PS. Sorry if this is your artwork - I took it off an INEPSY flyer...

HEHEHEHE
Hails! My name is annick, and I’m a heavy metal maniac. This is my zine,
which was written between 2007-2009. As you can see, it is very different
from all the older issues... I’m progressing in my regression... HAHA!
Anyway, the zine encloses some interviews from my favorite bands, reviews
THANKS TO ALL - I LOVE YOU ALL VERY MUCH. SEE YOU IN THE WORLD IN A FEW YEARS!!!

of CD’s, EP’s, LP’s, tapes, memories from metal trips and concerts, as
well as a metal recipe book (!!?). Unfortunately, this will be the last
morbid tales issue (at least for a very long time). I have WAY too many
projects and ideas to pursue and would like to focus more on my new band,
CAUCHEMAR! There are enough good zines out there anyway.
Enjoy the read, and thanks for the undying support. TO THE DEATH!

I’d like to thank the following: (no order at all) Keegan Irvine, Professor
Black, Pete “winoguy” from Boston, Alice, Eric, Michel Renaud, Callae,
Gylve Nagell, Al (Pagan Altar), Yosuke Konishi, Béatrice Marlic, Véro &
Nick, Eduard, Christina, Valentina, Martin, Mel, Vuk, Gab & Kevin, Martin,
Pierre-Marc, Cynthia, Arnault, Janick, Emma, Julie, Pameli, Pascal, Chany,
J-P, Sam, Vanessa, Snake and Annie, Joel “Toxic Holocaust”, Necronomicon
Rob, Orlok, Flo, Flav, Seb Lemieux, Tony Baranowski, Stan R.I.P., Kaehl,
Brad “Witching Black”, Mike, Phil (Elixir) and his wife for the good
dessert, Paul (Elixir), Cathy Vorfeed, E. Danielson, Masayasu, Jerasek, Kyle
HBC, Yasuyuki, Jamie Athenar, Shaxul, Bestial Offensor, Wilhelm, Graham,
Rodrigo, Francesc, Cheryl and Hart, Deathsrike Dan, Hurricane Hellfucker,
Danny Angus, Tim “Shadow Kingdom”, Axe (Tales of Medusa), Bill of Auburn,
Omid of Outlaw, Chase of HHB, TTR of Todestrieb, Gemini, Kohei, Wang and
Kayla, Carlos, Felipe, Galos, le Profusion, le Marché du disque, Daniel Lacroix, Simon Lacroix, Jeff
“Karnax” + whole Karnax gang, Frigault, Aiden, Ratpack, Haagenti, Miskatonic Rich, Themis and my good
friends from the Pagan Altar templars!
Extra special thanks: François Patr-evil for his great support – both emotionally and physically
(hehe). Jo for being my co-writer for many years. Josh McAlear and Julien Nagawika - long live
metal artists! My dad for helping me a lot with photocopies/ mailings at the start. J-P for the fun
phonecalls and help with promo. Nick for helping me set up the VOÏVOD interview. Freud for the super
cool picture at the left of this page. Kiem for the bottom R.I.P. pic! Ron McGregor and Daniel Lacroix
for letting me use their cool VOÏVOD pics/memorabilia.
MORBID TALES FANZINE address: Annick Giroux / C.P. Frontenac 2600, rue Ontario E., / Suite 135,
C.P. 55881 / Montréal, QC H2K 4S9, CANADA (Will not be active after 2011) // go_yaten@hotmail.com

SATANNICK IS A PROUD MEMBER OF:

Pagan Altar

Templars

TABLE OF CONTENTS
COUNTESS/SABBAT/BARAHTRUM memories....... 4
SOOTHSAYER Interview..................... 7
Prägue Metal Tourist Guide.............. 11
Elixir Interview........................ 12
CLOVEN HOOF/ELIXIR Show Report.......... 17
London Tourist Guide.................... 18
SACRED BLADE Interview.................. 19
Fanzine Reviews......................... 24
DARKTHRONE Interview.................... 26
PAGAN ALTAR Interview................... 34
PAGAN ALTAR/WARNING Show Report......... 38
METALIAN Interview...................... 40
INEPSY Interview........................ 42
HEAVY METAL KIDS........................ 47
MORNE Interview......................... 48
FLOWER TRAVELLIN’ BAND Interview........ 50
Purple Metal............................ 54
TROP FÉROSS Interview................... 56
Special................................. 60
Demo Reviews............................ 62
FAUSTCOVEN Interview.................... 64
LAMP OF THOTH Interview................. 71
Top 100 Favourite Albums................ 76
ANVIL/CAULDRON Show Report.............. 77
CAULDRON Interview...................... 78
PORTRAIT Interview...................... 81
Montreal Record Shopping Route.......... 86
France Tourist Report .................. 88
VOIVOD Interview........................ 90
CD/LP/7” Reviews....................... 100
Hell Bent for Cooking.............. Reverse


 Germany/Netherlands 1997 tour MEMORIES by Orlok (COUNTESS) WRITTEN IN SUMMER 2007

Orlok: Since it’s been ten years since Countess played live this year, I thought I’d write down some memories of the
gigs we did back then. Maybe I’ll write down some more memories later on, but I’ll start with what I consider a high
point in Countess’ career: the gigs we did with Barathrum and Sabbat from Japan in April and May 1997. Since I’m
writing this all from memory, ten years on, I may leave out certain things or get a few details wrong. Alright, here we go:
a trip down memory lane . . .
old Ford Sierra stationcar. There, we met sitting at the bar with a guitar. Then
Sabbat. They were cool, but we couldn’t one of the Finns went back to their car
In early 1997, the line-up that had been really communicate with them ‘cos they and fetched a bottle of Finnish vodka.
together for two years by then, admittedly didn’t speak any English. Well, they knew If you check the inside of the “Revenge
with a few interruptions, was on the brink two English words: ‘beer’ and ‘fuck’. And Part II” booklet, the photo on the upper
of breaking up (what a surprise – we may they were cold constantly; everywhere we left was taken that night. You can see
have split up more often than we played came the first thing they did was try to the (almost empty) vodka bottle. The
“Countess Bathory”). Then all of a sudden turn up the heat, even before attacking the Sabbat guy is passed out on the table
we got two offers for gigs, one in Bussum fridge... Barathrum were there too, having and Demonos is close to falling down too
and one in Wassenaar and we thought, driven all the way from Suomi in a rented . . . I’m behind him making the sign of
whatever, let’s continue. Those gigs turned car. I think they told us that they had the horns. It was really late when we
out pretty cool and got us enthusiastic gotten into a fight as soon as they had finally went to bed. Actually there were
about the band again. We decided to record arrived in Maastricht the day before... no beds so I slept on the stage; a few
three new songs for a mini CD and when The place was all right but there were hours later Opyros was kicking me and
around that time Opyros informed me that not that many people in attendance. Opening yelling I had to get up ‘cos we had to
he was putting together a tour for us, were Conquered My Fears (basically Bifrost drive to the next gig. Yeah, those were
Barathrum and Sabbat from Japan, we were with a different name) but I didn’t really the days...
pretty excited. It would be a privilige catch that much of their show as we were We drove to Rotterdam in a van Opyros
to play with the legend that Sabbat is preparing for our own, since we were up had rented for the tour. Somewhere near
and ever since Demonos and I first met next here. Dordrecht, we stopped at a McDonald’s for
in January 1995 (when I was recording “Ad some junkfood breakfast. Eating made my
Maiorem”) we had wanted to tour together. We took the stage and played a decent set,
but somehow it wasn’t that good. There were hangover go away rather quickly and I
Of course, ‘tour’ is a big word for what was feeling fine again when we reached
would be seven gigs, but at least they were some problems with the amps or the sound
at one point if I remember correctly and Rotterdam. It was a sunny day and we just
in two different countries (Netherlands and hung out around the Baroeg, having a few
Germany). However, complications arose when we fucked up “The Wrath” in a major way.
The audience barely responded (save for the beers, until time came for the show to
one of us had other priorities that would begin, which was pretty soon since it was
prevent him from doing the last three gigs. guys from the other bands). When we were
done the others drove back to Rotterdam an afternoon show.
This nearly killed our chances of being
on the bill at all, but Opyros managed to (where they lived and the next gig would Opening were Wrok, who made quite an
find a solution: we could do the first four be the day after) but I decided to stick impression. Not so much because of their
gigs and then Wizzard would step in and around to see Barathrum and Sabbat. Both improvised brand of extremely primitive
take our spot for the final three. This bands were amazing, but with them, too, the BM as because of the slideshow of various
wasn’t what I had imagined, but it was audience response was below par. massacres and holocaust images they
better than nothing. Nevertheless, it was a After the gig, we (the Barathrum guys, one projected onto a screen during their
telling sign that ultimately this line-up of the Sabbat guys and myself) bought some gig. I thought it was entertaining, but
would be going nowhere. But that’s not the 50 cans of beer and started drinking. I the Baroeg people thought otherwise and
point here. also remember showing one of the Barathrum just cut off the power to end their show.
guys how to play “Bloed In De Sneeuw” while Sometime later, they even provided Wrok
The first gig was in Geleen. We were pretty
pissed that we didn’t have the mini CD
yet, that we were supposed to promote,
because of incredible delays due
to fuck-ups by the guy responsible
for the printing. Nevertheless, we
went down to Geleen with Warhead’s


with a trophy for being the worst band ever managed 180 kph on the Autobahn but when guitar had become terribly untuned by then,
having played there. we were nearing Berlin we got caught in a but still it was great, simply because of
Next up were Barathrum, who were pretty good major traffic jam because there had been an the incredible atmosphere. Looking back, I
again and after that Sabbat took the stage, accident involving some trucks or whatever. think this was the single best gig we ever
being utterly brilliant as they had the We got stuck there for several hours, which had.
night before. They were even better a live was especially unpleasant since it was After our own gig, I grabbed a beer and
act than I had thought. I was shocked that awfully hot that day. Nevertheless, we did watched Sabbat, who of course were brilliant
there were few people in the audience. This make it in time to “Die Insel” in time. “Die again. After that, we had to leave to drive
was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see one Insel” was a really cool place, sort of a to the next gig. I think it was 6AM or so
of the most legendary BM bands ever live, castle-like building located on an actual by then. It was getting light again, but in
after all. Maybe the fact that this was island somewhere in Berlin. We had played spite of that we got somewhat lost trying
a holiday in the Netherlands (the queen’s there a year earlier as well and found that to find our way of Berlin. We drove most
birthday) had something to do with this. not much had changed. There were several of the day until we arrived sometime in
floors in this place and the floor above the the afternoon in Bramsche, near Osnabrück,
In Rotterdam, we were the headliner. With floor where we were playing was the ‘goth’
the other bands, we had agreed that we would where the gig would take place at the ‘Alte
floor, so we spent the afternoon looking at Webschule’. We walked around the place a bit
shift the playing order every day and both all kinds of barely dressed goth chicks.
Barathrum and Sabbat thought it obvious that and found it to be a very unlikely place for
When they went up the stairs, many of them a BM gig. All the walls were painted white
we would headline in our town, Rotterdam. offered a nice view of what was under their
The guy from the Baroeg who had booked and they had been painted recently, so the
skirts. We weren’t there to gawk at chicks whole place smelled of paint.
the show wasn’t happy about this (of the in skimpy black skirts though, so we duly
bands playing, he only liked Sabbat and had did a sound check and then we were fed. We After eating a bit we did a soundcheck and
announced them as headliner). were quite anxious about the food, because discovered that the amps were pretty crappy
We took the stage and we triumphed. We played the year before they’d given us vegetarian worn-out pieces of equipment that didn’t
true metal for an hour and the audience food and we had rather loudly complained seem to produce a lot of volume. When the
enjoyed it. Of course, we started with “The about that. This time, the food was exactly first band played, Tha-Norr on this day,
Priest Must Die” (though I changed the words the same, with the exception that they our fears about the amps were confirmed. I
to “The Queen Must Die” for the occasion – I added some minuscule bits of sausage here was standing next to Zagan in front of the
wonder if anyone noticed). From then, it was and there to pacify us. At least there was stage and we could just talk to each other
utter chaos. Had the gig the day before been enough beer to wash it down with. without even raising our voices while Tha-
somewhat subdued, this day we had the real Norr was playing. That was pretty weird. We
The evening came and it took ages before didn’t have a lot of time to think about
metal spirit. We ripped through our classics things went underway. After the first band
and a few new ones with true conviction this, though, since there was one other
had played, Seirim, Barathrum took the stage band and we were up after that. I don’t
(setlist: The Priest Must Die, Fire & Blood, and we were up next. I think it was 02:00
The Wrath Of Satan’s Whore, Hell’s Rock & remember that much about this gig except
hours by then. The place was packed, though, that it was pretty all right, considering
Roll, Into Battle, Thus Spoke The Master, so the atmosphere was great. I think there
Son Of The Dragon, Ritual Of The 7 Priests, the circumstances.
were about 200 people there and the place
On The Wings Of Azazel, Bloed In De Sneeuw, wasn’t that big. I even recognized some faces When we were finished with our set, we got
Metal Warriors, Countess Bathory). in the audience from the year before. into the car and drove home straight away,
There was a certain incident while we were arriving home in the middle of the night.
We started playing and the crowd reacted
playing, when Demonos climbed onto the stage enthusiastically. People were banging their
and onto and amp, opened his trousers and heads and singing along. This was a real TOUR DATE SCHEDULE:
started to masturbate on stage. I thought that metal night. It was incredibly hot on stage, 29/4/1997 ‘De Boerderij’ Geleen, Holland
was pretty funny, but the Baroeg people had but we kept playing with as much or perhaps SABBAT, BARATHRUM, COUNTESS & CONQUERED MY FEARS
other ideas and dragged him from the stage. even more vigour than in Rotterdam, because
Still, we were pretty satisfied with the the audience reacted so well (after the gig, 30/4/1997 ‘Baroeg’ Rotterdam, Holland
performance we had given in our home town. someone who frequently attended gigs there COUNTESS, SABBAT - BARATHRUM - WROK
Afterwards, we went for a bite with some told me he’d never seen such a response from 2/5/1997 ‘Die Insel’ Berlin, Germany
friends and after that, we went home. The the audience to any band before). When we SABBAT, COUNTESS, BARATHRUM, SEIRIM
next the would be a day off and the day after had gone through our entire set and anything
else we could think of to play, the audience 3/5/1997 ‘Alte Webschule’ Bramsche (near
that we were going to play in Berlin... Osnabrück), Germany
still kept on yelling for me. So as a final
We drove to Berlin in Warhead’s old Ford encore, we did “Kneel Before The Master’s BARATHRUM, SABBAT, COUNTESS, MOSU QUMA, THA-NORR
Sierra stationcar again. It comfortably Throne” which sounded awful because Zagan’s


SOOTHSAYER was a thrash metal band from Quebec-city. They firmed in 1985, released the mind-blowing “To Be
a Real Terrorist” demo (1985) and after many years of promises, released the cross-over album “Have A Good Time”
(1989) on New Renaissance recs. A second demo exists, but I never heard it and I think I don’t want to either. Haha.
Translated by Christian Petit. (Thank you so much!)

Hails to you guys! Can you start the Well, we never had any career’s plan
interview by giving us a brief history you know! We were just a bunch guys who
of the band? How did you guys meet up loved metal and wanted to play some.
– and did you have a different line-up So, we started rehearsing doing covers
than what you have presently? and then originals. That ended up in
We originally formed in 1985 and always the released of the demo to be followed
had the same line-up. At the beginning, by the release of the album. And during
when we were playing mainly cover songs of all that time we played lot of shows in
Destruction, Slayer, Venom. We used to have the province of Quebec. So that’s how
another guitarist but it didn’t last! our career went, no specific goal but
everything we had hoped for happened. and hardcore. Look at bands like DRI,
Which bands were your favorites, back in SOD, Cryptic Slaughter, Wehrmacht, The
the day? Also, which LP’s were spinning Like you said, you used to do covers of Accüsed; they are the perfect examples.
most often on your turntable? Does your your favourite songs... but who wrote the I think our music is pure thrash metal,
band name come from “Astérix and the first original? How would you guys write but the vocals and some riffs have more
Soothsayer” – the comic book? Haha! songs usually? of a crossover approach.
At the beginning (circa 86) our influences The first original song we did was “Build All your songs were written in English.
were definitely: Slayer, Kreator, Raw The Terrorism” in 1985 and was composed by Why didn’t you sing in your mother
Power, D.R.I., Sacrifice, and that were our first guitarist Denis, who since left tongue? Was it because all your favorite
what we mostly listening too. There were the band. The recipe was the same for all bands sung in English and you wanted
others great band we were listening at our songs: at first, the guitarist came to do the same, or did you think that
the time but their sound influence us less with his riffs and ideas and the rest put
their ingredients in it. French vocals sounded shitty?
(Voivod, S.O.D., Venom, Mercyful Fate,
Exodus, Accüsed, Possessed, etc...) You guys played evil thrash like Slayer/ As you know already, we were influenced
Kreator but you still incorporated by various metal bands who all sang in
The name Soothsayer was chosen by us, no English, therefore it was a natural
relation with the Astérix book. When we a vicious hardcore punk vibe in your
lyrics and in the songs themselves... thing to do the same. If you wanted
decided to have a band’s name we pick a some exposure in the underground scene,
dictionary and point at some words we like have you been really criticized about it
in the metal scene? Personally, I think you’d better do all communication in a
the definition and spelling. And the name universal language. We didn’t want to be
Soothsayer was our favourite one, so that that it fitted well.
a local act for our entire career; we
how we took it for the band. In fact we never received bad comments had a more global (worldwide) approach
What were the band’s goals at the very about it. You know, in ’86, the thrash for the band. We got one song in French,
beginning? Did you want to get world- metal sound had lots of hardcore that song is “101” and it appeared on
wide famous, get signed on a label, get riffs in it that ended up giving the our LP.
groupies or simply get free beer? “crossover sound”; a pure mix of thrash


 Makes sense! I didn’t even realize 101 they used to. Can you tell us about your
was in French. Damnit! Anyway, were best live experience? Or maybe some
you aware of the French metal bands at anecdotes featuring the band (demoniac
the time – like Sortilège, Blasphème, parties, roadie stories, etc.)...
Vulcain, ADX, Killers, Warning, etc...?
I always thought it was weird that there I can’t remember any specific moment,
were close to no French metal bands in but every show came with a different
Quebec (beside Trop Féross and Slayed story and great party. Sure, we did
Nekros... if we can consider that being some memorable ones, for example,
each time we played Montreal, it was
French... hahaha!) a big hit for us. Oh yeah, I remember
I know these old French bands; they were one show that didn’t end too well!
active before us. (Circa 83) I remember I guess she got a lot of positive feedback We opened up for Crumbsuckers (NYC
reading “Enfer Magazine” back then; a from that track or something. Also, there crossover band) in Quebec City, around
great mag and they always covered the were another compilation which you took 1989, during the set Martin broke one
French heavy metal scene - which was part in... and it’s from ex-Yougoslavia!! string on his guitar. Since we only
very active at the time. That’s quite an achievement, especially in played 30 minutes, he didn’t bring any
Before getting your demo re-issued on CD, a communist country! How did you get that? extra guitar strings...so to help us
obtaining it was an almost impossible kindly, the Crumbsucker’s guitarist
Once I received a letter (remember, no lent Martin his brand new clean guitar.
task. On the other hand, around twenty internet then) from a guy in Yugoslavia,
years ago, “To Be a Real Terrorist” was Martin was a guitarist that played very
Gvido, asking us if we could provide hard and aggressive with absolutely no
a really big success in the underground him a song for his upcoming vinyl
– and for a good reason! How many copies compromise, so during the set he cut his
compilation. This person used to be my thumb and started bleeding over and over
have you sold or traded in total? How penpal so I knew him a little bit. His
many letters would you receive per again on the guitar. He was somewhat
project seemed serious, and I knew he uncomfortable when he brought back the
week? Are you totally satisfied with put a lot of work to release it since he guitar to his owner. In addition, at the
the re-issue ? was living in communist Yugoslavia. His same show, Daniel broke his snare head.
Yep, very proud of the reissue, the compilation EP eventually came out. Now So again, the Crumbsucker’s drummer was
packaging and stuff is so cool! Galy this release is a rare collector’s item! kind enough to lend Daniel his snare
Records did an amazing job with this I hope you guys own one of them!! Hey, head to complete the set. Well, guess
release. When the demo first came out in did it happen often that people thought what? Daniel broke his snare head too!
1986, I think we should have sold around you were from Montreal? Was there a That wasn’t a good night for us!
1500. But remember in 1986, there were no bit rivalry between the two underground Haha. I guess you never appeared on
internet and no e-mail, so all the orders scenes of Montreal and Quebec City? their “Thank Lists”... mwahaha. Were
would come by mail. At that time we had you really deep into the underground
a P.O. Box and we would received around I don’t remembere people thinking
we were from Montreal... That never back in the early days? Would you take
10/15 letters every day. Letters from part of the ancestral activity of tape
fans, interview requests, demo requests, happened, I think! Personally, we never
felt a rivalry between both cities. We trading? Also, could you tell us a bit
t-shirt requests, for radio show airplay, about the Quebec fanzines of the times?
for fanzine and magazine appearance.... had soooo many friendships within the
Montreal metal scene and the people who I know that there was Metal K.O. and
everything! Ah...the good ol’ days!
were into it! We helped and supported Shred Zine...
Can you tell us a bit about the Thrash them when they came to Quebec City and we
Metal Attack! compilation, which came Wow! “Tape-trading”, I just loved that
felt the same when we were in Montreal. time! Back in the day, tape-trading
out in 1986? Did you get the impression It was more a friendship story!
that New Renaissance Records’ Ann and fanzines were the law. They were
Boleyn wanted to see people’s reactions Were fans that would come to shows the only way to discover bands. As for
before putting out your debut LP “Have really violent? Like, would they fight fanzines, we had some great ones in
in the pit until they’d be bleeding, Quebec; first one came from Johnny Hart
a Good Time”? with his almighty Metal K.O., I also
or would they destroy the places?
Not sure what was her main goal for us (It would happen often where I come remembered Mega-Thrash by Christian
at that time. NRR used to release good from... people would break the bathroom Petit, Profusion by Rémi Côté, Stage
compilations (remember the “Speed Metal mirrors, fight and drink in the parking Dive by Éric Galy, Mental Absurdity by
Attack” series) and when she offered us lot, until one day we were left with no Rosaire Fontaine, and more...
to appear on the Thrash Metal one we more venues!)
though it was a good opportunity. So
we signed to be on that one. When that Well, most of the time there was a good
compilation came out we weren’t signed ending at the show. But I remember some
yet. Her offer for an album came later! shows where the entire place was “hit by
a storm”. Sure, some fights would happen
sometimes, but that was mostly rare. The
biggest problem we had at concerts were
the skinheads, which were very active
around ’90. Now they are history but back
then, they were terrorizing every show.
Our song «Free Violence» is about that!
They are unfortunately not history
(there are still a few around) but they
don’t terrorize the metal shows like


 motivation of the guys wasn’t there Rob was an influence for me as well as
anymore. Add on top of this a lot of Raw Power’s singer, so it’s a natural
frustration and anger, and you can if I sing like them. I definitely took
understand why we felt abandoned. To that comparison for a compliment. When
make peace with the music industry, we I started rehearsal with the guys
made a 4 song demo that we’d distribute again, I had some trouble singing the
to record companies only. That demo is way I did back in the day. After each
the worst thing we ever did. The songs rehearsal, I drove home with a horrible
on it are not Soothsayer’s sound at all. headache. You know, it wasn’t easy
We were in a crisis when we did it! That always screaming like that especially
demo signed the demise of the band. since I haven’t did it for 17 years!
Shitty deal, man! That sounds like a Yeah, that’s what I figured. Well, you
really bad situation!! Anyway, we’re succeeded anyway! And beer could have cured
going to do a small fast-foward to the that easily... hehe. Anyway, what do you
Damn, some more to hunt from my part! present... You have played your first guys do these days, besides playing music?
It’s funny how many of them either gig in years at the 25 Years of Quebec We are involved in Soothsayer only on
became managers or record label Metal Festival, last September. I heard our spare time. We don’t want to have a
owners... Ok, tell us a bit about “Have that you only practiced for three musical career anymore. We only do it for
a Good Time”... your debut that took months before the show. How was the the fun of it! So as you guessed we didn’t
two fucking years to get released!! I first practice? Did you guys get tight rehearse a lot since we all have day job and
know that it was a really long wait, pretty fast? family! Martin is a French teacher in high
but were you still happy with the final We were very surprised when we did our school, Stephan works in refrigeration,
results? Do you know if the CD will be first rehearsal together. We almost Daniel is an industrial designer and Simon
re-issued in the near future? forgot how to play our own songs; we is an electrical engineer.
Well, the release of that album went had to listen to the recording to be
so bad!! It’s almost the reason why sure the way we composed the songs back
the band split-up back then. We then. We were rusty, but after 2 or 3
received absolutely NO support from times it all came back in memories.
the record company, NO promo at all, That was great to be back again in
NO touring plan and we never received Soothsayer.
any royalties. Worst is that we never It must have felt like a cover band at
received copies of our very own LP; first... haha! Hey, Stéphan – your vocals
we were forced to buy it at a record are truly something original... they are
store to get one!! Add to this the fact really rough but at the same time, they
that the album came out two years too are sung really quickly. Did you have
late. If it had been out when we first a hard time doing the same vocals for
signed with New Renaissance Records in the reunion? Did it piss you off that
1988, the impact on the scene would your vocals were compared to SACRIFICE’s
have been a lot better since we even Rob – or did you simply take it as a
got good reviews from major magazines compliment?
and fanzines. But back in 1990, Thrash
Metal wasn’t the “flavour of the month”
anymore; Grunge was all over the place!
So, all these frustrations created
some bitterness within the group. We
recorded and mixed that album during
Christmas holidays since we were all
going to college at that time. It took
around four to five days to record and
then two days of mixing. We just heard
that NRR will be releasing the album
once again. For this re-release, we
offered them a remix version of the
album that Martin has done. The final
mix and the sound quality will be more
what you can expect today from a thrash
metal band.
What happened after this album? I know
you released a demo in 1991... can you
tell us about it? The logo had completely
changed, but the line-up seems to have
stayed the same. Where the songs the
same style as on “Have a Good Time”? Did
you distribute it heavily?
Like I said in my previous answer,
the album went so bad for us that the


 You have played at the Trois-Rivières Do you have anything else to add, to
metalfest in 2007. How did that show go? complete the interview?
Will you keep on playing gigs from time
to time with the same material, or will Visit our website for more info :
you stop forever? In other words, what www.myspace.com/troopsofhate and
www.troopsofhate.com
are your plans for the future?
Thanks alot, and it was a pleasure to see
Since the reformation, we played 3 times you live! I hope that the future will be
and the one in Trois-Rivières was our
best one. The other two went great too very good for you!
but the Metalfest concert was memorable. Thanks alot Annick for your support and
Actually we have another show schedule friendship!
for august the 4th at l’Imperial in And to you and all Morbid Tale’s readers,
Quebec City we will open for Testament. RAGE & THRASH ETERNALLY!!!!
In addition, there is something in the
air for another appearance in Montréal,
but nothing confirm yet!

10
This was the best, most beautiful and rockin’ vacation I have ever had. François (my partner in crime)
and I left Montreal around 4PM and got there at 6AM... The ride felt really short, and the cool thing
about Czech Airlines is that they offer free booze! Seems like a good start for this beer soaked vacation...
Haha. We arrived there really early – the streets looked abandoned. Weird. Anyway, this trip was just
fantastic. The architecture (gothic cathedrals, fountains, top of buildings) and the mandatory trip to the
Sedlec Ossuary were the most fascinating. In this mini-guide, I will tell you guys my discoveries in
the metal field! Try to learn a few Czech words as a sign of respect to the people there.

Rocksters Store A little further away from the made everyone laugh... we had a
touristy area lays one great real good time. The Straropramen
Karlova 25, Prague 1 - Hours of fucking record shop that deserves brewery is in the area also; we got
operation: Everyday 11AM to 8PM well its name: ROCK PARADISE. Now, a few fresh cans of beer there and
First, one cool metal/punk CD this store has all sorts of styles drank them in a nearby park.
record shop we encountered was – but got a huge trad metal/NWOBHM
section. Man, I couldn’t believe HELL’S BELLS pub
Rocksters Store, located in
a passage very close to the the good albums that were there Na belidle 27, 150 00, Praha 5
Astronomical clock in the Old – the selection is unheard of in – Hours of operation: Monday to
Town square. Prime location! Montreal. They had like 5 MANILLA Friday: 3PM-3AM?, Saturday: 5PM-
They had a really good selection ROAD albums, BOLT THROWER – In 3AM and Sunday 5PM-Midnight.
of punk and metal LP’s and CD’s. Battle there is no Law CD, the two
They even had home-made patches ACID’s, Witchfynde stuff, TÖRR 3-CD Right next to the Rock Paradise
and Czech ‘zines. The guy working digipack with all demos... anything record shop is the HELL’S BELLS
there (Kanar) was friendly and was you could wish for! They also had pub. This one has killer artwork
very knowledgeable of Canadian UG an amazing DVD section, as well as inside (Iron Maiden, Mercyful
bands!! I got RATOS DE PORAO’s Cada the mandatory patches and t-shirts/ Fate, Kiss and Motörhead airbrush
Did Mais Sujo e Agressivo there. longsleeve section. Check it out. paintings) as well as “cave”-like
A bit expensive, but I noticed A bit expensive again, but full of seating places. It’s small, but
that all CD’s in Prague were. goodies for all sorts of tastes! has a lot of feeling... and can get
quite cloudy with cigarette smoke
Also, there are good and cheap as the night goes by. The beer is
ROCK PARADISE pubs/restaurants in the area... we cheap as fuck (1,50$ for a pint!!)
ended up in a strange tavern where and there are shows from time to
Na belidle 27, Praha 5 - Hours of nobody spoke English, but trying time. When we were there, they
operation: Monday-Friday: 10AM-7PM, to explain to the waitress that I played British Steel entirely!
Saturday: 10AM-1PM, Sunday: Closed wanted the largest beer they had Enjoy your trip!

