Monday, June 15, 2020

EP Review: Idolos "Ahi Cab" (Anthrazit Records) by Sarah McKellar

Band: Idolos
Country: France
Genre: Atmospheric black metal
EP: Ahi Cab
Format: Jewelcase CD, Digital album
Label: Anthrazit Records
Release date: January 28, 2020
Idolos is an atmospheric black metal band based in France, but claim to be from Venus and of Atlantean descent. “Ahi Cab” is their 2020 EP release through Anthrazit Records located in Germany, also Wolfhund Productions located in Denmark. Atmospheric samples commence “Ahi Cab” leading the listener into this hard-hitting and brutal release. Mournful, yet brutal, Idolos has created a consistently unrelenting and forceful style of black metal in “Ahi Cab”. Melodic and technical riffs display Idolos’ aggressive “harder, faster” feel throughout this release. Remaining technical while switching styles effortlessly displays Idolos’ ability to release their soul crushing brutal approach to black metal upon their unsuspecting listeners. Strong, brutal vocals emphasise the aggressive technical approach the listener now knows to be expected of Idolos, adding another layer to the aural assault. “Ahi Cab” focuses mainly on Mayan mythology and prophecy as its primary source for lyrical content and is extremely well written, adding another aspect for the listener to appreciate. A mournful, slower approach in some tracks provides another aspect for listeners to appreciate as well. Idolos describing themselves as coming from Venus and being of Atlantean descent which is reflective in the otherworldly brutal feel the listener receives when listening to “Ahi Cab”. I genuinely look forward to hearing more of Idolos’ material in the future. –Sarah McKellar

Lineup: 
MgRcH: 82 Hz - 1.174 Hz / 41Hz - 97 Hz strings frequencies, backing vocal emissions, harmonic and lyrical transcriptions
NnK: Lead vocal teleprinter, cosmic interpretation, visual and graphic transcriptions

Track list:
1. Prolog
2. The Deeds above
3. The Summoners
4. The Maiden and the Tree

Sunday, June 14, 2020

Full Length Review: Eraser "Mutual Overkill Deterrence" (Night Animal Records) by Devin Joseph Meaney

Band: Eraser
Location: Palermo
Country: Italy
Genre: Old school grindcore
Format: Digital album
Release date: June 15, 2020
Before bed, I decided to listen to some music. After running through a playlist of nostalgia from my childhood, I realized it was time to grind. And with ''Grind'' in my sights, I humbly started my search for something pleasurable to my ears.
I noticed a new LP posted from the ''Gore Grinder'' account on Youtube. This account is an absolute wealth of all things gory and grinding, and as this album was posted 8 hours ago (while I am writing this) I decided ''what the hell?''… I fucking love this shit!
Now, the first thing I will mention is that this is not my standard gore-filled ear-massacre. This is pure 100% legit old school 80's-early 90's sounding grindcore. Think Napalm Death with a hint of the mincing from an act such as Agathocles. Purely old-school. Nothing innovative really, but superbly done (in my humble opinion). 
The name of this LP is ''Mutual Overkill Deterrence'' by ERASER! I mean, shit... this stuff is so old school it still maintains a strong thrash influence in the guitar riffs and the percussion. This paired with aggressive gutturals of both high and low pitches make for an abysmally amazing experience (yeah, I just made that up... you get the point!).
I could go on, but I think you get the impression I am trying to mold. Fans of classic grind (and maybe some old thrash heads) are sure to enjoy this offering. With all the intensity of a blood-drunk psychopath, this one is clearly a winner. 100 points! –Devin Joseph Meaney

Lineup:
Dario "Ramses": guitar and pain
Anselmo "Krosty": bass and backing throat filth
"Tom" G. Prophet: grunts and yells
Fulvio "Thrasher": drums and drinks

Track list:
1. Go Primitive
2. Scorn Path
3. Stream of Decay
4. Natural Born Prevaricators
5. Ego Feeder
6. Eraser
7. Static
8. Children of New Reich
9. Leadershiet
10. 29
11. Stomping Your Grave
12. Blast Beat Voodoo Cult
13. Bad Boy
14. Genocindustry
15. Insistence Is Futile
16. Mutual Overkill Deterrence
17. Grind Yourself
18. Dicsostù

