Nerocapra 'Vox Inferi' review


Nerocapra MySpace
NEROCAPRA
'Vox Inferi'
(Self-released)

If only the songs on this album had been more memorable I'd line Nerocapra (Black Goat, right?) up there along with the finest examples of Italian metal, but alas. Quite few spins in by now, yet once the disc is over there's little I can vividly remember, despite the significant quality in the playing department boldly displayed by all three band members and my reasonable appreciation of (thrash based) early to mid 90s death metal. Fairy brutal for the most part, made complete by complex drumming, guttural vocals and guitar work recalling at times the likes of Immolation and Incantation - Nerocapra's debut CD is a rather good, but hardly mind-blowing, example of underground death metal. Investigate further if you must. Available in digipak format directly from the band or F.O.A.D. Records. [7]
(Vladimir Petrov)


Turin Turambar 'Corona Regni Satanae' review


TURIN TURAMBAR
'Corona Regni Satanae'
(Self-released)

According to Metal Archives "This album was never released, only one hundred promotional copies were sent around the world." And this is only the beginning of the weirdness living on in TT, a band / project of Ataman Tolovy (Stillborn, Genius Ultor). The music sounds deliberately disjointed, as if to prevent the listener breaking through into some sort of a private nightmare, blazing speeds and suffocating dirges follow one another with little concern of giving a coherent flow to the tunes. Fair play to the band for having the balls trying out something this different, but in all fairness the urge of extreme originality becomes mostly a chore in the second part of the album and drags down the positive impressions left off by the opening tunes. Part black metal atmospherics, part annoying industrial drone, part Voivod on really bad acid trip, do you fancy the combination? Greg of the ever-reliable Godz Ov War who submitted the disc had warned me this is not gonna be an easy review - true. Being the cool cat he is he has uploaded songs from 'Corona...' on YouTube. Be very afraid. [6,5]
(Vladimir Petrov)


Voidcleaning - reviews pt. 1

You've heard it all before but here it goes anyway: We, at Dead Void Dreams, are thankful to all those nice bands and labels submitting us their promos for review. And we're also honoured by that, it means we're doing things right and people are paying attention in our doings. Cheers!

In an ideal, utopian, world everything sent our way will receive a proper and prompt review. And this is not an ideal world. We're all trying our best getting the zine thing up-to-date, yet at times it simply becomes too much. We're understaffed (get in touch if writing for a webzine sounds like your cup of blood!) and we all have to deal with that demanding little thing called "real life" - inevitably reviews would get delayed / fall between the cracks. Welcome to Underground Niche Zine 101.

The following reviews should be considered Void's version of housecleaning, if you will. This might become a sort of semi-regular feature, too. Under the given circumstances this is certainly the best way for us staying true to our main intention - writing about music and spreading the word of all those bands / releases, as well as making sure catching up with the new stuff submitted to us on daily basis.

Indulge yourself.
- Vladimir Petrov -


THY HASTUR - 'The Ancients' (VittiV Records)
Recorded in band's home studio in 2005 and released five years later, 'The Ancients' pretty much sums up the relationship most of the old timers used to have with the once blossoming symphonic black metal genre. Not a relationship per se but more like having a crush on this nice girl for one term when in sixth grade. For the style Thy Hastur have chosen this is fairly heavy and somehow darker than the norm, yet while there's no major gripes with the material, there's also nothing worth of extensive praising. Let's face it, this was dated by the time it was recorded, much less nowadays. Having a wee crush can be sweet. Penetration rules hard. [6,5]

CRIMSON VALLEY - 'Crossing The Sky' (VittiV Records) 
A surprisingly good and refreshing trip shall be had by all in this particular Crimson Valley. No-nonsense heavy metal is the name of the game for this Polish band and they do really mean it. Seriously flawless production, highly energetic songs (and the occasional ballad), awesome playing skills, a vocalist who means business - this band can go places, given the right push! They've studied their Iron Maiden with pride and prove it by these dual guitars and freakin' bass lines, add a certain nod to the  glory old days of German heavy metal, thus making 'Crossing The Sky' an album well worth owing by metalheads  young and old. [8]
Crimson Valley Facebook