11
 Alright!! Thanks for coming out Yeah! That one! I have bad memory, haha. Nowadays it’s just completely insane.
tonight. You guys are playing this But... how about Midnight Wizard? You get to play WITH KILLER line-ups
Saturday; are you getting nervous? Phil I can’t get back to wizards now; at gigs in Germany... and even in the
Phil We are a bit, but we have a game Paul’s fed up with me writing about United States!
called Rugby here... and it’s the them! It’s like, my English teacher Phil Back in the eighties there
Rugby world cup. England got thru to at school... I’d give him the lyrics were no cheap flights like now! You
the final and it’s on Saturday night. and he’d go “hmmm... no.” couldn’t get Easy Jets. Also, there
Everyone’s going to be watching Rugby Hahaha... so, how does it feel to be was no internet... and besides,
and there’ll be no English people at playing nowadays, compared to your we didn’t know anybody knew of us
that gig! So, we’re glad that you’re beginnings? outside of England!
here! There’s going to be like two Of course, once again tape trading
people there. Paul There’s no pressure, we know the
material... well, we should after 20 did wonders...
Well, you know that the Pagan Altar years! If we don’t know it now, we Phil ...yeah, we got a letter from
gig is on Friday, so most people will never will. some guy in Brazil back in the
be going to both! Oh! Did you write eighties, and we wondered: “How did
any new songs that you’ll be playing Phil Back in the days we were very
ambitious and we wanted to become our record get to Brazil”?
on Saturday?
professional musicians. Now, we reformed South American headbangers are total
Phil Not since the new album, no. and we play in front of all those people maniacs. Anyway, what’s the best
We’ll be playing songs from it - and in Greece, and in Italy next year. It’s gig you’ve done so far, in your
some from the old albums as well. great you know? We never thought we’d opinion?
Not that Wizard song you were telling be doing this again. Paul I think Headbanger’s Open Air in
me about in an e-mail? Paul Everything’s a bonus to us. Germany was one of the best ones. It
Phil The Wizard song? Phil When we got back together, we was just so much fun! The weather was
Paul Not writing any new Wizard songs said we’d just have a good time - have terrible - it was pouring rain.
again are you? fun! And that’s what we do. Did some of you have to re-learn your
Phil You probably meant Midnight Did you guys play in London only, instruments when you reformed in ‘01?
Messiah... before you got back together - or did Paul Phil’s still learning his now...
you do other gigs in Europe before? Phil Well, I had to learn the songs
Phil We didn’t get to Europe really, again. It was like playing in a cover
but we did go to Northern Ireland and band... I’d listen to the tapes
toured Britain. and re-learn what we did before.
Remember, it was 20-30 years ago!

ELIXIR is a traditional British Heavy metal that

started out in 1983, right when N.W.O.B.H.M.
was at the end of its peak. They started by
releasing everything on their own, and then got
signed to Sonic records before breaking up.
In 2001, they came back together with the original
line-up to do soem re-recordings of unreleased
songs and wrote new ones.
This interview was conducted with Phil and
Paul in London (England) by myself with a bit
of help of Alice, on the 16th of October 2007.

12
Oh course, I can understand! I guess Phil I’m not the best guitar player it’s the package, the artwork and the
it must have been quite strange at in the world, but there’s two concept that I really love.
first. A lot of bands have been types of guitar players: there’s Yeah - back then they really knew how to
getting back together nowadays so guitarists like Norman who’s got package LP’s! Anyway, you guys started
I’m sure it’s not the first time this the abilities and he’s great, but with Sally Pike on vocals and recorded
happens. Hey - Phil, I told you this there’s guitarists like me... I have a full demo as well as did two shows...
in the past, but I think it’s really to write my own songs you know? It why did she leave the band?
cool that you guys reformed with was like that at the beginning...
ALL the original members. I really We needed another guitarist, so Norm Paul You haven’t heard her, haven’t you?
enjoy that it’s quite rare nowadays, came and really enjoyed it. It’s like No. I guess that says everything!!
especially having the same type of a team, and everyone does different
enthusiaM! parts. I’m not so flexible myself - I Paul It was... an acquired taste.
Phil When we got talking about getting don’t think I could just walk in and Phil 1983 was when I moved to London.
back together, we said we’d only do it join a band - I’m used to doing my I was 21, I met Kevin, our bass
if we’d be all the original members. own thing, really. player, who was 19, and Nigel who was
So, your song writing process is 17, and we started to write some songs
you - who starts the core and then together. We were looking for a singer
everyone builds up around it? - and we kept auditioning for one but
couldn’t find anyone that we liked.
Phil Sometimes. Some songs are like this Finally, we found Sally who had quite
and other songs it’s Paul that comes a nice voice and a good image...
up with the idea like for “Pandora’s
Box” or “Rescue My Soul”. Sometimes Paul ...hehehe...yeah.
other people chip in with their own Phil ...she turned up on a motor bike you
ideas. Like “Don’t Trust the Preacher” know. She looked like a rock chick.
off the new album, Norm turned up at
rehearsals with over 30 riffs! He Paul She had some outstanding points but
doesn’t write songs, he writes riffs. I don’t think the voice was one of them.
LIVE AT THE PURPLE TURTLE, 2007 So we take everyone’s ideas and put Phil We did one demo with her. We used
them in the song structure... to go at the Standard to the rock discos
I really respect that. We saw a Paul Sometimes Phil goes and writes on Saturday nights, and there was a DJ
festival recently with a band whole songs - like “Guiding Star” and there called Neal Kay - he’s the one who
(DAMNATION) that reformed. The only “Where Angels Fear To Tread” on the claims to have found Iron Maiden. He’d
original member was the drummer! new Mindcreeper album. He’d come with used to play the Iron Maiden demo tapes
Phil Yeah, it’s bad... unless it’d be the lyrics, a vocal pattern, the drum (the Soundhouse tapes) there. Following
the EXCITER drummer! parts... the whole thing! He’d record it Iron Maiden’s footsteps, we gave him
on his own 8-track and play it to us. our demo tape and he heard Sally. He
Hahaha!! Yeah of course! Now, we’re goes “Is Sally here”? “yeah...” “Can
talking about something completely Oh yeah? Cool! Phil, do you play I have a word with her?” He asked her
different. Dan Beehler fucking ruled! drums, also? if she’d be interested in joining an
Ok, let’s go back to the beginning Paul With his two fingers! all girl project that he was putting
of the band. What pushed you guys to together. They were called “Sweet
become musicians? (Alice and me start Phil Yeah, I use a drum machine for that. Sixteen”. What they did we don’t know,
shouting: the girls! the girls!) Just the beat, really. I got a bass at but we had to find another singer. It
home, so I do a basic bass line. worked out for the best though, ‘cause
Phil No!! It wasn’t really for me.
Ahh ok, haha. As for influences, what Paul came along.
Paul I was saving up for the plastic were your favorite metal bands at the
surgery so I could get the girls! That’s a quite good thing it seems.
very beginning of your youth? Did you guys ever think of putting
Phil You know, I was already with Paul When I was really young there
my wife before I started playing wasn’t any heavy metal - but I was
guitar (we’ve been together since heavily into the Beatles. Then
school). When I was small, my mom was you worked your way thru... and I
at the radio and we just had music regressed to the late 60’s early 70’s
all day long! I got into rock music with American psychedelic rock stuff
especially, and thought “wouldn’t it like Vanilla Fudge, the Doors, Iron
be cool to be on stage playing guitar Butterfly and Alice Cooper. Phil’s
or something?” Making people happy, background is really Black Sabbath,
giving them enjoyment you know! Just Judas Priest, Saxon and that kind of
seeing people’s faces and seeing stuff, so it was a real crossover. He
they are enjoying it. When we got was a big Deep Purple fan too.
back together and went to Greece, CHEERS!! (beer fueled interview)
we’d play songs from The Son of Odin Phil Yeah! I saw Saxon supporting the demo as a bonus track on a future
- and people knew the words and were Motörhead in ‘79! They were just album? I’d be curious to hear it!
singing them! It was amazing. It was doing the Wheels of Steel tour, so
a high, you know, a real high!! I bought that album back then. It Phil I’d like to hear it, because I
was a great album. My favorite album don’t think any of us have a copy.
Of course, of course!! How was the is Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the We did about 100 copies of the
process of learning guitar for you? Moon”. The music is really great but first demo tape, but we can’t find

13
 it anywhere! There were four songs Punk was pretty much gone by the time
– ‘The Idol’ was one of them, ‘Devil it was the early eighties actually. The
Rider’, ‘Death Toll’ and ‘Satan’s punk scene was then what they called
Angel’. We’d like to hear ‘em to see the “New Wave”... it was great because
what they sounded like originally. before the New Wave, in ‘76, all bands
I’ll definitely try to dig it up, who wanted to make records had to get
even though it might take me a a record deal, and that was it. If you
little while! Can you describe the didn’t get a record deal, you couldn’t
atmosphere that was reigning back in record an album. In the New Wave, they
the NWOBHM days? started their own thing and did small
labels. When the punk thing died out and
Phil It was great because there was the Heavy Metal came out, it was called
never any trouble. I use to go to The “the New Wave of British Heavy Metal”
Standard on Fridays and Saturdays - because then Heavy Metal bands realized
and who knows what kind of biker gangs they could do that as well. They could THE FIRST EP (VERY HARD TO FIND!)
were there! But there was never any make records and release them on their
trouble, you know. People loved the own labels. That’s what we did - like and it was fantastic. Everything you
music and they all got along well. the single “Treachery” and the album wanted to be and where you wanted
Yeah, it’s kind of like this too - “The Son of Odin” were released on our to go was in there. It became very
in Montreal. People get along really own label, Elixir Records. We couldn’t influential to us... trying to get
well at metal bars.... except this get a record deal, so we thought we articles and reviews in there and gig
time at my bar where I DJ - I put a couldn’t wait forever and we thought listings at the back. We wanted to
Motörhead song and two punks got in a we’d just do it ourselves! We got a keep the name going all the time.
fist fight! It was the coolest thing loan from the bank, and got the record
out. We didn’t even think of a name Phil Kerrang! was a spin-off magazine
ever; I didn’t want to turn off the - it used to be Sounds magazine,
song. It was just like a music video for the label! And so the New Wave
showed people of our generation what which was some sort of weekly music
or something. Speaking of punks, paper (like Melody Maker, and the New
would they go to your shows? we could do.
Musical Express). Sounds magazine
Phil Yeah, there was one in Chichester, Which bands did you play with - usually? was more rock-oriented than the other
a town down the south coast of England. Or was it different every time? two. I think they were criticized for
The place was called “The Chichester Paul We did a lot of gigs with ANGEL having too many metal bands in it,
Rock Society”. We went down there and WITCH and CHARIOT - ‘cause they were so they started Kerrang! which was
there was a punk at the front who around the same time as us. purely metal. Sounds magazine went
seemed to want to start a fight with more ...indie. We went off and bought
all the other rock fans... Phil The first gig we ever did was Kerrang! instead.
supporting TOKYO BLADE.
Paul He was doing everything the Did you see a bit different fan-
punks used to do: bounce around (the Paul DESOLATION ANGELS, of course. and sale-wise after the review was
pogo dance! -Annick), hit people and Oh man, really? published?
spit at people for fun. He got a bit Phil Yeah, we used to rehearse in the Phil No, not really. Most of the time,
too close to us... next room to them - and we were good people who were into metal just went
Did he spit on you guys? friends. Joe Larner (bass) disappeared to every single gig. Once we played in
Paul He tried, yeah, and I wasn’t too once and they had a gig so they asked Sheffield (Southern Yorkshire)... it
receptive about that. I had a microphone Kevin (ELIXIR’s bassist - Annick) was a snowy night, and not one single
stand in my hand, and I told him I’d to see if he could replace him. We person turned up to our gig! The bar
ram it on him if he ever tried again. said “yeah sure”, so we lent him to maid just stood there reading her book.
DESOLATION ANGELS for about a week. It was really cold that night...
I read quite a few stories of early That was before ELIXIR had played live
English punk shows in the early 80’s... so all the band went to see Kev...
and that was his first gig!
Hahaha, that’s too cool! Anyway, the
first single you put out, Treachery,
was positively reviewed in Kerrang!
magazine by Dio himself! It must have
been quite an honor. How big of an
influence on Heavy Metal bands did
1985 DEMO with Kerrang! magazine have back then?
PAUL ON VOCALS
Phil I think it was the biggest rock
magazine in the UK. It’s still going EARLY PICTURE OF THE BAND
good thing there was just one, ‘cause but it’s pretty different.
you guys would have had a free shower! Yeah... that still happens here,
Paul I remember going on my way to work sadly. I saw ANVIL with about 5 people
I was always wondering though, were one day, walking thru news agents and
punks and metalheads in the U.K. in in the crowd! Anyway, your first
seeing this new magazine - the first album (The Son of Odin)’s lyrics are
totally seperated scenes? edition of Kerrang! that came out. more fantasy based, whilst the second
Phil It was pretty separate, yeah. It had Richie Blackmore on the cover one “Sovereign Remedy” is more about

14
relationships... girls and all that (which took me three days to record) me of my wife when she was younger.
stuff. What happened? Did you guys down. It was a bit of a pain... The kind of “rock chick”... big hair,
get sick of singing about fantasy? Phil I’m usually the control freak who leather mini-skirts. You saw them a lot
Paul Well, Phil kept on coming up stays in the studio doing all the mix at the Saturday night rock discos.
with wizards again... while everyone goes to the pub... Anyway, Yeah, it didn’t change much from now!
when we tried to get a record deal with Ok, so Nigel left in ‘87, and you
the master tapes of Sovereign Remedy and ended up with Clive Burr - an ex-
didn’t get one, and my first boy was member of IRON MAIDEN. Do you think
about to be born, that’s when I left that he did a good job filling in?
the band. They got a record deal a year Phil Yeah he did. He wasn’t a permanent
later, so I wasn’t involved with the member though - we had found a bass
mixing (but neither were the others). player, but we kept on auditioning
If I was still in the band, I would drummers and nobody could get what
have went to Liverpool and insisted to Nigel did.
be there for the mix - but I wasn’t.
I didn’t realize how it was going to Paul I had to get my car repaired -
sound like until Paul brought me a vinyl and the guy who was doing car repairs
and I didn’t like it. The re-release said that he had another customer who
(Sovereign Remedy) is how it should be, was in a band, and used to play with
with the extra tracks and all. Iron Maiden... some of them still bring
their cars to me. I asked him who, and
DEBUT ALBUM COVER (1986) I’m sure you almost had a heart he said “well, there’s the drummer...”
attack while listening to it! But so we got his phone number from the car
Phil At first we wanted to have a big anyway, glad you’re satisfied with repair guy. We rung him up – and asked
fantasy stage show, but of course being the re-released version. Anyway, you him to record the album with us.
a small band we really didn’t have the recorded some songs for the Friday
budget. Having recorded the first album BBC Rock Show, did an album and
in ‘86, we took it to labels and they toured the UK extensively in order
all said “nahh, it’s old... listen to promote it... was that period hard
to this instead!” then they would on you guys?
play Bon Jovi’s “Slippery When Wet” Paul No, not really! But if we’d
album. They’d say we’d have to sound have to do it now, it would kill us.
more American and more commercial. So, Imagine us, pulling out of work at 4
for the second album we thought we’d o’clock on a Friday afternoon, drive
write more commercial-type songs like to Birmingham or Newcastle, playing
“She’s Got It” or “All Together Again”. a gig on the Friday night and the
It wasn’t really our sort of thing, Saturday night, drive home on Sunday
but we did it to try to get a record - get home about 2-3 in the afternoon
deal. Kevin and Nigel had left by that and get back to work on the Monday...
time... and when they came back, they
said “what the hell was that??” I don’t Phil It’s nice to play festivals now,
think we’d ever play them live. where there are several bands on the COVER FOR original press of SOVEREIgn remedy!
bill and there’s more of a crowd that
Paul Well.. you never know! Haha. comes to see us. It’s nice to take Phil He was signed up with DESPERADO at
For the second album, we got tied the guitars, jump on the plane and the time - with Dee Snider and they had
with the studio and the producer and fly to another country. recorded an album already, so he was
he was very ambitious. He wanted us waiting to go off touring. He said that
to do “big, big numbers”... like the Yeah, although now there are alot
of fuel surcharges! Ok, Phil, you he had about a month or so - so we went
infamous “Legion of the Eagle” which and recorded the album with him. We got
had about 86 tracks! 7 harmony vocals, were telling me that you were married
before you started the band... did you along well! We did one gig too - it
loads and loads of stuff... was on my birthday in 1988, I remember
ever get in trouble with groupies?
Were you aware that this album was because they had these cream pie things
going to come out with another mix, Phil No, I didn’t! ...Paul’s my witness! and splattered them on my face. He then
and under the name “The Lethal Potion” Paul Yeah, we used to fight them off went off with DESPERADO.
instead of “Sovereign Remedy”? with big sticks. But really, we didn’t Paul He was good. At the recording
Paul Vaguely, yes. We had a deal with really have much. You know, the trouble session, we played songs that were not
Sonic records - which at the time was was - the art of being successful and even completed yet, so he basically
DEMON’s manager. They did the usual signed up in the eighties was to be a picked up the pieces that were there
thing of taking the product away and good band, but you had to have cute and played drum patterns for them.
re-mixing it. It was too long, so they curly hair and good looks. So there He did the whole recording session
took two tracks off and re-arranged was no hope in me! in a weekend. 13 or 11 numbers.
them... it didn’t make any sense when Alice In general, were there a lot of Did you guys get more fans just
you played it all together. Because women in metal at the time? because he was in IRON MAIDEN?
Clive Burr (ex-drummer of Iron Maiden)
was on it, he turned all the drums up Phil Not lots, but there were some. Phil Yeah it probably gave us more
so they’d be really loud and boomy, and You know that movie, Rock Star, with publicity. We thought it wouldn’t hurt
turned all the keyboards and vocals Jennifer Aniston? She really reminded us to have Clive in the band... but

15
 when people came up at the show on us if we had any old material. I said Paul But I’m still in a position
my birthday, and said “we’ve got to that we were just talking about that, where I like a package. I need to be
see Clive’s new band!” People saw it that we had some and would like to able to take it in my hands!
a different way because they had not record them. They released it on Yeah, me too. I need to sit down, look at
heard of us. In the very beginning, vinyl, and we released the CD on our the booklet, sing along when I’m alone,
even Dio thought that we sounded like own label. It was recorded on our own and see the band’s vision! Speaking of
IRON MAIDEN with our song “Treachery” multi-track recorder. packaging - did you ever get offers of
- which also became our most popular Cool! How was the reactions from the re-pressing your albums on vinyl?
song. We got tagged being like MAIDEN fans to these new albums? Did you have
and we had a hard time to lose it. Paul Well, we already have our two
a lot of comeback from the press? firsts on vinyl - and Cult Metal
When The Son of Odin came out, we
showed people that we don’t just sound Paul The trouble was with the press is Classics released The Idol on black
like the song “Treachery” – we’ve got that - because we had all these eighties and dark-red purple-y vinyl. There
other songs that sound different. Some numbers - all the people I ever met said was only 500 pressed though!
journalists still wrote that “this they enjoyed The Son of Odin because Phil By the way, do you know the story
is the new album from the band that it was a pure album... no overdone about the Son of Odin cover? It’s
sounds like IRON MAIDEN”... production. We thought we’d go the Paul that made it. Paul had all those
same way, not adding effects and a big calendars from banks and institutions
production. We recorded it as straight sent to his work, and one of them
as we could... but the press said we was a calendar of “holiday snaps” -
didn’t progress in the last 20 years! bank employees posting some pictures
Phil I came across reviews from that they took. There was one with
Terrorizer that said that it was the this rock, and there was no copyright
best Heavy Metal release of 2003! They on it, so Paul ripped it off and we
really loved it!They are the same stuck the eagle and the logo on it.
magazine that wrote that the Son of Odin Haha... very nice, old school graphic
album was one of the top 20 Power Metal design! I think it turned out great,
albums of all time. It’s fantastic! Of and it really represents the mood of
Phil and norman, live in mid-80’s course, it would have been nice to sell the album. Hey guys, I’m done with the
millions, but we are happy with what questions. Do you have anything to add?
Ahh, that’s too bad... it happens quite we did. You know, back in the days,
frequently though, and some “worship” we said “if we make one record, do a Paul Well, I’m interested to know -
bands even say openly that they want to BBC session and play Hammersmith Odeon, what about ELIXIR do you like?
sound like others! Ok. “The Idol”, which then we’d be happy. We did everything
you’ve recently put out, are all songs but the Hammersmith Odeon, and we’d
that you’d written before disbanding in still like to do that, really!
the eighties, am I right? Maybe you can put on the next British
Paul Yeah, like “Death Dealer” was Steel festival there!!
just finished when Kev left. I found a Phil Nah, it costs too much - it’s
demo recording of it, it was actually thousands of pounds to rent it. It’s
finished - so it got included on the a big venue, you know? I saw Thin
album. There were a few tracks that Lizzy there with Phil Lynott when he
were lined-up from the Son of Odin was still alive... as well as AC/DC
album but they got pushed back... with Bon Scott, Michael Schenker (he
Phil A lot of these songs were the was my favorite guitar player) so for Mr. Nigel dobbs!
earlier songs. like “The Idol” was one me it’s a great deal to be playing at
of the first songs we ever wrote. As the Hammersmith Odeon. Well, when I listen to your songs, it
we liked the new songs over the older Yeah, well - good luck with this! brings me to some other place, and they
ones, when it came to choosing nine One must follow his dreams! What are make me headbang. You guys write some
songs for the first album, they took your plans for the future... aside really great tunes! Makes me happy.
the place of the old ones. When it was from that?
Norman’s bday party - the 1st time Phil It’s funny you mention that,
we got together in about 13 years, Paul Trying not to die! because when I first started writing
we played Treachery again. I couldn’t Phil Keeping all our own teeth! songs in my first band, all I wanted
remember it, and didn’t have a record to write was songs that would make
player anymore, so I found a tape of Paul But really, I’m trying to you headbang... because that’s what
our gig in 1985 and played it. There convince Kevin to do another album. I was into!
was Treachery but loads of other songs We got songs about...
Paul What are your favorite songs?
that we never recorded... I thought drunken Annick Wizards?
“Oh! Those are good!” I had forgotten Trial by Fire, Treachery, Pandora’s
all about ‘em. I told the other members Paul No, no, not at the moment. Box and Shadows of the Night on the
that we had all those good songs and Phil I’d like to do a concept album second album. They are all great
it would be nice if we could all get you know, and if it evolves into songs!! Anyway, thanks alot for
back together for one time to record wizards - than so be it! this complete and really interesting
them properly for ourselves. About a interview. I can’t wait to see you
Phil I’m not sure about how well guys live on Saturday. Keep on
month after that, Cult Metal Classics albums sells these days... it’s a headbanging!
re-released The Son of Odin and asked multimedia age, you know.

16
 CLOVEN HOOF w/ELIXIR and KACHINA
20th October 2007 @ The Purple Turtle, London, England

The day before (PAGAN ALTAR/WARNING) was one hell of a gig, even got the mic from Paul from time to time!!! The set went
but I’m still hungry for some more heavy fucking metal! fast, due to time restrictions... but they finished up with
Tonight’s show is a great line-up once again, with two killer the excellent “Treachery”. In my eyes, this was an absolutely
British bands: CLOVEN HOOF and ELIXIR. I wasn’t too familiar perfect set! Thanks so much, ELIXIR!!!
with KACHINA so I wasn’t too rushed to get to the bar in
time... They were not that bad actually, but it was a bit too
watered down “classic metal” for my tastes. I got a pint, sat
down at a table and chatted with some friends ‘til Elixir got
on stage. We were like 10 at a small table, discussing our
favorite subject: Heavy Metal! One of the people, Pio (an
Italian fellow) felt really bad because a few moments earlier After this was the band a lot of
he took a Swedish Snus (some kind of nicotine/tobacco filled people were looking forward to:
micro tea bag that you put in your mouth) and it made him CLOVEN HOOF! For those who don’t
fucking sick. It really sucks for him, because what was about know, nowadays they only have
to happen that night was going to shake him up real good! one of their original members:
Lee on bass. To be honest, I’ve
been kind of sceptical about
this band since I think the
first album is the very best,
and the rest is not very good...
but live, it was a different
story. Again, all the die-hards
in the bar sang along with big
retarded smiles on their faces. Lee, the bassist, really went
at it - he was dressed head to toe in leather, and headbanged
all the way throughout the set. The vocalist, Russell North,
kept on asking if we enjoyed it... well, of course we did!
How can we possibly not? Hearing these songs just sent shivers
thru my body! They played “Nova Battlestar”, the amazing
“Gates of Gehenna”, “Road of Eagles”, a bunch more, then
finished up with the mighty “Laying Down the Law”. Of course,
we wanted more. Nobody would let these guys off the stage!
Everyone screamed together CLOVEN HOOF! CLOVEN HOOF!, while
ELIXIR started up with the excellent “Don’t Trust the Preacher” doing ritual-sounding percussions with empty beer bottles
(from the Mindcreeper album), which really started me. I think ‘till they finally came back on stage, after about 15 minutes
it sounds so much like a driving-on-the-highway kind of song! of shouting!!! They did their encore with “Mistress of the
They went on to “Trial by Fire” and then “Star of Beshaan”. Forest” (I would have preferred something older, but it’s ok)
I really enjoyed watching them live. You know, they are all and bowed to the satisfied crowd.
the original members and you could feel that there was a Overall, it was another great evening; I just stood there
really tight complexity between them. I found it fun how Paul and couldn’t say anything more. I was pleased, tired, but
(vocals) would do gestures (like air drums or air guitar) to happy like a bunny in the springtime. Ha-ha! The day after,
the songs, exactly on the same beats and everything. The crowd I had to fly back to Montreal so I couldn’t stick around and
was reacting well, singing along and banging their head with go to another bar (sorry guys!) but the future is very young!
raised fists. We all went really wild when they started playing Thanks to everyone for being so generous to me, especially
the opening notes to “Pandora’s Box”! Everyone sang along; we Paul and Phil! You guys are the best, hands down!!!

17
 As a record hunting enthusiast, I was expecting London to be one of the best places to find
incredible gems. Some of my friends have warned me beforehand that most good places had
closed down because of high rent and the possibility of making more money on eBay, but
I was still hopeful. I found a few nice shops, but overall I was dissapointed. So here’s a
resume of my hunt, which were almost all conveniently located in the Camden area!
Music & Video Exchange Sketchy twisted stairs would lead The prices were a bit higher, but the
208 Camden High Street, Camden you to a “treasure” basement full selection was surprisingly great! A
of 7”s and rare LP’s. Most of them lot of classic metal albums- including
This little shop didn’t have much were expensive, but then again, a HUGE SAXON section. I bought the new
for us, metal maniacs. Vinyl-wise; this is London... you get used to WITCHCRAFT record for 9 pounds (18$
they had a “hair-metal/heavy metal” it. I saw plenty of GIRLSCHOOL, US), which was reasonably good. They
section, which had boring stuff, but SAXON, TANK, HAWKWIND and BLACK even had a GOAT SEMEN/ANAL VOMIT split
in the CD’s you could find a surprising SABBATH rarities that would make any CD! Weird.
amount of DOOM (like Cathedral, metalhead drool. There was even a
The Obsessed, PENTAGRAM)... it strange Yougoslav “Paranoid” single.
almost seems like they knew there BOOZE:
was a doom festival going on in Resurrection Records There are a lot of places to booze up
the weekend. Anyway, this place for metalheads. Here are a few handy
also had a large bargain basement. 228 Camden High St pub addresses:
Easy to miss, but hard to forget. The Intrepid Fox (Soho)
Out on the Floor Records This is probably the second best St. Giles High Street
10 Inverness Street, Camden shop. Located in the basement of Pub with poolroom and metal
one of those clothing/boot shops,
This was the best shop that I visited they pretty much have all the good World’s End (Camden)
in London. Graced with two small- metal stuff on CD – be it extreme, 174 Camden High
sized floors filled with used vinyls, trad, thrash, etc. They also have a Good ole’ pub w/fire place, Thai
CD’s and psychedelic posters, Out on punk/hardcore/gothic section as well. food and heavier-than-normal music
the Floor Records has apparently Sadly, the prices were quite steep
been there for 20 years! The top for used CD’s (10 pounds - 20$ US). Malborough Head (Marble Arch)
floor mostly has 60’s and 70’s rock 24 North Audley St
albums, Kraut Rock, Progressive, HMV - The Trocadero Centre Dark environment, “underground” music
Country, Punk and of course – Heavy
Metal! They had a Diamond Head 7-14 Coventry Street, Haymarket
– Lightning to the Nations signed Garlic and Shots (Soho) – Firth St
I went there just for kicks, to Swedish restaurant w/metal pub-venue
LP, but it was 60 pounds (120$ US). compare it to Montreal’s location. and garlic vodka (!)

