Wednesday, 31 August 2016
ANCIENT VISIONZ NEWS
I would like to say thank you all for supporting the re-branding of Ancient Visionz, and for recognizing that we wish to present features from all scenes ranging from film to music. Currently, I'm working through a few updates, which need to be cleared, but soon I'll post a review of a supernatural comic called The Shepherd, and the sci-fi comedy web tv series, Dead Drift.
Since Brutal Existence Radio closed, my time was, and still is, invested in exploring options for me to continue The Wastelands radio show. I've also been asked if I would bring back Crimson Bones Thrash Metal show, and do a underground hip hop podcast. I'm liaising closely with my Brutal Existence Radio family, and I'm still looking at cross promoting with my friends such as Metal Mark.
More news soon. 1 love.
Luke Cage | Clip: "Haven't Heard" [HD] | Netflix
Before any new updates or news, if you haven't yet seen the latest Luke Cage clip, then here it is, so stoked for this show.
Tuesday, 30 August 2016
MERCILESS ONSLAUGHT NOW LIVE! (DIY BM/EXTREME METAL SHOW)
TUNE IN TONIGHT AT 10PM TILL 1AM(EDT-USA) FOR Merciless Onslaught W/HELLPREACHER ON www.mercilessonslaught.listen2myshow.com \m/
ZETKIN - VANGUARD, 2016 (BLACKENED CRUST THRASH)
Zetkin are a blackened crust thrash band from Austria, and manage to make me very excited! I liked their debut EP Vanguard as soon as I heard it, which was due to the raw crusty vibe flowing throughout their music. Sometimes, nothing beats unfiltered stripped down rawness, especially if containing punk influences. Zetkin provide us with a good example of why this works so well.
Recently we had the Olympics, but I partake in another sport worthy of gold medals. Would you like to know what it is? I'm going to tell you, it is the very noble pastime of walking into a living room, and gazing at a sofa in a mean manner, then pointing fiercely whilst you warm up your mosh face, then move the sofa into the middle of the room stating 'oh are you going to be jumped over!'. Proceed to turn up the volume on music player, then jump back and forth engaging in sofa hurdles, whilst raw music plays.
Personally, if the world's most terrible sport, 'golf', can be made into an Olympic sport, then there is hope for sofa mosh hurdles. Vanguard is a good debut EP, appealing to people from both the metal and punk spectrum, and is energetic, unfiltered, crusty thrash.
Vanguard is available from Zetkin's Bandcamp as name your price, but shirts are also in stock.
https://zetkinthrash.bandcamp.com/releases
https://www.facebook.com/zetkinthrash/
Ade - Carthago Delenda Est, 2016 (Death Metal, Romano Death Metal)
' CARTHAGO DELENDA EST ' CD
Track Listing for ‘CARTHAGO DELENDA EST’
I. Carthago Delenda Est
II. Across the Wolf's Blood
III. Annibalem
IV. With Tooth and Nail
V. Dark Days of Rome
VI. Scipio Indomitus Victor
VII. Mare Nostrum
VIII. Zama: Where Tusks are Buried
IX. Excidium
X. Sowing Salt
I. Carthago Delenda Est
II. Across the Wolf's Blood
III. Annibalem
IV. With Tooth and Nail
V. Dark Days of Rome
VI. Scipio Indomitus Victor
VII. Mare Nostrum
VIII. Zama: Where Tusks are Buried
IX. Excidium
X. Sowing Salt
The title of Ade's new album 'Carthago Delenda Est', alludes to the setting for the LP, which is the Punic Wars between Rome and the Carthaginians, later resulting in the total devastation and sacking of Carthage. It was a turbulent time for the whole Mediterranean world, spit in two, with each power vying for dominance.
Ade transport us back to this time with their music, and it's awesome when bands/artists create a different theme to the usual. Yes, there is Nile, and other bands basing music on ancient Egypt and Sumeria, but the Roman culture hasn't been at the forefront in death metal.
Ade's last album Spartacus, was a classic, and the nerd in me, instantly thought of the Spartacus TV series. With that being said, in true geek style let me then ask "is Carthago Delenda Est fit for purpose? Very much so, but is it better than Spartacus? I would say they are maybe about the same, but there isn't much to separate them. The difference I noticed when listening to Carthago over and over, is the brutality, it is heavier than Spartacus, but retains the historical atmosphere associated with Ade.
When I hear music of any genre approach a style with something different, I always nerd so much, and it captivates my imagination. If you are fan of ancient history, then Ade will hold your attention, and take you on a musical journey through the ancient Roman world. I can see legions engaging with Hannibal's troops whilst listening to Carthago Delenda Est, or ships embarking upon the journey to meet the Carthaginians.
I can't say this enough, and no doubt will mention this again and again, but I really, really hope, a film maker, one day is brave enough to start using music such as this in movies or series focusing on various eras.
Overall, Carthago Delenda Est is a fine album, with a level of depth displaying the clear hard work and time taken in developing the LP. We are taken for a ride with Ancient Rome, whilst Ade narrates the story for our ears, allowing our imagination to take us back to a long forgotten world.
If you enjoy concept music and albums, then you will not be disappointed with Carthago Delenda Est. Go pick up a copy, and transform yourself into Maximus Moshimus!
Awesome work guys. Carthago Delenda Est is available from Xtreem Music, and the links are below.
Ade Merch:
http://www.xtreemmusic.com/label/english.releases.item.php?id=225
https://adelegions.bandcamp.com/merch
http://adelegions.bigcartel.com/
Xtreem Music:
https://www.facebook.com/xtreemmusic666
http://www.xtreemmusic.com/
Ade:
https://twitter.com/adelegions
https://www.facebook.com/adelegions/
https://www.youtube.com/adelegions
https://www.reverbnation.com/adelegions
DOJA - CIVILIZED (Demo) [ft. PARANORMAL] prod. Q-Knight (UNDERGROUND HIP HOP)
https://soundcloud.com/para_normal
http://paranormal718.bigcartel.com/product/paranormal-vendetta-doctrine
https://www.amazon.com/Vendetta-Doctrine-Explicit-Paranormal/dp/B00F12SR2U/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1412455773&sr=8-2-fkmr0&keywords=Paranomal+Vendetta+Doctrine
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/vendetta-doctrine/id701012153
Twitter:
@Paranormal718
Monday, 29 August 2016
True Masterz & Da Shogunz – Rap Buddhaz (2016) [USA|Netherlands] (UNDERGROUND HIP HOP/BOOM BAP)
1. Intro
2. Rap Buddhaz
3. Jailhouse (Interlude)
4. For Those That Don’t Know
5. Hawk Eye
6. The Orchard (feat. Killah Priest)
7. Building
8. Verbal Boxing
9. Don’t Front (Skit)
10. Can’t Stop Us
11. City Lightz
2. Rap Buddhaz
3. Jailhouse (Interlude)
4. For Those That Don’t Know
5. Hawk Eye
6. The Orchard (feat. Killah Priest)
7. Building
8. Verbal Boxing
9. Don’t Front (Skit)
10. Can’t Stop Us
11. City Lightz
I've been meaning to post a review or at least a recommendation for Rap Buddhaz, but I was swamped with all my other music projects, and radio shows.
