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Doesn't it just seem that tattoos n Metal should go hand in hand! Dusty Neal is
one hell of a tattoo artist, and he was kind enough to take some time out of his
busy schedule to answer a few questions for MelindA.

How did you originally know that you wanted to do tattoos?

It stemmed from getting tattooed and always knowing that I wanted to create art
for a living. It was my junior year of college that I started tothink about pursuing
tattooing, and by the time I finished college I was tattooing full-time. I even
skipped my graduation ceremony to tattoot hat day. I love tattooing and I can't
ever imagine myself not doing it.

The tattoo industry probably had to change a lot what with aids, and other issues,
how do you feel that affected things?
Well, things are certainly different than they were in the 40's and 50's, but so
much of it is for the best. An awareness of blood-borne pathogens and possible
risks that come with tattooing is a good thing. It encourages a stronger health
regulation in the industry and a better environment for both tattooists and clients.

What was your very first tattoo, how did it feel, who did it, and what does it mean
to you?
It was a solid black "x" over my heart. It is a straight-edge tattoo, something that I
still live by, even at 25. Straight-edge is something I have always been proud of
and taken seriously in a personal way. I could never regret that tattoo.

Sounds like you found a permanent home at Donny Manco's New Republic
Tattoo?
Permanent in Fort Wayne at least. My wife and I have plans of maybe relocating
to a bigger city within a few years. She's working on a master's
degree and wants to move for her PHD, and I am planning on going back to
school for a MFA in Painting. I do love working at New Republic though.
Donny, Nate, Fred, and Zeke are all my best friends and really good-hearted,
hard-working, talented people. There is such a great ethic at the
shop and everyone is always on the same wavelength. It's crazy how good it
really is.

What is the weirdest tattoo you have ever done? What about the little Debbie
Snack Cake girl, that’s just a little weird for a tattoo!?
ha ha! I really can't ever think of an answer to this question whenever people ask.
Everyone's tattoo always has some sort of purpose for them,
and I guess their view always rubs off on me. You have to be empathetic to
understand what people want and to give them what they want. The
little Debbie tattoo was so much fun to do! That guy was so cool, and he simply
loves Little Debbie snack cakes! That was the whole reason he got it.

You have done a lot of tattoos for bands, what Metal bands have you done, and
what really sticks out in your mind about those tattoos?
To name a couple,I have done work for Eighteen Visions, Gorelord, the Devil
Wears Prada, and Underminded. Fred Diablo of Gorelord is such a great
person. He loves American cinema and mostly all of his tattoos stem from that.
He is now a great friend of mine and we're planning a trip for me
to go to Norway in the future to tattoo him even more! Everyone in Eighteen
Visions are amazingly hospitable and generous. It created friendships
that still exist and they help me out however they can. Mick Deth and Trevor have
done so much for me. As for their tattoos, Mick always wants
the craziest, most brutal stuff he can think of. The last time I tattooed him was in
Michigan the night before a hatebreed show, and I tattooed
broken heart-shaped skull on his hand. That one was really cool.

You also do some very nice work in the way of paintings as well, please tell us
about that?
I have always loved painting. As I stated earlier, I plan on going back for an MFA
in painting, and I'm currently working every minute outsidethe shop on a whole
heap of new work. I have about 10 or so new ones finished now, but I'm working
to get about 20+, then the plan is to start getting into some galleries again.

continued next page....

A lot of people dream of going to work every day and being able to do what
they love to do for a living-do you feel that you have been able to accomplish
that?
I definitely do feel that way. I love tattooing 99% of the time and aside from
other fields of art I can't imagine myself doing anything else for a career. I am
blessed to have been trained by Donny Manco and to have been given the
chance to work with such great people. There have been so many positive
experiences I've been able to have only because of tattooing.

What do you tell people who are thinking about getting their first tattoo, and are
hesitant? And how does one know if they have found the right artist to do their
ink?
First of all, if you really want a tattoo don't let your apprehension stop you. If it's
pain you're fearing then talk to your tattooist about a body location that is less
sensitive and prepare to be compromising. If you really don't have the
confidence to go through with it though, then don't force yourself into something
you aren't prepared to handle. getting tattooed is a mental exercise. As far as
finding the right artist, make sure you scan portfolio's and try to see some of
their healed work. Check out the line work, make sure it's clean and straight,
not sketchy and scarred. Look for nice blends in their shading and that they can
fill color solidly. Also, meet them in person if possible and make sure you
connect well. Sometimes if personalities clash it can cause an weird working
experience for the both of you.

Is it a heavy feeling when you think about your art being one someone’s body
for the rest of their life?
It's definitely a great thing to experience. To have someone's faith and trust,
and even more to fulfill their requests and giving them something they are
proud to have in their skin. When you spend enough time tattooing some
people they really can become great acquaintances. Almost everyone who
comes into the shop has some outstanding quality you start to pick up on.

Who and what are some of your inspirations both personally & professionally,
and why?
Jenny Saville, the painter. Her work is amazing, both the size and execution of
it. She has influences my personal work more than anyone probably ever.
James Jean, his draftsmanship and use of color is beautiful. He influences my
personal work and my tattooing. Some tattooists I love are:
Chriss Dettmer. He does perfect tattoos. Neo-traditional, and really just
super-clean, unique work. I am lucky to have been tattooed by him.
Grime. A legendary dude for good reason. His work is insane and everyone is
influenced by him. Valerie Vargas, she does really graceful raditional work and I
love it. Curt Baer, Derek Noble, great colors and both super-unique. All the
guys I work with. Donny Manco and Nate click work beside me everyday and I
respect their work so much. we influence one another and learn from each
other everyday. Also, Nick Fabini. He's a great guy from another shop in Fort
Wayne. He does incredible work and I'm glad to know him.

What are the bands you are listening to most right now?
Right this moment I am playing the Two Tongues album. They're not metal at
all, ha ha, but it's Chris Conley, from Saves the day, and I'm a huge fan. Some
other stuff I'm loving is: p.o.s., hatebreed, jesu, agua de annique, have heart,
nirvana, Venom, tombs, katatonia, karloff (of Ft. Wayne), coffinworm (of Indy).

Anything else we should know?

Be sure to check out New republic's "Hope and Doom" art-zine. It's a 16-page,
black and white zine we put out bimonthly. It's a lot of really fresh art we're
doing outside of tattooing, along with some original flash, and even some prose
snippets. It's been fun doing 2 issues so far and people seem to enjoy it. Help
support us, each issue pays for the next to be printed.

Dusty Neal @myspace: www.myspace.com/sxedgeblack

The Tattoo Shop Dusty Neal pushes ink to skin @:

www.myspace.com/newrepublictattoo
 Hammersmith Apollo, London, 1st December 2008

The beer bottle that went flying towards Children of Bodom's

frontman Alexi Laiho did not go down well with the group of us
die-hard Hate Crew-ers clustered at the barrier, who'd queued in the
blistering cold for an upwards of 8 hours to see them play their
trademark Finnish brand of neo-classical metal. Apparently Laiho
didn't take too lightly to it either, more concerned with the fact that
someone had "wasted a perfectly good beer on an asshole like me!"
Needless to say, they rocked out, as per, surging through old
favourites like "In Your Face", (despite the occasional boos from
whom I can only assume were impatient Slipknot fans) with all the
whiskey-fuelled energy we have come to expect from them after over
10 years worth of touring. The penultimate rendition of "Hate Crew
Deathroll" came as a pleasant surprise, as Laiho strips the anthemic
song bare, prompting a choral singalong with just him and his guitar
switched to clean; a very odd experience to all involved. Altogether a
balanced setlist, with only the title track from their most recent (and
not particularly well-received) release, "Blooddrunk".
Machine Head summon a certain presence before they've even arrived on stage, as their roadies
assemble their iconic speaker stacks arranged in a diamond and painted with a metre-high 'MH',
matching the designs on the tshirts of many people who have now squeezed themselves to the
front. With a setlist comprising all the classics; including newly-established favourite "Aesthetics of
Hate" and of course "Davidian" provoking the familiar audience chants of "Let freedom ring with a
shotgun blaaaaast!", Robb Flynn's army of men didn't exactly take any risks or break any new
ground here but they were very welcomed all the same. They knew exactly what the Hammersmith
lot wanted, and why should they mess with what obviously works?

As Slipknot's giant array of equipment was set up, the main curtain drawn down
over the stage as if to contain the giant surprise, it spawned a thought that this
would either be a seminal moment to define my gig-going years so far, or a load
of old toss. I will not deny that the Iowa maggots put on a blinding show. The
sheer energy coming from the nine masked men on stage was electrifying, and
the money that had obviously been fed into this much-anticipated comeback tour
was evident by Clown's rotating kit equipped with screens that rose at least five
feet off the stage. At many points during the gig this kit had various members of
the band hanging from it like chimpanzees; that was of course when they weren't
charging around the stage or leaping into the appreciative crowd. The incredible
visual feast aside, this of course doesn't amount to much when the sound was as
atrocious as it was. I'd consider myself fairly familiar with the majority of Slipknot's
work, as a bit of a fairweather fan, but when one of their most well known tracks
"Before I Forget" is practically indistinguishable from the last song amongst the
muddle of sludgy guitars...it's not good. At the back, the sound is somewhat
clearer; it's much easier to tell when one song ends and another begins, but
there's just not the same atmosphere that there is when you're crushed against
the front barrier. I was grateful for the Stone Sour-esque new single "Dead
Memories" - because it's not chock full of thick riffs and therefore not being
chewed up and spat out by the sound system it was in fact very pleasant to listen
to, a highlight of the night. Altogether not the worst thing to be doing on a cold
Monday night, but Slipknot didn't quite fulfil the expectations of most people in the
Hammersmith Apollo.
Review by Chazzy
 Icipher is a Death Metal Band from Tucson Arizona. In our spotlight
focus on covering Arizona bands, I talked to David the Vokalist for
Icipher about the band. Interview By MelindA

So Icipher started in 2007?