18
SACRED BLADE is an amazing band from Vancouver, British Colombia that started out in 1978 (!).
They recorded three demos, then had one song featured on Brian Slagel’s infamous Metal Massacre
compilation. After good feedback, they released an LP in ’86 and then produced three more demos before
changing their name and releasing one LP under the name of OTHYRWORLD (pronounced “other
world”). Their sound is quite unique – they are epic heavy metal in the most traditional way with progressive
parts and a sci-fi feel. I would describe it as a mix of ANGEL WITCH, WARLORD, BLACK
SABBATH, MERCYFUL FATE, HAWKWIND and later VOÏVOD. Anyway, Jeff “the Pilot”
will guide us deep into his vision, sharing his amazing band’s past and future. Enjoy!
When did the idea of SACRED BLADE of stuff. One day, I went out and
start out, and how did you meet the bought MOTÖRHEAD’s The Ace of Spades,
other members of the band? BLACK SABBATH - Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
and the first DEF LEPPARD album. The
I’ve been in a band since ‘77 or original guitar player was a big JUDAS
‘78... I was 13 around then, and it PRIEST fan, so I got into that and
just sort of evolved. It had started then got into all the New Wave of
in high school and had ever changing British Heavy Metal stuff like IRON
line-ups. We were officially SACRED MAIDEN, SAXON, ANGEL WITCH... I was
BLADE in ‘78. We met the other members also into the 70’s Hard Rock stuff
of the band through school friends. like CAPTAIN BEYOND and DEEP PURPLE
Band practices were really serious, Yeah, I do drumming now, but it was or other bands like B.T.O. and RUSH.
but as we were in High School - alot of mainly because drum kits were so There was always that sort of influence
other guys wanted to have fun... they expensive, and having access to them there. Our original drummer was into
weren’t really serious about it. was hard. My dad had an old guitar so Jean Michel Jarre, Tangerine Dream and
Were you always into music - as you I could play on that. stuff like that as well, so it was
were growing up? What was the first Makes sense. Anyway, SACRED BLADE is pretty diverse. We sort of drew from
instrument you ever laid hands on? a great fucking name, but it really all these influences.
Yeah - I’ve been into music since I doesn’t have anything to do with And that is what makes your band so
could remember. As a little kid I would the music. Why have you chosen it original! Vancouver has sprouted all
draw pictures of bands; I had a poster originally? sorts of really interesting bands like
of all sorts of orchestral instruments BLACK KNIGHT, THOR, WITCHES HAMMER...
Originally I had another band and I can you tell us a bit more about the
that totally fascinated me. The first had done the artwork of what the first
instrument I actually played was the beginnings of your metal scene? Can
album was going to be... now we’re you name other bands that were truly
violin... which I really hated! talking back in 1978! I had cover
Haha, I can’t imagine SACRED BLADE artwork designed around the original original but never pierced the market?
with added violin... band name and I had a guy with a big Well, you had places like the Bay Area
axe on it - so that’s how I came up in San Francisco who had all sorts
No, no, me neither. I was in like grade with the name SACRED BLADE. I agree of bands influencing each other - and
one (6-7yrs old), and my parents were with you, it doesn’t have anything to had a competition thing going on. They
trying to get me into music early. Violin do with the music - hence the name all ended up doing pretty much the
was not the way I wanted to go. I then change to OTHYRWORLD. same thing. Around where we were, it
learned piano and eventually guitar. was completely remote. There wasn’t
I always wanted to be a drummer So - your first band back in ‘78... was
it a heavy metal band? It was still another band doing what you were doing.
though! There weren’t shows on a regular basis
How come you never became one? quite early for that. until the mid eighties, so it was
Although, I know you did play drum Yup! We started playing covers of the years after we started doing demos
parts on the OTHYRWORLD album! Cars, the Doors, the Who; that type and stuff that we played regularly.

19
 Bands there kind of evolved isolated At least you had him, haha. We were Haha, I imagine not! You’re lucky that
from other stuff. As for the bands talking earlier about shows... it sounded fine live. If you could
that you had mentioned, I can’t really you played with a lot of big play again nowadays, what your show be
say I was into them... It wasn’t acts in the 80’s - even replacing like?
really my direction or style. There METALLICA on one of their gigs. It would depend on where we would play,
was one band that comes to mind that Can you tell us a bit more about it? and how many dates we’d be doing.
never went too far was GENGHIS KHAN. Can you recall which show was your Ideally, I’d have my spaceship back
They didn’t do a lot of stuff. I’ve ultimate favorite? in working order again... ultimately;
rehearsed with them for a year or METALLICA of that time wasn’t what the show would have to be pretty big.
so. Our band wasn’t doing much, just it is today... let’s put it that In reality, most show promoters don’t
working around in the studio - so I way! They were getting popular at allow you to put on the show that you
was playing around with them a bit and the time - but that was before the really want. We could never bring out
played a show with them. They had some first album was released. The best the 16-foot drum riser at all... we
pretty interesting stuff, but it felt shows were the earliest. We did one can barely fit the regular drum-set
apart before they got anything going. show in Vancouver where we got to which is pretty much RUSH-sized! It
The guys were really talented, but use our full 16-foot drum riser... eats most of the stage.
they just disappeared. They got real but the best one is probably when we
jobs and you know. Anyway, some of the Well, that’s a big problem right
played at Britannia Beach - which was there... and touring in Canada is
bigger bands around here at that time an outdoor festival that we got to
were DOA and Subhumans. They had a just ridiculous! Have you had any
headline. It was just cool playing offers for big festivals these days?
pretty big following at that time - we outside. It was a totally different
even played with them once! atmosphere because you didn’t get Yeah, I actually turned down an offer
Would you say you were somewhat the reverb you’d get inside. We could last week. They wanted to come over
influenced by Canadian hardcore bands also actually hear ourselves on the next year to play - but it wouldn’t
at all? monitors! work out. I think it’s really amazing
that years later, there is still
Well, I liked some of it - like the I suppose monitors were a big problem interest!
Subhumans, DOA, Pointed Sticks and for you guys?
Young Canadians, but I wouldn’t say It’s because your music is timeless.
Yeah, it was always a problem at You weren’t trying to follow trends
it was influential. These bands shows around here. I remember being
were more stuff that was around at or anything.
on stage and all I could hear was the
the time. The metal heads here were trashing hi-hat sound! We didn’t know Yeah, it’s true! Because it takes me so
pretty limited... There was this guy if we were in tune or anything. Also, much time to do everything, if I tried
who worked at a record store that was back in the early days, we didn’t to do something trendy, by the time I’d
the central figure in town. Everybody even have a P.A. at rehearsals. I be done, the trend would be over.
would go in there, where they would wouldn’t even practice the vocals...
have a metal section with all the new You’d still be playing Cock Rock in
I’d just mouth the words while 2009. Hahahaha!! Anyway, let’s go a
releases and imports. You’d go there playing. When it came time for the
and load up on records! (laughs) He’s bit back to the band. What was the
show, I would just wing it! I’d never ultimate goal is?
the one that got me into ANGEL WITCH, do that now.
VENOM... and MERCYFUL FATE before
being MERCYFUL FATE...

20
 have to make I understand your point of view...
it tangible but you know, it took half my age to
somehow... I become what it is today!! Anyway, can
demo it/put you tell us a bit about your demos?
it together How many were distributed and how
so it comes would you sell them?
out of me, We didn’t really sell ‘em back then.
then it gets They were just sort of given out to
filed until I one of my friends - who was really
get ready to big into tape trading. He would
be assembling dub the tape and off they go! Some
material for a strange things happened to some of
It’s pretty complicated actually. new album. When I go back, I listen
Originally, it was just to create those tapes along the way... some of
to the recordings and ask myself if them weren’t running at the right
quality music. Creating music is a they are ok to go the way they are
really personal thing and I just doing speed. I remember the first time I
- which is rare, or think some parts met METAL CHURCH, they had heard one
it to satisfy my own requirements. I are good and some other parts sucks.
don’t choose to do it - I just do of our demos and said: “Man, we’ve
it. The underline concept is broad and About of the Sun + Moon - which is a never heard anything that fast!” Of
it’s not easily summed up. I started tremendous album for me, what do you course, it was probably a dubbing
writing a story to go along with it think of it? mistake, but you know, it was quite
way back... which is still kind of Well, I am not satisfied with it - funny. Back then I was still in High
in the works. Newer albums will come hence me reworking it to perfection School and it was pretty bizarre
out and it will all fit together. I under the name OTHYRWORLD. to see letters from all over the
can’t get into it yet because there world showing up in my mailbox. It
is a lot more to be released for it to You know - Tom G Warrior of Celtic Frost was strange, especially because we
make sense. Musically, the catalogue was always ashamed of HELLHAMMER-type weren’t out performing anywhere...
I’ve got is huge... a lot of material material because he thought it was we’d be rehearsing in the garage,
has been written over 20 years that just juvenile crap. He now learned released a couple of demos in ‘82 and
has not been released yet. I don’t to accept it as part of his career ‘83 and because of tape trading we
want to spell out the whole story and he seems to be quite proud of it started to get recognized!
because the big part of appreciating nowadays. All of that to say that I
think you’re really hard on yourself Of course... a lot of bands started
music is just making your own idea of out this way. Too bad it’s almost
it. I tend to like more imagery or an with your first album!! Haha
extinct nowadays! Back to your
impression of a story rather than a That’s where the difference comes. I demos. Did they create interest with
narrative or a full story. can’t appreciate the work because I labels?
Yeah, I know what you mean; it’s like never hear it for the first time! I’m
living thru my music, so my opinion Some labels started showing interest.
an abstract painting or something, It was really something! What I
So, what came first - the concept or of it really isn’t that important.
The first album to me does not live enjoyed a bit less was learning the
the band? business side... there is a very big
up to the standards of performance
The band came first - but the writing that I was trying to achieve. It is division between the image of the
was always abstract. The music has an honest album for sure - we spent music industry and what it actually
evolved over a very long period of hours and hours doing all these guitar involves. It’s one thing to be 13 or
time. Before they get recorded; some tracks trying to make it perfect. 14, to be looking at a picture of your
of them were around 5-10 years old. I
even have some that are 20 years old
and ongoing!
Haha, I think you are breaking some
world records here!
Yeah... but anyway, the songs sort
of plague me. The process starts with
me having a song in my head and I

Seven Moonz of Xercez OTHYRWORLD’s Beyond Into

bootleg CD The Night Of Day

21
 favorite band and thinking “wow, it’d is mentioned that you had a contract able to create it... To get the shot for
be cool to be them!” but the reality with Roadrunner records for your debut that album cover took about 6 months.
is to be them is living in a box for 20 album, and then went on to release I don’t have professional lighting or
years... playing really shitty places it on Black Dragon records. Can you anything like that, so I set it up in
and building a following to be able to explain why? the garage. The front and back cover
support yourself. Back in those days were two different set-ups - and I’m
there weren’t alot of small labels... Part of the reason for that was that using a reflective method that I came
thinking that METALLICA would have a while developing the “Of the Sun + up with in order to actually achieve it.
gold album was just plain ridiculous. Moon” album, I was set on having a The angles and lighting had to be exact.
Metal wasn’t known... the only place gatefold sleeve. That was completely The entire cover took about one year to
you’d hear new material would be going unheard of back then - unless you were make. We had to push back the release
over to your friend’s place. on a major label, you just couldn’t date by 6 months because of it!
get a gatefold sleeve - especially
You put out a song on Brian Slagel’s for a debut album! My approach was How about the gatefold... is it
Metal Massacre V comp, released your that I wanted to make a kind of record possible to explain us a bit what
debut album on France’s Black Dragon that I would want to buy. “YES” had was behind this great forest picture?
records... but why was nothing done great gatefold sleeves... you had Where was it taken?
locally? something to look at for hours, It was another issue. That photograph
It was Canada! One of the problems we while listening to your album. It was was taken a mile into the Cathedral
had while producing our first album was the kind of experience I wanted to Forest... If I was to do that cover
that nobody had a clue how to produce a create with my own work. Roadrunner today - I would probably use computer
Metal album. Back then, the stuff coming wanted to package the album in a very graphics instead of building the 16-
out of Vancouver was Chiliwack and the traditional “Heavy Metal” way. Same foot spaceship (which we also used
Headpins. BTO (Bachman-Turner Overdrive thing with the artwork - the labels as the drum-riser). Back then, that
-Annick) was still around but they would suggest the kind of stuff I was plywood and weighted 900 lbs! We
weren’t recording here. It was probably was developing 5 years earlier (the carried it all into the woods (which
5 or 6 years earlier anyway... so when warrior thing –Annick), that I was took a day just to bring it, and setting
we went into the studio and said “we already gone through. There wasn’t it up). We spent the night there, did
wanna make a heavy metal record”, they a lot of imagination or originality. the photoshoot the next day and then
had no clue - no idea what we wanted to Group shot in the front, leather, carried it all out. We took the film to
do! We had to bring our own records as studs... the music that I created had be developped - but there was NOTHING
examples. I think Brian Macleod was in more of a spacial dimension to it. I on it! The battery in the camera must
the studio at the same time we were, needed something to be different. have died while we were setting up.
producing a D.O.A. record. How did you create that strange cover? We ended up doing all of this over
Many bands were in that situation... again the next weekend.
It was actually a very difficult photo
But I’m sure it was even worst in shoot. I had the idea of what I wanted I guess you had some sort of curse.
South America!! On your website, it to do, but I had no Hahaha!! What happened with Epic
idea how to do it. I Records anyway? What made you change
had the vision so your mind about signing with this
I knew somehow major label?
that I was There were a few things that was going
going to be on with that. When we first were
talking to them, they wanted us to
sign a development deal.

First LP: Of the Sun + Moon

22
paul’s “rush-sized” drums

they thought they were. They used the your merchandise and what kind of
title I was going to use, as well as stuff do you sell?
the artwork. It’s just a collection of
demos - but the quality is very bad. The website has everything that we
I mean, to have worked so many years offer right now, which are the two
and spent so much money trying to get CD’s. Anybody that’s offering anything
quality product to be recorded... and else is not licensed. As for the
seeing it being released... it’s just future, I am still working on the next
devastating!! album. I don’t have a timeline for
It was what they were doing with Blue completion yet, but I got the artwork
Oyster Cult that were on their label Why didn’t you go and release a good in the works already and I got so much
at the time. They would just sign a version yourself? I mean, I think true material to choose from at this point,
band and let them create a catalog fans will always choose to support the that I’m just sort of making up my
of one album per year. Of course, band instead of bootlegs. mind. Back in the early 90’s, we had a
they’d be doing promotion and somewhat That’s still in the works... but whole second album that was gone into
during the years, and eventually the the original demos were all done on production and the way things worked
band would become popular. Now, what rented tape. Coming up with masters out is that we ended up losing all the
was happening in the industry around that were good of enough quality is tapes for it. Most of that material
then, they were slowly getting rid of a diffcult thing. Also, I have a hard was never properly released... so
their old system and going into “One- time listening to them because there these releases will be part of the
hit-wonders”. The idea was to create are a hundred thousand things that are next album, as well as songs that
something completely manufactured wrong with it - it wasn’t finished were written more recently. It’ll be
and commercial. They’d go out, push product. Right now, I’d rather work a diverse album with instrumentals,
them to death and then the band would on new material. I’m still toying heavy and slower stuff.
vanish. I had pretty high aspirations with the idea of releasing the demos Nice! I’m very looking forward for
as to what I wanted to achieve... though... I’d want it to have lots that. Well, thanks for sharing some of
and Epic Records weren’t willing to of memorabilia from back in the day, your precious time with me. It’s really
give me the kind of budget to make and have to be an exclusive package appreciated! Do you have anything to add?
the kind of record I would like to because some people that already have
make. Eventually, we decided that I it will have to be buying it again. I encourage everyone to visit our
was going to do it on my own. myspace page, or our website:
Good luck with this! I hope it comes out
I think that’s a wise decision, eventually, because I am sure a lot of www.myspace.com/129175431
personally. By the way, I know you people that weren’t around back in the www.othyrworld.com/sacred_blade
have your own studio and everything early 80’s would LOVE to hear the demos.
- do you live off music? Can you tell us about more projects that Thanks for the interview!
No. I have a graphic design studio, the band was involved with? It was a pleasure!
which is what pays for everything. Yeah! We are actually two art gallery
I started it up 15 years ago. I’ve photographic pieces now. I don’t know
been involved in art since I was old where they are now, but they’ve been
enough to hold a crayon! all over the world. The first one was
Haha... working in this business done back in 1990, by Ken Lum and the
probably helps a lot with SACRED second one was done by Hadley Howes &
BLADE, also. Anyway, in ‘92, a bootleg Maxwell Stephen in 2005 (a few days
album came out with the ‘88 demo. Did after the release of the OTHYRWORLD’s
you ever try to contact the label - Beyond into the Night of Day album).
Reborn Classics about it? What are You can see them on our website! That’s
your thoughts about it overall? another thing that is strange about
this band... I never thought I would
I know who put it out... let’s just leave be a piece of art.
it at that. One thing that frustrates
me about the whole situation is that Indeed... I had no idea about it,
the fans were not getting the album myself! By the way, where can we buy

jeff ulmer live in 1986

23
 Zines are really important for me, as they are the ones that carry the
UG spirit. I read a shitload since Morbid Tales #5, but also wanted
to revew and read and much more but I ran out of time. In any case,
I encourage you to keep on buying zines and keeping the flame alive!
PRAYER BOOK fanzine Issue 3, 2007 This is Mr. Flo’s 5th issue, which
Italy (written in english), 40 A4 pages features more pages than ever before. I ZAPISNIK 2nd Chapter, 2008
Bands featured: WYTCHKRAFT, NOCTURNAL love Flo’s writing and questions asked Montenegro (in English), 62 A4 pages
VOMIT, FUNERUS, XIBALBA, RIGOR – they are very honest and go in details.
The HELLISH CROSSFIRE interview is quite Bands featured: GOAT TYRANT, PSEUDOGOD,
SARDONICOUS, DRILLER KILLER, WEAPON, INFERNAL GOAT, PARIA, MALEFIC ORDER,
ABYSMAL GRIEF, DECEASED, MINOTAURI, entertaining: (Speaking about the Unholy
Tyranny demo): The “production” was just WARKULT, MALAS, GEHANGTER JUDE, SNOTARAR/
KRATORNAS, SCURVY, PAGAN RITES, etc. ELIMI, INFERNAL EXECRATOR
pushing down the “record” button on a
One of my great surprises lately has been very old 80’s cassette recorder... I also This is the first issue I read from
this excellent fanzine from TERROR FROM really enjoyed the BULLDOZER interview. Milovan, this fucking crazy Montenegrinian
HELL records’ Francesca and Stefano. It It’s interesting to learn how Italian underground fighter and artist. This ‘zine
is totally my style of ‘zine; the choice bands were perceived by the UK press in features only real satanic and occult black
of bands is diverse (black, thrash, death the 80’s! But the best one is definitely metal bands, which goes hand in hand with
heavy, doom and crust!) so there is the WITCHES HAMMER interview... it is Milovan’s twisted abstract borders and
something in there for all hellbangers. totally informative, interesting and illustrations. (It is fucking incredible,
Their ideology is quite similar to fucking entertaining! Hails to Leslie trust me.) Question-wise, it doesn’t go
mine too, and the questions asked are from Stygian Shadows mag for contributing very deep – but mostly asks about the
interesting and refreshing. Sometimes the this interview. It just rules too much. band’s philosophies and questions their
inties are a bit too short (I wish the The zine also features more than 70 satanic beliefs (apart from for a few
XIBALBA was longer!) but all of them are reviews as well as some live reports... exceptions)... which is ok, because it is
interesting and informative. There are it’s really interesting overall! The the style of the zine. Sometimes it feels
a great deal of CD/vinyl/tape reviews layout pictures are hard to see as they good to read a fanzine and be bombarded
as well as an impressive review list of are very blurry, but it gets better in with tons of information!! The zine also
fanzines. I’m pleased to see addresses the following issue. 3€ GER / 4€ EUR / features about a hundred reviews of mostly
for contacts, because too often those 5€/7$ INTERNATIONAL to Florian Grill / very obscure demos and albums as well as
are missing in fanzines (including my own Ganghoferstrasse 10G / 83043 Bad Aibling some fanzines. It also includes a Chilean
older issues! Haha). I really enjoyed that / Germany scene report, which is very interesting!
they also review more “well known” stuff, The only think that I would improve on
because sometimes ‘zines focus so much on THRASH ATTACK Issue 6, 2008
Germany (written in English), 60 A5 pages this is to change the pixelised “gothic”
the underground that I don’t get to read font used, as it is fucking hard to read,
how – let’s say, the new SODOM sounds Bands featured: RIGOR MORTIS, WITCHAVEN, especially on a moving bus! Haha! Beside
like, and if I should buy it! I don’t ABIGAIL, CUTTHROAT, BARBATOS, ELIMINATOR, that, this rag is very intense and reading
read “popular”, more commercial ‘zines so CHÖRNYJ WORON and MORBID SAINT it is almost like a voyage to hell. Write
I never get the chance to read about the Here is the latest Thrash Attack fanzine! this bastard for your own copy (it is only
less-underground releases. Haha. Anyway, Wow, Flo is so fucking productive, 6 euros PPD everywhere), and ask him for
everything is written in good English (not a real machine. This zine is actually his distro list at the same time: Zlatko
excellent, but it has quite a charm. You’ll quite an improvement look-wise since the Bojanovic / Ulica Steva Boljevica / Lamela
see.) Layout-wise, everything is cut-and- last one... the pictures are printed way 3B, ulaz 2. / 81000 Podgorica / Cma Gora
paste, with pictures, Xeroxed background clearer and the text is easier to read. (Montenegro)
etc. There is even a VOIVOD/AUTOPSY poster Good job man! Anyway, I really enjoyed
in the middle!! Cool! My only complaint SHRUNKEN & MUMMIFIED, #9, Summer 2007
reading the WITCHAVEN interview – as it Hungary (written in English), 40 A4 pages
would be the use of a certain wiggly gothic brought me a lot of respect for the band,
font that is fucking impossible to read! as well as the RIGOR MORTIS one – which Bands featured: ETERNAL BLEEDING, MURK
It instantly gave me a fucking headache, gave us a good insight on their early EXORBITANCE, OBSCENE GESTURE, DISKORD,
so I skipped it completely. Check it out music career... Harden Harris sounds MOONFOG, DEATHEVOCATION, IRON BATASUNA,
– and order it for 7$ PPD (if I remember like a funny guy. “Flo: Are you aware etc...
correctly) here: FRANCESCA BRUZZONE / VIA of all the 10 other bands that use the
DONGHI 19/13, 16132, Genova, ITALY This is a great Hungarian death/black/
name Rigor Mortis? Harden: Haha fuck thrash/grindcore fanzine, written in tiny
THRASH ATTACK Issue 5, 2008 ‘em. We are Rigor Mortis”. Haha. Zine letters and laid out nicely (no pixels,
Germany (written in English), 59 A5 pages also includes tons of live reports and finally!!) – which enables them to put
reviews, as usual. Good read, get it! as much info as possible without losing
Bands featured: BULLDOZER, WITCHES 3€ GER / 4€ EUR / 5€/7$ INTERNATIONAL to any space. Some bands featured in there
HAMMER, BAPHOMET’S BLOOD’ HELLISH Florian Grill / Ganghoferstrasse 10G / are not my favourite, but the interviews
CROSSFIRE, ENFORCER, BANISHED FORCE.. 83043 Bad Aibling / Germany are so interesting that I cannot help

24
myself to devour them. The best feature included in the zine, only this e-mail: - 3C / 235 Vallarheiði / Iceland
about this zine though is probably the evilassault666@hotmail.com
reviews, as they are very informative and Mortado: cochinoelmalo@yahoo.com.ar
ACID – La musique qui ronge!, 2008
descriptive. Erik is very talented and I had Francisco Carballido / Sauco & Arbarco.
a good time reading this. There is also a This is Nagawika (French comic artist)’s Casa 16. / C.P.:8300 / Neuquen Capital,
funny interview making fun of a rip-off from first mini comic ‘zine, featuring a story Argentina
Peru as well as two scene reports (one from of the Belgian speed bangers ACID trying
Lebanon and the other from France). Contact to get to a festival in Tilburg. The Demented Omen of Masochism: diabolic_
Erik here: korpsefire@gmail.com (no physical story itself has no real punch or dramatic force@o2.pl
address because he moves too often.) ending; it just simply illustrates the
band and things that happen along the way Piotr Sulecki / Dobrzejewice 12 / 87-123
EVIL ASSAULT, #1, 2008 (?) to the show. It’s VERY well done and in my Dobrzejewice / Poland / Europe
Thailand (written in Engrish), 71 A4 pages eyes, it totally achieves its purpose. I
Bands featured: BLOODTHIRST, WITCHAVEN, love the live parts; it is almost like a GOAT MASSACRE ZINE: GOATZONEMASSACREZINE@
NUN SLAUGHTER, VICTIMIZER, OPPRESSION, music video on paper! I hope to see more YAHOO.COM
EVIL ARMY, IRONFIST, ETERNAL DEVASTATION comics from you, Naga. Anyway, support 1 1206 ST PACIFIC AVE APT #1 / SANTA ANA,
This is a new Siamese fanzine, written by this artist and label! CA / 92704, USA
Tong... it is written with great passion OTHER ZINES (RANDOM):
for evil metal. It contains not only SINISTER FLAME : northwind@
IRON HAMMER: ironhammer@arcor.de thesinisterflame.com
interviews with great nowadays bands,
but also with zine owners and important MARIUS GREZA / BANRAIN 10 / 73660 URBACH Poste Restante / 53100 Lappeenranta /
people in the Thailand metal scene (Metal / GERMANY Finland
Savage, Jerasak, etc.). Obviously, as this
NECROSCOPE: necroscope1@wp.pl TO FINISH:
is a first issue, it is quite generous
in space, and large fonts. (Let’s just Adam Stasiak / Ul. Zakopianska 42/3 / 80- There are tons of great zines out there.
say that this zine could have easily been 139 Gdansk / Poland Read zine reviews, send them money, then
twice as thin). The interviews are very get more zines from their zine lists. Of
entertaining and enthusiastic!!!!! Haha... CURRENTS FANZINE: djofladyrkun@gmail.com course, not all of them are good, but they
I had fun reading it. No mailing address all carry the underground spirit.
c/o Eyvindur Gauti / Bogabraut 950 - 3
 No need for an introduction here, this is the mighty DARKTHRONE - pioneers of the second Black Metal wave
and New Wave of Black Heavy Metal (yeah, you know you love it!) Interview done with Fenriz in August 2008!
DARKTHRONE RELATED QUESTIONS: I got the idea to buy the crappy drum in 1974, I think. I wanted to hear it
Let’s dig up some bones and go back 22 kit that was stowed away in my uncle’s constantly, and I was 4-5 years old
years ago. The band started up with the cellar. Sort of RED BARCHETTA (RUSH) when I started to play that I was in
name “BLACK DEATH”... how old were you this story, hahaha! Not. the band, making belts out of paper
back then, and why did you wanted to Why didn’t I just continue playing (they guys had fat belts on the album
be in a band? guitar? I quickly understood that NO- photos) and singing.
I guess I always wanted to make albums. ONE played drums compared to how many Later, I didn’t sing much, only the
I was into heavy rock since 1973, so it played guitars, and both instruments usual rasping vocals of Black Death/
was inevitable that I started a band. I were vital for me to know to create Darkthrone. I was busy my whole youth
got a mini drum kit when I was 3. I wore metal/punk music. First rehearsal years with music and underground
that out. Then I got an African drum with guys from school/home village of trading, so I didn’t start drinking
from Uncle Stein, but I flared that as KOLBOTN was in December 1986 and it all until 1990. But when I did I discovered
well. Then it was a long period before went slowly forward therefrom. In the that I could sing (a bit) when I got
I got my first guitar, boring guitar beginning we were mainly influenced drunk and started singing along to that
with nylon strings, but hey – that’s by CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER/CELTIC FROST and old SWEET FREEDOM album. Sweet!
what I still use when I make riffs various thrash and metal. But all the Anyway, I had a set- back after the
today because my philosophy is that if 70’s heavy rock I’d been listening good start with Uriah Heep, and started
a riff sounds good on nylon strings, to also must’ve been present in my to go to school. I didn’t get more
it kinda HAS to sound good on a fuzz playing style although that wasn’t the challenging rock album after 1974,
guitar. The first riff I learned to strongest motive for me to start a band that was sad because, as I said, it
play myself on that guitar was refrain at the time. set me back, I had to start again so to
of Powerslave with maiden). I don’t I was born in ‘71, Ted in ‘72 and speak - listening to KISS and AC/DC in
enjoy playing any instrument, to me Zephyrous was born in ‘73 I think so late 70’s. Standard stuff... but that
it is merely a tool. I used to like you do the math. But, ok, Ted wasn’t blew my mind too. Then, BLACK SABBATH
it, but not since around 1993. That’s in the band until March or May 1988. blew my mind. (If I hadn’t had my first
also when I stopped playind drums with D’oh. In the shitty black metal demos childhood ALONE (0-6 years I didn’t
AMBITION, after that it was just a we were all around 13-15 years old I have any play mates), I might have had
tool. (No, readers, AMBITION is not a think. I never wanted to be on a stage, older guys who could show me more heavy
band I played in.) always just wanted to MAKE songs and stuff). And my classmates or others
But after I got money to buy a guitar record them. at school kind of stopped at AC/DC
and an amp in 85/86, I started making How did you get into all the nasty, and KISS, only a VERY FEW were into
riffs and shitty songs. A friend of dark and underground stuff? Did you BLACK SABBATH and then, of course, IRON
mine had a drum kit, and I started to pretty much discover it by yourself, MAIDEN. At the same time we listened to
play it along to very loud playing of or did some people introduce you to ANYTHING heavy of course, be it HANOI
NO SLEEP TILL HAMMERSMITH through the ‘zines, tape trading, etc? Which band ROCKS or ACCEPT, but we had no mentors;
speakers in that cellar (my uncle’s really fucking blew your head off when we were young and I was just starting to
house in the backwaters way outside you heard it for the first time? make some money at my fathers job, this
Vestby). Another guy I knew from school ONLY to buy music. Then, my family had
First was SWEET FREEDOM album by holidays in North Germany, Travemünde,
had a real cool drum kit close to where Uriah Heep, I got it to my birthday
I grew up, and after trying that some where I could buy albums in Lübeck