This is a solid album, which I've listened too many times, it opens up with the album titled track 'Rap Buddhaz', featuring a ragga/rasta MC, boom bap beats, powerful deliveries, and the timing flows well. The rasta side to me enjoyed this track a lot, but it is a good tone for the rest of the LP.
Rap Buddhaz is a link up between True Masterz (US), and Da Shogunz (Netherlands). J-Mega, of True Masterz, is featured heavily on Rap Buddaz, and I haven't heard him since I had listened to early tracks on various hip hop albums, mix tapes, and compilations. I was never a huge fan of his style, and by that I'm not meaning he wasn't any good. But, he really does shine on this release with a very clear, concise, and consistent flow, which catches and holds my attention.
The range of Rap Buddhaz is good, we go from up tempo boom bap, to chilled slower paced tracks ideal for relaxing or thinking. Lyrically, it's a conscious LP, covering topics and concepts now missing from the mainstream.
The beats and samples are good, the music intertwines with the MCs, as demonstrated on tracks such as Verbal Boxing. There are also notable jazzy west coast influences, especially on the closing track City Lightz, which closes the album nicely. I guess it's that kind of chilled urban feel too, and I'd listen to this on the train or when running. In-fact I actually did listen to the album whilst running.
My personal favorite tracks were: Rap Buddhaz, Hawk Eye, The Orchard (really nice track featuring Killah Priest), Verbal Boxing, and City Lightz. I hope these two crews work together on future music, as they clearly invest time when constructing, crafting, and creating music.
Rap Buddhas is available from Bandcamp as name your price, and it's a worthy LP.
https://dashogunz.bandcamp.com/album/rap-buddhaz
CHAOSBRINGER - IMMERSION IN DARKNESS (OLD SCHOOL DM, 2016)
A few weeks ago, I came across Chaosbringer, and knew I had stumbled on something quite special, which led to me featuring them on The Wastelands, including the recent random podcast edition. Myself and Metal Mark (Audio Aggression) found them to be very worthy of a particular special jacket. So, I'll continue, but warning, I was pumped up when I wrote this, think of the next Avengers movie, but with the music of Chaosbringer. Can you imagine the Avengers or Captain Marvel engaging Thanos with Chaosbringer as the soundtrack? I can!
Oh man, just oh man. There is no other way to describe Chaosbringer, but with excitement, and prepare to pass out! Here are some guidelines I advise when listening to Chaosbringer: get a Saxon battle metal jacket, sweat pants (you will sweat buckets when you listen to Chaosbringer), and a mosh zone, start running in circles with a mean mosh face like you beat constipation for the first time.
Chaosbringer are real, old school dm worship of so many bands I could list, but they do it really well. Mid tempo, powerful riffs, and film makers, please start using this music in sci-fi movies!
Chaosbringer's 'Immersion In Darkness' EP should also appeal to crust punks, as there is enough crust to crossover into that scene. The EP is available for free download from their Bandcamp, and go to the mosh zone asap! Let's do it! Awesome work guys, and I want to hear more. I want to fall on the floor saying 'ohhhhhhhh' when the next release arrives.
https://chaosbringer.bandcamp.com/releases
https://www.facebook.com/chaosbringerband/
Sunday, 28 August 2016
UPDATES ABOUT MY RADIO SHOWS
Just a quick post to update you all again on the future of The Wastelands. There are a few options I'm looking into atm, but the show is not over or done. I did a random podcast today, which is something I'm going to explore outside of a live show. I'm still liaising closely with my Brutal Existence Radio family, so the cross promotion, and the bond will remain intact. The Brutal Existence Radio spirit will be carried with us all.
I'm also considering a separate underground hip hop edition, as I miss doing something to help my hip hop friends.
A live edition of The Wastelands will return soon.
1 love to all my friends from all music scenes, indie film, and comics.
THE WASTELANDS PODCAST EDITION EP1 (METAL/PUNK)
THE WASTELANDS (METAL/PUNK) PODCAST EDITION EP1
The
Wanderer will return live with The Wastelands soon! This edition is themed around sci fi and post
apocalyptic movies/comics/games. A fun filled show featuring the best
from both punk & metal.
A
random podcast edition, which is something we are considering alongside
a live show. The cursing is back, so please avoid if offended by very
eccentric humor.
Thx to the PR companies/bands/friends that support my shows. 1.
Thx to the PR companies/bands/friends that support my shows. 1.
Stream/DL:
Full Streaming/DL link:
Featured: Brutal DM, Slam, DM, Old School DM, Thrash, Crust, D-Beat, HC, HC Punk, Billy Bond, singing, silly cursing (for humor), Saxon Jackets, & hosted by a silly person.
Dehumanized - Abyss Ambassador (3.18)
Demonbreed - Perish (4.45)
Chaosbringer - Corrupted Reality (5.18)
Disevered - Eternal Life Obliteration (2.10)
Ade - Annibalem 5.06)
Exilent - Ferryman (3:15)
Ataraxia - Bratstvo neohrozenych (2:18)
Disclone - Unnecessary Violence (1:02)
GLORIOUS? - REPETITION (1:49)
Disclone - Mother nature (2:10)
Pure Disgust - Scumbag (1:39)
Aggravator - Target Obliteration (3:26)
The Hammer - Wide Awake (1:42)
Violent Exit - Am I Here? (1:19)
Pure Disgust - Scumbag (1:39)
Blindside USA - Painkiller (1:41)
Ulthar - III (4:18)
Repression Attack - New Era (3:25)
Bloodstrike - Bloodrotten
WELCOME TO THE RE-BRANDED ANCIENT VISIONZ!
Ancient Visionz has under gone a re-brand, it was time to once again include music as part of the site, providing a vibrant, healthy, and inclusive format.
We cover:
* Indie Film, movie news, comics, and sci-fi.
* Metal/punk genres: Death Metal, Thrash, Doom, Crust, D-Beat, Grind, HC Punk, and so on.
* Other music we feature: Underground Hip Hop.
* Outside of promotion through the site, I host various radio shows, showcasing some of my favorite music from the underground scenes.
* The Wastelands Punk/Metal Radio news/updates/dls/play lists
Saturday, 27 August 2016
THE WASTELANDS NOW LIVE WITH AN UPDATE SHOW & MOSH!
Hey all, I'm live via the chat radio show app for a short set of mosh & an update on what's happening with The Wastelands. Not sure how this will stand up for an audio streamed show, but until I figure out what is happening regarding my shows, feel free to tune in via the app on front of the Ancient Visionz site @ http://ancientvisionz.blogspot.co.uk/
Interview with Neurogenic done by Patrick on 8-27-16
Hello
Here is a new interview with Neurogenic who play a form of brutal death metal with elements of a few genres. If you are a fan of brutality then be sure to pick up a copy of the band's debut cd "Ourboric Stagnation" through the mighty Comatose Music.Read the interview and be sure to check this band out today.