Saturday, June 13, 2020

Full Length Review: ELM "The Wait" (Bronson Recordings) by Gene Olivarri

Band: ELM
Location: Cuneo
Country: Italy
Genre: Noise rock
Full length: The Wait
Format: CD, digital album, limited edition 12” vinyl
Label: Bronson Recordings (Italy)
Release date: June 12, 2020
First of all, I'd like to say this is a band everyone needs to keep a good eye on. Elm is an Italian based stoner rock blues and at times a bit sludgy band all in all. Elm's music is so catchy, just a solid great feel to the music makes you just wanna bang your head to the music. Through the entire album, the musicianship of this band is so amazing as well the band's tone and approach. It's just so unique the drums and the power of the riffage going on in every song on the album just yanks you in wanting more where I just didn't want the album to stop I had to put it on repeat. The guitar riffs are so catchy crunchy and with some fat bottom end coming from the bass is hypnotizing I'm sure in a live setting this band is fun to watch with a couple of cold ones. The Music has a thick deep heavy feel which the singer compliments so well with is singing patterns reminding me of a bit of allice in chains mix with the Melvins and at times a Dave Mustaine vocal approach. Everyone needs to go and buy this album take a chance on it you will not regret it. –Gene Olivarri

Lineup:
Matteo Torterolo: vocals
Alessandro Martines: guitars
Andrea Meinero: bass
Giorgio Rita: drums

Track list:
1. Hell
2. Kingsnake
3. Whole Year Inn
4. Violence Is Golden
5. Believe Or Burn
6. A Storm Is Coming
7. 44
8. Shell Of A Man
9. Abattoir
10. Son
11. Hellhound

Friday, June 12, 2020

Thrash or F**k Off - Chapter 6: The Thrashening

The 2000s saw a resurgence of thrash metal from all around the world, and before long a new generation of bands began to emerge from Australia.

This episode is a state-by-state "who's who" of Australia's recent thrash metal bands, and also follows the reformations of Aussie old school legends Nothing Sacred, Mortal Sin and Hobbs' Angel of Death to new audiences.

Follow this series on Instagram, @thrashorfuckoff

Check out the bands featured on this webseries and listen to the "Thrash Or Fuck Off" playlist on Spotify

Series Created by:
Liam Anthony, Chalky Hill, Scott McMahon

This webseries is for educational and promotional purposes.

Thursday, June 11, 2020

Full Length Review: Göden "Beyond Darkness" (Svart Records) by Dave Wolff

Band: Göden
Location: New York
Country: USA
Genre: Sludge/death/doom metal
Full Length: Beyond Darkness
Format: Digital album
Release date: May 8, 2020
In 1989 a local Long Island band called Winter helped create what’s known as sludge metal. While that subgenre didn’t exist, the band was so inherently atypical you couldn’t help but notice them. With a crust punk attitude, the heaviness of early Celtic Frost and the apocalyptic furor of Carnivore, they gave the metal scene a view of armageddon unlike anything else. Their debut album hadn’t even been released and the press were already touting them ”the Black Sabbath of the 90s.” Released in 1990, their sole album “Into Darkness” illustrated the aftermath of a global catastrophe too horrible to describe or even remember.
Long after Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride, Type O Negative and Saturnus redefined metal, guitarist Stephen Flam (also of Thorn and Serpentine Path) formed a new band to continue with the vision he and Winter envisioned. Göden’s “Beyond Darkness” is the logical progression of what Winter began. Dirge laden songwriting, dark, heavy guitars evocative of Tom G; Warrior and death march-like percussion are supplemented with an expanded concept transcending the world’s end and heading to the farthest reaches of the universe. Add eerie, chilling keyboards, strings and an expanded vocal range, and you have a future underground classic.
Can Göden make an impact on underground metal in 2020? “Beyond Darkness” is a suitable title as the album resumes where “Into Darkness” left off. From what I’ve seen, the reviews have been unanimously favorable since its release more than a month ago with no formal announcement or internet buzz. It’s clear that Göden intended for it to speak for itself instead of over hyping it. This was a smart move as reviewers have been responding strictly to what they’re listening to.
To fully understand “Beyond Darkness”, you need to listen to “Into Darkness” if you haven’t heard it yet. “Beyond Darkness” expands on Winter’s full length, turning simplistic progressions into monumental epics with heavy atmosphere, distortion and effects. Adding crust, sludge and death/doom metal that can galvanize fans of My Dying Bride, Opeth and Crisis, it has a feel no longer limited to the earth. Remember “2001: A Space Odyssey”? Or the short story it was based on, “The Sentinel”? This album seems to have the same timeless scope, only the extraterrestrials personified here are not as benevolent where humanity is concerned.
After many years (eons?) of silence after the end of mankind, we sense a darkness far greater dawning. The lone guitars heard at the start herald the arrival of something massive and godlike from the far reaches of space. We never learn where it came from, but its intent is not to make contact with the survivors of the human race, or present an opportunity to start over, but to pass judgment on a species that ultimately destroyed its home with its technological advancements and greed. Its intent is also to reclaim a world it created long ago and repopulate it with its own progeny. Humanity is over and new age is dawning for the earth.
The songs are not overlong, but they provide abstractions of infinite vastness beyond what we thought was out there without insulting your intelligence. Spoken word interludes included between the tracks make the concept more plausible. The sensations of emptiness, melancholia, despair and futility are voiced in a penetratingly tangible way as we witness the events of this story unfolding. The vocals play as important a role as the instruments as they represent each character in this story, from the narrator to the goddess Gaia who plays a major part. Three years in the making, “Beyond Darkness” brings the old essence of Winter into the future. –Dave Wolff