26
 DARKTHRONE DEMOS 1987 - 1989 (including THE black death demos)

which had 100000 better range of metal So I started ordering demos from shitty one Kerrang! poser bitches gave
music than shitty Oslo at the time, so bands like SABBAT (England), POISON us for SOULSIDE JOURNEY. I had been
I could finally get some METALLICA and (Germany), OBSCURITY (Sweden), FANTOM using all my energy on the underground
MERCYFUL FATE, and that blew my mind WARIOR (New Jersey) and so forth. And in the whole of ‘87, ‘88, ‘89 and up to
too. And then I heard slayer for the then I got in touch with Scandinavians ‘90, but it is VERY STANDARD to get out
first time in late 1985 and that blew that also ordered demo and we started of the zone after 3-4 years and move
my mind into hell’s domains FOR REAL. to trade and then traded on with many on. I moved on into total hellbound
But I quickly understood I would never people in various bands I was writing alcoholocaust and I have used 2003-
copy their style a lot, and I think with. And that’s the underground life. 2008 to try to cut back on this self
I had a good gut feeling because WAY Let’s go a bit to the early 90’s; When appointed idiot-crutch. Fuck!
too many of the thrash bands in 87-89 “A Blaze...” got released, it totally Anyway I remember fine little and no
copied SLAYER too damn much. took the underground by surprise. Some reviews until we started doing more
THEN...in late ’86, I discovered under people were really crazy about it, while interviews again in 1999. I got the
the counter of HOT ROCORDS, in Oslo, a others thought it was utter shit. Where feeling that people liked our records,
fanzine. I had never seen it before; you happy when you read bad reviews? Did because in 1994-95 people started to
we could only get Kerrang! here at the you enjoy people hating the band? come to Elm Street rock cafe from all
time, and only a half page of Kerrang! We didn’t read any reviews that I over the world just to hang out and
was about underground stuff, a column remember because we didn’t see them. stuff. That was okay for many years,
called Deathvine. It was very useful, We didn’t give A FLYING FUCK at the but eventually I got the hell away from
but my first fanzine was SLAYER MAG and time; we were hungry dogs for the next that zone too and withdrew in May 2005.
you can say that this magazine SEALED wicked riff or nasty buzz in 1991 and Enough is enough. Enuff z’nuff.
MY FATE. I’ve been living that fanzine- 92. I can’t remember a You rejected all interview requests
kinda attitude ever since. No doubt. single review since the between the years ’93 – ’98... then,

27
 HIKING METAL PUNK / PHOTO BY Marius Jacobsen‫‏‬

you started to answer them because checking the album covers. I mean, COME Our new album will be a mix of F.O.A.D.
there were too many fucking rumours ON! I REFUSE to understand how people and “The Cult is Alive”. Ted’s song has
surrounding DARKTHRONE. What were the can do that, and WHY. more metal and meaner uglier vocals
worst and most ridiculous rumours and DARKTHRONE has pretty much always been than ever. I have more street lyrics
misquotes you’ve heard? Also, speaking saying a big “Fuck You” to the masses than ever. I sing about things and
about interviews, what do you hate the since the beginning, but people still people around me and attitudes I have
most about answering them? didn’t get it. After F.O.A.D. came out, towards the metal scene in general.
Well, I have enough on my plate so a lot of people thought you should have My songs are MOSTLY NWOBHM-style or
I hate having to make an appointment changed your band name to something primitive Black Metal/Rvil Rock stuff.
to do an interview anymore. The sole different. What do you have to say to What do you and Nocturno Culto do for
reason for me to even buy a computer in that? Does being called “DARKTHRONE” living? Are you happy with your “career
the first place was that I was sick and and carrying its past limit you and Ted path”, or would you love to live just
tired of doing “phoner” interviews. I when creating music? doing/spinning music?
hated that people said they would make First of all people started saying that
an interview and when I rang up no one We are quite content. We have met
at THE CULT IS ALIVE. And probably when enough people a LONG time ago, living
was there. And that happened a lot. And “A Blaze in the Northern Sky” came out
I talk pretty darn fast so a lot didn’t just playing music would mean being
because it was so different from Soulside addicted to applause and meet a lot
really catch my drift. AND THE WORST Journey. I’d rather make songs, not even
is when I talk about bands I like, and of people you will never remember.
listen to these cry-babies. I believe this to be bad karma for
they get misspelled or not mentioned at
all. One of the most important thing I And Ted said people always complained oneself even though you please others
do in this scene is recommend music. about every album we did. It’s wrong by shovelling out your soul to them all
if we change and wrong if we do not the time. No, I have a simple part time
I don’t remember any rumours, so change for various people, but PEOPLE job sorting mail where I can listen to
sorry, but it’s for the best because CHANGE AND SO WILL WE. Only guy that music on my disc-man CONSTANTLY. Ted
I get angry a lot and it’s the fucking doesn’t change is RAIN MAN. And people always has different jobs up there in
doctor’s orders that I shouldn’t pop a wanting the same album all over again the mountain village. I say no to 18
vein all of the damn time. My mind is has brains like RAIN MAN. Probably good out of 20 DJ job offers. And I don’t
defending me when it’s cutting out my for math, but... travel. Just in extreme cases, I do
dreams or stupid things in my past. travel, to meet real brothers like Tim
Can you tell us a bit about the upcoming
But maximum stupid was all the people album, “Dark Thrones and Black Flags”? and Oscar from OLD in Germany.
who came to see me AT A PUB and they I can almost smell a mix of Uriah Heep
had their own idea of how I was just by and DARKTHRONE...HAHA!
Hehe, well, the one song has a sort
of a URIAH HEEP style riff in it, but
it wasn’t supposed to be that; it was
originally inspired by “Dance Dance”
by MOTÖRHEAD, but I changed the rhythm
of my riff and moderated it.

28
I know Nocturnal Culto is a father... white cover with just one band member great. Anyway, I think it is worse
how many kids does he have? Do you on the cover, that was COMPLETELY with bands that have computer based
think he is a good father? Haha... UNHEARD OF in 1991. I promise. But MUSIC VIDEOS. However, it is strange
Also, he lives about 6 hours away from it was something I had to go through you think that the “Cult is Alive” is
you, right? How often do you guys with. I can’t for the life of me TERRIBLE... I would say it is looking
practice and how are jam sessions remember how I got EXACTLY that idea, partly barbaric and 80’s. But not
going nowadays? but... I guess it was some kind of drawn by a guy without talent, like
Practice schmactice. And JAM sessions? understatement as well. I guess a lot most of the 80’s covers. 80’s metal
Who are we, Red Hot Chilli Peppers?! of people rummaging through the record covers rule totally, and of course
(Haha! – Annick) I haven’t jammed shelves were instantly HURLED BACK TO original cover of ATTACKER is better
since some VALHALL rehearsals in 1999. THE 80’s with those covers. Later it than the one that’s on it now – problem
Ted’s children are cool so he and Niten sadly became a trend and a typical 90’s is that that original cover was just
(the wife) must’ve done an excellent thing. The 90’s held so much shitty a rush project because the original
job. Every time we have 1 song ready metal, so many misunderstandings of ORIGINAL cover was lost or destroyed.
each, we decide a time when we meet what the 80’s was... You can’t win But enough about the ATTACKER cover, I
at KJELLA’s house. 3 hour travel for ‘em all. think it takes balls to still do 80’s
both of us (but for me with a bus, no Who decides on the recent artwork for covers, like EM RUINAS do now on their
bullshit plane crap. I have fear of DARKTHRONE? I think some of your newer upcoming album, or like WOLF (Sweden)
customs because they always hassle me. covers are terrible, like for example did in 2000 when they sort of started
I don’t exactly look like Dr. Doogie). “The Cult is Alive”... (Which is still the new decade of metal, the 2000’s.
Ted brings our portable Necrohell II an amazing album!) Don’t you care After the rather TERRIBLE 90’s, the
studio, and we wire it up, make the about the artwork, since you’re a guy 2000s really has given us an abundance
range check and then start rehearse that started discovering great metal of superb metal bands. Many new kids
and record the songs. These songs have by looking at album covers? I mean, TOTALLY understand the 80’s!
been worked on for a long time from albums from the 80’s are much simpler, Which albums you think were milestones
before, in our heads and et cetra. This and not computer oriented... (At least in DARKTHRONE’s career? Please write
is extremely boring topic, THINK I’LL FOAD was hand drawn, though!) what comes up in your mind for each of
JUST QUIT (SEPTIC DEAT reference). Ahh, I didn’t so much discover the them; it can be anything-an anecdote,
DARKTHRONE has pretty much started metal from looking at the ARTWORK, a thought, a bad memory, how you were
the whole black-and-white-contrasted- Annick, I looked on the back for feeling back then, etc...
photo album cover look and “swamp- song titles and song LENGTHS (I was What the hell? This question could take
style” logo. Who drew up that logo, into long songs because they had many a lifetime to answer!! But of course,
originally anyway? Was it meant to parts and any band with long songs I A BLAZE IN THE NORTHERN SKY was a huge
represent anything in particular? figured had a chance to be both good landmark in metal in general because
That was a TRUE logo, I mean it just and somewhat epic.) of #1: a band playing MORE PRIMITIVE
started out as a COLLAGE so to speak, You’d be surprised what KIDS like. Our than their 1st album (unheard of) and
both Tompa (probably did the logo ugliest (I mean ugly in a bad way, not also #2: HAVE UGLIER PRODUCTION than
letters main structure and pentagram, a cool way) t-shirts sells the most; their 1st album. We went even further
I always forget but I think THIS is like with prints on the arms of the on our next 3 albums after that, so
the right info), I stashed it up with long sleeves, stuff with flames.... our run was quite spectacular and we
the ornaments (inspired by photo or....TRIBAL tatooos! Hahaha... 90’s knew it. But we really only wanted the
frames on the back of RRROOOAAARRR slaves. sound that SUITED us the best.
album by VOIVOD) and connected it with Yeah well listen, I completely lost
this drawing by Nicke A. (NIHILIST, interest in visual things after the
ENTOMBED, HELLACOPTERS, DEATH BREATH). Panzerfaust album. I liked the SARDONIC
Then some german called Tassilo Förg WRATH cover and the TOO OLD TOO COLD
made it into a solution where it would single cover and FOAD. And I like the
better fit album covers, and Nicke A’s cosmos TOTAL DEATH cover too. I had a
drawing was not used anymore. Practical fucking tough period from 1996 to 2003
reasons only! so I was damaged during these years.
When it comes to the idea of a black and I think it was a useful experience
perhaps, but I REFUSED to care about
artwork, as I found no pleasure in it,
and I still think all music should
have NO COLOUR.
Having said that, it would be an escape
from reality, and I still think the
two AGENT STEEL LP’s with Cyriis are
great even though YOU TOO know that
they were just photos and not that

nocturno culto SOMEWHERE IN NORWAY (PHOTO BY Metspö)

29
 I guess THE CULT IS ALIVE is another What does Ted think of your musical
landmark because I started doing vocals. tastes? Does he follow them, or you
And we started recording and engineering follow his? Do you guys introduce
everything ourselves (I did that on each other to new discoveries? Also,
TRANSILVANIAN HUNGER and PANZERFAUST, but what have you discovered in the past
that just happened – wasn’t a conscious few weeks that totally fucking made
decision on our part). you crazy? For me, I think it’s the
Can you tell us a bit about Tyrant song “Opium Trail” by MIDNIGHT RIDER
Syndicate Productions? What is the (Germany)... simply amazing!!! Sophe ellis baxtor. And the ballad on
future releases planned for it? Does I like that midnight rider EP by the BEAT STREET soundtrack. Haha! I
it ever want to open up to broader MYSTIQUE, I think it might be Canadian. hated it back in the day but it (quite
genres? From 85? But I haven’t heard that German impossibly) grew on me. I like D-TRAIN
Only 2 more releases, the new (AMAZING) band you mentioned there. Ted likes too but not really too embarrassed.
AURA NOIR album and the new ABSCESS some of what I dig, but I never met Every style has good and bad artists!
album (haven’t heard that one yet). ANYONE who topped my musical diversity, Are you a big fan of record hunting?
Then it seems Ted will shut down the not even John Peel, I reckon. I am all Are there notable record shops in Oslo
label. over the place. For REAL. nowadays? What is the coolest discovery
FENRIZ-RELATED QUESTIONS: The last weeks, hmmm, let me check my you’ve found in the past?
list. I write all the titles I buy/get/ I bought my best stuff through mail
Let’s talk a bit about your musical trade down on a list, you see. Well, in
tastes in metal. You released a “BM order back in the 80’s and still do.
July, the best things I have discovered NESEBLOD RECORDS is the king shop in
Best-of” a few years ago (bloody great so far is...GOOD RATS: this band is
break CD when I do DJ-ing!) and an Oslo, you can get ALOT of fat LP’s
called the best unknown band in the world there. I just bought the OSTROGOTH LP
amazing compilation for a lame glossy and they released several killer albums
magazine. Do you sometimes get positive “Too Hot” there, last week (Belgian
in the 70’s. I got the “Rat City Blue” Real Metal from the early 80’s). When I
feedback from Darkthone fans – thanking album in July and it’s a dooozie!
you for making them discover new (old) was a kid I had to discover EVERYTHING
bands? Others are “Proof of Youth” by THE GO! myself. Discovering ENGLISH DOGS,
TEAM, APPLEBLIM’s “Resident Advisor CRUMBSUCKERS, CANDLEMASS (Epicus...),
Well, I started to buy techno vinyls back 110” was very fine, free podcast CELTIC FROST and DESTRUCTION on my own
in ‘92 and in ‘95 I bought two turntables stuff from internet radio I guess. I was of course ABSURDLY GODLY! (These
and self-taught myself how to beat-mix liked the new B 52’s album of course, are just some of MANY MANY MANY MANY I
songs together (rather) seamlessly. I am as it’s the band I am most fan of, discovered on my own).
self taught on the instruments I play too. perhaps. 16 years since they released
I’d make lots of mix tapes, around 50 from What do you have tattooed right now,
anything, and they’ve still got it. and what do they represent to you? What
1995 to 2000. But I wanted to DJ out, not Oh well. The new ORCUSTUS album needs
playing these styles, but METAL. I then would you like to get done in the near
to be mentioned. I got it on advance future?
started to push this METAL DJ idea a lot, and it will thrill fans of true
first playing thrash at private parties Norwegian black metal, no doubt. FPU’s I would like to tattoo the big bad wolf
before I started thrashing Elm Street “TraxxData” is excellent electronics and the chief pig (from Disney) shaking
around 1998. Then it snowballed, but I from Sweden, which is released on the hands like a UNION. Then the little
grew tired of new venues, bad playing Canadian TURBO label. SCI FI HI FI’s stupid pigs are TOTALLY FUCKED.
conditions, idiotic DJ requests... So I “Number 5” mixed by SLAM (that mix I have too many tattooes to talk
say no to most requests I get from around line can’t go wrong, it seems). about, all tracks of my life. I hate
the world AND cool places in Oslo. I PRETTY tattooes and especially tribal
have played so many different styles of Oh yeah, and I discovered the first
WOLF album, I love it completely. tattooes... They make me puke.
music, that it’s ridiculous. As I say,
there is good music for me in almost any Sweden ROCKS! Another band I discovered Do you like to go to shows, or do you
genre. (And a lot of bad music in every was EVIL ARMY from Tennessee! What a enjoy more to listen to albums at
genre.) debut album! Killer Thrash, but not home?
trendy Thrash like we have so much of
I always get a lot of positive feedback these days. These guys are in for the I never wanted to go to shows. It reminds
from my recommendations, and I always kill. PORTRAIT’s debut album is just me of when we had to go to church at
give new recommendations. That’s a as expected FANTASTIC! Also, the new school. There’s a stage and there are
MIDGARDS-SNAKE of musical karma. GRAND MAGUS “Iron Will” I got in July people sheep-like in the audience. The
here, and it’s very hard to dislike. bigger, the stupider. I eventually liked
BUY ALBUMS OR DIE!! I spend about checking out 3-4 new bands every week on
5000$US every year at least. stages around Oslo but I grew weary of
that as well. Now I just see shows when
If you don’t mind me asking, what are I HAVE to, like I watched WORLD BURNS TO
your musical guilty pleasures? Stuff DEATH in Oslo. I know Jack. And before
you’re way too ashamed to admit? We them played the new punk/crust/metal
won’t judge you... HAHAHAHA!! heroes of Oslo, namely HEVN.

30
 INFAMOUS RANDOM FENRIZIAN TATOOS

Usually, I can’t What is a “DARKTHRONE

see a show anyway party” like? What
anymore ‘‘cuz kind of liquids
there’s always are consumed, and
someone screaming the usual music
in my ear about of choice played?
this and that and Hmmm, what’s a
I just want to Darkthrone party?
hear the band. I When we record we always drink with Mats
don’t care much about how a band looks and Kjella afterwards, that’s it. I just
on stage... I’d rather just hear it on drink beer, they can drink or smoke
records by myself. I like to hear stuff by whatever I dunno, don’t care. As long as
myself, I don’t need the fucking crowds, Can you tell us a bit about Elm Street bar?
What do you enjoy the most about it? they don’t drink MY beer. At my storage
y’know. But rarely seeing shows means room in the commune I have some “parties”
I now remember the few I have to see. Great food, central location. I stopped now and then, there is almost no place to
Like TOXIC HOLOCAUST playing a cover of going there in 2005 because I stopped sit there because of records EVERYWHERE.
Thermonuclear Devastation (Onslaught). going out. I have too many people in my It’s just to drink and to listen.
(AFTER THE BOMBS also does that cover! life and I dislike bumping into someone
–Annick) NEKROMANTHEON gigs are always new accidentally and there’s a maximum Of course, we have to mention your
godly thrash. SANCTUM made a godly gig. risk of that at rock bars in Oslo so I tenting passion, and your love for
ENFORCER (Sweden) played a great show don’t go there anymore. I started out the forests! What makes you completely
here, total time machine to ‘85. We are by myself and I ended it by myself. crazy about being alone in a tent in
making a festival here outside Oslo now I bring my crew on tent trips in the the middle of a forest where nobody
with Enforcer and other 80’s bands called forest, so that’s as social I get. And fucking roams? Did you ever encounter
METAL MERCHANTS FESTIVAL. It’s January the occasional DJ’ing when I’m bored. any major problems while doing that?
30th and 31st, 2009. (Animals, getting lost, sketchy people
showing up, etc...)
Do you have any tips for people who
want to start serious camping?
Well, I had over 20 trips in 2006, 27
last year and this year I’m going for
the record of 35 trips. I just like it, I
like it in the spring, in the summer and
in the autumn. The Norwegian nature is
very beautiful around Oslo too; but the
biggest problem here is black flies. I am
doing this seriously... I write camping-
site guides for Norway’s biggest SERIOUS
newspapers, and I get many interviews just
about wildlife around Oslo ‘cuz it’s 1560
square kilometres and countless places
to do lots of different activities. It’s
basically wildlife forest HEAVEN here.
And I am one of the kingpins, so to
speak. (One of the PENGUINS? Haha)
Tips for people? Well, everyone has
a different nature to deal with; so
a good thing is a lot of day-hiking
so you get to know the climate and
what to deal with out there. I’m not
forcing anyone either. It’s just that
it fucking rules and I hardly trust a
man who doesn’t own a tent (a festival
tent doesn’t really count).

31
 Do you enjoy travelling besides - Strappado, of course, damnit
roaming your own country? Did Annick, this topic is too huge,
you ever consider visiting it’s ridiculous. I must say –
our great Canadian north? everyone, get that old whimsical
We have great tenting spots, uproar OBLIVEON demo... It was
although if you go too high released not long ago on RED
in the north/west you will STREAM. Super duper thrash!
be beaten to death by grizzly Newer bands like KARNAX and
bears... haha! BASTARDATOR has a bright future,
I think it has become clear that but I am not so much into this
I generally avoid parties, that Canadian this and Brazilian that
Stian rules and that I loathe – METAL IS GLOBAL. And SWORD is
travelling. What’s this about overrated.
getting beaten up? By Lee Aaron? Anyway I mention a lot of the
NO! By grizzly bears! Haha... best songs in our song CANADIAN
anyway, I know you’re a big fan METAL, the songs that make me
of Canadian metal bands; (duh!) go nuts. Killing Technology with
which songs totally make you VOIVOD makes me go nuts, you can
fucking go insane? Which newer count on that.
bands do you enjoy? Ok, finally – please close up
Well, the first two acts I heard with whatever you wish!
outta the Canoock country was DON’T FORGET TO BRING A TOWEL!!!
probably THOR and LEE AARON. Also, I hate everyone who
Like around 84. Then I heard... doesn’t understand the bond of
in 86 VOIVOD, RAZOR., SACRIFICE, punk and metal. Buy POWER FROM
PILEDRIVER. In 87: SLAUGHTER, HELL from Onslaught and try to
OBLIVEON... and as a matter of understand.
fact, I didn’t hear RUSH until 1988
or 89. Arrrgh, WITCHES HAMMER is Been there, done that – of course!
important to check out, there’s Anyway. cheers, and thanks a lot
too many to mention!! Evil Metal for everything! May the gods of
demo by VOOR is cool, SLAUGHTER heavy metal be with you!

DARKTHRONE’S STUDIO DISCOGRAPHY (1991-2008)

A BLAZE IN THE UNDER A FUNERAL PANZERFAUST GOATLORD 1996

Soulside Journey NORTHERN SKY 1992 MOON 1993 TRANSILVANIAN TOTAL DEATH
1991 HUNGER 1994 1995
1996

PLAGUEWIELDER SARDONIC THE CULT IS

RAVISHING HATE THEM WRATH 2004 DARK THRONES AND
GRIMNESS 1999 2001 2003 ALIVE 2006 F.O.A.D. 2007 BLACK FLAGS 2008

OFFICIAL WEBSITE www.darkthrone.no LABEL WEBSITE www.peaceville.com

LINE-UP 2008: Nocturno Culto (Ted Skjellum) - Vocals, guitar, bass

Fenriz (Gylve Fenris Nagell) - Drums, vocals, guitar, bass and synth

32
33
 I am very excited and pleased to feature my favourites) are there other unreleased
you in this issue! It is an honour to songs from that time that were never
have such an amazing band in our pages. of PAGAN ALTAR or was it something published? Is the Time Lord MLP’s “Black
Correct me if I’m wrong, but right now completely different? When did the Mass” the only time where you appear as a
you are recording a new album that will band start exactly? backup vocalist?
be called “Never Quite Dead”... can you Hydra was the forerunner to Pagan altar I did actually do some of the backing in
tell us a bit more about it? I know it and some of the songs from the last two Judgement of the dead and Amadeus on the
was originally recorded as a demo in albums were from that time. album but only because no one else wanted
the old days, but was almost completely to do it.I also do some of the backing
destroyed. Are you guys keeping it Back around 1978, you have recorded many
songs including the ones found on the live but I don’t like trying to sing a
exactly like it was, or are you re- play at the same time and I can only do it
working the songs? Time Lord MLP (which are actually some of
in certain places.
Well it was really a live album that You were to have a 7” single pressed in
went a bit wrong. It’s a long story but 1980. Before it got pressed, the plant
we scraped it mainly because we wasn’t became bankrupt and the master was lost.
happy with it and by the end of us It has apparently resurfaced... did you get
trying to patch it all up it really a hold of it? Will you ever use it for
wasn’t that live any more. anything? Which songs were featured on it?
Have you been working on completely new You have it the wrong way round, we did
songs? If so, can you describe us in have it but we lost it. The songs were
which vein it will be? Judgement of the dead and Nightrider,
We wrote quite a bit of the new album both versions ended up on Ola’s Time
from about 2004 when we were recording Lord MLP. We still had it on casette and
Lords of Hypocrisy and some around Ola was happy to use that. We did stress
mythical as well. We have just finished though that he let everybody know that
the room of shadows which was added a the recording was taken from a casette.
couple of weeks ago. While recording the demo, you two
Let’s take a trip with the Time Lord apparently had the flu – hence Terry’s
to the late 70’s... You two played “nasal” sounding vocals. Strangely, Terry
in a band called HYDRA. Not much is still have almost the exact same vocals
said about this band... what was it nowadays. Did that flu always stuck by...
exactly? Was it a previous incarnation hence the mass intake of Fisherman’s

The NWOBHM movement brought many musicians to form bands and release music on their own. This
brought all sorts of styles due to having no record labels telling you what to do. Of course, there was Iron
Maiden, Angel Witch, Diamond Head, Saxon, etc... but deep in the underground layed a dark monster that
did not wish to follow the norm. This entity was called PAGAN ALTAR and was disregarded by the metal
music press of the time, due to various reasons. Bootlegged numerous times, their demo was available only if
you really dug far in the metalground... until 1998, where it was properly released as “Vol.1” thru the band’s
own label “Oracle Records”. Since then, PAGAN ALTAR has reformed, and had many line-up changes but
have already released 3 albums and played a first show in 25 years! Short interview w/Alan, the guitarist.

34
Friend’s lozenges? Haha!! craze. Although we didn’t have that
We really did have bad colds at the fast punky sound of some of the other
time and the studio was full of tissues bands, we were still making the right
where we had been blowing our noses... sort of noises.
The demo turned out to be Vol. 1... which Were the skulls you used on stage and
was put out officially by Oracle Records in pictures real ones? Haha, I’m so
in ‘98. Vol. 1 was also released on wax curious!! I always wanted to own one.
by Black Widow in 2005. Why was the name The skulls are plaster of paris I’m
changed to Judgement of the Dead? afraid.I gave one away to our sound
The original name was Judgement of the engineers son who was about 13 at the
dead. It was changed when it all went time and loved it.The other is still in
to print by someone else and wasn’t our celler with the coffin.
worth forking out another couple of Have you had any religious complications
hundred quid to get it changed back. regarding “PAGAN ALTAR” as a band name?
That was the problem of us not having a I know that if you would have been a
computer at the time. US band, there would probably have been
How many shows have you played in the fundies marching outside your shows?
first “phase” of your career? How would We played one gig in a church hall
you describe the experience of a PAGAN where they were quite happy to take the
ALTAR gig in these early days? money to hire the hall, but wasn’t too
We were playing pretty regular at the happy when they saw the Altar and all
time,there was plenty of gigs all over the trappings. Fortunately for us the
the country because of the NWOBHM money was more important!
Can you talk us about the pictures that to do it any more so I joined XYZ in 1984
were taken was a Satanic church in and went to Wales. This is not the U.S
Deptford? I honestly didn’t know there XYZ who were formed a lot later.
were such churches in ’81.
After Pagan Altar broke up, you have
Well it was a celler under a shop, taken part in all sorts of projects,
but it looked like something out of a including XYZ, Malac’s Cross. Can you
Hammer horror film. tell us a bit more about it? I believe
PAGAN ALTAR split up because certain this was a band started up with your own
band members lacked interest, right? sister on vocals, right? When was the
Do you think that it was because you band formed and how would you describe
didn’t have enough presence in the this kind of music?
music press of the time? I joined XYZ after Pagan Altar. I had
I had had enough by then, we were gone in the studio and did a session
playing to half interested audiences who for them for their demo and knew the
really didn’t care who was on. John had drummer Ian from when I was young.PAGAN
disappeared to Israel for 6 months to ALTAR was always so serious at that
come back a week before a gig which we time and it just refreshing to have a
sounded terrible, and I just didn’t want laugh for a change.

35
 Malac’s cross was the last of a Just listen to all styles music. If and I think he is trying to get some
series of names with different you just listen to say Doom, that sort of small tour arranged.
members. My sister joined after it is all you are going to come up with Alright, the interview is almost
became Malac’s Cross. I never even and there will be no variation. finished; the last words are yours.
new she could sing until she put down Sometimes it’s good to incorporate Please close it however you wish!
a demo for us. She is also a good as many different styles into what
song writer, which has meant I have you are doing. It will give more So Long, and thanks for all the Fish!
never had to go out of the family scope to write in. Hahaha... you’re welcome? Cheers!
for lyrics. We was a rock band with Nowadays, besides working on new
a Celtic edge I supposed. NOTE: This interview was suposed
songs (or learning old ones with to be WAY bigger and deeper, but
You are a master of riffs and new members), you are preparing to there was some miscommunication
leads. A lot of people are missing do some select shows in Europe, and problems, and I was not able to
the point of good song writing maybe a small tour in the US... when retreive Terry’s part on time. The
nowadays. What do you recommend to do you think this will happen – if Pagan Altar curse strikes again!!
starting musicians? Do you have any it happens, and who is organizing
inspirational techniques? it? Do you have any more plans,
beside this?
With this new line up i don’t mind
where we play.I think this is the most
talented band i have played with. I
would love to Play in the U.S and
Canada and if anyone can sort that
out It would be Rich. He has a knack
for making everything run smoothly

36
 PAGAN ALTAR w/ Warning, Against Nature,
The River and Lamp of Toth
October 19th 2007, live at the ULU (London, England)

Ever wondered what it would be like to be drinking beer

in a pub full of doomsters? How about getting blasted 25
years into the past, to witness one of the best NWOBHM
acts who ever excited? Well I fully experienced it, and
it was one of the highlights of my life, hands down.
The atmosphere, the music, the people, the beer, the
brotherhood (and sisterhood!), the emotion... all was
there. I will now try to transcribe it the best as I can
in this show report, but it’ll be hard to describe what I
witnessed last Friday.
Just to let you all know, this is the first concert I go
to in another country, yet another continent altogether.
My friend Alice went for an afternoon nap (because we were I think I missed a big chunk of their set but at least
both totally hangover from the day before) so I went to I caught them in time. They had a great stage presence
pick up the concert tickets from Rich (Miskatonic Recs, overall - just like I expected. I would kill to see them
ISEN TORR) at the Marlborough Arms pub by myself. I made live again some day!
a self-promise not to drink ‘till at least I got to the
concert, but couldn’t help myself when I saw they had Czech
beer... yummy! At first I didn’t recognize many people,
but I found Themis (the P.A. fanclub boss - which such a
friendly face is hard to miss!!) and he introduced me to a Next act was THE RIVER... I feel really bad, but I missed
bunch of lovely metalheads, some of them I knew because of them completely! I was chatting with my finish buddy
the fanclub (hi Fredrik, Ilari, Pio, Christian, Manuel, Ilari, bought a couple of beers and hit it up with Alan
Flavien and Fred!). It was strange to see so many people (P.A. guitarist) Terry (P.A. vocalist) and Lynn (His
from all over the world in one pub... especially when personal groupie/wife.) Such charming people! By the time
we got drunk and our accent gets thicker, haha! I even I went to see what was going on with the gig, the band had
met Russ (Buried by Time and Dust recs) who introduced already finished their set. Snif.
me to... the mighty Phil Cope (guitarist of WITCHFINDER
GENERAL)!!!! Wow!! I couldn’t believe it... it was such
an honor meeting one who’s music I worshipped so much! As
you could read, I was already totally overwhelmed by all Right after this was AGAINST
that was going on around me... NATURE, a band whose ex-
members were in the mighty
REVELATION. I am not very
familiar with them, so I won’t
be naming songs, but they were
great! Some tunes were highly
Time went by pretty fast, and it was already the moment rhythm influenced, while
to leave for the venue. When I got there, I panicked others were quite doomi-
because there was a huge line and I could already hear er. I really enjoyed Bert
THE LAMP OF TOTH playing their self-titled song in the Hall’s bass work, watching
background! Ohh no!!!!! I’m not used to it, because it his fingers go across the
was 7PM and they had already started. Here in Canada, when neck was fascinating! Also,
they write “show at 7PM” it means it will actually begin I found it strange how John Brenner could play leads
around 10PM! So, I rushed inside and got fairly close to and sing completely different melodies over it. It truly
the stage... I threw my jacket on the ground, and then the showed some great musicianship! They played for about 40
riff magic got his way with my neck, making it headbang minutes... making jokes on the frequency of their albums:
furiously! THE LAMP played the really killer “Blood on “we wrote this two years ago, which makes it 8 albums
Satan’s Claw” (BULL’S EYE!) as well as “Pagan Daze” and ago”... haha. Crazy band.
some songs I wasn’t familiar with (for the next album?).

