Massakren- Immersed in Chaos(2010)

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US Symphonic Black Metal band Massakren incorporates black metalvocals, keyboard melodies, soundtrack effects and power metal-esque guitar soloing to produce battle hymns. The band only has two releases to date, including one full length album and an EP but have crafted a sound that does not make them sound amateurish in any way. Their 2010 album Immersed in Chaos starts off being mildly interesting with keyboards seeming to drown out the guitar tones being played underneath, but gets better and stronger as it progresses. The opening song, Wash Away the Blood With Rain begins the album with an emphasis on theatrics. The song makes use of a battle noise soundtrack with the clanging of weapons filling your ears near the end of the track. It is a victory march commonly found in folk metal music. The next track, Below the Darkest Depths starts much stronger than the opening song, putting well thought out guitar work in the forefront rather than theatrical keys. This song employs the use of a choir, whether real or synthesized, in the background which adds a nice layer to the music.Bold solos in this song and throughout the album make it more interesting and give the listener something really enjoyable. Massakren sounds and feels similar to Dagorlad, an Atmospheric Medieval Metal band from Belgium, except with more melodic song structures and minus the drum programming. Small, thoughtful additions to their songs are what make Massakren such an interesting band to listen to. Simple keyboard melodies in songs like Below the Darkest Depth and a tune that sounds like a valiant mixture of violin and horn add a softness and sophistication. More folky elements are displayed throughout the album including battle chants on songs like Champions of Slaughter. This particular song softens up at the end with a gentle melody that gives us an example of how keys can be incorporated properly without overpowering the display of the other instruments. Many bands, including Massakren themselves on other tracks, fail at finding this balance. The song Strength of the Shadow is another one of those songs that start off with an epic, for lack of a better term, soundtrack placement.

Take a deep breath, close your eyes and then open them again after exhaling with your sword readied and you will be ready to fight as you "see arrows flying overhead." "Show no mercy, they must die"- This is the feel of Strength of the Shadow. This song takes you the battlefield without pounding it into your skull, or smashing it into your face- it's not heavy or aggressive enough for that. Rather this song, and Massakren's music as a whole, grabs your hand gently and pulls you there. Another intriguing song is the title track Immersed in Chaos, which is actually not very chaotic at all. The feeling that you get from this song is the calm stillness that one must possess, not only in battle, but in any chaotic situation. While on the inside, one can be excitedly never without movement with energy knocking around creating a mess of worry, fear, or anticipation; on the outside we must remain calm to be victorious. If this is what the musicians aimed for in the construction of this song, it was both wise and effective. While the album as a whole is not bad at all for those who are fans of symphonic or melodic music, one thing that is unfortunate is the fact that all the songs are very similar in song structure, emotion and feel. After the first few tracks, it was way too easy for me to find my mind drifting onto other things instead of actually listening to this music- I began to merely hear it. This is an album for people who want Symphonic Black Metal with a folk ring to it, that isn't too heavy, but is gentle and mellow while insistent on getting it's listener to appreciate the nobility and wonder of medieval battle. Immersed in Chaos is quite strong to be Massakren’s first and only full length release in their discography. Last year, the band released a self-titled EP that included songs from Immersed in Chaos and a few new ones. One can only hope that their future releases continue to build upon what is already a strong foundation without getting stale as so many bands do.

Favorite songs:

Champions of Slaughter, Immersed in Chaos, Strength in the Shadow

Rating:

6.5/10

Moonspell - Alpha Noir/Omega White (2012)

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Napalm Records

For sure,there is no need to introduce Moonspell. I first heard of them long time ago, when I was just a kid brought face to face with Metal by a dear friend of mine. I still remember listening to “Vampiria” and all those old stuff…
The Portuguese band had gone through different stages of creation in the course of years, gathering many influences along the way, these two albums taken as a whole being the testimony to sustain this exact idea.