Track list:
1. Glowing Red Sun
2. Manifestation I - Tolling Death Bells
3. Twilight 4. Manifestation II - A New Order
5. Cosmic Blood
6. Manifestation III - The Spawn Of Malevolence
7. Komm Susser Tod
8. Genesis Rise
9. Manifestation IV - The Progeny Of Goden
10. Dark Nebula
11. Manifestation V - The Epoch Of Goden
12. I Am Immortal
13. Manifestation VI - The Beginning And The End
14. Ego Eimie Gy
15. Manifestation VII - Gaia Rejuvenated
16. Night
17. Manifestation VIII - A New Age
18. Thundering Silence
19. Winter

Movie Review: Mirror Mirror (Orphan Eyes) by Gene Olivarri

Mirror Mirror (1990)
With Karen Black, Yvonne De Carlo, William Sanderson
Directed by Marina Sargenti
Written by Annette Cascone, Gina Cascone, Yuri Zeltser, Marina Sargenti
Company: Orphan Eyes
Hello everyone! Horror movie review time!
Today I'm so pleased to talk about Dark Force Entertainment release of Mirror Mirror a 1990 horror gem and, might I add a true cult classic. Dark Force Entertainment has done a great job with this Blu-ray release the film transfer's were incredible the picture was so sharp and clear Dark Force Entertainment had obtained the original theatrical negatives of this film and did absolutely beautiful wonders on the color correction of this release. The product itself comes with a high glossy slipcover with colors that pop and the Blu-ray cover is the same no booklets at first sight and opening of this product you would think wow nice straight to the point oh no my horror movie maniacs this release is not bare-bones on the features menu they have an exclusive interview with the producers Jim Lifton and Virginia Prefili they take you on a great and tell you how they started a record label called Orphan Records and they started making music videos and, got so good at it and met with director Marina Sargenti and decided to make a movie all the soundtrack and movie score was written by Jim Lifton what a talented man to do all this in one movie he played such a huge roll in the making of this cult classic. Let's move on to the actors and plot of this great film!
It's 1950 in Iowa two identical twin sister's Mary Weatherford played by (Traci Lee Gold) sacrifices her sister Elizabeth played by (Michelle Gold) sitting on top of her to hold down and stabbing her repeatedly in the heart so the demon that has possessed Elizabeth can return back into the mirror to close it in turns out Elizabeth had been playing with evil and it had been using her for many things. 40 years later it's 1990 Megan Gordon played by (Rainbow Harvest) and her mother widowed Susan Gordon played by the famous (Karen Black) have moved to the Weatherford house from Beverly Hills after winning the home at a house auction.
Susan Gordon and Megan walk into Megan's new room and find the mirror left in the corner the auctioneer Emelin played by (Yvonne De Carlo) tells her she can't keep the mirror her mother has to buy it since the Weatherford house was being cleared so they could move in. Emelin finds diaries and journals describing what the mirror is possessed by and that it grants wishes as well if you give into the demon trapped in the mirror Megan Gordon is a goth teen actress Rainbow Harvest acting reminds me of the odd girl from the breakfast club mixed with Lydia from Beetlejuice in this film.
Then the mirror begins to give into her as well as she gives into the demon all these deaths begin to happen the mirrors first victim is the family dog as Megan and Susan Gordon find him bloody and dead in her room that's when Megan begins to see theirs something up with this mirror. Megan begins high school then the local bullies start poking fun at Megan well that's a huge mistake because she got a deadly demon backing her up they start having very bloody and brutal deaths plus vicious scares as one bully begins bleeding from her nose and it won't stop. At this time the only friend Megan makes is Nikki played by (Kristin Dattilo) she begins to see the change in Megan's personality as the demon starts to take control of her as she uses the powers of the demon to manipulate then main bullies Charleen Kane played by (Charlie Spradling) love interest Jeff played by (Tom Bresnahan).
In the film the auctioneer tries to take the mirror away from Megan but it just doesn't work it already has a deep hold of her she tries to take it out of the house as she grabs the mirror spikes go through her hands and she runs out screaming.
I really don't want t ruin the movie but it truly is an awesome one I really loved and enjoyed it I'd like to send a huge thank you and kudos to Dark Force Entertainment on this release on what an amazing job they did with the transfers of this film it really shows when you right away start the movie. I like to add please go to the Dark Force Superstore website http://www.darkforcesuperstore.com and buy this great release right away because they sell very quick they also have amazing double features and very rare code red releases as well for awesome prices for any horror maniacs collection. –Gene Olivarri