38
 set was a dream, really, and they played ALL killer
songs, including splendid renditions of “In The Wake
of Armadeus”. “Armageddon”, “The Cry of the Banshee”,
Fourth band to play was WARNING “March of the Dead”, “Dance of the Druids”, “Judgement
- something I’ve been waiting of the Dead”, as well as the “new” song “Walking in the
a long time to finally see Dark” which will appear on a 7” split with Jex Thoth.
live. The crowd got tighter, I was stoked, absolutely baffled by the atmosphere that
but I still had quite a nice was surrounding me... and still couldn’t believe what
spot at the front. ...then I was witnessing! I was located just in front of Alan
it hit me. The über crushing (the guitarist) and could hear Rich’s rhythm guitar and
doom hit me right in between Diccon’s bass a bit less loud than the rest. I didn’t
the eyes. The melancholicness care though! I could hear the songs just fine, and they
of Patrick Walker’s voice, hit the spot. Looking around me, you could see people
with the slow and heavy riffs with their eyes closed, their fists raised, and a smile
made me want to kill myself on their face. (In my case, some tears to my eyes!) That
(of joy)! They started with night, I know PAGAN ALTAR brought many ears to a very
“Watching from a Distance” which sounded a bit muffled, intense orgasm!!
but after somehow everything got boosted up and it sounded
better. Their gig consisted of most of their latest album,
as well as one song from the first album (Cemetary Eyes).
It was amazing, simply mind blowing. Watching Pat sing
was an experience alone - his face would make all sorts of
contortions, showing that he put all his might and energy
into the words. Marcus and Stuart (bassist and drummer)
were really into it as well... and so was the crowd. It
was the first time that I had to headbang so slowly... a
strange thing indeed!

Finally the time has come for PAGAN ALTAR so see the The band played for more than an hour, and we wanted
light! I didn’t move one bit from the front, so I could more... but it had to eventually finish. I was satisfied.
have a good spot. The whole band (featuring our man Rich What a dazzling experience!!! I want to say a huge fuckin’
Walker on guitar, finally unmasked) appeared on stage thank you to Rich and whoever else that participating in
except for Terry. Where was him? A few moments later, he making this event a truly magical one. To those who were
showed up dressed as some sort of sorcerer with a black there with me that night, I hope you enjoyed the gig as
cape and feathered hat. His wife took off his cloak/hat, much as I did. I know I will never forget such a breath-
and then music started. Of course, it was the song “Pagan taking event.
Altar”... that really esoteric keyboard intro totally
sent shivers down my spine! “Samael... ” said Terry, as Ps. Dean - thanks for the souvenir!! I will forever
a pleased crowd roared louder and louder...! The whole treasure it!!

39
 METALIAN is a fucking killer NWOBHM worship/
trad metal band. Their name comes from Metal + Ian (the name of the singer/
guitarist) and let me tell you, he has one hell of a fucking voice! They released a compilation of demo
material, an EP + live tracks CD and soon they will unleash a split 7” with New York punkers D.I.E...
Hails Ian, welcome to these pages of steel! Black Sabbath, Danzig, and Motorhead as AIL. to replace the vocalist then, and a
The story of your band is quite unknown to This band was the blueprint for Metalian. powerful voice just came out of your
me – therefore I will need your help to Originally we all moved to Montreal seperately lungs. Can you tell us the full story
clarify it. You guys moved from Halifax in to go to school and party. behind that? Is it true that you had
Nova Scotia to settle here, in Montreal. When did you guys start officially? I never sung before?? It is so hard to
Were you called “Metalian” before moving, think you’ve been around for quite a good believe!
or was it something you started here? Why 5-6 years, am I right? That’s true that I never really sang for
did you move here anyway? a band before. I was more into being a
Officially we started in Jan on 2003.
When we moved up to Montreal we were all guitar player, and I knew i had a good
just starting to really get into metal. I believe you had a few line-up changes voice, but couldn’t find a place for it in
Liam, Andrew and I all played in punk in the very beginning... can you tell us the punk music I was used to playing. When
bands back in Halifax (HGM, ASB), and who played what – and all the other ex- I recorded the first two songs by myself,
more recently we were playing cover sets of members’ names? I had to sing on them, and after I had I
I first asked Liam and Isho if they wanted knew that something special had occured.
to start a band. Andrew had moved back to What songs did you first write? Do you
Halifax and we didn’t feel your song writing has a lot changed
know any drummers, so since?
we put an add out in
the paper looking for The first songs were Chinese Delight
a drummer, and got a (Shredded Beef) and Rulers of Rock (a
reply from a 35 year song only found on the first demo we
old el salvdorian made with a drum machine) Since those
named Victor. He days I’ve been exposed to so many other
was an awesome kick ass metal bands, and I’m always
drummer, and we had influenced by the music I listen to.
a lot of fun playing You guys always deliver insane shows,
together as he had and have a great live sound – which very
such passion for the often surpasses the other bands energy
music, like so many and volume wise. What does playing live
other central/south represent to you? Which shows were your
americans. But, when favorites, and why?
Andrew moved back up We love to play live! We don’t over
to Montreal we had to rehearse, so when we get a chance to play
let him go, because live we lose it. When we played our second
Andrew is retarded on show at the Barfly in Montreal we broke
the drums. their alcohol sales record of all time.
I heard that you just It was insane, because it was only our
decided to sing one second show, and people we already so
day at band practice, enthusiastic. Playing with legendary bands
METAL MYKE, a good friend of the band,
DOES ALL THEIR ARTWORK
40
like Anvil and Piledriver deffinitely You have also recently sadly lost a member Yup, not to mention, Motorhead, Black
stick out in my mind as well. – Liam, which played rhythm guitar... sabbath, a lot of classic rock stuff
I really love your choice of covers... How did that affect METALIAN as a band? (deep purple, april wine, triumph...)
especially your versions of “Exciter” Unfortunaltely Liam quit the band for and more tharsh/ cross over stuff
and “Victim of Changes”. They are personal reasons, which sucked, but (suicidal, destruction, dayglo abortions)
completely insane, you hit these high hasn’t really affected Metalian as a deffinitely way too many bands to name.
notes so fucking well, they really send band. Since then we’ve been playing lots How can we, mortals, obtain your
shivers down my spine!! Which other of shows, and recorded a new album. releases? What do you have for sale
songs did you do, live? Are there other You have pretty much all released your – and how can people get their dirty
tunes that you would like to cover? material by yourselves – except for the fingers on them?
Playing covers is one of our favorite tape version of Rock’n’Roll Anthems and The best way to pick up Metalian gear
things to do! When I’m watching a band that the new 7” split that will come out is at our shows (we always sell stuff
kick ass, it always steps it up another soon. How come? Have you been sending cheaper at shows), but you can also
level when they nail a cover. When we demos to labels and never got a response check out soundcentralstore.com, or
played in Halifax the last time we did two or just prefer to go the D.I.Y. way? just contact us through our myspace.
sets, one of which was all covers. WE did, The most important thing is to have your What is coming up next within the band?
Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, music accessible to people, and if you I’m truly hoping for a full-length!!
Kiss, and of course Judas Priest. gotta do it yourself, then that’s what You got it!! We are releasing a full length
On the first demo, Rock’n’Roll Anthems you gotta do. There are so many bands on vinyl in march on Deer skull records.
– “Shredded Beef” was named “Chinese trying to get attention from Labels We also have a 7” split with DIE (Albany,
Meat”... how so? Did you get labelled (including us) that it’s very lucky if NY) coming out on Work’n Stiff records.
as gore heavy metal or something? (Bad they do pick up on you. Luckily for us,
joke there, haha...) we’ve met some really cool people who Well, that’s pretty much it... you can
are so into promoting the scene, that add anything you want to this interview
The lyrics for Shredded Beef were just to make it extra special! Thanks for
supposed to be a joke. I mean, how many they are willing to put up their money
to get our shit put out on vinyl. your precious time!
metal bands have a song about their favorite
dish of chinese food? People like it so What is everyone’s favorite metal We just want to give a big thanks to
much though, I had to keep it. But the name bands? Obviously, there must be Judas all the METALIANITES out there for
still bothered me, so we changed it to the Priest, Iron Maiden and Thin Lizzy in helping us keep the spirit of old
more metal sounding Shredded Beef. there... hehe school metal alive a thriving. FUCKING
RIIIIIGHTS!!!

Their two releases up to now:

41
 INEPSY is a four-piece band playing an apocalyptic mix of Motorpunk, d-beat, NWOBHM and raunchy
rock’n’roll. They’ve been around for almost 10 years and they released recently a (very) rock’n’roll influenced
LP. Here are some words with Chany, lead guitar/vocalist and one of the founding members!

MONTREAL, JULY 21ST 2008 It was way more raw... the people Saguenay but back then we were
Can you tell us how you’ve that were able to track the demo all living together in Quebec
decided to start up INEPSY back down said that it didn’t sound at city. It was time for us to leave
in ‘98/’99? Were you guys just a all like the same band. It was a that city around the year 2000...
bunch of friends that happened bit crust with grinding parts... we had a lot of pressure from
to enjoy the same music? really fast and violent stuff. the cops, and a million other
The vocalist had more of a death reasons. On top of it, there was
At the very beginning, I was in a metal voice – let’s just say that a bigger scene in Montreal and
band that was almost pretty much it is VERY different from what we many, MANY more shows.
done... Some friends of mine wanted do nowadays. There was no d-beat
to start up a band so me and Sam, Yeah, good point. How did you
rock’n’roll. start playing music and do vocals?
my drummer, went to jam with them
just for fun. I ended up going on Do you still have copies of that Were you sick of finding singers,
guitar as a back up for the other demo lying around? and so you decided to assume the
guitarist. Eventually, it became No, I gave my last copy away to vocal responsibilities?
an actual band – although at that some guy that was hassling me to I was singing in other bands before
time it really wasn’t what INEPSY have it... I don’t care, because INEPSY but they were bands that never
is today. We had done a few shows, in my head that incantation of went anywhere. Haha. Sometimes I’d
recorded a demo, and eventually INEPSY was another band completely play guitar and other times I’d be
found the name “Inepsy” for the and I don’t want to mix both. It’s doing vocals. I was about 14 or 15
band. The vocalist (Sylvain Morin) the past. The real INEPSY started when I started playing in bands...
was way more into metal... he off in 2000. we’d jam in the basement of my
used more into punk, but then he buddy’s mother’s place in Rouyn and
switched to Grind and Death, so he What was the band’s goal at first
cover BLACK FLAG, CIRCLE JERKS and
eventually quit because he wanted – if there was one? BERRURIER NOIR songs. INEPSY is the
to go more towards that direction. At first, it was to jam, have fun first band that I play both guitar
After that, there were only me, and play shows. It’s a bit far, and sing though.
Sam, Rat (Maxime Dion) and François but I think we started to have
Devost on guitar (who was always Must have been hard getting used
more ambition when the first 7”
either in jail or not attending came out. to it at first, eh?
practices so he eventually got Yeah, but with some practice I
kicked out). We ended up being You guys started out in Quebec-
City, and then moved to Montreal, achieved it. I really have to watch
three, so I decided to trash what myself at shows though, I can’t
was done, created a new concept, right? Are you originally from
drink too much before a live gig or
as well as a new logo. Quebec yourself? I will fuck it up. It happened once
How did the band sound, compared No, I am actually an Abitibi guy! in Quebec City, I drank way too
to now? (Northern Quebec – Annick). Rat much before the show and played
is from Roberval, Sam was from really sketchily. The band was

42
pissed at me, I was pissed off at skeleton and lyric concepts, then one of them even stage dived! The
myself... hahaha! I have so many the rest of the members throw in first city we played in England,
things to think of when I play their ideas. Brighton, was a crazy experience.
with INEPSY that I really need to Cool! So, you just came back from Some guy actually climbed on Sam’s
dose it. But just wait until the a European tour... who organized drumset to dive into the pit! One
show is over! it and how did it go? What were of the amps fell on the floor also.
Who originally thought of the It was fucking wild!
the highlights of it?
band name, and what the hell You also told me there were a lot
Yanick from Feral Ward gave us of metalheads that approached
does it mean? Haha some contacts and booked the
We wanted to have an original name, tour, and then Sam, JP and me you in Germany, I believe?
but every time we’d have something did the rest of the logistics. Yeah, that’s another thing! I
interesting, we’d do a search and We had a great tour but we were was really surprised to see older
there would already be a band a bit last minute... we learned headbangers with their ancient
with the same name! So we put two a few lessons. I didn’t want patched jackets. They’d bring me
words together to be different. to create any expectations so I their INEPSY LP’s for me to sign
INEPT + PSYCHOLOGIC, meaning didn’t know how it’d go. It was them. These things always surprise
psychologically inept... which is also my first time traveling to me, because, unlike metalheads
my global vision of the society. I Europe. We did about 38-39 shows - punks don’t give a fuck about
mean, are we really aware of what in 40 days, but we took a week signatures... For metalheads it’s
we do? Maybe people are aware of it before and a week after off to a sacred thing! You can’t say no
but not psychologically adequate be able to relax a bit. I can say to them! So I signed them, and
to function properly together. that I really enjoyed playing in the guys were really fucking
It’s a chaotic band name... and Liège (Belgium). Some shows, the happy. Hahahaha. It was the same
it reflects pretty much what we places were really crowded and we in Finland... fucking weird. Here
write in our songs. What is cool weren’t used to playing in front in Canada or in the States, nobody
is that the english-speaking of big crowds... other times, does that.
people pronounce it exactly the people didn’t really get into it Did they also come with the 7”’s?
same as the French people! as much. Prague in Czech Republic
was really killer! It was full, No, it was mostly with R’n’R
That’s surprising! INEPS-“I” would Babylon and City Weapons... the
sound really wimpy anyway. Ok, and people were very energetic.
All the bands – even the local 7” has only been pressed at 500
furthermore, how are typical band copies, so it’s really rare. We
practices? Are they totally beer band were fantastic. Copenhagen
was a cool place... over there, have 500 more copies that will be
soaked? How do you write songs? they told us not to headline re-pressed soon, which is a good
Yeah, well, I usually have a because the locals support so much thing because people sell it at
beer when jamming... but at the their scene that they apparently around 100$+ on ebay. I am really
beginning, if there were no shows would not give a shit about out happy about the repress.
to go to on Fridays and Saturdays, of town bands! They’d just leave That’s some great news... That 7”
we’d jam and drink ‘till 2-3 in after them! Another thing that seriously rips. It was on the same
the morning. It’d be our party. surprised me at that place was label as the other LP’s, right?
It changed with time though, as that there was a lot of older
we have other occupations or more punks with their kids... some 10- At the very beginning, it was
projects, girlfriends, etc. We year olds were really into it... supposed to be released on Great
try to have more of a productive American Steak Religion, but then
weekly schedule. Usually, I the label changed to Feral Ward.
come up with some sort of song On the 7”, it’s written INEPTIC

SELF-PORTRAIT ON FIRST 7”
43
 RECORDS because Yannick of Feral Ward album is more in the AC/DC, Rose
was in transition and we wanted at least Tattoo and KISS vein... Now, you
something to be written on the 7”. always had a rock’n’roll vibe, but
Can you tell us about how the line- on this album – you really focused
up changed over the years? your sound on it. What made you want
to go in that direction?
16-YEAR OLD CHANY Back when we released the first 7”,
we were still a trio consisting of We wanted to do whatever we wanted.
me on vocals and guitar, Rat on bass I was a bit saturated of playing d-
and Sam on drums. Rat left after the beat songs and I was reluctant to put
7”, a few days after he got a big out something that would sound the
INEPSY tattoo on his neck. He used to same as previous LP’s. Me and Sam,
play with a gas mask at live shows... the drummer, spent a year listening
you can see it in the 7” sleeve. Rat to lots of rock – and when we’d jam,
then got replaced by JP Tassé. Steve we’d play blues, etc... Of course, I
Bennett joined us (a bit before Rat would never put blues-styled music in
left the band) and recorded R’n’R INEPSY! The concept was to take older,
Babylon, and then City Weapons. Steve more rock-oriented INEPSY tunes and
left after City Weapons because he to deepen the rock’n’roll feeling.
wanted to do something else. It was The songs became a bit slower, had a
a personal choice, really. Bob E then bit more solos, but the apocalyptic
took over. He arrived right when we lyrics remained the same.
18-YEAR OLD CHANY
were recording No Speed Limit for How did your friends and long-time
Destruction and were going on our fans react to the album?
European tour!
Of course, some people thought the
Why did it take more than 3 years to album would be heavier, but they got
put out the new album anyway? I know used to it. Some people liked it from
you couldn’t go tour the US anymore the beginning, some didn’t at all.
and all, but still? They’re aloud to think what they want
When we put out City/Weapons, we had about it. What’s important is that
lots of projects to do – so we did we are happy with the final product.
Bob E
only a few shows. I then moved to the Maybe 50% people like it.
Outaouais region (close to Ottawa, So you listen to rock, but also
but on the French side –ed). I stayed punk and metal... how did you start
there two years – and would go to listening to all these styles?
Montreal almost every weekend...
then, JP, our new guitarist arrived, Actually, my roots are punk – I was
so we had to show him around 30-40 listening more to metal back in high
songs... I can just tell you that he school, really. My first punk band was
RAT really knew his songs after the 40-day DEAD KENNEDYS – I was around 12 years
European tour!! Ha-ha!! old and it was one of my friend’s
brother (that was a big metalhead with
Yeah, I can understand that – it’s long hair and big untied work boots)
like 40 band practices one after that had given it to me. He had DRI,
the other... hahaha. So, your new NUCLEAR ASSAULT and all sorts of metal

J-P

STEVE ‘03

FIRST INEPSY LINE-UP LIVE IN QUEBEC

SAM

44
tapes... and he had given me the DEAD They are already happy to have a big chunk
KENNEDYS tape because he didn’t like it. I of people there and not in the streets
thought it was fucking intense! I was young downtown, so they don’t bother us. Our
back then, and DEAD KENNEDYS had already neighbors are also very tolerant... except
broken up for at least two years, but I for one, but the police basically told
was really hoping to see them in concert!! him to shut up because he was the only
After this was BLACK FLAG, CIRCLE JERKS... one complaining. We are about 60 people
I was doing some skateboarding back then, against one... so it’s 60 that wins! Of
and I met lots of punks and band members course, people have to respect certain
at the skatepark. Everyone was still limits. One day an idiot is going to do a see you in hell 7” (2002)
listening to 80’s stuff, and then I dived really stupid thing and it’s going to ruin
right into the underground. it for everyone.
How did you discover speed metal, and who Yeah, as long as people drink inside and
were the bands you’d listen the most? all, everything’s going to be alright,
I guess...
KREATOR, NAPALM DEATH, CELTIC FROST,
VENOM... I never really dug too far in No no no, we still drink outside. Once we
underground metal, but I knew what I liked were about 80 people drinking outside on
and I was happy with it. sofas and all. We were fucking loud! A
few years back it happened really often
Yeah, these bands are enough to satisfy! – the entire street would be full of
Ok, a question a bit more related to drunks... and the police wouldn’t come! Or
the UG scene here in Montreal. We are if they’d come, they’d give us a small shy
really lucky here, having party/show warning. Hahaha. I can’t believe people R’N’R Babylon (2003)
houses like Loudhouse and nowadays the have been living in these apartments for 8
Gates of Hell... How would you describe years now... we host travelers too – more
these places to people that never heard before, but sometimes when a band would
of them? I know tons of people live play Montreal and had nowhere to sleep,
there, could we describe it as some sort they’d come over and party/crash with us.
of small residential community?
You are not only a musician and song
The Loudhouse doesn’t exist anymore, writer, but a very good visual artist
although there are still shows at the top as well. You paint, work metal, do
– at a place called “L’Arsenal”. (Nothing motorcycle mods, etc... Are you a self-
is really going on there nowadays). The taught artist or did you take courses?
Loudhouse is an apartment with people CITY/WEAPONS (2004)
living in it – me and my girlfriend for I learned from other people and took some
example. The people there are at the heart welding courses. I had started a college
of the scene. It’s where energy boils and diploma in art, but eventually quit because
people meet! I was working, had an apartment to pay
but was also patying too much .... I’d
I’ve seen some killer shows at the Gates of arrive in school and sleep. It was quite
Hell... amongst them RAMMER and METALIAN. useless. Hahaha! I did a few frescos (wall
Really unforgettable (or forgettable hehe) paintings) in Quebec City in 2000-2001, and
times. Did you guys ever have trouble with was paid for that. It was really cool! For
the cops – showing up with this fucking welding, I’d always be working in shops and
intoxicated crowd around? doing boring jobs. I then thought that I’d
be way cooler to work the metal directly,
so I went more towards that.
No speed limit for destruction (2007)

city weapons! 2004 line-up loud house circa 2001

45
 What are your favorite artists – and down... he did, so I was able to see We’ll keep it for some other drunken
what inspires you, artistically? that there were no cars coming on the times, hehe. Ok, this pretty much
To be honest, I was sleeping in my other line – so I could move to the concludes our interview. Can you
art courses so I don’t remember middle. I was stuck right there in tell us what the future has in
much... Haha! On the other hand, for the middle of the highway for an hour plan for INEPSY? Can you give us
underground artists, I am obsessed and a half.I had about a foot of space a pre-tasting of the next LP? Are
with Pushead. I have tons of posters, on each side of me for the cars to you going to make big band music or
clippings and photocopies of his pass. I was smoking cigarettes non- something? Hahaha!
artwork. Of course, H.R. Giger is stop until a towing came-by and picked
me up. Another thing that happened is The new material is going to be
also a big influence. For inspiration, more like the old stuff, but with
most of the time I do contract works that I stalled at some traffic lights
and a car crashed into me. I flew on a more metal/punk feel. Right now,
so the main inspiration comes from I have a lot of inspiration to make
the client, but sometimes I just one side and the bike went on the
other side... it fucked up my wing. more aggressive songs, but it will
randomly sketch something that comes be pretty much the same formula as
out of my mind, and then put it away. The driver did a hit and run. I got
up and left – but my bicycle was all before.
Later on, I open up my sketches and it
gives me ideas for bigger projects. I fucked up... I did managed to fix it Nice, I am fucking stoked! Alright,
am also quite a disturbed person... anyway. I was really fucking pissed got any closing words?
I am fascinated with the concept though, that bastard!! I could tell
you a shitload more... Well, good luck with the ‘zine! Long
of war... it helps me to deal with live... the loud!!!
anger, with all that I hate. It’s
a way of getting the steam out. We
all need this really, or we’d become
potentially dangerous beings, hehe.
Haha fuck yes. You did some bike
modifications and love to ride the
great iron horse. Can you tell us a
bit about your passion?
This is my first bike only, but I
really enjoy it. When you’re riding,
you think of nothing except riding;
you have to be alert of everything.
Instead of sitting at home and playing
video games, I just jump on my bike
and ride. I have to think about the
clutch, curves, when I will down
shift, avoid certain obstacles. I am
knocking on wood now, but I think
I ride better bikes than cars. When
you’re in a car, you’re like in a
mini-livingroom... it’s easier to
lose your focus – but when you’re on
a bike, it becomes your 6th sense. It
makes me feel alive! Right now, I ride
a 1976 XS650C Yamaha. That bike has
my age by the way. Haha! I completely
modified it to my tastes – because
I wanted it to be completely me. I
spent so much time and work into it,
that I think people can feel it. I
leave it parked anywhere but never
got it stolen... I think people know
that it should not be touched.
Well, the bike looks pretty fucking
bad-ass. Do you have any impressive
biking stories? Haha!
Yeah, there is a few things that
happened to me – especially when I
would travel from Luskville (close
to Ottawa) to Montreal. Once, a fuse
burnt out on a 4-way highway, and I
had a huge truck at my right, one at
my back and I couldn’t see what would
be coming on the other way. My bike
completely stopped at 120 km/h (75
m/h for you Americans –ed) and right
away my motor started decompressing,
so I was holding the clutch and did CHANY WITH HIS CUSTOM XS65OC YAMAHA
a sign to one of the drivers to slow

46
 I discovered MORNE randomly at a fest called “A Varning from Montreal”. I knew their sound
was going to haunt me forever the minute they started. They play a breed of crushing apocalyptic
crust/doom, sounding much like AMEBIX/AXEGRINDER meets SACRILEGE (UK) and
NEUROSIS - but managing to keep an original and different feel. The band, which features ex
DISRUPT, FILTH OF MANKIND and GRIEF members, has recorded a demo and will
soon unleash new material, as well as play a gig with AMEBIX. Keep your eyes peeled!

MORNE started up in 2005. What sounded like nothing I had heard all. When I write music I try to make
fueled the passion for you all to in recent years. After both our it speak for itself, be meaningfull.
start this project? Can you tell bands had dissolved, I heard he It has to fit the lyrics and lyrics
us a bit about the beginnings and was looking to start something new have to fit the music.
the past projects you all had? here in Boston, so I immediately Your first material, “Demo 2008”,
MILOSZ: I was in Money Drug, Filth got in touch with him and the rest got released on CD/tape and vinyl
of Mankind, and few other bands/ is history. Why call your demo... a demo? It
projects. When I moved to Boston Milosz, you moved from Poland to sounds really professional and
I started to look for people to BOSTON. Did you specifically move mimics very well your live act.
continue to play music, I found there for the band? Were you not satisfied enough with
a few people but it didn’t work. MILOSZ: I had other reasons. it to call it a debut album? After
Around 2003, I joined my friend’s all, it IS 38 minutes long...
band called Sleeper Cell, and it Who is the driving force behind the
band? Or do you guys all bring your MAX: We call it a “demo”
was cool to play music again but simply because this is what we
it wasn’t really what I wanted own individual elements to it?
originally intended it to be.
to do. I kept writing music and MAX: Morne is really the brainchild It was really just a way to map
looking for right people to start of Milosz, it’s been something he out what we wanted to do for the
to play my music. Finally around has been envisioning for a long first “official” LP, and to be
2005 I got together with my time. We more or less stay true to honest we still do not hear this
friends and we started to play, his original plans with most the recording as complete enough to
but again a few ofthem moved away music but over time everything be released as a debut album.
or had other bands and didn’t have has continued to evolve and I We have big plans and ideas for
enough time. Then I asked Kevin like to think at this point we the re-recording session and it
whom I knew from other Boston all contribute something to make requires more time in a better
bands, something clicked and we this band what it is today. studio to get these songs the way
started to play together. A few we envision them.
weeks after, Max joined and then MILOSZ: I write most of our music
we recorded our demo which later and lyrics, but all four of us Is your upcoming LP going to be
came out on CD and vinyl as Demo make the band sound full and in the vein of the demo? Will
2008. The band got complete when complete. it include the same songs, same
Jeff joined us on second guitar What do you want to achieve, line-up, etc? Can you reveal a
in early 2008. music-wise – with MORNE? What few more things about it?
MAX: I had known Milosz from do you picture, or want people MAX: It will be 6 of the 7 songs
around Boston since 2003. He came to mentally picture with your from the demo plus one new track.
to a few of my old band (Send music? I personally see total The lineup will not be the same,
More Cops) shows and I used to go Darkness... since we added Jeff to the band,
to see his band (Sleeper Cell) a MILOSZ: Darkness? Maybe. Our so I would expect this session to
lot. We would talk every now and music and lyrics aren’t happy, so sound closer to the tracks we did
then and eventually he gave me darkness would be right, I guess. for the split with Warprayer.
some CD’s of FILTH OF MANKIND. My lyrics are personal and they Let’s talk a bit about musical
I was really into it and felt it show how I see life around, that’s tastes... since this is mostly a

48
metal fanzine, what metal bands MILOSZ: Right now I listen to New available through No Options
do you guys like the most? What Model Army. I listen Pink Floyd Records and various distros
crust bands would you recommend and Neurosis a lot too. Killing worldwide. Aside from this we are
to “metal heads” that don’t know Joke is my late obsession. I like just going to try and focus mostly
that genre – but would like to when bands spend a bit more time on recording. This is the first
explore it? to think and plan when they write priority to us, but obviously we
MILOSZ: I like early Metallica, their music. want to tour whenever possible as
old german bands like SODOM, MAX: Currently on my turntable well. Right now all we have for
RUNNING WILD, IRON MAIDEN, is “Over the Edge” by the Wipers. sale are shirts, if you want to
ENTOMBED... the list can go But lately I’ve been partial to order one just shoot us an e-mail
on forever. I think metalheads Doom Metal stuff like Asunder and we can fill you in on all the
would like bands like HELLSHOCK (California) and Warning (U.K.). details. mornecrust@gmail.com
and STORMCROW. Older bands like I’ve also been listening to That’s pretty much it. Thanks for
AMEBIX, and SACRILEGE are good. newer bands like Deathcharge the interview! Feel free to add
MAX: My favorite metal bands tend (Portland), Invasion (Spain), anything I forgot to mention, or
to stick with the classics like Mono (Japan). For classics, you think might be of interest!
Black Sabbath, Metallica, Iron lately I listen to Joy Division, MAX: Thanks for taking interest
Maiden, etc. I’m also really The Mob, Leatherface, Killing in our band.
big on NWOBHM and 80’s thrash, Joke, and (always) MotÖrhead.
MILOSZ: thanx a lot, cheers!
though my taste tends to become Can you tell us about the next
more selective the older I get. steps for the band, what do you No problem, of course!
Punk bands I would recommend to have for sale, and where to get To the people reading this, check
metal-heads would be obvious it all? I think you are about out MORNE’s new website here:
stuff like Discharge, Amebix, to release a split LP with
Siege, G.B.H., Sacrilege, etc. WARPRAYER, am I right? www.morneband.com
Less obvious stuff to check out MAX: The split 12” with Warprayer www.nooptionsrecords.com
would be the later material by should be out in January and
Antisect (U.K.) or Anti-Cimex
(Sweden), plus anything by
S.D.S. (Japan), Disrupt (fuck you
Jeff!), Apocalypse (California),
or Concrete Sox (U.K.) would be
sure to please the most brutal of
metal-heads.
What are you guys currently
obsessed with – musically? What
is spinning on your turntable/CD
player as you are writing these
interview answers?

