankla – Living Legend
07. Tierramystica – Away From The Dream
08. Kiko Loureiro – Se Entrega, Corisco!
09. Puya – No Hay Mal Que Por Bien No Venga
10. Chaska – Pururauca

And we’ve got another regular this time, with a nice balance between extreme stuff and more listenable songs. Several bands have so far brought out new material: Destruction, Shakra, Degradation, Sequester, Lifelover, etc… Of course Europe is taking the lion’s share again, for obvious reasons. If American (incl. South), Canadian, Asian or even Australian bands don’t have their release(s) made available in Europe or by other means, then we cannot play them. We would love to shift our focus on bands outside of Europe and each of them can always contact us to be played. But I guess you’ll agree that Europe still has a lot to offer, in various genres. To counter we added a few bands from across the Atlantic. In any case, even your suggestions are still very welcome if it helps to broaden and diversify the playlist. Keep on rocking and stay tuned.

Hosting: Polina
Tracklist: Judit, Si, Tim, Marcus

01. Degradation – The Reckoning
02. Destruction – Sorcerer Of Black Magic
03. Ghost – Con Clavi Con Dio
04. Icewind – Oh Winter Morning
05. Lifelover – Svart Galla
06. Vörgus – Hellfueled Satanic Action
07. Sequester – Taunted by fate’s mirage
08. Shakra – Back On Track
09. Sabbat – Total Destruction
10. Thyrfing – Hels Vite

Kobe said “Go!”, Tim said “I can add 10.” The others were happy with having more free time. And so it happened. There’s of course plenty more that can be added, but since new material has been acquired and bought, it would be a shame to not spread the word about those bands. A word of thanks in any case to Vesa Ruokangas from Violent Journey Records from Finland for providing the songs of Ordog and Cyphosis (for this episode). You’ll see that Scandinavia is well represented this time, but that’s also because it’s one of the regions where Metal is grand and continues to spawn many bands in several genres. We had a Hungarian Special in 2007 (EP 29), but since then not that much Hungarian Metal has been played. The Folk Metal band Dalriada just released a new album, which we couldn’t ignore. Enjoy and as usual, your feedback is very much appreciated.

Hosting: Polina & Kobe
Tracklist: Tim

01. Axenstar – Dogs Of War
02. Lords Of The Trident – Legions Of Hypocrisy
03. Abysmal Dawn – Pixilated Ignorance
04. Preach – Path To Solace
05. Cyphosis – Nine Seas
06. Ordog – Human Shell
07. Dalriada – Igeret
08. Voodoo Circle – King Of YOur Dreams
09. Battlelore – Kärmessurma
10. Moonsorrow – Munaiset

Marcus:

1. Negură Bunget – Vîrstele Pamîntului
2. Alcest – Écailles de Lune
3. Agalloch – Marrow of the Spirit
4. Solefald – Norrøn Livskunst
5. Sigh – Scenes from Hell
6. Aborym – Psychogrotesque
7. While Heaven Wept – Triumph:Tragedy:Transcendence (Live at The Hammer of Doom Festival)
8. Ihsahn – After
9. Mael Mórdha – Manannán
10. Shining – Blackjazz

Si: the order only known to him.

1. FINNTROLL – Nifelvind
2. DOOMSHINE – Piper at the gates of doom
3. WUTHERING HEIGHTS – Salt
4. PRIMITIVE GRAVEN IMAGE – Celebrating impending chaos
5. EIBON LA FURIES – Blood of the realm
6. WINTERFYLLETH – The Mercian sphere
7. HUMUT TABAL – Gods ov darkness, hate and flame
8. A FOREST OF STARS – Opportunistic thieves of spring
9. SABATON – Coat of arms
10. THAUROROD – Upon haunted battlefields

Judit:

1. Delirion – Lotus
2. Sabaton – Coat of Arms
3. Rhapsody of Fire – The Frozen Tears of Angels
4. Dark Moor – Ancestral Romance
5. Rage – Strings to a Web
6. Kamelot – Poetry for the Poisoned
7. Labyrinth – Return of the Heaven Denied
8. Helloween – 7 Sinners
9. Salamandra – Time to Change
10. Divine Sword – Beyond Reality

Tim:

1. Avantasia – Angel Of Babylon / Avantasia – The Wicked Symphony
2. Orden Ogan – Easton Hope
3. Ancient Bards – The Alliance Of The Kings
4. Tristania – Rubicon
5. Vanden Plas – The Seraphic Clockwork
6. Pretty Maids – Pandemonium
7. Helstar – Glory Of Chaos
8. Magic Kingdom – Symphony Of War
9. Fatal Injury – The Dictatorship Of Blindness
10. Perpetuum – Gradual Decay Of Conscience

We’ve had band specials in the past and a few artist/musician specials, but our latest addition to the crew, aka Si Smith, seems to be a big Martin Walkyier fan. You might know him from bands like Sabbat, Skyclad, The Clan Destined and Hell, but also from guest appearances for, for example, Suidakra, Skilltron, Cradle of Filth and so on. in addition, Si had the pleasure and honour to have a chat with mr. Walkyier, so you not only get an overview of Martin’s career, he will even tell you about it. So tune in, enjoy and when done, please leave your feedback at the usual places. Cheers!

Hosting: Si
Tracklist: Si
Interview: Si

01. The Clan Destined – Devil for a day
02. Sabbat – A cautionary tale
03. Cradle of Filth – For those who died
04. Sabbat – The Clerical Conspiracy
05. Skyclad – The Declaration of Indifference
06. Skiltron – Spinning Jenny
07. Suidakra – The one-piece puzzle
08. Skyclad – The thread of evermore
09. Elvenking – The penny dreadful
10. The Clan Destined – Beautiful start to the end of the world

Our very own Si Smith has the pleasure and honour to host you through this new episode. Also because three other members were enjoying Rhapsody Of Fire’s gig in Belgium on Friday (Kobe, Polina and Tim). But that didn’t prevent anyone from adding songs. The list is focused on the extreme side of Metal with a few Black Metal bands, mixed with Thrash ones. Present: Eibon La Furies (with whom Si had an interview), In Lingua Morta, Impaled Nazarene, Witchery, Lazarus A.D., Legion Of The Damned and Acid Death. Countering is done by Firewind and Nightware. Also, we’ve got a new band from New Zealand, keeping the old school intact: Razorwyre. On a general level, all songs are as recent as can be and there should be material for each of you. Enjoy, have a great weekend and see you around! Cheers!

Hosting: Si
Tracklist: Si, Marcus, Tim, Judit
Interview: Si

01. Firewind – Embrace the sun
02. Witchery – From dead to worse
03. Razorwyre – Party of five
04. Acid Death – Crossing the line
05. Legion of the Damned – Killzone
06. Impaled Nazarene – Convulsing uncontrollably
07. Eibon La Furies – I am Whitechapel
08. Lazarus AD – The ultimate sacrifice
09. Nightmare – Wicked white demons
10. In Lingua Mortua – Like the ocean

The initial plan and suggestion (by Kobe) for a Southern Special meant playing songs from countries in the south, like Spain, Portugal, Italy, South America, etc… the warm regions, the more exotic stuff. One musical example, even though they’re from up north, is Diablo Swing Orchestra. Alas, our quest led nowhere. Or better, it never took off to venture into those regions and find similar material, aka Latin Metal. But we’ll find enough songs some day. Until then, the decision was sort of made to make it a Southern Rock/Metal Special then, since that’s what everyone knows when referring to this style. Black Label Society, Rebel Meets Rebel, Orange Goblin, Down, Alabama Thunderpussy and several more made it onto the list. So get set to have a fun time. Cheers!

Hosting: Polina
Tracklist: Si, Marcus, Tim

01. Kickhunter – Shy Shy Shy
02. Corrosion of Conformity – Dirty Hands Empty Pockets – Already Gone
03. Black Label Society – Southern Dissolution
04. Alabama Thunderpussy – Words of the Dying Man
05. Down – New Orleans is A Dying Whore
06. The New Black – Altar Boys
07. Redneck Remedy – Bleed
08. Rebel Meets Rebel – Rebel Meets Rebel
09. Place of Skulls – The Maker
10. Orange Goblin – Beginners Guide to Suicide

2011 is a good month old and already there’s quality material available. In this new, regular episode we’ve got Onslaught, Artas, Meadows End, Mr. Scarecrow and Scorner who already put out something this year. But fear not, the rest of the playlist is filled with material from last year, like Atheist, which, according to Kobe, should have been featured in one of our two Best Of episodes. But better later than not. EP 191 is also an aggressive and destructive one, judging by the kinds of bands and genres. An excellent way to bang the head that doesn’t bang and get energized for the flood of releases that’s yet to come.

Hosting: Polina, Kobe
Tracklist: Polina, Judit, Si, Marcus, Kobe, Tim
Interview: Si

01. Meadows End – Homeland
02. Onslaught – Rest In Pieces
03. Trick Or Treat – Loser Song
04. Scorner – Dark Passenger
05. Primitive Graven Image – A Gruesome Relic Of Death And Decay
06. Wizards – I remember
07. Artas – Fortress Of No Hope
08. Atheist – Faux King Christ
09. Lemuria – A Coming Storm
10. Mr. Scarecrow – I’ve Been To The Mountaintop

From India we fly directly to Japan for the Anime Metal Soundtrack episode. Since all bands featured on this episode are from Japan, you might as well consider this another Nation Special. But it’s not that, as the focus lies on Anime, Japanese animation. This is found in comics, cartoons, films and yes, even music. Maybe not specifically under the term Metal, rather J-Rock. Our master host Kobe, coincidentally a Japanese name , suggested this specific Special. Having Naruto and Bleach in his collection, it is a start. Our dearest Marcusss and Si also contributed to the playlist. As usual, enjoy this trip into the unknown (depending on your knowledge).

Hosting: Kobe
Tracklist: Si, Marcus, Kobe

01. Eizo Japan – Samurai Sentai Shinkenger
02. High And Mighty Color – Ichirin no Hana
03. Aikaryu – Ryunen on the Contrary
04. Detroit Metal City – Death Penis
05. Unlucky Morpheus – Next Season
06. Eizo Sakamoto – Akiramenai
07. Sex Machineguns – Mikan no Uta
08. Asriel – Metamorphose
09. Animetal – Zankoku na Tenshi no Teeze
10. Takanashi Yasuharu – Kenkonitteki
11. Takanashi Yasuharu – Keisei Gyakuten

Alongside Demonic Resurrection, Kryptos can be seen as one of the most longest standing Indian metal bands. Their music has been described as ” an amalgamation of aggressive riffing, melodic lines and ambient drumming”. I spoke to Nolan Lewis, guitarist/vocalist of this metal monster.

We are having an Indian Metal Special here on the Metalcast and we are hearing great things from India regarding new bands starting up and other bands like yourselves who have now been on the scene for many years. How is the current state of metal where you are in India?

Nolan – Hello to everyone at Metalcast and thanks for the interview.
Metal is really on an upswing here in India and has been on the rise for the last 5 years essentially. Although the metal scene started in the 90’s in India it was really small with just a few bands scattered all over the country. Sometime around 2005-2006 everything just exploded and there are more metal bands now than ever before in India. A lot of bands are releasing albums and gigging a lot and some bands like us and Demonic Resurrection recently toured Europe so things are moving really quickly. The scene is looking pretty healthy right now on the whole.

Many bands are surfacing from India playing all genres from thrash to death to grind. Would you say that there is an identifiable sound or philosophy that underlies Indian metal?

Nolan – I think it’ll take a while before Indian metal can really be called ‘Indian Metal’. There really isn’t a particular defining element that differentiates the bands here from the ones in Europe or the States although lyrically a lot of bands here tend to write more about what affects them in India. Probably in the next 5 – 10 years Indian metal will have more of an identity but as of right now it’s still early days.

You all name classic Heavy Metal bands as your favorite bands for example Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. Does this shape the particular brand of metal that you play?

Nolan – Oh yeah definitely. Those two bands in particular are our biggest influences. We all grew up listening to 80’s metal so it comes naturally to us. Everything from the denim and leather, the twin guitar licks, the songwriting etc all comes from the 80’s. That was definitely the golden era of metal for sure. But at the same time we are also influenced by thrash and doom bands like Kreator, Coroner, Candlemass etc so when we write we usually end up with a union of the melodic 80’s stuff and the heavier thrash elements, which pretty much give us our own sound in a strange way. It sounds familiar but different at the same time haha.