Yes, back in August, it was kind of formed based on convenience
more than anything else. I'd known Ryan for a while and he was in
another band with a friend of mine named Chris, but Chris lives in
bumfuck nowhere so Ryan and I decided to start a band. Ryan met
Matt Ford on myspace and we found out he played guitar, so we
asked him to join and he said yes. My brother had been playing
drums for about 2 years, and since he lived with me, it made sense
for him to play for us, and Icipher was born.

o.k. so when you guys formed originally what were you playing?
We all pretty much played the same stuff we had now, but it started
out as me singing, Ryan doing guitar and clean vocals, Matt on guitar,
and Andrew on drums, but its all been the same thing for a while.
So you just started singing and where like damn, I'm good, or had you
been in other bands?
Haha- I had played guitar in a couple of other bands, but I just kind of
started doing screams and it turned out i was good at it.

Does Icipher have a actual demo out or just the songs on myspace?
We have an actual demo, and we're recording more songs to add to it
and maybe make it a full length album. The guy we record with runs a

mobile studio, he plays lead guitar in Evil Fudd (a ska punk band) and he's good friends with Ryan
which is cool. He's really cheap for great quality recordings too.
So what's the name of the Demo?
The Thorn Left Deep Inside
Cool name. Any signifigance?
I wrote a song about my ex by the same name, and it just seemed to fit as a cool title. It carries a
lot of imagery for me, I tend to think of The Thorn as a metaphor for lies and how they stick with
you, or are embedded.
So she lied to you alot?
eh, not a lot, but it was the significance and nature of the lies
I gotcha, and that has just kinda stuck with you like this thorn under your skin?
Yea that's a good way of putting it.
So how many songs are on the demo, and who writes the lyrics?
There are 4 songs and one short acoustic intro.I write all the lyrics, but I know that Matt can write
pretty well too, he has a side project that is literally him and nobody else, and he writes the lyrics
for that.
Do you like writing all of the lyrics?
I absolutely love it, it's my passion and I'm beyond thankful that the band doesn't meddle with my
stuff haha.
What subjects do your lyrics cover?
I play around with everything, love, death, the devil (haha like most
metal bands), one song about vampires (not the twilight kind, the
undead kind), but mostly just all things ethereal and dark
o.k. talk to me about sickened addiction & what interests you about
dark and ethereal things?
ooh, my favorite haha I wrote that one about death as a minion of
the devil and I actually wrote most of the guitar parts which is
surprising for me haha. My interest in that is usually the mystery
surrounding it, which is why I like Opeth a whole lot. They write
exstensively about ghosts and the mystery of the night, I love that
So, is Opeth the bands biggest influence or just yours personally?
They're actually not that big of an influence for me or the band,
which is strange, my personal biggest influence is Lamb of God, but
the band's is Dark Tranquillity.
With the swords and backround pic. on myspace one might think
you guys are into medieval & fantasy type stuff?
Haha We do enjoy our strange brand of folk metal. As a band we
categorize ourself as melodic death metal, and our influences
include Ensiferum, Norther, Dark Tranquillity, Kalmah, Lamb of God,
Pantera, and Trivium (to name a few haha). Continued next page...
 How long ago did you record your demo?
We recorded it starting in last may but we finished it up in september
and now we're adding two more songs to it.
Are you going to re-do it, or just add the songs?
We're redoing sickened, and we're adding two more songs to it.
When are you planning to come out with that?
Hopefully sometime before Goatwhore comes to town because we'd
like to play that show with them, and that's in April, but we need to
have everyone sit down and record their parts, the bulk of the work is
done, Ryan and Andrew are finished, but the rest of us, Matt,
Marcos(keyboards), Ben (Bass) and I need to work on it.
What do you need to work on?
Finishing the demo and making time to practice, its been a while
since we've had a good practice.

So what sets you firstly apart from other Tucson bands, secondly
from other death metal bands in general?
Well Tucson is a hardcore town and we're rying to make a name for
more European, specifically Scandinavian, death metal. We want to
write technical music that sticks with people and forces them to think
about their lives and the world as a whole. I believe we're different
from other death metal in the sense that we manage to mix
technicality and complexity of music with the passion and drive of
playing. We're not just another cookie cutter band that plays
breakdowns and has vocal hooks for a chorus, we're a band that
wants to play difficult riffs with powerful vocals and thought-provoking
lyrics to engage the average music listener's mind.
How do you feel your lyrics make people think about their lives and
the world as a whole?
Every song I write I try to give deeper meaning, Emptiness is about
holding on the good part of love and letting go the bad, Sickened is
about the throes of death, Desecrated is about the apocalypse being
brought about by devotion to religion, In The End is about the
holocaust and the pain and suffering that plagues humanity. I want
people to listen to us and think about something, anything really, i
don't want it to just be background noise.
Why do you say Tucson is hardcore?
Well just about any band that plays around Tucson is a hardcore
band, there are a few exceptions, as there are with anything, like
Servile, Tragik Ruins, and Silent Bliss, but for the most part Tucson
has always catered to breakdowns and blast beats, not difficult
melodies and solos.

So you think most Tucson bands typically have hardcore blast beats, and simplistic song structures that are not very unique?
But Icipher strives to break the typical "American death metal" sound?
I don't wish to say that they're simplistic, but they don't put as much emphasis on writing technical music so much as writing music that
caters to a specific audience. There are a great number of terrific bands in Tucson, and most of them are hardcore bands like: Dawn
Brings Revenge, The End of Forever, Living With Insanity, Before She Wakes, and Devils Left Shoulder. We're trying to put more
emphasis on keyboards and guitar melodies than on rhythm and breakdowns. We have hardcore influences for sure, like As I Lay
Dying, and Parkway Drive, but my goal with this band is to shift our country's death metal focus away from breakdowns and grindcore
towards technicality and continuity.

As far as shows go when and where was Iciphers best show, and who did you play with, also why was it your best show?
We played a show on February 6th this very year, at The Rock here in Tucson and it was spectacular. We introduced a new song and
got great crowd reaction. We played the show with Living With Insanity, I Bet It Was a Massacre, By Burden of Blood, Before She
Wakes, The Kings of Arizona, Beneath The Tide, Blood Rot, Tragik Ruins, and Greyshot.
www.myspace.com/icipherofficial



Synestesia
Innovative death metal with Collapse Within
rather unique melodies and One of the most unique
not only that but also a acts of Italian death metal
possible newcomer of the with a load of guttural gore.
year 2009.

www.myspace.com/kampasrecords
www.kampas.fi
Guitarist/vocalist Masaki Murashita and drummer Travis Thune formed under the schorching sun in the dead heat of the Arizona
desert in 2007. As represented in tracks like "Shadow of Death", and "And The World Dies" from their 1st EP "Who Needs A
Shepherd?", Hemoptysis' sound is a distinct and exquisite mix of old school thrash metal and modern death metal. Not just rooted in
the classic American style of metal, Hemoptysis creates the new wind of the future metal sound through their various influences from
around the world. The band is perfecting a unique and pure metal sound every day with bassist Sunao Arai and new lead guitarist
Jack Fliegler. The band takes time out and answers some questions for MelindA.

What does Hemoptysis mean and how & why did you guys come up with it?
Masaki: Coughing up blood.
Travis: My wife is a pharmacist who specializes in infectious diseases so she had all sorts of sick medical terms she pitched to me
when we were looking for a band name. Hemoptysis sounded cool and had a sick meaning so we chose to use it.

What varied influences from around the world does Hemoptysis have, and how do you feel they come to surface in your music?
Masaki: I am mainly influenced from 80’s Thrash Metal such as Megadeth and Slayer, but I listen to pretty much everything.
Travis: I started listening to Megadeth, Metaliica, Slayer and thrash bands in general when I was learning to play the drums, but I
moved on to death metal and black metal. The thrash style is still at my core when I play, but it is also peppered with a lot of death
metal. I think we all have various influences that give us an original sound.
Jack: I’m heavily influenced by many styles of metal but my main influences would be Thrash, Black, and Folk metal. Some bands
I’m really into are Kalmah, Slayer, Metalica, Wintersun, Symphony X and many more. I try to take the things I like most from these
styles and fit it into our style to get an original sound.
Sunao: I’m influenced by various genres of music like metal, rock, punk,jazz, blues, and others as well. If I like the sound, it doesn’t
matter what kind of music it is. I just can’t stand listening to crappy bands.

What’s it like trying to be an up and coming Metal band playing in Phoenix right now?
Masaki: It’s tough, but we must do what we can everyday.
Travis: It’s hard to get noticed and have people give an unknown band a chance, but the internet helps a lot.
Jack: It’s very hard but at least the scene in Arizona isn’t too competitive. It’s always nice when bands help other bands out.
Sunao: We are trying so hard to get people to know us, but it is hard.

What changes would you like to see in the Metal scene?

Masaki: I’m sick of seeing metal core or emo bands. I cannot believe how popular it is now and I hope it will disappear soon and bring
the REAL Metal scene back. Seriously!
Travis: I would like to see more thrash and more originality.
Jack: I’d like to see more bands that take risks. So many bands are trying to fit into certain a genre to get their audience and not
thinking outside the box.
Sunao: I personally don’t hate the current metal scene, but they lack originality, so we are trying to change that for sure.

Are you working on new songs? Still have plans for a video?
Masaki: Yes. We play songs that are not on the EP live. Especially the most recent song called Merchant of Death is a killer tune! We
are getting good feedback on that. We are working on a music video. We are still in the process where we are all throwing out ideas,
but it will happen shortly.
Jack: We’re getting great feedback on new songs that I am co-writing on so that’s always great news.

What else should we know about Hemoptysis?