Saturday, June 6, 2020

Interview with musician JIMI HUGHES by Devin Joseph Meaney


Interview with musician JIMI HUGHES

Hey Jimi. Please take a moment to introduce yourself and your current output of music.
My name is Jimi Hughes, I play drums and do vocals in Human Obliteration, HeDied and I drum for SMD (LA Thrash Punks). I have also, in the past, done live and tour drums for BruceXCampbell, and ACXDC. 

Name some releases you have been a part of in the past! 
Well, in the PV/Grind world there’s ¡Putasos!’ two releases, one of which was a split with my old band Nerve Grind. Then there’s my work with Nerve Grind (I was the Drummer on HATE.FUCK.KILL and the Vocalist for the Years of Shit 7”, and the Thieves Split tape), then there’s the 4 records I did with Recalcitrant (Demo-2015, Fiend Split, Your Enemy Split, Haggus Split), and the 2 releases with HeDied (No Second Chances, Corrodent Split). Not to mention the Human Obliteration EP I did when first joining (Blind Submission), the Newest Record (Human Obliteration: Definition of Insanity) we just put out with help from WiseGrinds, ToLiveALie, Legion Productions, GivePraise Records, and Narcoleptica Productions (CD Release-Russia), and the Newest record I did with SMD (Clusterfux Split). I’ve also played in folk bands and crust punk bands that only put out (now lost) local releases. 

If there was one message you wanted to send with your art, be it musical or otherwise, what would it be? 
Never submit to those that seek to oppress you; be they Nazis, Jack-Booted Police, or some other entity trying to infringe upon your right to exist as a human being. Also, fuck racism, sexism, homophobia, and corrupt systemic issues that allow these things to persist in the 21st century. 

How many instruments can you play? 
I can play 5: Drums, Bass, Guitar, Mandolin, and Banjo! 

If someone wanted to purchase some of your music, where would one find it? 
There’s a few places, I’ll make it easy and include the band pages and the label pages! 

Out of everything you have done musically in your lifetime, what one moment (or multiple if there is a tie) affected you the most? 
Wow, that is a great question. So many memories and moments to think about. Honestly tho, I would say a moment that affected me the most was being able to play in Europe for the first time, Obscene Extreme Fest in particular. It was a great experience. I had always dreamed of playing that festival, and then I did. I got to watch my friends and heroes play (sometimes they are one in the same) and experience something I had literally dreamed about for eighteen years. The people that run it are amazing (Especially Čurby!), and it changed my perspective on this worldwide scene of musicians we all belong to. 