Your debut album Spiral Ascent was released in 2004 and cemented your reputation as serious metal hopefuls. The songwriting is quite complex on this as are the lyrics. Where did the lyrical inspiration come for some of these great titles like Expedition to Abnormalia and In Twilights Grace?

Nolan – The lyrics were actually written by our ex bassist/vocalist Ganesh K. He wrote some really great and pretty abstract lyrics for that album. If I’m not mistaken Expedition To Abnormalia was basically about someone searching for utopia but when he finally finds it, it eventually turns out to be just a façade and all his searching has been in vain. In Twilight’s Grace was about child abuse and how traumatic it can be, which is why that particular song is pretty somber and gloomy.

Of course we know that nothing can kill the metal. But what would you say are the major problems that you had to overcome whilst trying to get your metal out there? What would your advice be to other would-be bands that might be facing similar problems?

Nolan – We’ve had a lot of problems over the years. It was never easy being a metal band in India and it still isn’t. There was a time when we had terrible equipment, had to travel incredible distances to play a single gig, deal with shifty promoters, financial issues etc. Basically all the shit every band goes through but considering we live in such a huge country that only 4-5 years ago started advancing economically and technologically, we’ve had it really rough. Before that there was practically nothing. But anyway we pulled through and things are a lot better and easier nowadays. The only advice we can give other bands that go through the same thing is HANG IN THERE. If you really love what you do then don’t give up no matter what. What doesn’t break us only makes us stronger.

You signed with an American record label. How was it having to deal with business partners so far from India? How well do you feel that they caught on to the spirit of what you were trying to do with Kryptos?

Nolan – Yeah we signed with OSM Records from California in 2007. It’s been pretty great so far. The label boss Patrick is really cool and everything is very straightforward. We’re all fans of this sort of music first and foremost so it was a no brainer signing with them. Thanks to OSM our music has reached places around the world we never thought it would reach. We get people writing to us from countries like Argentina, Germany, Mexico, Australia etc, which is absolutely amazing.

The Ark of Gemini was another metal masterpiece and surfaced in 2008. How do you feel this improved on your debut album? Is there anything you would have done differently?

Nolan – I can’t really say if it improved on our debut since they both have their strengths but I would say it was closer to the sound we were trying to achieve. But yeah there are a lot of things I would’ve loved to change. For starters we didn’t have much money to record the album so the production suffered a bit although it still has a very raw charm to it. Also the band went through a lineup change just a few months before we hit the studios and I had to take over the vocals pretty quickly so things might have turned out a bit differently if we recorded the album about a year later. Either way it still turned out pretty damn good so no real complaints haha.

In the summer of 2010 you did a mini tour of Europe visiting Hungary, Germany and Switzerland. How were you received by these audiences? Generally speaking did you find that people were already aware of Indian metal?

Nolan – The response was fantastic. Most people there didn’t really know metal bands existed in India so they were pretty surprised when they saw us. I guess not many knew what to expect from us but once we got on stage we made sure we got everyone’s heads banging. We made a ton of new friends and of course drank a LOT of beer so it was definitely worth the effort to make it all the way there and we’ll be back in Europe next year for sure.

Your press pack states that you have now played over 300 gigs – how do you keep yourselves fresh and the music exciting for listeners?

Nolan – It might seem like a fair amount but 300 gigs over 10 years equates to around 2-3 gigs a month, which really isn’t much. With so much time on our hands between gigs it’s pretty easy to get bored and complacent so we try to write new music during the time off or do some other stuff so when we start getting ready for gigs we’re pretty relaxed and ready to rip. The most difficult part of course is keeping our gigs exciting, especially for people who have seen us many times. We’ve played quite a lot in our home city Bangalore so every now and then we change the set list or try and play something new we’ve been working on or something to that effect. Once our new album is done we should be able to deal with that particular problem quite comfortably.

Finally where do you think the future lies for Indian metal? Is illegal downloading a problem for Indian bands?

Nolan – Indian metal could really break through internationally over the next 5 years as long as bands here stick to what they’re doing and try and take a few risks. One thing the scene over here needs is more worldwide media exposure so that people outside India know about the bands here. It’s happening slowly, which is a good thing so hopefully it will really take off soon. As far as illegal downloading is concerned it’s not that big a problem since most Indian bands price their cds at a reasonably inexpensive price. I’d say the main problem bands have here is juggling music with all the day to day nonsense of a typical Indian society.

Thank you for taking time to talk to us at the Metalcast. We wish you success in the future. More metal to ya!!!

Nolan – Thanks a lot. It was a pleasure. Rock hard, ride free. Cheers!

Indian Extreme Metal is much of an unknown for us in the West but for DEMONIC RESURRECTION it is an unmistakeable way of life. Dripping with anticipation I crept into the demon’s lair to indulge in a quick human sacrifice with DEMONSTEALER…

For us in the West, the Indian metal scene is almost a complete unknown. Our only connections seem to be via film, with “Global metal” (in which Demonic Resurrection played a part) and also Iron Maiden’s “Flight 666″ where multitudes of dedicated Indian Maiden fans are filmed in Mumbai flying the flag for metal. How would you describe the metal scene in India, and what would you say is your part in it?

Demonstealer: The metal scene in India is one that is evolving and just about getting in shape. We are getting an influx of international metal bands coming here like Lamb Of God, Meshuggah, Enslaved etc and each year there are more bands than the previous. There are a lot more bands and the focus for all bands is to write good original music and record it. Quality of recordings, performances, merchandise etc is also reaching a standard. We even have a few labels that are just about staying alive. But there is growth, there are good bands and there are now opportunities and avenues for bands to continue playing music. My part has been mainly with Demonic Resurrection, my record label Demonstealer Records that has released almost every major Indian metal band at some point in their career and a festival organized by myself and Husain from DR called the Resurrection festival. I’d done whatever I can to support Indian metal and promote it. It has been my life for the last decade.

Demonic Resurrection started life as a bunch of teenagers 10 years ago – how was the feel of the band then, and did you all have the same idea about how you should sound?

Demonstealer: Basically the band started with me writing music on my own and wanting musicians to play that music. So it was kind of me being a dominating force creatively so everyone who joined kind of knew the sound of the band already and we had like a a truckload of lineup changes over the 1st year. So everyone has joined the band knowing the sound of the band. Over the years the other members have had a significant contribution in the bands sound and it’s evolution. Like in 2003 when we reformed with a new lineup and in 2007-2008 when Viru and Daniel joined the band.

After a short period of success the band disbanded in 2002 – how do you personally come back from something like that and regain the strength to carry on (I believe you are now the only remaining member)?

Demonstealer: Demonic Resurrection has been my life for the last decade. I dropped out of college when I was 19 and just worked at a studio as a sound engineer. So I really gave myself no choice but to ensure that come hell or high-water Demonic Resurrection will live. Trust me it can get pretty depressing, not being people quit but because it is so hard to find good musicians. Especially drummers in India who can play fast double bass and blast beats and play it tight are very hard to come by. So all said and done I’ve had my low moments but its always been etched in my mind that we’ll survive anything and everything.

It wasn’t until October 2005 that the reformed Demonic Resurrection released the album “A Darkness Decends”, the first in what has become known as “The Darkness Trilogy”. How did the new sound differ from the old Demonic Resurreciton? What was it like trying to work on your own label, Demonstealer records, at the same time?

Demonstealer: The 1st album Demonstealer was a fairly amateur effort, considering I’d been playing guitar for barely 2 years and surprisingly not practiced too much because I originally wanted to be a vocalist. But we also had female vocals and there was a strong gothic vibe as well because I was into bands like Theatre of Tragedy, Lacuna Coil and Sin’s of Thy Beloved etc. However when the new line-up got together we said we’ll drop the old songs and write new music and we tried a female vocalist but it didn’t fit. Mephisto bought a more symphonic element to the sound while JP the drummer bought in a stronger death metal influence while my guitar playing style had evolved to a more fast tremolo picking black metal style. I also had a lot of power metal influences vocally and melodically and because my singing wasn’t upto the mark we got guest singers for the album so it was a huge change. About the label I just put the name down made a logo and took it from there and when I figured I was getting the hang of things and doing a good job I opened it to other bands as well.

Your EP “Beyond the darkness” saw a slightly more experimental feel to your music. Was this a conscious decision, or just the result of line-up changes? How did the fans react?

Demonstealer: After ‘A Darkness Descends’ I wrote a bunch of songs which eventually became the EP. In fact one of the songs I wrote didn’t go into the EP and eventually went into my solo album. But I don’t know if it was really conscious decision but JP had left and I was listening to a lot of new music and was inspired to write something different from what we did on the album. When the EP released it actually did get some negative comments from fans but it was mostly from those who liked the black metal elements in DRs music so they weren’t really open to these new sounds and I think they probably don’t like the new album as well.

Being featured on Sam Dunn’s “Global metal” was surely a milestone in the band’s history. In what ways did affect the international profile of the band, if any? Is there anything you regret about that experience?

Demonstealer: I definitely think it got us a lot of eyeballs and myspace hits and friends. I’m not sure there is any direct affect of it because it’s not like suddenly all the labels, booking agents and promoters came knocking on our doors. We still had to work a long time after that to get where we are but yeah it was great for us and we are really happy we got to represent Indian metal. There is nothing I regret at all about the experience except the fact that a few jealous Indian bands or their fans came out handing flyers saying ‘this is not the real scene and band xyz should be there’ and some other garbage and I’m glad Sam didn’t showcase that in the movie. I’ve never spoken about this incident in public before but you asked and I’m not always diplomatic.

2009 saw you touring quite extensively, and sharing stages with bands such as Opeth and Amon Amarth. Ia there any place you have not visited yet that you would really like to play?

Demonstealer: Wacken, Summer Breeze, Bloodstock, Party Sans, Hole In The Sky etc… I could go on and on. We have so many more place to go and play in the world and we’ve only just begun. Locally we’ve played a whole bunch of cities apart from the major metro’s where we never expected to play and I want to play every single city in India as well. India is huge so there are many places we’ve not played.

Finally in August 2009 you returned to the studio to record the last of the three Darkness records – “The Return to Darkness”. You initially did all this still on your own label, but before long you attracted the interest of Candlelight records. How did that come about? Has it changed the way the band works at all?

Demonstealer: Well in 2009 I released Behemoth’s album Evangelion in India through my label and while I did lose money on that because it didn’t sell as well as I hoped it definitely got a whole bunch of labels emailing me asking me if I wanted to license their catalog. Candlelight emailed me asking if wanted to release the new Ihsahn album and while I really would have loved to because I’m a huge fan I had to decline. However I sent them an email asking if they were interested in DR and they replied positively and that is how the deal came about. The band still functions the same way. DSR manages the band and handles all the management responsibilities so the band just focuses on making music.

The album was finally released worldwide in July 2010 on Candlelight. It seems to have genrated a great deal of critical acclaim. What for you is the highlight of that album?

Demonstealer: For me the highlight is the fact that our fans in India loved the album, the press here did as well and I was obviously very anxious and worried about how it would be received by the international metal press but we’ve got about 80% of good reviews and a few ok and maybe 2 bad reviews so far (can’t please everyone) but yeah Metal Hammer and Terrorizer rated it 8/10 and Scream Magazine Norway rated it 5/6 so that is a major highlight for us.

You have since played festivals in Europe, namely the Inferno festival in Norway and also one in the Czech republic. How have European audiences responded to your music? Is there anything you have learned from these experiences that you will take with you back to India?

Demonstealer: Yes definitely. I learnt how to run a festival and how much time it actually takes for change overs and how 2 stages is always better than 1. Not to mention the awesome hospitality and the fact that the amount of meat available in the catering section is just awesome

But getting to the way the audiences responded, it was un-fucking believable. I’ve attached a picture for you even. In Norway we were nervous. I mean this was Norway the home of black metal and here we are Indian’s trying to play some part of that music but they loved us, we got a great response the venue was packed and we had a few guys in front who knew the lyrics so we were just really stoked. As for Brutal Assault, what can I say, 5000 crazy metal fans and all those hands in the air. What a sight it was! We got a fantastic response and we are so grateful to everyone for it.

DEMONIC RESURRECTION after Brutal Assault

Your career so far has certainly been one of the longest for an Indian band so far (as far as we in the West know). Where do you see the future of Demonic Resurrection? Will we be seeing more international action from you guys?