Alpha Noir 

1. Axis Mundi
2. Lickanthrope
3. Versus
4. Alpha Noir
5. Em Nome Do Medo
6. Opera Carne
7. Love is Blasphemy
8. Grand Stand
9. Sine Missione

A heavy piece of work, indeed. This statement strikes you from the debute of the material, alert drumming, rough guitar riffs and especially growling vocals (something quite unusual for them).  Actually, the entire album is headed towards the heavier side;  there are just a few passages reminding that there is still Moonspell you’re listening to. Everything is very different from what they released so far, and this is both a good and bad thing. Some might be enchanted by the fact, but others may be skeptical and eventually stick with the older albums.

I find myself somewhere in between. I like both instrumental and vocal parts, I enjoyed listening to the tracklist, but there are a few songs that seem to be interrupted abruptly and I feel there is no continuity between them.  I particularly liked “Axis Mundi”, “Alpha Noir” , “En Nome Do Medo”, Sine Missione”.

As a general impression, interesting outcome, but not the diversity that we’ve all been used with . I would say this one is for headbagging purposes only, and nothing more.

Omega White

1. "Whiteomega"
2. "White Skies"
3. "Fireseason"
4. "New Tears Eve"
5. "Herodisiac"
6. "Incantatrix"
7. "Sacrafical"
8. "A Greater Darkness"

If you felt a little disappointed by the lack of the unique atmosphere specific to the band (just like I did), “Omega White” fulfills this need completely. It brings something totally opposite from “Alpha Noir”, the perfect dose of settlement, just like Ying and Yang. Ideal. Calming. Surreal.

The entire album seems like an open book, which invites you to  discover its most hidden stories and mysteries.  All tracks are merged together perfectly, soft, contemplative, even sensual at a point, yet infused with strong emotions, powerful riffs and tingling keyboard sequences.

I had the strong sensation that there is a resemblance with Type O Negative, from the crunchy-toned, distorsed guitar, to the haunting keys, and Fernando’s low vocals, which constantly reminded me of Peter’s baritone qualities (similarities obvious in “New Tears Eve”-which chorus sounds like “Christian Woman”-,”Incantatrix”, a passage in “Sacrifical” and “A Greater Darkness”). Combined with sequences of female vocals here and there, it all becomes stunning. Nevertheless, the album does not lose its originality, bringing something opposite from “Alpha Noir”: a lot of depth, a deliberately careless, contemplative mood and many variations.

This dual album proves that two apparently different creations can be brought together, as an antithesis of diversity and once again an acknowledgement for Moonspell’s endless creativity.

Blackmass- The Devil’s Machine

Blackmass is a Brazilian Black Metal band. Formed in 2002, initially as side-project, this Devil’s machine had evolved throughout the years to become one of the most prominent names of their local underground scene. With a decade of activities, the blackmetallers had faced troublesome times: line-up changes, and even went into a “hiatus-state”. Resuming its activities in 2010, Blackmass is ready for spreading its sinister music all over the world. The band has four official releases: Diabolical Ritual (Demo-CD 2002, self-released); Episcolum Servo Servorum Satanii (EP 2003, self-released); Gloria Diaboli (Full-length 2005, Blasphemy Productions [BRA] / Sinister Sounds [CAN]); Nemesis (Full-length 2008, Free Mind Records [BRA]).
And here is what the vocalist,Vizjerei Efreet , has to say.

1 – Firstly, thank you so much for joining us in this interview.Could you tell us – briefly – how did Blackmass start its activities?

Blackmass was formed in 2001 by Lord Aeshma because he was dissatisfied with the band he was. It was in October that he started his own blasphemy. Soon after Magus joined the band as a vocalist. Later Verberibus would join as a drummer.

2 - The band has faced some line-up changes throughout its history, how did those changes affect the musicality of the band?

Actually this is the best line-up of Blackmass, the musicians are great, all in perfect sync.

3 - An aspect that highlights Blackmass releases is the great deal the band pays towards the cover-art, booklet, etc. How’s the art sum-up to complete your music?

We want to show our fans both in music and the art our ideas. We bet in the art to complete the essence of music.

4 - Reviewing Blackmass’ discography, a sort of tradition can be detected: the usage of Latin Language. In fact, Latin features in many songs, even entire songs are sung in such language. How important is the usage of Latin in Blackmass’ identity? Can your fans expect Latin be present in future material?