What are some of your biggest inspirations? 
My biggest inspirations are Howard Zinn, Eric Foner, Emma Goldman, Rosa Luxemburg, Karl Marx, Caitlin Rosenthal, Stefan-Ludwig Hoffmann, Alexis Herr, Isabela Richter, My Father, My Grandpas (WW2 Vets), and every soldier who gave their lives to defeat Nazism. 
These bands: Whiskey Rebels, Shrine of Scars, Death, Operation Ivy, Filth, The Pogues, Dystopia, Black Sabbath, Vinnie Paz, Dead Prez, Jedi Mind Tricks, Contribution X, Bausa, Noisear, BruceXCampbell, Rites of Spring, Minor Threat, Embrace, Thursday, Orchid, Jimmy Clift, Dandy Livingstone, The Cure, Joy Division, Faraquet, Scorpions, Pig Destroyer and many many more. 

What do you hope to achieve with music in the near future? 
I wanna play on every continent that I can, and in every city that will let me. I wanna travel, playing drums and having fun with people all over the world. 

Give someone a shout-out who really deserves it! 
The Band DöpeMess!!!! But also: Johhny Ray, my best friend whom I used to ride freight trains with that passed away in 2012. Everything I do, I do with you in my heart Johhny. Always and forever my bestest friend. 

Any final comments? 
Yes, thanks for even being interested in what I do, or who I am. It means the absolute world to me. 

Thanks Jimi! 


-Devin Joseph Meaney

Friday, June 5, 2020

EP Review: BAUME "Un Calme entre les Tempêtes" (Independent) by Dave Wolff

Solo P
roject: Baume
Location: Paris
Country France
Genre: Post black metal
Format: Digital, Limited edition digipack, limited edition cassette
Label: Independent
Release date: April 24, 2020
The latest EP from Gaetan Juif’s solo project Baume displays his search for new post-black metal soundscapes, to sustain the viability of black metal as a musical statement and keep it rooted in the underground. All this without relying on “true” and “cult” as a collection of overused clichés, as he’d rather remain “true” by remaining true to his own ingenuity as a songwriter. Solo artists who reinvent themselves naturally, relying on inspiration alone, have the best chance of slipping into the collective consciousness of this vast network of underground music which has taken hold in every country in the world. With unsigned musicians like Juif it may take a little longer, but I suspect music like he composed for “Un Calme entre les Tempêtes” (A Calm Between the Storms) is a seed planted in your brain which sprouts when the time comes. Or more accurately a spider spinning webs unseen in your basement, laying eggs to hatch into offspring that will take over your home before you know what’s happening. “Un Calme entre les Tempêtes” stands apart from Juif’s previous EPs “L'odeur de la lumière” (2019) and “Les années décapitées” (2018) because the material is experimental, cold, atmospheric, hypnotic and otherworldly while being completely agreeable to non-black metal fans, not too abrasive or depressing. Still there is something distressing about the way Juif records and mixes this EP (as much as Jack Shirley’s mastering job), something you can’t quite place your finger on. The instruments sound like an entity lurking far away. You don’t know exactly where it is but it’s there all the same, waiting to complete its cycle of rebirth. Perhaps this passage would provide a greater understanding of then EP’s intended concept: “The sky was clear, a discreet glow. In the distance, the birds woke up in the fresh November air. The day still asleep, crossed the room, bringing back in its rays all its reality. Drowned in its light, around the ruins barely rested. Calm between sadness, recovering from its sorrows, healing its wounds, alone, until the next storm… The party is fading. The music calms down. Yet my rage does not die out and my desire remains illuminated… I dreamed that everything collapses, that everything rocks. That everything was ruined and everything burned, I dreamed under the moon.” This and the rest of the passage implies the concept here is the transition from death to rebirth, and mirrors the transitions Juif’s music is always making. –Dave Wolff

Lineup:
Gaetan Juif: Vocals, all instruments

Track list:
1. I.Rien ne Dure
2. II.Un Calme entre les Tempêtes
3. III.Octobre

Saturday, May 30, 2020

About Asphyxium Zine

ABOUT ASPHYXIUM ZINE

EDITOR, PUBLISHER
Dave Wolff

STAFF WRITERS (Interviews and articles)
Liam Anthony, Daniel S. Crane, Marc Del Cielo, Roberta Downing, Andy Horry, Alan Lisanti, Devin Joseph Meaney, Corvo Obsidian Sahjaza, Goddess Rosemary Sahjaza, Wynter Wilkins Lore Sahjaza, Tony Sokol, Alison Stone, Kelly Tee, Damien Lee Thorr, Karin Webb, Dave Wolff