Demonstealer: Almost the longest, our good friends in Kryptos have been at it for 12 years and kicking ass, not to mention the non metal bands in India who have lasted 15 odd years so there are a few.

We are definitely aiming for more international action, we’re hoping do to a round of festivals next year and we are working hard to make that a reality. January 2011 is the release date for the album in the US so we are looking forward to that but yeah we are going to work our asses off to improve musically, to tour more, to just kick some ass and maybe it will all pay off, and if not we keep trying till it does.

In conclusion, thanks very much for your time. We wish you the best in the future, and hope that every connection you make brings you more fans across the globe!!

Demonstealer: Thank you for this interview, it has been a pleasure
Cheers & Stay Demonic!

Interview by Si Smith
Jan 2011

Our last Nation Special dates from June 2010, when we were in The Netherlands. Since then we got a request (or two, by Ishaan Kumar) to travel to India. Now, not a lot is known about the scene there and of course we had enough work trying to find bands from that country. Thanks to the brilliance of our beloved Marcus and Si, a tracklist could be compiled. You’ll notice that most material is to be cataloged under Extreme Metal (Thrash, Death, Black), but luckily there is countering in the form of Power and Progressive Metal. In short, it’s a learning trip for us all and who knows, perhaps this will help these bands to get a European or American deal, if only for distribution. So tune in, enjoy and take care.

Hosting: Si
Tracklist: Si, Marcus

01. Blood and Iron – Blood Oath
02. Age After Armageddon – Call to the Vikings
03. The Demonstealer – The Empty Wasteland of Despair
04. Nerverek – Flesh for food
05. Heathen Beast – Religious Genocide
06. Demonic Resurrection – Journey to Solaris
07. Silver Tears – Dirt beyond Beauty
08. Exhumation – On the platter
09. Kryptos – Heretic supreme
10. Amogh Symphony – Greenhouse Effect

*meaning movies I saw at the cinema which were released in 2010 and not necessarily made in the mentioned year . A personal list, of course

The list is alphabetically arranged:

A Prophet

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1235166/

IMDB: A young Arab man is sent to a French prison where he becomes a mafia kingpin.

My thoughts: This is a movie which I recommended here on the MetalCast Show. I won’t type more things about it as we have an entire post dedicated to A Prophet. I just want to say that if you haven’t seen it, please do. If you enjoy good cinema, you won’t regret it . Not that I only watch good movies, I have my share of silly and even Z-grade movies as well, but why would I recommend them?

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Baarìa

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1081935/

IMDB: Baaria is Sicilian slang for Bagheria where Tornatore was born and this is an autobiographic epic of three generations in this Sicilian village.

My thoughts: Beautiful movie, beautiful locations, beautiful language. I have been a Tornatore fan for almost two decades now. I watched Cinema Paradiso when I was only ten years old and got obsessed with “these kind of movies”, you know, “different movies”, not the ones I watched on TV all the time. I really enjoy movies that tell stories about life, about a nostalgic past and Baarìa has it all. Besides, I love Italy, the South, the North, all the country. I actually think and plan about moving there when I retire in many years, hehe.

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Bakjwi

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0762073/

IMDB: Sang-hyun, a priest working for a hospital, selflessly volunteers for a secret vaccine development project intended to eradicate a deadly virus. However, the virus eventually takes over the priest. He nearly dies, but makes a miraculous recovery by an accidental transfusion of vampire blood. He realizes his sole reason for living: the pleasures of the flesh.

My thoughts: Another majestic Korean movie. South Korea filmmakers have been releasing so many great films that it is hard to watch them all. Thirst was directed by Chan-wook Park (Oldboy, Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, Lady Vengeance) and if you already fan of his works this one won’t let you down. Kang-ho Song, one of the most praised actors in South Korea (and one of my favorites) stars this movie as the priest.

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Biutiful.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1164999/

IMDB: This is a story of a man in free fall. On the road to redemption, darkness lights his way. Connected with the afterlife, Uxbal is a tragic hero and father of two who’s sensing the danger of death. He struggles with a tainted reality and a fate that works against him in order to forgive, for love, and forever.

My thoughts: This is a very interesting movie staring the great Javier Bardem. I don’t want to speak a lot about this movie because I can add some info that mighjt be considered as spoilers (in fact I didn’t add many info in all of the films on this list because of this). I just want to add that Biutiful is, in my humble opinion, the proof that Alejandro González Iñárritu can be considered one of the best directors of his generation.

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Chugyeogja

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1190539/

IMDB: Joong-ho is a dirty detective turned pimp in financial trouble as several of his girls have recently disappeared without clearing their debts. While trying to track them down, he finds a clue that the vanished girls were all called up by a same client whom one of his girls is meeting with right now.

My thoughts: This is another difficult movie to talk about without containing spoilers on the info. If you are familiar with Korean cinema, then you can be sure that Chugyeogja has all the elements that makes South Korea cinema so great.

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Enter the Void

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1191111/

IMDB: A drug-dealing teen is killed in Japan, after which he reappears as a ghost to watch over his sister.

My thoughts: For me Gaspar Noé’s movies are a hit or miss, there’s no middle ground. I find Seul contre tous one of the best movies ever, but others (especially the short ones) didn’t please me at all. This, of course, is a hit. This is a very stylish movie and it contains all of the Gaspar Noé’s polemic elements (although not as polemic as Irréversible or Seul contre tous).

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Essential Killing

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1561768/

IMDB: A Taliban member who lives in Afghanistan is taken captive by the Americans after killing three American soldiers. He is transferred to Europe for interrogation but manages to escape from his captors and becomes an escaped convict on a continent he does not know.

My thoughts: Also another recommended movie on the MetalCast Show. Vincent Gallo’s performance is emblematic. You truly feel his despair. The locations are beautiful and the movie is very well made. It indeed should be more well-known.

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Mother

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1216496/

IMDB: A mother lives quietly with her twenty-eight-year-old son, Do-joon, providing herbs and acupuncture to neighbors. One day, a girl is brutally murdered, and Do-joon is charged with the killing. Now, it’s his mother’s call whether to prove him innocent or to leave him imprisoned.

My thoughts: The third movie that hails from South Korea and also recommended on the MetalCast Show website. You gotta love the ending . I say this is a masterpiece in which you can somewhat relate and feel the anxiety and despair of a mother.

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Ponyo

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0876563/

IMDB: The son of a sailor, 5-year old Sosuke lives a quiet life on an oceanside cliff with his mother Lisa. One fateful day, he finds a beautiful goldfish trapped in a bottle on the beach and upon rescuing her, names her Ponyo. But she is no ordinary goldfish. The daughter of a masterful wizard and a sea goddess, Ponyo uses her father’s magic to transform herself into a young girl and quickly falls in love with Sosuke, but the use of such powerful sorcery causes a dangerous imbalance in the world. As the moon steadily draws nearer to the earth and Ponyo’s father sends the ocean’s mighty waves to find his daughter, the two children embark on an adventure of a lifetime to save the world and fulfill Ponyo’s dreams of becoming human.

My thoughts: A Japanese animation directed by the master Hayao Miyazaki. If you want to let yourself go into a fantastic magical world for a few hours and forget about your problems and in the end feel uplifted, watch any Miyazaki animation. Like his characters, his movies are magic. And the “drawings” are very beautiful as well.

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Sergio

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1333656/

IMDB: A look at the life and work of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Sergio Vieira de Mello, and the rescue operation when he was trapped and injured by a bomb explosion at UN headquarters in Baghdad.

My thoughts: This is an outstanding documentary. Sérgio was/ is one of my personal heroes. A Brazilian diplomat, Sérgio was an intelligent, gentle man who wanted to change the world into a better place. He truly believed that. And for this he suffered a terrible fate. There’s no way not to shed one or two tears seeing all the footage showing what happened in Iraq. He should be always remembered and praised.

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Shutter Island

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1130884/

IMDB: Drama set in 1954, U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels is investigating the disappearance of a murderess who escaped from a hospital for the criminally insane and is presumed to be hiding on the remote Shutter Island.

My thoughts: Yes, I added Shutter Island and not Inception. I like Shutter Island much better, the plot, the cinematography, everything. This Martin Scorsese/ Leonardo DiCaprio partnership is something to be regarded by cinema fans. So far they have only participated in great movies. I wasn’t really a Leonardo DiCaprio fan until I watched the amazing The Aviator. Now I mostly look forward to his movies.

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The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1132620/

IMDB: Forty years ago, Harriet Vanger disappeared from a family gathering on the island owned and inhabited by the powerful Vanger clan. Her body was never found, yet her uncle is convinced it was murder and that the killer is a member of his own tightly knit but dysfunctional family. He employs disgraced financial journalist Mikael Blomkvist and the tattooed, ruthless computer hacker Lisbeth Salander to investigate. When the pair link Harriet’s disappearance to a number of grotesque murders from almost forty years ago, they begin to unravel a dark and appalling family history. But the Vanger’s are a secretive clan, and Blomkvist and Salander are about to find out just how far they are prepared to go to protect themselves.

My thoughts: Swedish cinema… I have a passion for it. Even the boring movies… hehe, but this is not the case. This is a great thriller that grabs your attention.  If you don’t know about it yet, there are some rape scenes which, obviously, are terrible to see, but this doesn’t affect the integrity of the movie. It is indeed highly recommended. By the way, a Swedish friend of mine recommended it to, so I have to thank him too!

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The Ghost Writer

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1139328/

IMDB: A ghostwriter hired to complete the memoirs of a former British prime minister uncovers secrets that put his own life in jeopardy.

My thoughts: I watched The Ghost Writer for the first time when I was in an airplane heading to Portugal. Overall, I enjoyed it, but I slept for a few minutes, hehe, and had to watch it again. Roman Polanski, the director, not the man, is so talented. He is a man with many masterpieces. The Ghost Writer may not be one of them, but it’s a very solid movie and it also grabs your attention.

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The Secret in Their Eyes

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1305806/

IMDB: A retired legal counselor writes a novel hoping to find closure for one of his past unresolved homicide cases and for his unreciprocated love with his superior – both of which still haunt him decades later.

My thoughts: Argentinean cinema school is one of the best in the world, I dare to say. Their movies are very well made and, most of the time, deep. Beautiful photography and indeed respectable acting are one of the many positive aspects. The Secret in Their Eyes was directed by Juan José Campanella, a director tat truly deserves more recognition. Ricardo Darín should also be mentioned. He is simply one hell of an actor.

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The White Ribbon

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1149362/

IMDB: Strange events happen in a small village in the north of Germany during the years just before World War I, which seem to be ritual punishment. The abused and suppressed children of the villagers seem to be at the heart of this mystery.

My thoughts: German director Michael Haneke is among my favorite ones. I always try to get my friends into his movies, but they all hate most of them, except Funny Games. I can’t explain why I love his movies, I simply do. There’s nothing philosophical or pretentions behind it, simply the fact that I like the films he makes. Beautifully shot, The White Ribbon is a movie for Haneke fans only. If you don’t like any of his movies, you’ll probably hate this one. The young actor Leonard Proxauf should get more and more roles. A superb actor, I should say.

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I still haven’t had the time to go and see some of the most praised movies such as Black Swan.

We hope you enjoyed our first flashback of 2010. Of course the majority of the tracks were of the melodic kind, but that’s also because 2010 was a year where these kinds of releases stood out more than the extreme ones. However, both will always be present aplenty, with varying quality, obviously. Without much further ado, here’s our second flashback of 2010. Enjoy, have a great year and don’t hesitate to let us know what you thought of 2010, which releases stood out for you, which didn’t, etc… Cheers!

Hosting: Kobina
Tracklist: Judit,Polina, Tim, Kobe, Si, Marcus

01. Alcest – Percées de Lumière
02. Doomshine – River of January
03. Delirion – Walls and Waves
04. Blind Guardian – Curse My Name
05. Avantasia – States Of Matter
06. Dark Moor – Tilt at Windmills
07. Solefald – Norrøn Livskunst
08. Pretty Maids – Cielo Drive
09. Enslaved – Lightening
10. Wuthering Heights – Desperate poet
11. Helloween – Raise The Noise
12. Exodus – The Ballad Of Leonard And Charles

The year 2010 has come to an end. As usual, the market was flooded with releases, too many to list them all, let alone listen to them all. And like before and as it happens each year underground talent comes to the forefront to help carry the flame. Some succeed, others fail miserably, so to speak. Big names continue to put out quality material, others had a dip, it seems. The opinions are again divided, but this past year was one where melodic Metal stood out, this in the styles Heavy, Power, Progressive. But the extremer sorts also delivered their share to counter as much as possible. While we played lots of stuff from several of these styles, it is logical lots will not be featured. We keep our objective standing: diversity is key and we tried to make the playlist accordingly. Star One, Sigh, Perpetuum, Ancient Bards, Sabaton, Finntroll and more were selected by our specialized crew.

