Tat Interview: RUSSELL ROTT OF THE AKUZMA

Interview by Dave Wolff

How old were you when you got your first tattoo?

- I was the guy who ran out and got his first tattoo the second I turned 18.



How many tattoos do you have?

- 16 seperate done in about half as many sessions.



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

- My first was a simple blue cross on my left arm. My latest is the first letter of my bands logo on my right.



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

- 15 years but I only get tattooed occaisionally.



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

- I personally wouldn't tatoo lyrics. It's just not my thing although I've seen some done really well. I have thought about doing a bands logo, but so far I've only done my own band.



How often do you create your own design or have you ever gave a tattoo artist free range?
- Most of my tatoos have been my own design with creative flair provided by the artist. I grew up drawing and doing art so prefer to design my own but with the advice of the artist.



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

- I have my two daughters names and birthdays tattooed on my upper arm. Those tattoos mean the most to me for two reasons: They represent two days my world changed for the better and they remind me of whats important.



Which one of your tattoos was the most painful and where is it?
- I have a tattoo of the zodiac symbol for aries with fire surrounding it on my right forearm. I did it in two sessions. The first session I hadnt eaten all day and I was 'partying' with the artist and after about three hours of single needle fill in I almost passed out.I got really light headed and had to stop the session. I went back about two weeks later to finish an I let him go back over parts that were already healing. It was worse than the first time. Needless to say the tattoo got infected and a huge chunk of it rotted out leaving a scar in some small parts of it.



Which one of your tattoos took the longest to complete?

- The aries symbol was 5 hrs.



Did you pay for all the work you've had done? What was the most expensive tattoo you've paid for? 
- Most of my work was done by friends with a couple of shops mixed in...a little over 100 is the most I ever paid.



Which artist(s) did your tattoos?
- Friends mostly.


How many tattoos have you gotten out of your hometown or while on tour? 
  
- None as of now although I hope to change that on a future tour.



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

- I'm on the fence about replacing my first tattoo. The blue cross on my left arm. I have two reasons to replace it: First I got it at point when I was younger and my beliefs were different. It no longer represents who I am. All my tattoos have apersonal meaning. I'm not into getting tats just because they look cool or an artist is really good. The second reason is that it wasn't done very well by the artist at the little shop I went to. Lines intersect where they shouldn't and the coloring is off. 



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

- They brought me along the path to feeling comfortable in my own skin. Something I didnt feel as a teenager.



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

- I have been turned down for jobs before because of my tattoos. I offered to wear a long sleeve shirt or cover but "company policy" only allowed short sleeve shirts and no visible tattoos. My right arm is covered to the wrist.



What are your thoughts about tramp stamps that many females get and so do some dudes?
- I feel you shouldn't get a tattoo either in style or placement because of a trend. It's like the old tribal armband tats people used to get. Once the trend fades you look silly. Unless your covered and have sleeves and tons of other tats. Then your just running out of room.



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

- Pick a good one and don't follow any trend. It's your skin and it's for life.



Do you have any new tattoos planned or underway?

- I plan to fill my right arm up into a full sleeve. Mostly oriental scenary and landscape staring from the ocean on my wrist and leading up to the clouds and heavens on my shoulder.



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


Album Review: VARIOUS ARTISTS Operation Underground (Bluntface)

VARIOUS ARTISTS

Operation Underground

Bluntface Records

http://www.bluntfacerecords.com

Reviewed by Dave Wolff

Bluntface Records is a label and organization of sorts, founded by a ten-year veteran of the New England scene, Otto Kinzel. The bands he is dedicated to supporting are described as thinking left of center, wishing to create without mainstream restrictions of any kind and needing a forum to be heard on a grander scale. His label/organization welcomes artists who prefer quality over quantity and seeks connections with like-minded musicians. The label is home to a handful of bands so far; the calling cards for interested parties are the mottos “no pre-formulated requirements” and “no generic templates.” This 2013 compilation, available for streaming at the label’s official site, is a free and nonprofit means to provide exposure to bands of the ilk described above. A great number of death metal bands answered the call to appear on this compilation (featuring twenty-seven tracks in all) but this is not the only genre spotlighted and each moment gives you something different to experience. The larger-than-life Markradonn has a song included on this anthology, along with Inverticrux (formerly Vintage Flesh); I’ve been familiar with both these bands for some time before hearing this. I’m likewise being introduced to bands I wasn’t previously familiar with such as Sacrichrist, Abdicate, Critical Dismemberment, Green Army, Legion Of Wolves, Accursed Spawn and Goreality. All these bands sound chosen through a painstaking selection process of which would leave the longest lasting impression, based on their inventiveness and unique visions. This compilation proves that such a process can yield the most effective results and will reinforce your belief in quality underground music.

