Obscure Chaos Zine: June 2014

Monday, 23 June 2014

Fashion Reviews/Fashion Designer & Model Interviews

Fashion Reviews/Fashion Designer & Model Interviews

We'll be reviewing and interviewing fashion designers who create stage wear, fashion wear, jewelry and other stage props for bands who are in the rock, metal, hardcore and punk scene.

This section will also include interviews with models who support these music genres.

Editorial: Struggles to Get Support Going! by Colleen Maloney (Knight) Co-owner

Hello, Dollfaces,

Let me first answer the question you’re probably asking as yourself why are some old schooler coming back to do a fanzine and if you’re one of those old schooler individuals you would understand how you need to take a break to raise your family, work a real job and yet rock and metal has never left my mind and I just supported it in other ways as best as I could.

Many hours that I've put into helping bands by promoting them as much as possible even if its not my style of music that I enjoy but will check it out and give support because supporting is what its all about. It becomes discouraging with all the promoting that I have done and out of 5,000 only a handful would even pay attention, maybe a comment here and there and barely any interactions when I was on Obscure Chaos Zine pages.

Bands are always looking for that free promotion, free information and not saying a word or given anyone else the support back and barely even a simple thank you for what we do besides the handful of 40 at most. If is wasn't for them I would have turned my towel in because of the lack of support given. There is an old saying, "ME, MYSELF AND I" is what the rock, metal, hardcore and punk scenes have become over the past few years and not caring about helping out others and bringing what as once called, "support."

Although, I haven't been very active because I've been dealing with the death of my own sister and six month later my own mother. We've always been very close and its been taken a huge toll on my own life besides myself dealing with the healing of my neck surgery and maybe needed another one soon. I still think about all the promotions our founder, Lady Kat Chaos has been doing and yet it still remains the same with the handful of individuals supporting others besides themselves. I wonder how many sit back read our page and take notes for themselves to gain more for them and not helping out others in the long run. Pretty sad if you think about it.

Hence, we do all the promotions we can for free because we have a heart and trying to bring back the support to the scenes. Half the time most don't even notice we have promoted an upcoming show of theirs, one of the their songs or their band page and yet gets us in a chat saying can you promote us please, hence we have an hour ago or maybe yesterday.

What makes us continue the love we have for the music we care about and although, most of it has been Lady Kat Chaos doing all the promoting for all on our facebook pages and our staff have been writing some really great reviews on releases and zines and each one is doing the best they can too. If it wasn't for the founder, amazing staff and those few who truly give us support I personally would say I would have left for good and yet it would have broken my heart even more.

So, now its time for all to bring that support between everyone.

Much love & respect ,
Colleen Maloney (Knight)
Co-owner

Interview -My Ink: One of the founders/owners of Crown of Viserys:Dustin Ekman

Name: Dustin Ekman
Profession: Crown of Viserys zine
E-mail interview by: Lady Kat Chaos
Date: May 2014

OCZ: How old were you when you got your first tattoo?

Dustin Ekman: 19 or 20.

OCZ: How many tattoos do you have?

Dustin Ekman: 3

OCZ: Which tattoo is your first and which one was your latest?

Dustin Ekman: My first was my neck, which says LSC with 2786 under it. My latest is the 13th Sky logo on my left arm.

OCZ: How long did it take you to build up your collection?

Dustin Ekman: As much of a collection I have, about ten years.

OCZ: A lot of fans tattoo lyrics or favorite band logos, have you ever done that or plan on ever doing it?

Dustin Ekman: I have the logo for 13th Sky already, and I'd like to get some lyrics done. I considered something like a spiral around my thigh consisting of lyrics.

OCZ: Do you have a piece or a few pieces that have the most meaning to you? Why that specific piece(s) is your favorite?

Dustin Ekman: My favorite is probably my neck. LSC 2786 is my cat Skellington's identification number from the vet that she went to. She had the same tattoo in her ear, and my wife also got it done on her left arm when I got my neck done.

OCZ: Which one of your tattoos was the most painful and where is it?

Dustin Ekman: The neck tattoo. The 8 is right over a tendon, so that was pretty brutal. The touch-ups on the 13th Sky logo were pretty brutal too, right close to the elbow.

OCZ: Which one of your tattoos took the longest to complete?

Dustin Ekman: The 13th Sky logo.

OCZ: Do you have a spot on your body that you would never tattoo?

Dustin Ekman: Erogenous zones...

OCZ: Did you pay for all the work you've had done? What was the most expensive tattoo you've paid for?

Dustin Ekman: Yes, I paid for them all. The neck was the most expensive, but using the least ink and probably the least time.

