Full Length Review: Appalachian Winter "The Epochs that built the Mountains" (Nine Gates Records) by Daniel Ryan

Band: Appalachian Winter

Location: Schellsburg, Pennsylvania

Country: USA

Genre: Symphonic black metal

Full length: The Epochs that built the Mountains

Format: Digital, limited edition CD digipak

Label: Nine Gates Records

Release date: November 9, 2014

It’s been 10 long years since this piece of black metal history has been released. Coming from one Dan to another, this album touches on many things all at once with the cosmic sounding guitars to the fatal drums in the background. It is a heavy album of sorts but not without its light qualities to it. Folk passages and choirs that turn things upside down and back up! The range of the vocals are always a surprise and the craftsmanship of it all is all really baffling to me to say the least! Being a fan versus someone who never heard a song before by Appalachian Winter, I say dive into it track for track. Each one has its own presence about it. Along with horns and fantastical sounds with falsetto vocals you can get a true taste into this one was made right in the good ole USA! Tremendous talent and a solid ear for what he wants, Daniel Klyne never fails to amaze me with this story of songs that go along better than a novel I have read or just 9 songs that gel so well together that it is a must have in my own collection. It all gets better and better on each release but I wanted to do this one a solid since it’s been 10 years and put out between Daniel Klyne and company. May you withstand the ages!

Check it out here… -Daniel Ryan

Lineup:

Randy Smith: Guitars, excluding acoustics

Mike O'Brien: Choirs and choral progressions

D.G. Klyne: Voices, compositions and arrangements

Track list:

1. Laurentia

2. Close the Ocean

3. Rise to the Heavens

4. The Last All-Land

5. Clay Becomes Stone

6. The Cycle of Sea and Mountain

7. Watergap

8. Withstand the Ages

9. Hymn to the Ancient Mountains

Full Length Review: Eternal Tragedy "Origin" (Independent) by Daniel Ryan

Band: Eternal Tragedy

Location: Athens

Country: Greece

Genre: Technical death metal

Full length: Origin

Format: Digital

Label: Independent

Release date: August 30, 2024

Straight from the depths of Athens Greece lies a cold and sinister ensemble of technical death metal, Eternal Tragedy. With vocals that range from the dark and raspy to bellowing infernal, the band really knows how to kick things off. Solid guitar playing coupled with fierce drumming the band takes you into a world of its own. Taking ideas from such bands as Suffocation, Unanimated & even Death the pace doesn’t slow down for anyone. Guttural and challenging the music really touches on many layers and subject manner. To the opening of tribal drum beats of Origin the same name of album song, it burns an extreme amount of Krisiun and never stops. The song then moves into a slower paced tone with whispered vocals back into the pummeling sounds that exemplify pure extreme metal. There is a lot to be had on this album containing extreme riffs to the bone crushing pace the drums continue to endure. It is a progressive feat of sorts that keeps driving down the nails in the coffin. For it is otherworldly and also filled with plenty of cosmic riffing to keep things on a steady structure. Another one to keep your attention is the ability found in Cosmos. A more mellow tune that is a filler but afterwards you are hit with more melodic death metal with a vicious bite! I have to say my favorite track is Origin. You can find this offering here for your listening pleasure. –Daniel Ryan

Lineup:

Stefania Ponzilacqua: Guitars, songwriting, lyrics

Track list:

1. ΣtaΣh

2. King of Nothingness

3. Origin

4. Infallible Machines

5. Cosmos

6. I'll

7. The Fallen God

8. Bond of Hatred

9. No More Time

Full Length Review: The Fair Sex "Thin Walls Part I" (Endless Records) by Daniel Ryan

Band: The Fair Sex

Location: Essen

Country: Germany

Genre: Industrial

Full length: Thin Walls Part I

Format: Digital

Label: Endless Records

Release date: June 6, 2003

This band from Essen, Germany has left a mark on me for some time. Being one of my favorite industrial groups next to Skinny Puppy, Nine Inch Nails and Ministry. They have an overwhelming power about them that lets you know that something’s that sound impossible are possible and leave you wanting more. The band is fairly obscure and is a well kept secret from the dredges of Essen and continue to maintain a hidden aura about them that is unmatched anywhere else. I have 2 of their cds and a-lot of their stuff is tongue in cheek and flows well within their beats and guitar playing. The band tends to lean towards clean vocals with an anguish about them that lets you pick apart what each one means. If one band like this can be so in the dark and mysterious then it has to have some essential elements about it that they provide for the listener. Ones that go beyond most bands and leaves them wondering if they could make such dynamics to their own. Overall I have to say my favorite track is The Ever Unreached Aim, and the rest are very well done too.

If you want something dark, beat oriented, and has a real grim dreading feel behind it all like a Too Dark Park would leave behind then go here to check it all out! –Daniel Ryan

Track list:

1. Anne.Lyz

2. The Ever Unreached Aim

3. Not Now. Not Here.

4. Alaska

5. What's To Be Done Now

6. Soulspirit: Antifascism

7. Cyberbite

8. Fat Bellies' Hunger

9. Shelter

10. Cold Contempt

11. White Noise

12. You Know How

13. Woe.

14. Eat Me

15. In The Desert

Full Length Review: Thronum Vrondor "Dies Tenebrosa Sicut Nox" (Immortal Frost Productions) by Daniel Ryan

Band: Thronum Vrondor

Country: Belgium

Genre: Black metal

Full length: Dies Tenebrosa Sicut Nox

Format: Digital, jewel case CD, standard black vinyl, opaque white vinyl, opaque white/black swirl vinyl

Label: Immortal Frost Productions

Release date: May 28, 2021

This blackened black metal outfit from Belgium really amps it up and touches on the roots of true black metal worship. For fans of Immortal old Behemoth and Mayhem they run the course of eternal flames and make the snow hit you in the face ever so gently while you make your next trip off into the woods. This band has solid drumming, black metal guitars and an eerie presence about them which suits them nicely for the music they have created.