Album Review: VARIOUS ARTISTS Doomed And Stoned In Portland (Independent)

VARIOUS ARTISTS

Doomed And Stoned In Portland

Independent

http://www.facebook.com/DoomedStoned

Reviewed by Dave Wolff

The fanzine/radio station Doomed And Stoned promotes the local doom/stoner/sludge scene in the depths of Portland, Oregon, apparently extensive to the point of housing a great many performing artists. There is a grand total of seventy bands (all completely new to me) on this self-released compilation, so if you’re world weary and angst ridden and you have a couple hours’ free time this is the ideal collection of songs to let out your suppressed frustrations to. As I’m mostly unfamiliar with the Portland scene and disillusioned with the treatment that free expression has received since the turn of the millennium, I consider it a pleasant surprise to discover the number of active musicians involved in bands there. Doomed And Stoned is the brainchild of Billy Goat, your friendly neighborhood music dealer who seems to have his act together promoting these bands at home and outside Portland. The lengthy roster of tracks featured here contain the same underground motif as many comps of local New York bands (the punk compilation NY Thrash is one that comes to mind); people from the city or other locations such as Seattle and Boston might perceive the same vibes among the bands that submitted work for this undertaking. The range in influences varies from band to band; from thrashy with crunch and blast beats to classic Black Sabbath-ish blues to surreal to hypnotic stoner metal transporting you into the ether. This is more than worth checking out for representing the scope of the Portland scene.

Fanzine Review: UNDERWORLD ZINE & COMPILATION Issue #5

UNDERWORLD ZINE & COMPILATION Issue #5

underworldzinecomp@gmail.com

Reviewed by Dave Wolff

I received a copy of this zine from Roy who was publishing Trendcrusher zine when I first contacted him about a decade ago. We were out of touch for years but I found it refreshing that he is still involved in supporting bands after all this time. Like Trendcrusher, Underworld is based in the Philippines and a valid source of information when it comes to the deepest recesses of the underground of extreme metal. The editing could admittedly be a bit tighter, but the print quality is decent and introductory blurbs of varying length are included at the start of each interview. Issue five’s featured bands are Usul, Fester, Blastperversion, Morgengrau, Severance, Hate Beyond, Incapacitate, Mongrels Cross, Disfugurement, Nervecell, Hod and Warzy. Included with this issue is a CD compilation to provide a greater musical sense of the bands listed above. Including a compilation always helps you to understand where bands are coming from in their interviews. Some personal favorites are Fester’s “I’ll Hunt You Down,” Hod’s “Ritual Of Vengeance” and Hate Beyond’s “Assassin” though the entire CD is pure uncompromising underground madness and all the songs will shred you if you dare load this CD into your stereo. I’m hoping Roy continues supporting the underground for long to come.

Album Review: THE NAMELESS WRETCH What Are Heroes? (Rusty Hack Saw)

THE NAMELESS WRETCH

What Are Heroes?

Rusty Hack Saw

http://www.facebook.com/TheNamelessWretch

Reviewed by Dave Wolff

The Nameless Wretch is the musical project of Charlie Joseph Jack Kruger, author and reviewer for Horrorpunks.com. Influenced by the more experimental punk bands and similar artists of yesteryear (Bowie, Swans, Samhain, Fugazi etc.), What Are Heroes? is a nightmare cold emptiness that lasts for all eternity, Think of Celtic Frost on Monotheist and Katatonia on Last Fair Deal Gone Down and you’ll have an inkling of where their expertise lies and who this album should appeal to. Dark, grey, distant and depressive, this recording is not for the faint of heart or the easily bummed. But those of us with the fortitude to appreciate an artist’s vision of utter despair and hopelessness (with the awareness that it’s just a record) will find it highly entertaining giving it multiple listens. This is one of those sonic excursions where you can actually see the darkness opening up before you; nothing but rainclouds, empty terrain and leafless, lifeless tress like gravestones. All with the sensation that the memories of the people who lived and thrived here long ago are not completely faded, and are inviting you to spend some time with them… perhaps forever. The overlapping string instruments, percussion instruments and atmospheric effects play well off one another, contributing equally to the wasteland that is created from the darkened minds collaborating on this work. This full length and Of Beauty And Madness’ Litany are two of the year’s finest underground releases in this regard. I eagerly anticipate what’s to come next from this project.