OCZ: Which tattoo style do you like best?

Dustin Ekman: I love traditional, and I love dark stuff from Paul Booth.

OCZ: Which artist(s) did your tattoos?

Dustin Ekman: Jason Porter did my two arm tattoos, and I can't remember the name of the guy who did mine and my wife's tats.

OCZ: Which tattoo artist do you admire?

Dustin Ekman: Evan Void, from Living Out Loud in Laurel Springs, New Jersey. He's only an apprentice right now, but damn does he have some nice designs, and his in the flesh work I've seen is gorgeous. Whenever I'm in the NJ area, I'll be hitting up Evan for a big leg piece I'm sure.

OCZ: Which tattoo artist would you like to get ink by that you've never went to before?

Dustin Ekman: Well, Evan Void.

OCZ: Do you regret getting any of your tattoos, now hate, want to replace, or have covered up, and why?

Dustin Ekman: I want to cover my neck up and "move" Skellington's number to my ribs. I want to have my other cats ID numbers with hers. I might cover up the 13th Sky tat with a skull, simply because I'm not big on the tattoo itself.

OCZ: Have tattoos affected your life? If so, in what way?

Dustin Ekman: The only way they've really affected me is that people are always asking about the neck tattoo,

OCZ: Have you ever been discrimination in the workplace and outside the workplace because you have tattoos?

Dustin Ekman: Nope. Not yet.

OCZ: What are your thoughts about tramp stamps that many females get and so do some dudes?

Dustin Ekman: They aren't my thing.

OCZ: Do you watch any of the TV shows about tattooing?

Dustin Ekman: No. I don't really watch TV anyway.

OCZ: Have you been approached or featured by any tattoo magazines?

Dustin Ekman: No.

OCZ: What advice would you give to someone who was going to get their first tattoo?

Dustin Ekman: Get it somewhere that is going to hurt like a motherfucker. Tattoos are addictive, and your first one, being painful, will help you decide if they are something you really want. Also, in the end, it's just ink. You don't need special meanings for them. I have a skull on the inside of my arm because it looks cool.

OCZ: What do you look for when you enter a tattoo parlor? Have you ever walked out of one and for what reasons?

Dustin Ekman: Cleanliness, cleanliness, and cleanliness are the first three priorities. Good customer service and a knowledgeable staff are tied for fourth.

OCZ: Do you have any new tattoos planned or underway?

Dustin Ekman: I have tons of tattoos planned. Full sleeves, here I come!

OCZ: Do you have an activity that you would like to mention or plug?

Dustin Ekman: I'm one of the founders and owners of Crown of Viserys, a webzine devoted to metal. Our reviews and interviews can be read at http://crownofviserys.wordpress.com. This autumn we are putting out a 200 page book full of interviews, reviews, and news, in a perfect bound softcover setting.

Fest: Signature Riff‎ presents: MARTYRDOOM FESTIVAL (NYC), JUNE 27th- JULY 1st 2014

Gig: Dying Eyes Of Sloth Coming to Boston MA, June 29th with Untombed

LIVE FB INTERVIEW: Mortuus Sum with Yngve drummer/guitarist

Mortuus Sum
Interview with: Yngve drummer/guitarist
Band website: Mortuus Sum
Country: Greece
Genre: Black Metal

LIVE FB Interview Conducted by: Lady Kat Chaos, Guest Colleen Maloney (OCZ Co-owner) and Chris Meyer Of Aberration Nexus

Date: February 10, 2014

OCZ: Hails Nick! Thanks for taken time for our live FB interview. You have a lot going on at the moment. How far a long are you with the writing and recording process of your forthcoming first full-length album," Vargavinter"?

Nick Yngve: First of all, thank you for this interview! It's an honor for me to talk to my big sis!!!! Hehehe!
The album is going pretty well... All the guitars and bass are done and all is left, are the physical drums (I have demos with drum machine first) and vocals to be recorded....

Colleen Maloney Hey sunshine! Just dropping by to say Good Luck with your interview. What studio are you recording your new album?

Nick Yngve: Hi!!!! Nice to have you with us! All the guitars and bass are recorded in my home studio, the vocals in the singer's studio and the drums in another! We are all over the place for this one!

OCZ: Do you use soundcloud or something similar to transfer each track to combine them together?

Nick: We use dropbox and e-mails mostly.... It needs time though, but we get the job done.

OCZ: How protected is your music when sharing tracks with dropbox?

Nick: I believe that it is well protected, at least so far. Nothing has ever happened to me or anyone else, as far as I know.

OCZ: Speaking of protection do you copyright your music and songs?