SVNs vocals on here really leave a devastating path of destruction in its wake while the bass shows off its skills in the background. Distant and cold this band give you a solitary escape from the norm while elevating you to get closer to your own animal instincts. The force that is demonstrated is nothing short of remarkable.

This album really kicks you into gear and has great tones to it that you can only find in the greatness that is black metal in its purest of forms. I have to say my favorite track is Worms. It reminds me of Astaroth from Soul Calibur wreaking havoc with his giant axe. Worms indeed! A off we go to the next and feel nothing but total darkness on what is to come.

These guys also remind me of a Pest like sound even though they don’t speak Swedish on this Belgium album here. Life is a journey through death is more like it and it all can be found here on this solid effort by this band here. Feel free to let go and let the twisting twilight consume you to the depths of your very soul. Not for the weak! Check them out! –Daniel Ryan

Lineup:

SvN: Vocals, lyrics

Vrondor: Guitars, bass

Crygh: Drums

Track list:

1. To Eternal Fire

2. Odium Humanis Generis

3. Worms

4. Ravenous Cult

5. The Wolf Must Roam Free

6. To Pierce The Heart of Lions

7. Cleanse This World of Filth

8. What Grace is There Left To Fall From

Full Length Review: Vile Species "Disqualified as a Human" (various labels) by Daniel Ryan

Band: Vile Species

Location: Athens

Country: Greece

Genre: Grindcore

Full length: Disqualified as a Human

Format: Digital, vinyl

Label: EveryDayHealth, Gore Kitty Records, Helldog Records, Nihilocus Records, Nothing to Harvest, Nostril Bush, Throne of Lies Records (vinyl)

Release date: September 13, 2024

With a rich ensemble of old school grind along with death metal madness this band here really knows how to resonant what it is to kill under two minutes on each and every one of its tracks. The void is filling and it is filled with Vile Species latest Disqualified as a Human. Athens Greece never fails to amaze me with what they put out these days. It reminds me of old Absu from 97 with a mix of Necrophobic and constantly pushes the envelope for more teeth shattering good times. Powerviolent in nature and grind / death metal to the core.

Their vocalist sounds like he is exorcising some demons here. The drums are really well placed as are the guitars during this session of bloodshed. The grinding of old OSDM carries on with some elements of Napalm Death added to it. With a fierce ferocity of Dying Fetus and a sick hatred like Blood Duster they certainly get the job well done here.

Swinging the axe with a powerviolent like feel they touch on many different layers of sub genre in the scheme of things. Leaving you to blast the volume and scream along with the band as they take their time in dissecting everything from any standpoint they can musically in such a short amount of time.

These guys get a cool party going and are fierce enough to even headline their own hometown areas till they can jump over to the states to handle some serious business. My favorite track I have to say is Plebs In Despair…. funny yet heavily brutal all at the same time. They have vinyl and cd & tape TBA so check these guys out! –Daniel Ryan

Track list:

1. Disqualified As a Human

2. Once a Body, Now a Corpse

3. Those Who Act Violent

4. Αγκυλωτός Σκοταδισμός

5. Self Inflicted Mind Imprisonment

6. Preaching Hatred - Side Casualties

7. Injected With Apathy

8. Plebs in Despair

9. Battering Scum

10. Predetermined Decadence

11. The Sound

12. The Invisible Ones

13. The Cradle Has Fallen

14. A Cross Up the Ass = God As a Weapon

15. Sverkoma

Interview with Stefania Ponzilacqua of Eternal Tragedy by Daniel Ryan

Interview with Stefania Ponzilacqua of Eternal Tragedy by Daniel Ryan

How long have you been making music for?

I have been playing for 24 years, excluded learning my instrument.It takes time and dedication! I released two demos, and an album, and now my second album, Origin.

What is your favorite instrument to play on?

My electric guitar, my main instrument.

What acts have you played with before if any?

I founded Eternal Tragedy, and this is my only act.

If you had to layout all the bands in order you played in as a timeline what would they be?

I never played in any other band.

What is the coolest experience you have had as a musician?

I tell you, all the experiences are unique, so each of them are the coolest.

What inspires you to keep doing what you do?

It is something inside me, I have to do it.

If you had to name some influences what would they be?

Difficult question. I play technical death metal, but I listen to black metal, classical music or the radio.

What is your favorite moments about recording for your latest album?

The nicest moments were the ones where the others had to record ahahah!

What’s life like doing gigs and shows for people? Do you enjoy it or do you like being in the studio more?

Doing shows for people is amazing, but also the studio. I love both.

To sum up this interview which website can we find your latest music and any shout outs to anyone for the readers of Asphyxium zine?

If you like to listen to my music, you can check this link.

I also have physical copies of the CD if you are interested in buying it. I ship worldwide.

For latest news, feel free to visit, like and support Eternal Tragedy Facebook Page at this address.

Thank you for your time and support the underground! Stay Metal!

