Demonic Slaughter - 'Downfall' (2013)

Demonic Slaughter

'Downfall'

Pagan Recs.

2013

Demonic Slaughter is a polish black metal horde from Lublin, Poland. The band was founded in 2006, it has 4 full-lenghs albums on account together with few shorter materials. 'Downfall' is their last release.
The last LP 'Revelations of Death' had some death metal relish (swedish, to be more precise), this time the guys decided to create pure black metal hell. Well, I must say that even it's not very revealing, the music it's very nice (let say, haha). Harsh vocals, fast, depressive yet often catchy riffs (especially great 'Cold and Haunted') and a drummer devastating his implement creates kinda dark atmosphere. Black metal maniacs should feel good with this kind of tunes. The production is very stifling, so that you have to focus on what's you're currently listenning to. For some folks it might be a flaw, but I think that in this case it's a big advantage - forget about listenning to this stuff in a bus or during washing the dishes and absorb the cult (haha)! Too feel the real obscurity of 'Downfall' you have to spare some time to this music.
There are not many slow parts this time. I noticed though that in some moments ('Dark Matter Constelation', or especially 'Martwa Cisza') the music is more similar to the kindred band of one of musicians - Xaosis. So the music slows down a bit, and goes into more rock/melanacholic areas. It is a nice sign of variety, and more of such elements on the future releases will be welcome by me with open arms. Also this release is full of some background noises and wild screams. Nothing new indeed, but defenitely adds some more evil element to this grim atmosphere.
The material at first seems to be very monotonous and boring, but after some replays it defenitely shows a listenner it's 'better' side. This seeming monotony together with stifling production creates very nasty climate and indeed good music. Everyone who loves cold and haunted (hehe) sound should defenitely give a try to 'Downfall'.

Rate: 8/10
Vladyka

Tracklist:

1. Ordeal

2. Labyrinth of Lost

3. Dark Matter Constelation

4. Lightbringer - The Architect

5. Martwa Cisza

6. Darkness

7. Planet of Doom 

8. Cold and Haunted

Total time: 37:50

Furia - 'W melancholii' (2013)

Furia

'W Melancholii'

Pagan Recs.

2013

'W melancholii' is the second EP released by Furia - a polish black metal horde, which like to experiment from time to time. This time Let The World Burn crew experiments even more than usual.
There are only two tracks here, but they're total playing time is almost 18 minutes - quite long. Both are also played in similar way. Everyone who was expecting a black metal inferno will be obviously disappointed. But from the other side - do you really expect any predictability from this band? But back to the topic - both tracks are very minimalistic and, let say, muted. The guitars play slowly psychodelic motifs, from time to time being accompanied by drums. Label 'experimantal' is quite on the spot in this case - all these guitar dissonances and noises in the background seems to only strengthen my point. The atmosphere is really amazing, especially when you are listenning to it in headphones, completely alone. The title means in polish 'In melancholy', and I think that it's very suitable - music is very calm, and indeed melancholic.
Beside normal metal instruments the music is also supported by some frugal electronic tunes, which make this release even more distant from the typical 'few accords and screaming' scheme. This a bit 'cosmic' sound is really breathtaking. Also the ending of both of the tracks is very unexpected. Especially the first one will surprise you hehe. From my side I would like to just add that this motif is simply amazing - it's propably my favourite part of this EP. Another proof that the guys are not affraid to do anything they want.
Well, and that's it - short release means short review. My conclusion is as follows: people buy this thing, 'cause it's worth you money and time.

Rate: 8/10
Vladyka

Listen to Furia's music here, from bandcamp.

Tracklist:

1. Z melancholika krew nie wypływa

2. Napuchną mną drzewa

Total time: 17:36

Kvelertak - 'Meir' (2013)

Kvelertak

'Meir'

Indie Recs.

2013

What is Kvelertak, I propable don't have to explain. There is enough fuzz about Norwegians in the mainstream metal press, so that everybody should know something about them and their music. So without more empty words - let's skip this intro and focus on the music.
OK, first of all - Kvelertak still have their original style that I liked very much. Still very rock'n'roll - in my opinion even more than on the previous album. The music is also more melodic, and generally speaking 'Meir' has defenitely more in common with classic hard rock, punk than with extreme genres (although there are exceptions - vocals, and the track 'Nekrokosmos' which is kinda heavy). At the first look, everything is fine - the music is even more pugnacious, and tracks such as 'Braune Bren' or 'Snilepisk' sounds really great. I remember how excited I was about them when the album was released. Even the clean vocals, which irritated me on the debut, here are done in an awesome way. It seems that I should kneel on my knees and prostrate...
Maybe I should, but it won't happen. Unfortunetely - after a longer time the music looses much of it's magic. I was wondering why, and I think that now I know the answer. Most of the tracks are simply TOO melodic - comparing too the first album, which was much more rawer. OK, there were melodies too, but here we got too much of those melodic solos, choirs and stuff like that. Want a proof? Just try to listen to such 'Evig Vandrar' or 'Undertro' a few times in a row - you will quickly get what I am talking about. Of course, if somebody is permeated by the hard rock, or melodic genres - he/she can welcome such riffing with open arms. Yet I am a bit dissapointed.
But hey - don't get me wrong! The music is still very listenable (except too long 'Tordenbrak'...), but unfortunetely it doesn't has the syndrom of 'I need too push the replay button once again!'. The debut album was fantastic, the second one is just good. I've spoken.