MOONLESS - 'Calling All Demons' (Doomentia Records)
With Samhain just behind the corner, time couldn't have been more appropriate for reviewing this album. Moonless in no small part owe their sound to Glenn and Danzig, opener "Mark Of The Dead" could easily fool you being a long lost gem by the Evil Elvis and his crew of misfits - suitably twisted guitars, blues-on-steroids rhythm and that deep voice that sounds like you-know-who's. 'Calling All Demons' is an album that grows on you with each new spin and it's hard rejecting its infectiously catchy qualities and near hypnotic effect. Not that you'd want to - this is a groovy monster that you'd swore you have been familiar with since times immemorial, as there's hardly mind-blowing originality here, but these are well-crafted slow pacers that make chain-smoking and alcohol abuse nicer than what they really are. The bastard in me likes this. [8]


EARTHRIDE - 'Something Wicked' (Doomentia Records)
Fuck, this was released in 2010? My theory is that the disc had crawled in a dark abyss located somewhere in the room's corners a year or so ago and just reappeared currently on my editorial desk, demanding review. Thank Odin this is of the doom variety and as we all know doom, when done right, denies the laws of time - and that's what we've here. Wicked this is, with more than enough Sabbath influence, mean bluesy rock licks and kicks and gritty vocals. One of those albums to be played on a lazy Saturday morning, especially if you've a "go" for the bluesier type of doom and the sweet leaf. Kinda runs out of steam for me from the middle part of the album onwards but does it matter - I'm but a zine editor on the web. And I quit smoking pot over 10 years ago, boo! [7]


WOLFHEAD - 'Wolfhead' (Doomentia Records)
A project band of Graveyard and BetweenThe Frost members, this one. Kinda weird, but not totally unexpected - hey, we're all seasoned cats here in the Void (Except Andrew but he hasn't contributed in months, sigh) and have seen stranger things happen. Listened to stranger music, too, even though Wolfhead is a contender - their suggested range of influences run the gamut from Bathory, old Darkthrone and old Enslaved to Trouble, Alice In Chains and The Sabs. Plus Motorhead, of course but who's not a Motorheadbanger? Don't answer me, I don't feel the need to be aware of the possible existence of such dumb folks anyway. Throw a (rather decent) cover of "Wish You Were Here" in the mix and you'll know for certain Wolfhead have a proverbial Everest to climb over to proclaim victorious. Not the easiest task, no matter how skilled they are, agreed? There are parts on this (usually the more experimental / stoner / flat out rocking ones rather that the metal stuff) that are nearly brilliant and the production is top notch, but - to continue the Mount Everest theme, I feel the band is still in Camp III and "it's a long way to the top if you wanna rock 'n' roll". [7]


CUNTSCRAPE - 'Papsmear Campaign' (Prime Cu(n)ts Music)
CuntSpace
The golden shower, err, years, that's it - years of porno grind may be over, but the fact does mean little to those suffering the disease. Cuntscrape are lowbrow, supershit to the max and proud of that, with little ditties named "Hellatio", "Analrexic", "Cum Fart Tart", "I Wanna Do It With A Midget"etc. etc. - d'ya reckon they'd stood a chance in the charts? The genre has always been part gruesome parody, part blood-soaked, cum-infested dirty laundry - and great part fun, if done right. This is nearly up there with the best of them, kinda like fellow Oz intellectuals Blood Duster crossbred with a more moronic Macabre and Gut on the brothel's cheapest crack. The filthy stench of that particular mutant reeks through the speakers, plain lovely, isn't it? [7]


V/A Split My Bitch Up (Prime Cunts Music)
My mate Kristoffer over at the sorely missed My Last Chapter has gone great lengths giving this 4-way split a proper review, so check it out on his site. Cuntscrape [6] are, well...Cuntscrape: slimey and unhealthy fun (of sorts). 5 tracks here, "Giving Head To Mister Ed" winning the "best title" award, with "Teddy Got Fingered" a close second runner. Malaysia's Goresluts [5] follow suit, "Karma Pussy" and all but this is sooo "blast-into-the-one-ear-out-of-the-other" styled to warrant a compliment as far as I'm concerned. Still, significantly better than Indonesia's Rezume [1] - if this is death metal then it deserves to be ended soon. Rubbish. Trite, dire, low IQ rubbish. Japan's own Morbid Vision [5] close things off with 4 demo style death songs I could generally stomach, only just.
Disappointing and useless, overall. Split Your Bands Up would be the more appropriate title.