Stefania Ponzilacqua +30 6985874556 -ATHENS, Greece

ETERNAL TRAGEDY

-Daniel Ryan

Full Length Review: Schizophrenia "Recollections of the Insane" (Redefining Darkness Records) by Daniel Ryan

Band: Schizophrenia

Country: Belgium

Genre: Death thrash metal

Full length: Recollections of the Insane

Format: CD, digital

Label: Redefining Darkness Records (USA)

Release date: February 17, 2022

Next one up on my list of awesome is Belgium artists Schizophrenia. This one has everything you need. A jackhammer of blackened thrash with glimpses of pure death metal this band really knows how to play with my heartstrings. They are bold, obliterating, and absolutely fucking stupendous. With their next level antics they can play many roles other than just plain old thrash metal. These guys take the earth on a whirlwind spin and clench tightly back on it revealing nothing left. A stretch for the imagination and an even bigger stretch for most bands out there seeking the same reputation with Schizophrenia just pounding out the goods and setting all ablaze. Much technique on the drums and blast beats here with a twisted vocal manor reminiscent to me of known other than my hometown boys from Demolition Hammer. With an eerie Carcass like filled rasp that matches absolutely beautifully with its guitars and riffs that would send normal listeners straight to the hospital! Ricky Mandozzi really puts you on a wild ride with what they can muster. It leads me to believe that their also is other bands that sound similar are close to which is very few and far between because what they put out on Recollections may be the blueprints to the extreme metal genre itself. I dig how they lead the way and destroy everything it touches. It killed my headphones and more! Leaving me with more questions than answers, this album is one to hold onto tightly with the rest of your collection. Never underestimate the prolific power house that is Schizophrenia, you might live to regret it. If you’re like me, where is all the madness at? Right here… enjoy! –Daniel Ryan

Lineup:

Ricky Mandozzi: Bass, vocals

Romeo Promos Promopoulos: Lead and rhythm guitar

Marty Van Kerckhoven: Lead and rhythm guitar

Lorenzo Vissol: Drums

Track list:

1. Divine Immolation

2. Cranial Disintigration

3. Sea of Sorrow

4. Monolith

5. Onwards to Fire

6. Souls of Retribution

7. Inside the Walls of Madness

8. Fall of the Damned

9. Stratified Realities

Interview with Tamara Picardo of Upon Shadows by Daniel Ryan

Interview with Tamara Picardo of Upon Shadows by Daniel Ryan

How long have you been making music for?

Since 1995 non stop.

What is your favorite instrument to play on?

Keyboards definitely.

What acts have you played with before if any?

Before starting Upon Shadows I was playing keyboards in a death metal band called Eclampsy from 1995 to 2002.

If you had to layout all the bands in order you played in as a timeline what would they be?

With Upon Shadows I have been making music since 2002 to date, then the first band I ever played in was the uruguayan band Eclampsy which I mentioned before. Then I have been involved in two other projects, MARKHOR and Ad Noctum Project as a vocalist. Apart from that I did many collaborations with bands from different countries, which timeline order would be this:

Asbel (Colombia) Keyboards & Vocals.

Valkynaz (USA). Vocals.

Beltane (New Zealand) Keyboards.

Throne of Malediction (USA) Keyboards.

Episcopal Holocaust (Canada) Vocals.

Blackest Orchid (Canada) Keyboards.

IRONWORK (Switzerland) Vocals.

Eric Sartana (USA) Keyboards.

What is the coolest experience you have had as a musician?

The best experience of all is still seeing a finished album. Nothing beats the thrill of hearing all the finished tracks on a new album for the first time in the order they're going to be on the CD. And then being able to hold the CD in my hands. Everything else pales in comparison to that.

What inspires you to keep doing what you do?

The need for expression is what drives me. The day I feel that I have nothing important to say, nor anything new to contribute, I will stop making music. And inspiration comes to me from reality, from literature, from painting, from the world of ideas in general.

If you had to name some influences what would they be?

My musical influences are a mix of extreme metal with dark music, dark ambient and classical music.

What is your favorite moment about recording for your latest album Poetica?

My favorite moment during recordings is always when I start to record the arrangements. That's the climax of creativity as I think, the moment where magic can actually happen.

To sum up this interview which website can we find your latest music and any shout outs to anyone for the readers of Asphyxium Zine?

Our music can be found on Bandcamp or on platforms like Spotify, or on YouTube, but it is also available in chronological order and for free download on our blog. To the readers of Asphyxium Zine I would like to first thank you for reading this interview and tell you that in order to maintain underground art it is essential to have places where art in all its forms can be disseminated with the freedom and respect it deserves. And this is why reading and disseminating Asphyxium Zine is so important. The underground is made by all of us.

In rebellion we grow

No support to the unique thought!

-Daniel Ryan

Review of full length "Poetica" by Daniel Ryan

Review of "Poetica" by Dave Wolff

Review of full length "7 Stages Of Grief" by Dave Wolff

Review of full length "Between the Southern Cross & the Northern Star" by Alan Lisanti

Review of video "Geometry of Music" by Simon Brown
Review of single "Fatal Stigma Of The Realist" by Dave Wolff

Review of full length "Modern Obscurantism" by Dave Wolff

Review of full length "Modern Obscurantism" by Daniel M. Ryan

Review of single "Virtus Dormitiva" by Corban Skipwith

Demo Review: Brainseed "Demo 2024" (Independent) by Devin J. Meaney

Band: Brainseed

Location: Louisville, Kentucky

Country: USA

Genre: Technical thrash metal

Demo: Demo 2024

Format: Digital, cassette

Label: Independent

Release date: October 22, 2024

Wanting to indulge in another short blast of thrash I found the 2024 demo for “Brainseed”! Although I do enjoy what I hear here, there is some very blatant Testament vibes. Be it rip-off or homage—you decide!