Hosting: Kobina
Tracklist: Judit,Polina, Tim, Kobe, Si, Marcus

01. Allen Lande – The Showdown
01. Ancient Bards – Only The Brave
01. Kamelot – If Tomorrow Came
01. Sigh – Prelude to The Oracle
01. Star One – Human See, Human Do
01. Finntroll – Solsagan
01. H.e.a.t – Black Night
01. Sabaton – The Final Solution
01. Perpetuum – Into The Deepest Darkness
01. Rhapsody Of Fire – Danza Di Fuoco E Ghiaccio
01. Aborym – III
01. Shining – Blackjazz Deathtrance

No X-Mas carols this time, sorry. But as the weather’s cold and what now, we hope you can warm yourselves a bit with the melodic and melancholic tunes from a wide range of bands, eh, styles. Our beloved Marcus had a very nice talk with While Heaven Wept mainman Tom Phillips about the band, their latest (live) release and more. So, see it as our Christmas gift for you this year. Don’t worry, we didn’t forget the beer, as Tankard was kind enough to provide some. We’ll be taking a break after this one, which means the next episode is scheduled for January 9, 2011. Merry X-Mas, Happy New Year (or however it’s called for you ) and more to all of you. Thanks for your support all those months and years and we hope to hear from you again next year. Cheers from the entire TMC crew and take care!

Hosting: Kobe
Tracklist: Judit, Tim, Kobe, Si, Marcus
Interview: Marcus

01. Solefald – Stridsljod
02. Therion – Kali Yoga III
03. Katra – Vendetta
04. While Heaven Wept – Living Sepulchre
05. While Heaven Wept – Vessel
06. Signum Regis – Dura Europos
07. Tank – Judgement Day
08. Elenium – Caught In A Wheel
09. Tankard – Fat Snatchers (The Hippo Effect)
10. Baroness – Swollen & Halo

It appears our beloved Brazilian master of (fill in), aka Marcus, cannot wait to be fully back in town. Since Agalloch has a new release out, and this being one of his favourite bands, the man worked on an entire Agalloch Special. To not make it monotonous, the playlist consists of Agalloch material and that of other bands that play comparable music. This choice is inline with our (unwritten) rule to show you and you and you the beauty of Metal, also outside the standard boundaries. On top of that, Marcus had an interview with the band or at least one member. Who? Tune in to find out. Keep it warm, enjoy the tunes and as usual, leave your feedback at the known places. Cheers!

Hosting: Si
Tracklist & Interview: Marcus

01. Negură Bunget – Chei de rouă
02. Agalloch – Dead Winter Days
03. Mael Mórdha – The Gaelic Twilight
04. Agalloch – Falling Snow
05. Primordial – Traitors Gate
06. Agalloch – I Am the Wooden Doors
07. Agalloch – The Watcher’s Monolith
08. Empyrium – The Blue Mists of Night
09. Drudkh – Twilight Aureole
10. The Fall of Every Season – The Triumphant Beast

You guys originate from Al Fuhais in central Jordan. We often hear about problems that other bands have had in the Middle East being able to practice and play metal. Was there any reaction from the religious communities in your area when you started up?

Ramzi: Yes sure, its very hard to find a jamming place or even keep our instruments in one place, its even harder to find a studio to record in or a sound engineer with experience in metal music… and there are ZERO metal concerts in jordan its officially banned from the government so you can say its a dead scene for metal and a salute anyone who survive in such conditions and be able to release albums.

Your first demo “Dysphoria” was completed in 2003, which included two songs that were over 11 minutes long and an instrumental. Was this a risky move to make for a brand new band? How did you go about spreading the demo if heavy metal is banned in your country?

Ramzi: The demo was just a start, you need a base to start from and that base should have strong material behind it… we published the demo online and sent few samples to media and got very good feedback resulted in recorded our first album (Dysphoria) in 2005 that put Bilocate on the metal map and received great reviews, the album was produced and recorded by us and back then having no proper equipments the quality was not what we wanted but yet everyone understood this fact and enjoyed the music as it is… next year in 2011 we are re-releasing dysphoria with a whole new production and many changes in the tracks and it will have 2 un-released singles as well… then we are sure that it will take the same appreciation of our latest album Sudden Death Syndrome.

Subsequently you reworked this material and added to it to produce a full length under the same title in 2005. How did each band member contribute to the making of this full-length?

Ramzi: hmmm each one of the band has his own role, and we all contribute in composing music each one with his instrument…this is way our music is marked as original because it came from different influences and techniques.

This first CD included a 20-minute track that has been labelled “the longest song ever created by an Arabian metal band”. Where did you get your inspiration for such epic material?

Ramzi: We have a lot in our pockets, we don’t compose music just to have tones .. we have a message and we feel that we need to deliver it no matter how much time we had to put, the track is an opera everyone loved it and it varies so you feel like you are in a journey, the music keeps you going without feeling that it took you 20 mins to finish… the new production of the track which will be released in 2011 will also take it to another level.

In 2006 you released a couple of video tracks to promote the music. How did this input from outside production companies manage to capture the “spirit” of the band?

Ramzi: To be frank the videos we done closely with the band, we co-produced the videos and its stories and we worked step by step with the directors which are close friends and fans of Bilocate, this helped a lot and the result was satisfying as you might saw.

Your most recent release is “Sudden Death Syndrome”, which was mixed and mastered in Sweden. How difficult was it doing some of the work for the album in Dubai and some in Sweden?

Ramzi: It was difficult to even compose the album as 4 members lives in jordan and my self (Ramzi Essayed – Vocalist) i live in dubai and our lead guitarist lives in KSA me and him moved to work and build our careers.. but we managed to compose a full album, working with Nash (In The Mix Studis – Dubai) and Jens Bogren (Sweden) was a great, both of them are very professional and know exactly how to handle remote production, this helped a lot and we are grateful for both of them for the help and knowledge they gave to us… our next release will be done the same way as we wont find better professionals to support us.

Lyrically many of your songs on the new album seem to have a strong spiritual element – angels, the divine, battles between light and darkness – topics which have always made great doom lyrics, from Black Sabbath to Trouble to Candlemass. Do these views represent any kind of coherent belief system for you?

Ramzi: Definitely, we talk about our lives and what happened in our region, everything we wrote was a real life experience that we witness everyday and you need to live in this part of the world for a while to fully understand.
We see death and hear about it almost everyday since decades, tragedies and war are like air and water here to the point that it became a good place to make stories about in movies but reality always have a deeper understanding and effect.

You have now played a number of festivals, sharing the stage with bands such as Melechesh, Sepultura and Kreator. Do you find it easy to get together to practice for live performances suah as these? Are there any particular bands you would love to play with in the future?

Ramzi: well man its not easy at all, we don’t have a fixed jamming place and to be honest for each festival we jammed together maybe once just before our stage time. yet we managed to give the fans one hell of a performance as you can see by your self on youtube, we believe in what we do and we taught our selves how to memorize the tracks by heart individually and perform as one on stage.

We would love to share the stage with Bloodbath, Opeth and my dying bride… and many others in our list i think each member will have his own fav bands to play with someday.

Recently the band has signed endorsement deals with ENGL Amps, MAYONES Guitars, Radial and ISP. How are these kind of deals useful for the future of the band?

Ramzi: its very useful equipments wise which will reflect on the sound quality and live performance as you know, when you have proper instruments and gear you perform better and sound better and even it helps a lot in recording as you might notice in our next release. those brands appreciated our music and dedication and have us huge support which we need.

Most importantly: you are currently working on a new album. How near completion is this and can you gives us any tasters of the new material?

Ramzi: We are currently working on 2 releases one is a re-recording of our first album Dysphoria with 2 new singles and many changes on the tracks that will be released in the beginning of 2011 and a whole new album which we started already that will be released late 2011 or early 2012… as for the taste we will be releasing a track from the coming release soon and you will be informed, just keep following our news on Facebook, myspace and twitter.

May I thank you for taking the time to answer this interview. Is there any message you have for potential fans across the world?

Ramzi: Thank you very much for the interview and our message is simple, just understand our music and live our experience and journey.

Si Smith
December 2010

Back from our Sunday church, we soldier on with the intensity and devotion of before. 2010 is nearing its end, but that doesn’t mean we ran out of material. Food for everyone, from Helstar, Grave Digger, Dark Moor over Apocalyptica and Helloween to Bilocate, Deathspell Omega and more. We travelled quite a lot: Germany, Czech Republic, France, Jordan, Spain, USA, Finland, Ukraine and Norway. Or better, we sent our dear Si to look for some unknown material. His flights to Jordan and Ukraine (and back) went very well, though he only had his tent to sleep in. We couldn’t risk giving him funds, for fear of him spending too much. Either way, enjoy and may this episode be inspirational for the holidays. Cheers!

Hosting: Kobe
Tracklist: Polina, Judit, Marcus, Si, Tim

01. Helloween – Far In The Future
02. Deathspell Omega – Epiklesis II
03. Dark Moor – Gadir
04. Virvel Av Morkerhatet – When God is dead…
05. Grave Digger – Paid In Blood
06. Umbrtka – Rodina
07. Apocalyptica – Bring Them To Light
08. Vulture Industries – The Hangman’s Hatch
09. Helstar – Monarch Of Bloodshed
10. Bilocate – Ebtehal

Christian? Metal?
Despite our fascination with the dark side, there seems to have been an alternative strain of light-tinged metal stretching out from the fretboard, from the early doom-meanderings of Trouble’s “Psalm 9″ to the yellow-and-black hair attack that was Stryper. One of the latest incarnations to walk the water of contemporary metal is America’s A HILL TO DIE UPON: not self-righteous preachers or fiery evangelists, but humble metalheads who are passionate about their metal. And this is our common denominator: in the same way that I can enjoy listening to Burzum even though I disagree with Varg on many fundamentals of belief. I caught up with one of A Hill To Die Upon’s founder members Michael Cook to discuss matters of metal:

Thanks for agreeing to the interview. For those who don’t know, AHTDU are from the USA, and genre descriptions of their music range from black metal to death metal to melodic death and melodic black. How would you actually describe your music?

Blackened death I think would be the closest we could come to pinning it down. We have really been influenced by bands like Behemoth and Belphegor and how they blended the styles. We think death metal is great, and black metal is great, but when you mix them it takes things up to a whole new level.

You formed in 2005, beginning the band with two brothers Adam and Michael. What was the music like in those early days, and how does it compare to your present incarnation?

It was just hardcore back then. Hardcore was so popular back then and that was the heaviest music we knew existed. Our music back then was pretty straight forward and we had a very similar song structure, but if you listened to our music now and then, I doubt you could put them together.

Before long it was clear that there was a “religious” element to the band. Did this encounter any resistance at all from the metal scene around you?

Being as we live in Illinois, there really isn’t a metal scene! There has been a pretty negative reception from a lot of people, but it really depends. Us being Christians really bothers some people, and some people just want to listen to metal.

Your first full-length release was “Infinite Titanic Immortal” in 2009. I have to say that must be one of my favourite album covers – is there any symbolism there? Or is it just a great picture?

Thank you! Bogdan Amidzic did a fantastic job. There is not a great meaning overall, but there is a lot of little things. The two-headed eagle is something we’ve always liked and we wanted to see it in full flesh. That’s about as far as that goes, but when you fold out the other panel you can see a pyramid that refers to the song “Eclipse of Serpents.” There is a lot of Lord of the Rings references too. You can see a war elephant, and if you look close enough, a little Gandalf figure. That wasn’t intentional, but the artist knew we were LOTR fans and so he put it in.

There is a lot of imagery in your songs – mythological references (as in “Prometheus rebound”) or nature images of starved wolves and eclipsing serpents. Where do you find your inspiration, lyrically and musically?

We get musical inspiration from all over, but mostly good metal bands like Behemoth, Watain, Satyricon, or Keep of Kalessin. We listen to these bands and then try our own take on what they’ve done. It has to be powerful, luring, and fast. That’s why we listen to it. Lyrically, anything that fits with the music. The lyrics you put to metal have to fit the sound, just like any genre. We are all big mythology, science fiction, and history geeks. That’s what excites us. We can write songs about what we believe, using images we love, and sounds we love.