Warclouds 'A Disturbing Presence' review


WARCLOUDS
'A Disturbing Presence'
(Self-released)

The clouds of war taking shape before your very eyes: excellent guitar playing - stunning leads and all, brutal vocals, interesting arrangements. Death metal's most promising demo of the year here at the Void HQ? Probably. This is made even more impressive by the fact Bruno was responsible for all the writing and playing throughout the nine tunes that comprise ' A Disturbing Presence'. As such this is not perfection - the programmed drums are, after all...well, - programmed drums and the songs could benefit being a tad bit more memorable, but a strong start all the same. Now, after Bruno's relocation from Curitiba, Brazil to good ol' Blighty (London, more precisely) Warclouds version 2.0 is to be unleashed upon the world, as he has already recruited new members to the fold. Ask for this demo CD-R and keep an eye on this band. You wouldn't want to be caught off-guard when bigger and better things strike out, would you? Rating upped a bit due to Bruno being so cool sending the actual disc after his initial download link submission got lost in the disgusting and unexplainable bowels of our beloved Internet. [7,5]
(Vladimir Petrov)


 

Manilla Road 'Invasion' review


MANILLA ROAD
'Invasion'
(Shadow Kingdom Records)

I consider myself a Manilla Road fan, but I also admit I only have a few of their albums, which are classics in their own right, in my view at least. So 'Invasion', a re-release of their 1980 album is a new one for me. As the bio states the band were a rock ‘n roll band at this point and the material on here was written in the late 70s. You can hear hints of what would come for Manilla Road as the 80s wore on and they adopted a more metal sound. Thanks to Shadow Kingdom for pulling this out of obscurity for fans of the band and fans of late 70s/early 80s rock in general to hear. The fans that are hoping to hear vintage in their prime Manilla Road metal may be a bit disappointed. As for myself I am a fan of 1970s hard rock and this is a neat little time capsule for me. There are some cool effects and sounds on here for the time period. You can definitely feel the band attempting to find their way, it is beginning of the power that the band would become. There are strong hints at this on the awesome thirteen minute album closer "The Empire". It is an epic and ambitious tune that is finely crafted with a superb main riff and plenty of dynamics, such as duelling guitar effects, some tasty fills and mystic, moody atmosphere that keeps you interested the entire length of this marathon song. That brilliant song alone is worth the price of this album, it is well ahead of any other tune on here, this song "The Empire" is fucking fantastic I am telling you. I dig the vintage band and rehearsal photos too. I would say this is a must have for Manilla Road fans and 70s rock aficionados alike.
(Dale Roy)



Yellowtooth 'Disgust' review


YELLOWTOOTH
'Disgust'
(Orchestrated Misery Recordings)

Yellowtooth hails out of Indiana, but when you listen to the music I automatically figured they were from the South as they have that southern nuance to their sound. This band features Peter Clemens as some in the scene will surely remember him from bands like Shades of Grey, Sea of Tranquillity, Invasion (interviewed in Canadian Assault back in the day) and Skullview, while the other two members came from Chronic Disorder. Yellowtooth play a rocking type of sludge metal, but maybe not as heavy on the feedback as many sludge bands like Eyehategod, Iron Monkey, Cavity and the like. But 'Disgust' is rocking, the riffage is really heavy and crushing yet always quite catchy, seemingly keeping at bay the doom tag. By my ear you can hear the members death metal roots in the guitar tuning / playing and also the vocals are pretty deep death metal growling, but kept clear enough that you make out most of what is sung. This is just some good rockin’ simplistic sludge with some balls and nice groove riffs, but not over done or cheesy like that mallcore shit or whatever they call it these days. This is record is nothing spectacularly groundbreaking or mind numbingly great by any means, but it is a solid and even good album, a fine debut, but with a couple demos under their belt and countless years experience that should be expected. It is worth a listen.
(Dale Roy)