With that said all three tracks on this demo are pleasurable to the ears and the music is tight. I’d encourage fans of thrash to give it a listen!

This is a one man band from Kentucky and I’d like to hear more! If anything I was inspired to re-visit Testament’s “The New Order”! -Devin J. Meaney

Lineup:

Skyler Storm: Vocals, all instruments

Track list:

1. Brick Wall Self Destruction

2. Agents of the Material World

3. After the Rain

Full Length Review: Windhelm "Au Crespuscule de l‘Existence" (Drakkar Productions) by Daniel Ryan

Band: Windhelm

Country: France

Genre: Black metal

Full length: Au Crespuscule de l‘Existence

Format: Digital, limited edition CD (sold out), limited edition cassette (sold out), Windhelm new pack (sold out)

Label: Drakkar Productions

Release date: April 15, 2022

Being one of the few exceptional French BM bands to get it done right is Windhelm. The spooky opening to the shredding riffs along with keys & organs really lays out the style you should expect to hear here. The first time hearing this black metal band reminds me of memories of listening to plenty of Les Legions Noires & Moevot. The vocal style also keeps things interesting while the guitars have a darkest atmosphere that is like the scales on a scorpions back. All instruments are played by Aldric on this album and showcases some of his best material to date. My favorite track I would have to say is Sous le Banniere Funebre for its feverish and cold riffs. Cursed and wretched Windhelm will leave a mark on the French black metal scene and has already. Check the latest album out here! -Daniel Ryan

Lineup:

Aldric: Lyrics, vocals, all instruments

Track list:

1. Prélude...Une Offrande

2. Sur les Chemins Tordus de la Nuit

3. Sous la Bannière Funèbre

4. Les Souvenirs d'une Sombre Existence

5. Boire le Calice de Destruction

6. La Chapelle Oubliée

7. Le Village Endormi

8. Les Anges sans Ailes

9. Le Black Metal est Mort

10. Au Crépuscule de l'Existence

11. L'Eternel M'attend

12. Necronirisme

13. Quand un Âge Prend Fin

Interview with SVN Hardrada by Daniel Ryan

Interview with SVN Hardrada by Daniel Ryan

How long have you been making music for?

The first band I was in was Zymotic around 1991. I was 15 then. I’m 48 now. To this day I still make music with one of the guitarists. First under the Ascend-ency moniker. Now as Dodengod. (Flemisch for Deathgod)

What is your favorite instrument to play on?

As a vocalist I should say my voice. But, since I started messing around with keyboards for Herian and This Scorching SvN, I would say I prefer keyboard now. Although I can’t really play them and just improvise my way around them in the studio.

With the way I sing and the Dark Ambient I make it’s all about making dark noises.

What acts have you played with before if any?

I used to play in a death metal band called Anesthesy and we opened for Dark Funeral and then that lead to opening for Death. Which was an awesome experience. Aborted opened for us once. So you can imagine that was a long time ago. Liar headlined that show.

With Impedigon I played with Aborted, Akercocke and Pungent Stench.

With Fleshmould we opened for Suffocation and God Dethroned.

And since Thronum Vrondor started playing live we played with local heroes Coldborn, Saille, Ars Veneficium. Helleruin from Holland as well.

And of course a serious amount of Belgian bands.

Surhim, Provectus, Serpents Oath, Nyrak, Carnal Desecration…

If you had to lay out all the bands in order you played in as a timeline what would they be?

Zymotic, Anesthesy, Impedigon, Fleshmould & now Thronum Vrondor.

And Ascend-ency (now Dodengod started around Anesthesy and is still going).

This Scorching SvN is a recent project. A year or two ago I did a demo under the moniker Herian which was an attempt to make Martial Industrial. But it sounded too forced.

What is the coolest experience you have had as a musician?

Playing live and the reaction of the crowd. Wich is hard to fathom. But for me it’s all about the creation process. Love that.

What inspires you to keep doing what you do?

My love for dark music and the creation process. There are so many bands around and we are just one of thousands. It won’t bring me fame and fortune but I just love making noise.

If you had to name some influences what would they be?

90’s era Death Metal, a lot of Black Metal, Triarii, Neurosis, Danzig, Dead Can Dance, Arditi, Trepaneringsritualen, Iron Maiden, Slayer…

To sum up this interview which website can we find your latest music and any shout outs to anyone for the readers of Asphyxium zine?

This Scorching SVN:

https://thisscorchingsvn.bandcamp.com/album/do-not-delude-yourselves-i-offer-anything-but-strife-blood

Thronum Vrondor:

https://www.facebook.com/thronumvrondor

https://thronumvrondor.bandcamp.com/

Dodengod:

https://dodengod1.bandcamp.com/album/salvation

Anesthesy:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HREN-gkLjlw&ab_channel=RareMetalAlbums

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhuWYXgh8ZU&ab_channel=DeathMetalUnderground

Herian:

https://herian.bandcamp.com/album/the-vesuvius-concept

All bands can also be found on all streaming platforms.

-Daniel Ryan

Full Length Review: Mythark "Unleash the Darkness" (Independent) by Daniel Ryan

Band: Mythark

Location: Saint Etienne

Country: France

Genre: Blackened symphonic death metal

Full length: Unleash the Darkness

Format: Double CD, digital

Label: Independent

Release date: April 13, 2019

Mythark from Saint Etienne France really push the boundaries of being a symphonic blackened death metal band with their powerful sounds that capture the mind.