Regards
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
Interview with Neurogenic done by Patrick
1. Hello what gave you the idea to form Neurogenic and how did you come up with the name of the band?
Greetings. I just wanted to create a high speed technical death metal band and I think that is what we got as a result. The band name means "dysfunction of a nervous system". I took a long time to make up a name but in the end I think the result is very fitting, cuz our music will destroy the nervous
system of unprepared listener, haha.
2. I believe each member of the band lives in a different country how did you all first meet and decide to work on a band? What is the current line-up of the band?
We first met at facebook lol. I have played with Anton (our bass player) earlier, we recorded Back Door to Asylum "Cerberus Millenia" with him, the album was released on Amputated Vein Records in 2014. Our line up hasn't changed since 2012: Matteo Bazzanella - (Indecent Excision) - vocals, Anton Zhikharev (Fleshbomb) - bass, Marco Pitruzzella (Six Feet Under) - drums and me on the guitar.
3. Neurogenic is getting ready to release their debut cd "Ourboric Stagnation" through the mighty Comatose Music how did you all come in contact with this great label?
We had a lot of offers from different labels, but we decided to go along with Comatose Music in the end and are very glad we did. We're very happy with the label's support and with everything that he has done for us and continues to do!
4. How long did it take the band to write the music on the debut cd?Does each member contribute to the song writing or does one member usually write everything?
The writing and guitars were finished in the beginning of 2013, it took few more years to record the instruments of the other band members and guest vocalists. Yes, every band member had invested in the album. I made some raw parts of all the instruments but left a lot of space for individual creativity for every member so all the guys recorded and made their parts sound as they like.
5. Who usually writes the lyrics for the music and what are some topics you all write about?Which usually comes first the music or the lyrics?
All the lyrics parts were handled by our vocalist. The topics are underworld, insanity and other nasties. The music comes first in our camp, lyrics are written when everything else is done.
6. Besides the debut cd "Ourboric Stagnation" coming out September does the band have any other merchandise available for the readers? And if yes where can the readers buy it from?
We released some stuff in the past sure, but as far as the new album, you can order the new shirts from the label's websitewww.comatosemusic.com.
7. In your opinions what is the best and worst thing about the underground metal scene today?
I really like that the underground is like a big family in which many peeps help each other and try to hold on to each other. What I don't like is the modern plastic sound, but this applies to the modern metal scene in general.
8. Besides brutal death metal do you all listen to any other forms of metal or music in general?
I generally like to listen to all kinds of music and don't restrict myself to death metal only, which everybody should do too I think.
9. As mentioned you all live in different countries what are the metal scenes like in your countries and area's you live in?
I live in the far north of the Arctic Circle and we have a few ok metal bands, but nobody plays or listens to death metal here.
10. You all work with different bands when not working in Neurogenic please tell the readers a little about your other bands?
Marco is recording some new stuff for Six Feet Under. Me, Matteo and Anton are working on the new material for our bands I mentioned earlier. I also have created a new band recently, called Imprecated. I like to think of it like an unholy slam.
11. Besides music we are big movie fans here at the wasteland's do you all watch a lot of movies? What are some of your all-time favorite movies?
I love movies a lot and a lot of them, can't just mention enough of them hah.
12. Who are some of your favorite actresses and actors?
Hard to tell cuz some movies show a very good actor play but not so good play in another movie. Let it be Leonardo DiCaprio. He finally got his oscar recently and I'm glad he did, he's a pretty talented at what he does.
13. Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you all have any final comments for the readers?
Thanks a lot for all the questions. It was a pleasure to go through them. To everybody who reads this: Support the underground, because YOU ARE THE UNDERGROUND!
Here is a new interview with Neurogenic who play a form of brutal death metal with elements of a few genres. If you are a fan of brutality then be sure to pick up a copy of the band's debut cd "Ourboric Stagnation" through the mighty Comatose Music.Read the interview and be sure to check this band out today.
Regards
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
Interview with Neurogenic done by Patrick
1. Hello what gave you the idea to form Neurogenic and how did you come up with the name of the band?
Greetings. I just wanted to create a high speed technical death metal band and I think that is what we got as a result. The band name means "dysfunction of a nervous system". I took a long time to make up a name but in the end I think the result is very fitting, cuz our music will destroy the nervous
system of unprepared listener, haha.
2. I believe each member of the band lives in a different country how did you all first meet and decide to work on a band? What is the current line-up of the band?
We first met at facebook lol. I have played with Anton (our bass player) earlier, we recorded Back Door to Asylum "Cerberus Millenia" with him, the album was released on Amputated Vein Records in 2014. Our line up hasn't changed since 2012: Matteo Bazzanella - (Indecent Excision) - vocals, Anton Zhikharev (Fleshbomb) - bass, Marco Pitruzzella (Six Feet Under) - drums and me on the guitar.
3. Neurogenic is getting ready to release their debut cd "Ourboric Stagnation" through the mighty Comatose Music how did you all come in contact with this great label?
We had a lot of offers from different labels, but we decided to go along with Comatose Music in the end and are very glad we did. We're very happy with the label's support and with everything that he has done for us and continues to do!
4. How long did it take the band to write the music on the debut cd?Does each member contribute to the song writing or does one member usually write everything?
The writing and guitars were finished in the beginning of 2013, it took few more years to record the instruments of the other band members and guest vocalists. Yes, every band member had invested in the album. I made some raw parts of all the instruments but left a lot of space for individual creativity for every member so all the guys recorded and made their parts sound as they like.
5. Who usually writes the lyrics for the music and what are some topics you all write about?Which usually comes first the music or the lyrics?
All the lyrics parts were handled by our vocalist. The topics are underworld, insanity and other nasties. The music comes first in our camp, lyrics are written when everything else is done.
6. Besides the debut cd "Ourboric Stagnation" coming out September does the band have any other merchandise available for the readers? And if yes where can the readers buy it from?
We released some stuff in the past sure, but as far as the new album, you can order the new shirts from the label's websitewww.comatosemusic.com.
7. In your opinions what is the best and worst thing about the underground metal scene today?
I really like that the underground is like a big family in which many peeps help each other and try to hold on to each other. What I don't like is the modern plastic sound, but this applies to the modern metal scene in general.
8. Besides brutal death metal do you all listen to any other forms of metal or music in general?
I generally like to listen to all kinds of music and don't restrict myself to death metal only, which everybody should do too I think.
9. As mentioned you all live in different countries what are the metal scenes like in your countries and area's you live in?
I live in the far north of the Arctic Circle and we have a few ok metal bands, but nobody plays or listens to death metal here.
10. You all work with different bands when not working in Neurogenic please tell the readers a little about your other bands?
Marco is recording some new stuff for Six Feet Under. Me, Matteo and Anton are working on the new material for our bands I mentioned earlier. I also have created a new band recently, called Imprecated. I like to think of it like an unholy slam.
11. Besides music we are big movie fans here at the wasteland's do you all watch a lot of movies? What are some of your all-time favorite movies?