Rate: 7+/10
Vladyka

 

Check out band's music:

 

Tracklist:

1. Apenbaring

2. Spring Fra Livet

3. Trepan

4. Bruane Brenn

5. Evig Vandrar

6. Snilepisk

7. Manelyst

8. Nekrokosmos

9. Undertro

10. Tordenbrak

11. Kvelertak

Total time: 49:05

Koldbrann - 'Vertigo' (2013)

Koldbrann

Vertigo

Season of Mist

2013

Koldbrann, Koldbrann... I can recall the name, but to be honest for some reasons I've never wanted to check out their music. But now the time has come, I am just listenning once again to their third album 'Vertigo' and thinking what I should write about it. 

And what plays Koldbrann? Well, black metal. Kinda raw black metal, although that with not-necro sound. Their music can be compared to Darkthrone (from their 'middle' period'), or more loosely to Carpathian Forest (I mean hear a certain attitude, not necessarily rock'n'roll elements). The material for sure have also a certain pugnacity, and many riffs are defenitely very (well...) cool - but at the same time they don't loose this dark atmosphere, typical in this genre. Honestly? It doesn't make very big impression. It's very hard to write something creative about the album, when every single track is played in more or less the same vain. Most of the songs have supposedly balls, the riffs are played in very norwegian style etc. so that listener who likes such music should be pleased. But I am not - for some reason the music can't stick into my head, and after the listenning mostly I don't remember it. Even the guests (inter alia Erlend Hjelvik from Kvelertak) don't bring to this music much - I don't feel that they diversify the music.

There are though some moments that are quite good, forcing you to headbanging - and amongst them there is the track 'Stolichnaya Smert'. I know that it is a kind of joke, but this black/punk melodies are really good! There are also other nice shots, like the first 'IntroVertigo' or 'Hjertets Holodomor' - but they are not as good as the the song about russian vodka hehe.

Fuck, I really don't know how I should rate 'Vertigo'. There are here some good moments (and one great), but the rest is really bleak. So I will write what's following: if you're a maniac of norwegian BM scene, you can check this music at your own risk. The rest can simply look for something different.

Rate: 6/10

Vladyka

Tracklist:

1. IntroVertigo

2. Totalt Sjelelig Bankorett

3. Hjertets Holodomor

4. Drammen

5. Stolichnaya Smert

6. Terminal Transnistrii

7. Phantom Kosmonaut

8. Goat Lodge

9. I Eklipsens Skrimmer

10. Sans Soleil

11. Interia Corridors

Total time: 48:06

Massemord - 'A Life-Giving Power of Devastation'

Massemord

'A Life-Giving Power of Devastation'

Pagan Recs.

2013

 

 

 Massemord should be known to everybody who is interested in a polish black metal scene. The band is active since 2000 year, and recorded several materials. 'A Life-Giving...' is their fourth full-lenght album. To be honest I still don't know what I should think about their last record, and suddenly here we are another one. That's the most certain reason why I review it so late hehe.
But let's focus on music. Happily for me the album is not similar to the previous one. So we have here nine tracks lasting around five-six minutes. My first association was the second LP of Massemord - 'The Whore of Hate'. Songs are mostly ultra-furious, yet musicians always find time to go into more horrific areas. Sometimes the music can be reallu unhuman (or antihuman) - like in excellent 'We All Shall Die Miserable Death'. Extremely fast tempos are weaving with slower ones, Namtar is spitting out lyrics about fall of mankind and generally listener is put to the world of madness. Such disturbing, depressive atmosphere can inlfuence you very much.
Everything sounds as always very good - this crew is known for recording of at least good music. Yet I have a problem with this album. It lacks something, and I don't know what. This music sounds too similar to the other albums - many of similar guitar licks I heard in a bit other form on previous materials. There are of course some novelties - for example some riffs reminds me... Thrash metal. I would never suppose that this band is going to play something like that - yet it is true (listen to for example 'The Deity of Ferocity' or 'Trophy of Wasted Breath'). Luckily these are only some relishes, so Massemord still owns it's original style.
Don't get me wrong - the album is really good. Hate that is atacking listener through the music and lyrics makes me sure that 'A Life-Giving...' is recorded with authentic passion. If you, dear listener, don't know Massemord you will propably say that this album is fantastic. But if you already heard their other stuff, you will be not surprised. I am pleased though.

Rate: 8/10
Vladyka

P.S
As always there are some drum-beats in the vain of 'up-tss', 'up-tss' if you know what I mean (propably not hahaha). I am curious what Fenriz (who is critising it in every interview) would say about that ;)

Listen to band's music:

Tracklist:
1. A Devastation Giving Power of Life
2. The Deity of Ferocity
3. Towards Divine Anticlimax
4. Trophy of Wasted Breath
5. Piercing Ailing Heart of Humanity
6. We All Shall Die Miserable Death
7. A Horror To come
8. The Stoning Malignant
9. Water of Life
Total time: 48:58

'Vikings' series - short review

On 3rd of March 2013 canadian History channel premiered their new series - Vikings. The show was quite succesful, not only in States and Canada, but also in Europe (including Poland). I can't say - I've been also waiting for it, like many people interested in Viking Age. Well, I must say that in many ways I am disappointed, but there are aslo things that I admire very much. But let's start this revie from the very beginning.