These guys not only break those boundaries they set a whole new standard when it comes to the genre. Filled with deadly operatics and key arrangements this band relies on it as its main focus with the guitars and drums coming in second. With twisted bass lines and haunting vocals they take something absolutely beautiful sounding and turn it into utter madness. For fans of Septic Flesh, Cradle Of Filth & Emperor, this band take these influences and combine them in their own dark & mysterious way. Great solos are still found here on a few tracks and are accompanied by the sound of brutal death metal vocals plus shrieks ones as well.

Along with their music you get a strong feel in the operatics that carry the songs to points of no return & a sophisticated feel to them that leave you wanting more. I have to say my favorite track is Requiem. Definitely check these guys out! –Daniel Ryan

Lineup:

Paiou: Vocals

Vidark; Guitars

Suif: Bass

Grim: Drums

Track list:

1. Babel Dementia

2. Belzebuth

3. L'enfer de Dante

4. Apophis

5. Requiem

6. Aphrodite

7. Escape Woman In Black

8. Poseidon

9. Purgatory

10. Pharaon

11. Kossuth

12. Vlad Tepes

Full Length Review: Upon Shadows "Poetica" (Ground Media Group) by Daniel Ryan

Band: Upon Shadows

Location: Montevideo

Country: Uruguay

Genre: Gothic black metal

Full length: Poetica

Format: CD, digital

Label: Ground Media Group

Release date: October 18, 2023

The beginning of this album shows off how dark and cryptic this music is. From the keys to the drums guitars and bass you can find a whirlwind of sounds that slowly begging to wrap its arms around you in its darkest embrace. For years I have followed Upon Shadows and their sounds are ever evolving bringing a unique feel to each and every track that is thrown at you. Depressive and melancholy found here mixed in within a tunnel of cold, and dark rainy nights. For fans of Abigor, Aborym and Rotting Christ the latest album really gets tighter on each track with solid performances from their respective band members Tamara and Natalia. With support by Mika Pohjla on mixing and mastering and session drums by Joonas Alaraiha. All done at Soundmix studio in Oulu, Finland. These guys collaborate very well bringing out the best in each other throughout this process. In the last 20 years of Upon Shadows dark metal as grandiosity is displayed for the forefront of genre they fall under. I have to say my favorite track is Terra Avstralis Ignota. It is creepy and reminds me of entering a black hole discovering alien life for the first time. Do yourself a favor and get some merch while you’re at it too. It is highly recommended that you do. In rebellion we grow! No support to the unique thought! Check them out! -Daniel Ryan

Lineup:

Natalia Arocena: Bass

Tamara Picardo: Keyboards, guitars, vocals

Track list:

1. Written In Blood

2. Song Of Winter

3. Cárcelest

4. Chants Of The Serpent

5. Monolith

6. Terra Avstralis Ignota

7. The Agony Of Eros

8. Ashes

Review of "Poetica" by Dave Wolff

Review of full length "7 Stages Of Grief" by Dave Wolff

Review of full length "Between the Southern Cross & the Northern Star" by Alan Lisanti

Review of video "Geometry of Music" by Simon Brown
Review of single "Fatal Stigma Of The Realist" by Dave Wolff

Review of full length "Modern Obscurantism" by Dave Wolff

Review of full length "Modern Obscurantism" by Daniel M. Ryan

Review of single "Virtus Dormitiva" by Corban Skipwith

Interview with Thomas Granzow of Resurrected by Daniel Ryan

Interview with Thomas Granzow of Resurrected by Daniel Ryan

How long have you been making music for?

We’ve started making music with our band in late 1993: We’ve started with jamming some Death metal stuff but we didn’t give us a band name. Later on in mid 1994 we’ve added a second guitarist to our ranks and called ourselves Resurrected.

What is your favorite instrument to play on?

I love my electric guitars. I used to play bass guitar in my second band Grind Inc. either. When it comes to brands I played a Stallings Dragonslayer on stage for more than 20 years but I’ve switched over to Solar X shaped guitars and BC Riches, especially a Steve Smyth Signature.

What acts have you played with before if any?

Well there were a few in that 30 year run. To name the more famous ones there was Deicide, Malevolent Creation, Cryptopsy, Kataklysm, Vader, Immortal, Brutal Truth, Marduk, Suffocation, Behemoth… I do not remember them all haha.

If you had to lay out all the bands in order you played in as a timeline what would they be?

You’ll laugh, it’s not been so many for me:

Resurrected from 1993 till present and Grind Inc. from 2008 to 2013 (we’ve not played any shows with Grind Inc. since then).

Our other band members play in several bands next to ours but I couldn’t tell you their timeline at all. Dennis plays in “Pestlegion” currently and has played with “Prostitute Disfigurement” too. Ben is active with “Battlesword” and “Necrophagia” at the moment. Chris Zeller plays in “Ignition” too, used to play with our vocalist Chris Mieves in “Struck A Nerve” too but this band recently split up. Chris Mieves also sang in Grind Inc. where I played bass guitar and Dennis was there as session drummer either. So it’s like a family, we’ve kinda been together in different bands already before RESURRECTED formed that lineup in 2012.

What is the coolest experience you have had as a musician?

Well, there were so many it’s hard to pick out a single one. Ben and I still remember that show as Inferno Festival in Oslo back in 2008, we never had better band catering or backstage parties. I remember Dan Lilker’s green face; I don’t think I’ve ever seen a person that can turn green like that haha. Milwaukee Metal Fest was a blast too but from different points of view.