Lelahell 'Al Intihar' review


LELAHELL
'Al Intihar'
(Goressimo Records)

Seems like everything is moving in the right direction for this Algerian band. Band founder Lelahel (and sole member by the time of recording these debut 6 songs) got his 'Al Intihar' released on compact disc by the Polish Goressimo Records and found bassist and drummer to complete the line up, which can only be good news and a promise for what's yet to come from the Lelahell camp. For what it is (being a self-recorded demo), 'Al Intihar' serves its purpose to give the listeners an initial impression of the band's style. While not utterly captivating this is still quite adept death metal that ranges all the way from blazingly fast attacks to mournfully slow pace, constantly keeping an eye to quality and inventive guitar work, helped by the subtle yet noticeable traditional music influences scattered across the tunes. Freak not, this is still the metal of death, just a tiny bit "different" than most, yet the guiding hand of bands such as Immolation and Nile is ever present and easily noticeable. Not too shabby influences, eh? Vocally, this is just as ambitious and daring, nice. Mayhem's "Freezing Moon" closes things off, great choice really but hardly one for the vaults. I'd like to see how this band develops but as of now I don't feel this to be an essential listen. [6,5]
(Vladimir Petrov)



Visigoth 'Final Spell' review


VISIGOTH
'Final Spell'
(Self-released)

Just look at that cover, if that doesn't instill you with confidence from the outset then you're a lost fucking cause. Visigoth are a relatively new band hailing from the heavy metal wasteland of Utah, and coming at a period when it appears the latest traditional metal revival trend is slowly winding down, are an absolute breath of fresh air to these ears. Fair enough, as far as finding originality goes, especially in the traditional metal scene these days is about as fruitful as pissing up a rope but when it's performed as well as this, who the fuck needs originality? 'Final Spell' is the band's second release after their decent enough demo 'Vengeance' from 2010, and where it was set firmly in barefaced doom laden Omen territory, 'Final Spell' has all the characteristics and glint of a band who have finally 'found' their sound, where much bigger and better things inevitably await.

So they have abandoned the epic, pounding US style for more traditional style of flat out heavy metal with a strong aroma of Euro power metal, much like countrymen Twisted Tower Dire, in fact so much so 'Final Spell' is what their last album could have sounded like without the scourge of Johnny Aune. At times the similarities are uncanny and especially on “Call of the Road” which bears a striking semblance to 'Make it Dark', sound a bit more than coincidental, still I guess there are worse bands you could sound like. Jake's vocals are what really bring these tracks to life though, and imagine my surprise when I discovered this was the same voice behind the Agalloch worship act Gallowbraid. The tenacity and conviction with which he tears through the vocal melodies present on 'Final Spell' is astounding.


Creature of Desire”, an anthem to metal's favorite two wheeled warrior machine has all the echoes of early Hammerfall and Priest with its sublime vocal harmonies, rolling riffs and spiraling guitar leads making the only place you want to be is hitting the highway with wind in your hair and metal coursing through your veins. The title track raises the bar even higher with it's criss crossing Maiden-esque shred and high tempo drumming, and when Jake nails that final scream you can't help but feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, even Halford himself would be proud. I cannot stress enough how strong the vocals are here, the polished production really does them justice. I'd liken them to Rain Irving from While Heaven Wept if I had to chose anyone. “Seven Golden Ships” has a imposing crunch to the riffing in it, the guitars noticeably heavier but no less effective [And how cool is to have that old Running Wild vibe in a song with such fitting name? - ED] Closer “Call of the Road” is more of a straight forward infectious 'rocker' for want of a better word, lively rhythms, blazing guitar leads and stratosphere piercing vocals, which as previously stated sound suspiciously like a couple of tracks from Twisted Tower Dire's last effort.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, no matter what genre of metal you tend to favour, there is nothing greater than pure unadulterated adrenaline pumping heavy metal performed the way the masters intended it, and this is exactly the way they envisioned it. Jake delivers his vocal lines like a man possessed and the performances on the guitars are nothing short of spectacular. Simply put if leather clad, fist-clenching and testosterone fueled metal borne from the smell of burnt tarmac and rubber is your thing then go buy this, if it isn't then go fucking buy it anyway and be converted. Bring on a full length, I'm getting withdrawal symptoms already, this shit is like musical crack.
(Chris Cowgill)



Behexen 'Nightside Emanations' review


BEHEXEN
'Nightside Emanations'
(Debemur Morti Productions)

Black metal. You know black metal, right? Yup, I know you do - saw it last night on Facebook. Funny Vikernes memes. The newly adopted black and white kitten - Abbath, you know, is sooo lovely. And the pandas video link...genius, pure genius!