First of all - the plot. For those who had never heard of Vikings, here you have an abbreviation from Wiki:

The series is inspired by the tales of the raiding, trading, and exploring Norsemen of early medieval Scandinavia. It follows the exploits of the legendary Viking chieftain Ragnar Lodbrok and his crew and family, as notably laid down in the 13th century sagas Ragnars saga Loðbrókar and Ragnarssona þáttr, as well as in Saxo Grammaticus's 12th century work Gesta Danorum. [...] The first season portrays Ragnar (Travis Fimmel) as a young Viking warrior who longs to discover civilizations across the seas. With his friend, the gifted craftsman Floki (Gustaf Skarsgård), he builds a new generation of faster longships and challenges the local ruler, Earl Haraldson (Gabriel Byrne), a man of little vision, to allow raids into unexplored North East England. He is supported by his brother Rollo (Clive Standen), who secretly covets Ragnar's wife, the shieldmaiden Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick). Ragnar succeeds in carrying out the first Viking raids into the English kingdom of Northumbria, returning with rich loot and the monk Athelstan (George Blagden) as a slave. This not only earns him the enmity of King Aelle (Ivan Kaye), but triggers a series of increasingly violent confrontations at home with the autocratic Earl, ending with Ragnar killing and succeeding him. Ragnar pledges fealty to King Horik (Donal Logue) and represents him in negotiations about a land dispute with Earl Borg from Götaland (Thorbjørn Harr), in the course of which he is seduced by the princess Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland).

Source: Wikipedia

 

The fact that screenwriter created his characters bases on many different sources is really great. Anybody who is at least a bit interested in the subject should be pleased with it. From the other side somebody who is a total layman will be also enjoy the characters - each of them have their very own personalities.
The firsts episodes (to the one when Earl's killed by Ragnar) are really great. Vikings sailing across the unknown sea, raiding english lands - all of those things makes good impression. History of Ragnar draws very quickly, and there are no signs of boredom. I am especially pleased with battle scenes - in my opinion they are done perfectly. Not only because of great acting - I mean also historical facts. There are no objections from my side here.
Right after a plot this is a great advantage of this series - it shows the real life of a norseman. Although There are some small mistakes (some og the haircuts are older than from VIII century, thing should be done in the sacred place, and not jarl's house, spitting into the bowl taken from XIII Warrior etc.), generally speaking the whole, let say, 'material' side of Vikings is damn good.
However, I have a big problem with what is presented here as 'viking' spirituality. The basic problem is that creators of this show were looking on pagan tradition through the eyes of modern (so for many - christian) man. Examples are sadly numerous, so let talk about some of them:

- Floki, after the baptism of Rollo, is upset by it and call him a traitor of the gods - Scandnavians were at that time politeists. That means that they were worshipping many gods. Maybe later, when christianity was seen as a danger for their freedom, they would react like Floki. Yet at the beginning they couldn't understand the fact that there can be only one god, who is expecting to worship him as the only one. In fact, there are written sources (carolingian) which says that viking warriors seen baptism as a kind of agreement between them and their christian overlord (when they were being hired by carolingian kings for service). They were figuratebily hailing the god of their suzerains - and that's it.

- the episode in Uppsala temple - everything here is just a fantasy of the screenwriter. From the appearance of the priests, through the whole event to the most important - meaning of the whole sacrifice. First of all - Uppsala was never any placy of pilgrimage. Secondly - their descriptions in christian chronicles seems to be very exagerrated comparing to archeological findings. I even won't recall the fact that there are no evidances of any sacrifices. The 'temple' could be just a bigger jarl's halla (although for sure there existed a certain cult of some kind, but smaller).
What also really makes me angry is when all the characters treats myths as some real dogmas. You won't believe it, but myth is something different than a dogma. Everybody could interpret it in his own way - or even not believe in it at all! So people who are sacrifising themself for good of all other people in Midgard (like one of main heroes in the movie) is just a bullcrap

- sex scenes - for example when Ragnar wants to have a threesome with a priest and Lagertha. Partly I have written an article about it (here). Having sex outside marriage was seen as one of the biggest crimes on society - so none of the self-respecting vikings would do that. This concerns also Rangar's adultery.

 

Last episodes are disappointing - not also because of mentioned mistakes, but also in my opinion the action severely slows down. It is not as dynamic as in the beginning, and in some ways it's a bit boring. I know that there are no chances in 'repairing' the spirituality of the characters. But I hope that the plot will focus on sailing, raiding, exloring and other activities that seems to be much more interesting than taking part in fictional rituals or boring scandinavian politics ;)

Summing up the 2013...

Here's my very subjective list containing my favourite albums of the last year. Those albums are really great in my opinion - I'm sure I will be enjoying them for many, many years!
By the way - I'm sure that there are propably still some great albums that I haven't listen to, but as for this moment my favs are:

Caladan Brood

'Echeos of Battle'

A very cool debut. Caladan Brood is hailing from States and playing epic/atmospheric black metal. Fans of old Summoning and epicness in music in general - this music is made particulary for You!

Read a review here (by the way - it is my first review ever done. Please be understanding).

You can also read an interview with a band here.

Carpe Noctem 

'In Terra Profugus'

Another great debut album. Carpe Noctem, an icelandic black metal band, had recorded an insane music. Pure insanity in a form of sonic landscape... Fans of extremity should appreciate much this release.

Read a review here and the interview with a band here.

 

Darkthrone

'The Underground Resistance'

Well, this band doesn't need any introduction, does it? In my opinion 'The Underground Resistance' is another good move in Darkthrone's 'career'. A very good example how the passion can e forged into a great songs.

There is no review yet - it's a bit embarrasing, but I started to listen to this album very late. Yet you can expect some of my thoughts about it soon!

Falkenbach

'Asa'

Many people were complaining that Vatyas has again recorded the same music. But since I am a great fan of Falkenbach, I must say that I feel perfectly OK with that. 'Asa' is a great album that I will be surely torturing for a very long time!

Read a review here.

Rotting Christ

'Κατά τον δαίμονα εαυτού'

Generally speaking there are two types of Rotting Christ fans - those who are spitting on the new albums and keep being kvlt and trve, and those who enjoy new stuff anyway. I defenitely belong to the latter category. In my opinion Greeks recorded great album, much better than a bit boring 'Aealo'.