What inspires you to keep doing what you do?

It’s the love to Death Metal or the music in general. It’s not just taste in music, it’s a feeling that music and me belong to each other. It’s really hard to describe. And it’s part of my life. I cannot imagine living without that. It’d be living without my dick. Or leg. Or whatever.

If you had to name some influences what would they be?

Influences developed over the years like the scene developed. There’s still one big influence in songwriting for me named Deicide (especially for their triplet usage), Cannibal Corpse or Suffocation. Over the years I developed some Black Metal influences from Marduk for example. But from their faster releases like Panzerdivision or Frontschwein. Immortal did some riffs which should have been written for Death Metal lol. Awesome too, but not everything to my ears.

What is your favorite venue you been to or played in?

Milwaukee City Hall! Definitely. Even if we didn’t play the main stage but it was impressive.

To sum up this interview which website can we find your latest music and any shout outs to anyone for the readers of Asphyxium zine?

Sorry waste your time with our boring shit friends \m/ Hope to meat you live someday! Thanks for reading our stuff anyway and please buy all of our useless crap!!!

We’re available almost everywhere, get our unholy shit from www.resurrected.net or from Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Music.

-Daniel Ryan

Full Length Review: Drudkh "Autumn Aurora" (Season of Mist) by Daniel Ryan

Band: Drudkh

Country: Ukraine

Genre: Black metal

Full length: Autumn Aurora

Format: CD, cassette, black vinyl, amber marbled vinyt, digital

Label: Season of Mist

Release date: November 16, 2009 (originally released by Supernal Records in 2004)

Ukrainian black metal never felt so gray and blistering when I hear Autumn Aurora for the first time. This one goes out to Amorth which played keyboards on this album RIP. Released on Season of Mist records the band captures the imagination and makes you feel like you’re in a trance. With fiery guitars and sensational drumming these guys do their best to stand out amongst the bunch that are labeled just black metal. For fans of Agalloch, Opeth and Borknagar this EP really hits the spot. It is leveled out in a mystical sort of way and its epic folk oriented passages are throughout the album with the sounds of nature. I have to say my favorite song here is the Glare of Autumn. The longer tracks give me enough to retain but keeps my attention as to wondering what will happen next in this wonderful field of autumn season. The vocals are sparse on this EP but is enough to give it some dark intentions as well out of the sonically foreboding display of its power belonging to the force of nature they have all created. Check them out! -Daniel Ryan

Track list:

1. Fading

2. Summoning The Rain

3. Glare Of Autumn

4. Sunwheel

5. Wind Of The Night Forests

6. The First Snow

EP Review: S.Z.P. "Descent Beyond Hell" (The Triad Records) by Daniel Ryan

Band: S.Z.P.

Country: Italy

Genre: Death thrash metal

EP: Descent Beyond Hell

Format: Digital

Label: The Triad Records

Release date: November 4, 2024

Another Italian band from Triad Records this band is melodic and fluid to the core. You might expect some genre nuances here and there ranging from black metal and death metal but it all takes a life on its own with its own twisted chaos. Bringing things up and down musically, this band experiments with many different sounds and vocal arrangements throughout. Shrieking and clean passages in the music which come off as depressive when they really are not at all in the heavier parts of the music. I sense a cold and serene flavor to this bands misdoings leading them to chorus like passages and plenty of reverb here. Very experimental blackened death metal here. More on the gothic feel for Compromises the band really knows how to change things up. For fans of early Opeth, early Amorphis and Akercocke this band might sound misleading to a few when it comes to straight up death metal but they fall under a more progressive feel here. I have to say my favorite track is Annihilation. Check them out! –Daniel Ryan

Lineup:

Stefano Zani: Guitars, arrangements, production

Tato: Vocals, bass

Track list:

1. Free in the Cage

2. Apathy

3. Compromissione

4. Annihilation

5. Sindon (Endless Pain cover)

Full Length Review: Resurrected "Faireless to the Flesh II" (Metal Age Productions) by Daniel Ryan

Band: Resurrected

Location: Duisburg

Country: Germany

Genre: Brutal death metal, grindcore

Full length: Faireless to the Flesh II

Format: Digital, vinyl, cassette

Label: Metal Age Productions

Release date: December 23, 2022 (originally released by Perverted Taste records in 1999)

This band here from Duisburg Germany really packs a punch when it starts swinging and continues to nonstop obliterate the listener without end. Insane back up vocals along with the traditional death metal style growling along with killer riffs and superb drumming. For fans of Cannibal Corpse, Blood Obsession, & Dismember these guys take death metal to the next level with their antics. A brutal pummeling and a bloody ritual of stellar guitar solos later you get that this band means business. They really bite down on what is missing in the death metal scene and take no shit from anyone. I have to say my favorite song is Embelish. If you have an urge for death metal look no further than this. Highly recommended. Check them out! –Daniel Ryan

Lineup:

Carsten Scholz: Vocals

Thomas Granzow: Guitars

Bernd Steuer: Bass

Michael Scholz: Drums

Davin Schneider: Guest lead guitar on "Sacrificial Suicide"

Track list:

1. Intro (2021 Remix)

2. Two Faces One Fist (2021 Remix)

3. React With Hate (2021 Remix)

4. Premature Ejaculation (2021 Remix)

5. Unceremonious Promiscuous (2021 Remix)

6. Raping Whores (2021 Remix)

7. Christcunt (2021 Remix)

8. Denomination (2021 Remix)

9. Embelish (2021 Remix)

10. Virgin Immaculate (2021 Remix)

11. Sacrificial Suicide (2021 Remix) [Deicide cover]

Full Length Review: The Remedy "Sore" (The Triad Records) by Dave Wolff

Band: The Remedy

Country: Italy

Genre: Progressive doom-death-thrash

Full length: Sore

Format: Digital

Label: The Triad Records

Release date: October 25, 2024

The stripped down urban setting in The Remedy's promotional video for "Fog of War" was intended as a metaphor for the world crises they wrote about. There was a prophetic quality to the atmosphere and setting where they decided to film the video, as the bleakness was transcended by the human spirit symbolized by the melodic riffs and clear cut lyrical delivery.