You know jack.

The return of Behexen, after four years of silence, couldn't have been more appropriate, time and music-wise, or welcomed. 'Nightside Emanations' is the kind of rude stab in the face this so-called "scene" of today sorely deserves. The Finnish lunatics have proven once more that you must recognize your roots in order to be able to move forward, all while praising the rebellious Luciferian flame the genre has been build upon. It's all in here for you to explore - ten songs filled with oppressive abysmal atmosphere and a longing for that indescribable "other world" we're all secretly hoping breaking in. Yes, the album is THIS good and each and every new listen makes it better. Leave behind your prejudices about the relevance of "2012 black metal" and the jagged "heard it all before" feel and submit yourself. The spirit of classic-era Bathory, Mayhem, Dissection and Root lives on in Behexen and that's all you need to know before purchasing this album.

Black metal
Lay down your souls.

Silly review, you say?
Just make sure you delete me on Facebook. 
Thanks. 
[9]
(Vladimir Petrov)


Behexen Facebook

Spun In Darkness / Gravewurm Split CD review


SPUN IN DARKNESS / GRAVEWURM
'Vengeance From Beyond The Grave' Split CD
(HPDG Productions)

Aah, the joys of the good ole split type thing. A quick check on any web metal forum will reveal at least one thread named "Fave split?" or "Most iconic split of all times?" or, God forbid! - "Pictures of your Unholy Grave / Agathocles / NunSlaughter split collection". Yes, the underground fiends mostly love these joint affairs - and rightly so, as it's usually a great opportunity hearing two bands who share the same ground / passion, all for the price of one. The journos, those good-for-nothing clueless bastards (that doesn't apply to those fine people writing for this here webzine, ha!), say the recession won't be over any time soon, so the split thingy shouldn't be bothered much for its future. Great.

Spun In Darkness was previously unknown to me but I did recognize the name of their drummer, Jeff Nardone, as he used to bash the skins back in the day for the Nevada underground cult, Goatlord. That assures a heavy and tight bottom end and off we are for a promising start already. The band isn't here to trying to challenge the sound barrier and for the most part this stays within the tried territories of early 90s doomier, mid-tempo death metal, providing just enough catchy riffs and grooves, not to forget the "gurgling glass" vocals. Granted, this isn't as "horror" sounding as the band seems to have being aiming for, but this is still creepy in its own right, and a pleasure to those ageing ears - I'd buy them a beer if our paths are about to cross before Nibiru pays the wee little visit in couple of months time. Yeah, right - publishing a zine on the web gets you free trips to Las Vegas, get off your lazy asses and start your own! "Temple To The Living God" is my pick of the bunch, followed closely by "Part Of You Becomes Part Of Me", while the cover version of Doom Snake Cult's "Carnival Freak Show" is the weakest link - way too "campy" for me, thanks. [7,5]




Dale's review of 'Blood Of The Pentagram' has really nailed the dark sound of Gravewurm and I'm glad to report there's no disappointments on their part of the split. Yet again those five new songs (plus a short keyboard intro) reek of the band's trademarked combination of sinister black metal and low-tuned death, making Gravewurm the obvious choice for those who like it sick, simplistic and slower. You can comfortably bang your head to these tunes, enjoying the subterranean, raspy vocals, the well audible bass lines and the Hellhammer-influenced, doomy fuzz guitar work, all while absorbing the atmosphere of haunted dungeons this band is capable putting forth through their music. Old-timers will be digging this and I can foresee many of them giving the horns while listening, nostalgically recalling the days of the finest black death. Ooops, Riddick's artwork had taken over my mind a bit here, but that's OK. Flesh is weak. Gravewurm are not. [7,5]