Album review: REQUIEM FOR OBLIVION Dark Tales Of Forgotten Mindscapes

REQUIEM FOR OBLIVION

Dark Tales Of Forgotten Mindscapes

http://www.facebook.com/RequiemForOblivion

Reviewed by Dave Wolff

To say Requiem For Oblivion is progressive extreme metal is an understatement. I suspect if I discussed all the progressive aspects of this band in detail, this review would be full article length and I’d still have more to say. At times they sound influenced by death metal; other times black metal, classic metal, Celtic metal, thrash, metalcore and classic rock comes to mind (Iron Maiden, Voivod, Immortal, My Dying Bride, Primordial, Pink Floyd and Black Sabbath to name specific similarities), but even this can over-simplify matters. The pure thought channeled into this undertaking is far deeper, and another branching out has occurred in a musical field that’s already so diverse there are as many categories as there are bands nowadays. But again, categories don’t paint the complete picture if you don’t go into what makes a band stand out from all the others. If this band seems to be covering too much ground, the complexity isn’t much different from that of the human condition this album reflects. When a band cares enough to make this point, it warrants looking into their formula deeply if you’re prepared to face what awaits within. This concept album is a personalized tale, much like a metal opera, based on a founding member’s bout with addiction and depression, as stated on the band’s Bandcamp profile. From the sound of it, it was a lengthy and drawn out process to overcome and heal. It also must have been personal since the complete lyrics are not included with each track. Only a couple of lines present a taste of the lyrics penned for these songs, but they are written in an imaginative and poetic fashion. This writing style offers dimension to the musical range described above, making the songs with all their differing influences sound like the soundtrack to this personal journey. This is their first full-length and their third release after they released two EP’s in 2011 and 2013.

Album Review: RECKLESS REDEMPTION Origin Of Destruction (Turkey Vulture)

RECKLESS REDEMPTION

Origin Of Destruction

Turkey Vulture

http://www.facebook.com/recklessredemption

Reviewed by Dave Wolff

Reckless Redemption from Illinois have existed since February 2011 and are heavily influenced by metalcore bands that emerged in the 90s and 2000s such as Sevendust, Lamb Of God, KIllswitch Engage and Slipknot. Within those influences are some noticeable traces of classic thrash and guttural vocals somewhat likened to death metal. This is evident from the opener “Abyss” that starts with a somber theme that slowly moves toward heavier vibes, and “Blinded By Fear” and “Pure Hatred” with their technical similarities to 80s thrash. However the groove, crunch, harmonies and hooks on Origin Of Destruction are basically metalcore that should prove of value if you grew up with the bands Reckless Redemption cite as influences. Not to say it’s a run of the mill album in the slightest; the material is strong and full of controlled energy acknowledging its roots in no uncertain terms. And the more I heard in the songs, the more I wanted to hear as the track list went on. Many of the guitar progressions, the way they are written, channel energy toward making each track more personal to the listener while sustaining your attention throughout. With the proper backing I can see Reckless Redemption gaining an extensive fan base across the U.S.

Fanzine Review: REBORN FROM ASHES Issue #8

REBORN FROM ASHES Issue #8 http://www.facebook.com/RebornFromAshesFanzine

Reviewed by Dave Wolff

Still more killer artwork adorns the front cover and inside of this zine, designed by editor and publisher Tony Juarez (yet another interviewee in Autoeroticasphyxium) with Adam Franke and Mark Riddick. In his editorial Juarez explains that he intended to take a break from publishing Reborn, but reconsidered and decided to publish another issue in 2014 besides a special issue dedicated to extreme metal from Mexico (to be released in 2015). It would be somewhat similar to the book Swedish Death Metal, only in fanzine form. This issue’s interviews are with Into Darkness from Italy, Rude from the States and R’Lyeh from Mexico. Plus a lengthy section of zine and CD reviews. Only three interviews are included in this issue but they are informative and cover much ground for the bands and have a feel of conversations taking place with each band member. The printing places more emphasis on the featured artwork and there is an advertisement added for Riddick and Riddickart. I personally look forward to the release of the special issue spotlighting Mexican metal and anticipate which bands will be reviewed and interviewed for that issue.