I love movies a lot and a lot of them, can't just mention enough of them hah.
12. Who are some of your favorite actresses and actors?
Hard to tell cuz some movies show a very good actor play but not so good play in another movie. Let it be Leonardo DiCaprio. He finally got his oscar recently and I'm glad he did, he's a pretty talented at what he does.
13. Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you all have any final comments for the readers?
Thanks a lot for all the questions. It was a pleasure to go through them. To everybody who reads this: Support the underground, because YOU ARE THE UNDERGROUND!
Label Contanct
Australian Thrashers Hellbringer interview done on 8-27-16 by Patrick
Here is another interview this time it is with the Australian thrashers Hellbringer who do have elements of early black metal mixed within the thrashing chaos.Hellbringer is getting ready to release their second cd "Awakened From The Abyss" for all those into early U.S And German thrash defintly give Hellbringer a listen today
Patric
fiendformetal@live.com
https://plus.google.com/110515263288050247357/posts?hl=en
https://twitter.com/PDeathrasher
Interview with Josh drummer of Hellbringer done by Patrick
1.Hello Josh how are things in Australia these days? Please introduce yourself to the readers?
Same old shit really. Mundane stuff such as working and all that. Our new album "Awakened from the Abyss" has just come out and our next gig isn't until September so we have taken a short break from rehearsals.
The idea to start a band came about in high school too. We had a mate at the time who was also into the same kind of music who played guitar.
We got him in and decided to start jamming. We eventually started writing some material. Straight away we know the sort of thrash we wanted to play. Heavily influenced by bands like Sodom, Slayer, Destruction and so on it went from there!
Awakened from the Abyss was kind of a joint effort but mainly Luke and James wrote most of the riffs. I came up with a few but I more come up with ideas about structure, beats and that sort of thing.
It's hard to say how long it takes to finish a song really. It totally depends on how many ideas/inspiration we have and how the flow is going.
There's just no particular answer. Some can take weeks, where we leave it unfinished for a while, then come back to it refreshed when we have more ideas. Some can get done within a couple rehearsals.
Most memorable would probably be Los Angeles on our recent United States tour. Easily the most wild crowd we have ever played to! They are hungry for it which is totally killer! I've never seen a crowd that intense for one of our shows before.
Maryland Deathfest 2016 on the same tour was also great.
Our next show is in December in Sydney to launch Awakened from the Abyss and then in March we head over to Germany to play Hell over Hammaburg fest. We will also be playing some club shows too.
Best thing would be discovering great bands who keep the old spirit alive properly and do it right.
Worst thing would be too many gimmicks, trends and fashion based idiots. The sort of people who put designing a fancy denim vest or something like that ahead of buying the actual music. We try not to associate with people like this though.
I suppose what underground metal means to me is heart, passion and spirit. As cheesy as it sounds but that's what it's about!
My all time favourite is Armoured Angel hands down. Some other greats are Destroyer 666 of course, Slaughter Lord, Mortal Sin (although really only for their first album as cliched as that sounds), Hobbs Angel of Death.
Although not brand new anymore, I would suggest to check out Convent Guilt. Great, catchy heavy metal.
Patric
fiendformetal@live.com
https://plus.google.com/110515263288050247357/posts?hl=en
https://twitter.com/PDeathrasher
Interview with Josh drummer of Hellbringer done by Patrick
1.Hello Josh how are things in Australia these days? Please introduce yourself to the readers?
Same old shit really. Mundane stuff such as working and all that. Our new album "Awakened from the Abyss" has just come out and our next gig isn't until September so we have taken a short break from rehearsals.
2.When did you first discover metal music and who were some of the first bands you heard?
I discovered it in high school. I got into though bands like Metallica, Slayer, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest etc.
I actually think my brother Luke who is also in the band had discovered Metallica first and showed me. We both loved it and it went from there!
I discovered it in high school. I got into though bands like Metallica, Slayer, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest etc.
I actually think my brother Luke who is also in the band had discovered Metallica first and showed me. We both loved it and it went from there!
3.When did you get the idea to start Hellbringer and what is the current line up of the band?
The idea to start a band came about in high school too. We had a mate at the time who was also into the same kind of music who played guitar.
We got him in and decided to start jamming. We eventually started writing some material. Straight away we know the sort of thrash we wanted to play. Heavily influenced by bands like Sodom, Slayer, Destruction and so on it went from there!
4. Hellbringer is getting ready to release their second cd "Awakened From The Abyss" does the whole band work on writing the music or does one member usually write everything?How long does it usually take to complete one song?
Awakened from the Abyss was kind of a joint effort but mainly Luke and James wrote most of the riffs. I came up with a few but I more come up with ideas about structure, beats and that sort of thing.
It's hard to say how long it takes to finish a song really. It totally depends on how many ideas/inspiration we have and how the flow is going.
There's just no particular answer. Some can take weeks, where we leave it unfinished for a while, then come back to it refreshed when we have more ideas. Some can get done within a couple rehearsals.
5.Besides the new release "Awakened From The Abyss" are their any copies of the debut release still available? Besides the cd releases does the band have any other merchandise available to the readers.And if yes where can the readers buy your merchandise?
I think you can find some copies of our first album floating around on ebay.
We of course have LPs of Awakened and we have shirts available for sale on our Bandcamp page. www.hellbringer.bandcamp.com
I think you can find some copies of our first album floating around on ebay.
We of course have LPs of Awakened and we have shirts available for sale on our Bandcamp page. www.hellbringer.bandcamp.com
6.Does Hellbringer ever get to play "live" or do you prefer to work in the studio
We play live of course. I don't see the point of being in a band if you don't play gigs. The sort of music we play definitely needs to be played live.
In saying that, we also take our studio albums seriously too and make sure that what is represented on that is also done like that live.
We play live of course. I don't see the point of being in a band if you don't play gigs. The sort of music we play definitely needs to be played live.
In saying that, we also take our studio albums seriously too and make sure that what is represented on that is also done like that live.
7.What have been some of Hellbringer's most memorable shows over the years? Are their any upcoming tours or shows the readers should watch out for?
Most memorable would probably be Los Angeles on our recent United States tour. Easily the most wild crowd we have ever played to! They are hungry for it which is totally killer! I've never seen a crowd that intense for one of our shows before.
Maryland Deathfest 2016 on the same tour was also great.
Our next show is in December in Sydney to launch Awakened from the Abyss and then in March we head over to Germany to play Hell over Hammaburg fest. We will also be playing some club shows too.
8.Josh in your opinion what is the best and worst thing about the underground scene today? And what does underground metal mean to you?
Best thing would be discovering great bands who keep the old spirit alive properly and do it right.
Worst thing would be too many gimmicks, trends and fashion based idiots. The sort of people who put designing a fancy denim vest or something like that ahead of buying the actual music. We try not to associate with people like this though.
I suppose what underground metal means to me is heart, passion and spirit. As cheesy as it sounds but that's what it's about!