The band has stated the video conveys a theme of optimism and hope against seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The other songs recorded for "Sore" express this mindset just as well as "Fog Of War" at a time when it seems more relevant than ever.

Since their early material was influenced by the lockdowns taking place during the Covid pandemic, The Remedy appears completely prepared to use their songwriting as a vehicle to portray brightness amidst endless gloom. Writing with multi stringed instruments, The Remedy has an intensity pushing the limits of vintage seventies rock, doom metal, modern metal, old school thrash and death metal, and dark alt rock from within. Having gotten to know one another as musicians and avoiding labels for what they strove toward while composing the album, they’ve combined their abilities to convincingly play with groove, dissonant chords, and doomy sounds.

Vocalist Ilenia "Fenis" possesses a voice that’s both melancholic and strong, somewhere between Doro Pesch, Cristina Scabbia and Alissa White Gluz. She constantly emotes while alternating between clean and throaty voices, with clear diction and a hint of raw sensuality. For intensity and passion, she can easily compete with, if not surpass, well-known female singers from the eighties. The track "One with the Sun," most exemplifies this as she harmonizes lyrics and extended notes with the guitar lines.

With guitar, bass, drums, and vocals, she and the band often transform metal into something traditional and cross-cultural, frequently evoking Arabian and Middle Eastern atmosphere. I’d find it intriguing if the band expanded to include additional ethnic influences from China, India, and Africa in addition to vibes of folk and worldbeat, even pop to a certain extent. Going by the metal I've heard from far-flung nations. I’d think The Remedy could pull it off while keeping their heavy elements.

The band shares its inspirations on a profoundly emotional level as well as intellectual, which makes "Sore" unique in and of itself. They have no intention of bragging about their versatility or showcasing their work as the next great thing. They want to touch the listener on the same level as they touch each other, allowing their thoughts and desires to connect to speak for themselves. –Dave Wolff

Lineup:

Ilenia "Fenis": Vocals

Andrea "Rust": Guitar

Enrico "Jack": Guitar

Daniele: Bass

Ale "The Sword": Drums

Track list:

1. The Remedy

2. Not Again

3. You'll never die

4. The Speaker

5. D – Die

6. Invisible

7. Fog Of War

8. One With The Sun

9. Ill Lumination

10. S.T.O.M.

Interview with Andrea “Rust” of The Remedy by Dave Wolff, July 29, 2024.

Interview with Hangsvart Phobophage by Daniel Ryan

Interview with Hangsvart Phobophage by Daniel Ryan

How long have you been making music for?

I started to play bass in 2007 (I was 16) and quickly extended to the guitar. I started to sing soon after. I never took any lessons and learnt bass/guitar and singing on my own. I quickly started to compose my own songs as the bands I was listening to were too underground and extreme to find any tabs.

What is your favorite instrument to play on?

I tried 6, 7 and 8 string guitars and 4 and 5 string basses but I definitely prefer 8 string guitars. Even if I don't shred and that I am not really interested in solo. I also love to play the Mongolian ancestral flute Tsuur.

What acts have you played with before if any?

Beside my solo projects and the bands I have been paid to sing for, I was the singer in Arrant Saudade, Restless and Ancient Lament. The three of them are not active anymore. I helped the band Scorched Earth to start in Toulouse, France, a small local band of Death Metal, as their singer, but I left for personal reasons. I did one album with a friend under the name We Hate You Too, as the singer. I sang a few times for the band Vmthanaachth, as a guest.

If you had to layout all the bands in order you played in as a timeline what would they be?

2013 - Hangvart (solo project)

2013/still active - Abysmal Growls of Despair (solo project)

2014/2015 - Ancient Lament (singer)

2015 - Arrant Saudade (singer)

2015/2016 - Plagueprayer (solo project)

2015/2016 - Ursus Horribilis (solo project)

2015/2017 - Catacombed (solo project)

2016/2018 - Scorched Earth (singer)

2017 - Restless (singer)

2017 - We Hate You Too (singer)

Last album being: Inearthed - Abysmal Growls of Despair - 2024

What is the coolest experience you have had as a musician?

My coolest experience was definitely being the main singer for the Kontakt library Omen - Ritual Voices & War Chants by Silence + Other Sounds. You can check it out here.

What inspires you to keep doing what you do?

I have a need to put into music my inner world. That has always been the big thing behind all my different projects.

If you had to name some influences what would they be? I am inspired by ancient spirituality and ancient wisdom; by the horror of Mankind and by high fantasy and fantastic worlds.

I am influenced by bands like Funeral Moth, Comatose Vigil, Sunn O))), Shape of Despair, The Howling Void, Catacombs, Hate Forest, Amenra, Siebenburgen, Behemoth, Suffocation, Devangelic, Beastcraft, Earth, Immolation, many classical composers and soundtracks... And by authors like HP Lovecraft, Beckett, Tolkien, Steven Erikson...