Album Review: REALMBUILDER Blue Flame Cavalry (I Hate)

REALMBUILDER

Blue Flame Cavalry

I Hate

http://myspace.com/realmbuilder

Reviewed by Dave Wolff

The first time I listened to Blue Flame Cavalry I didn’t much care for it, mostly due to the vocals. Doing some research on the band and giving the album a second chance, it’s starting to grow on me musically. According to Antoine Richard of Metantoine’s Magickal Realm (his review of this album was part of my research), the New York band is comprised of a musician who also happens to be a music instructor and another who also is a filmmaker. Filmmaker/screenwriter/novelist Czar (drums, vocals) and music instructor J.H. Halberd (guitar, bass, keyboards, backing vocals etc.) set out to arrange this as a soundtrack of sorts. Released in 2013, Blue Flame Cavalry is their third full length following 2009’s Summon The Stone Throwers and 2011’s Foundations Of The Pale Architect. I’m not familiar with the band’s previous outings, nor do I like the lead vocals that much, but if you like Manowar you might find a lot appealing about this album. Although the production sounds of demo quality and doesn’t do enough justice to the musicianship there is a range of varying themes from heavy to tranquil to epic. Only four songs are included, the best of these being the title track which closes the album at over ten minutes, with some additional instruments by Halberd. I don’t consider Blue Flame Cavalry that bad now, though I still think they should work on their production and hire a vocalist as their third member.

Fanzine Review: METAL HORDE Issue #15: August 2014

METAL HORDE Issue #15: August 2014

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Metal-Horde-Zine/234092253292278

Reviewed by Dave Wolff

Issue #15 is one of three editions of Metal Horde I received from editor/publisher Nuno Olivera via zine trade (with issue #14 and a special issue covering a recent metalfest. This “underground fanzine for metal maniacs” as stated on the cover is fully supportive of printed fanzines, encouraging people to buy zines in the editorial. Said editorial thanks the bands that sent them material to review for this issue besides demonstrating enthusiasm for supporting extreme metal from Sacred Steel to Obituary. The layout is strongly reminiscent of zines published in the late 80s, and the zine generally has the air of a staff that were fans of underground metal ever since that time. All the sections here are neatly organized, the interviews lengthy and detailed, the zine, album, demo, performance and movie reviews all concise and to the point. Besides Sacred Steel and Obituary you’ll find interviews with Aggressive Mutilator, Blackfinger, Enchantya, Sardonic Witchery, Speedtrap, Domains, Witches Brew, Terra Caput Mundi, Head: Stoned and Gang. Just a couple live reviews (Barroselas Metal Fest and Extreme Metal Attack) are run but they present an impression of having been there from a fan’s point of view. The film reviews seem to be of movies that were randomly chosen to 

Album Review: GUERRA TOTAL El Armagedon Continua (I Hate)

GUERRA TOTAL

El Armagedon Continua

I Hate

http://www.facebook.com/GuerraTotalBand

Reviewed by Dave Wolff

Guerra Total from Bogota, Colombia fuse black metal and old school thrash, adding  NWOBHM and occult themes to the concoction The result is an engaging, memorable collection of cuts you’ll be checking out often. The band describes their approach as “black metal speed horror,” a description that fits this full length well. The contrast between the polished production and raw guitar sound first gets your attention, drawing you in to blazing Metallica-meets-Bathory chord progressions and black metal ferocity of burning riffs blast beats. This approach is somewhat comparable to bands like Witchery in the late 90s; like the melodic black/thrash bands of that time their delivery is tight and full of condensed energy; but Guerra Total is less razor-sharp and more cult. Their song lyrics alternate between English and Spanish, and atmosphere is often used to highlight many of the songs, their use of keyboards and guitar echo effects giving further contrast to their influence from the old school. There are a few more tempo changes and slightly longer guitar solos. Another difference here is a deeper, more prominent bass sound. One particularly creepy hint of atmosphere in “Misanthropist God” really plays up the horror aspect here; suffice it you don’t hear such effects often on a thrash album. This appears again in “Grande Messe Des Morts” producing a similar effect. These and the keyboards appearing elsewhere give this recording much depth. Guerra Total has a new full length coming out in October; be certain to check it and this one out.