9.Josh you handle the drums for the band when did you become interested in playing drums? Are you self taught or did you take lessons when first starting out?
I had always been interested in drums ever since seeing drum kits in music stores as a kid and things like that. My dad also used to play in a rock band and the drums always used to fascinate me. Seemed like a very exciting instrument to me.
I eventually got my own kit. It was a cheap black kit which I can't remember what brand now.
I'm mainly self taught but have had some lessons in the past too. Definitely helps to see how your technique and things like that are.
I had always been interested in drums ever since seeing drum kits in music stores as a kid and things like that. My dad also used to play in a rock band and the drums always used to fascinate me. Seemed like a very exciting instrument to me.
I eventually got my own kit. It was a cheap black kit which I can't remember what brand now.
I'm mainly self taught but have had some lessons in the past too. Definitely helps to see how your technique and things like that are.
10.Who are some of your influences and favorite drummers? Besides the drums do you play any other instruments?
Clive Burr - incredibly energetic feel and groove
Dave Lombardo - total power and energy. Made thrash drumming what it is today.
Bill Ward - Underrated drummer. Some incredible beats and fills on that early Sabbath stuff.
No other instruments. I dabbled with guitar when I was kid but it didn't quite take off. I'd like to pick it up again though.
Clive Burr - incredibly energetic feel and groove
Dave Lombardo - total power and energy. Made thrash drumming what it is today.
Bill Ward - Underrated drummer. Some incredible beats and fills on that early Sabbath stuff.
No other instruments. I dabbled with guitar when I was kid but it didn't quite take off. I'd like to pick it up again though.
11.Hellbringer comes out of the legendary Australian metal scene what is your opinion of the scene in Australia over the years?
Not a lot to say about it really. We of course have had a lot of great bands from here over the years like you say but these days it's quiet and not liked it used to be.
The good gigs are few and far between with the good bands rarely playing and there are only a small number of cities that are actually worth playing.
The crowd numbers aren't as big as they used to be (before my time but from what I've been told) but if it is a decent lineup people will still show up. Sometimes from all over. So shows can still be good if they are done right.
Not a lot to say about it really. We of course have had a lot of great bands from here over the years like you say but these days it's quiet and not liked it used to be.
The good gigs are few and far between with the good bands rarely playing and there are only a small number of cities that are actually worth playing.
The crowd numbers aren't as big as they used to be (before my time but from what I've been told) but if it is a decent lineup people will still show up. Sometimes from all over. So shows can still be good if they are done right.
12.Who are your all-time favorite Australian bands and are their any new bands you feel the readers should check out soon?
My all time favourite is Armoured Angel hands down. Some other greats are Destroyer 666 of course, Slaughter Lord, Mortal Sin (although really only for their first album as cliched as that sounds), Hobbs Angel of Death.
Although not brand new anymore, I would suggest to check out Convent Guilt. Great, catchy heavy metal.
13.Besides bands are their any good fanzines or web-zines you feel the readers should check out soon? What about good and reliable labels and distro's?
I'm actually not really up to date with a lot of these lately but off the top of my head Voices from the Darkside is a great one. Some quality interviews on there. Recommended!
Some good reliable distros would be High Roller Records, Invictus Productions and some smaller, newer ones, Muerto En La Cruz (USA) and Rush of Power (NOR). They're new, tape labels but they are run by cool guys with the underground spirit. Releasing some great stuff!
Some good reliable distros would be High Roller Records, Invictus Productions and some smaller, newer ones, Muerto En La Cruz (USA) and Rush of Power (NOR). They're new, tape labels but they are run by cool guys with the underground spirit. Releasing some great stuff!
14.Other then working with Hellbringer do any of the members currentl play with any other bands? If yes please tell the readers a little about them?
James plays in a band called Tyrannic which is a mixture of a few different things. Sort of like thrash mixed with doom which is an interesting one. Real cult sort of stuff.
15.Thank you Josh for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final words for the readers?
Thanks for the questions. Our new album Awakened from the Abyss is out now on High Roller Records!
Band Contact
Label Contact
Wednesday, 24 August 2016
THE WASTELANDS LATEST NEWS/THE RETURN OF BILLY BOND & THE LAUGHING MAN
I'm still exploring possible radio stations for live dj slots where I could do The Wastelands. We are hoping to maybe develop a separate podcast edition, which would be available for streaming outside of a live dj spot.
The other changes coming to The Wastelands will see the end of the no cursing challenge. I think 1-2yrs without cursing has proven the point, that yes, I know when to be sensible. It's time to bring back the fun to the show, so here are the following changes:
* Cursing is back. I'm very polite in RL, but cursing was just a comedy routine for humor, and nothing else. People miss it, and so do I. Time to inject it back into the show.
* Return of old silly characters such as Billy Bond, Jame's Bond's brother, who is licensed to be extremely silly. Sherlock Mosh Holmes, and more stupidly voiced individuals.
* Debut of a new character titled 'The Laughing Man'.
* Silly singing & motivational mosh speeches telling you to rise from your chairs, but in a hyper manner.
* Random silly shout outs & promos from friends/bands.
* Crimson Bones & Captain Midnight Mosh. Captain Midnight Mosh will continue to make guest appearances on The Wastelands.
* Possible separate movie reaction podcast. Recently, before Brutal Existence Radio closed, my movie reactions were a welcome edition to The Wastelands, probably because myself and friends were silly. If I do not continue it with The Wastelands, then a possible separate podcast featuring these reactions mixed with a short set of underground music from metal, punk, and hip hop is another option.
There are many ideas I'm exploring, but it is time for the return of silly eccentric humor mixed with the usual promotions. A healthy dose of silly is a welcome return for The Wanderer.
More news soon, but for further information about The Wastelands, please go here
or: http://ancientvisionz.blogspot.co.uk/p/blog-page_23.html
The Wastelands Radio Show Seeks A New Station
Just a quick reminder, The Wastelands is currently seeking a new station to do the show. If you run a station, and would be interested in featuring The Wastelands with live dj slots or a possible separate podcast edition, then contact me @ ancientvisionz@gmail.com
Further info, and archives of The Wastelands can be viewed here
Full link to archives & Wastelands show details:
http://ancientvisionz.blogspot.co.uk/p/blog-page_23.html
Tuesday, 23 August 2016
Wastelands Site Closing Soon & Radio Show News
Hey all, I'm closing The Wastelands site down soon, and moving everything back to Ancient Visionz. It was extremely difficult to try keep the two sites updated, and I need to run everything from one place again, especially since I will be starting school in October.
Ancient Visionz will go through a re-brand, which will be kind of back to what it was, all underground music from metal, hc punk, hip hop, with movies, comics, and nerd stuff.
I'm still figuring out what to do with The Wastelands in terms of outlets to air the show as a podcast too or maybe other live slots on other stations, or more ideas, as people still want to work with me, and I'm always a believer in expanding, and working in more than one scene. It helps strengthen the scenes, so there is much food for thought atm.
All the posts from here will be moved back to Ancient Visionz asap.