Masaki: We will be there soon, Tucson! Get ready to jump in to the mosh pit!
Travis: Our name is pronounced “He mop ti sis.” Don’t forget to pronounce the “p”!
Jack: Give us a chance, come to a gig, and introduce yourselves. We love to make new fans and meet new people!
Sunao: Don’t be scared. Come see us!!

www.myspace.com/hemoptysismetal
As part of our focus on Arizona bands, especially bands right here in Tucson, we wanted to feature Blood Rot. These guys have
raised quite a stir at A recent battle of the bands, and although they did not win the second round, that has not let them keep on
keepin on....

When did Blood Rot first come together as a band?

Matt- we first got together as a band exactly 4 years ago this month when we were all still in high school. we got together just for fun
then with a very far off dream. since then we've kept the same people except for our bassist and the addition of our second
drummer.
Izzy- When the guys first approached me and asked if I wanted to be the second drummer I was kind of shocked because they
already had one drummer already. I thought “how was that going to work”. I had only been playing drums for about a two years
when they asked me. I pretty much sucked ahaha. Its been about almost two years since I first joined the band and everyday since
then has been an experience.

So Blood Rot basically formed because of your love for music? Are you all huge Metal fans?
Matt-Yes. we absolutly love music and thought and still think that music is the most powerful art out there, everyone listens to it,
everyone is affected by it. We want to leave our traces of art embedded in the minds of people. and we are hopefully doing so.
For the most part you could say that we all like Metal. But, none of us listen to just one genre. My taste as well as isaacs[rythm
guitarist] ranges from Death Metal to underground hip hop to whatever is on the radio. and Anthony [original drummer/backing
vocals] likes more of the punk music like Nirvana and Fear Before The March Of Flames. So, all in all we get our sound from a wide
varity of different sounds.
Isaac- I’ve always liked music and having an older brother who is an amazing guitarist and all around musician really helps. Matt
And I both had guitar class in high school, he was in the advanced class while I was in the beginning course. And my younger
brother got the genetic talent that my older brother has. As for the rest of the band they love what they do, and that is music.
Anthony-No not really me. I have many different tastes in music. To be honest I'm not that big a fan of Metal I only really listen to it
when the band does.
Izzy-Yes, pretty much. I joined, not only because they asked, but because I had always wanted to be in a band at the time. The
opportunity fell in my lap and I took it. We’ve been playing music off and on together ever since. I really cant say we all like Metal
more than any other genre out there, but as far as Matt, Isaac, Marcos, Josh and myself, I think we’re all huge metal fans. When I
first started listening to metal I was listening to Cradle of Filth and Dimmu Borgir when I was about 13 turning 14. When I picked up
drumming I started learning a lot of Metallica, Megadeth, Iron Maiden, stuff like that. Now a days I find myself listening to Darkest
Hour, Lamb of God, Trivium, All Shall Perish, Stuff like that. I also like a little hardcore music as well. Not too much of the stuff that’s
signed other than As Blood Runs Black, but local bands like Before she wakes and I bet it was a massacre. Matt, Josh, Marcos and
me listen to pretty much the same thing. Anthony is into stuff like Fear Before The March Of Flames and Isaac listens to a lot of
Slipknot and stuff like that.
Continued next page....



How do you feel when you are on stage playing in front of people?
Matt-Well i know for a fact that myself, Isaac, Anthony, and Izzy [newest drummer]are scared shitless before we get on stage. and
on the other hand, Marcos [lead vocals] could care less whether its a practice or a big show, he just gets up there and goes nuts.
but for the rest of us the minutes before we start while still setting up change everything. seeing the crowd waiting to hear our music
replaces the fear with adrenaline and we go off and do what we need to do.
Anthony-I love it. The feeling of everything just going away. And it's just you and the crowd. It's really awesome when people tell
you that you put on one of the best local shows they've seen in a time. That makes all the hard work worth something
Izzy-Well When I went to Cholla High School I was in the Jazz band there, that’s pretty much how I started playing drums, so we
always had concerts and played at graduations and stuff. So I kind of had a feel for being in front of big crowds, although jazz is
nothing like metal music. Before A show I’m usually pretty calm, just listening to music and smoking a few cigarettes. As we get
closer to going on the blood starts flowing. Thoughts start popping up like, “What comes after this part” or “ am I going to mess up”.
I say a little prayer for my band mates and I(But they don’t know that), wishing us the best of luck and all that jazz. No I’m not
religious, but I do believe in things and it helps me before a show. I guess I get a little nervous. Who doesn’t at least a little bit?
Isaac-For me it’s a feeling of excitement up until the moment right before we are on stage. That’s where it turns to nervousness.
Then when we start our set it turns to adrenaline.

It sounds like you are juggling a lot of members around right now?
Matt-Well we arent really juggling anyone around at the moment. we have what we like to think is a sturdy set up. haha. We have
two vocalists, Marcos and Anthony, two guitarist, Isaac and myself, a bassist, Josh, and two drummers, Anthony and Izzy. its and
odd way of doing things, that I will say haha, but it all works out in the end.
Izzy-No, we aren’t juggling anyone around at the moment. I think we have a pretty descent set up as is.
Marcos-Vocals
Matt-Guitar
Isaac-2nd Guitar
Anthony-Drummer/Backup Vocals
Josh-Bass
Izzy(Me)-2nd Drummer/Maybe Backup Vocals(TBA)
Issac-- Not really any more. Right now I think we got our members in place. Sure we didn’t have a bassist for a while but now we
got my younger brother and he fits perfectly.

What else should we know about Blood Rot?

Matt-Thats really about all we can say haha. All I can say that you need to know about us right now is that if you live in Tucson you
need to get the fuck out to one of our shows and help promote music among kids. Thanks for taking the time talk to us and hearing
our story.
Anthony-Well I don't know really our musics different but you shouldn't let that intimidate you. Give us a listen and you never know
you just might like us. haha.
Izzy-we’re just a bunch of stupid guys doing what we love ahaha. We’re here to make and play our music simply for the passion of
doing so. If you haven’t seen us yet, get the fuck off your asses, buy a ticket, get in the pit and enjoy.
www.myspace.com/lotusblade900

 
 

Devil's Left Shoulder is a 4 piece Tucson Arizona based band, they have just
recorded their three song demo for the world to hear, they took some time out
from their plot to take over the world of Metal, to answer a few questions for
MelindA....

Hey guys so the inevitable first questions why the name Devil's Left
Shoulder?
I thought it up in the 6th grade.I feel it will grab people cause its creative.They
say the devil is on the left shoulder. So what could be more evil than being the
guys on his left shoulder.-Dalton Smith -Lead Guitar

You won a battle of the bands last year, please tell us about that, did youwin
studio time to get your current songs out and was that your first time in a studio,
how was the experience?
Yea we won. But it was our high school battle of the bands so it wasnt a very
big deal. At the time it was huge. You know first sho,w and we won it was like
god damn.But looking back now it was nothin special.-Mike Boston Rythym
Guitar

Your song "455" what does the song title mean, and the lyrics? And tell usabout
"Rise Above" and "Blind Faith", who wrote the songs?
Dalton wrote 455. Its the apartment number he lived in with his ex-girlfriend.The lyrics are
about how terrible of a relationship it was.
I wrote the lyrics to Rise Above and Dalton wrote the lyrics to Blind Faith.Rise above is about us overcoming all the bullshit people were saying. also all the criticism we
got for kicking out our drummer who was one of the founders of the band. Blind Faith is about how people think that everything they do wrong is rectified by being
religous and praying. The instrumental music is usually written by all the members.-Mike Boston

What do you guys feel inside that you convey into your music?
I feel like everything inside emotionaly comes out. Its one of the best forms of art and its a great stress reliever.
When we are writing or just jamming at practice every thing in my personal life goes away for that time and its strickly music.-Mike Boston

What makes you feel that Devils Left Shoulder is one of the best and most brutal local bands here in Tucson? That's a pretty confident statement, are
you guys that confident in your sound?
Oh hell yea. We have showed up bands that are on labels that we have played with. We have an intensity that other bands don't. Another big thing is that we are all
original.We dont sound like any other band in my opinion. Most local bands try to sound like someone else and thats never been our thing.You wanna see brutal just come
to one of our shows.-Mike Boston

What exactly do you mean when you say Devils Left Shoulder are ready to make it to the top, how do you think you are ready?
We are ready in the sense that we have the determination and the fire to make it.We want to take the world by force and have people craving to see us again.
This band has never been just a hobby to any of us.Its what we want to do for the rest of our lives. We have the skill to make it to the top and trust me one day we
will.-Mike Boston

Black Dahlia Murder or Lamb Of God, and why?

haha umm well for one i'm kind of the only person in the band that likes The Black Dahlia Murder. All of us are huge Lamb Of God fans and we just saw them again in
December. They were amazing..again! So I have to say the majority would pick Lamb Of God.-Mike Boston

You guys have a baphomet pentagram on a few Devils Left Shoulder artworks, what does that mean and symbolize to you?
We just that it looked cool. It honestly doesnt mean shit to us.We are looking for a symbol that we can put with our name.Its a temporary thing that we have til we find
something suitable. We want something unique that stands out. Honestly a pentagram is so generic.-Mike Boston

Are you still looking for a bassist? Any good prospects?

We are still looking! We need to find him or her soon too. We just want somebody who is skilled,determined and fun!-Mike Boston

Alright DLS, any last words or things we should know?

We just want people to know that the four of us are closer than you could imagine.We do this shit because we love it and want to do it for a living one day.We love all our
fans and people like you for helping us.

www.myspace.com/devilsleftshoulder
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www.myspace.com
www.myspace.com/darkharvestrecords


  ! "# www.myspace.com/krvestrebzine

Available NOW in Super Jewel Box CD format

Hailed as one of Sweden’s biggest export and yet remarkably underrated bands of
all time, technical Death Metal masters SEANCE’s legacy is restored with a
perfectly fitting album ‘Awakening Of The Gods’. Never abandoning their
technicality-infused style and now peppered with a mammoth dose of Thrash
elements, this is undoubtedly an album that will remain as another classic album in
many years to come. A lesson in sonical violence indeed!