(Vladimir Petrov)

Father Befouled 'Revulsion Of Seraphic Grace' review

FATHER BEFOULED
'Revulsion Of Seraphic Grace'
(Dark Descent Records)

This is Father Befouled's third release and I am extremely happy that I was able to hear and get a hold of this great band. 'Revulsion Of Seraphic Grace' is nothing short of outstanding death metal that will leave all death metal maniacs drooling and begging for more. As evident by the 7 songs of bone crushing death metal, the band definitely sticks to the early 90s US death metal sound similar to Incantation, Immolation etc. but these metal warriors are not just posers ripping off their idols. They are extremely well trained musicians who know how to write and play their music. So while there are similarities to the mentioned bands and other mid 90s death metal bands Father Befouled also have a lot of creative ideas mixed within the heavy guitar and bass riffs. The drummer mixes it up a bit going from mid-paced beats before plunging into fast, uncontrolled assaults of rage, the vocalist is probably one of the best I have heard in some time with some of the deep death growls that are both sinister and demented in execution. If you are sick of all the god-awful metalcore bands or technical style bands and want a band that is pure death metal heaviness then give Father Befouled a listen and be prepared to be blown away.
(Patrick)



King Dude 'Burning Daylight' review

KING DUDE
'Burning Daylight'
(Van Records)

I’ve always felt a certain unashamed bias towards Seattle’s newest occult folk export in the shape of King Dude ever since the day I discovered I share a name with that fascinatingly haunting voice behind the project, TJ Cowgill. Being a huge fan of neo-folk music myself this was also a bonus as much of King Dude’s sound is shaped by the pioneers of that scene such as Death in June, Current 93 and the ilk, or well it was anyway, as after listening to 'Burning Daylight' it’s hard not to notice the remarkable progression musically our man in black has made since 'My Beloved Ghost'. They’ve basically broadened the spectrum from a no frills acoustic neo-folk act into something altogether more inspired and distinct with 'Burning Daylight'. Infact the neo-folk influence has been hugely toned down in favour of something much more dark and apocalyptic, with a veneer of dark and sarcastic humour to it all. Gone are the catchy acoustic folk ditties such as “Spiders in her Hair” and “Big Blue Eyes” in favour of gloomy, occult and whiskey soaked gothic Americana with significantly more in common with Johnny Cash, Swans and Nick Cave than it does Death in June or Sol Invictus.

King Dude Bandcamp
Drawing his influences from ‘The Great Disappointment’, a period in the nineteenth century when a bunch of lunatics awaited the return of Jesus, and surprisingly ended up distinctly disappointed when the asshole didn’t honour his appointment, the album is expectedly involved with Christianity. “Holy Land” begins proceedings with a heavily martial drumbeat and is awash with the same obscure dissonance you’d hear from Swans, indeed I can even a slight Michael Gira influence in Cowgill’s vocals as he delivers his earth shaking baritone through a dense film of reverb. He’s always loved his reverb, and 'Burning Daylight' is again, drowned in it. It adds huge waves of atmosphere to the esoteric subject matter 'Burning Daylight' is based upon. The huge Swans influence again rears its head again in “I’m Cold” and also the magnificently morbid “Jesus in the Courtyard” which is essentially what Johnny Cash would have sounded like if he decided to take on a booming Gira-influenced form of no-wave. To say this track is stunning is somewhat of an understatement, it projects visions of an altogether disturbing, underground black and white 50’s America all through a thick veil of cigarette smoke. “He got the devil around his finger, Jesus around his neck, none wants him in this world or the fucking next” he bellows with a genuine sonority.