Read my review here.

Summoning

'Old Mornings Dawn'

Yeah, I know that many fans are complaining about new Summoning releases. 'Too modern they are' - say ones. 'Too sweet it is' - say others. Personally I don't care. Beside a terrible intro I worship this album - and I return to it veeery often. One of the most important albums of 2013 for me.

Read my review here and the interview with whole band here.

The Flight of Sleipnir

'Saga'

Those Americans know how to create an awesome mix of doom/stoner/viking metal with some acoustic motifs. A very original piece of music, sadly I have a feeling that it's at the same time very underrated.

My review is here.

You can also read what the band have to say about their work - here. 

Daemonia Nymphe

'Psychostasia'

And now some of neofolk albums that I was enjoying in last year. 'Psychostasia' is a first of them. It's onirique, ethereal atmosphere and the lyrics based on old, greek hymns hailing ancient gods creates a fantastic music. Everyone who had never heard it - it's time to correct this mistake!

Read a review here.

Wardruna

'Runaljod - Yggdrassil'

And last but not least - Wardruna. Everybody who had heard this album knows how fantastic it is. A norse folklore, runes and shamanistic rituals - that are the key-words. 'Yggdrasil' is a great, spiritual journey through the meaning of norse runes deep into your soul (how poetic I am by the way).

Read my review here.

News from this week!

German black/pagan metallers HANGATYR released their new album called "Elemente". You can purchase it via Nocturnal Empire or at the band's store. 

Listen to their music here.

---

SUFFERING IN SOLITUDE is an young american band playing death/doom metal with post-rock influences. At the end of this year (31.12) you can purchase their debut album entitled "A Place Apart" (six tracks / 29 minutes of music) via Domestic Genocide Records

Check out their music here.

--

News from the belarussian pagan./folk metal bands - Gods Tower:

We did it! GODS TOWER "Raven Tales" boxed set is out now!!!

8xDLP boxed set containing all GODS TOWER full-length albums and demos is released. With your priceless help we worked on this huge release more than 100 days. Here's the result. All those who made the preorder will get their limited sets soon. From today, the regular version of boxset with bonus A2 poster and 24-page biography\photo booklet will be available atwww.possession.ru
Hurry up, only 250 copies left!

Also we present new GODS TOWER 7'' EP "Roll Out" with 2 exclusive brand new tracks. Only 120 copies from 333 left already! Every copy of this EP includes an invite code for World of Tanks game. You can listen to this EP atwww.possessionproductions.bandcamp.com for free.

the boxset price: 139 USD + postages
the EP price: 12 USD + postages

We want to thank everyone who believed and supported our initiative! We sincerely believe that these releases will met your expectations. Wait for your parcels and then listen to amazing GODS TOWER music on vinyl. OYHRA!!!

---

Since 6th of December you can purchase a demo of bulgarian blackened doom metal metallers from UPYR. You can buy it as a CD from band's bandcamp or as a limited cassete from Serpent Eve Records.

Listen to their music here.

---

Icelanders from Skálmöld released their first DVD/live album called Skálmöld & Sinfóníuhljómsveit Íslands. The band had played there together with an Icelandic Symphonic Orchestra (if I am correct). You can buy it directly from the band (Facebook).

You can also watch a fragment of this concert here.

Irminsul - "Fäder" (2013)

Irminsul 

"Fäder"

Purity Through Fire

2013

Many people say that a reviewer must be objective in his work. That no matter how much he doesn't like certain genres of music he have to rate band's music by looking at their skills, sensitivity etc. 

Well, I guess that you know why I had written such an introduction. The music of this swedish horde is defenitely not something that I like. Moreover - the tunes that they are presenting belongs to the category called "Damn, not this again...". Partly is is my fault, because I searched this album by myself. I saw a cover, I've listen to a beginning of the first track and said "well, maybe it'll be good." Well, in my opinion it is not. I know that you will call me an internet-warrior, poser etc. But I gave some time to find something interesting here, so I will write what's following. 

The first track is indeed not bad - especially guitar riffs are quite interesting, even if not revolutionery. Yet the first groop that came to my ears were those keyboard-violin tunes in the backgruound. In some places they sound like a more frugal version of Nightwish or some Sonata Arctica thing.

Well, unfortunetely the band seems to really like that kind of playing, because already in the second song they are turning into more power-metal style. When I hear sweet keyboards, female nice vocals and sad riffs mixed with harsh vocals I know that this is not something for me. I even understand the idea of oldschool power metal in vain of Manilla Road, but I can't stand Sonata Arctica-like things mixed with music inspired by older Ensiferum albums. For me it is a pure horror! But a real horror is a track number three, where a singer decides too to do some sweet melodies. And it goes like this for almost whole album - sometimes it's more power metal, sometimes it's more similar to Ensiferum. By the way I am very curious where other reviewers hear on "Fäder" some folk influences. Those sweet-like-hell acoustic guitars and maudlin violin and fluet motifs have nothing bounded with folk music. That's just my opinion, but if a band wasn't promoted as a thing for fans of Falkenbach, Skyforger or Manegarm I propably wouldn't listen to it.

 I must also confess that this is the first album that I couldn't dare to listen integrally - I had to make a break in the mid. This is a good conculsion what I think about this album - for me it is just a waste of time. I hate such a mix of sweetness and brutality. Brutal things should be brutal, and sweet thing should be called pop music. 

If you don't vomit with a rainbow when you hear a music of mentioned below bands, you can check this album. Otherwise stay away from it. BTW I wish Irminsul all the best in the future - but I hope that I won't meet your music in my life anymore. That would be best for us all.