Featuring past and present members from Witchery (Tony Kampner aka ‘Toxine’,
Rille Rimfält and Micke Pettersson aka ‘Mique Flesh’), 11 intoxicating tracks were
recorded and mixed at Linköping’s HellSmell Studio, with the finishing touches by
world-renowned mastering engineer Peter In De Betou at Tailor Maid Productions
(Dimmu Borgir, Dismember, Meshuggah, Hypocrisy, etc).

SEANCE is now awakened, bow and none shall defy!

www.pulverised.net
 Setback was started in 1991. Demo was released in 1995,CD was
released in 1997. Band members include G on guitar,Bundy Blunts
on vocals, Pete on the bass, and Benny B on the drums.Setback will
be entering the studio for their upcomng EP Unfinished businuess..
Interview by MelindA with Pete.

What's up guys!? How are you doing today?

Wuzzup Melinda, we are chilling smoking blunts it's all good.

How & Why is Setback the hardest shit out of Queens N.Y.?
We are the hardest shit out of Queens cause no other band here is
playing real NYHC like we are.

So who do you have unfinished business with?

We don't have any unfinished business with anyone right now cause
anyone we had beef with already caught it!! The new record is
named unfinished business cause we all felt that we had some
unfinished business to do a follow up to our last record No Hope that
was released back in 1997 and we wanted to have an impact on the
scene and bring back the old school NYHC with a killer record. This
is our first new record in 12 years and it will be well worth the wait for
all that support us!!

As far as Metal bands go, what bands do you like personally?

We all listen to different types of hard music like metal. Some of the
metal bands we listen to are Pantera, Sepultura and Slayer.

I have noticed more barriers between hardcore and metal have

slowly been coming down, how do you guys feel about that?
We don't have anything against metal but we wanna keep our sound
NYHC and just play what comes from the heart. We def have a little
metal influence but we never try to be a metal band at all.

You guys have a banner against animal cruelty on your page and one about how pits and other "bully breeds" get killed all the
time(which is bullshit), please share your stance on this, and do you all have dogs, tell us about them:
Bundy, G and me have dogs. We like animals more than people. I have an American Pit Bull and love the breed. We are not down
with animal abuse or anti Pit Bull/ BSL laws at all.

So Pete, you are into into jiu-jitsu, do you study or know any other martial arts and how did you get into martial arts to start with?
I train with my wife at a Royler Gracie Academy. Been into MMA for many years. I just train BJJ.

How long where you in the studio for unfinished business? And how did the recording go?
We are going into the studio to record in early March, the record will be out late March. We will post on MYSPACE when it is available.
We expect to be in the studio for 40 hours or less we have all the songs complete we just have to record them. We have some jams
that will not go on the new record and a bunch that we have not finished yet.

We want to thank everyone for the continued support, you guys are the reason we do this shit!! New record Unfinished Business will
be out late March!!! www.myspace.com/setbackdms357



 




  
 
Greetings Mystical Fullmoon, it seems the band has come quite a long way since it's formation in '94, please tell us about the
evilution that has transformed you into the band you are today?
The story of Mystical Fullmoon is long and complex: the band was born in autumn 1994 e.v. and during all these years the line-up
has changed countless times, due to the chronic lack of talented and motivated musicians within the Italian underground. We’ve
always taken our band very seriously, MF has never been just a hobby, or something we do for fun, it’s always been a project with a
sharp artistic vision, a project very demanding in terms of time and personal energies, that’s why a lot of people couldn’t stand the
pace and were left behind.
I think that there was indeed, since the very beginning, an artistic vision which endured through the years, and got progressively
sharper and stronger, without losing its nature and its coherence: this is how the band’s identity evolved from a rather simple
keyboard-oriented black metal (that is what you can hear on our 1997 demotape “Through Somber Passages”) to a very original and
progressive mix of black metal, doom, industrial and film scores, that is what we play today. This evolution is something totally
spontaneous, we didn’t plan anything in advance, we just followed our inspiration and our intuition until all the pieces got together,
and we got a clear perception of where our musical journey was aiming at. In fact, this evolution is neverending: everything must
flow, transform and transmutate, so I’m sure that our future releases will show further influences and further stylistic elements that
we too can’t even imagine at the moment.... this is one of the reasons that make artistic creation so exciting.

Please tell us about your new album, where there name of the album came from & what it means, cover art, some of the songs on
the album, how they recording went, etc.?
The new album is titled “Scoring a Liminal Phase – ten strategies for postmodern mysticism”: the title is very important to understand
the esthetics of this work. We’ve conceived the whole album as grand soundtrack to the eerie, dark and iniziatic visions evoked by
the lyrics, like the scores of that liminal zone to which we belong. I use the term ‘liminal’ since this album is made of thousands of
diverse influences and nuances, you need some time to understand it and to penetrate into all its dimensions.... it’s not something
common, it’s not something you can easily label with a straight definition like “symphonic black metal” (even if we use keyboards,
and have a real orchestra playing on three tracks), or “industrial black metal” (even if we use sequences, samples and electronic
sounds), we actually defy the usual stereotypes of the genre, and this creates a sort of ambiguity regarding our style and our
attitude. I like this ambiguity, the fact that you have to take your time to listen carefully to our music and explore all the mysterious
worlds it depicts, it gives you the idea of how intense was our creative effort. I am aware that some people in the most traditional
fringe of the black metal audience will not like this, but we make music primarily for ourselves, not to accomplish the narrow-minded
tastes of some kid who needs the nth “grim-and-necro-old-school-true-evol-cult” black metal album to express his teenage angst. An
intelligent music fan looks for personality and honesty in a band, and in these regards I can guarantee that we have a lot to say.
The amazing artwork has been realized by the graphic agency Ministry of The Sign (formerly known as Neon Trinity Kills), which has
already worked with Deathstars, Novembre, Ancient, Aborym, Konkhra, Dope Stars Inc, Arkhon Infaustus, Klimt 1918 etc... The
cover depitcs an abstract image combining organic elements with cosmic horizons and esoteric sigils, all exploding though a vivid
and violent red color. It’s the combination of microcosm and macrocosm, of blood, soul and stars, of all the raging visions that
haunted us for years and brought to the album’s creation. It’s a very original cover artwork, mesmerising and eerie, we absolutely
love it, the red color makes it really stand out and it’s a clear statement against the usual cliches of black metal were artworks are
(most of the times) in black and white, or with very cold and minimal colors. We want people to understand, since the very first
glance at the cover, that is is a unique work.
About the album’s production, it took place within a period of seven months: we worked in a small studio on the shore of Como lake,
with well-known producer Alex Azzali (Ancient, Cataract, Mortuary Drape, Secret Sphere etc). The recording went pretty well, of
course it was a monumental and tantalising work to look after, but Azzali did a great job and we are completely satisfied of how the
final product sounds.
As for the songs, it’s not easy to me to talk briefly about them: each of them is a world apart, each has its own history and its
particular vibe, honestly I’d prefer the listener to approach them without guidance and live their atmospheres just following his own
emotions and intuitions, the music and the lyrics are so full of different levels of interpretation that any further word could be
misguiding....Continued next page...



 

Why and how do you think Mystical Fullmoon has a a new innovative style?
Because there’s no other band like us. Honestly, I’ve searched a lot through the net and, until today, I haven’t been able to find a band
we could be compared to in musical terms.
Then, if you also consider the innovative image we express with our new stage costumes, and the originality of our lyrics, you’ll agree
that Mystical Fullmoon is a one of a kind band.

Sounds like you have some really good "guests" on the album-Guest vocals from Aphazel from Ancient and Wildness Perversion from
Mortuary Drape and a breathtaking collaboration with the strings of the Bulgarian National Radio Orchestra, directed by famous
pianist Ivan Petrov Ianakov. Please tell us about that?
The guest appearances of Aphazel and Wildness Perversion are simply the result of several years of friendship and mutual support
that we shared with them... when we entered the studio we found it natural to give them a call, and their response was enthusiastic to
say the least, so it was all very easy to manage.
As for the Bulgarian National Radio Orchestra, our producer Azzali was in contact with the orchestra’s manager, as well as with
Ianakov, who kindly helped us in arranging the recording sessions with the orchestra’s musicians and eventually conducted the
strings. Azzali and our keyboardist flew to Sofia to look after the recording sessions, which took place in one of Sofia’s best recording
studios, and everything was over in a couple of days without any hassle – you can’t go wrong when you work with professional
people.
Working with an orchestra has been like a dream come true, we didn’t think we could afford such a collaboration..... hearing your
songs supported by a real string section is something breathtaking, especially if you’re into classical music and film scores like we are.

Please tell us how you feel Mystical Fullmoon conveys spiritual and philosophical matters, often expressed in an almost poetic
language, and what are your spiritual views?
The philosophical, spiritual, iniziatic and mystical adress of our lyrics is one of the basis of MF, though I like to point out that we are
not to be considered as an occult black metal band in a strict sense. I am the author of 99% of the lyrics, and I couldn’t think of
different subjects to sing about, it’s something natural for me and, in a way, unavoidable.
Again, I’d like the listeners/readers to approach the lyrics without guidance, since they’re very metaphorical and contain so many
meanings and levels of interpretation... I think the real energy, the real iniziatic process they can – perhaps - convey definitely lies in
the interpretation of symbols and metaphors presented to the reader. Those who already know will find the keys, those who don’t
know will (maybe) perceive that there’s more than meets the eye.
My spiritual views cannot be summarized in a few lines, let’s say that I am involved in several branches of magickal research
belonging to the khaos magick/post-crowleyan culture.