Nick: Yes! Everything is copyrighted of course!

OCZ: Why are you using a drum machine compared to using your full drum kit?

Nick: I use a drum machine for the pre-production, so I can record the guitars and the bass player can record the bass... After that, I go to a studio and record physical drums and last we record the vocals...

Colleen: What can you tell me about a drum machine you are using for your album and if I wanted to learn how to play on one which one would you recommend to me?

OCZ: How would you compare the sounds from a drum machine to a full kit? Have you ever ran into issues with not catching the same feel?

Nick: Drum machine is easy if you want to make drums with not many things playing. Just some simple rhythms to record on top the guitars and bass. Of course if you work on a track a lot of time, you can make a full album, but the sound will not be the same as physical... I use a Boss Dr-880 drum machine for the pre-production. The sound is NOT AT ALL the same. No way can it be compared to physical drums! I will not change that for the world!

OCZ: Indeed, they don't sound the same. What pro-tools are you using?

Nick: I am using Cubase 5 only and Amplitude for the guitars.

OCZ: Does it make it easier for you to have your own recording studio? What is your studio set up and what would you like to add to it this year?

Nick: I don't have a huge and super equipped studio or something. I just have my PC with Cubase and the plugins I am using.

OCZ: Who will be handling the mastering?

Nick: The mastering is going to be done in Dark Fairy Studios, by W.E.B.'s guitarist/singer, Sakis Darkface. He also did the production for the split EP with Nattergal.

OCZ: Metaphorical, "Vargavinter" means "wolf winter" or "very cold winter" but it also reminds me of Thyrfing, track "Vargavinter", the Folk Country band Vargavinter from Sweden or tale of "Clan of Vargavinter". How did the name of your album come about and what is the meaning to you?

Nick: The meaning is indeed the "winter wolf". The song is about the wolf from the story of Leonidas of Sparta. When a Spartan is a boy, they leave him out in the cold and woods and he must kill to survive. Leonidas had to fight a wolf to survive. So the song is about this story. Also I like winter a lot... the feeling it has... everything... I thought it suited the album and music very nice!

OCZ: Leonidas was the Spartan King, after all these years he is valuable and inspiring to many by showing that Greeks are willing to pay to maintain their freedom from any foreign oppression. Have you ever felt oppressed mentally or spiritually when it comes to maintaining the battles of putting out your releases and how do you overcome it?

Nick: No. I have never felt oppressed, but sometimes I am frustrated, because I want to do certain things and I don't have the time or the money. In that case, I am getting really pissed with the situation. How I overcome it? Deep breaths and think through the matter.

OCZ: Some fear wolves, have you ever felt threaten by wolves?

Nick: Unfortunately, I have never seen a wolf.... When I do though, I think it will PERFECT!!!!!! I totally respect those animals... for the society they have, the whole wolf pack, the respect to one another... Very beautiful beasts and so noble at the same time! I don't know if I will be afraid, but I surely want to see a wild wolf....

OCZ: Wolves are amazing. How many songs are your recording for your album and are you writing new songs or will you be adding the song off your promo demo or the songs you used on two splits?

Nick: The album will have 6 or 7 songs in it. It will contain the song "Mortuus Sum" from the promo re-recorded and the song "Vargavinter" from the latest split also re-recorded and 4 or 5 new songs. Until now there are 4 new, but in the end, I might add a 5th one!

OCZ: What new titles track can you unseal and speak of at the moment?

Nick: Except from "Mortuus Sum" and "Vargavinter", I can give you a couple of more. One title is "Dissolution of Fatherhood" and another is "Excommunication".

OCZ: You stated that you may add a 5th track, what point are you at with your new song?

Nick: I am at a very good point at the moment. I might add it after all!

OCZ: What changes will you be making to the song, "Mortuus Sum"?

Nick: The drums will be different, the singer will be different... The bass player was singing for the promo, but now the new singer will do the vocals. Also the sound will be much better!

OCZ: Many songs you have written deal with themes of Ancient Greek Heritage and Mythology, Ancient Cultures, Darkness, Death, and Religions. What themes will you be writing about for this album that you're willing to discuss?

Nick: Well... The song "Mortuus Sum" is about Lilith... The song "Vargavinter" is about a wolf and Leonidas as I mentioned above and the other songs will be about various subjects, about religion mostly. The Ancient Greek heritage and mythology theme, will appear mostly in the second album... We have a lot of time until we get there though! I should tell you, that I have already 2 songs written for the 2nd album... It will totally different music wise. The band will take a turn into more Swedish black metal style than the Norse style of the first album.