The Latin has always been a mark on Blackmass, and is important because it carries its dark side, mystic and obviously, satanic. Yes, they can expect.songs in Latin.

5 – Still on lyrics: Most of your lyrics are Satanic-oriented. Do such lyrics reflect your life-style or are just confined within the artistic-sphere to fit the genre?

We represent our life in the lyrics, our most supreme feelings and disgust about christianity and all that shit. And yes...we live satanic black metal. It’s not just in the lyrics.

6 - There’s a considerable change in the musical-approach from the album “Gloria Diaboli” (that’s raw, with long songs, and focused on fast-tempos) - to the album “Nemesis” (that’s clearer, featuring shorter songs, and adding mid and slow-tempos). Could you tell us what lead to such changes?

We wanted to make a different record of Gloria Diaboli, something more aggressive, and technical with shorter musics. The new album will be much more aggressive than Nemesis. Wait.....

7 - Regarding the album “Nemesis”, you’d used a drum-machine; did this aspect affect the response from the public?

We got a new drummer that makes the "Drum-Machine" sound so slow... You know, our fans actually seemed to enjoy that, because they were so astonished with how it sounded live! I think we overcame their expectations

8 - Could you walk us through the writing process of Blackmass? From where does Blackmass get its inspirations?

I said before, our songs are our darkest feelings and loyalty to Satanism and Black Metal. Our life experiences themselves give us enough material to work with, we just need to organize it musically.

9- Blackmass features from blast-beats to slow-tempos, from raw parts to a more atmospheric and complex arrangements, but, how do you characterize Blackmass music?

Morbid, technical and raw. It's like a storm coming before your eyes.

10 - The last official release of Blackmass was the album “Nemesis” from 2008. After a short hiatus, the band resumed its activities in 2010, since then Blackmass has focused in live performances. Can you inform us about new songs being written and a possible new album release?

We are working on songs from the new album and will probably be our best work already realesed. The new songs are getting great, and we will re-record old hymns.

11 – Now changing the direction of this interview. How’s the underground scene in Brazil?

Remains strong. The Brazilians still have the blood boiling, we have a good strong scene.

12 – Brazil is a very catholic country, does Blackmass suffer and/or had suffered any kind of retaliation by the Church?

No, they are the ones who suffer.

13 - Blackmass tours mostly in the local scene (Brazil), but, do you have plans to go abroad soon?

Of course, maybe this year. We want to do it as soon as possible.

14 - The band has a decade of activities, yet no music-video and/or gig recorded and released. Are there plans of releasing a DVD or a music-video? In order to celebrate such 10 years of existence, do the fans can expect some surprise coming form the band?

We intend to release album, vinyl and maybe a video clip.

15 – As an extreme metal band, are you able to make a living only from your music?

No.

16 – What’s your opinion on the usage of Internet as a promotional tool for bands? What are the pros and the cons?

I think it only makes access easier for everyone. It is an easier way to discover new bands, but sometimes it becomes a joke you know...

17 – Once more, thank you for your time! Please feel free to let a last message to our readers.

Thank you all, and marching forward satan's brothers. Hail.

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More information about Blackmass you can find on their official page:
Myspace


Below you can listen the song "Nemesis":

Wolfshead - Wolfshead [EP] (2012)

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here

The two-piece band, formed in fall 2010 in Fleet, Hampshire, just released their first material, a self-titled EP. It contains 4 tracks, “Warbringer”, “The Garden”, “Pissin’ Blood”, and “Death Priest”. They label themselves as a “Garage Doom” group, which combines Hard Rock with Doom in order “to create a delightful noise”.

I honestly never thought of associating the two genres, because they seem totally opposite. But, apparently, everything seems possible.

I say “apparently”, because even from the start, I have to say that I did not like the lead vocals. Maybe the tonality chosen was not flattering, but it surely did not fit at all with the instrumental part.

The songs should be taken all individually, because they are very different as approach. While “Warbringer” is arousing, “The Garden” sounds a lot like Alice In Chains, especially in the beginning. The Doom influence is strong in here, and the growling resembles Aaron’s in the early days of My Dying Bride. I honestly think the vocalist is better on this side.