On your myspace banner you all are wearing matching outfits that are black, and very tight, is this for all of the ladies of Metal out
there!?
Well, the new outfits/stage costumes have been designed starting from a common vision that arised a couple of years ago, as usual
we just followed our inspiration and we did what we wanted to, without caring too much about what the public could think of them, but
we’ve received so many positive feedbacks from ladies since we uploaded the pics online that makes me think you’re right about that!
It’s funny in a way, we certainly didn’t think to achieve such a response, anyway compliments are always welcome so I’m definitely not
complaining.


 

What is the most important thing that people know and understand about Mystical Fullmoon?
I think that we are known to be a honest band, a band that has never given up even after so many problems we had to face in the
past. We make music because we need to, this is what we eventually are about. Our passion towards music and our dedication
towards the band has brought us to invest nearly all our savings to make this album as huge as we wanted it to be, because we
believe in our visions and our attitude is adamantine. Also, we are recognized to be a very original and innovative act, and a band
able to work in an absolutely professional way too, so in the end this is how people see us, and how people should know us.

There are so many bands out there, what sets Mystical Fullmoon apart, and why should people feel you are different?
I think that any intelligent person who has a good musical culture and looks for a band with personality and attitude cannot avoid
noticing us, we’ve worked hard to get when we are now and I think that such passion and such abnegation can be perceived in our
work.

Any plans on doing some videos, and what themes and feels would you like to have in them?
Yes, we actually have a project for a video clip in the works, even if it has been momentarily put on hiatus because at the moment
we have to look after different priorities.
It will be for the song “Daleth: journey”, as you could expect we have done an unusual choice and picked one of the most
experimental and weird track of the album, a dark jazzy song inspired by Angelo Badalamenti’s soundtracks for David Lynch’s
movies.
We’re still working on the exact screenplay, anyway I can tell you that it will be a pretty experimental and visionary video, with rather
eerie and disturbing imageries.... actually, it’ll be more correct to think of it as a short movie with our song as its soundtrack, rather
than an official videoclip of the song.
Of course we’re also looking forward to shoot a more “traditional” black metal video clip some time in the future, unfortunately money
is always a problem when you look for high qualitative and professional standards like we do, anyways we’ll get through this as
well....
www.myspace.com/mysticalfullmoon
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The call to arms for southern Virginia's SLOBURN is "redneck metal, " a newly dubbed genre that haphazardly
fuses Eighties-metal bombast with hardcore-thrashing breakdowns and alternating scream-sing vocals. Sloburn
are a straight-up American metal band in the tradition of Pantera and Lamb of God with a rendition of some
80's influence formed in 2007. The Virginia's five-piece consist of duet singers, Shane Milam with his hoarsely
bellows and different vocal range along side Sly Milam who gives them an edge with her female vocals and
wicked deep growls. With pounding end of the world bassist Creepy, and guitarist Sammy Deez, riffing out 80's
southern vibes they team up along side drummer Brandon King.

Shane speaks about the new album, and Sloburn's sound~

We have our second album self titled Sloburn, due to be release on Dark Harvest Records in the spring of
2009. This album is more like redneck metal. Coming from Virginia I would say that its music you can fuck your
sister too. Wait can you say that??? To try and classify our tunes I have to say we have an 80's influence on
bass and guitar with todays vox and drums. Mesh that together and you get a metal sound like no other.

Sly elaborates on their self branded "Redneck Metal Straight outta the trailer"....
Well this will take you back to the state with the population of say a one million poeple with only uh 15 last
names??? Okay enough of the humor here but on a real note we practice in a double wide and how fitting is it
to live in such a small hick, cow infested town and create your beats in an enclosed box!! Yeah were
beasty!!!Grrrrrrrrr

Sly fills us in on Sloburn's touring future~

Hopefully we will be sick of our record label by this time for booking to many shows. Yes the goal here is to play
and be heard!! If possible I like to book every single hole in the wall from east to west coast !! Got me a gig yet
Hmmmmmm ?????

We ask Sly about females being in a band just to sell the band, and her feelings on this~
Actually I would love to see more females in the metal industry. I personally dont think it's enough. I also think it
depends on what you classify metal as. I, being female myself am still not seeing enough metal chics. How the
bands use the females to promote the music really interest myself. Most clubs or places we go don't even
recognize me as a band member. Sad I know huh *sniffles* Again let me holla a bit here. I feel this situtation its
so precarious. Why is it just a guy thing? We girls love to bang our heads, raise some horns, and just get nasty
with the music!!!!Some of us like to apply lipstick as well. As stated in the prevoius question I get over looked as
a band member quite often. But that just fuels my fire even more when I get on stage! So what boys think they
are better well move over bitch cuz Sly just brought it!

Continued next page.....

 6
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Shane fills us in on Sly's decent into a Sloburn~

Well we started off with Sly singing here and there, on a box with a fox, in a house with a mouse...seriously we just like the way our
voices meshed together and thought hey thats sounds really bad ass so hell it was only natural

Shane talks to us about Sloburn's sound and early begginings~

Well when we all united we knew we held special powers that will rule the metal world. Our sound does have a Pantera feel. Mainly
because when I open my mouth thats just seems to be what is heard. Mixed in with a little bit of this and a dab of that. I do beleieve
we all have other bands that help inspire us as musicians. Each and every band mate here brings some special power to the table.
Which is why we shall conquer all.

About the name Sloburn~

Yeah man *laughs* have you ever seen "That 70's show" and everyone in the basement in the 360 circle??? Well we had a circle
going and its was SLOW....~Sly
Yeah in that circle great minds and ideas come to light and I recall making a comment about man this is a sloburn.....*cough* Need I
say more ~Shane

Sloburn in the year 2009~

Hopefully this year will surpass last. We just recently signed on with Dark Harvest Records. We (Shane & Sly) have known Dan
(CEO of D.H.R.) personally for years. We have even played in a past band together. Knowing Dan's passion for music and his
incentive passion and pragmatic knowlegde of the musical field really excites us and gives us that sweet taste of greatness. You
know like a cherry on your sundae! Dan has a great ear for metal and with his informative notions I feel that 2009 will be just fine
*winks* ~Shane and Sly

Southern Metal Unity does Sloburn have it?~

Indeedly we do! As stated earlier in the interview when you live in the Virginia regions wrong turns (like the movie) happen and well
unity in the south is a must. Says with a real sourthern drawl "We're still cousins...." ~Shane and Sly

The influence of Metal on Shane growing up~

Growing up it was more metal bands that I can give props too. However since the 90's I really can't recall but maybe 5 bands in that
era that even give kids hope. Especially todays music. It makes me want to run for the razorblades and kill myself. I however have
my band and instead of dying slowly I can try and recreate what I think is metal. Not main stream mtv bs ya dig it.

Shane's thoughts on myspace~

Myspace to me is one of the better communities online as far as music goes. I believe it gives you a chance to be heard by people
who normally would not hear you. It makes you more accessable. The metal scene in general has never really been given the credit
it deserves. However if your into music the internet has given you an endless supply of ear bleeding tunes

Sloburn's words in parting~

Alright Sloburn…anything else we should know and last words in parting?
Sly leaves the interview in a pink blur with her hot pink super hero cape flying in the wind and says " Never fear Cum Qwat Splinter
Clit Thunder Cunt Radioactive tampon girl is here!! "Wait can you print that? Who knows spread the fire .. ~Sly The Sloburness
and Phallas Fucked Taco Tickler Robotic Balls Impaler is out the door behind her.It is a bitch though I don't have a spiffy cape like
her! *throws horns* ~Shane

www.myspace.com/sloburnband
NETHERBIRD sprung into existence during November 2004 in Stockholm Sweden as Nephente (vocals), Bizmark (guitars,
keyboard) and Grim (guitars) found they were sharing a vision on how to write and record metal music without the limitations of a
set line up or metal. The clear intent to create music without to much concern of genres or instrumentation has resulted in the
band having a rather broad range of obvious influences spanning from black metal to to doom and heavy metal. The roots and
deeper influences can always be traced back to the Scandinavian metal legacy. The first song ever recorded, “Boulevard Black”,
was originally released as a limited promotion single to select labels and media resulted in a lot of interest of the band. The next
release was the “Blood Orchid EP . Both “Boulevard Black” and “Blood Orchid” were released through the Internet as free
downloads in early 2007 and has served to amass a big gathering of listeners on MySpace and elsewhere.
During the writing process of “Lighthouse Eternal (Laterna Magika) EP” NETHERBIRD signed with Pulverised Records to release
the first full length album given the title “The Ghost Collector”. The band pushed on the planned release of the “Lighthouse EP”
through Internet and shortly after that release went on to write and record three more tracks for the full length album.
NETHERBIRD has now entered a new phase and will go on to record the next albums with a complete line up that will also make
it possible for the band to accept gig invitations. Interview by Melinda with Nephente (vocals),

Greetings Netherbird! Please start out by introducing yourself, and tell us some things about Netherbird's style, influences both
personal and musical, etc.-
Thank you kindly! I am Nephente, co-founder and vocalist + lyricist of Netherbird. The band was born from a shared vision
between myself, Grim (guitarist) and Bizmark (guitars and keyboards). We met a couple of times just discussing what sort of
music we really would like to play and how we could create a band with more focus on the music than all the drama that is all to
common in a band struggling in a rehearsal room. So we just decided to start writing some songs and instead of finding all the
people for a line up right away we decided to work with some musicians we really liked as session members. Now we have a solid
line up but it has taken us some time to find the right people so in the meantime we have had a rather extensive number of friends
filling the spots on the different tracks so the lineup for the first CD is indeed long.
Our shared influences are almost all bands from the early black/death scene like Unanimated, Dissection, Cradle of Filth, Dimmu
Borgir, Morbid Angel, At the Gates and many more. So we draw inspiration from a lot of different bands but they were all part of
the scandinavian or American extreme metal scene during the first part of the 90's I think. That is also where I personally have my
roots. I have been playing thrash, death and black metal since 1990 but only with Netherbird I have been able to be part of a very
devoted and hard working unit with the intent of reaching out to more people than the local scene. But my idea of what extreme
metal is about was very much shaped during those years and I still think some of the best albums recorded come from that point
in time. So with Netherbird my goal is to create new music that has the same amount of honesty and harshness since that is what
I find the most interesting to listen to myself. I am tired to clinical productions, I want to hear more blood and sweat in the music,
not something so perfected it sounds impersonal. We have a long way to go but that is something I personally strive for with
Netherbird and hopefully it will be something people will like.