OCZ: You mentioned that this album will have more of a Norse style of Black Metal. Will the guitar playing have more direct style of playing power chords using only two or three strings, similar to Snorre "Blackthorn" Ruch or Oystein "Euronymous" Aarseth who are well known for that back in the 90's?

Nick: Kind of yes. It will contain a lot of tremolo picking for sure, but you will probably notice some other influences also!

OCZ: You mention this album will continue with having a Norwegian Black Metal style but I've always known you for Hellenic Black Metal! Will there be a combination on your upcoming opus?

Nick: Not so much for the first album. Overall, Mortuus Sum are more in the Scandinavian black metal scene. Not many Hellenic black metal influences, but at the same moment, those influences are not absent...

OCZ: How has Thou Art Lord, Necromantia, Mayhem and Darkthrone helped you with your song writing style for this album in the works?

Nick: I cannot possibly describe what those 4 bands mean for me, along with Bathory and Celtic Frost/Hellhammer of course! If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be listening and playing black metal!

OCZ: I know that you write most of the music and Banshee writes all the lyrics. Will your new vocalist be contributing to the lyrics as well?

Nick: I don't think so... Banshee is writing all the lyrics for Mortuus Sum. The singer is alright with that, so we are all ok! And yes, I write all the music. This doesn't mean though that the other members are not free to write as well. They are completely free to send me riffs or songs and if I see that they fit Mortuus Sum, these songs will be recorded.

OCZ: Does your lyricist get ideas from your ideas, thoughts and your own philosophies?

Nick: She is free to write about anything she wants, but we discuss it first anyway. We always talk about the vision I have about every song and she contributes with ideas and lyrics. Yes I have my own philosophy, but she is free on that.

OCZ: How long have you been working with her?

Nick: Banshee is with the band since 2012!

OCZ: Before Banshee joined as your lyricist in 2012, who handled your lyrics?

Nick: Before Banshee, Morrigan was the lyricist, but she left the band in 2012, when the were some inner conflicts in the band!

OCZ: At first when you created Mortuus Sum you wanted your lyrics only to based on death and darkness, what made you decide to open the gates to wider spectrum when it comes to writing about other contents?

Nick: I just thought that there wasn't any reason not to be involved in other subjects also, especially when those subjects are about out Mythology, our Heritage and out culture.

OCZ: Your debut full-length, "Vargavinter" will be released by Apocalyptic Art Underground Black Metal Label. How did that come about?

Nick: Morpheus, the label's owner is a friend of mine and he also released Dizziness' first full length "Offermort Heritage", so I sent him an email, we talked about it and here we are.

OCZ: Will you be releasing "Vargavinter" on physical tapes, vinyls and CD’s plus digital downloads on amazon, I tunes and so forth?

Nick: The album will be released on tape, in limited copies.

OCZ: I'm a huge fan of tapes and vinyls are you as well?

Nick: Of course I am! Nothing better!

OCZ: You say that this album will end a very important chapter to Mortuus Sum 2007-2011 era and you'll be opening a new era with your follow up album?

Nick: Yes that's true. "Vargavinter" will end a very important era for my life and for the band as well.

Chris Meyer Of Aberration Nexus Guest: Hey guys, sorry to butt in. Nick, I'm not really up on your history only recently discovering Mortuus Sum. Was this a solo project? If so, what prompted the shift to full band?
Cheers.

Nick: Hey Chris!!! Glad you joined! The band started as a solo project, because I was involved in another band (Acherontas) and I didn't have much time to focus on Mortuus Sum. After I left Acherontas, I decided to turn them into a full band. Chris if you like, you can check the band out at www.facebook.com/mortuussum ... I will be more than happy to tell me your thoughts!

OCZ: Welcome Chris! Everyone is welcome to ask questions...Here we go with Nick's 100 bands!

Nick: Hahahahaha!

OCZ: Have you ever thought of keeping Mortuus Sum a one-man or two-man project?

Nick: At first, Mortuus Sum were indeed a one man band, but I could handle everything, as I cannot sing at all! You don't wanna hear me singing! Haha!

OCZ: In a brief history, Mortuus Sum was founded (2002) under a different name, Panzerfaust. Panzerfaust disbanded about a year later because of members leaving and moving. It was about five years later Mortuus Sum has arose. Although, throughout this time period more member changes....why don't you introduce your current line up and the craft they master?

Nick: Yes of course! The lineup is:
Astraeos - Vocals
Yngve - Guitars/Drums
Jim Havok - Bass
Banshee - Lyrics

The first lineup in 2002 was Auren on guitars, bass and vocals and me on guitars and drums. Auren left for Sweden and I joined the army, so we split up. 5 years later, I reformed the band as Mortuus Sum.