What is your favorite venue you been to or played in?

I have not done many concerts as most of my bands are solo projects or online bands. I have only played in venues in and around Toulouse, France, in 2016 and 2017 mainly. Mostly with Scorched Earth, but also a few alone and one or two for We Hate You Too.

To sum up this interview, which website can we find your latest music and any shout outs to anyone for the readers of Asphyxium zine?

You can listen to Abysmal Growls of Despair in my Bandcamp as well as on any streaming platform (Spotify, Deezer, Apple, Youtube and such). Thanks for the questions and having me in your zine!

-Daniel Ryan

Full Length Review: Deva Silence "Moon Misery & A Country Church" (The Triad Records) by Daniel Ryan

Band: Deva Silence

Country: Italy

Genre: Metal, doom, prog rock

Full length: Moon Misery & A Country Church

Format: Digital

Label: The Triad Records

Release date: September 20, 2024

This project made up of 3 Italian members was started during the period of Covid, Deva Silence delivers a hard and brash rock n roll trip that is reminiscent of bands such as Candlemass, Trouble & Black Hole. They play around with awesome riffs and great rhythms that mesh together like old school 70s rock n roll. Hard n Loud is their moniker and they aren’t wrong with that. Italian progressive rock with a really cool edge about it. Vocals that take you on an adventure into their world. Very entertaining and sort of atmospheric in some ways. The band has been very good at making music that makes you feel relaxed and in the moment. For people just getting into Metal and for older heads as well. This sonically rich and diverse group really has what it takes to leave an impressive mark in the rock and metal subgenres somewhere. Check them out! -Daniel Ryan

Lineup:

Deva Silence: Bass, rhythm guitar, vocals

Alex Nespoli: Lead and acoustic guitar

Massimiliano Martellotta: Drums

Track list:

1. Dream Wolf

2. Bad Smell

3. Black Star

4. Moon & Misery

5. Dirty Love

6. Call Me

7. Hide The Dark

8. Slave Of Doom

9. Notice Of Death

EP Review: Bloodbath "Survival of the Sickest" (Napalm Records) by Daniel Ryan

Band: Bloodbath

Location: Stockholm

Country: Sweden

Genre: Death metal

EP: Survival of the Sickest

Format: Digital

Label: Napalm Records

Release date: September 9, 2022

This band I been listening to for some time has changed dramatically over the years still puts out killer OSDM with frontman Nick Holmes and company. Production wise very solid album with many riffs to keep you entertained. The flow of the album is changing track to track and gives you a sense of dread throughout. It offers a brand new take on Bloodbath of old but still sticks to its roots. The nightmarish sounds of this band are pulverizing and soul wrenching. For fans of Morbid Angel, Obituary and Death these guys are the kings of old school death metal through and through. I have to say that Zombie Inferno is my favorite track of the bunch. Deadly and vicious this band will not be overlooked. Check them out! –Daniel Ryan

Lineup:

Nick Holmes: Vocals

Anders Nyström: Guitars

Tomas Åkvik: Guitars

Jonas Renkse: Bass

Martin Axenrot: Drums

Track list:

1. Zombie Inferno

2. Putrefying Corpse

3. Dead Parade

4. Malignant Maggot Therapy

5. Carved

6. Born Infernal

7. To Die

8. Affliction of Extinction

9. Tales of Melting Flesh

10. Environcide

11. No God Before Me

Full Length Review: Nocturnal Breed "No Retreat No Surrender" (Folter Records) by Daniel Ryan

Band: Nocturnal Breed

Location: Oslo

Country: Norway

Genre: Black thrash metal

Full length: No Retreat No Surrender

Format: CD

Label: Folter Records

Release date: February 25, 2019

With their extreme intensity and urgency to attack you with supreme thrash metal that you have to hear for yourself Nocturnal Breed never fails to amaze me on No Retreat No Surrender. The band consistently is on point and in your face. They bring a lot to the world of extreme metal these days while also never forgetting where they come from. You know you’re not going home tonight after hearing this album. The volumes and punch of it all swiftly throws a juggernaut of death evil and darkness your way. What I find most interesting about their album is their ability to nail down everything in awesome destructive filled passion. More energetic and fluid they are from song to song you can recognize that they were made with a group of people wanting to make music that is more than thrash with its blackened elements. For fans of I would have to mention bands such as Mercyful Fate, Slayer, Sabbat (UK) & Necrodeath. The rage of it all never ends and is enjoyed by lethal doses of aggressive force radiating in one’s head. From the depths you will never find anywhere else you can smell that this one is burning filled with millions of miles of trenches. Never missing a step this album truly takes a life all on its own which is why I decided to review it in the first place. There is not many records you can put down and say it has changed one’s life. As the old saying goes… metal to the bone! And stay true to the legions of speed. Thanks for putting out this record and let the blood flow…for all eternity. -Daniel Ryan

Lineup:

Destroyer: Vocals, bass, rhythm guitars

I Mastor: Lead guitars, rhythm guitars, acoustic guitars, backing vocals

Ed Damnator: Rhythm guitars

Tex Terror: Drums, backing vocals

Track list:

1. The Artillery Command

2. Thrash The Redeemer

3. Warhorse

4. Killernecro

5. No Retreat... No Surrender

6. Beyond Control

7. Sodomite

8. Fist of Fury

9. Under the Blade (Twisted Sister cover)

10. Roadkill Maze

11. Possessed

12. Armageddon Nights

13. Insane Tyrant (Outro)