You managed to get Ravn (ex Antestor, Frosthardr) to play bass on the album, but recently you declared that he had left the band due to work and family commitments. Have you found a relpacement bass player yet?

Yeah, he only played with us for a little while, but it was good while he was here. Now Adam has picked up the bass and Elisha has taken up all of the guitar duties. This is how we are operating until we find someone else, but it is working very well and we are in no hurry to get a bass player.

At this time you are about to embark on a tour of Mexico, culminating in the Metal Morfosis Festival in Guanajuato, and you recently finished a tour of the mid-West with Divulgence and A Hero Remains. How does touring impact on the band? Do you have any tried and tested routines for coping with the touring period?

Touring definitely legitimizes you in your own mind if not the minds of others. If you haven’t toured, you aren’t quite a serious band, you know? We haven’t toured a lot, but when we have it really focused us and made being in a band a more mature thing. Spending so much time together really bonds you and that makes things easier in the end. All the small things in a band become routine and it’s easier to focus on the music. We don’t really have any methods for getting through it except a lot of prayer and goofy jokes, and everyone in general just knows to try and stay off everyone else’s nerves. Everyone is responsible for not acting like a dick and that usually works.

You have sometimes said that you are not actually a “Christian band” as such, more like a metal band whose members happen to be Christians. In what ways does your faith affect your music or your life as musicians?

This has been a very confusing question for Christian musicians over the last decade I think. On one hand, our music is Christian like Behemoth’s is satanic. However, Behemoth doesn’t worship satan and has a very aggressive message, but we do worship Yahweh but our message is a lot less aggressive than theirs. So, you make the call, I guess. I think the thing people are most concerned about is whether we preach from the stage or not: we don’t. If come to see us, it will just be metal. If you read the lyrics or talk to us, that will be a different story.

In my journey through the metal world I encounter many individuals who think that the words “Christian” and “metal” should never be linked, and that whenever it is, there will be a bunch of self-righteous elitists who look down on the “non-Christian” masses they have to mix with. How would you answer that kind of observation?

Sadly, for the most part I think it is true. We (Christians) have earned quite the reputation over the past two-thousand years and I think we deserve all the crap we get for it. The church has been one of the most hateful groups of people on earth. However, I can tell you that we are finally starting to see this. A lot of Christians, including, have been realizing this and trying to remedy it. As for us in AHTDU, we hope, in some small way to change this. We want to actually live the way Jesus said, and that’s the hardest thing any of us have ever attempted, but its the also the most rewarding we’ve ever done. A lot people see church-goers as self-righteous, and I think that is too often true. That’s sad to me because that is what Jesus was against.

Back to more down to earth topics, you have posted a couple of demos from the new album up on your myspace page. I notice that one of the new song titles is a translation of the medieval spell / charm “Abracadabra” and includes a quote from Dante’s Inferno – is this some kind of indication of the diversity we can expect from the new album? (Have you started recording yet?)

Yes! It will be very diverse and we are extremely excited about it. We have not started recording yet, but the writing, for the most part, is done. It should release it sometime this summer. A lot is still up in the air, but I can promise that it will blow “Infinite Titanic Immortal” out of the water!

Finally, we need to know: what is your 5-step plan for world domination? And have you a final message for our listeners at the Metalcast?

Five steps to world domination?
1. replace Oprah and absorb her power
2. sell to China
3. mine space
4. join Dogbert
5. double check previous steps. I think if you did these you would be well on your way. As for a final message, don’t stop listening to metal, going to shows, or playing metal. And, of course, listen to the Metalcast!

Si Smith
December 2010

Si, the newest addition to the crew, made his debut with the excellent Underground Black Metal Special. But his eagerness for more is hard to stop at the moment and with the help of several of you – to be precise, Kelly Hoffart, Brandon Archer, Andrew Helinski and Andrew Bowcock – there was enough material for him to put this new episode together. Religion is a sensitive subject, especially the last number of years. Many kinds exist with each many followers and one not always agreeing with the other. Either way, because of the suggested material it became clear the episode would focus on christianity, in a more positive light. Not the anti path. The examples are legio and even if you’re neither religious nor a christian, in the end the music is still very much Metal. And that’s what matters. To each his/her own, as the saying goes. Enjoy the tunes and feel free to leave feedback in a peaceful manner.

Hosting: Si
Tracklist: Si

01. Trouble – The Wolf
02. Crimson Moonlight – Embraced by the beauty of cold
03. Extol – Ember
04. Divinefire – The world’s on fire
05. Slechtvalk – Call to arms
06. Holy Blood – Shining Sun
07. Mehida – Land of Oblivion
08. A Hill To Die Upon – Prometheus Rebound
09. Becoming the Archetype – Dichotomy
10. Virgin Black – Museum of Iscariot

01 – First of all, thank you very much for taking your time to answer the MetalCast Show interview. I hope you’re doing fine. As Alcest is one band that has many listeners on our show, I don’t think a long introduction is needed, but please, tell us a bit about you and Alcest to start this interview.

Hello! The most important thing to know about Alcest is that the musical side of this project is just the outside part of the iceberg if I can say. The only goal of Alcest’s songs, lyrics and images is to give a more concrete shape to a very personal esoterical experience I had in my younger age.

02 – “Écailles de lune” is beautiful. Even though “Souvenirs d’un Autre Monde” left me speechless after I heard it for the first time, I enjoyed quite much you adding some Black Metal/ harsh vocals on your new release. How was the response from the fans so far?

Thanks a lot for the compliment! “Ecailles…” had a great response for the audience. I love both firsts albums but speaking about feedbacks “Souvenirs…” had more “love or hate” ones.

03 – I know it’s early to say something about this, since Alcest latest album was released now in 2010, but do you have any idea on how your next release should sound? Do you believe it will be on the “Souvenirs d’un Autre Monde” approach or “Écailles de lune”?

The next album composition is almost finished! I am working really a lot on this record since I absolutely want to reach at least the same quality level of two first albums. From the songs I already have I think I will achieve this. The new album will be like a synthesis of everything I made with Alcest since “Le Secret”, it has the ecstatic/fresh feeling of “Souvenirs…” but kept the maturity, very epic passages and progressive structures of “Ecailles”. I think this will be the most epic and powerful Alcest album to date.

04 – Somewhat connected to the previous question, when I heard “Souvenirs d’un Autre Monde” I had this nostalgic feeling and it reminded me of some movies such as “Je suis le seigneur du château”, “Le château de ma mère”, “L’argent de poche”, “La gloire de mon père” and many others (there’s no need to mention them all). I think that these movies are somewhat related to “Souvenirs d’un Autre Monde” because all of them show some of the beautiful aspects of childhood, although your album has a different, more esoteric approach. Have you watched these movies and how do you feel about this comparison? Again, this is only about the childhood approach

I don’t think I have seen any of these movies, but you know Alcest has not much to do with childhood. It’s only about describing, reflecting feelings linked to this experience I had as a child, visions from another plane of existence, another world. What interests me in childhood is innocence, which is for me a tool to reach different levels of perception that the ones we have when we grow up. (Note by the interviewer: indeed what I wanted to say, about the innocence of the childhood, especially with “Souvenirs d’un Autre Monde”).

05 – You are now a member of the German band Lantlôs. I find “.Neon” one of the highlights of 2010 releases. How did you get involved with this band as well as how were the recording process of “.Neon”?

My only participation to Lantlôs is performing vocals. Herbst sent me the songs and I recorded vocals at my home. For the coming Lantlôs album I went to Germany to record the vocals, it was a very exciting experience! Much more creative than being alone at home to do that.

06 – Alcest’s musical style has also evolved from black metal to a “calmer”, more atmospheric and dreamy music and now it’s more extreme again and at the same time atmospheric and dreamy. Does this happen naturally? Is it connected to your feelings and your message or do you intend to add some extreme bits into the music?

Yes the Alcest musical style happened naturally. My intentions never was to do a mix of different genres of music, I don’t care about this. The style of Alcest is just the most appropriated form for me to describe the “Alcest world” and emotions related to my visions of it.

07 – From all the bands you have been a part in, what songs you’re particularly proud of, of which you want people to remember you? And which are the most “personal” songs you’ve done?

You know I am proud of almost each song I made since I am very exigent with myself and never record something that I feel could be pushed more and improved. Well except for the first Alcest demo, which I consider too much inspired by other bands, it was not personal at all. The most personal ones, hard to say, maybe “Les Iris”. All the Alcest songs due to the themes they are dealing with are very personal.

08 – It is a great satisfaction for me to see bands I enjoy playing live more often that they used to. Are there any shows planned for new next months?

We are making two festivals this month, (Eindhoven Metal Meeting and Blacktroll Fest) then next shows will be from early April.

09 – Is there any interesting story that happened during your tours and you’d like to share with us? Also, is there any place you’d like to play and you haven’t so far? (A country or a festival for that matter…).

Interesting stories? Humm I don’t know, we are not this kind of rock band that has tons of tour stories to tell you know. I just remember really funny and epic moments with bands we played with, The Vision Bleak, Velnias from the U.S, and more recently Totalselfhatred, all these guys were awesome. A place I would like to play? Before it was New York but we had the chance to go there this year (the most incredible city I’ve seen in my life). Now this would be Japan/Tokyo I think!

10 – Are there any bands you’d like to tour with? If so, could you mention some for us? (Maybe this could result into something positive ). Also, what would you prefer more: touring with different styles band or bands that have a similar sound to Alcest and why?

You mean bands I would dream to tour with even if I know this will never happen? Yes sure, I would like to tour with my fave bands/artists: Yann Tiersen, Summoning, Brendan Perry, The Chameleons, The Smashing Pumpkins. I prefer touring with bands that have a different style because I think it’s interesting to have a certain variety on the bill. Recently we played with Anaal Nathrakh and I enjoyed seeing their show, it was really apocalyptic and intense.

11 – Is there any recorded live material for a future DVD? Is this a plan for the band? I ask this because unfortunately some people won’t have the chance to see Alcest live, but this could give them a little taste of the show.

No DVD plans yet.

12 – How is the work of Prophecy Productions so far? Are you satisfied with the results that the label have achieved into promoting Alcest’s music?

I have nothing to complain about Prophecy, this is a great label. They do an amazing job for Alcest and I always appreciated the fact they have an artistic/aesthetic directive line and philosophy to follow. I love the aura of the label; it’s very different from the other ones. Moreover I begin to know them quite well now, so it turned into a real friendship.

13 – You have said that Alcest is a spiritual quest for you, a way to translate musically an esoteric experience. What are your views on Esotericism and do you follow any esoteric philosophy? Are you familiar with Holism and, if so, what are your thoughts about it?

Yes Alcest is a daily spiritual quest for me since I don’t have much information about this experience I had, even if I’ve read some books related to astral journey, life after life and things like that. I am always looking for answers. About the awaken flashes I had as a child about a fantastic/incredibly luminous place I suppose that it was “memories” of the place (or one of the places) the soul would go after death, an haven where we would rest, be free of the burden of incarnation before starting a physical life again. I do believe in the immortality of human soul and in life after death, here or somewhere else. If didn’t have these “visions” I would certainly not believe in this but due to this I can’t have a single doubt about it. And despite some life’s dramas as illness, death, suffering, though unfair events that can happen suddenly I am seeing a sense in existence, a goal that every soul tend to reach. A terrestrial life could be comparable to an exercise we repeat again and again in order to always learn more, to improve, to evolute and to raise our spirit in order to reach another state of existence at the end. As for Holism, I am not familiar with it and don’t follow any esoteric philosophy or discipline.

14 – This is a question I always ask: What are your feelings and thoughts when you get to know that a person indentifies himself or herself with your lyrics/ music and that the band’s releases have actually helped them to go through a rough time or that, at least, they forget about the troubles while listening to Alcest? Have you received any messages from the fans concerning this?

That’s a thing with Alcest that will always touch me and make me thinking that the things I made with this project were really worthy. I often receive this kind of message, to tell us how our music helped the person to get rid of a difficult period or even changed his life. It always moves me when this happen. For me Alcest is infinitely much more than just music and I am glad that this could be the same for our fans. I think there’s something really special about Alcest in the ears of the listeners.