OCZ: At the time you created the name Mortuus Sum which is stem from Latin and translates to I Am Dead! Did you feel this way after you left the army and this was the mind state you were in during the birth of Mortuus Sum? How do you feel you have developed as a individual, as a drummer and guitarist over the years?

Nick: Yes totally!!!! I was really depressed with my life at that time and I was reading about Death themed subjects, so it fitted nice! The development was huge! As a musician I evolved through the years, by practicing and listening to new stuff. As a person, I read a lot, so I believe that I am progressing in a lot of ways.

OCZ: If I'm not mistaken everyone in Greece needs to serve in the army, how long did you have to serve in the army? Was it hard to find work after you finished your time? Did you write any songs when you had free time for yourself?

Nick: I served for 14 months. It wasn't at all difficult to find job, because the situation in Greece was preety good at the time (2003). No crisis at all and people had money in their hands for real! While in the army, I totally left music aside. I didn't do anything at all.

OCZ: At times life can be depressing for many different issues. How has listening to and creating music helped you with your depression back then?

Nick: It wasn't very helpful, because as I told you before, it was a very hard time for me. I had no interest for music at all back then. Not for composing at least. Of cours I was listening to black metal though.

OCZ: What do you like reading about the most and who are some of your favorite authors?

Nick: I read a lot about ancient cultures, so I cannot tell you any specific name. Most of the books I read are researches about Atlantis, ancient Egypt and ancient Hellas. Also I am a huge fan of paranormal themes!

OCZ: While reading different books do you compare the same facts that were written, that are completely different from each other and take your own notes? We are always questioning history within yourselves. What is something that you have read recently that has made you look deeper into it?

Nick: Yes I always compare books to each other. Nowadays, I am reading about the Emerald Tablets of Thoth. A very interesting book I must say. Thoth was an Atlantean priest who was said to have found Egypt. Thoth had many reincarnations, the last of them being as Hermes the Trismegistus. This book made me look deeper into the ancient Egyptian theme, concerning the occult side of it. The ancient Egypt theme made me write some songs more Eastern oriented, but maybe this will be another project of mine in the future... Who knows what Time will bring right?

OCZ: Are you reading the original or the translated one by Dr. Michael Doreal?

Nick: The translated one!

OCZ: Have you read the nine Booklets? What realm of wisdom would you like to bring forth through your songs?

Nick: Difficult question and I don't think I can discuss this one in only one question! Maybe some other time! ;)

OCZ: How has Mortuus Sum changed for you as a creative outlet—does the material still have the same emotional pay-off for you as it did when you started listening to Black Metal?

Nick: Yes and I must admit that every-time I am writing a new song, I am as excited as I was at the beginning of the road! Black metal is my life and I will never stop listening to it or playing it.

OCZ: What bands from Greece would you recommend to our readers?

Nick: I could recommend Profane Prayer, Aenaon, Slaughtered Priest, Enshadowed... I cannot possibly write here all the bands. I will surely forget a band and I don't want that. So I will just say, listen and search for yourselves the Hellenic metal scene. You will find some pretty good bands over here!

OCZ: What are your thoughts about the Black Metal Scene today? How much do you pay attention to what other bands from the past and today are doing? What are you doing differently not to be compared to other bands who are your influences?

Nick: Black metal scene is huge! Especially here in Greece, we have so many great bands. Of course I will get in the process of naming, because I will surely leave someone out and I wouldn't like that. Unfortunately, nowadays it is very difficult to be original, but I don't care for me. I just write and play what feels right. Ok I will not copy something, but if my influences are obvious in a song, so be it. I am proud of what I have done and for what I am listening to. Keeping up with the new releases is a bit hard, but I think I manage after all!

OCZ: In your own words, why do you think its difficult to be original?

Nick: It's difficult, because everything is already played. We are currently living through the 3rd wave of black metal in Greece, so there is no way you can be really original.

OCZ: What are your views regarding various sub-genres originating out of Black Metal?

Nick: It's ok. It gives black metal a different approach in each band. I like it a lot, even though I am a more traditional guy involving the scene. I don't mind experimenting with music, as long as it stays black metal of course.

OCZ: Do you feel that black metal a fad for younger generations these days or one of the last true forms of artistic expression?

Nick: Black metal is a very difficult genre to begin with. Of course it should be passed to younger generations, but never forget to "teach" them about the Old ones too, without whom, we wouldn't listen to anything. Last forms? I don't think so. Maybe special form I could dare to say.