Demo Review: FULLY CONSUMED 2009 Demo (Independent)

FULLY CONSUMED
2009 Demo
Independent

http://www.facebook.com/fullyconsumed

Reviewed by Dave Wolff

Fully Consumed is a brutal DM band (with an experimental side) from Akron, Ohio. Where Leland Gaunt said he lived temporarily in the film Needful Things if I remember correctly. He must have inspired these guys to start a band, haha. What more can be stated about a band influenced by Pink Floyd and Dream Theater as well as Cannibal Corpse and Hate Eternal? Volumes if you pay close attention to the painstaking workout they undertake on the tracks comprising their demo. It appears the band seeks not only to break the songwriting mold of brutal death but utterly obliterate it while writing an entirely new rulebook. For their three song outing, Fully Consumed come frighteningly close to achieving this, at the very least their ideas seize your attention and compel you to think a little more deeply on how extreme music “should” be approached. As this was so brief I had to replay it a couple times to absorb every characteristic of their music. Once I started to get it I wanted to hear more compositions from them. The transition in moods from “Soul Possession” to “Virtual Vale” stayed with me the longest after I experienced this demo. “Numb Nation” is a solid track as much as the last ones mentioned. I’m anticipating updates about the band’s new material.

EP Review: ETERNAL JUDGMENT Fatal Virus (Independent)

ETERNAL JUDGMENT
Fatal Virus
Independent

http://www.facebook.com/eternaljudgmentmetal

Reviewed by Dave Wolff

Eternal Judgment, a thrash band from Quebec, Canada, has been around since 2008 and their sources of inspiration are “society, anger, power, war, religion, parties, beer, speed and thrash.” No shortage of angst (or the reasons for it) here but the manner in which they channel it balances enough energy to provide a healthy release. There’s nothing in particular the band seems to single out writing their anti-societal lyrics, just general objections to society’s ills. I’m not certain whether Fatal Virus is their first release or if others were released beforehand, but it displays tightness and promise. It’s possible I’ve listened to a lot of groove-laden thrash of late, but I perceived slight hints of groove briefly appearing on Fatal Virus, but don’t expect too much of it. They’re mostly in the title track introducing the EP, followed by four songs striving for epic NWOBHM style territory. I was reminded of Anthrax and Testament, two bands I listened to often in my youth. This band had that unspoken quality that kept me young as the EP unfolded. Eternal Judgment sound eager to write epic material; the riffs written for “Powerdrive,” “War Planet… Prisoners Of Hell,” “Kill To Survive” and “By My Own” make intensive headbanging sessions. “Powerdrive” particularly contains that epic quality, clocking in at just under seven minutes, assaulting the listener with one progression after another. “War Planet…” features some interesting time changes, switching moods unexpectedly in the course of four and a half minutes. There is an untitled bonus track at the end; to me it sounded a little more melodic than the previous songs I heard. The cover art of Fatal Virus is as memorable as what lies within.

Album Review: DEATHQUINTET Godwork (Independent)

DEATHQUINTET
Godwork
Independent

http://www.deathquintet.com

Reviewed by Dave Wolff

Deathquintet is a melodic death metal band from Sweden, the country that gave us many memorable bands. Their current release Godwork is a decent example of their songwriting and the aesthetics of their genre, Nothing particularly grabs you by the throat on the level of Entombed, Hypocrisy or Marduk, and the production sounds too polished in some places, but Deathquintet are capable musicians and the ten tracks comprising this album are solid enough to be heard all the way through. It feels the band is testing the waters so to speak, to see what approach best fits them, and trying to make their time changes flow together more smoothly. There are several ideas with the potential to make an impact on audiences; don’t get me wrong; only something seems to be holding these back for some reason. The guitar solos and lead harmonies showcase the most inventive ability and there are some piano/keyboard passages that held my attention. Despite its flaws this is a commendable effort that should be expanded on when the band records future albums. There are live videos available for watching on their official site (recorded at various locations) which should give you a greater sense of where they are going at present.