STAFF WRITERS (Music, print and film reviews)
Ashara Armand, James K. Blaylock, Kaya Chaos, Teresa Clayton, Heather Dawson, Roberta Downing, Michelle Liberati, Alan Lisanti, Michèle Malavasi, Erik Martin, Sarah McKellar, Devin Joseph Meaney, Gene Olivarri, Reggae, Rrockhopper, Goddess Rosemary Sahjaza, Ghoul Shadows, Corban Skipwith, Tony Sokol, John Sorrell, Brynn Kali StarDew, Kelly Tee, Damien Lee Thorr, Jorge A. Trejos, Victor Varas, Adam Waters, Dave Wolff, Xan

STAFF WRITERS (Poems and fiction)
Dena Arnote, Michael Aronovitz, Astrid Beauvois, James K. Blaylock, Jaap Boekestein, Andy Bove, Lukas Andrew Bryson, Big Jim, Chris Chaos, Kaya Chaos, M Teresa Clayton, Omesh Darkchild Crasher, Heather Dawson, Koga Easter, Skitz J. Fitch, Ben Fitts, Eric Forsberg, Linzie Grotesque, Andy Horry, Johnny Hellion, Kay Irvin, Elena Karis, Alexander Kautz, James Ward Kirk, Joshua Laing, Jerry Langdon, Lee Lawless, Daina Lewis, Alan Lisanti, Hannah Marshall, Sarah McKellar, Devin Joseph Meaney, Craig Michael, Natasa Nikolic, Rich Orth, Steven Michael Pape, Laura Petellat, Steven Queen, Tanner Reiss, S.C.C., Corvo Obsidian Sahjaza, Ghoul Shadows, David Smith, Tony Sokol, Sky Claudette Soto, Susan Stiltner, Alison Stone, Jeremy Void

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

EP Review: No Murder No Moustache "Hold My Beer" (Smash Mouse Records) by Devin Joseph Meaney

Band: No Murder No Moustache
Location: Wales
Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Celtic acoustic punk
Format: Digital album
Label: Smash Mouse Records
Release date: June 26, 2020
During my normal escapades on the internet, I happened to come upon some new tunes. The upcoming EP ''Hold My Beer'' by No Murder No Moustache. This release boasts of a delightful combination of punk-rock and ''a Celtic folk twist,'' as stated in the email sent to me by Beth Jones.
I normally review heavier music, but I have no qualms about broadening my horizons... so I humbly clicked play on the tracks when they were officially downloaded to my computer. The five tracks I listened to from this were Hold My Beer, Fragile Society, Lose Myself To The Dark, Only Lies So Far, and Cyn Mae'r Byd Yn Cael Ei Ddinistro. The first thing I will say is that this style of music does not frequent my CD player or my Youtube/Bandcamp streams, but honestly, the songs are catchy, played well, and recorded and produced with great efficiency.
The highlight of this for me would be the acoustics and the Celtic aspect. They are both aggressive and punk-rock driven, but for me personally, they also inspire a sense of adventure and a longing for epic quests. That may be a bit off the mark, but I dare say that these tracks would pair well with a pitcher of mead or maybe some cheap draught... (But hey, that is just me).
This EP will be officially released June 26, 2020, and is the work of Owen Crawford. Yes, you heard that right. This is one individual! With the additional vocal help from Chris Hudson-Silver, Chris Hopkins, Hannah Crawford, and Ceri Richards, Owen manages to craft an elegant form of music that is both pleasurable and invigorating to the ears and other senses. This is a great EP, and I encourage anyone to give it a listen when it drops. Keep it up! –Devin Joseph Meaney

Lineup:
Owen Crawford: Music, Lyrics, Production, Performance
Additional backing vocals: Chris Hudson-Silver, Chris Hopkins, Hannah Crawford, Ceri Richards

Track list:
1. Hold My Beer
2. Fragile Society
3. Lose Myself To The Dark
4. Only Lies So Far
5. Cyn Mae'r Byd Yn Cael Ei Ddinistro