15 – I read once an interview in which you stated that you are a cinema addict. I myself am one as well. So, what do you prefer better, the dramatic and real European cinema, the stylish and sometimes weird Asian film industry or the big American blockbusters?

Yes I love cinema but I usually hate independent cinema, it doesn’t touch me since it almost never transcends reality, always offering pretty down to earth stories, dramatic/soporific/so called intellectual shits. Some of my fave movies are Let The Right One In, American Beauty, The Thing, first Alien, all Kubrick movies, Cronenberg movies, Hayao Miyazaki movies, first The Crow, Dark Crystal, Groundhog Day, Abyss, etc..

16 – Another question I like to ask and this one regards the download issue. Many bands/ musicians complain about illegal downloads, on p2p software’s, blogs, etc. What is your view concerning this matter? Do you believe that illegal downloads harm the metal bands?

You know even if I am not so old I was born and grew up during the record culture and I am very attached to the item beyond the music itself. Now everything is so easy, people just download tons of album, even not listen the half of them and when they do if they don’t like it they just put it into the trash. Before people came back from the music store with CDs and really wanted to give them a chance since they bought it. Speaking about the harm of downloading for the bands I think the consequences are dramatic. We all know that music CDs are expensive but people must not forget that a CD doesn’t grow out from the ground by magic. This is the fruit of artist hard work and sacrifices, and downloading an album or stealing something in a supermarket is exactly the same thing. Well I don’t want to give lessons to anyone but really, if you like a record, just BUY IT!

17 – Like in all interviews, we must have some serious questions, some interesting, some of the same and we need some silly questions too. So, in all of your collections, music or movies, which is the title/ band nobody would expect you to own? Or perhaps: is there any music that Alcest fans would be surprised to find out you listen to?

Ahah, funny question. I don’t know, I love the Michael Jackson classic songs like the ones of “Thriller”. I think Jackson didn’t always make good songs but he was a true artist. The first CD I bought in my life was a Michael Jackson one by the way, that’s why maybe, it’s kind of nostalgic to me.

18 – Some personal ones now. I read once that you like good food. What are your favorite foods (concerning the good cuisine) and are you into the fine French cuisine? Also, you also said that you like a drinking night with friends. What are your favorite drinks and which ones would you recommend to us? Any restaurant in Paris that you’d advice us to go when visiting the City of Light?

My favourites foods are Italian, Japanese and French ones! But as I am curious I always like to try new foods, especially when we are touring with Alcest, we always try to stop somewhere and try some local stuff. As for drinks I love Bordeaux wines and German or Belgian beers. German beer is excellent for summertime, very refreshing and sour, I love it. Belgian beer has often a very rich and strong taste with different subtle flavors. On another hand I never drink liquors. As for a good restaurants in Paris as you suppose there are plenty but it depends on the kind of food you like and how much money you can spend because everything is very expensive in Paris! (Note from the interviewer: Love German and Belgian beers too. Bordeaux wines usually are very good, although I mostly prefer Bourgogne ).

19 – What have you been listening to now? What kind of music/ bands/ musicians are you interested outside the metal world?

These times I listen a lot to Brendan Perry, his voice is just unbelievable. It holds so many emotions within. A huge inspiration for me, as well as Dead Can Dance. I had the chance to watch him playing with his solo line-up at the previous Wave Gothic Treffen, it was a moment of pure magic.

20 – Once more, thank you very much for this interview. It’s always a pleasure and may I say an honour to interview you, as Alcest is one of the bands I regard the most. I wish you the best. Do you have any last words for our listeners?

Thanks to you for this interview and for your sincere support! As for your listeners, come to see Alcest live!

A final comment by the interviewer: Once again, I hope you guys enjoy the interview. I always say that I interview bands I like because I interview them with my heart and not as an obligation. It is really great to see their comments/ replies written/ recorded here. Thank you all.

Marcus D. Goulart – December, 2010.

An amazing band.

1 – First of all, I’d like to thank you for taking your time to answer this interview for the MetalCast Show website. I don’t think introductions are needed concerning Nargaroth. I’ve read on your official website about the “rusty iron of bigotry” and that you believe that Nargaroth has prevailed. I start the interview by asking how things are over there in Germany.

Hard to say. I live very rejected on my own, avoid contact to the scene or other musicians. But even outside the BM-Scene exist honorless persons who try to kill NARGAROTH, because they are “normal” persons who don’t understand anything about this valuable art. I can’t get into details because the process is still going.

2 – It’s a known fact that Nargaroth will release a new album soon, but I think that Jahreszeiten is still something that should be discussed. Personally I find that 2009 was very good for Black Metal because of the creativity and intensity of Jahreszeiten as well as the triumphant return of Gorgoroth with Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt. How was the response from the listeners concerning Nargaroth’s latest album?

As always: divided. For one half it’s the best NARGARTH album ever or the best in 2009, for others its total crap. I live with these 2 antagonized judgments towards my album pretty well. It touches people – in one way or the other. Better than the indifference on which so many other bands fail.

3 – For those that don’t know, but are interested, what’s the concept behind Jahreszeiten and what did you want to achieve with this master work?

In the album I am dealing with seasonal changes as exemplified by the seasons of the year, the emotional peculiarities and mental representations of which reflected in the musical-melodic progression of the individual songs. As for the lyrics, it deals with the dynamics of dyadic human relationships, which essentially influence – if not outright cause – mundane fates, single tragedies but also the destinies of entire world empires. I dare say that I’d be surprised if not the one or other willing listener is going to find himself in one of the poems of this album. And I express regret for that creature who can not – or tries to repudiate it! The CD version of the SEASON ~ album does not represent the complete work of art because I won’t grant the download-ridden shit scene my thoughts and works by such easy means, which they consume like fast food. Listeners who permanently ignore or leave out the monologues don’t do justice to the art nor prove to be worth it.

4 – I read an interview in which you ranked your favorite Nargaroth albums: Semper Fidelis, Prosatanica Shooting Angels and Geliebte des Regens. You explained the reasons as well. Has this changed and if so, where does Jahreszeiten rank and why?

Still behind them.

5 – You’ll release a tour album especially for Latin America. Please, tell us, if possible, what will be on this album concerning songs, countries that those songs were recorded, photos, anything you’d like to.

It’s a Tour Album that contains live shoots and recordings. In 2009, before the 1^st Latin American Tour, I thought about to give NARGAROTH up. The European scene is dead! Lies, rumors, idiot internet-kids everywhere – there is no honorable place in BM anymore where I could dwell. But during the Latin American tour, with the fire of passion towards NARGAROTH – they enlightened the spark in me again. And I am grateful for that. It’s my personal gift to them.

6 – Spectral Visions of Mental Warfare is the title of the new Nargaroth album to be released. I heard the sample and I must say that I’m really looking forward to listening to it. When is it going to be released? Also, how’s the recording process so far?

It will be released in April 2011 I guess. I rec. all instruments on my own and now I prepare he vocals as well as the CD layout.

7 – Still about Spectral Visions of Mental Warfare. What can you tell us, in advance, about it? Is it comparable to the previous releases or will it be completely different?

No, it’s incomparable to my previous albums. It contains only 4 guitar songs. The rest are ambient, dark and forcing songs. I made them during the recording of my last album “Jahreszeiten”, as I had a synthesizer to create the spheres for this album. But even you find synth-songs on the next album; I made it in the highest tradition of the art Black Metal. Spheric ambient elements had been a part of Black Metal since the beginning. I do not mean just BURZUM. Awesome strong intros or middle-atmospheric songs had been on almost every demo in the times between 1993 – 1997. And I always loved it! Even in NARGAROTH I made this before, since the first demo. These spheres create the magical side of the art, while guitars take the brutal or sad/weeping periods. And as long as I see in Black Metal the best way to express all human emotions I will do so. And when I look back in NARGAROTH and read the letters I get from passionate people, I see that I did it well! But I am very sure that again some people will love it – while other will say it’s the last crap ever. But when a musician isn’t able to stand above such, he is totally wrong placed in BM. And NARGAROTH isn’t just a short-time flame in BM like so many crappy shitholes.

8 – I’d like to ask you what does inspire you when it comes to creating your music and writing lyrics. What is the driving force that leads you to create music?

I get always inspired by my self-reflection. I made 5 years a psychoanalysis as therapy during my education to psychotherapist. That was a main impact in my life. And a main source of my lyrics and my creativity.

9 – Connected to the previous question, are there any mystical or mythical works of fame which you have found inspiring?

The nature and Myself.

10 – Throughout Nargaroth’s discography you have presented a very wide range of emotions. You can sense the despair, hatred, some sadness, insanity, melancholy… Do you intend to continue to interweave these various themes/ emotions in your music or do you pretend to focus on single theme/ feeling someday?

I say since 15 years the same: From the beginning, it was clear and known that NARGAROTH is dealing with the – or my – fallible humanity. Anybody who did not realize this since Rasluka Part II and the poems contained therein has no business in the circle of my critics! And whatever is created by human beings is also subjected to their weaknesses and tainted by the dangers of human features. Constructive and destructive ones. I have always held the opinion that Black Metal has the potential of giving room for and allowing to express those human shallows but also developments. And I still think so. And NARGAROTH is an example for this. Black Metal is a unique art which allows us to express all kinds of human emotions – that’s a gift. And as I said my inspirations are my self-reflexions. And they are always filled with real emotions and real considerations of human nature. So NARGAROTH will always deal with these topics. Always.

11 – What are your feelings and thoughts when you get to know that a person indentifies himself or herself with your lyrics/ music and that the band’s releases have actually helped them to go through a rough time or that, at least, they forget about the troubles while listening to Nargaroth? Have you ever thought about this?

This is the greatest gift for me as man and as musicians. I get letters from all over the world. People write me their life-stories, their suffering and pain and tragedies. And how NARGAROTH helped them to keep going, to save their marriage and have a family. I get invitations to weddings; get letters and picture of couples and families who named their child after me. Parents ask me to come by because their kid (daughter) has a deadly sickness and wanted to see me before her death. All these and many other things shows me, how important NARGAROTH is for many people and that aside all my stupid-things that I did, there is something good in my life. And their feelings are my salvation! All this gossip and lies talkers in internet know in reality nothing about me or NARGAROTH. They never have seen this truth and this passion. They are too blind for the real Black Metal, for the big competence of Black Metal. There are just blind short timers, who will abandon Black Metal with the end of their adolescence. All the lies about NARGAROTH in the internet does not reflect the reality of NARGAROTH, but the empty souls of nowadays BM kids and the worthless value of the present scene.

12 – I am aware that you have been asked this question many times, but what do you personally think about the current Black Metal scene? Sadly it’s full of gossips (no space for gossips here), many betrayals (one of them being very notorious concerning a band mentioned in this interview)… do you believe that there’s still hope for the underground at least? What about the German scene? There were some great bands like Moonblood, for example, is there any band besides Nargaroth that carries the torch of the great old German Black Metal bands?

Moonblood does not exist anymore since so many years. What I think about the scene is known and readable in my answer before. I do not play in Germany anymore since 1999 because they don’t deserve it!

13 – Nargaroth’s shows are intense, filled with power. I actually never believed that I would see the band live some day and fortunately I was wrong. Talking about the show itself, what do you expect from the people that are attending it as well as what can they expect from you?

The people will see what they were looking for. But at least they see an authentic creature on stage

14 – One aspect that I find very enjoyable is that Nargaroth is playing many shows for quite a while now. To what do you credit touring more nowadays and even to far way countries?

I am a traveler. I travel the whole world with my backpack. And touring is in some way a travelling adventure.

15 – You have played in Latin America in 2008, 2009 and 2010. What does attract you in the Latin American continent? Also can the Latin American Nargaroth maniacs expect a new tour in 2011 or maybe in 2012?

As I already said in 2009, before the 1^st Latin American Tour, I thought about to give NARGAROTH up. But during the Latin American tour, with the fire of passion towards NARGAROTH – they enlightened the spark in me again. My musically heart belongs to them. And yes, when I am alive, I will come back!

16 – Connected to the previous question, I must also ask you about European tours and shows. Are there any planned for the next year to support the release of Spectral Visions of Mental Warfare? Also… anything planned or to be planned for the US as well? By the way, has Nargaroth ever played there? I know you’ve been in the US, but I’m not sure about the band.

I will not promote the next album during a tour. It wouldn’t work because of the material the album contains. In 2011 I plan a regular European tour. I’ve been in the U.S. because of military reasons, but never with NARGAROTH. I played in Canada a tour in 2007.