“Pissin’ Blood” is wild, short-lenghted and violent, sort of a modern, adapted version of Misfits. There is also a quite nice guitar solo in here, but unfortunately something that could’ve sounded good was cut from the root.

The last one, “Death Priest", seems like an elongated version of “The Garden”. I like the guitar and bass, they merge together good, but there comes a part when the song becomes extremely monotone, it should have been shorter.

To conclude, I was not blown away by any of the tracks. Being their first material ever, I think the band needs more time to reveal itself totally. I also believe they should head to Doom only and leave Hard Rock or any other influences from this area behind.

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Favorite track: The Garden

Rating: 6,6 (because I think they can do better!)

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Essenz - Mundus Numen (2012)

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Svart Records

 

“Essenz is the invocation of metamorphosis,a stimulation of remote realms of the pshyche that dwells on the border of musical extremes and opens the gate to a deeper level.”

The entire Essenz project started in December 2006. The first full-length album “KVIITIIVZ- Beschworung des Unaussprechlichen/Kultus-Invocation of the Inexpressible)" was received very well by the press, being rated as ”an esoteric intimacy” or “the record that sets everyone straight and kicks a revolution into gear”.

Generally speaking, the German band plays Occult Metal, but there are clearly some strong influences of Psychedelic, Doom and Black Metal, a mix of genres which I find unexpected, interesting and pleasing at the same time.

“Mundus Numen”, their second album, released worldwide on May 2^nd 2012, represents an inroad into the human psyche, capturing its stages of decay. Once you start listening to the material, you enter a parallel universe, where delirium, illusion and torment are ruled by madness, that reigns above all and slowly takes control over the human mind.

The name of the songs are very suggestive as well. The first one, “Extinguish Shapes: Innermediate” makes a strong entrance to the album, which got my attention immediately. It reminds me a little of Mercyful Fate and My Dying Bride, but I can also feel a Pink Floyd twist to it, due to the effects and improvisation involved. However, I find it very different from the next songs, and there is somewhere a feeling that it does not melt with the other ones the way it should, but this is not necessary a disturbing thing, from my personal view.

The second one, “Sea Of Light: Pleroma” debuts with a very alert passage, but the pace is slowing gradually, leaving place to the gloomy, odd, yet captivating atmosphere specific to the entire musical work.

Number three, “Extricate Spirits: Amor”  is even more deeper. As for the instruments, the riffs are getting heavier and slower with every song, which can symbolically represent the agonizing soul of the being, as it is slowly infested and over comed by illness. This passages are alternated with opposite sequences, a battle between the remained sane part of the psyche and the already damaged one. This one is my favourite.

”Observed By Spectres: Paranoia”, the fourth, shows the “Constant fear that something’s always near” (the music does not ressemble Iron Maiden at all, but I felt the lyrics suit here very well). That “Something” represents the spectres, which observe the helpless human as it sinks deeper and deeper into the abyss. His will is already weakened, and there is next to nothing to do about it. Once again, very heavy, rough guitar riffs and vocals, a thing that I love when it comes to doom.

Number five, “Observing Spectres: Schizophrenia” has a much more softer sound. I get the feel of actually being inside the mind of the affected one, hearing all those creepy sounds and incomprehensible voices going over and over again, living a neverending nightmare. There are barely any instrumental parts, but the effects are absolutely brilliant, extremely realistic and horrifying at the same time.

The sixth and the last song, ”To The Bone: Mania” maintains once again the slow, hypnotizing rhythm, alternated with heavier parts as well. I also noticed the drumming and the vocal variations. The “Mania” had fully conquered the psyche; the end was all clear since the beginning, but now resignation has taken control over the being. There is no way to go back to normal, never again.

Overall, I believe the entire album is very good, and there is obviously a lot of hard work and inspiration behind it. If I would summarize the whole content in a few words, those would be “beauty in darkness”. 

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Favorite track: Extricate Spirits: Amor

Rating: 8,5

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