Album Review: BEYOND THRESHOLD Who We Are (Turkey Vulture)

BEYOND THRESHOLD

Who We Are

Turkey Vulture

http://www.facebook.com/beyondthreshold

Reviewed by Dave Wolff

More metalcore courtesy of Turkey Vulture records, from a band with significantly more in common with their thrash counterparts of the glorious 80s. Beyond Threshold is singular in their approach and make no secret of their intentions musically or lyrically. Ringing of classic Metallica, Megadeth and Exodus and modernizing that influence for the metalcore era of today, this Illinois band revitalize everything about classic thrash that helped to rescue metal from a watered down lipstick fix, concentrating on the muscle and sweat rather than the hairspray and eyeliner (granted androgynous hair metal began as street music with the New York Dolls prior to its mainstream-ization ten years later, but I digress). There is a certain sense of strength, power and intensity throughout this recording, even more so than usual, whether it starts with thrash vibes in “Never Again” or continues with 2000s vibes in “Justify The Means.” Waves of complete and total rage wash over you with this album, which promises to regain lost confidence either forgotten or stolen one way or the other. The vocals lean closer to the hardcore edge of metalcore, providing a convincing balance between aggression and emotion to make for a memorable gathering of songs. This is a band that will leave their mark.

Album Review: BESEGRA Infortunium (Darktower Records/Friendly Fire Distro)

BESEGRA

Infortunium

Darktower Records/Friendly Fire Distro)

http://www.facebook.com/besegrametal

Reviewed by Dave Wolff

Ontario, Canada’s Besegra formed in 2009 and resolved to cross over thrash, death, prog and classical metal to create their signature style. The brutal overtones, energy and dexterity in the guitars serve to establish their sound as developing nicely, almost immediately from the first track “Master Of Attrition.” If you didn’t consider it possible to incorporate elements of Testament, Deicide, Iron Maiden and Fates Warning you should check this band out. Guitarists Zach Rouse and Trevor Gehl incorporate these elements and many more with a razor sharp precision that sounds seasoned and ultra-professional, and is effortlessly matched by the rest of the band (vocalist Max Warwick, bassist Cory Hauley and drummer Brennan Farrar). Just six tracks grace Infortunium but once it has run its course you feel you’ve been bludgeoned by a complete album. Besegra’s fusion of so many subgenres of metal sounds like a grand step forward for the concept of no rules and no boundaries of what bands can achieve musically. And of course there is a relentless and potent old school flavor within their compositions, as a solid foundation of their roots. It’s the sort of album I could have wholeheartedly gotten into during any era of underground metal, with more than enough diversity and sophistication to sustain the interest of metal fans everywhere, regardless of their favorite genre.

Album Review: ACHELOUS Al Iskandar (Independent)

ACHELOUS
Al Iskandar
Independent

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Achelous/226987220830466

Reviewed by Dave Wolff

This Greek band has been around since 2011 and Al Iskandar is their debut demo. Three paganistic songs completing a short story of epic proportions, well executed and imaginative, though I’m unsure whether the band based it on an actual legend or thought it up for this demo. This is something you would have to ask them directly. At any rate, Achelous display promise to develop their sound into something quite impressive when they begin working on full length albums. This demo was recorded by Chris Kappas on vocals and Chris Achelous on guitars, bass and keyboards, with guest appearances from Theodosis Charakopis (acoustic guitar, drum programming) and Irene Sahtouri (lead, backing vocals). Manowar first comes to mind when it comes to influence; listening further I can associate the atmosphere they bring to the table with that of European symphonic metal bands. “Pagan Child” with guest vocals by Sahtouri reminds me of bands like Hagalaz’ Runedance. Going back to the beginning of the demo, the title cut starts with a brief keyboard passage that moves into a slow, hypnotic rhythm with ethereal, spellbinding overtones. The keyboards return and become a little more prominent at the outset of “River God (Achelous).” This song is far more subtle in its delivery and makes an impression as being indicative of the band’s potential at composing epic songs. There are several layers of atmosphere in this track that likewise expands upon the atmosphere of the previous track. A really good start to what I hope will be an illustrious career for this band.