The likes of “Barbara Anne” and “Lorraine” lighten the mood a bit with their more romantic theme, for there’s only so many doom laden dirges the mind can take in one sitting, and although “Lorraine” for me is arguably filler material. “Barbara Anne” is another fantastic tune delivered with devastating simplicity with its one-two boot heel kick and whiskey soaked croak. Variation is key for albums such as these and it’s one attribute Cowgill nails right square between the eyes. No two songs are sound the same and in this genre of music that’s a fucking miracle. “Vision in Black” harks back to 'Love' and with its exceedingly infectious drumbeat resonating beneath a simple yet catchy guitar line with those heavily reverbed vocals just amounts to another song which you’ll find hard to get out of your head, and again the same could be said for the black humour of “I Know You’re Mine”. Hell there’s even room for a few shoegaze influences to seep through in “My mother was the Moon” in the delicate, glistening spangle of its guitar work and bliss laden vocals which unless the Dude suddenly lost his ballsack, I guess done by an external unnamed female party.

King Dude Facebook
The highlight of the album though must lie within the gloriously melancholic and over the top adieu to all of life’s ills in “Lord, I’m Coming Home”, a death laden serenade into the afterlife delivered with superb conviction in his deep, gravelly husk and almost Andrew Eldritch-esque howl on top of a blanket of angelic synths and bluesy acoustic guitar. At face value its depressing as fuck, but in reality its effect is one of those tracks where it’s drink in and sorrows out, glasses up and curtains down, a more than fitting end for a journey which began swathed in the darkness of Satan and eventually emerges into the light. When I say I could imagine this track coming off a Nick Cave album I’m speaking the truth, it has all the swagger and guile one would expect from our friend down under, and if that’s not a compliment then I guess nothing is. Steeped in dry humor and a sinister smirk, shrouded in stale cigarette smoke and swirling bourbon all delivered with a portentous drone, 'Burning Daylight' is a breath of fresh air into the neo-folk genre, but to be fair it’s far above and beyond most of what’s labeled as neo-folk these days. Plus, what the fuck is not awesome about an artist with a name like King Dude anyway? [9]
(Chris Cowgill)


Interview with Mongrel's Cross


 

You might go on and check out the review I did for Mongrel's Cross debut album, 'The Sins Of Aquarius', to see how impressed I was by the music of this Australian band. And when you're this impressive and 101 per cent metal, you get interviewed by Dead Void Dreams.

In this case, this is an interview done by our contributor Patrick, who's busy with his own Winter Torment zine as well. Huge thanks for the good work, pal!


Grab a beer - ready, set, GO!!!




Patrick: Metal hails! How are things in Australia? Please introduce yourself to the readers?

Grand Mongrel: Hails mate, Grand Mongrel reporting. Things are great here, I've just moved in to a place in the hills where I found a 3 m snake skin so this may be the last interview I do.


 
Patrick: At what age did you first discover metal? Who were some of the first bands you listened to? Who are some of your "current" favourite bands?

Grand Mongrel: When I was 12 years old the first drummer from Blood Duster moved up to Queensland, two doors down from my house. I lived right on the beach back then and one day I was walking down for a surf and heard this maniac bashing the fuck out of his kit. He and I became mates and he introduced me to Entombed, Morbid Angel, Impaled Nazarene, Pungent Stench amongst many others. I immediately became possessed and devoured everything he gave me. I was reading Steven King novels and watching "Rosemary's Baby" and shit so when I found a musical equivalent it was a significant turning point.




Patrick: When did you and the other members of Mongrel's Cross first meet? What gave you all the idea to form the band? How did you come up with the name of the band?

Grand Mongrel: I have know Goet Euryn since we were teenagers. He and I met Necros Craigos in Brisbane and we asked him to play drums for us as we were without a drummer. A mate of ours, Richard, helped me come up with the name. I wanted it to be Mongrel's... so over a beer we tried out a bunch of things and then Rich threw in the Cross and I said that's it.


Patrick: What is the current line up of the band?

Grand Mongrel: Myself, Grand Mongrel - guitars and vocals, Goet Euryn guitars and Necros Craigos on drums. We have two session members for live combat being Baaruhl on guitar and now m.k.h. on bass.


('Whoresanna' EP)


Patrick: The band recently released its debut full-length CD 'The Sins Of Aquarius' through the US label Hells Headbangers Records. How did you guys come in contact with the label? Are you happy with their work so far?

Grand Mongrel: I sent Chase a few tracks from the 'Whoresanna' 7" and he wrote back saying he'd like us on board. We are really happy with HHB so far. They have been really easy to work with and have the right amount of professionalism too.