OCZ: Indeed, they need to acquire the roots. If you had to sit down and discuss what Black Metal is about to a younger generation what would be your key elements to tell them about?

Nick: Black metal is a way of life. It is how you feel inside and it should not be music for the masses (unfortunately it is though). Black metal is something that can evolve as you evolve through it. A very big topic, that needs to be discussed in a more intellect situation.

OCZ: Let's unobstructed a few things up about Mortuus Sum. I know that you're proud of your descendants of the ancient Hellenic Gods, why do you feel many have misconceptions about your band?

Nick: Here in Greece, everyone believes, that if you are writing about ancient Greece, you are an NS musician and a fascist. From that statement alone, you can imagine that we are talking about subhumans with no idea of what they are talking about. How can you be a fascist, if you love your ancient Heritage?

OCZ: How is Mortuus Sum a complete different entity compared to your projects Christfuck and Dizziness?

Nick: Mortuus Sum is pure black metal. Christfuck is a thrash/black metal band and Dizziness is not a project! Dizziness is not my band. It is a band that plays Hellenic black metal and I am very proud that I am a member of them up to now! You can check them out here:
www.facebook.com/goatmetal666 and www.facebook.com/dizzinessvault

OCZ: Indeed, it was a great way to give them a fast plug. Since, I've known you for a few years now, how do you manage being apart of different bands and focusing on your own?

Nick: I have no idea! Hahahahaha! I just do. It's the power of will I suppose. I like playing music, so I always find time to do it!

OCZ: Let's give a run down of your present bands you're involved with: W.E.B. / Memorain / Mortuus Sum / Christfuck as a full member on drums and a session player for Dizziness / Vetusmora. Do you like being a full member or session player more?

Nick: Both are decided, regarding the current state I am in and of course from what each band needs. For example I am not a full member for Dizziness any more, due to some personal matters, but I still play with the band as session. Nothing has changed really.

OCZ: In the past you have recorded drums for Acherontas, Nadiwrath, Empire Of The Moon, Odin's Court, and Vomit Church and Caelestia. How many songs or releases have you recorded with each of these bands?

Nick: I have a lot of recording to tell you the truth. The list is long, so you can check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/nicksamiosdrummer/info

OCZ: You also did play with drums for Dimitris Liolios and Happy ΧΑΠΙ professionally, during spring and fall of 2010. What happen to these two bands?

Nick: With Dimitris Liolios, we played for some months just for money. It was an opportunity to play something different and at the same time, spend some nice qquality time with some friends! Happy ΧΑΠΙ was a cover band that didn't last long and I really don't wanna talk about it. Some nasty things happened inside the band, that made feel miserable.

OCZ: I know you enjoy playing with different bands, but when playing for other bands do you feel that part of the atmosphere is missing compared to your own band?

Nick: No. Each band is completely different from another, so nothing is missing. The feeling is right each time, according the what style a band is playing like. My own bands are different. I never play with a band that is similar with another. There is no point in that. I want to play in different styles each time.

OCZ: Has your schedule ever over-lapsed?

Nick: No. Up to now at least, everything is going smoothly and I hope it won't change!

OCZ: Mortuus Sum is a recording band, have you ever thought of performing for a big fest?

Nick: No never. Mortuus Sum was and will be a studio band only. No gigs, no rehearsals ever! Maybe if something EXTREMELY good shows up, we may consider it, but the fact that we all live in different cities of Greece, makes it very hard to happen... So we stay a studio band and there's no problem about it.

OCZ: Because the members all live in different cities in Greece, how do you meet each other?

Nick: We don't! Hahaha! Seriously, I have never met with the singer yet. With the bass player though, we are long time friends, so we occasionaly meet and have some beers or go to watch a gig together.

OCZ: What are the biggest fest that occur in Greece and if you got an offer to perform for it which one would you choose to play, hypothetically speaking?

Nick: The biggest right now, is Heavy By The Sea festival. This summer will be the 2nd time happening and it is great. Last year, we saw Slayer, Down, Rotting Christ among others and this year we will see Behemoth (at last I will see them live!) and Ghost among others. I would play with Mortuus Sum of course IF there was a possibility to so it.

OCZ: What venues would you recommend to touring bands to play at?

Nick: Fuzz club, Kyttaro club and Gagarin 205.

OCZ: Dusting off some cobwebs....for those who are interested in your released “Demo 2011”, “Inverted God Split” 2012 or “Buried and Doomed in Misery” Split 2013, where can one purchase them?