17 – For a person that has started listening to Black Metal recently, a young listener for example, and this person would like to listen to the worth bands, which ones would you recommend? In addition, if someone didn’t know Nargaroth, where do you think this person should start to get to know the band?

Always start with their first album. So you can see (if you are interested) the development of the band and decide what you find goo and what not. I always would recommend the bands from the old polish scene from 1992 – 1996. That was and is my favorite at all. Norway is overrated. I was never into them deeply. And nowadays I see in them the main-traitors and business pussies. Never start with modern, high produced “BM”. It’s false and soulless “music” and reflects nothing of what BM is all about!

18 – Two personal questions now. It’s nothing too personal though, as a matter of fact, only about your tastes. Many people know what you do for a living and it’s not an easy work. So, after a hard day of work, what do you prefer to do in order to relax?

I fear to say, that I never relax. That’s something I really must take care of soon, or I will be just another number of a heart attack victim. I like hunting, but I haven’t done it for a long time.

19 – I’ve noticed that you enjoy travelling as well. Which is the place that you’ve found the most exotic and that really captured your attention? Is there any region you haven’t visited yet that you’d like to?

Viet Nam. My peace I found in the jungle of Viet Nam. I wasn’t in Africa yet.

20 – Again, thank you very much for the interview. I wish you nothing but the best for your future, whether it comes to your personal life as well as Nargoroth’s, that you may achieve all of your goals. Please, send my regards to Charoon, he has a great stage presence. Any last words you’d like to share with us?

Maybe not all share my considerations, views and ideas of Black Metal. And because of that, some people seem to place themselves among my so-called “enemies”. But we all summon the same cult, the same madness, the same insanity – Black Metal. And that makes us undeniable to brothers, in blood or hatred.

Marcus D. Goulart – November, 2010.

For those who wondered, Humut Tabal is the Mesopotamian equivalent of Charon in Greek mythology, ferrying dead souls into the underworld. Would you say there is a distinct mystical or mythological theme to your music?

Grimzaar: No, at least not a consistent one. Several of our songs are inspired by mythology, particularly Greek and Mesopotamian mythology. We have also been considering writing a short concept piece consisting of several songs that highlight scenes from the Sumerian underworld. That aside, we use myth to emphasize certain emotions and philosophical concepts; myth is not our main focus.

Njord: I would consider most of our lyrical material seeped in vague mythological, Pagan themes. A reoccurring idea is the prospect of self identification with the universe, namely achieving a sort of spiritual Demi-god type stance in regard to the exterior world and the human experience.

Your debut release is being distributed by The Dread Lair out of Houston. How else have you been able to spread the word about Humut Tabal?

Njord: Mainly through local means such as small zines, blogs, radio play and interviews like these. We are constantly in search of new mediums however, good press is always welcome. We are also fortunate being backed by The Dread Lair. Cryptos, the main coordinator, is a sort of artist in his own right. The bridges he constructs allow bands from around the world to get a physical copy of one another’s music and keep in touch through this Houston based center. With the Summit events, the local community is invited to gather and discuss means in which to improve the overall quality of metal within their reach. It’s all very innovative stuff happening down here.

As well as more recognized bands such as Absu and Vesperian Sorrow, Texas seems to have a bourgeoning underground scene. Do you socialise with other bands, and how would you say the “hill country” has shaped the band and its influences?

Grimzaar: We have solidified bonds with several bands from around the state, most notably in Houston and San Antonio. The hill country has definitely influenced me as an individual as well as having an impact on our music. Some of our songs are direct impressions of various wanderings.

Njord: You are quite correct. Texas, this oddly sort of centered place in the Continental U.S., is constantly producing some really awe inspiring movements in scene. Vesperian and Absu are a good example. You can also look at bands like HOD, Averse Sefira and Devourment that are just really pushing forward with astounding momentum despite the current trends and challenging location. Y’know, we try to make an effort to network when we play events, we have met some really amazing bands and individuals through our music and that list is always growing. Particularly within this sort of abstract, underground genre of music bands really have to combine their efforts and unite in a professional sense because there frankly isn’t a huge demand for this music within this region and working together can often lead to wondrous benefits. Personally, I love the Hill Country. As far as how it has shaped us, I can only speak for myself. It’s true that if Grimzaar lacked the looming, crag filled mourning hills of Blanco that his lyrical inspiration might be harder to achieve, but it would still be there. If we lived atop the mighty cliffs of Nordkapp, we might have different perspectives, but the same sort of sound of playing would be there. Wherever we are, we are but our selves.

Hravan: I would say the hill country is one of the most influential parts of the music we surround ourselves with. We are all products of our environment; and were surrounded by ignorant oppressive Christians. Though we may have thought so a year ago; we are not alone. Every where this band has taken us we’ve found a rich diversity of the music we live for.

There are some pretty large churches in the Texas area: has there been any reaction from the “conservative” population to Humut Tabal and your music?

Grimzaar: We don’t attract much attention from them. There was one funny instance early on in which some dolt of a promoter had decided to put a Christian metal (don’t get me started) band as an opening act, with Humut Tabal second, but nothing particularly noteworthy happened. We were amused, and they were standoffish.

Njord: It really is funny that HT was conceived and continues to mature in a hotbed of traditional, Anglo Saxon, conservative ways of life. We are located within the “corridor” or liberalism in central Texas (Austin area), so we have never been faced with a direct political accusation of radicalism. For the most part we tend to be humble people, and while we take our music very seriously, we are not the sort of band to antagonize, provoke or otherwise tempt the head of blind hatred/ignorance. We tend to ourselves, but that’s not to say a variable defense could not be provided in times where one might be necessary.

Hravan: the first venue we ever played had a Christian band open for us. They refused to take the stage with us ever again. As far as the churches go, not yet. We keep a fairly underground status. As well as keep the hate crimes to a minimum.

Your bio lists four members of the band. Has it always been this way? How do the responsibilties split up between you guys?

G: No, in the early days it was Hravan, Njord, and me. We tried a couple of bassists before settling on Bek (known to a few as Valgrid or Scathrath). She recently decided to leave the band in favor of a career in the film industry. Fortunately for us, the mighty Zvs of San Antonio’s Plutonian Shore has agreed to fill the void. As for responsibilities, I focus on composition and songwriting.

Njord: We were plagued with bass player issues for quite some time, thankfully that is not the case as of right now. Four is a nice number, but things can always change. However, I believe the core and center of HT will always be us three. We just got used to it in the beginning, and unlike some older bands, we are a close knit group. You can expect us to always incorporate other individuals or ideas to enhance our sound, but were really just three guys from the Hill Country. We went to high school together, we know each other, it’s definitely hard to replace that. Grimzaar is our main composer and often times I’ll rework the percussive elements or simply just add my two cents to any given track near the end of the songwriting process.

Your lyrics are full of imagery and brutal word-pictures. Could you elaborate on the songwriting process?

Grimzaar: Typically, I start off with a completed lyric or a completed musical composition. I strive to find music that conveys the same emotions the lyrics do and vice versa, writing new music or lyrics to conform to the initially completed work as need be. Once I believe I have found a suitable match, I work out a rough demo and send it to Njord to jam for a while. We then all try learning it as a group, making whatever changes we deem necessary.

Njord: While this is true, our lyrics often speak of higher matters. It’s all very allegorical, that’s where the symbolism and imagery come in hand, but our lyrics tell stories, analyze characters. Sincere thought is put into Grimzaars writing.

Your sound is firmly rooted in epic black metal but these do not appear to be your only influences. Do you think your sound will evolve over time, and are there any other elements you would like to bring in to your music in the future?

Grimzaar: There is no doubt our sound will evolve. I am particularly interested in bringing some choral concepts into HT’s sound. This does not mean dubbing a choir over our instruments, it means integrating what makes choral music effective into the compositions, adding more polyphony between the instruments and whatnot. We are currently striving to integrate aggression with despair, so we have been experimenting with thrash and death metal ideas in order to convey unreserved mania while at the same time looking into many forms of music to find whatever will convey the most profound sense of solitude and sorrow.

Njord: Of course; our sound is always changing. HT is a dynamic entity, not static. All of us have deep musical ties to things besides Black Metal. From the wide range of music that we encompass just through enjoyment, some of it does rub off on the tunes, absolutely. Looking at what we are planning for 2011, and then looking back at what we released in 2009, the difference is phenomenal. Through the middle half of 2010, we’ve been paying particularly close attention to our sound and how we want to improve it, guide it, etc. And we have really come up with some astounding material and ideas. It’s so disappointing to look at some bands and realize what great people they are, but at the same time they cannot evolve their level of playing to benefit the actual band. People stagnate, it’s easy too, considering how underrated good metal is, but pushing through that and always trying new things within your new music is an essential key to being a live, performing, in the game entity. Especially in metal, you’ve got to be variable because you have no excuse not to: were supposed to be pushing the envelope here, remember? That includes branching out sonically.

Unfortunately being a Brit I have never seen HT play live, but youtube clips show a band that inject a great deal of intensity and passion into their performance. What would you say is the key to keeping Humut Tabal fresh and invigorating?

Grimzaar: We keep our audiences supplied with fresh material. We are always composing and rehearsing new songs, and we have built up enough of a repertoire to always have older material in reserve. Thus we never stagnate, unlike so many bands that continue playing the same sets of 8 or so songs for years on end. Apart from that, we keep one thing in mind: if it makes us bored, it makes the audience bored. We try to put on shows that we would enjoy watching if we were in the audience.

Njord: I agree with Grimz, we always try to keep our sets surprising or at least different in presentation. The “show” aspect of performing, I think, is really important and in the future I hope we can begin to embrace more of it with a looser budget. I think that’s also what really attracts people to Black Metal, it’s mysterious and ethereal and the musicians literally paint themselves to employ an otherworldly sort of appearance and some people go fucking nuts when they see it. I’ve always been the kookier one, so I’ve been known to throw on a gasmask or ridiculous pants as well as the corpse paint. In this area atleast, not a lot of people see that kind of spectacle and sometimes we try to take advantage of that during live shows. It’s a balance as well, you cant over do it or it may detract from the intensity of the music.

Hravan: It comes down to endless hours of practice, and copious cannabis consumption.

All your recent gigs have been in the Texas area: have you any plans to spread your influence further afield?

Grimzaar: Yes.

Njord: No question and without a doubt. We are not really allowed to say much, but next year is the year I believe we will begin to dabble further around the country and overseas as well. All I can is, stay tuned. I’ve noticed that it’s almost our nature as a band to journey. We don’t have a weekly club or a home base that we play bi monthly in one town or something. We enjoy traveling and spreading our music as far as it will take us, and that’s how we have done it for the most part since we started performing together. We didn’t even play Austin, our general center of operations, until past our 5th show. This has also allowed us to get a nice, varied taste of what else is out there and to network with a larger group of bands, companies and individuals so I think we can expect to see this trend in the future as well.

Hravan: There is no stopping the potential energy we create.

On your myspace page you have put up a bold declaration, “The future lies with us who are unwilling to be ignorant pacifists and let fools dictate our destinies.” – what’s that all about? Where it the battle that needs to be fought, do you think?

G: The quote essentially states that people who retain a degree of skepticism and have the ability to act against their trespassers will survive and flourish. The “ignorant pacifists” will instead have their motivation drained and succumb to motivations that are not their own, such as the motivation of the human horde or the motivation of some dictatorial scumbag. Note that this is not a condemnation of pacifist concepts such as nonviolent resistance; despite being nonviolent, such activity is still resistance. The statement is instead a condemnation of those who remain inactive, those who do not resist. As far as the “battle” is concerned, it only needs to be fought where there is intrusion. Ideological aggressors should be neutralized. People need to discover how to live with themselves and others on their own. It is this popular concept of always “battling” solely for the sake of advancing one’s ideology that has gotten the world into so much trouble. Present what you believe, don’t attack with it.

Njord: The power of individual is a reoccurring theme in our work and lyrics. This power can be displayed as a productive means (non violent resistance, intellectual debate and provocation) or merely as a blind weapon (ignorant persecution, genocide, colonialism and imperial condemnation). We will always explain and respectfully defend our ideology, but never use the missile to eviscerate the small animal, by that I mean overbearing defense or even intellectual ridicule towards something wholly small and insignificant.

Finally, thanks very much for the interview. I hope that people will read this and get excited about Humut Tabal, and we look forward to what the future brings. Have you any last words for our listeners?