Rate: not-very-high/10

Vladyka

A Youtube "videoclip":

Tracklist:

1. Stupagraven

2. Nattramn

3. Galgaman

4. Hagridden

5. Letters from the Past

6. Bäckakarlens dans 

7. Clades Variana 

8. Ölbänk 

9.  Neverending Story (Limahl cover) 

Total time: 52:15

Arkona (PL) - new album

New album of polish pagan black metal band ARKONA called "Chaos.Ice.Fire" will be released 30th of December 2013 via Hellfire Records.Contact: mail@arkonahorde.pl
hellfirerecords@gmail.com

Kampfar on tour

In support of "Djevelmakt", KAMPFAR are proud to announce the Spreading the Plague MMXIV tour. After a year with one single live appearance the band is eager to launch the new songs in a killer live set that'll also be studded with old hits from their catalogue, and will hit the road in March and April 2014.

For Kampfar this is just the beginning of a year that will see them visit several continents and bring their music to more people than ever before.
With them on this tour will be Polish extreme metallers HATE, who on the tail of their 2013 album SOLARFLESH, have proven again to be in the elite of the current extreme metal scene.

The two bands that complete this offering have toured with KAMPFAR before. US avantgarde black metallers Velnias are again bringing their esoteric and powerful show to Europe, while ISKALD are back with a potent fourth album in "Nedom og Nord" and will hit the stage in fervent form as part of this prime tour package.

Korpiklaani - "Manala" (2012)

Korpiklaani

"Manala"

Nuclear Blast 

2012

What is Korpiklaani propably every fan of folk metal knows. This is one of the most influencial band on the scene. In circles of grim, cult pagan metalers it is considered as a shame. Yet fortunetely I not one of them, so I can with a clear conscience describe you what "Manala" contains. Some of you may also say that I am a hypocrite, since I very often write how I disguist modern jolly-polka folk metal bands. Yet in my opinion Korpiklaani is something more than only merry glorification of alcohol, and I'll try to show you it in this short review.
The album begins in a very weak style - two first tracks are very bland. Really - no lively melodies, no relish of melancholy - nothing! Luckily after'em we can listen to the best track on this album "Rauta". This pulsatory bass, vivacious melodies and a bit "shamanic" relish makes it a perfect hit for a concert! Also vocals make a good impression - if you have ever heard finnish language you know that it can be so damn catchy! This is how Korpiklaani's music should sound.
Next tracks are not as good as "Rauta", yet they still keep the unique atmosphere of Korpiklaani's characteristic music. Sometimes it is more metal ("Ruumiinmultaa"), sometimes more melancholic (like a great song "Synkka") and sometimes the music turns into more merry fields. So Finns are giving us again more or less the same. There is nothing innovative here, but if somebody likes their previous works he should also like "Manala" (if, as me, hadn't listen to their every album though). Especially that this merry side of their music is now a smaller part, and that's very good in my opinion. And by the way the album is sung only in finnish - I really like that. Finnish language fits such music much more than english. I also appreciate how much this music is filled with traditional folk music of this region - it is so original that you can't mistake it with any other.
Some people say that Korpiklaani is a one, big joke with this merry singing about alcohol and other silly stuff. Yet first of all - that's just one side of the coin. More melancholic tunes are alwas important part of every Korpiklaani's album. And secondly - I think that what Korpiklaani is doing is in 100% authentic. The music recorded for this album is clearly played by people who love doing what they're doing. They claim that they are not pagans, yet their band is more "pagan" than many other true Heathen, Kvlt and Evil Hordes. Paganism is an affirmation of life, both this happier and sadder sides. And on "Manala" the band shows it again. Maybe it is not as good as the genius debut album "Spirit of the Forest", yet it s still quite nice.

Rate: 6+/10
Vladyka

P.S
I could rate it on 7/10 if not those two first tracks, which are horrible.

A videoclip to "Rauta" single:

Tracklist:

1. Kunnia

2. Tuonelan Tuvilla

3. Rauta

4. Ruumiinmultaa 

5. Petoeläimen Kuola 

6. Synkkä 

7. Ievan Polkka 

8. Husky-Sledge 

9. Dolorous 

10.Uni

11. Metsälle 

12. Sumussa Hämärän Aamun 

Total time: 45:48

Interview - Ereb Altor - Forging a sound with elements of both black and epic metal

Read a review of "Fire Meets Ice" here. 
Ereb Altor is hailing from Gavle, Sweden. It was founded in 2003 and plays Viking metal highly influenced by a legendary Bathory. Yet this is not their only inspiration, and Ereb Altor's music clearly shows that the band has their own identity. Interested? If yes, read what Mats (Vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards) have to say about his fascinations (both musical and other ones), music and some cultural issues. Fans of epicness in music - this can be something for you!

1.Hailsa! First of all I would like to know how people in the undeground reacted on your last opus "Fire Meets Ice"? Did you receive some negative opinions?
The reactions have been great, better than after our previous albums. Great reactions when it comes to mails from fans and also great reactions from the media, both underground and bigger magazines.

2.We can listen to "Fire Meets Ice" a year after releasing of your previous album, that's kinda fast! Moreover, the material seems to be different than "Gastrike" - it's less black metal, even if there are some black metal influences in your music. Why did you decide to return to this more viking metal style?
Both "Gastrike" and Fire Meets Ice was written at the same time musically. I chose the more harsh songs for "Gastrike" because of the lyrical approach on that album.
I think "Fire Meets Ice" unites the history of Ereb Altor, forging a sound with elements of both black and the epic. It was a challenge to make an album with all these elements but I believe we succeeded.