Album Review: CATHEXIS Shades Of Apocalypse (Independent)

CATHEXIS

Shades Of Apocalypse

Independent

http://www.facebook.com/CathexisDM

This Texas death metal band took the entirety of 2012 to write and arrange this album before releasing it when 2013 was young. Their aim was to create what they term a healthy balance of heaviness, groove and technicality. The time and effort channeled into this album shows in the material which sounds as painstakingly developed as it was. At the least this gives you an appreciation for the hard work that usually goes into death metal recordings, something too often overlooked even now. As long as bands like this continue to receive exposure independently and aboveground, the work ethic associated with extreme metal will remain apparent. If you are a longtime death metal fan the differences in musical technique should be as apparent the way the songs have been written and arranged from section to section. It’s a labor of love for the genre and the result of caring enough to push boundaries that alone should get the band noticed. The fact that the musicians comprising this band are likewise longtime fans and have listened to underground metal for a long time before founding the band is also going to be revealed in these songs. There is something for fans of many different styles of DM, with lyrics that are well thought out and make a similar effort to stand out. -Dave Wolff

Demo Review: BOERNI K FEATURING GUDRUN RUBINI s/t (Digibrane)

BOERNI K FEATURING GUDRUN RUBINI

s/t

Digibrane

http://www.facebook.com/boerni.k2

You’ll likely remember my review of Boerni K’s full length Darkangel – Trilogie (I -IV) which I described as a conglomeration of different subgenres of metal. The new series of demo tracks he recorded with Gudrun Rubini further transcends musical boundaries, and does so in terms of dimension as well as influence. Not much information is provided about Gudrun Rubini on the Soundcloud links I was forwarded. However my first impression is that she is an accomplished singer who is mastering the art of vocalizing in the style of electronica frontwomen and possesses a unique range. Together these two artists strive to reach a new level of originality in a world where everything has been done at least once. Whether or not you believe they succeed will depend on your personal taste but it cannot be denied that a real effort is being made. The songs the duo posted at Soundcloud are heavy, experimental, melodic, operatic, atmospheric and haunting with bilingual lyrics. You find so many facets of their imagination as you join their quest to reach the highest plateau of creativity there is to be reached. Each track assumes its own personality not like the others; going from track to track is like entering a different room in a vast hotel where the furnishings are in marked contrast. It’s rare to find musicianship such as this, and words can’t describe their creations any more than experiencing them firsthand. This is the kind of collection that should compile a full length CD and be shopped around as aggressively as possible. -Dave Wolff

Album Review: BOERNI K Darkangel - Triologie (I - IV) (Independent)

BOERNI K

Darkangel - Triologie (I - IV)

Independent 
http://www.facebook.com/pages/BOERNI_K/119815031390586 
Here is one of three play lists uploaded to the official Soundcloud profile of Börni Burns Kreindl, a vocalist, musician and composer based in Austria whose range in influences appear as wide as his range of instruments. The four songs comprising Darkangel - Triologie (I - IV) are a rather eclectic mix of thrash, classic metal, melodic death metal and progressive metal. The delivery is pretty straightforward with the production you would expect from a demo, but the musicianship, vocals and especially the guitar solos and lead harmonies effortlessly transcend this, demonstrating a real sense of growth potential. The third track “Darkangel III: Das Finale” exhibits the most potential, beginning with an orchestral theme complete with keyboards and featuring pianos, tempo changes and an assortment of atmospheric and circuslike sounds. What I heard certainly made me want to further experience Kreindl’s unique imagination. You can hear his compositions at the links provided here. -Dave Wolff

Album Review: A GATHERING OF NONE Nothing Left To Lose (Devil’s Music)

A GATHERING OF NONE

Nothing Left To Lose

Devil’s Music

http://www.facebook.com/AGatheringOfNone
With a band name like A Gathering Of None I expected this album to be rather somber. I was surprised the material was brighter and more upbeat than I thought it would be. This band definitely has an accessible sound while not being a typical mainstream punk band. There are several different nuances of their musicianship; one of these is the guitar production that contains a little more bite than normally anticipated. The riffs and progressions go a long way toward fueling the songs here, and they’re often in the forefront so the varying shades of influences are apparent from the first notes onward. Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath seem to be two of the biggest inspirations here. The second aspect of their sound that struck me was the lyrics written for each song which come across as more honest and introspective without relying either on self-pity or self-blame. They ring of genuine regret and desire to improve things on the author’s own terms. The depth of this fluctuates depending on which song you’re hearing and what the subject matter is. Sometimes the soul is laid bare, other times things are more personal than usual. This is unique in that it reflects the human condition more appropriately than bands of this ilk that tend to convey the same messages on each album. -Dave Wolff