49
 You have
not heard real
killer proto-metal
‘till you’ve heard
Flower Travellin’ Band.
This group of eccentric
Japanese musicians started out
in 1967, doing semi-obscure songs
of popular occidental bands (Janis
Joplin, Cream, Jimi Hendrix,
etc.). They had minor success
in Canada/USA as well as
Japan, but then broke up
in ’73. They reunited
recently. Woohoo!

The history of Flower Century Schizoid Man” and...

Joe Yamanaka ‘08

An interview with

Travellin’ Band starts as far BLACK SABBATH’s “Black

as 1967, under the name “Yuya Sabbath” – THE heaviest song
Uchida & the Flowers”... I know ever written in the history
you weren’t in the band at the of metal. Who introduced you
time, but do you know its very to Sabbath, and why did you
beginnings? Had you seen the choose to cover this song
band live at the time? in particular? What kind of
Yes, I knew them and saw feeling would this song give
them. I was in a band, and I you? I love how you took
performed on the same stage. these songs and almost re-
wrote them...
The “Challenge” LP, which
pretty much only featured I wanted to sing Black Sabbath.
foreign cover songs, came It was unusual to perform a
out in 1969. After this, the song from a foreign country,
band slowly started shifting and there was a superiority
to another direction – thus complex in Japan at that time.
changing their name to I sang the song happily.
“Flower Travellin’ Band”. The album cover featured the
Yuya Uchida switched from whole band completely naked,
vocalist to producer and riding huge choppers. Were
Remi Asa, the other vocalist, you guys real bikers, or did
faded into obscurity. This you have to learn to bike
is where you step in. How just for it?
did you get introduced to the We did not have a motorcycle
band? Were you a friend of license, but we did ride
Yuya Uchida? those. It was a trash stash.
Japan was cut off from the (I don’t really understand
world at that time. Yuya this, hahaha - Ed)
Uchida wanted to establish In 1971, you recorded your
the band in that world. He most famous album, “Satori”.
was a friend, but he was also There are only a few albums
famous as the pioneer of Rock which I can consider as
of Japan. perfect, and it is one of
In 1970, you guys released them... I can only listen to
“Anywhere” – your first “real” it infrequently because it
LP. It featured some heavier feels like it makes me travel
bluesy-psych compositions as to other dimensions and
well as some very special makes me forget my own name!
covers, including “House Haha! You came to Toronto
of the Rising Sun”, “20th (Canada) and stayed there

50
for 15 months in the same year. Was it Ishimaru, made a mistake in the band’s name English, so a friend’s college professor
difficult to adapt to the Canadian life? (Frower Travellin Band) but he also wrote did the translation for me. This is how
Did you choose to live there because you the lyrics of a Hare Krishna chant in the I really started to play sitar. I gave
had gotten signed to Atlantic Records? artwork. Was Mr. Ishimaru a member of Hare myself up to the sitar, and I became the
We were the enjoyments, and we were very glad Krishnas? Was it somebody else in the band prisoner of it. The tuning of it is three
of living in a foreign country. We enjoyed that had this idea? I know Ishima was very half-sound, low do tuning compared to the
it very much because we were young, and the fond of Indian culture and music... guitar. The codes are the same, and the
life of the foreign country had a different We don’t know Ishimaru’s private things, fingerwork that strums the guitar is same
culture and spectators. It had no relations but he especially loves Indian culture as well.
to Atlantic Record. We were invited by the and music. Of course Ishima plays Citara Wow, that’s quite fascinating! You were
producer of LIGHT HOUSE (Canadian rock (Sitar –ed) on the new CD. definately one of the first ones to
band), and then went to Canada. Speaking of Ishima, he created his own incorporate the sitar sound in heavy rock!!
Can you tell us a little bit about your type of sitar/electric guitar fusion – Anyway, how were the 70’s in Japan? Was
Canadian experience? You played at the which he will be using on the new album. there a big cultural boom? Did the peace
Molson Amphitheatre in front of 30,000 Can you describe us a bit this sound? and love, sex and drugs travelled so far as
people, and your song “Satori Part II” your country?
Ishima said: I
reached #8 on the Canadian charts (!!) Do started to play the The 70’s was a big conversion period also
you remember hearing it on the radio? sitar to the Japanese in Japan. This new style of music, Rock ‘n
Yes, we listened to Satori on the radio. popular music. A fan Roll, enterered from Britain and the United
It was an amazing moment. The Canadian had recommended me a States; and we, Japanese, really got into
life was an especially interesting one. We certain record from it. And, a quite new thought and principle
lived in the same apartment by all members, Gaboll Sabo. He had an came to Japan as for the music. Naturally,
and lived jointly. The song making and irregular do tuning, adults showed disgust in this new western
the rehearsal were done in one room of and he was also was culture. Sex and drugs were a new concept
the apartment every day. It was unusual playing the sitar on to the life of the Japanese in the early
that the Japanese performed Rock ‘n’ Roll, Ishima with his sitar the album. I love 70’s. The adults were conservative.
and at that time, people living in the musicians who does However, the young person are more liberal.
apartment and neighbours would enter the interesting things. Anyway, I found the The young people obediently accepted Love
room to listen to our performance every sitar in a music store in Tokyo one day. & Peace. Japan was defeated during WW2,
day. They became the first fans in Canada. Yuya Uchida had bought it for me. However, because the entire Japanese felt it was
It was very good memories. Recently, we went I did not understand how to play it, and not a necessary risk. Of course, I am also
to Toronto for new album production. The was embarassed when doing so. Learning it the same. I had experienced it all to be
apartment was still there when we visited. was still very easy as it is a stringed able to tell you.
However, unfortunately, the landlord had instrument similar to the guitar. One day In 1972, you released the “Made in Japan”
changed apartment. I had found a book on sitar written by LP. I believe you were pretty much at your
The gatefold for “Satori” is quite Ravi Shankar. Unfortunately, I could not peak, then. You opened up for many bands like
interesting... not only the artist, Shinobu read the book because it was written in Emerson Lake and Palmer and the Jeff Beck

51
 group. On the album, you wrote a few It is not a translation that becomes
songs about WWII like “Hiroshima” and an opportunity for the band it and
“Kamikaze”... were you guys really into discontinues acting. Solo had already
WWII history? What does it represent acted on me in those days. I obtained
to you? the chance to perform in the audition
I was not into history, but I would of the film experience by chance. It
have not existed if there would not was requested by filmdom person’s
have been WW2. Also, I am against all person that do a favorite performance
wars and disputes. only by ..audition.. five minutes,
and I sang that. The producer who
After this, “Make Up” was released had listened to my song had me sing
as a double LP with both live and the theme song of a movie. And, Big
studio recordings. The year was 1973, became a hit to the movie, and the
and this was your last album. Back theme song that I had sung became
then, you got booked to open up for #1 of the year. However, when the
the Rolling Stones. Was it for a show song enlivened the people even once
only or for an entire tour? Why did because at that time, I was in jail,
it happen, and was it what brought the I was not able to sing. In media,
band to breakup? it became a broadcasting prohibition.
It was only in Tokyo. What is the The band had already dissolved.
event that it wants to hear you? Is Music was working respectively by the
it my Marihuana case? Or, is it Yuya band member.
Uchida? If it is me, it is possible “From Pussies to Death in 10,000
to release it. The case was occupying Years Freakout” came out in 1995.
of showing to the people completely. This bootleg featured some outtakes
In the law of Japan, it is necessary of 1969’s Challenge! LP. How did the
to be arrested with the Marihuana, bootleggers get these recordings? Do
and to serve the punishment. However, you feel flattered about it, or do you
I did not have a Marihuana. At that see it as a bad thing?
time, there were a lot of people who
had been arrested by the Marihuana I don’t know anything about this
illegal possession in the concert of bootleg. As for it, if it is good, it
Japan. I was arrested and subjected is bad. I think that it is a depends
various questioning. However, because on a situation.
nothing had been spoken, I was taken In FTB, you never sang a whole lot,
into custody in the prison for as but every time you did, it was well
much as 90 days. It was an illegal placed. For you, what does it mean to
restraint. And, the police are not be a great singer? What do you want to
apologizing yet to me. I was innocent. achieve with your voice?
The wonderful singer whom I regard is
a person who can sing love from the
bottom of one’s hearts. And, it is a
person who understands the meaning to
be alive. The song is the one that
everyone understands, and is accepted.
I want to send it to the person who
hears them in its voice.
You have two bloods. Your father was

52
an American soldier and your mother is (as well as some other places like
Japanese... How was it to grow up in the Crocodile club in Tokyo). Was the
the Japanese society? Were you often feeling similar than in the early
treated as a “gaijin” (stranger)? Did days? Were you surprised at the
you get raised with your mother as a amount of people that showed up?
single parent? Also, do you have any We got very excited by the appearance
memories of your father? on the Fuji Rock Fest. However,
I was discriminated to a Japanese suddenly announcing a big show thought
society for a long time in my childhood. that there was impossibility a little,
I am Japanese and American’s mixed and rehearsed beforehand with the club
bloods. My skin is black. This is not of Tokyo in a present band. We got a
a Japanese appearance as anyone can good response - he reaction from young
see. And, my mother died when I was the people was also good. In Fuji Rock
fourth grade in elementary school. The Fest, there were a lot of foreigner
brother and I grew up in the orphanage. audiences. We believed that they were
I was a person without the necessity able to like our performance. We
made between American soldiers. I am performed new songs.
always thought to be a foreigner. I do What are the next steps for Flower
not know anything about my father. Travellin’ Band?
You have always kept on playing, It is the same idea all members of
but most recently reformed with the band. It is CD production and a
original members of Flower Travellin’ concert tour. We will go on until all
Band. Can you please tell us how you members die.
came about doing this? What triggered
you all to play live again, as well as Finally, what is freedom to you? Pure
to release a new album? freedom?
At present, it is a great feeling to be The pure freedom that I think about
able to perform with original members. is also for thought, the principle
I never thought the band was going to or neither speech and behavior that
be able to perform - including me- as the individual tries to do nor the
we are exceeding the 60 years of age. I restriction to exist and to be able to
already had results as a solo artist... do. It is harmony for with the nature
However, it is possible to work on that it is not free that human thought
a new sound by all original members. about but the main creation gave.
We are writing chapter 2 of Flower Freedom is the one to liberate myself.
Travellin‘ Band. There is our the re- Thanks so much for answering all these
start with a lot of fans. The current questions. Please finish up with some
also had the story of the re-start words – anything!
several times. I will inform you in
advance, we never say dissolution this I am to put the soul and to sing.
time. Therefore, feelings all members I received revelation from the god.
have not become complete though there
was a talk in the re-start. Right now,
all members think it is pleasent to
start again. We also got an invitation
from the producer Mr. Kurawaka.
You have played your first show in
35 years at the Fuji Rock Festival

53
 Italian Horror Metal report
Italy has always been a strange place for music, I mean, weird prog bands like Van Der
Graf Generator topped their musical charts for 12 weeks straight in the early 70’s!
Nowadays, most people associate Italy with boring power metal bands like RHAPSODY
and LABYRINTH, but digging deeper under the Italian soil reveals some mysterious
forces... Plunge into the realm of purple horror metal! - by Satannick and François
Death SS: Started in 1977 by Paul Chain and Steve Silvester, these guys invented “Horror Metal”. Chain
wrote the music, and Steve Silverster wrote the texts, and all the members would dress up as horror movie
characters; the Death, Vampire, Necromancer, Zombie, Mummy and Warewolf. They were never really popular
in their day and only put out a few singles and demos with the original line-up. In 1982, Steve Silverster
left the band and Paul Chain recruited a new singer. In 1984, the band was going nowhere, so he just
disbanded DEATH SS. Steve Silverster then bought the copyright of the band in 1987 and kept going...
the band was less and less magical until it became what it is nowadays: shitty cyber gothic horror rock.
Anyway, I obviously recommend the amazing “The Story of Death SS 1977-1984” CD.
Paul Chain... is the pseudonym of an eccentric visionary occultist named Paolo Catena. He started up in DEATH
SS, went solo as “Paul Chain Violet Theater” in 1984, then simply as “Paul Chain” in 1987, alternating between
keyboard experimentation and pure doom metal. He released some of the most important and magical doom. By the
way, the languge used by Paul Chain, doesn’t exist... it’s purely phonetic. I suggest to listen to: “Detaching
from Satan” EP (1984), “Opera 4th” LP (1987) as well as the “Alkahest” CD (1995). Nowadays, PAUL CHAIN changed
his name to PAUL CAT and does strictly spacy experimental rock.
Black Hole: Founded in 1981 by mastermind Roberto Measles, BLACK HOLE released two demo-tapes (in 1983
and 1984) and then the magnificent full-length “Land of Mystery” (1985). They play extremely dark heavy
and cursed doom metal that seems to be recorded in a decaying necropolis. It is one of the best Italian
doom bands... goosebumps guaranteed!
Zess: Killer Heavy/Doom metal evoking a very dark atmosphere. Nothing much is known about this band -
except that “Mercy”, one of the members, later went to join the Italian prog band MALOMBRA. Get the “Et
In Arcadia Ego” compilation, which was released in 2004. It contains remastered ‘88 and ‘89 material!
The Black This is doom with a hinge of trad metal. Everything is sung in latin, over a wall of killer
doom riffs and pipe organ! They released a triology based on Christ’s death - and Mr. The Black himself
painted all of the (religious) themed artwork. Mandatory release: “Peccatis Nostris + Capistrani Pugnator”
(althought I am not familiar with all the other stuff...)
Abysmal Grief: Harpischord-powered horror doom is what this band plays. They are influenced by the doom
Italian masters while lashing out new and refreshing morbid material. Get the “Abysmal Grief” CD; it
contains all of their best material!!!
L’IMPERO DELLE OMBRE: This is great fucking traditional dark doom metal, a good mixture of BLACK SABBATH,
DEATH SS, JACULA, ANGEL WITCH and SAINT VITUS. Wow! Formed in the year 1995, they only released one album
in 2004, and then one split in 2008. This is REALLY really good metal, I highly suggest you checking them
out with their S/T LP. (Out on BLACK WIDOW records).
Blood Thirsty Demons: Formed in 1998, BTD delivers a heavy breed of horror speed/thrash doom metal - as
strange as it sounds! Keyboards are subtly used, adding a cryptic atmosphere to the songs. They have released
alot of material, but my favorite is probably the 2004 album “In The Grave”.
Other, non-Italian Horror metal bands: RIPPER (US), ENERGY VAMPIRES (US), TROP FÉROSS (CAN)
Other notable Italian artists:
PROG: Antonius Rex, Il Segno Del Comando, Jacula, Malombra, Devil Doll
BLACK: Bulldozer, Mortuary Drape, Ghostrider/Necrodeath, Blasphemophager
NON-HORROR DOOM: Doomsword, Thunderstorm / HEAVY: Dark Quarterer, Hocculta
THRASH: Eversor, Children of Technology, Executioner, Baphomet’s Blood, Fingernails
Other: GOBLIN (Horror movie soundtracks)

54
 Interview with Ginette « Féross » with you, I have no clue if the Which metal/hard rock bands had
Provost, December 1st 2008 members were hesitant or not. influenced you personally when you
The story of TROP FÉROSS is quite Who decided that the band would be were younger – and made you want
obscure...could you please tell us sung in French? Why did it matter to play metal?
how the band started – at the very so much for you guys? Hmm, having been young once makes
beginning? That is one hell of a question! Well, me remember that I am lucky to
TROP FÉROSS is a fusion between « when I was younger, around 12 years still be alive! I worshipped
FÉROCE », my old all-female rock old, 75% of all things I’d listen many bands, like BLACK SABBATH,
band (that only lasted a year) and to was in English – so obviously JIMI HENDRIX, BLUE CHEER, HOU-
« TROP », which had existed for a that language was important to me... LOPS, GOLDEN EARRING, URIAH HEEP
long time – and was more in the but how could I deny these French as well as Janis Joplin and her
prog rock vein. I met the guitarist roots of mine? I came from a French- Southern Comfort. It’s them that
of “TROP” when I was giving singing speaking working class family living gave me a good kick in the ass
lessons and the guitarist was to start playing Metal. I then
teaching guitar. got into MOTÖRHEAD, JUDAS PRIEST,
SORTILÈGE, IRON MAIDEN, METALLICA
You were also part of another band as well as OFFENBACH when Harel was
called LA MEUTE...can you tell me still there, and the gothic side of
more about it? SISTERS OF MERCY and THE CULT.
La Meute had nothing to do with It seems like you had many different
metal – it is a blues/rock side in the east of Montreal, and the members during the TROP FÉROSS
project I had before and after guitarist is from Drummondville. career...Why such a thing? Can you
TROP FÉROSS. Back then, all the bands would please give us names of musicians
Ok, so the band was looking for sing in English...I found that very that were part of the band?
a vocalist, and thus you applied strange, and told myself that if the It seems that having many line-up
for that position. Were the guys younger French-Canadian generation changes is quite a frequent problem
hesitant at first to hire a female doesn’t have francophone material to within bands – and it can have
vocalist – since it was so rare listen to – somebody will have to negative effects, like slow down
and usual at the time, especially prove them that Heavy Metal sung in the band’s career. Of course, this
singing in French! French is possible. It was some kind is only from my personal experience
of holy wars. For me, Heavy Metal is but I think that it is also the
I was actually hired at first as a Heavy Metal, whichever language it
bassist/vocalist! But to be honest case in the rock, metal, gothic
is sung in. and heavy metal genres. A rocker’s

56
 only pressed a 1000 copies...but
nowadays we are ripped off in many
ways, people are selling bootlegged
tapes, videos and mp3’s. One day I
will put a lawyer on all of this.
Hmm, but that only means that there
is a demand for the band! Anyway,
my favorite song on the EP is the
excellent « Richard cœur de fer
»...unfortunately; there are two
instrumental songs where we cannot
hear your insane voice on the
second side of the MLP. Why did
you choose to record these songs?
Do you have many others in the vein
of Richard cœur de fer ?
One of the reasons we did these
instrumental songs was that “La
marche du chevalier blanc” was a
song from TROP, the band before
TROP FÉROSS. The guys had worked
VERY hard on it, so of course it
was just obvious that we had to put
life is very difficult – harder job. Normand took care of the it on the record. I totally forgot
than we think it is...we must make visual aspects, including lighting why we chose to do the other one...
many sacrifices. It’s a calling, special effects and scene design. as you know, it was 22 years ago! In
really. Anyway, for the members of It’s him that had built my casket... any case, I was really in a pissed
the band – it was Normand Gendron, which reminds me, I didn’t bring off mood when I wrote “Richard
the founding member, Guy Lauziere, it to New York city with me! I Coeur de Fer”. There weren’t many
the drummer, Alain Bisonnette, will have to buy a new one, because rocker women back in my day...guys
the bassist, and myself, Ginette in that case I do not want it to always thought they’d be ending
“Feross” Provost – on vocals, be second-hand! But yeah, we very up in bed with you at the end of
guitar and bass. Then after there often thought of producing another the show. I almost needed a black
was Claude Gagnon, bassist – that album. We actually had an offer belt! Well, back then I’d go to the
played with us in France, Justin from an American record label last Mustache club – which doesn’t exist
Boulet, drummer – the son of Gerry year, but the contract seemed kind anymore – and I’d get assaulted
Boulet, who was with us on Radio of sketchy as they wanted the a little bit everywhere...in the
Québec, then Russel Labadie (ex- master tapes, so we did not sign. subway, on the street...I couldn’t
Stormbringer), who played drums If I remember correctly, we’d have take it anymore so I wrote that
for our Radio Canada show – and enough material to release two song. In it, I talk directly to
many many more whom I sadly forgot more albums. these guys; “Est-ce a cause de la
their name... pleine lune, tu perds tes belles
manières ? Le soir dans les coins
Did you try to record a demo to send sombres, tu me porte malheur.” (Is
out to labels, in order to make a it because of the full moon that
little bit of promo for the band? you lose your manners? At night, in
Of course, but we knew that we dark corners, you give me bad luck.
had even more chances if we could Was your MLP well received? Which –Annick). We have many other songs
do our own professional release. record shops could you find it at, in that style, but because of my
To put it that way, we had to be back in the day? Also, how many voice which is more opera style, we
crazy, but we didn’t want to make copies had you pressed of that MLP? are not trash at all...we almost
any comprise. When we had sent the We have been very well received by are “gothic metal”!
demos, we had a few come backs of the people that liked our playing You have also did a music video for «
guys saying things like “try to do style. For example, on Radio Québec Richard Cœur de Fer » . Has it played
a song like Stairway to Heaven”... – we played « Francais D’Amérique
wow! Thanks for the offer, but that » - and when we finished the song,
is not us! everybody in the studio applauded.
You ended up self-releasing your But I must mention that back then,
debut MLP and even started your own every rock and metal band in Montréal
label named « Nosferatu Records”... sung in English, and many of them
Who was behind the label anyway? wanted us to suffer. Fortunately,
Did you think of releasing – or did we had a fanclub and many requests
you already release other things came from Québec...too bad that
than that TROP FÉROSS Mini-LP? we never had the chance to tour
the province. Our albums were sold
Behind the label was me, Normand at many places – like for example
- the guitarist, as well as Guy Rock en Stock on Crescent St, and
Lauzière – the drummer. We all through mailorder. The MLP is now
financed the release, but the pretty much a collector’s item...I
promotion and management was my saw it on the web for 300$. We had

57
 often on the TV? (Musique Plus?) Also, is approached the sports world – like the
it possible to see it anywhere?? wrestling business for example!
Ok, well – you hear it here first; it Not only was your music very theatrical
will soon be on YouTube! We will do a – you guys also worked very hard on
video that will consist of parts of your stage visuals. Can you describe
live shows and of course the Richard us some things you’d do at your
Coeur de Fer video. Anyway, back then concerts? How would they go, usually?
– the music video played on Musique Do you think you’d do the same thing
Plus about 10 times... but recently, nowadays?
I found out that somebody was trying A show is an entertainment, and I
to sell it without our authorization. believe that rock should be theatrical.
The person pretends to be from CIBL When we’d play in big venues, I’d come
but I am almost certain he is from out of a casket at the beginning of
Musique Plus. The video was never sold the show, with the song « Au pied du
or distributed, so that is why it is courant”. At the Spectrum, when we
unfindable nowadays. played the “goodbye show” for the
Maybe somebody could have copied it rock magazine “Pop Rock”, I had a
from the TV though! But anyway, metal- funeral flower wreath in front of my
wise, France had many bands that sung tombstone. I also used quite often the
in French...sadly, here in Quebec, it Quebec flag...I’d wear either black
was very badly seen to sing in that capes or leather outfits. I have to
language, right? Did that situation admit though; I went through a Glam
really give you a hard time? Rock phase...Alice Cooper had done
French metal in venues was not accepted the same mistake. It just wasn’t me!
here, so we had to rent the venues Anyway, today I’d of course do the
and promote the shows ourselves, with same style of shows, but the different
our own money. We worked in the music thing would be that I now have white
domain during the day, and then either hair. I didn’t change though; I am
practiced or played a show in the still a maniac like I always was.
evenings (when we could find gigs or You have played with the killer French
contracts). Everyone was against us speed metal band ADX in the past. What
because of our ways...like I mentioned do you remember from that show?
before, all the French-speaking The year was 1989, I think, and we had
Quebecers at the time sung in English to play with them at a festival. The
(except for Offenbach, but they were show went very well, but out of nowhere,
more hard rock). Let’s just say that the kids started throwing tear gas
it was not easy and it is the reason bombs. I think that you could figure
why we played in France, like the Hou- out that is it impossible to sing while
lops, Offenbach and Frank Marino did. breathing tear gas! So then I took a
Over there, you did shows and you were hold of myself and told the crowd that
well paid. You better forget it in if they wanted a show, they had to stop.
Quebec – they don’t really respect Well, they actually did stop! Anyway,
artists, even less rockers... ADX had lent us their instruments...they
But you appeared quite often on TV were really nice guys!
(TQS, Radio Québec - Club des 100 Wow, good thing they stopped. Sucks
Watts! , Radio Canada...) as well as that they did such a thing! But yeah,
in rock newspapers. I was wondering I read that you wanted to bring French
though, do you think that you got the metal bands to Québec. Did it ever
attention from them because of your happen? If not, which bands would you
singing language? I mean, you were have chosen for such a line-up?
still quite an oddity at the time!
Without hesitation it would have been
We were a “new thing”, some kind of SORTILÈGE. It still surprises me, but
sideshow. I think that a lot of people almost nobody here in Quebec knows
would have loved that it would have about them! I’m sure it could have
worked out for us, but the music biz in worked out to bring French metal bands
Quebec supported more the power ballad to Quebec, but back then we had other
stuff than metal. It was completely obligations.
out of their thoughts. We should have

58
You played quite a lot of covers, like « Association Francaise », who hired
for example “Black Window” from Cooper, us, had asked us to play for the «
“Heartbreaker” and “Communication L’Appel des Cents », which was an
Breakdown” by Led Zeppelin as well as anti-nuclear demonstration. They had
“Speed King” by Deep Purple Did you asked us to play during our France
feel an obligation to play covers or tour, and we had nothing prepared
was it because you didn’t have enough but we still accepted. It was the
material? Which other songs did you ideal spot to do our song “Quasimodo”
cover? (which was way before the Plamondon
We actually had enough songs, but “rock-opera” Notre-Dame de Paris).
to play in smaller venues and pubs We were the only metal band there.
it was totally usual to do covers. Did you have any success in the
People were expecting it. You should states or somewhere else in Europe,
also remember that our original songs beside France? In which countries
were not known – except by the fans. do you remember sending letters and
We also covered some JUDAS PRIEST your MLP?
and IRON MAIDEN. I actually think that our first
Can you talk a bit about the release European fans were from Denmark...
party of the MLP, “Réssürection”? and then, they were from Switzerland
During the show at the Club Soda, and Belgium. When we were playing
all journalists were there...but the France, everyone thought that we were
guitar amp had stopped working. I Germans? Maybe it was because Claude
had to sing a Capella for a while. Gagnon – the bassist, and me were
Dominating an entire crowd of people quite tall...Anyway, in the US, we
was an experience I will never were starting to get known...I have
forget...The venue was full - all been already in contact with college
our fans (that were very faithful) radios for a long time. A lot of
were there. You always have to keep Americans were buying our MLP, until
your chin up during a concert because we realized that they were selling it
anything could happen. The official for 10 times more money.
release party was on St-Denis with I understand that you do not want
the casket and an executioner (it to do a reissue of « Ressürection
was played by Martin, who was at the » because you want to do a new
same time our bouncer). It was a full-length. Can you tell us a bit
very rough crowd at the time...bars about it? Are you thinking of self-
were owned by the mafia. To get paid releasing it, once again?
at the end of the gig wasn’t always Oh yeah, I think that it will happen.
easy...Martin was very supportive, We will do it ourselves and it will be
and would tell them « do not fool expensive, but it gives us a lot of
around with us ». space for creativity. I think it will
Did the crowd think it was part of be an excellent album. The guitarist,
the show? the bassist and I are very excited
Yeah, that was the idea – everything about it. As for the drummer, we have
must be as sooth as possible, even an eye on someone...Sadly, nowadays,
thought it is not always the case. I have Multiple Sclerosis, just like
The show must go on! You need roadies Ozzy Osbourne... I am slowly losing
that will always be ready to intervene sight. That is why I sing often with
because sometimes everything goes a cane...wow, a metal girl with a
very fast. cane! But my cane can get changed
into a sword...you have all been
Can you tell us about the show that warned!
you played in front of the Notre-Dame
de Paris cathedral? (!) How did you Thank you so much Ginette for this
guys end up doing that? How did people great interview! Good luck with your
react? That is, again, very unsusual! many projects!
Wow, never I would have thought to
play there...it was like a dream. The