3. The material is also highly touched by an almighty spirit of Bathory. I know that questions like this one are present in every interview with you, but do you imagine the world without Quorthon'smusic? And how do you think he would comment "Fire Meets Ice" if he was still alive?
Yes, it’s true that he had a great impact on my world of music. It’s impossible for me to imagine how it would be without it.
Quorthon would probably not comment the album at all, or say something weird as he did in most of the interviews.

4. Do you think that this is important to keep the spirit of oldschool viking metal alive, if we are around this subject? How do you personally rate the present scene - it's strong, weak or simply mediocre?
To be honest I don’t listen that much to the viking metalscene, mostly because I can’t recognize it. It doesn’t sound the way at all as it did when I grew up with "Hammerheart" and "Twilight of the Gods".
To me the old school Viking metal is glourious and let’s stick with that.

5. I suppose that Bathory had also started your fascination with norse mythology and history in general. How important are those topics for you? And here's my favourite question to scandinavian bands, hehe: what do you think about those who are worshipping norse gods nowadays? This makes sense in our high-tech societies or not in your opinion?
I am interested in mythology and supernatural things in general. Not only Norse mythology and legends from Scandinavia. But since we have a nordic touch in the music and we are from Sweden I think it suits us very well to deal with such topics.
I think everyone is entitled to worship any religion as long as no one is forcing others to follow their belief. But to me it’s more about inheritance and history, to understand how things were from where we come from.

6. Your lyrics are also inspired by a fantasy literature. You even named your band after a fantasy roleplaying game. It was in your youth, but do you still have an interest in such kind of stuff? Can you name some of your favourite authors?
I grew up playing fantasy games and I grew up with reading Lord of the Rings but I wouldn’t say I am a big consumer of fantasy litterature nowadays. I mostly read historic litterature and books about folklore. I also read regular books about murders and so on but no fantasy. And there isn’tmuch inspiration from fantasy in my lyrics either though it was supposed to be from the beginning but I changed the direction and focused on our inheritance and dark stories from the north instead.

7. In some moments, and especially in "The deceiver shall repent" I hear an echeos of some more traditional music, even if I wouldn't describe it as folk. Some more epic moments remind me a heavier soundtrack to some movie. So what would you say if some director had called to you and proposed to compose music to his new, upcoming epic movie about vikings? Agree or not and why?
Perhaps you are right… I thought the album needed some traditional elements to fulfill the dynamics.
Of course I would say yes, it would be a challenge! I’ve never done such a thing and I belive it would be a good experience.

8. Ha, speaking of movies, I like your lyric-video to "Nifelheim". Can you tell me who's the creator of it? And do you have any plans to record a real videoclip in the future?
It’s done by Luigith Web design (www.luigiht.com).
We have discussed to record a real video many times and I hope we will soon!

9. Modern pop-culture seems to be full of vikings, norse mythology and cliches bounded with them. Why in your opinion we can observe such an excitement about your ancestors' culture? Sadly, too many times a topic is treated very superficially...
The pop-culture touches everything sooner or later but only for a short period of time so it was inevitable that it would come across Norse mythology at some point. Trends come and go and most of the time the research is not the best.

10. OK, back to your music. "Fire Meets Ice" has a strong relish of doom metal, and I know that in the past it was even stronger. Because of that diversity of your musical fascinations, your own music is more diverse itself, and thanks to that more interesting. Am I right, haha? But while listenning to your albums, do you have sometimes thoughts like "Damn, that riff sounds too much like Bathory"? Or the opposite - "Shit, Candlemasshad stolen our riff!".
I’m actually not focusing that much on riffs, I focus on a song entirety. Working with atmospheres.
Even if you still look at one single riff and it might be sounding a lot like for instance Candlemass you can make the music sound different still, working with song harmonies, keyboards, basslines etcetera.

11. By the way, don't you think that closed-minded musicians are a problem for many genres in a modern metal music? I am not saying of course about being desperetaly original at all costs, but about an own identy.
It’s important to have an own identity and I think we have. But trying to be too original often complicate things too much and the most important thing, making good music, can be lost.

12.  You released your new album via Cyclone Empire. Are you happy with it? And why did you left Napalm Records - you weren't pleased with them? As far as I know, your second band Isole is still in Napalm, can you explain it?
Yes, we are very happy co-operating with Cyclone Empire, it was a good and natural step for us. We wanted a label that believe in our music and a label that are dedicated to us. Napalm Records have a lot of bands and a lot of them are much more famous than Ereb Altor so I think we will benefit with a smaller label that put more effort in the band.
Yes, Isole is still in Napalm Records.

13. Speaking of Isole - what's going on in this camp? Do you have any plans of releasing some new material?
We are recording a new album right now. But I want [propably Mats wanted to write "won't" - Vlad.] be giving you any details.

14. OK, now's time for a few short questions not bounded with your band. What is your favourite:
- beer
I don’t like regular lagers that much… I’m more of a Guinness guy.

- band (besideBathory ;])
Opeth

-hockey team?
Don’t like any hockey teams at all… I like soccer… Liverpool!

15. And at the end, please tell us about Ereb Altor's future plans.
In March next year we will go on a European tour with Borknagar, Månegarm and Shade Empire. We will do a release of some new material in one way or another, perhaps a 7” vinyl.
We also have some festivals booked and we are focusing on getting more festivals with ourbooking agency ”Doomed Events”

16. All right, that's everything I wanted to ask. Thank you very much for your time! The last word is traditionally yours.
All Hails to Quorthon !
See you in Valhalla !

---
A lyric-video for "Nifelheim" on Youtube: (click!)