Patrick: How has the response been from the press and the fans for the new release so far? Does the band have any upcoming shows / tours in support of the album? If yes, where are some places the band will be playing? Any chance the band will get to tour outside of Australia?

Grand Mongrel: The response has been great and it seems maniacs worldwide have been banging it hard. We have done a few shows over the last few months which have served as a platform to exhibit the new album. We have recently talked about taking Mongrel's overseas and it's certainly on the cards in the near future.




Patrick: Who are some bands you have played / toured with in the past? If you could set-up a "dream" show / tour who are some bands you would love to play with?

Grand Mongrel: We have banged alongside heaps of Aussie legends. Innsmouth, Destruktor, Astriaal, Cauldron Black Ram and Assaulter are some to mention. We supported Mayhem and Goatwhore when they were here also. A dream show for me would be a killer festival in Europe with Abigor announcing a one off headline spot.


Patrick: The band comes out of the legendary Australian metal underground, so I was interested what is your opinion of Australia's metal scene? There seems to be a lot of variety of metal genres - thrash, death, black, doom etc. - do most of the bands get along or is there a lot of competition among them?

Grand Mongrel: There is a lot of variety here. The black thrash tag gets thrown around a lot but there are many unique bands doing doom, death and heavy metal stuff. If there's any competition it's healthy and only breeds more creativity and killer bands.


(Split 7" with Innsmouth on Abysmal Sounds)


Patrick: Who are some of your all-time favorite Australian metal bands? Are there any new metal bands you think the readers should check out soon? What about good Australian labels / distros that people should check out?

Grand Mongrel: Armoured Angel, Bestial Warlust, Destroyer 666, Grenade, Gospel Of The Horns, Sadistik Execution are legends, Anatomy. Sacriphyx aren't new but they have been active as of late and doing some very killer shit.
Check out Abysmal Sounds which is a good label ran by a top bloke and amazing poo auteur. Another label / distro worth checking is the Coffin's Slave which is operated by the main man from Trench Hell.


Patrick: In your opinion, what is the best and worst thing about the underground today? And what does the term "underground metal" mean to you?

Grand Mongrel: The best and worst things, a hard question and one I don't think I really have an opinion on. I can say that underground metal is something I think is truly unique in a very plastic world.


Patrick: When you are not working on band music or band business, what do you enjoy doing in your free time? Any hobbies?

Grand Mongrel: Playing guitar is definitely a hobby for me and I try to fit it in to many hours of my week. Other hobbies include RPG abuse and I surf and skate when I can too. [Fuck, no Aussie rules stories here? Laaame..ha-ha - ED]


Aussie rules!


Patrick: Coming back to the band for a moment, you play the guitars in the band, when did you become interested in playing the guitars? Are you self-taught or did you take lessons when you were younger? Who are some of your influences/favourite guitarists?

Grand Mongrel: I played guitar at school very briefly and got the basics down so I'm primarily self-taught. Favourite guitarists....Hetfield, Demonaz, P.K., Quorthon (RIP)., Iommi, Infernus, [Nocturno] Culto, Trey, The Count....fuck there are too many to name.


...Aussie rules!


Patrick: You also handle the vocals for the band, when did you start singing? Do you do anything special to keep your throat / voice healthy? Again -who are some of your favourite vocalists?

Grand Mongrel: I started screaming my head off when we started Mongrel's. I certainly do nothing to look after my throat. It gets abused with liquor and smoke which is no good for vocal chords. Not recommended. My all time favourite vocalist is Grishnackh, nobody sounds like he did on the first Burzum recordings and I don't think anyone ever will again.



Patrick: Mongrel's Cross music is pretty intense and fast so I was wondering when the band plays live, do you find it difficult to sing and play guitars?

Grand Mongrel: I do, so I don't play and sing live I just bang and scream my head off. I find I can't give the vocals as much as they need if I'm concentrating on balancing guitar duties and vocals.


Patrick: Well man, thank you for taking the time to fill out this interview, do you have any final comments for the readers?


Grand Mongrel: No worries mate. Bang the album fuckers!!! 

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