NATY METAL - tattoo interview by Dave Wolff of AEA zine

Naty Metal

Name: Profession (Band, Promoter etc.) Residence: Photos by Natalia or people can call me Naty, Graphic Designer and model
Model name is NaTyMeTaL
Photos by:
First one with Mohawk taken by NatYaz Designs
Next 2 in latex lingerie taken by Fabricio Jimenez
Photo with horns taken by Indiana Abarca
Photo in a field with a hello kitty dress taken by Pablo Montiel
And last 2 photos with spiked latex bra taken by NatYaz Designs

How old were you when you got your first tattoo?
16

How many tattoos do you have?
8

Which tattoo is your first and which one was your latest?
my first was 2 angel wings on my back, my last one is my pomeranian doggie tattoo on my left arm

How long did it take you to build up your collection?
it have been a few years now, like 8 years and there are more to come

A lot of fans tattoo lyrics or favorite band logos, have you ever done that or plan on ever doing it?
i only have a tattoo in memory of my favorite genre of music, that is Black Metal, i have that written on my stomach

How often have fans of yours shared there tattoo shrines of your band with you and how do you react?
I think not many yet but i always think is nice when people get music related tattoos

How often do you create your own design or have you ever gave a tattoo artist free range?
All of my tattoos have been drawn by the artists, i only give them ideas or references of what i want!

Do you have a piece or a few pieces that have the most meaning to you? Why that specific piece(s) is your favorite?
I think my pomeranian tattoo, i love my dogs a lot, i always say that dogs are better than humans!

Which one of your tattoos was the most painful and where is it?
I think the one on my right leg

Which one of your tattoos took the longest to complete?
the one on my leg

Do you have a spot on your body that you would never tattoo?
mmm elbows and knees lol

Did you pay for all the work you've had done? What was the most expensive tattoo you've paid for?
yes i have paid it, only my first tattoo my dad paid it!

Which tattoo style do you like best?
neo-traditional!

Which artist(s) did your tattoos?
Ivan Vindas, Marco Buti, Dario Hereñu and Billie Vegas

Which tattoo artist do you admire?
Timmy B, Kelly Dotty, Billie Vegas, Paul Acker, Roman Abrego, Jon Mesa

Which tattoo artist would you like to get ink by that you've never went to before?
Timmy B and Paul Acker

Do you have a specific shop or artist that you frequent?
Right now in my country only with Dario Hereñu

Some tattoo artists are booked for months, what was the longest you had to wait for your appointment?
I have never waited for an appointment here!

How much of your collection was done in your hometown and who are some your favorite artists here?
7 of my tattoos were done in my country! And my favorites are Billie Vegas, Timmy B, Paul Acker

How many tattoos have you gotten out of your hometown or while on tour?
7

Do you regret getting any of your tattoos, now hate, want to replace, or have covered up, and why?
yes and i already got 2 covered up, i still need one to cover because it wasnt done good!

Have tattoos affected your life? If so, in what way?
Well not really!

Have you ever been discrimination in the workplace and outside the workplace because you have tattoos?
In my country they dont accept people with tattoos and piercings but now its getting more accepted!

What are your thoughts about tramp stamps that many females get and so do some dudes?
Well to each their own

Do you watch any of the TV shows about tattooing?

I used to watch NYC ink and Miami Ink because it was the only programs that were shown here so when i had nothing to do and those shows were on then i watched them lol

Have you been approached or featured by any tattoo magazines?
Not yet

What advice would you give to someone who was going to get their first tattoo?
To look for quality, dont look for prices, because cheap things are never good and u can regret it so think before getting a tattoo, look for several good artists, see their work and pick the best!

What do you look for when you enter a tattoo parlor? Have you ever walked out of one and for what reasons?
Mm not really, i only go to an specific shop to get tattooed or to visit friends

Do you have any new tattoos planned or underway?
Yes at the end of august i am getting 2 more i hope!

Do you have an activity that you would like to mention or plug?
Well only I have a trip to NYC this month so I will be getting new photoshoots so you can check my page anytime ;)
www.facebook.com/NaTyMeTaL.AltModel