59
60
61
 ABYSSED - a great new punk/metal band from with a bit of melody and riffs! I really like
around here (with METALIAN members and ex- it personally, it’s very unsettling. Hehe.
members). There are 6 songs in total, which Nevertheless, this demo available for 5$...
represents well their live show! Expect contact the band at warcommand999@hotmail.com.
NWOBHM and punk infused thrash which ranges Don’t forget to put your return address!
from mid-to fast pace. Their best song “Never (I had forgotten and they had to track me down
Say Never” is on there, under a different asking a bunch of people... haha)
name? (Schizoid Embalism). Weird. No physical
address provided, so I have to give you their
website: www.myspace.com/abyssedofficial
SACRIFYCIA – Northern Emblem Demo CD-R
2008, Fearsome Sacrifice records
VTA – Vesuvian Thrashing Attack MC
2005, re-released in 2008 by Tour de Garde SACRIFYCIA is a somewhat new Black Metal band
from Montreal, a bit similar to new IMMORTAL
Thrashing Attack, eh? If you expect boring with LOTS of keyboards. The 5-track demo
generic thrash like every major label is DEATH INVOKER - reh desecrations 2005-2007
starts with a pompous movie intro, and then
vomiting at the moment, stay away from this, 2007, Self-released
gets into catchy, majestic BM. This album
as it will make you cry like the wimp you could be great if the guitar wasn’t always Take the first SACRIFICE LP, put it on 45
are. If you like your thrash fucking filthy overshadowed by keyboards (which pretty much RPM and you will get the ancient beast
with ancient screaming vocals and evil adds nothing if I may add – keyboards should that is DEATH INVOKER from Lima, Peru! You
death riffs, then do not hesitate to get be used very subtly, and more to create an will hear pure Darkness vomiting satanic
this fucking thing. VTA is an Italian band, atmosphere... listen to MASTERS HAMMER and death/thrash that will please headbangers
featuring members of MEPHISTO... that enough you will understand), and the vocalist should with good taste in metal. This demo tape
should say everything. The tape features 7- try to sing more in his lower vocals, as features three songs; “Massive Slaughter”,
songs (including the intro), and will be well they are better than his high-pitched ones. “Crucifixorcise” and “Satanic Force” which
worth your money. bard_manth@libero.it or Apart from that, this has potential. Keep on are in the vein of SARCOFAGO, SODOM and
TOUR DE GARDE, P.O. Box 32013 / C.P. St-André working hard (but give your keyboardist a SEPULTURA. I hope to hear new material soon
/ Montréal, QC H2L 4N5 Canada break!!) Contact the band at this address: - as I really really like what I am hearing
sacrifycia@hotmail.com on this. I am not too sure if they sell the
tape, but you never know... I suggest you
RIOTOR – Fucking Metal Demo CD to contact them through here: deathinvoker@
2008, self-released hotmail.com
Damn, what an improvement since the first BURNING LEATHER – Portland Demo CD-R
demo! RIOTOR plays drunken technical death/ 2007, Self-released
thrash, coming straight from the pits of Hades.
This 20-minute demo pro-CD contains 6 raging This is AMAZING down-and-dirty early MOTÖRHEAD/
DEATHRONER – Speed Metal Demo MC tracks, singing about sex, drugs and over all TANK worship!!!!! I had picked up this demo at
2008, Tour de Garde metal clichés (which is a fun thing, hehe). “A Varning from Montreal” fest in Montreal, and
My favourite song on this is most definitely couldn’t put it down since. Obviously, this
DEATHRONER is a four-piece from Jonquière, “Internal Burning” for its intense death/ 6-track demo does not bring forth anything
and this is their first demo, consisting of thrashing straight forwardness!! This full- original, but it delivers the goods, which is
4 war-fueled Black/Thrash songs. In fact, it color job features a funny painted cover by exactly the fix that I need! If you like
almost sounds as if members of BLASPHEMY and the band’s singer (Ismarevil), including what this style of pure filthy heavy metal / NWOBHM
VON playing Morbid Visions-era SEPULTURA. seems to be his ultimate fantasies... hahaha! worship and rock’n’roll, do not hesitate one
I highly suggest this great (but short) It looks like it’s located in Montreal’s moment to get this demo. By the way, the sound
demo tape! It is probably one of the vilest red light district. Ok, enough about the quality is not the best as it has a little
sounding bands from Quebec at the moment. artwork... stop reading this right now and bit of audio compression artifacts but it is
Also, my highest praises to Nefarious for send 10$ PPD to RIOTOR / 80-302 Hermine / a home recording, and it has fucking SPIRIT.
the insert layout and Unholy for the band Quebec, QC G1K 8L9, CANADA. Wimps and posers Order this demo for 5$ USD (and a t-shirt for
logo! Both look fucking great. Contact them – retain yourselves as the RIOTOR guys can 10$ USD!) to Burning Leather / 21 se 18th ave /
at satanicreich@hotmail.com – or order the recognize your odours... they’ll send you a Portland, OR / 97214 USA
demo from TOUR DE GARDE, P.O. Box 32013 / C.P. bomb instead of the CD!! AAHAHAHA!
St-André / Montréal, QC H2L 4N5 Canada Slaughtbbath – Furious as the Black Flames
of Hell demo MC
TALES OF MEDUSA - An Achaean Invocation MC 2008, Kuravilu Prods / Pagan South
2008, Lycanthropy records
Ancient Death-infused Black Metal with no
Alright!!! Some new material from the epic heavy comprise is what you will find on this totally
metal masters from Vancouver TALES OF MEDUSA! pro-looking release. I have no fucking clue
This time around came a hand numbered tape as why they call this a demo - because I’ve heard
well as a rectangular patch. I always say that some so called albums that looked and sounded
they get better all the time, but seriously, atrocious (in a bad way) compared to this.
this 6-track tape is by far their best material Anyway, there are 6 hellblasting songs in
up to now. It features a very unique, distant WAR COMMAND – Warlords Demo CD-R total, all of them fucking raw and straight to
and ancient style of heavy metal. Axe and 2007, Self-released the point. I recommend this bestial massacre
Zibelthiurdos really dug deep into classical Formed in 2005, WAR COMMAND is a black/death to fans of SARCOFAGO and DARKTHRONE! SUPPORT!
Hellenic literature, as this is a concept album band from Quebec-city. They are a 5-piece Kuravilu / P.O. Box 548 / Valdivia / Chile
(rehearsal as they say?) based on the ancient band with a member that played in BLASPHEMY,
visions of Akhilleus (Achilles), and the song ANTEDILUVIAN - Primeval Cyclical
DOMINI INFERI and LUST (in which situations,
titles are written in Greek (with subheading in Catastrophism demo MC
I do not know)!! This demo CD-R consists
English). Lyrics are not included, but the words 2007, Self-released
of three songs, recorded in 2007 in their
sung are very glorious and epic, especially on headquarters. I don’t really understand ANTEDILUVIAN is fucking raw Canadian Black/
“The Armour of the Sun”. I fucking worship this this, but they are not about violence, war, Death akin to old BEHERIT and VON. Imagine a
tape, and will cherish it until I die. Satan or just plain occult subjects...? This gigantic tornado of riffs and guitar solos
ABYSSED - demo 2008 CD-R is actually quite unusual for this breed of with Holocausto-style on top of it... There
2008, Shadowchasers Productions metal! Haha. Song titles are “All for the are 5 songs in total, and each of them are
Glory of Rome”, “When we were Vikings” and vicious fast pace songs. You will enjoy it
This is a CD-R that was given away for free “Vlad Tepes”. The song styles are also not if you like your metal dusty and morbid!
at a show here in Montreal. It features the very typical, as it is blasting black/death Send 6$ PDD to serpents_head@msn.com!

62
AORLHAC – La Chronique des Vents MC DIABOLICAL DEMON DIRECTOR – The Death Sentence MC really make too much sense (in this case, it is
2008, Pestilence Productions 2008, Self-released evil engrish), but the atmosphere is so evil,
you can cut it with a sword (in this case, a
AORLHAC is a “black” metal band playing in Hailing from the wastelands of south-east katana). There is not one minute lost on this
the traditional melodic French way, with Australia, DDD is a fucking raunchy speed/ demo, no filler, JUST KILLER! Imagine a blend
added medieval-like chants and melodies. thrash metal band with the right spirits! of PAUL CHAIN, BLACK SABBATH and (faster) SLEEP
This tape is a personal look-back at their The band is kind of hard to compare to with the bone chilling, mind dazzling over the
glorious Occitan roots, and thus carries a – as it is complex but sloppy at the same top vocals of Temis. Amazing material, can’t
mysterious “nostalgic” vibe. I think it is time... which makes the song a bit hard to wait to hear a full-length of it!
very effective, as it brings quite a set of follow, but overall this has great fucking
pictures to my mind! The quality of the sound potential. I think the best feature of this PROCESSION – Burn MC
too is good, and the music lasts for about band is Death Justice’s vocals, which are 2008, Kuravilu Productions
half an hour... which is great for a demo! The just perfectly bestial!! Also, cheers to This band is a recent Chilean traditional
packaging itself has a great look and feel all Death Angel for the great labor of doing doom duo (now trio) that will please the most
around, which is an impressive start for the those 60 compeltely D.I.Y. covers! They stubborn and close-minded doomsters! The tape
young Quebec-based Pestilence Productions. look great! Send 5$ AUS / 9.5$ USD or 7 starts off with a burning fire – and develops
Support!! pestilenceprods@gmail.com EUR PPD to DDD / 191 MARIBYRNONG RD / ASCOT into a slow and magical COUNT RAVEN style song:
VALE, 3032, VIC. AUSTRALIA
GHOST TOWER – debut demo CD-R “The Road to the Gravegarden”. After the visit
2008, Self-released to the sinister garden, PROCESSION turns the
speed up a notch and brings forth a beautiful
New band from Nebraska (USA), GHOST TOWER plays Fenno Scandinavian-style upbeat doom song:
doomy trad/speed metal in a quite different “Down the River of Corpses”. FUCK, this is
way... I would say this sounds a bit like FATES really great sinister stuff!!! It is about
WARNING and MERCYFUL FATE, but with weak vocals BLIND WITCH – Fly to the Witch Mountain CD-R 3AM as I am writing this, and the songs are
and unusual tempo changes. This band sincerely 2008, Self-Released really getting to me! Anyway, the tape finishes
has great potential, but fails to completely off with the gloriously melodic heavy song
blow me away. (Except for the last really fucking Some SABBAT and METALUCIFER fans might be “Incinerate”... and then you hear the burning
creepy track!) I beleive these recordings would surprised to see Temis and Elizaveat in a fire sample again, followed by a human scream.
be way better if they would remove the guitar doom metal band, but the true maniacs knew Hehe. I like the concept of a full circle here!
“squeals” and if the vocalist would really PUSH already that Temis is a total DIE HARD Ozzy Anyway, what a trip it was to listen to this
his vocals to the max! They seem too distant and fanatic (he even has tried to audition for demo! I highly suggest it to fans of REVEREND
scared, not ghostly enough. Anyway GHOST TOWER Ozzy when he lost Randy Rhoads, back in the BIZARRE, CANDLEMASS, SAINT VITUS and WARNING.
are working on a full-lenght that should come 80’s). Anyway, this is their new project, and a If you can’t find it, get the E.P. that Iron
out this year! Look out for it!! Contact Matt three song demo CD-R is their first offering. I Kodex records (Germany) will soon unleash – as
at MPreston717@aol.com would compare this demo to old italian movies, I heard some very very promising samples.
where the stories (in this case, lyrics) don’t
 Well well, welcome to the pages of The word takes some time to spread Ball in the early nineties, after I
this fanzine, Gunnar! Congratulations it seems, also it’s finally in the started to get into harder music like
on the release of your new album, last month or so that it has seen any METALLICA and MEGADETH. ...Discovering
Rising from Below the Earth. It is distribution state side. the underground through MTV... oh, the
honestly a masterpiece. Looking back Good to hear that the word is starting irony! By then I was completely sold,
– are you completely satisfied with to spread! You definitely deserve it. but I didn’t have anything to do with
it? How has it been received, so far? Ok, let’s go to the very roots of your any scene at all when the second wave
Have you been selling a lot of ‘em? evil doings. How did you get into metal started (I only started to get into
Thank you very much. It’s very in the first place? Was it a hard task to that stuff around 93), and have in
gratifying to get such a response find good headbanging material in your fact never had any close contact with
for something that has taken so much hometown? (I believe it is Trondheim?) any “scene” after either. I guess that
time and effort to create. I myself am Were you active in the underground when the relative isolation I’ve been in
very happy about it, since you ask. I the 2nd wave of BM swept Norway? idea-wise have helped set FAUSTCOVEN
managed to improve on what I saw as apart from other contemporary bands.
I’m not from Trondheim originally,
the weaknesses on the debut, and I but from the northern parts of Norway How did the idea of FAUSTCOVEN come
think it’s a well rounded album with a (from a small place close to Bodoe). forth, anyway? Is it the first “band”
long potential lifetime if you’re into There was very little metal at all you’ve ever played in? Also, can you
this kind of morbid stuff. It has been to be found there, although I started tell us about its beginnings, and how
very well received by those who have early from the tender age of 6, back it came to what it is now?
heard it, but the amount of reviews in 1983 to listen to stuff like KISS, I’ve played in a few other bands
and feedback so far has been limited. TWISTED SISTER (I think maybe “Burn before I started FAUSTCOVEN. I
You could well say that it has had in Hell” was the song that have set started playing guitar in ‘91/‘92.
a slow start, publicity wise. I do me on this path) and a little later From ‘94 when I was in high school, I
not know too much about the sales, IRON MAIDEN. No underground extreme formed a band playing metal oriented
except that they were very low in metal, though. I first learned about stuff, although it was a mish-mash of
the beginning, but I think that it’s that kind of stuff through Headbangers different tastes and styles. When I
starting to do a bit better by now.

FAUSTCOVEN is a Norwegian band that plays black/doom in

the most cavernous way. Picture a fresh mix of old BATHORY and
BLACK SABBATH – with ancient barbaric vocals. In fact, if BLACK
SABBATH came from Norway and would have started in 2008, it would
pretty much sound like this. Here is an interview with Gunnar Hansen.

64
moved to Trondheim in ‘96 (or actually that BLACK SABBATH style riffs is the
a year after moving), I started a band most important fundament for my music,
called OBUMBRATA, which operated on the but then again; Sabbath is the most
border between Death/Black/Thrash and important fundament for metal anyway.
Doom metal. Around 2000, I started to I’ve just regressed more than about any
experiment with a more back to basics other existing Black metal band, that’s
approach in a one man band setting. all. (Have you heard the new DARKTHRONE?
This project was a sort of school for Haha – ed) Though lately, I’ve seen a
me, where I developed the ideas that lot of people say that the new album is
later turned into FAUSTCOVEN, and more Death/Doom. But I’d say apart from
honed my DIY recording skills. A few the vocals being deeper there is nothing
of the riffs on the demos were from more Death Doom about this album than
this project, the whole of “Summoning the last, and vocals shouldn’t really
the Apocalypse” for instance. And some be the defining point between Death and
of it was used with OBUMBRATA. I first Black metal.
made a very crude demo (badly recorded CD
with badly programmed drums) which I FAUSTCOVEN’S FIRST FULL-LENGHT Speaking of horror movies, what would you
say attracts you in them? What elements
never really spread except to a couple is the quest for the ultimate RIFF. do you think makes a good horror movie,
of friends, and then a rehearsal for a Worshipping on the throne of Iommi as as well as in good metal songs?
second demo which had some really good well as the devil, hehe. Combining
ideas and was more fully formed. After the eerie dissonant melodies of Black I’ve had an interest from as early
this, I decided to start from scratch Metal, and the monolithic, lumbering as I can remember in ghost stories
and develop the oldschool Doom/Black mass of the guitar wall of Doom, while and tales of the supernatural. Maybe
hybrid side of the project as if it was trying to remember to rock. because I’m a pretty calm and balanced
completely new. I landed on the name person without great emotional highs
FAUSTCOVEN for it. I found the idea These are total words of wisdom. I and lows, so I need the strong stimuli
of a Black/Doom hybrid intriguing, am happy people still think this way, that horror and metal provides.
and thought it had never really been phew! Ok, so your influences are Jolting us out of the safe and sedate
explored properly. Sure there had been pretty much all traditional Doom, modern lives they let us connect with
songs here and there, but as a concept ancient Black and NWOBHM, yet you play the deeper and more primal regions of
for a band, old doom and black metal this kind of fucking nasty doomy Black the mind. Good horror movies have the
has never really been put together like metal. How did that happen? Would you ability to affect you both through the
this. I find it surprising since the say your music is a cross of these brain and the gut, and not solely on
distance between bands like VENOM / bands, Black Sabbath and the horror the latter, like the “jumps out from
HELLHAMMER on one side, and PENTAGRAM movies you so avidly watch? a dark corner, with an accompanying
/ SAINT VITUS on the other is not Part of the reason why it ended up loud sound”-trick does. That’s just
really that big. “Dark World” by SAINT sounding like it did, was that my tastes cheap in the long run. I love when
VITUS could very easily have been a at the time I started FAUSTCOVEN were horror movies takes its time to build
HELLHAMMER song, and PENTAGRAM in 1983 developing more back towards the classic up the atmosphere like in older times
would have been able to make a kick metal stuff from the extreme metal and when things were allowed to move at
ass cover of “In League with Satan”. the more technical stuff that I’d been a slower pace, and that the sense of
The realization was that all good listening to for about 10 years at the dread comes from a good story and of the
metal is built upon a solid foundation time. While I still like a lot of the characters being properly set up and
of riffs, and although some (very same records, my enthusiasm for the 70’s developed. I’m also a sucker for cool
few) successful experiments have been and 80’s classic metal and the roots concepts and settings. A great concept
less riff oriented, they in doing so of Black and Death metal is just much can even save a bad/mediocre story in
had removed themselves from the true stronger. My influences of course also
essence of metal. Unfortunately the include some newer Black Metal, which I
least metal parts of these experiments had listened to extensively through the
later came to dominate the entire genre 90’s. But I had set out to combine the
of Black Metal. And thus it became too heaviest traditional Doom metal with the
atmosphere dependent, too loose, too ugliest and filthiest of old school Black,
droney, and just too fucking whimpy. emphasising the more rocking influences
What had started as one album worth of from both. The concept from the start
interesting experiments had suddenly was very similar to the idea and vision
usurped the very definition of the I have today, which is 40% BLACK SABBATH
genre. A whole genre becoming like a / PENTAGRAM / SAINT VITUS, 40% BATHORY /
drawn out intro/outro track! Luckily VENOM / DARKTHRONE / HELLHAMMER and 20%
there were also forces like the NWOBHM / MERCYFUL FATE / CANDLEMASS all

What has brought me from the beginning of

FAUSTCOVEN and to where I am now and driving
me onward, is the quest for the ultimate RIFF.
Barbarian Wrath label, opposing this topped with horror themes, and satanic
trend. So what has brought me from imagery. (What a fucking deadly recipe!
the beginning of FAUSTCOVEN and to – ed) So your description is pretty
where I am now and driving me onward, spot on. Its pretty clear by this stage

65
 could probably be the motto the first album, Terje Kraaboel played
for both oldschool movies, drums, and for the KOLDBRANN 7’’ split
and metal. and “Rising From Below the Earth”,
With the quantity of movies Johnny Tombthrasher was behind the
you watch and creepy books kit. That’s why they sound natural.
you consume, do you often (I am embarrassed, hahaha –ed) With
get fearsome nightmares? Johnny, I also record them in a very
If yes, do you sometimes old fashioned, straight forward way,
get influenced by them for with just two microphones, like some
your lyrics? Can you tell low budget recording from the 70’s.
us about your most unusual When writing, I usually just pick up
dream experiences? the guitar and start playing. When I’m
in the right mood, the riffs just keep
I’m not haunted by too many coming. Sometimes, a song or a half
PARALYSIS nightmares, unfortunately. formed song is the result, other times
REPRESENTATION OF SLEEP Although I had a couple only riffs. Putting together coherent
of dreams in my early songs from a selection of disjointed
some cases. The Hammer movie “Taste childhood, which I can still remember. riffs might be more challenging, but
the Blood of Dracula” is a good example They are more like fond memories now, not if the selection is very large
of such. What I also like about the but they were horrifying at that time. enough. A lot of songs from the last
more old fashioned effects, were that What I have experienced quite a few album were put together from 3 years
they were forced to limit themselves, times though, is a state called sleep worth of riffs. I probably had at
like keeping things more off camera, or paralysis, where dreams and the waking least 500-600 riffs before I started
just offering the shortest of glimpses writing, and then I went through the
of something that should not be there. archives and found the 200-250 best.
Then it is gone, and you’re left with From those I constructed the songs.
a feeling that something is wrong, and With so many riffs, the songs came
the tension builds. CGI could also be together really well. Probably only
used in such a way, and then I’d not “Winged Messenger of Doom” and “Whisky
have any issues with it. The problem Demon”, the two oldest tunes on the
with most modern horror is this kitchen album. were written as whole songs
sink approach which CGI allows for, and originally + some parts of “Onward to
that the sense of wonder and tension the Bloodfields”.
is never there. Five stupid teenagers
are already slaughtered before the Haha... so many riffs. You seem to be
intro credits comes rolling. You don’t quite a busy person – what do you do
really stop and ask yourself; is there for living? With such a schedule, do
something sinister at work here? In the you feel that you have to write music
end, it becomes as engaging as watching to stay mentally sane?
a security camera at a slaughterhouse, I’m a chemical process engineer, and
as 500 cows are killed and chopped up. have been busy starting a new factory
If I want a rollercoaster ride, I’ll FAUSTCOVEN’S NEWEST OPUS! the last year, and before that travelled
go to an amusement park. If I want a lot in my work. This of course makes
to be cured of hiccups, I’ll ask my world collide. Let’s just say that the it more difficult to be able to sit
wife to jump out and scare me a couple results were very unsettling. I think down and write music when I want, but
of times. But what I do want is not that it’s fair to say that the title I get by. When the mood comes, and I
only to be frightened, but also to be track [off the last album] was largely can sit down in peace with my guitar
disturbed, to be left with a lingering inspired by these experiences. After a I can write maybe 4-5 good riffs
dread, a lasting impression. The end of couple of these dreams/attacks, it is in 30 minutes. It doesn’t have
The Wicker Man, which incidentally is very easy for me to imagine how people to take that much time to write
my favourite movie, is the culmination come to think they have seen ghosts or the music, the problem is that
of a whole movie’s worth of mounting encountered the supernatural in the to develop it, rehearse with a
tension of an increased sense of dark hours of the night and believing drummer, write the lyrics and
wrongness, and when it comes it shakes it to be completely real.
me down to the depths of my being. Even
after 15-20 times, it always has that I have heard of these types of
effect. Now THAT is horror! Blastbeats hallucinations... but can understand
and slick production, and technicality you when you say they must be quite
for the sake of technicality is modern unsettling! I’ll definitely read more
metal’s answer to CGI and cheap teenage about that subject... but back to the back
slashers. Form over content. Without - how do you write songs, usually – as
droney “atmospheric” riffs, screams and you are basically jamming with yourself?
blastbeats, BLACK SABBATH’s Behind the You use a drum machine, which actually
Wall of Sleep manage to give me a real sounds way more natural than those tech
sense of dread, and has a fantastic, metal blast beats on big labels... how do
dark mood, while at the same time is a you achieve this?
great, rocking song. 100% of brilliant Actually I haven’t used a drum
artistry, 0% of cheap gimmicks. That machine since the demo days. For

66
record, mix it, master it, etc, takes Every song is a journey in a sense, and
an insane amount of time when you are even the best planned recordings always
by yourself. So yeah, it can be a bit hold some surprises. It is of course
hectic. I’m usually pretty exhausted also a matter of me not being talented
when I’ve finished a recording. I’d or experienced to a degree that I know
guess that somewhere between 1000-1500 exactly how to make music sound how it
hours of work went into making the is in my head. That’s part of the charm
last album. At least if you count all of recording vs. composing for me, and
the small bits that goes into it. 500 as often as not, things that turned
hours/year over three years is quite a out a little different from the first
lot for a person in full job with 50- idea is better than the idea was in the
100 travel days/ year on top of that, first place.
especially a married one. Haha, I hope to catch you live at least
I believe FAUSTCOVEN never played live once some day. It’s nice to see that
– am I right on this? In any case, if it you have such a control over what you of evil “Triumph of Death” (HELLHAMMER –
ever happens, what do you envision the create, also. By the way, do you own ed), along with “Enter the Eternal Fire”
show to be like? Have you ever tried to any records which you have spinned (BATHORY – ed) and maybe “Procreation
get a full, functioning line-up – or do to shreds, but still find fresh? I of the Wicked” (CELTIC FROST – ed)
you just not like being 100% in control guess you could call these ‘flawless’ as the heaviest slabs of Black Metal
of your obscure soundscape? albums...? Can you give us some ever etched on plastic. Not to be too
It’s correct that FAUSTCOVEN has never examples – if possible? obnoxiously old school, I also have to
played live, and at this point, I There are no albums that I would call mention the entire “Close to a World
would very much like to try to put completely flawless. All albums have Below” album by IMMOLATION. One of
together a full lineup for playing some flaw or other, but in many cases the most twisted, evil and oppressive
gigs. I miss being on stage, and those flaws only contribute to the albums known to man, and unlike almost
think that FAUSTCOVEN’s music has a charm of the album. These days not all modern Death Metal, it is also heavy
lot of potential in a live setting. one record gets played to death like I as nails in the rightful sense of the
My nomadic lifestyle unfortunately did in my youth. My collection is too word, not just “brutal”.
gets in the way of this happening big, my taste too wide, and my time You have released your two first CD’s
at the moment. After Trondheim, I too limited. PENTAGRAM’s Relentless thru Barbarian Wrath. How did you
lived three years in a small place in however, is one of those records that first get in touch with them? What do
western Norway, then half a year in I can put on at any time and enjoy the you think makes BW so unique compared
Oslo (when the drums were recorded), hell out of. Maybe more surprisingly to other labels? Also - which bands on
and now two years in Iceland, and for some, one of my all time favourite their roster do you like the most?
then it will be off to some new place albums is DEATH’s Individual Thought I got in contact with them as a
again. If it ever happened, I guess it Patterns, which I’ve loved since its customer just before the time when
would be a stripped down and straight release, and is another album I can FAUSTCOVEN started. I really liked,
forward no bullshit heavy metal, meat always enjoy. For some odd reason I and was inspired by the spirit of the
and potatoes kind of affair. I’m no also never fail to get a kick out of label. When I made my first songs,
showman, I’m afraid, and putting on DARKTHRONE’s Total Death, a record they were posted on the board there,
costumes, renting in strippers, etc. many people dislike. It’s the warmer and got really positive feedback.
would just feel a bit forced to me. If totally ugly sound that make it work Then, after the second demo was made,
I could I would recruit a great front for me plus the fact that the songs Black Goat decided to sign me. The
person to handle the vocals for the like “Blackwinged” and “Blasphemer” die hard, non commercial spirit of BW
show. That’d be great for me, as I’d are some of the best they ever wrote. is part of what makes it special. It
prefer to discreetly beat people over After nearly 25 years, Stay Hungry has gone against all trends in Black
the heads with my guitar riffs by TWISTED SISTER still rocks like a Metal, and has continued to release
from the shadows. For composing fucker, although “We’re Not Gonna Take metal in the same spirit as it did
and recording, I would still It” is a bit worn out. Other evergreens half a decade ago, or even more than a
prefer to have FAUSTCOVEN as are JUDAS PRIEST’s Sin After Sin, decade ago if you also count Nazgul’s
my personal ego trip. Not that MANILLA ROAD’s Crystal Logic, CIRITH Eerie Productions. Frozen in time, and
I believe that it is possible UNGOL’s King of the Dead, MERCYFUL stubborn as a mule, are two sentences
to be 100% in control anyway. FATE’s Nuns Have No Fun and BLUE ÖYSTER that come to mind when thinking of
CULT’s Secret Treaties. the label. As for favourites; there
What do you think are the heaviest, have been a lot of great releases, and
most evil sounding songs in metal? even the ones that do not click 100%
Probably “The Ghoul” by PENTAGRAM, with me I can appreciate and respect.
which is just plain creepy, or “Burning MEGIDDO’s The Devil and the Whore and
Saviour” by the same band. But it is too HAIL’s Inheritance of Evilness are
hard to pick just one. “Black Sabbath” masterpieces in my book. I also have
is of course in many ways the epitome of to mention from more recent times, the
heavy, evil sounding metal, although my latest release by COUNTESS where I
personal favourite from that album is think they really outdid themselves.
“Beyond the Wall of Sleep”. Going from Blazing Flames of War is a great album
Doom to Black Metal, we have filled to the brim with triumphant
the crushingly heavy pinnacle metal hymns. TEARSTAINED’s Nightmare