Brutal Existence Radio Closure (2008-2016)
Hey all, and peace! I've been holding off posting this statement for some time, but friends/bands/and many more people are asking where the station has gone, and why isn't The Wastelands airing today?
A few days ago, Brutal Existence Radio closed it's doors for good. It has hit me real hard, as it was something that was important to me, and I simply love doing the shows to help share/support all of this awesome music. My favorites maybe punk, metal, and hip hop, but I enjoy so many forms of music. Music is truly a wonderful gift that I appreciate so much.
Brutal Existence Radio ran from 2008-2016 bringing forth so many forms of metal and punk music, helping niche bands/artists from all over the world. It was a pleasure to be a part of, and I'm extremely grateful for the freedom I was given to play anything underground from metal and hc punk.
I tried a few different themes for various shows such as the Stressed Out punk show, Crimson Bones Thrash Radio with Captain Midnight Mosh, Darth Jedi Metal show, and finally, my separate long running hc punk radio show, which evolved into The Wastelands featuring many forms of metal and punk. The freedom and scope for creative expression was something unheard of compared with most organizations. Recently, I started recording movie reviews/reactions to air on The Wastelands, and it proved to be popular.
I would like to thank everybody for supporting the station, and the many shows, both past and present. We all gave it 100% and tried our best to keep it going on air. It is not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter for all the staff. Many are seeking new stations, and it would be great if we all can be together again.
The Wastelands will continue, and I'm currently looking for a new station where I can to do the show.
In closing, I want say thank you to all the djs/staff for helping build a very special bastion of mosh. I personally would like to thank my good friends Metal Mark, and Jedi Master Tony, whom tutors me in the ways of the force, and general nerdom.
Fowler, thank you for the opportunity, and the great years of not only experience, but friendship as well. Without you man, we wouldn't have been able to do any of this. Hope you stay well, wherever you are.
Thank you all, and see you soon on a new home with The Wastelands! Brutal Existence Radio 2008-2016. 1 love.
Brutal Existence Radio Closure
Hey all, I'm extremely sad atm, and trying to think of some words to say about the closure of Brutal Existence Radio. The Wastelands is off air until I find a new station to do the show. I will post an update later. 1 love.
ALL FOR ME GROG: THE SONG OF CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT MOSH
ALL FOR ME GROG: THE SONG OF CAPTAIN MIDNIGHT MOSH
Oh, I have sailed the sea for a thousand years
Cried a sea of salty tears
And through this storm I found the time
To think of my 'Mosh Days'
And put it to rhyme
Away the lads, here we go
Sailing for bounty lying deep below
We dropped the anchor, let it down,
It came back up caught in a crown.
Oh Captain Midnight he found fame
Now his music shouts his name
He and his mateys they all dance going round and round in a trance
Cried a sea of salty tears
And through this storm I found the time
To think of my 'Mosh Days'
And put it to rhyme
Away the lads, here we go
Sailing for bounty lying deep below
We dropped the anchor, let it down,
It came back up caught in a crown.
Oh Captain Midnight he found fame
Now his music shouts his name
He and his mateys they all dance going round and round in a trance
To the mosh they tap their feet
Bodies jerk, bang goes their feet
Music pounding, sweat pouring down
To Captain Midnight's Mosh of Sound
So come and join me in the mosh
Aye lads, show we didn't give a 'tosh'
We're all here to let loose the sound
Before we all go a long way down
To the depths where he now lays
Thinking of his happier days
But we'll keep him alive when we all sing
'Captain Midnight's Mosh will ring
Sweden's Vanhelgd interview is now up done by Patrick on 8-7-16
Hello
Here is a new interview with Sweden's Vanhelgd who have just released their fourth cd,lp "Temple Of Phobos through the mighty Dark Descent Rec. so if you liked the bands previous releases be sure to pick up this release today.
If anyone is looking for artists to work with on their releases etc... be sure to check out Mattias web-site{web-address is in the first question}
Regards
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
Interview with Mattias Frisk of Vanhelgd done by Patrick
I have known the others in the band for eons. Me (Mattias vocals guitar) and Jimmy (guitar vocals) goes back over 30 years... Björn (drums) and I about 18 years I guess and Jonas (Jonas) and I have known each other for almost 15+ years now...
2.How did you all choose the name Vanhelgd as the band name? Does it have a special meaning? And what is the current line-up for the band?
All names in English we came up with were already taken so we went for the old Swedish form of “vanhelgad” which means desecrated. It was of course a bad decision since almost no one can pronounce it or knows what it means.
3.Vanhelgd is getting ready to release the bands fourth album "Temple Of Phobos" how long did it take the band to write the music for this release? Does the whole band work on the music together or does one member usually write everything?
I write the most material but I really must stress that the songs wouldn’t be the same without our mutual input in the process of arrangement. For us songwriting is often an uphill battle with ideas that won’t fit together but at some point we can all agree that the song is done and it’s time to go to the next one. We rework everything until it´s the way we like it, so we usually don’t have any extra material for bonus tracks, compilations and B-sides. We started to work with the songs for Temple of Phobos in the summer of 2014 and recorded the album in November/ December 2015.
4.Who usually writes the lyrics for Vanhelgd and where do you all draw inspiration for the lyrics?
I write all of our lyrics but sometimes I get a line or two suggested by Jonas. I think it’s natural that I write them since I have to sort the vocals out; it would be so much harder if I had to work with someone else’s lyrics. Most often I have a line or two, maybe a verse or a chorus on my phone or in Word. The inspiration comes from the daily news, art and literature. I usually don’t care much for lyrics but this time I decided to challenge myself and write something better than before. On our previous records there are 1-3 songs on each that I think have lyrics that are ok, but on Temple of Phobos I am happy with most of them. The Swedish lyrics are often better since it´s my native tongue. I can experiment and put more nuances and emotion into them. The English ones are often more "meat and potatoes" generic death metal stuff.
5.As mentioned in a previous question "Temple Of Phobos" is the bands fourth cd to date. How do you feel the music has evolved and changed over the years?
When we started the band we had much more of a punk approach towards the music. Our first album was quite diverse with a lot of inconsistency within each song. On our second album “Church of Death” we did a better job with the songs but the album was still quite shattered. “Relics of Sulphur salvation” was the first one we recorded in a proper studio, we stepped up a bit in terms of songwriting and came to understand more how the band worked, what kind of stuff we are good at and so on. Basically I think that “Temple of Phobos” is based upon songs like "Ett liv i träldom" and "Where all flesh is soil", both from "Relics…", we just refined that aspect of Vanhelgd on this album.
But I also think that we did stuff back on both “Church of Death” and even “Cult of Lazarus” that would fit on “Temple of Phobos”. Take "Avlad i synd" from "Cult of Lazarus" for example, it’s a slow piece with some folkish tunes and a lot of emotions... We still play it live and it would have fit good on "Temple.. " so I guess when people say we evolved, taken a new direction or so, I disagree, they don’t see that we been doing songs like this all the time. But now we have more of them on one album. I think our Paradise Lost and My Dying bride influences have become a bit more obvious, they have been there all the time but maybe more in atmosphere than in the actual riffs…
6.Besides the newest cd "Temple Of Phobos" are any of the bands past releases still available and if yes where can the readers buy them from?