Nick: "Promo 2011" and "Inverted God" can be downloaded for free via BandCamp. "Buried and Doomed in Misery" can be purchased for 5 euros from BandCamp also. You can check it out all here: http://mortuussum.bandcamp.com/

OCZ: “Buried and Doomed in Misery” was a split between you and Nattergal. Both of you released three songs apiece. Your three songs, “Prisoner”, “Vargavinter” and you did a cover of Hypocrisy track, “Roswell 47”. Why did you choose do a cover and will “Vargavinter” remain the same for your album or are you changing it up and if so how?

Nick: I first listened to Hypocrisy in 1995 and instantly I wanted to play and record this very song. I finally did it so many years later and I am really proud of it. Vargavinter will be re-recorded for the album and of course it will be different in many ways.

OCZ: As an old schooler, as you know how I get into arguments with a few because I feel the underground should stay hidden as it was in the past. What are your thoughts about this because of the internet?

Nick: Of course I agree. Underground, should remain underground, otherwise it loses the meaning...

OCZ: As your band came out onto the internet how has it helped you and have you thought about removing your band page to go back to the roots of Black Metal and staying underground?

Nick: There are some bands that were underground and went to the "other" side (mainstream) and then all of the sudden they were sold out. Other bands, remained true to the underground but continued to gain ground. I respect all kinds of art, but I can't stand it...The truth is, that I thought about it a lot of times, but the thing is that internet is a huge help for promotion... Dropping it will be a suicide I believe. It's not good to say something like that, but unfortunately it's the truth!

OCZ: I agree it does help the bands with promotions, gaining some more interviews and so forth. You and I can go on for hours. I know that you have to head out and get some sleep. I'll leave this interview open if others have questions to ask of you as well as we'll set up a Part II live interview soon. Apocalyptic Art will be releasing Mortuus Sum's album "Vargavinter" later this year. Thanks for stopping by and opening a new chapter of Mortuus Sum any last comments before you head off for now?

Nick: Yeah we could definitely go on for hours! Well, since I have to work tomorrow, I will say again a million thanks for this interview and I am looking forward for part 2!!!!!! I will be glad to answer anything that anyone will ask (if they ask that is... hahaha). Apocalyptic Art will indeed release the first album entitled "Vargavinter" on tape format, probably around September or October. In the meantime, check out Mortuus Sum's page for updates and news about the band! Hails brothers and sisters!!!!!

OCZ Editorials

Editorials

Obscure Chaos Zine Editorials will be about random topics on Rock, Metal, Hardcore, Punk, articles about the different scenes world wide, Band Tips, Life and what is important for us to talk about.

Sunday, 22 June 2014

OCZ: Album Submissions - READ OUR GUIDELINES BEFORE YOU SEND

Album Submissions

READ OUR GUIDELINES BEFORE YOU SEND

At Obscure Chaos Zine, we are willing to check out new releases from accepted genres Rock, Metal, Hardcore and Punk bands world wide in which will be considered for review. Album submission can be done via digital or physical formats. Bands and labels can submit their releases for review consideration through the following methods:

* Streaming promos, and single track samples will not be reviewed.*

READ OUR GUIDELINES

If you are sending us a digital copy of the album, please send to obscurechaoszine@aol.com.

What to include (for digital promo) Please include the following in the promotional packages that are sent to us to assists us in reviewing your release:
1. Full album in ONLY IN mp3 format
2. Full titles of your tracks.
4. High resolution album artwork
5. High resolution band logo
6. High resolution band photo
7. Band bio
8. Album release info sheet.

If you are sending us a physical promo, please send your material to the following address:

ATTN: Mario Rienzo
C/O Obscure Chaos Zine
1811 Grove Street, Apt 2R
Ridgewood, NY 11385

What to include (for physical promo) If you are sending a demo/album for review, please make sure the envelope is clearly marked Album Review for OCZ and include a biography, black and white photo, contact address, email, websites, facebook page or phone number. Please also ensure your band name is written clearly as deciphering spiky logos can be near impossible to read at times and your information should be legible to read so we can get in touch with you.

Formats Please note that we only accept the following formats, and

Album reviews take the following order of priority:
Physical CDs
Digital promos

* Please note that due to the number of promos that we receive, the reviews will all take time. But physical releases will definitely be reviewed, while digital promos will only be reviewed if it interests the reviewer.

Lastly, expect nothing but honest reviews by the staff member (s). Bands that cannot take criticisms should not send their releases for review to us, and reviews will not be edited other than for factual errors (e.g. lineup, song title change, etc.).