How have things been going since the release The Ghost Collector CD and the formation of a solid line up? Does the line up still
feel like a "natural family", did you build the line up through mutual friends recommendations, or?
We have been keeping very busy since the release writing new songs and planning our future releases and also, as you
mentioned, to form a solid line up. We have worked with some wonderful musicians in Netherbird but for the complete line up it
has just as much to do with chemistry as it has to do with skills since working in a band is more hard work than anything else and
then you must feel that you have a strong and supportive crew aboard the ship and I think we have succeeded. All members are
close friends of mine who I trust and would do anything for and that is something I treasure for sure. So yes, we are a natural
family and the next release will make that evident. We are a unit working hard together and that will reflect in our music, I am sure
of it! So all people in the line up have been involved earlier and it just went very natural from session to permanent member.
Interview Continued....

Interview continued...
Interview continued.....
You mentioned in the Netherbird blog about how the band has gone from a very unknown band in 2008, to having Pulverised as your
label and really becoming well known and getting your songs out, has it been overwhelming to you? It seems Pulverised is a very
good label? Who came up with the idea for the "Netherbird Flocks" and how has that been going?
How is work progressing on the EP - Covered in Darkness? You are also working on an additional EP and CD as well? Please tell us
about those? What news do you have as far as touring, upcoming shows, etc? What places are you really looking forward to playing at
most, and any particular bands you would really like to play with?
Well we did start out writing music and recording our songs without making to much of a fuss about it so it was as late as 2008 that
things really started to roll since then began spreading our music on myspace and inking a deal for the release of "The Ghost
Collector". Since then we are fortunate enough to see the number of friends grow rapidly and gaining a lot of energy from all positive
remarks we get. The release has also given us some expo in the metal media so indeed last year meant a significant change as far as
attention is concerned. So we are of course more than pleased and humbled by the reactions so far but it hasn't really changed
anything. We do this for the sheer passion of metal and we are just proud to be able to contribute a bit to the scene by releasing our
tunes. So it isn't overwhelming, at least not at this point haha.
The Netherbird "flocks" is just our name for what most call "street teams". It is support profiles on Myspace. I guess I named them but
we really just give anybody interested in supporting Netherbird thumbs up. As long as they like our music and make more people hear
it we are all in favor of letting people get involved. Netherbird is just as much about the people listening to us as it is about us who
happen to play the music. So the "flocks" are important and we hope more will rise in years to come!
Future releases will be the following:
EP - Monument Black Colossal - late spring 2009
This EP will include 5 tracks and we are currently recording it. We will release it for free through the net and in a limited picture vinyl. It
will be featuring our permanent line up so it is me, Bizmark, Nord and Adrian. So we expect this one to be done during spring and will
be released shortly after! I am damn pleased with how it is turning out and it is great for us since it is the first one we make with a
proper line up. So I hope it will be well received when it is out.
EP - Covered in Darkness - summer 2009
This will feature four cover tunes that we thought people might like. It showcases some of our influences but we have tried to work with
songs that might show a bit diversity from us so it will be some slower and perhaps also some softer things on it. We try not to limit
ourselves when it comes to our music so it might surprise some people but hell, we think it is turning out pretty interesting. The drums
on this one was recorded early 2007 so it is about time we get it out. This one will only be released for free downloads. Currently we
have finished recording vocals on three of the tracks, one more to go then it is mixing but the release will come after the other EP.
CD - full length - no title set
This will be our first full length album with our solid line up! Currently we are in preproduction, all tracks are written and I am confident
it will be something our listeners will like. We hope to release it during 2009 but it is uncertain since we are discussing with labels and
such things can take time. But all is progressing well so I have high hopes for this one! More info will come when we know more but
this is what I can say right now.
As for gigs we have been discussing a bit with some organizers about future shows but still nothing is decided, we will put the black
bird on a stage this year but we will not haste anything. When the right opportunity comes we will deliver a devastating live
performance. But still no details but it will happen during this year, most likely some dates in Sweden and perhaps some abroad but it
can start to roll quicker but only time will tell.
I could list 100 bands I am a fan of and that I would love to share a stage with. But when I go to concerts I actually enjoy mixed bands
from different genres so I think we might very well gig with bands that are both more extreme than us and also some playing
somewhat slower/softer music. Whats important is that we enjoy the bands we gig with, I couldn't be part of a tour with a band I don't
like but it must not be my own personal heros haha. But a dream would be to gig with Morbid Angel, Napalm Death and My Dying
Bride. That would be diverse and exciting but we have a long way to go before such a chance would present itself obviously. So as
long as it is bands that deliver music that is honest and dark we will be interested. Continued next page.....
I was reading through the lyrics on your website, very nice they seem well thought out- does Nephente write all of the lyrics? Please
talk to us about the songs on the album, meanings, feelings behind them, etc.
Thank you kindly, I am glad you like the lyrics. I write all lyrics for the band so they are very much close to me and thus a bit
complicated to comment on since I am far from unbiased. But since you ask I will do my best to comment a bit on them, at least what I
had in mind when writing them.
I will only take three songs and write a bit about them, for those that are interested I recommend listening to the tunes with the lyrics
close and make your own interpretation. I just write the words, the lyrics are given meaning when heard and thought about.
The blackest breed
I have always viewed myself as out of place and never really fitting in anywhere completely. With the passing of years I have come to
realize that I am far from alone. So this is my salutation to all the flawed people whom view Netherbird as a band that speaks to them
and makes them feel valuable. Because to me they all are, each and everyone of them.
Lighthouse Eternal (Laterna Magika)
This is a metaphor for a safe haven, a beacon of hope that all lost souls could use to navigate to a place where they are welcome. If I
could just make one person feel a bit more seen or loved it would all be worth it so this song is really my mission statement,
Netherbird is a band for the outcast, the strange and the shunned. We welcome every soul to our lighthouse and our light will not
betray them.
Forever Mournful
Just an existentialistic text I wrote when feeling like everyone dear to me was changing and that everybody seems to be so intent on
becoming something else than what they are in them self. When I was younger that always made me damn angry, and it would most
likely been forever hateful if I would have written it ten years ago. Now I just see that I seem to be cast in stone and I watch everyone
and everything change while I remain. But it doesn't scare me I just mourn the loss now and then, like when I was writing this song.

When, and where was the "Blackest Breed" filmed, was this your first video, and what are your thoughts on it? (I think you guys look
and sound incredible, and the video captures you very well!)
Thank you kindly, I am glad you like the video! It is indeed our first and it was all financed and carried out by ourselves with me acting
as the producer and Bizmark as the director. We wanted a rather simple video without to much "story" but rather as a way of
presenting the band. So I think it did the trick but it is very hard for a new band to get airtime so we hope people will find the video on
youtube and myspace but we know it has been aired on some tv stations but not on any major station/network as far as I know.
We shot all scenes of the band in a blue screen studio and the extras in a green screen studio. Then all you see is the result of a lot of
hard work carried out by people we know who are either specialized in 3D and/or digital composition. So it was hard work making that
video a reality. We learned a lot from the experience and our next video will be killer that much is certain but we will work with different
visual ideas for our future videos, I hope we can do things that might be a bit more surprising than our first but you got to start
somewhere!

I think that it is great that you seem to put a good amount of time into your blog, sharing some feelings, and most of all letting people
know how much you appreciate their support, I wish more bands did this! (any comments on this?)
I am glad to hear you have noticed that we do communicate a lot with people. From day one we have always seen our listeners as the
most important part of Netherbird, without them we would have no reason to exist. So to me it feels very natural to keep in touch with
people best we can. The blog is one way but we actually answer every message we get at Myspace and considering the number of
people writing that is by no means an easy task but one we do gladly. Whenever we feel low, all we have to do is to open the inbox
and we get all the energy we'll ever need. So we hope to always be able to be close to our friends and listeners, they are Netherbird.
All we do is hold the instruments.

You have had some pretty well known session players and "guests" playing on Netherbird songs previously such as Adrian
Erlandsson (At the Gates, The Haunted, Cradle of Filth), Skinny (Deathstars), Brice LeQlerc (Nightrage, Dissection), Janne
Saarenpää (The Crown, Angel Blake), Mojjo (Engel, The Project Hate, Lord Belial, Runemagick, Relevant Few) and Kitty Saric
(Decadence) among others. Any thoughts on who might appear in upcoming Netherbird songs? Have you ever thought of
experimenting with dual vocals & a female singer on any songs? Continued on next page....
Yes we have been fortunate enough to work with a lot of talented people in the process of recording this album and all have
contributed a lot to the end result. In order to make things a bit easier for us when it comes to live gigs and to make the writing process
of future releases a bit more of a band effort we have decided to have a solid line up and that is today:
Nephente - vocals
Bizmark - guitars and keyboards
Johan Nord - guitar and vocals
Adrian Erlandsson - drums
Not yet decided - bass and vocals
So this is what can be expected on the releases I talked a little about earlier. As for male/female singers we have have quite a bit of
clear female vocals in our tunes already and we have recorded the first ever (I think) male/female growl duet where me and Kitty do
our version of the Ordo Equilibrio tune (Love under Will O.R.E.) that can be heard on our myspace profile. That is not part of the CD
but still a cool experiment indeed. So who knows, more such things might surface, as long as we think it sounds good we might do it
since Netherbird really is a rather open book as for what future songs might be like. Friends and guests might also join in now and then
so anything can happen!