Cult of Lazarus from 2008 can be hard to get these days. We still have a few copies of Church of Death on vinyl at www.vanhelgd.com , and Nuclear War Now! might have them as well. “Relics of Sulphur Salvation” is still available from 20 Buck Spin and Pulverised. The EP that we released on Nuclear War Now! In 250 copies is probably really hard to get your hands on. It’s just two songs from me and Jimmy’s former band Ceremonial Execution that we reworked for Vanhelgd.
7.Does Vanhelgd play "live" very often or do you prefer to work in the studio? What have been some of the bands most memorable shows over the years?
We are definitely more of a studio and rehearsal oriented band than a live act. We did a couple of shows throughout the years, the NWN! show at Blacklands were great, Party-san open air was interesting since we never played a big sage or in the middle of the day or in 36 degrees C… Nordfest in Sundsvall was cool and Mörkaste Småland is a great festival in Hultsfred that was a blast. When we played Truckstop Alaska the lights went out for a couple of songs… that was an interesting experience. Kill-town was a great festival too but I fucked up quite a lot on that one...
8.In your opinion what does underground metal mean to you?
I’m not really sure what is to be considered underground these days... trends come and go faster and faster, sub cultures are global and small death metal bands are bigger globally than some of our national mainstream pop-artist that are big here in Sweden. So... mainstream metal, mainstream death metal, underground death metal... Is death metal in its widest notion to be considered underground metal? I don’t think so. A lot of bands I consider as “big” seem quite underground in comparison to the scene at large. If you can buy a shirt from a band at a random major online cd store I think it’s hard to talk about underground as “unknown” to the metal audience… or does underground mean just to be on a small label doing interviews with paper zines and releasing demos on tape?
I think that the underground should not be praised for the sake of being underground, what I think is most important is that you as an artist is honest to yourself and do what you believe is the right path for expressing yourself. Personally I despite most mainstream culture and I´m not a fan of a “Metal Community” at large, I fucking hate those “festival metal heads” running around in plastic Viking hats and kilts making fools of them self... I have nothing in common with them except from that we might both enjoy “Ace of Spades”, I like red wine too and so did probably Jesus, Stalin and UB40... Or on the other hand those who are there just because it’s cool to listen to death or black metal, like if it’s some sort of fashion, but have no idea about the music at large. But when it comes to dedication, to honesty, pride for the music and understanding the roots I enjoy the underground...
9.Vanhelgd comes out of the Swedish death metal scene what is your opinion of Sweden's metal scene?
I don’t know many people in the metal scene in Sweden... I don’t live in Stockholm or Gothenburg... there is quite many non-mainstream bands around in our region but not many of them are Death Metal bands, just Maim, Throne of heresy and Tormented. Sweden has a lot of band but there is not much of a scene, at least not here in our part of the country.
10. Who are your all-time favorite Swedish bands? And are their any new bands you feel the readers should check out soon?
Old stuff: Edge of sanity, Entombed, Dismember, Grave, At the Gates, God Macabre…
New Swedish stuff to check out: Maim, Miasmal Throne of heresy, Tormented, Entrails, Skogen, Bombs of hades, Snake tongue, Siberian, Tid…
11.Besides bands are their any good Swedish labels or distro's you feel the readers should check out soon? And are their any good fan or web-zines you could recommend to the readers?
Gaphals/the sign records, I hate records, To the death records, Blood harvest.
12.When not working with Vanhelgd do any of the members work and play in other bands or solo projects? If yes please tell the readers a little about them?
Jonas is also in King of Asgard and Björn in Ocean Chief.
Jonas: King of Asgard is some sort of viking history tinged blackened death metal blended with folkish tunes.
Björn: Ehh spaced doom… sort of.
13.What do you all enjoy doing in your free time Any hobbies?
I don’t think anyone us have any hobbies besides playing music except for Jimmy who is sort of a collector… mainly of vinyls…
14.Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you all have any words to end the interview?
Aryist
Band Contact
https://darkdescentrecords.bandcamp.com/album/temple-of-phobos
https://www.facebook.com/vanhelgd/
Label Contact
http://www.darkdescentrecords.com/
https://www.facebook.com/DarkDescentRecords/
Here is a new interview with Sweden's Vanhelgd who have just released their fourth cd,lp "Temple Of Phobos through the mighty Dark Descent Rec. so if you liked the bands previous releases be sure to pick up this release today.
If anyone is looking for artists to work with on their releases etc... be sure to check out Mattias web-site{web-address is in the first question}
Regards
Patrick
fiendformetal@live.com
Interview with Mattias Frisk of Vanhelgd done by Patrick
1.Hello how are things going in Sweden these days? When did you first meet the other members of the band?
Hi, busy days here in Sweden with the new album coming, interviews and a lot of artwork and illustrations to do for other bands (www.mattiasfrisk.com) , so no vacation for me this summer! It’s the reality for most people working with art and illustrators in Sweden... No fun, just work if you want to make a living from it...
Hi, busy days here in Sweden with the new album coming, interviews and a lot of artwork and illustrations to do for other bands (www.mattiasfrisk.com) , so no vacation for me this summer! It’s the reality for most people working with art and illustrators in Sweden... No fun, just work if you want to make a living from it...
I have known the others in the band for eons. Me (Mattias vocals guitar) and Jimmy (guitar vocals) goes back over 30 years... Björn (drums) and I about 18 years I guess and Jonas (Jonas) and I have known each other for almost 15+ years now...
2.How did you all choose the name Vanhelgd as the band name? Does it have a special meaning? And what is the current line-up for the band?
All names in English we came up with were already taken so we went for the old Swedish form of “vanhelgad” which means desecrated. It was of course a bad decision since almost no one can pronounce it or knows what it means.
3.Vanhelgd is getting ready to release the bands fourth album "Temple Of Phobos" how long did it take the band to write the music for this release? Does the whole band work on the music together or does one member usually write everything?
I write the most material but I really must stress that the songs wouldn’t be the same without our mutual input in the process of arrangement. For us songwriting is often an uphill battle with ideas that won’t fit together but at some point we can all agree that the song is done and it’s time to go to the next one. We rework everything until it´s the way we like it, so we usually don’t have any extra material for bonus tracks, compilations and B-sides. We started to work with the songs for Temple of Phobos in the summer of 2014 and recorded the album in November/ December 2015.
I write all of our lyrics but sometimes I get a line or two suggested by Jonas. I think it’s natural that I write them since I have to sort the vocals out; it would be so much harder if I had to work with someone else’s lyrics. Most often I have a line or two, maybe a verse or a chorus on my phone or in Word. The inspiration comes from the daily news, art and literature. I usually don’t care much for lyrics but this time I decided to challenge myself and write something better than before. On our previous records there are 1-3 songs on each that I think have lyrics that are ok, but on Temple of Phobos I am happy with most of them. The Swedish lyrics are often better since it´s my native tongue. I can experiment and put more nuances and emotion into them. The English ones are often more "meat and potatoes" generic death metal stuff.