Band Name: MALAKYTE
Human Resonance

(Independent)

Website: http://www.facebook.com/Malakyteband

Reviewed by : Dave Wolff

Australian thrashers Malakyte are old school through and through. The sound, the chops, the vibes and the attitude are all there on their full-length Human Resonance. I first came into contact with drummer Liam Guy when he was publishing The Fallout Magazine, a publication dedicated to supporting Australian metal bands. His interview in Autoeroticasphyxium provided lots of information on the metal scenes there. When he first told me of his band I was intrigued. And now I’m glad I took the time to check them out. If you grew up on Kreator and Exodus in the 80s and followed their careers to this day, this band is for you. Many of us remember what going to shows and local record stores was like when thrash metal became an underground phenomenon. While listening to this you’ll not only feel transported back to the classic thrash era, you’ll feel it never ended. It’s a bold statement but the sincerity of this recording is impossible not to notice. The well-known Harris Johns who worked with Kreator, Voivod and many others mastered this album(hard to believe he’s still at it after all this time) and the job he did is as good as the songs composed here. Full of energy and inexhaustible speed, Human Resonance will assail your senses and leave you wanting much more.

Of the tracks on this full-length Malakyte have self-produced promotional videos for “Media Suicide” and “Embodiment;” both of them can be viewed at their official Youtube profile,http://www.youtube.com/MalakyteOfficial. These videos are professionally produced and showcase the band’s live energy as effectively as their energy on record. Their Youtube channel also features tour reports and other material to peruse.

Album Review: The Everscathed - Disgrace In Arms

Band Name: The Everscathed

Title: Disgrace In Arms

Date of Release: 2013

Record Label: In Death Records

Genre: Death Metal

Website: www.theeverscathed.com

Reviewed by: Geoff McGraw

Track listings: 1. Bury The Ashen Ram 2. Oblivious Dissolution 3. Gluttons For Revenge 4. Unknowing Suffer 5. Bringer Of Torture

The Everscathed is a 3 piece Chicago style Death Metal band from.....yep, you guessed it Chicago, Illinois. Disgrace In Arms is the latest of 8 official releases including demos and eps to the bands name, making them quite a prolific band since their 1999 inception.

The Everscathed gives you everything good about Chicago Death Metal (and death metal in general) raw guitars that are not over-saturated, insistent drums, powerful bass lines and wet vocals with plenty of rattle. The songs contained on Disgrace In Arms alternate between pummeling speed and groove. One moment you may be slamming your head at a breakneck pace and the next settling into a swaying groove....that's what I call awesome. Despite having only 3 members The Everscathed manage a much larger sound, in large part thanks to W. Frickensteins "lead" bass playing.

I recently was able to catch Everscathed live, and they have the goods live too. Well worth checking out both the album and the liver performance. Chicago style death metal fans get your butts in gear and check out The Everscathed.

7 of 10 horns

Thursday, 12 June 2014

ALBUM REVIEW - Bodycount ~ Manslaughter

ALBUM REVIEWS

Bodycount – Manslaughter

First thoughts that come to mind when I heard that Bodycount had regrouped for another album was “Oh jeez…. Why wont these guys just die?” Indeed as a teenager when “Cop Killer” came out I was not impressed then. Their music seemed generic, sub par songwriting and riffs that were quite frankly plagerised off “Master of Puppets” era Metallica… which is a shame because I always had time for Ice T’s hip hop work.

Over 20 years later…. I’m wondering “Who the hell this is going to appeal to? Do 12 year old white boys in this generation still want to be gangsta? Does the mainstream media still get upset at Ice T’s barrage’s of the MF word?” Probably not…. This album will have to stand on its own merits, not the media shit storm they created back in the 90’s

Open track “Talk Shit, Get Shot” is the video circulating around you tube at the moment and honestly it falls well below the mark. Instead of ripping off Metallica now it feels like they’re progressed into the current era by ripping off Linkin Park. “99 Problmes” and “Institutionalised” are even worse. I like Suicidal Tendencies and it actually hurts me a little to see someone ruin a great song so thoroughly.

Enough about the negatives there are some tracks on here that are quite passable and musically compare reasonably well to artists of a similar ilk, like BIOHAZARD. Not sure whether a biohazard fan would be well served going out to get this but it does have some pretty decent moments.

I also have to say I find Ice T’s lyrics rather childish in places…. Especially considering the lyrical brilliance he displayed in his early hip hop work., it just feels like this guy could have done a lot better with some more time put into it.

Final verdict…. Some good moments but maybe only for fans of ICE T …. And some juggalo’s might dig this…. I think this is a classic case of a one hour album that really shouldn’t have been much over 40 mins. It would have not had the embarrassing moments and been far more consistent.

Reggae