Thank you so much for the interview…anything else we should know about Netherbird, or any last words?
Thank you for taking time to conduct this interview, you have really dug a bit deeper than most people do and I am honored. I hope
your readers take some time to hear our music and they are more than welcome to get in touch! We look forward to see you all at a gig
in a not to distant future!

Visit Netherbird at: www.myspace.com/netherbird or www.netherbird.com

(Available in Super Jewel Box CD / Digipak CD format)on Pulverised Records

There are many who duplicate and imitate, but so few have possessed the real integrity
of what Extreme Music truly represents and Sweden’s Deathrasher squad
TRIBULATION has done just that.

With an acute penchant for merciless yet catchy vile Death Metal; passages that twists
and torture slowly but lacerates like a whirlwind, this debut full-length album will blister
and cut through like napalm. ‘The Horror’ is a remarkably formidable album of Death
Metal holocaust!

Featuring the horrific artwork and layout by Adam Zaars and Jonathan Hultén of
TRIBULATION. Recorded at Hvergelmer Studios by TRIBULATION and Olof Wikstrand
(Enforcer), mixed and mastered by Tore Stjerna of Necromorbus Studio (Watain,
Nominon, In Battle, etc)
Buy it and other extreme Metal releases at; www.pulverised.net
Verso is a melodic, semi-progressive metal band formed 2004 in Pori, Finland. Line-up of the band has remained same since the
beginning: Petteri Salonen/Voc, Ville-Veikko Laaksonen/gtr, Mikko Porvari/gtr/key, Marko Mäki-Panula/bass, Mikko Kulju/drums. All
the members of Verso have a long history with music and they’ve all had their share of gigs and studio work. The music of Verso has
been characterized to be hard, dark and melodic metal. The people and critics who have heard the band have said that they can hear
such bands as: In Flames, Chimaira, Soilwork, Tool and Dream Theater in Verso’s music.The latest single Gone Into My Blood was
recorded and published 2007. After a short period of promotion and gigs, Verso signed a record deal with Kampas Records.

In addition to this new single Verso has made a CD single, No harm done (2005) and a three-song MCD This cold place (2006). All
the CD’S were recorded in Cotton Studio in Pori with an outside producer called Häiriö Piirinen (known as a guitarist of Finish gold
selling band Maj Karma).

Greetings Verso! So you started out in 2004 as just a two piece, so you rounded up the other two at bars and got them to agree to
join Verso before they sobered up?
Oh, yes...Actually me (Ville-Veikko) and Petteri were friends before we started as a two piece. Petteri was in another band with Marko
and Marko knew Mikko. P. I was a bandmate with Mikko. K at the time...We all sat round one table and decided that we should form
one solid group to make some solid music...And yes, we all like our beers more or less.

So the line-up has remained solid since 2004! Wow, you must get along really well? Tell us about some of your individual
personalities, and what you think makes you mesh together so well?
We are friends outside the band as well, but we try not to see each other 24/7...we practice about twice a week and the gigs on top of
that...that`s about it professionally...and time to time we get together as friends, not as band mates...it keeps our view fresh for our
creative process. What comes to our personalities, we all are pretty much mentally unbalanced.

How does Verso make distinctive and personal music, and what makes Verso different than other bands out there?
We make our music with band instruments and with the throat and lungs of a singer...and we put our personality to our music through
our instruments...that`s how.
Were you happy with the outcome of " From Wings to Bare
Bones"?
We sure are very happy and pleased with the outcome. We love
the overall sound of the album. Of course there are things that we
could have done better ( I`m talking about our single songs Gone
into my blood and The seasons end grey, because they were
released before as a single and we tried to mix those songs to
match the new songs, you can hear a difference in the world of
sounds there). Our time and budget was limited also but there`s
no need to complain, the album sounds and feels great...We are
also happy with the reviews we`ve got...some great and some
guttery, that`s the way it goes.

Have you been doing many shows?

Before the album we have done gigs around here and there, most
of them with somebody supporting us and us supporting someone.
After the release of our album in September we have not done so
many gigs, not a real
reason for that but it`s really hard for a debut album band to get gigs if you can`t get to support someone bigger...we are working on it
and now we have someone to sell us for gigs and some kind of management as well (Fullmetal music / Fullmetal booking).
Continued next page....
So is Verso a sprout of plant or something new and fresh coming out
from the soil? I think by now you have at least went past the "sprout
part"(laughs)?
I think we are on our way to grow up and to become a full
plant...loads and loads of work ahead, but we like it that way. There
are so many things to do in the future for us, new songs, new gigs,
new people to meet and to work with and of course a new album
hopefully next year?

What new material have you written or recorded?

We are currently and constantly writing new songs. So far we have
eight(8) songs done with writing and we are going to record a bit
better demo versions of those songs in February. So we are getting
to our goal to record a new album in fall (hopefully) with robust steps.

How did you come with the idea of soaking Petteri with water for the
video?When you started with it was he eventually like man fuck this
that really sucks, or?

Petteri and the director of the video (Einari Vuorinen) were the first ones to talk about the idea. The idea was to film Petteri singing the
song backwards while water was poured on him. The challenge of it was interesting while the filming was not. It was pretty painful to
be soaked in water for an hour while lying in the cold ground. It was really hard to hear the music playing in the backround when water
was being poured straight to your left ear. But yeah, when we started filming there were a lot "fucks" flying around

I think it is awesome what Tero is doing with the Metal from Finland website, a lot of people probably do not realize how many
incredible bands come from Finland(any comments?)
I agree that Finns make brilliant metal and the so called underground scene is blooming with plenty of newcomers. I think that we
have so much history making great albums and i think people have realised that also.
Bands like Him, Nightwish, Children of bodom, Amorphis, Sentenced, Apocalyptica and many others have done their job well for new
bands to go out there in the world.

I read that Finland is the freeist nation in the world, in terms of civil liberties, freedom of the press, low corruption levels and
political rights, what do you think of that, do you agree?
It`s pretty good and safe to live and dwell in Finland, I agree but Finland and many other nations have their own inner difficulties, like
taxes, health care problems and empty promises...Sure it`s pretty free and mellow but some of the elitist groups has taken over the
Finnish parlament and they drive their way to take from the poor and to give it to the rich, that`s fucked up. Personally I am not red or
green or blue or anything politically but all of this shit makes my head melt. The people are free, the press is free, and no more than
150 life sentence criminals.
What are some favorite foods of Finnish peoples, as well as yours!? And do you really eat
Reindeer?
Finnish people eat same food like everyone else, meat and potato's, burgers and fries...People
in the north eat reindeer's, it is in their culture...We eat children with exception our drummer, he
eats old people.

I read that Finnish Saunas are a ancient custom, and tradition, has at tradition kept it's place in
the year 2009? And do the members of Verso use saunas?
The tradition is still there. Usually people go to sauna every Wednesday and Saturday, those
are the "official" sauna days in Finland. Our drummer goes to sauna every single day I think.
Rest of us a bit less. Actually the most important decisions and people`s mental health is to be
healed in sauna. It really is that important to Finns.

One last question.Do Finns REALLY do it better!?

It depends...The music is great, most of the people are great (in music world). Don`t know do we it better. Comparing to Swedes I
think we are getting pretty much even in the metal world, maybe? Soilwork, In flames, At the gates, Dark tranquillity, Hypocrisy, Dark
funeral, Raised fist, Burst, Cult of luna is a mighty roster of bands (also my favourite metal bands as well). By looking that list I think
we (Finns) are not there yet but catching up. So, the answer to the question is, someday!!!

Thanks to you, and to all that likes our way of doing things. If you are a fresh pair of eyes and ears, go to our website
www.versoband.com , our myspace www.myspace.com/versob to check out the music and videos. If you like it, buy it and support us
to make a new and strong metal release for you to enjoy!!!

 
 
Emerging from the great state of Colorado and the “Choice City” of Fort
Collins reigns the technical and melodic death metal outfit known as
Allegaeon. Interview by Melinda with Ryan

Please start out by telling us about the band name, ALLEGAEON, the
meaning behind it, who thought of it, etc.
Well originally the band was named Allegiance but an old member
misspelled the name when looking to see if any other "Allegiances" existed.
So we wanted something that was similar, so that local people would still
recognize the name and something that was original as well. So we took the
idea of the old name and added "aeon" to it to make it a little different.

It seems that Dave Otero did a awesome job capturing ALLEGAEON's

sound & overall feel on the EP-what made you choose him, how do you feel
about this, and the overall recording itself, and why only a EP?
Well it was sort of a last second effort. I dont think we really had dialed in
our sound at that point, we recorded a couple newer and a couple older
songs. I think now we have a general idea of how the next album will sound,
I can say it will really take how people see us to a new level. It will have
similar aspects but a fresher overall sound with more layers and feel than
the EP. We only did an EP mostly because we didnt have a whole ton of
money or songs to record so we just did what we thought was best and do 4
songs. Dave was/is pretty highly regarded in Colorado so it just seemed
right to go to him.

How do you describe ALLEGAEON's sound, and who are some of your
biggest influences?
Well our EP, like I mentioned, is going to be trumped by the newer material
so I think its better to discuss where we are going rather than where we
have been. I think the new stuff is literally a mix of all types of the metal we
enjoy. I hate labeling but there is very melodic parts, very brutal parts, very
tech death parts, very progressive parts,
Continued next page...

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just go crazy and dont use alot of riff type parts in songs, we want to bring that back as well as have as much
of a musical sound as we can.

Any label interest?

Well i can say this, without naming any names, yes. We have heard some encouraging words from some
sources higher up than us that some people are interested so hopefully some action will start here soon.