5.As mentioned in a previous question "Temple Of Phobos" is the bands fourth cd to date. How do you feel the music has evolved and changed over the years?
When we started the band we had much more of a punk approach towards the music. Our first album was quite diverse with a lot of inconsistency within each song. On our second album “Church of Death” we did a better job with the songs but the album was still quite shattered. “Relics of Sulphur salvation” was the first one we recorded in a proper studio, we stepped up a bit in terms of songwriting and came to understand more how the band worked, what kind of stuff we are good at and so on. Basically I think that “Temple of Phobos” is based upon songs like "Ett liv i träldom" and "Where all flesh is soil", both from "Relics…", we just refined that aspect of Vanhelgd on this album.
But I also think that we did stuff back on both “Church of Death” and even “Cult of Lazarus” that would fit on “Temple of Phobos”. Take "Avlad i synd" from "Cult of Lazarus" for example, it’s a slow piece with some folkish tunes and a lot of emotions... We still play it live and it would have fit good on "Temple.. " so I guess when people say we evolved, taken a new direction or so, I disagree, they don’t see that we been doing songs like this all the time. But now we have more of them on one album. I think our Paradise Lost and My Dying bride influences have become a bit more obvious, they have been there all the time but maybe more in atmosphere than in the actual riffs…
6.Besides the newest cd "Temple Of Phobos" are any of the bands past releases still available and if yes where can the readers buy them from?
Cult of Lazarus from 2008 can be hard to get these days. We still have a few copies of Church of Death on vinyl at www.vanhelgd.com , and Nuclear War Now! might have them as well. “Relics of Sulphur Salvation” is still available from 20 Buck Spin and Pulverised. The EP that we released on Nuclear War Now! In 250 copies is probably really hard to get your hands on. It’s just two songs from me and Jimmy’s former band Ceremonial Execution that we reworked for Vanhelgd.
7.Does Vanhelgd play "live" very often or do you prefer to work in the studio? What have been some of the bands most memorable shows over the years?
We are definitely more of a studio and rehearsal oriented band than a live act. We did a couple of shows throughout the years, the NWN! show at Blacklands were great, Party-san open air was interesting since we never played a big sage or in the middle of the day or in 36 degrees C… Nordfest in Sundsvall was cool and Mörkaste Småland is a great festival in Hultsfred that was a blast. When we played Truckstop Alaska the lights went out for a couple of songs… that was an interesting experience. Kill-town was a great festival too but I fucked up quite a lot on that one...
8.In your opinion what does underground metal mean to you?
I’m not really sure what is to be considered underground these days... trends come and go faster and faster, sub cultures are global and small death metal bands are bigger globally than some of our national mainstream pop-artist that are big here in Sweden. So... mainstream metal, mainstream death metal, underground death metal... Is death metal in its widest notion to be considered underground metal? I don’t think so. A lot of bands I consider as “big” seem quite underground in comparison to the scene at large. If you can buy a shirt from a band at a random major online cd store I think it’s hard to talk about underground as “unknown” to the metal audience… or does underground mean just to be on a small label doing interviews with paper zines and releasing demos on tape?
We
were recently played on Swedish Public Service Radio, in a program that
most often airs trendy current music, sometimes metal and on rare
occasions even Death Metal, punk, HC and Black Metal. They played our
song “Gravens Lovsång” just before some stuff with Beyoncé. I didn’t
believe it at first and had to check the playlist online… are we to be
considered mainstream death metal suddenly because of some good reviews
and radio spins? I think it’s typical for mainstream media here in
Sweden to pick up something more or less underground , just one band at
the time, trying to be relevant, to show that they know what’s going on,
to show off. But most often they have no idea what it’s all about and
it feels more like a joke when you´re the only band on the rock side of
music being played on the program. It’s like when At the Gates released
their recent album, it was all over the main stream media music news,
and it was almost the only metal band mentioned in media that year, same
thing with, Entombed, Watain, The Haunted and Ghost, like it’s just one
metal band releasing an album every year. Considering this metal is
always underground, it really depends on which level you are looking and
in which context. The results you have are depending on what you are
measuring and in which context. But at least we have two good magazines
in Swedish that covers a lot: Sweden Rock and Close-Up Magazine.
I think that the underground should not be praised for the sake of being underground, what I think is most important is that you as an artist is honest to yourself and do what you believe is the right path for expressing yourself. Personally I despite most mainstream culture and I´m not a fan of a “Metal Community” at large, I fucking hate those “festival metal heads” running around in plastic Viking hats and kilts making fools of them self... I have nothing in common with them except from that we might both enjoy “Ace of Spades”, I like red wine too and so did probably Jesus, Stalin and UB40... Or on the other hand those who are there just because it’s cool to listen to death or black metal, like if it’s some sort of fashion, but have no idea about the music at large. But when it comes to dedication, to honesty, pride for the music and understanding the roots I enjoy the underground...
9.Vanhelgd comes out of the Swedish death metal scene what is your opinion of Sweden's metal scene?
I don’t know many people in the metal scene in Sweden... I don’t live in Stockholm or Gothenburg... there is quite many non-mainstream bands around in our region but not many of them are Death Metal bands, just Maim, Throne of heresy and Tormented. Sweden has a lot of band but there is not much of a scene, at least not here in our part of the country.
10. Who are your all-time favorite Swedish bands? And are their any new bands you feel the readers should check out soon?
Old stuff: Edge of sanity, Entombed, Dismember, Grave, At the Gates, God Macabre…
New Swedish stuff to check out: Maim, Miasmal Throne of heresy, Tormented, Entrails, Skogen, Bombs of hades, Snake tongue, Siberian, Tid…
But
I think Finland has a lot of really interesting stuff these days that
needs to mentioned: Desolate Shrine,Lie in ruins, Krypts, Corpsessed,
Maveth ( rip), Lantern, Profetus.
11.Besides bands are their any good Swedish labels or distro's you feel the readers should check out soon? And are their any good fan or web-zines you could recommend to the readers?
Gaphals/the sign records, I hate records, To the death records, Blood harvest.
12.When not working with Vanhelgd do any of the members work and play in other bands or solo projects? If yes please tell the readers a little about them?
Jonas is also in King of Asgard and Björn in Ocean Chief.
Jonas: King of Asgard is some sort of viking history tinged blackened death metal blended with folkish tunes.
Björn: Ehh spaced doom… sort of.
13.What do you all enjoy doing in your free time Any hobbies?
I don’t think anyone us have any hobbies besides playing music except for Jimmy who is sort of a collector… mainly of vinyls…
14.Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you all have any words to end the interview?
Aryist
/ Mattias Frisk
Band Contact
https://darkdescentrecords.bandcamp.com/album/temple-of-phobos
https://www.facebook.com/vanhelgd/
Label Contact
http://www.darkdescentrecords.com/
https://www.facebook.com/DarkDescentRecords/
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