Grimzaar: Avoid idiocy wherever you may find it.

Njord: Big up Metal Cast, you guys are awesome; I very much enjoyed the interview! Keep your eyes on us the rest of this year because I can assure you massive things are in planning. Get in touch, add our multitude of online pages, buy a shirt, horns up and god bless the Queen.

Hravan: onward through the fog! Hails!

The year’s end is drawing near and there’s still so much material from 2010 to be played! So, time for another regular where we offer you a new load of what this year has served us so far, from Power Metal to Black Metal, from Magic Kingdom over Aborym to Star One, for example. in addition, our ever-busy Black Metal god Marcus couldn’t resist and added two tracks in preparation of his comeback, which is due soon enough. But of course, all in due time. Get set for another excellent load of high-quality Metal, no matter the genre. Making the Best Of 2010 will certainly prove to be a very hard task. But that’s for the near future. in the meantime, tune in, enjoy and leave your feedback at the counter.

Hosting: Polina, Kobe
Tracklist: Polina, Judit, Marcus, Tim, Si

01. Salamandra – Masters Of Rock
02. Made Of Hate – Friend
03. Aborym – Psychogrotesque VI
04. Alkonost – Chilly Fire of the Night
05. Dyscordia – Black Clown
06. Humut Tabal – Denizens of Eternal Night
07. Magic Kingdom – Symphony Of War
08. Sinocence – Perfect Denial
09. Allen-Lande – Never Again
10. Star One – Victim Of The Modern Age

How did this or that genre come about? We tried to pick some bands that were pioneers at the time of their founding, even if some have already split or changed style. Metal has many genres and subgenres, but we tried to aim for the main ones: Heavy, Power, Thrash, Death, Black, Doom, Gothic, Progressive, Industrial and Folk. You may hear very familiar bands, which is logical as we’re dealing with Metal here. This means, Metallica, Morbid Angel, Fates Warning, Skyclad, Candlemass, Bathory, Mayhem, Helloween and others that started a genre or helped it spin off from another. Yes, the choices were legio, but you need to start somewhere and as usual, this is merely one view on Metal’s history. The key element remains enjoying the tunes.

Hosting: Polina, Kobe
Tracklist: Polina, Marcus, Tim

01. Black Sabbath – Behind The Wall Of Sleep
02. Metallica – Hit The Lights
03. Morbid Angel – Maze Of Torment
04. Mayhem – Life Eternal
05. Candlemass – Demons Gate
06. Skyclad – The Widdershins Jig
07. Fates Warning – Valley Of The Dolls
08. Ministry – The Land Of Rape And Honey
09. Helloween – Twilight Of The Gods
10. Bathory – Shores In Flames

Thrash is hot again, lots of new bands bringing back old school Thrash or even playing a modern version of it. Our first Thrash Special dates from March 30, 2008 (episode 55) and since there’s lots of Thrash out there and thus lots not yet played, we thought the time was right for a follow-up, so to speak. Yep, we’re keeping it international, even though we could fill an episode with only German bands as well. Death Angel was requested but nothing new, as we didn’t have Relentless Retribution yet. We do now, so we’ll play something off that album later. We also added Violator, Dew-Scented, Gama Bomb, Annihilator and several others. tune in and bang the head that doesn’t bang. Cheers!

Hosting: Kobe
Tracklist: Polina, Judit, Marcus, Tim, Kobe

01. Annihilator – Striker
02. Lich King – Mascot War
03. Ektomorf – Love And Live
04. Gama Bomb – Zombie Blood Nightmare
05. Overkill – Ironbound
06. Violator – Futurephobia
07. Anihilated – Scorched Earth Policy
08. Warshall – The Secret
09. Dew-Scented – The Invocation
10. Death Angel – Thrown To The Wolves

Arjen Lucassen is a musical maestro beyond compare, with fingers in so many pies it’s a wonder he can still play the guitar! However there is no escaping the buzz that hits the streets when a new Arjen album is about to scratch the vinyl. With the Star One album just released, naturally the Metalcast wants to get involved! Hopefully we may have a more in-depth talk with Arjen at a later date, until then let us whet your appetites with some quick-fire questions and answers from the man himself:

Thanks for agreeing to talk Arjen, you are the greatest.

Arjen: Ah, so you’ve noticed?

Just some quick ones to get people wanting the new album.

Arjen: Sure.

Many of our listeners are eagerly awaiting your new material. What can we expect from the new album?

Arjen: It’s darker, heavier and more down-to-earth than the first album. I personally think it sounds a lot better.

What has been the personal highlight of this recent creative period for you?

Arjen: I’m very creative indeed since my depression, guess it’s true what they say, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Seems like there is no ‘black hole period without inspiration’ in sight, and I’m enjoying every minute of it!

How do you feel your sound has progressed since the first Star One album?

Arjen: I worked on a new perfect guitar sound for weeks, because that was going to be the basis of the new album. As a result, the other instruments sound better as well. I definitely feel I’m getting better as a producer.

With so many musical ventures, how do you ensure each new one sounds fresh?

Arjen: Because I follow my inspiration. I never plan ahead too far, so I don’t limit myself. The music I come up with guides me into a new project, it’s a very organic and spontaneous process.

Is there any dream collaboration you would love to get, that you haven’t yet achieved?

Arjen: Oh yes, the list is endless. It would be great to work with my heroes that I grew up listening to like David Gilmour, Robert Plant, Alice Cooper, Geddy Lee, etc…

Finally, what would you hope listeners to gain from listening to this new album?

Arjen: It’s pure escapism, there are no profound messages. I’m also not trying to re-invent the wheel with this one. Just an honest, in-your-face album for people who like the metal side of Ayreon or for people who don’t like the softer side of Ayreon. Or of course for people who like everything about Ayreon, haha!

Thank you for taking a moment for our podcast listeners. I know you have many existing fans there but hopefully the new album will gain you even more!….

Arjen: You’re welcome, Si, that would be very cool indeed! Keep up the good work!

Star One album “Victims of the modern age” is out this month: go get it!!!
(If you are still unconvinced, watch out for our next regular episode, we might just play you a bit to convince you….)

Si Smith

Sleepwalker, you started off in 2008 making music as A TRANSYLVANIAN FUNERAL, and now this has evolved into Forbidden Magazine where you support other underground metal bands. How do you split your time between the two projects?

S: I spend all my free time doing it, really. I make sure to work at it everyday otherwise work piles up and things don’t get done properly. With A Transylvanian Funeral, I work like a lot of bands do; I spend however much time is necessary writing and recording and then spend however much time is necessary promoting what I just created. I don’t get to spend as much time being creative, as far as songwriting is concerned, but it allows me to also step away from the process and look for ways to stay fresh and innovative. Forbidden Magazine is a non stop labor of love…there are plenty of great artists who are looking for more fans; Forbidden Magazine strives to be the bridge between the band and the fan.

How did you get other people involved in the webzine in the first place?

S: I just asked a few people who I thought would do a good job if they would be interested. I put out some flyers and sorted through all the people who were full of shit. So many people will tell you that they want to do something and in the same breathe tell you why they can’t. I make sure that people earn their keep at Forbidden. Right now, I am proud to have a great staff of dedicated and talented writers who are first and foremost fans of the extreme genre.

Forbidden Magazine has since evolved from being just a webzine; how difficult was it to produce that first printed issue?

S: The first issue was technically Issue Zero,which was and still is a FREE download at the website, like a 48 page .pdf full of cool shit. I think Hells Headbangers was the only company to distribute physical copies, which were a few, like ten. It was more difficult to get writers at that point but not really bands, which surprised me. A lot of bands didn’t hesitate to do press with an unknown like Forbidden at the time, so I was very grateful to get good responses from everyone. The official Issue One, was more work, just because I pressed pro CDs and the zine was a massive 72 pages. It is a pain sometimes timing everything; you don’t want an interview to be three months old, etc. Plus it is hard selling ad space being a new zine but everyone, most everyone, again, was more than willing to support the new supporters of extreme music, Forbidden Magazine! Overall, though, the end result was worth all the effort, many times over.

The Metalcast listeners like to find out about new bands and new metal sounds, how do you go about finding appropriate artists to promote?

S: All kinds of ways, really. There is a contact form on the website a lot of bands and labels use to get in touch. Often, someone we have worked with previously, either through interview or review, will put someone in touch with use. I like to form relationships with labels, a lasting relationship so we can continue to support each other, in whatever form best suits the occasion. Once in a while, but not often, because of my workload, I go hunting online for new artists that have a sound I like. The extreme music world is really pretty small, everyone seems to know everyone so it isn’t too awfully difficult to stay busy.

What would you say is the most important lesson you have learned for any aspiring metal bands out there who want to make it in the underground scene?

S: Overall, the single most important thing is to take responsibility for your own career. If you are waiting on someone else to put your music where you want it to be then it will probably never happen. No one is going to give a fuck about your music as much as you, so why aren’t you working your ass off for it? I am a very proactive and reclusive person who likes to do way too much on my own but at the end of the day, if my work is doing what I need it to, then I can fix it. A band has to have a lot of control of their work and they have to work really hard controlling it so it doesn’t crash and burn.

In what ways can interested listeners get involved and contribute to the metal underground scene?

S: There are a lot of ways, really. You could start a band but that isn’t what the ‘scene’ needs. The ‘scene’ needs more fans. Every asshole I know plays guitar and is in four bands…great. I used to go to local shows and the only people in the audience were the bands and their drunk girlfriends. So I quit going to shows and don’t miss it for a second. Music used to be a listening ritual; fresh, new, pounding music that had lyrics you could open up and read,etc. Now it is like water, all around you, free, portable, commonplace and extremely disposable. If you gave me a filesharing account and an afternoon, how much music could I really download that would be worth hearing? For instance, if we just downloaded black metal , how much of it would all run together and show no signs of variance between the artists? The whole quantity over quality thing has driven out the fan who gets into a band and collects all the releases, buys the patch, goes to the show, interviews the band for his favorite zine and helps them spread the disease!!!

A TRANSYLVANIAN FUNERAL is still very much alive, will we be seeing more material soon? In what ways do you envision your sound developing?

S: A Transylvanian Funeral just released a full length titled ‘the Outsider’. The album is a progression from the S/T debut but not so much people can’t get the same ATF feel from it. The production is bigger and more elaborate, which was my intention and I am very pleased with how it turned out. The album is actually streaming @ the Forbidden Magazine website…As far as my sound developing in the future, all I can say is that it most certainly will develop further and continue to do so for quite some time. I am inspired to write a lot of different styles of music, from doom and drone to low-fi, raw black metal and I have no desire to continue writing the same style of music over and over again. As long as each album is as good as it possibly can be, there is, to me, no point in repeating oneself.

Where do you get your inspiration from as an artist? How do you prepare yourself to write or record?

S: I draw inspiration from a lot of sources. I read a lot when I am not working on the zine and what not, so reading is probably one of my bigger influences. I read a lot of occult literature but I also spend a lot of time contemplating my own views, existence, purpose, etc. My music is an extension of my personality in one form or another and I have never really had a sense of vulnerability in my life. I, like all people, possess a power. The power, similar to what Crowley called Thelema, is used to attain goals, overcome obstacles and maintain a self aware existence. The realization and utilization of that power is really the life blood of what I do. It is also simple enough to say that I am inspired by a mountain or the moon.

Finally, what do you think black metal has to say to the world in this modern age of science and technology?

S: The message of black metal, I think, has remained unchanged. As it is much easier to spread the message of black metal today with technology, it is also easier for the opponents and enemies of black metal to do the same with their own message. As the number of adherents to the cause grow, the message is diluted through trivial fashion victims and ‘scene’ morons who would rather look cool in front of their friends as opposed to actually have any depth of character. Black metal, to me, is something that can only be defined by the actual listener or artist but there is something to it that goes undefinable that makes it what it is. Technology poses the same ‘threat’ that LaVey did. It is laughable how anti-LaVey so many 2nd wave black metal musicians were. To rebel against rebellion? Come on!!!! LaVey made it accessible, made it easy and commonplace to be a Satanist where as most ‘trve’ black metal hipsters would want you to believe that they live in caves and were raised by wolves. Fuck off! I use technology every day to spread the word about extreme music so if someone thinks I am not ‘trve’ because I have a webzine, they should also, in turn, shut down their computer.

In closing, thanks for the interview! I hope that I hear from all who took the time to read my rant!!!

Forbidden magazine can be reached at
www.forbidden-magazine.com