Do you write songs as a band as a whole, or? Also please tell us about he 3 songs on the EP, their concepts,
meaning, etc?
We tend to write songs separately but bring them together and work on the songs as a whole, making sure all
parts work well together.
Actually there are 4 songs on the EP and they all have different meanings. The weeds will prosper is basically
about metal fans and how they tend to be looked down upon. Nex of terra is basically about "death of earth",
which is its literal translation. Preaching the machine is about religion or people or whatever the listener wants
to imagine, basically saying we dont need someone to tell us what to believe in. Cower before me is about
basically the story of the rapture and issues that go hand in hand with that topic.

Who do the artwork for the EP, it is very interesting, a person with a mask? But there are a lot of details if you
really look at it.-
Dennis from Damnengine did it. He has done bands like job for a cowbay, all that remains, dragonforce etc etc.
We are really happy with it. It was not made specifically for us but its ours now and it has worked well for the
EP as well as our myspace page etc. Not sure if there is any significance, we just think it looks really cool.

ALLEGAEON is starting to be described as Technical Death Metal Equally as strong as any of the boys from
the Gothenburg scene, what are your thoughts on this comparison?
Well I think all of us like tech death to an extent but no I dont classify us as tech death at all. Like I mentioned
we would prefer to not be labeled at all. We dont set out to make really technical music even though it may
seem so, we just come up with parts and if we all think its cool then we use 'em. I love Gothenburg metal as
well and I can see similarities but again same type of thing, we have so many different sounds we are working
with that its easy to say "well that part sounds progressive, or that part sounds tech or that part sounds super
melodic" . But if we are getting compared to bands that are on the top of the metal game then I guess it cant be
a bad thing.

What are your thoughts on the "digital age" of music where CD's have become mostly obsolete, and everything
is turning to MP3's? And how is it going for you guys being able to have fans buy ALLEGAEON songs for
their iTune?
Interview Continued...

ell we have had some success from people buying our stuff online. I love personally owning cds but now after having an ipod I can
see why it is kind of pointless, at least for me, to have a physical copy of a cd. I can carry around like 100 cds worth of music in my
pocket. I think its a really good thing for the most part. Its easy with everything being online and with myspace its super easy to find
good new bands and set up shows etc etc. I think myspace still has a couple bugs to work out with people buying stuff off of pages
but it is a really good tool.

What else should we know about ALLEGAEON?

Really that we plan on making a great full length here in the future.
Hopefully with somewhere around 10 or more really really heavy/melodic songs that have a bit of a different vibe than our EP. But
much much better of course.

Has Metal always been a influence in your life, and how did you originally get into it?
Well me personally, no it wasnt always. I think my first tape i bought was kriss kross when i was like 8. I found a metallica tape on the
ground when i was like 12 or so and that was all i needed to hear, it changed me from that point on.

The Colorado scene seems be a breeding ground for a good amount of Death Metal bands, is that still true?
O ya for sure. There are some really talented bands surfacing right now and its cool to see more and more people coming out to
shows. When we first started we couldnt get 20 people to a show in our home town.Now if we dont get at least 200 we get mad. Its
ever growing.

Thanks for the interview..any last words?

Only to keep an eye out for any Allegaeon News in the future. Hopefully only good things.

www.allegaeon.com or www.myspace.com/allegaeon

  
 
   
It all started in June of 2007 when three doom/death -loving freaks got together to jam some Candlemass cover
songs but using old school death metal style vocals instead. They were having so much fun that they decided to
start writing their own material, very much influenced by the first Cathedral album, Winter, and Asphyx. They
wanted to do play really doom-laden death metal that combined crushing and somber riffs with just a slight hint
of melody that comes from their love for the early Candlemass albums from the 80's.The band continued to jam
but still didn't have a band name yet. The guitarist and vocalist Lasse (also known from the cult Finnish death
metal band Phlegethon and death/grinders Vacant Coffin) was a big fan of the Blind Dead zombies from the
classic 70's Spanish horror series this had a had a big influence on the music. The name HOODED MENACE
was chosen by Billy Nocera of Razorback Records and the band was now officially born!

So what's up, how goes things there in Joensuu, Finland!?

Snowy, cold, grey and dark... just the right climate for creating new Hooded Menace music, ha! Well, to be
honest I could use a little bit of an sunshine for a while tho...

Previously you stated that you do not like doing live shows, and that you want to be a studio band, has your
opinion changed on that, and what is it that you guys do not like about live shows? You don't feel that you are
depriving Metal Minions of all that is Hooded Menace by not doing more?
We still think the same way but also I have often stated: "never say never". The whole idea of making "a show"
is a bit unpersuasive to me. The recorded material is essential, not the gigs. Although it´d be good for
promotion, I still think that shows are not worth time and energy. We´d rather use the effort for writing and
recording new material. Unless we don´t feel like playing live is something we really wanna do, we are not
gonna do it. It should be done for the pleasure of playing. Not only to promote our asses off, get pissed on each
other´s faces etc. boring crap that destroys all the fun. Also kids might expect something special from a band
like Hooded Menace that has a quite strong concept. They might be disappointed. Instead of seeing us dressed
up in stupid Slipknot masks or something, haha, they would see three guys in jeans and t-shirts. I know I sound
very negative and blah, blah, blah... and hey, maybe I´m wrong but at least I´m not gonna find out about that
any time soon. I have seen almost zero of my favorite bands live and never had a problem with that. Also bands
such as Bathory never played live and Darkthrone have been refusing to play live for years now... big deal?!

Continued next page....

Do you feel kids buy less and less albums nowadays whether it's metal or commercial pop because of the
digital age of MP3's, iTunes, and the like, and how do you feel about all of this?
Yeah, definitely. When I was a teenager it was all about the whole package: cover art, songs, information about
the band... Now it´ s all about getting music as fast and as easy as possible. You have it on your computer as
an mp3 instead of a concrete thing in your hands. It´s pretty lame. Kids don´t regard CD´s or LP´s as valuable
and cool items to own anymore, I guess. Of course there will always be real music fans and collectors that
make releasing albums as a whole package with great artwork etc. worthwhile.

I get the impression that you have never been fond of Thrash Metal? How did you originally get into Metal, what
were some of your first most influential bands and albums, and what are the top 5 albums on your current
personal playlist?
You have gotten a terribly wrong picture of me! Thrash is where I come from! I just dislike all that trendy retro
tharsh boom with kids caring only about lookin "cool" in their thrash-vests and hot to trot about the moshpits at
Wacken or whatever... Fuck that! Slayer, Dark Angel, Kreator, Sacrifice... all those bands made me want to
form my own band Phlegethon in the first place back in ´88. Before discovering aforementioned, some of the
first most influental bands for me, I was as any other heavy metal kid into bands like Iron Maiden, Accept, Deep
Purple, Ozzy but actually perhaps a bit surprisingly AC/DC was my fave band! As for my current top 5 playlist...
here we go:
1. Jex Thoth - s/t (the best album of 2008!)
2. The Devil´s Blood - Come Reap
3. Rush - Fly by Night
4. Derketa - Goddes of Death
5. Anima Morte - Viva Morte!

I like the band artwork, it has a total old school look and feel, but also kinda eerie, who is the artist?
Thanks! Glad you like it! Putrid is the artist behind the stunning artwork. We need to work with him more in the
future. He´s also a total sucker for vintage horror so he surely knows what he draws. He is what he draws
basically

I have read interviews with other bands from Finland that say Finland is just depressing period, and that has a
large reflection on their music, do you agree with that? I personally think it would be hard to get used to no
sunlight for half the year, but yet maybe if you grew up there you are already used to it?
Yeah, it can be a bit depressing at times but you get used to it. Actually now the sun started to shine while
answering to this quesion. I prefer sunshine too but at least the darker, colder days can easily keep you locked
inside the four-walls, concentrating on such things as making songs or something else that you might skip when
a good weather would decouy you out. I think this is one of the reasons why there are so many bands in
relatively meagerly populated countries such as Sweden, Norway and Finland. People stay indoors doing
things.
Continued next page....
 So it seems that it may be safe to say that you are interested in most
all things dark n morbid? Have you partaken in any Satanic
sacrifices, black magic rites, unleashing demons from the abyss, or
blood ceremonies lately?
Hmmmm... well, interested so to speak but not down with the
ceremonies, ha!

What about Necromantia, that to me is something so sick n twisted I

can help be interested (laughs)?
I like the film Necromantic and that´s as far as it gets.

What are your personal opinions on religion?

For the weak. If it makes you feel more secur and if it gives you
comfort then so be it. As long as you keep it to yourself and don´t
cram it down to other people´s throats I don´t care what you believe
in. Religious frenzy is just pure madness.

What is the the curse of Waldemar Daninsky?

Waldemar Daninsky is a horror character, a werewolf roleplayed by a
Spanish horror film actor/director Paul Naschy. He made many films
about werewolves becoming cursed and being very tragic kind of

characters torn between rage, bloodlust, and trying to live a normal life. The lyrics of our song "Fulfill the Curse" (written by Billy from
Razorback Records) are inspired by all that stuff.

Where was Fulfill The Curse Recorded?

At Horrisound Studios, ha! This meaning our rehearsal spot and
my home. It´s a total DIY recording. Well, we had to borrow some
of the gear from our friends but still... We will be working this way
also on the follow up album. Only the mastering will be done in a
"pro-studio" mainly because Mikko Saastamoinen who did the
mastering for the debut album happens to work there. At least
that´s the current plan.

Anything else we should no about Hooded Menace or any last

words?
Well I guess I could give you some info about the next releases of
Hooded Menace... two vinyl splits are coming out this year but I´m
not gonna tell you more about them for now. I´m very excited
about those releases! Also writing the song material for the
second album is already in progress. Seems like there won´t be
any drastic changes. We´re still feeling very inspired and
enthustiastic about writing more songs in the vein of "Fulfill the
Curse" album material. The curse is not completely fulfilled yet...

www.myspace.com/hoodedmenace




 
  

   

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