Photos: band's archieve.
Interview by Vladyka 2013. Please do not copy this interview without HA'Z permission. Respect the copyrights!

Vin de Mia Trix - "Once Hidden From Sight"

Vin de Mia Trix

"Once Hidden From Sight"

Hypnotic Dirge Recs.

2013

Vin de Mia Trix is an ukrainian doom/death metal band from Kyyiv. "Once Hidden From Sight" is their debut album.
First of all I must flatter their inspirations. There a lot of establishes of such a great bands like early Anathema, Katatonia or Paradise Lost. The tempos are really slow, sometimes it goes even into more funeral doom areas. But the heaviness of music is quite interesting. This is not a revolutionery thing, but it flaws nice. So the two first tracks make quite a good impression that this will be a solid portion of smart death/doom. Unfortunetely later the band turns into more Opeth-like areas. The first problem is that I am not a big Opeth fan. The second is that it's really quite boring. There are two instrumental tracks, composed with usage of piano. I don't want to write that it's a complete crap, but from the other side after one minute I started to loose the contact with a music and gave whole my attention to such an interesting stuff like walls, windows and carpet... The next track, "The Sleep of Reason" returns to more death/doom atmosphere. But sadly the than we have a show called "how indifferent can be minimalistic music played by people who don't know how to create it". It really is pointless, so why the hell had you record it?
Than we have metioned instrumental track ("La persistencia..."), much better than a previous one (and not just because it's shorter) and also the two ending tracks show those more positive side of the band. The riffs are really catchy, yet of course properly heavy. Also clean vocals makes this time a good work, giving this music a bit mysterius sound ("Metamorphosis").
This album should have "Only for a die-hard doom metal fans" sticker on it. I wish well to Vin de Mia Trix, but I don't think that I will return to this material in the future. Yet they have certain skills, so maybe if they'll drop this boring pseudo-atmospheric way of playing and focus on more death/doom style I will appreciate more their future releases.

Rate: 5/10
Vladyka

You can download the album here for free from bandcamp.

Tracklist:

1. A study in Scarlet

2. Nowhere is Here

3. Là où le rêve et le jour s’effleurèrent 

4. The Sleep of Reason

5. Silent World

6. La persistència de la memòria 

7. Metamorphosis

8.  मातृ (mātṛ)

Woodtemple - new album trailer

I've received such an information, so I am posting it here. You can watch new trailer of Woodtemple and check if their (or better his) upcoming album "Forgotten Pride" will be something interesting for you:

Album will be released in January or February 2014 via Sturmklang Records.

Jarun - "Wziemiozstąpienie" (2012)

Jarun

"Wziemiozstąpienie"

[Self-released]

2012

Jarun is a polish black/folk/progressive band founded by Zagreus in 2008 in Nowy Sącz. "Wziemiozstąpienie" (try to say it fast, huh!) is their debut album. A very tasty debut album, I must admit. I've heard many good opinions about this young horde, but the music that their bring us pass all my expectations. But ab ovo.

The core of the whole music is here black metal. If the band wants they can create good aggressive riffs, like they purpose was destruction of everything (parts of the opening "Wziemiozstąpienie" or "Niech moje słowa będą ogniem"). But black metal represented by Jarun is for most of the time more atmospheric, with big usage of acoustic themes and calm, muted parts. Evey track is full of such parts, so that it is hard to count which one would be a good example of such kind of playing (maybe "Deszcz", with the sounds of raining in the background?). Generally speaking the music is very dynamic, it changes quite often from one mood to another so that it's hard to get bored with that. That's the merit of a bit progressive approach. In such moments prevails calmer parts, giving a good oportunity for bass player to show that his instrument can be used in very interesting way. Such kind of playing reminds me some of "atmospherical" bands, especially polish Furia. 

The last element which gives Jarun very unique, original character are folk references. I would say that if at the beginning this "folkish" attitude is a bit hidden behind progressive and purely pagan metal kind of playing, than since the track "Przebudzenie" it prevails. To be honest it sounds amazing when progressive parts (raised from classic rock!) mix with folk tunes and black metal vocals ("Powrót"). Of course this effect is achieved only with usage of riffing - there are no traditional instruments in Jarun's music.

I am bought. Really - the creativeness of this black-metallers is so fresh and non-trivial that it is a must-have for every fan of a bit progressive, atmospheric music as well as fans of pagan metal. And good music in general ;] And about rating - it is so high inter alia because it's only a debut! Personally I hope that their another material will be at least as great as "Wziemiozstąpienie", if not better.

Rate: 10/10

Vadyka

Music "video" to "Zamieć":

Tracklist:

1. Wziemiozstąpienie

2. Deszcz

3. Prawdy ulotne

4. Przebudzenie

5. Niech moje słowa będą ogniem

6. Powrót

7. Zamieć

8. I znowu zima...

Paper edition of the Heathen Altar Maga'Zine

 

The limited paper edition of the first Heathen Altar Maga'Zine issue will apear in 2014 - around February or March. It will contain every interview and all of the reviews from this site + some articles about paganism and history. Possibly you will find there also some extra adds. If you have any suggestions - contact me: heathen.altar@gmail.com 

BTW - I will be propably looking for somebody who is skilled in drawing. If you want to help me - you know how to find me. 

 

More info soon... Here.

 

Percival - "Slava!" (2012)

Percival 

"Slava!"

[Self-realeased]

2012

Percival is a side-project of folk metallers from Percival Schuttenbach. This polish band released in 2012 an album entitled "Slava!", which will be a part  of slavic trilogy. This album is focused only on the traditional songs of South Slavs (click to learn more).
Hmm, and what can I say? The previous album album was good. Maybe it wasn't a revelation, but it was a good piece of music inspired by the early Middle-Ages' tunes. But sorry to say, "Slava!" is worse. Moreover - in some moments it's indistinct. Let's take, for example, the second song "Delberino". The song is not very dynamic, instruments are not outstanding in this track and the vocalists sing like if they do not wanted to do it. Tragedy. There are though here some tracks that are interesting like e.g. "Gusta" or "Karanfile" with a bit mysterious atmoshphere. But most of the tracks are mediocre. Yes - not bad, but also not good. Just mediocre. I know some of these tracks in other arrangement by artists from Balcans - and they have much more power and energy than Percival's versions. I don't know why - maybe because of the southern temperament, maybe because people from Balcans know better their own culture. But anyway they are better in performing this kind of music.
The other case are instruments. In my opinion - if you want to play a music from certain region, you should use instruments from this region. However Percival is just using their own instruments, inspired by Middle-Ages stuff. Sorry to say, but I don't like it. It was OK on the previous album, but here it doesn't fit the music at all.
Generally speaking if you are doing something, and you want to listen to some uncomplicated music this album will be a nice soundscape. But if you want to listen to some real, energetic folk music let better seek for something else. There are much better balcan folk albums than this. What a shame that this one sounds so poor, but I hope that the next Percival's album will be better. There are no many talented folk musicians here in Poland, and these guys are one of them. I wish they won't waste their talent.

Rate: 5+/10
Vladyka

Music video for "Gusta":

Tracklist:

1. Gusta (Serbia)
2. Delberino (Bulgaria)
3. Karanfilče (Serbia)
4. Vrsuta (Montenegro)
5. Lazare (Bulgaria)
6. Korita Ivanova (Montenegro)
7. Ne orji, ne sejaj (Slovenia)
8. Naranča (Croatia)
9. Žali Zare (Serbia)
10. Ljubav se ne trži (Croatia)
11. Šta to radiš (Serbia)
12. Karanfile (Bosnia)
13. Dve nevesti (Macedonia)

Maras - "Mienje Na Svetcite" (2012)

Maras

"Mienje Na Svetcite"

[Self-released]

2012

OK, this review will be short, because "Mienje Na Svetcite" is just a single with only one track. It was recorded by macedonian band Maras - you must admit that it sounds kinda exotic, huh?

The music bases here on slow, guts crushing doom riffs with black metal feeling and very condensed, stifling production. One of the better elements here is surely a vocalist - the guy is spitting out deep, stertorous growls like some possessed demon (yeah, I know, veeeery original comparison). The music sounds quite powerful, and later it turns into a bit cacophonous-tribal areas. That's because of traditional balcan instrument - zurla - which creates very strange, disturbing atmosphere. If you can't imagine it you should know that it sounds similar to what you could hear on Rotting Christ's last albums (I mean this kind of trombone). The whole composition creates quite an interesting atmosphere. It works very well in a small dose of single, yet I am a bit affraid that in the long run of LP it could be tiring.

And that's it. You can check for yourself if this track is worth your attention or not. Personally I liked "Mienje..." well enough to wait for the upcoming full-lenght album (coming soon at the beginning of 2014).

Rate: 7/10

Vladyka

Click here to download the official single for free from Bandcamp.

Official single on Youtube:  

Ereb Altor - "Fire Meets Ice" (2013)

Ereb Altor

"Fire Meets Ice"

Cyclone Empire

2013

Ereb Altor is hailing from Sweden, they have lyrics about vikings and norse mythology and plays epic viking metal. Guess what is their main inspiration than, hehe.
Yes, as you might already know it is Bathory. Everyone who love such the epic albums as "Hammerheart", "Blood On Ice" or "Nordland" will defenitely know what to expect from "Fire Meets Ice". I must admit that I was a bit sceptical while I was turining on my music player containing this album for the first time. But as the music was flowing I realized that it is not just a lame immitation of Quarthon's genius. Sure, all those choirs, pathos and riffing (especially in the first tracks) can be associated with Bathory. Even the clean vocals have a bit something to do with it. By the way, they are so damn heroic and poignant that listenning to them is a pure pleasure. If a vocalist is performing his skills in some other bands, than I will defenitely check them out.
But returning to Ereb Altor - so from one side we have a Bathory fascination, but from the other side Ereb Altor has also it's own spirit. Much of it. First of all it sounds that Ereb Altor in the past was more inlfuenced by doom metal. Thera are quite many slow, heavy riffs that can be associated only with this style of playing. It is also obvious that the creativeness of swedes is inspired by black metal - it can be heard in harsh vocals, as well as in some riffs and blast beats like in a track "Helheimsfard" or purely black metal "Post Ragnarok". There are also more nostalgic moments, with a big usage of acoustic guitars like in "Sacrifice", "Our Legacy" and especially "The Deceiver Shall Repent". They very much reminds me the traditional epic songs from Scandinavia and British Islands. And what can I say - they flow very fast, giving a listener a great portion of viking metal. The music is complemented by a good production and the amazing cover artwork and layout. A pure feast for the eyes.
Put it all together - "Fire Meets Ice" is a highly listenable piece of music. This mixture of many mentioned influences gives us a high octane music, which should be like a fuel for all those who love epicness in metal.

Rate: 8/10
Vladyka

A lyric-video for "Nifelheim":

Tracklist:

1. Fire Meets Ice

2. The Chosen Ones

3. Nifelheim 

4. My Ravens

5. Sacrifice

6. Helheimsfard

7. The Deceiver Shall Repent

8. Post Ragnarok

9. Our Legacy