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 I got the taste for whisky to be “Hellfire and Funeral Bells”,
in my University days in and is pretty descriptive to how I
Trondheim. It goes great with hope it will turn out. 50% of it like
Black Metal, you see. I dare the most crushing moments from Rising
anyone to taste a cask strength From Below the Earth, and the last
Laphroaigh and not admit that half with a little bit more speed and
there is a certain amount of rawness in it. Bringing back some more
infernal hellfire contained DARKTHRONE / BATHORY / VENOM compared
within those drops. And yes, to the last one. No major departures,
I do collect, and have a I just want to vary a bit from album to
decent selection of whiskies album, and not loose contact with the
home in Norway. Of course Black Metal part of FAUSTCOVEN. Some
I’m a notorious collector of titles so far are “His Shadow Dwells
lots of stuff. Books, movies, in the Void”, “The Devil’s Share” (a
Visions that was released at the same music, guitars, whisky, and the list goes follow up to Whisky Demon) and “The
time as RFBtE was also a really strong ever on... I’ve also been on a couple Choir of Mentors” (Part 4 of the Castle
album, maybe TEARSTAINED’s best so of alcoholic pilgrimages to Scotland so of the Tyrant cycle). I’m not rushing
far. It might be that BW has fallen far, and I like the country and people it by any means, but hope that I can
even more out of fashion than before, there a lot. As for favourites among the finish within a shorter time than it
and sales is not what they were at the whiskies, I can not name just one, as I took between tHoBW and RFBtE. Maybe as
best, but quality wise, it is still appreciate the differences between them soon as 2011, hehe. Other plans for
going as strong as ever. too much. One whisky might be perfect the future include a split 7’’ with
Doing a search on the internet will show after a good dinner, another in front of CULTES DES GOULES, a new and talented
many sites offering free downloads of a roaring fire after a cold walk. Instead labelmate on BW, where I’ve made a more
FAUSTCOVEN’s albums. Unfortunately, it is I can heartily recommend the last one I experimental track called Ritual Evil.
the reality of today... but what are your tasted that blew me away; a Talisker 57 A collection of demos and unreleased
opinions on this? I mean, I can totally degrees North (basically a cask strength rehearsals called “The Priest’s
understand doing that for some old, un- Talisker). The standard 10YO with its Command” is also supposed to be out
findable demo, but for new releases...? fiery taste and strong personality has next year by Under the Sign of Garazel
long been one of my favourites, but this productions. I also hope by the end of
I have to confess that I’m completely particular edition was like a normal 2009 to have the two full lengths out
ambivalent about the downloading problem. Talisker, just with everything cranked up in vinyl versions. Especially since
On one hand I think it’s sad that it to 11. Fantastic! I also want to praise the debut is now out of print.
might diminish the sales of smaller Bruichladdich, which I got a newfound
labels as it too often seems to do, on How can we get a hold of your merchandise
appreciation for after visiting the – and how much do you sell them for?
the other hand it can help bands to reach distillery earlier this year. I was not
more people by getting the word of mouth too taken by their standard 10Y.O. which There is none, I’m sorry to say. Some
going. Attaining a critical mass in word had been the only one I’d tasted before. might be made, but it all depends on if
of mouth for small obscure acts like But they have such a great selection of there is any interest shown, and I don’t
my own. I also don’t have any problems whiskies, some of their younger special think that I can spare the time to make
with someone downloading the album to editions are mindblowing for their age, it on my own, so I’d need some help.
check it out, and if he doesn’t like and the older ones I had were just plainly
it, or is somewhat indifferent to it; Ok – that’s pretty much all for now! Thank
spectacular. One word of advice to anyone you so much for this really interesting
fair enough, don’t buy it. Neither do I who wants to start drinking the stuff; “on
have any problems with someone who loves interview, and you can add anything to
the rocks” is the mallcore way to drink this interview if you feel you must!
the music but cannot afford to buy it. whisky. Avoid! Cooling down great whiskies
On the other hand those who download an ruins their taste. This is a bad habit Well, if you made it all the way through
album, like it, but are just too lazy to Americans got during the prohibition, this interview, you must be borderline
go through the trouble to buy anything when the quality of the smuggled whisky autistic, so I might as well add a few more
from a small label. They who’d brag on was so abysmal, that they had to kill the words; Support your favourite ug labels,
the net about their abundant underground taste by cooling it down (thus; less of drink neat Scotch, and play metal LOUD!
knowledge, and rather go and spend their the aromatic tastes, and more of the pure Cheers for listening to FAUSTCOVEN!
money on METALLICA’s newest album at alcohol coming through). But the image
Walmart, because it is more convenient, of the Scotch on the Rocks as the man’s
and then download what they cannot drink still lingers in popular culture.
immediately find. Those are the assholes It’s actually the wimp’s way to drink.
that are destroying the underground! So It’s like remixing Welcome to Hell with
it’s a mixed bag really. But I have to the guitars replaced by panflutes and
say that I noticed the interest in the the bass by synth-cello. Get rid of this
album go sharply up from the very day nasty habit now!
that it leaked, so in this particular
case it might have helped as much as it Haha, yeah I have heard that ice changed
has harmed. We shall never know. drastically the taste of the whiskey,
but it’s great to cool to hear why this
You’ve hidden the names of 14 Scottish stupid “trend” comes from. But back
whiskies in your latest album. As I am Visit their website here:
to the band a little. Are you already myspace.com/Faustcoven
totally ignorant about whisky, I won’t working on a new album, as you write
try to find them... but I’d still like these lines? Is it going to be a bit ** Last minute news!! **
to know more about that passion of yours. similar to this one – or do you want to
How did you discover a taste for fine The two full-lenghts will be
explore more your sound? pressed on vinyl by Nuclear
whiskies? Do you collect good bottles?
What is your all time favourite brand? Yeah, I’m writing new music as we speak. War Now! Productions!
The title of the next album is going
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Lamp of Thoth is an eccentric brand of traditional doom - and traditional
as in a Sunday roast beef and Yorkshire pudding kind of way. (With
some NWOBHM pepper to spice up the mix). They have released their
first full-length in 2008, under the name of Portents, Omens & Dooms,
which is out on Miskatonic records (U.K.). Anyway, these guys are fucking
incredible, and are actually quite mad. Read on, and you will see why!
I salute thee, members of the Lamp of and as he pines for the good old days of
Thoth! I hope you are doing well. What is the Cretaceous Period with a wink, Bryan
new and exciting in the band these days? Adams takes an award winning photgraph of
Simon: Hails to thee also Annick, and him. A tear is in Brian’s eye and a song
Hails to Canada, where I imagine grimly that could be number one for many weeks
pure mounties, with their infectious is in his heart, as he vows to make the
incorruptible stoicism, inhale the wide paelintologists choke on their words and
spacey air through their square cut jaws recant their skeptical theories. Tell me
into their bellowing lungs, as blood if this is not so?
against snow, they patrol fierce against Lady Pentagram: We are still recovering
the machinations of evil wendigos that from the shock of the album being reviewed
stalk the Tundra, heavy and corrupted in Kerrang! and receiving a favourable
with the old hates that harbour ancestral report; not to mention great reviews
in the breast, and once again yearn for in magazines such as Terrorizer, Zero-
forbidden meats. Behind, stiff shirted Tolerance and Woman’s Own (only kidding!),
lumberjacks hack at gargantuan trees, and, and in various places on the World Wide
on the vast horizon, through the morning Web. We are very pleased with how the
chorus of ‘timber!’, the Ogopogo rears album has been received generally, and
in cold defiance from an oceanic lake. looking forward to our new release, which
He is as crystal blue as the sky itself, is an E.P., entitled Sing as you Slay.
Our new t-shirt is looking very good and
should also be out soon.
Simon: We are also very excited and
honoured to be playing Doom Shall Rise
next year, and I personally cannot wait
for that – it is going to be fantastic,

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 and I hope we can do the festival right person. After a couple of They are Curious Tales of Old
justice. We have just moved false starts with bass players, West Yorkshire and The Strange
band rooms and are now once Simon switched to bass and we World of the Brontés. She is also
again practising in the heart of advertised on a local website for working on a book that will deal
Keighley. We are introducing a a guitarist. Randy Reaper stepped with the story of the group and
few new songs to the set too: forward and we were off! its relation to the Golden Dawn,
‘An Oath Sworn on the Ashlar Your first demo was released in and other Occult groups around at
Stone’, which some may know from 2006, under the name “I Love the the close of the Victorian era
I Love the Lamp the rough demo on our myspace; Lamp”. I remember a friend of mine in Yorkshire more extensively.
Demo (‘06) there’s also a new song called telling me how good it was, and I have looked into the story
‘The Beast and the Black Art’ (I getting from you guys. I was not myself, and the scarce bits of
say new – the bulk of it has been disappointed, that’s for sure! information that are available at
written for about ten years!), How do you feel about this demo Keighley Library about them, and
and we have started to play ‘The nowadays? I think the version of it is a very intriguing legend.
Boggart’ again (that most noble “Blood on Satan’s Claw” on it is It seems they managed to piss off
of Yorkshire bogies!). We have a still my favourite one. Haha. a lot of the prominent magical
few local gigs lined up in the organisations of the day.
new year, and are also looking Simon: Thanks! The demo was
never meant to be released; I Why was the song “Sunshine” named that
forward to playing in Wakefield, way – as it is such a dark song?
with Pagan Altar, Asomvel, Iron thought that the sound was crap
Void, Witchsorrow and Misercorde and that nobody wanted to hear Lady P: As for Sunshine, I’ve
amongst others. songs with drum machines on them. always thought most songs need
We took them along to our first to be interpreted by the person
gig anyways, which was in Leeds listening to them. To me it’s a
with Reverend Bizarre and Gates song that reflects the seemingly
of Slumber, and despite our never ending darkness and despair
nervous performance and the fact that most people experience at
that there were two world class some point in their lives but,
bands on after us, people started it’s a reminder that the light
asking if we had anything out, so has to balance the dark, it’s
I gave a few away. Then it just the law, and at some point most
made sense to put it out as a demo people do find what they need
– luckily people seemed to like it to smash their way through to
and no one complained about the the other side of the darkness,
drum machine on ‘Wings of Doom’. but also that that darkness is
After this, you released the an essential part of life and
first non-demo material; the present in everything. The song
LADY PENTAGRAM Cauldron of Witchery, which is to me even echoes this in its
a 10” EP featuring 3 songs (one arrangement, starting out as
of them being ‘Frost and Fire”, so dark and foreboding before
Let’s talk a bit about the breaking into an uplifting bright
beginnings of your mystifying a CIRITH UNGOL cover!). A limited
version included a leather- ending, made even more uplifting
band... How did you all meet by the darkness that proceeds
each other? Were you all doom bound book featuring the very
mysterious story of the Lamp of it, but keeping those sinister
metal fans just living close by, connotations. So to me Sunshine
wanting to start up a band? Thoth... who did these books? It
must have taken so long to do! is an appropriate title, always
Lady P: Simon and I have known looking on the bright side of
each other for many years and Lady P: Simon and Randy have to doom!
had been in a couple of bands take credit for the book, Simon
researched then wrote it like only Simon: Sunshine is usually a
previously together, although nice healthy thing, it gives us
they never worked out, I always he can, while Randy painstakingly
made each one, it must have been life, makes plants grow sustains
thought he was a very talented the earth and all that– but on
guy and loved his song writing but like a never ending episode of Blue
Peter and he’s never been the same the flipside you stare too long
he was never really appreciated or get too close to it, you go
enough in the bands he was in, I since, we got fed up of his repeated
offers to show us his badge. blind, and burn up.
always thought they were missing
out on what he could offer. When Randy Reaper: I can send you a I’d guess that the ‘sunshine’
the last band he was in broke up picture of it if you would like referred to in the song kind of
he decided he’d had enough and to see Annick? (Hahaha, I can corresponds to some kind of source
was just going to record songs just imagine it - Annick) of revelation and one which is
at home and leave it at that. I enforced on others, – there can
thought it was such a waste, I Simon: Yes it’s true, it was the be seen an ideal world which the
even still had some of the first nefarious Mr Reaper who suggested speaker wants to make the earthly
recordings he had made nearly that we have leather bound book to one resemble. It’s open for
fifteen years ago which I loved so go along with the die-hard EP, and debate at the end as Lady P says,
I talked him into starting a band. I think he regretted it as soon whether the speaker is inviting
Part of the problem with previous as he opened his mouth. He had to the heathens to bring the mist and
bands were that Simon and I had make all 150 of them by hand, and rain to soothe his burnt mind, or
different tastes to the rest of he said it was like being in prison whether this state is powerful and
the bands plus Simon’s sometimes all over again! But we were very illuminating and that the speaker
eccentric take on music was not pleased with the result. There is dismissing them ignorant or
appreciated by most people, so in are two great books out there that misguided. That’s the way I would
the beginning it was just the two deal a little bit with the story interpret these lyrics, but I
of us, Simon on guitar and me on of the original Lamp of Thoth, must admit I didn’t really think
drums while we searched for the both written by Marie Campbell. about them in that much detail

72
when I’m wrote them! I like those if Simon’s wrote enough material over time?
kinds of dualities – which are to see us through four albums, Lady Pentagram: In English we
probably the reason I love Cirith it’s just a matter of learning it have a similar word for it that
Ungol’s ‘Frost and Fire’ so much all as a band and adding our own is pronounced much the same way
– although they deal with the theme ingredients to the mix. but lacks the last syllable.
much more effectively in the lyrics Some new songs are still doomy,
to that song! Simon: I love spoken words in
but some are close to thrash songs myself as a listener, and
metal – like for example “They I would like to do more of it. I
Dance” – which was recorded have a song in the pipeline called Cauldon of
with a drum machine. Why such a ‘Seven Spells’ and the whole
Witchery 10“ (‘07)
change? Are you guys thinking of verses are spoken. Our song ‘The
going to that direction, or was Doom that Came to Sarnath’ has
it just experimental? spoken verses also. I just think
Simon: It’s not really a change it adds a lot of atmosphere. I
as that song has been written always loved the spoken word when
for ages, its just we haven’t it’s combined with music, but it
gotten around to playing it yet! seems to lend itself to doom
That’s the way it seems to work metal more in my opinion. Maybe
for The Lamp. I record the demos that’s because of the tempo. Bal
at home and then bring them to Sagoth’s first album A Black Moon
the band, and everyone adds Broods Over Lemuria, has some
their bit. Its just I have quite great spoken bits in it, and I’m
a lot of songs already written also a big fan of Alan Moore’s
that we haven’t even tried to musical stuff, especially Angel
play yet, and sometimes we get Passage. I’ve always liked songs
sidetracked by other songs. The that tell a story, and maybe this
other ‘fast’ song on the myspace is part of the reason why I am
is ‘Serpentine’, a song that is drawn to heavy metal. Manilla
over ten years old, and one that Road’s ‘Cage of Mirrors’ is one
The year 2008 was incredibly I never got chance to play in of the best metal songs that tell
productive for you... you played other bands, but I would still a story in my opinion, and Mark
many many shows, recorded one consider it a doom song, because Shelton does that completely with
incredible full-length LP, did of the attitude it is infused traditional vocals.
some more demos and a split with with. Because that song is a
the band “Kill for Satan”! How in Randy Reaper: You’re like the
demo, with just myself and Mrs Bob Calvert of Doom Metal - we
the world did you achieve that? Pentacle playing on it, it sounds
Did the ancient coven of the Lamp should dig that old recording
a bit different, but add Randy of Macbeth out! The spoken word
of Thoth rise up and made you Reaper to the mix, play it live a
drink the elixir of no sleep? parts work for us though, Simon
few times and it will be ‘Thothed has a voice which comes across
Simon: We achieved that through up’, and maybe make a bit more and is able to carry it off well.
sheer bloody mindedness! sense in relation to the songs we It definitely adds to the horror
Going down to the band-room have already released. Same with and eerie feeling of ’The House’
and rehearsing for four hours ‘They Dance’, there’s bits we and ’Victorian Wizard’. A few
solid twice a week; it sounds want to keep and bits we want to people have said that vocals come
like nothing, but when you are get rid of – if we get chance to across as a macabre Dead Kennedys
working full time, and have other record the songs properly, they - maybe the next release should
commitments and responsibilities will probably sound different. be called Holiday in Keighley?
it’s quite a slog. Not to mention I think the different genres of
the expenses of rehearsal rooms. metal are not just a question of
I think we really should play live playing styles, but of attitude
more though – I think we don’t – there’s a ‘thrash’ attitude
play live enough; things seem to for example, and a ‘black metal’
keep cropping up to stop us! attitude which is instantly
Lady P: Yes, luckily for us Simon recognizable beyond the guitar
is a song writing machine so we style - a spirit, or a ‘vibe’ (to
have so much material we actually quote the hippies!) and despite
struggle to keep up with it, he the notes and guitar styles I
has a dark muse does that lad. like to think that we ultimately
In the end we went into the keep the spirit of our music doom
studio with 18 songs that we had – or rather that our spirit keeps !
learnt as a band. It was hard our music doomy! In the end it RANDY REAPER... BOLLOCKS
work getting them up to scratch is up to the listener to decide
beforehand but it paid off. 10 whether we succeed at that! Hahaha... speaking of Keighley
songs were used for the album Simon is an awesome vocalist, as it is located in Yorkshire, which
and the rest we’ve been able to well as a great writer... But you all seem to be quite proud
use for different projects. As what strikes me more about him of... why is that area is so
for the shows, having rehearsed is his great oral story telling different from England?
everything for the album we skills (in French we call this
were in pretty good shape so we Lady P: I think it’s just the
a “conteur”). I actually imagine fact that it is a small place
didn’t have to worry about that some very intricate scenes when
aspect too much, we do try out and in that respect like most
he is talking/singing! How has he small places we are fiercely
new songs live too just to try discovered he had these skills,
keep us on our toes and keep it independent, and naturally
and how has he developed them distrusting of bigger towns and
fresh. I wouldn’t be surprised

73
 places. Where you live and grow As English-sounding as crumpets
up has a massive effect on who toasting despite coming from
you are – I think that’s true Finland, and as heavy as an anvil
for everyone. Keighley forever to boot! I love that mid-paced
– other places never!!! tempo which places the songs in
Simon: Yorkshire is just God’s this strange space somewhere
Own Country! Every Yorkshire man between doom, heavy metal, and
or woman is proud to come from rock and roll – even maybe punk in
Portents, Omens the case of ‘Cromwell’! It’s like SAINT VITUS
& Dooms (‘08) Yorkshire and would identify with
it rather than their own country – a band of puritans trying to rid
there is quite a north/south divide themselves of their inhibitions, 7. ‘Planet of Judgment’ also by
in England that maybe has its origin only to be constantly repressed Saint Vitus. Why don’t people
in the Viking settlements here, by some unknown heavy force! I like this album? Despite all the
long ago but still present in some always loved Monty Python’s song stories about Dave Chandler wanting
Howardian type racial memory. When ‘The Ballad of Oliver Cromwell’, to be the Guns ‘n’ Roses of doom,
the southerners come to Yorkshire, so ‘Cromwell’ has that extra this album is one of the most
they laugh at our cloth caps and resonance for me there as well. uncommercial albums ever! The mix
coarse language, and mock the lack Both are genius songs in their own is very strange, the bass seems to
of the letter‘t’ in many of our way, and despite its sillyness, dominate everything – it nearly
words. When a Yorkshireman goes the latter is quite doomy too! breaks your stereo if you crank it
down to London he ridicules their 2. ‘Cimmerian Codex’ by Solstice up! The riffs are bleak as fuck
lack of hills and faints at the – the song is heavy and catchy as (with the exception of ‘Imagination
beer prices! fuck without losing any sense of Man), the vocals outrageously
epicness and majesty, and I think mournful. The songs take a while
What do you guys all avidly to sink in (well they did with me
listen to, these days? How about that this is in no small part
due to the lyrics – the pictures anyway), but once it has you its
your favourite 10 records, what like an addiction! It was the first
are they? I know it is a very they paint are marvellous. Its
like the lyrics themselves Saint V album I bought, so maybe
hard question, but I am curious that’s why it has a special place
and I can’t help it... haha were written by that master of
exotic language himself, Clark in my heart, but my God!, what an
Ashton Smith. There is an epic esoteric slab it is!
and lordly sinuousness in those 8. ‘The Ghoul’ by Pentagram. Any
words and that music, but it Pentagram is good Pentagram as far
is one that never slips into as I’m concerned, but this one
decadence. Hail! You can listen has it all, absolute killer main
to the new version of the song refrain, amazingly eerie verse, and
with Canada’s finest Adrian Miles sinister chorus – all in one song!
on vocals here: www.myspace.com/
solsticeenglander 9. ‘The Troll’ again by Saint
Vitus from Mournful Cries. Like
3. ‘Frost and Fire’ by Cirith most Saint Vitus songs, simple and
Ungol. When I first heard this elegant in construction, but doom
SIMON song I knew that this was the as fuck in execution, the musical
band for me! I even love the equivalent of being stabbed to
Simon: I have been listening to synth heavy version on Servants death by a finely wrought blade.
a lot of Earthflight recently, a of Chaos. Classic timeless stuff Normally, I think that Saint Vitus’s
stupefyingly talented band, who from a band with an amazing songs about mythical creatures and
incorporate a lot of influences musical imagination, and one magic, or more fantastic themes
into their mix, and manage to which makes a lot of metal look are better handled by Reagers.
sound unique, but still heavy. I artless and lazy in comparison. Although a great vocalist, I think
also have the debut album by Nomad 4. ‘Battle Hymn’ by Manowar. That Wino is more at home on the ‘real
Son, which I would urge any fan of little acoustic bit in the middle life’ kind of stuff like ‘Born
doom metal to check out – amazing gets me every time! An orchestral Too Late’ and ‘Angry Man’, but
songs such as ‘The Wraith’, and ‘ arrangement played through guitar, he does a fantastic job on this
The Light at the End’. I am also bass and drums and not sounding track (perhaps he is relating to
waiting for Lord Vicar’s debut smaller because of it, topped the alienation of the troll!) This
album Fear No Pain, and I am sure with Eric’s amazing vocals. is possibly my favourite Vitus
it will not disappoint – the new track, and the inspiration for
5. ‘Sign of the Wolf’ by ‘The Boggart’.
tracks on myspace are great. I Pentagram. Again, a song that is
have also had the privilege to in-between rock and metal. Too 10. ‘Mighty and Superior’ by Isen
hear Scarab’s new extended player, disturbing to be a rock song, and Torr. I nearly died when I heard
and it is fucking immense – old too rocking to be all out metal, this in Randolph’s car. If there
school heavy metal played the way but doom as fuck and delivered in is a soundtrack to uncompromising
it should be! I am still trying to a way that only Bobby knows how – metal attitude, then this is it!
take in the majesty, complexity like Kiss’ s more sinister, more A perfectly constructed song,
and downright kick arseyness of interesting long lost relative. performed by people who know
Gates of Slumbers’ new opus too. exactly what they are doing, with
I hate these kind of questions 6. ‘Let the End Begin’ by a catchy chorus that inflames a
– they are almost impossible Saint Vitus. ‘Puh-leeaasee Mr metalhead’s pride and passion,
to answer, so here’s a list of Reeeeeeeeepaaaarrrrr!’ Isn’t Scott topped by a guitar played as if
songs I wish I had written in no Reagers the man when it comes to it were a sword swinging through
particular order! doom metal vocals? Oh how I wish a horde of invading enemies.
Saint Vitus would re-record some of Metal perfection!
1. ‘The Devil Rides Out’ & the Wino-era stuff with this guy,
‘Cromwell’ by Reverend Bizarre. if only for our morbid curiosity! Randy Reaper: I hasten to add

74
that you can’t possibly go wrong to appease authorities I thought as prostrate as my ancestors in
now and again with a bit of Bad long vanquished. ‘Tis but some the dank and rain sodden turf,
Manners, Wazzuks, Asomvel and Oedipal ambush, some foreign where my lamentations shall
The Anti Nowhere league... tarred skeleton that intervenes rainfall as a dull polluted tear
What are your other loves, beside my solemn promise to do all onto the faded browning of a sun-
metal and arm wrestling? things in that pure state, where starved grass in the shade of the
intention is not desire, to whom old yew. May it be that perhaps
Lady Pentagram: Burning, looting, reward is a stranger, and to whom some woe -harried traveller in
raping and a shooting! satisfaction outside the still turn may contemplate how many Split with KILL
contemplation of the form itself midnights have chimed from the FOR SATAN (‘08)
Simon: Yeah! I know what I like
on my motorbike, doing my time is but a vanity. church clock, to settle on the
down the highway. Oh dark and solemn Keighley, we cold souls of those of us who have
honour your gods, we fight your gone before.
Randy Reaper: I’m a keen naturist.
battles and hold your name in We have no following in our
You mostly play at killer doom earnest to those who would descry hometown.
metal festivals all over Europe... you. Yet still you deny us. Still
which one did you enjoy the most? Randy Reaper: You fucker, I was
you play as a coy and scheming just about to say that.
Simon: I think I personally Judas to our passions. Still
enjoyed our turn at the Dutch Doom to push us to the strange and What has been the highlight of
Days. I thought we played really cornered margins of your society, the past few years?
well and the crowd were great. Met where we look out in confused Simon: The highlight for me is
some really great people, and saw celebration and try to ignore probably recording our album, as
some marvellous bands. the green and uninvited spectre it has always been an ambition
that lurks under our breaths as a of mine to record one. Whatever
spiteful vapour. happens we’ll always have that,
If you cannot admit us from some dark and I am eternally grateful to Rich
purpose, we understand. If some Walker for making it happen.
wisdom prevents acknowledgment, Lady Pentagram: Probably, just
then sign us with some sly omen. having people listen and appreciate
If the end will justify the us, makes a big difference after
means, then we forgive you. But being in bands nobody really
sometimes, as the dark valleys cared about. The people in the
and the bleak hills reverberate underground doom and metal scene
SIMON AND RANDY LIVE with our strange ceremony, we are great, and we would like to
hear your smoky voice rend itself hail them loudly and proudly and
Lady P: Yes, the last Doom Metal from the black soot of aeons to wish them well for 2009.
Inquisition was amazing. If you had mingle with the grand intentions
said we would get a reception like passed down to us, and the hope of What do you have for sale at the
that in Bradford a couple of years possible exonerations conflate as moment, and how can your fans
ago, we would have though you mad! breath in the chest. obtain them?
Randy Reaper: I thought that gig In her once-emerald graveyards, Simon: You can obtain all our
was great, I remember it like it where the blind yew sags and goods from The Miskatonic
was yesterday, my mother was at the drapes her mangled arms in Foundation here: www.myspace.
side of the stage crying, my father possessive cultivation of the com/isentorr
was meant to be there but he was on dead, I have myself, long before At the moment we have our debut
the roof of the building stealing I made this coven, oft indulged album Portents, Omens and Dooms
the lead. Folk were singing and head my fitful melancholies after the for sale, our new ep Sing as You
banging along right from the start, sad sweetness of the passing of Slay should be out soon, and our
fists and pint pots were raised in the last orders, where folk part new T-shirt is nearly ready – look
the air, though no fucker whistled company to sleep before they resume on the Miskatonic site under the
on Hand of Glory. their courtship to labour – that Nightgaunt Graphics blog. Cheers!
harsh and unforgiving mistress
Do you have a good following in who shadows all celebration That’s pretty much it. Please
your hometown – or are doom metal with her abstract machinations, close this interview with a
heads quite a rare sight? and personified, is perhaps not message to the old ones!
Simon: Ah...ignorant of your without her own spiteful envies. Simon: Hello Grandma, hello Grandad!
own weaponry, you have shaped As the dull clinking of glasses Thanks for the Christmas cardigan!
your question like a dagger, spills from doors open only to Lady Pentagram: Ph’nglui mglw’nafh
whose wordy point now vexes the the cold; as the last dregs of Cthulhu R’lyeh wgah’nagl fhtagn!
yearning ventricles of mine own hard earned ale flood the gullet;
secret heart! Tell no one of this. as a drunken army hath ambled Randy Reaper: Doom Metal - is no
Of what grey disappointment now home in chaotic regiment, I have laughing matter..
weans its unburnished and coarse known myself to wax wistful by the
bones to merge with my once shades of my fathers, and to fain
optimistic frame. Even now I feel that I have gleaned secrets from
its sharpness and its tremors, the hoary confines of stones.
how it pulses it’s own weariness Yet, still she reigns over me as
over mine thunder’d heartbeat a great giver of mysteries. Of
to subdue it to fey tempos that sweet puzzles and dire vexations,
strike as if rationed by miser, that soothe and strain the soul
transmuting its own weariness in enigmatic alternations. The
become my fatigue – a borrowed chance to escape this gravity,
yearning from some returning lust I fear is not a liberty I shall
possess, and one day I shall lay

75
 HIGH TIDE - Sea Shanties / High Tide METALLICA - Kill ‘Em All
HAWKWIND - Space Ritual DLP SLAYER - Show No Mercy
FLOWER TRAVELLIN’ BAND - Satori SARCOFAGO - I.N.R.I.
LEGEND (US) - From the Fjords SEPULTURA - Morbid Visions / Bestial Devastation
LEGEND (UK) - Legend SODOM - In the Sign of Evil/Obsessed by Cruelty
BLACK SABBATH - Black Sabbath DESTRUCTION - Infernal Overkill
BLACK SABBATH - Master of Reality SLAUGHTER - Surrender or Die
BLACK SABBATH - Vol 4 SOOTHSAYER - To be a Real Terrorist (Demo)
BLACK SABBATH - Sabotage RAZOR - Armed and Dangerous MLP
BLACK SABBATH - Heaven and Hell SACRIFICE - Torment in Fire
DEATH SS - The Story of Death SS PILEDRIVER - Metal Inquisition
PAUL CHAIN - Alkahest VOÏVOD - War and Pain
PAGAN ALTAR - Vol. 1 VOÏVOD - Killing Technology
PAGAN ALTAR - Mythical & Magical ENGLISH DOGS - Forward into Battle
WITCHFINDER GENERAL - Death Penalty DISCHARGE - Hear Nothing See Nothing Say Nothing
WITCHFINDER GENERAL - Friends of Hell TOXIC HOLOCAUST - Evil Never Dies
BLACK HOLE - Land of Mystery BASTARDATOR - Identify the Dead
SCALD - Will of the Gods is Great Power BARBATOS - War! Speed and Power
SORCERER - Heathens from the North INEPSY - City / Weapons
THE OBSESSED - The Obsessed MIDNIGHT - Complete and Total F@#cking Midnight
SAINT VITUS - Saint Vitus STINY PLAMENU - Ve Spine Je Pravda
SAINT VITUS - Hollow’s Victim MEGIDDO - The Devil and the Whore
PENTAGRAM - Be Forwarned AMON GOETH - The Worship
CANDLEMASS - Ancient Dreams TORMENTOR - Anno Domini
CATHEDRAL - Forest of Equilibrium VENOM - Welcome to Hell
CATHEDRAL - Carnival Bizarre HELLHAMMER - Apocalyptic Raids
WARNING - Watching from a Distance CELTIC FROST - Morbid Tales
AMEBIX - Arise! BATHORY - Bathory
GOAT HORN - Storming the Gates BATHORY - ...The Return
CIRITH UNGOL - Frost and Fire BATHORY - Under the Sign of the Black Mark
MANILLA ROAD - Crystal Logic DARKTHRONE - A Blaze in the Northern Sky
SACRED BLADE - Of the Sun + Moon DAKRTHRONE - F.O.A.D.
JUDAS PRIEST - Sad Wings of Destiny MAYHEM - De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas
JUDAS PRIEST - Stained Class MASTER’S HAMMER - Ritual
ANGEL WITCH - Angel Witch ABIGAIL - Intercourse and Lust
IRON MAIDEN - Powerslave SABBAT - ...For Satan and Sacrifice
DIAMOND HEAD - Lighting to the Nations SABBAT - Satanasword
MYTHRA - Death and Destiny ACHERON - Rites Of The Black Mass
MOTÖRHEAD - Ace of Spades BARATHRUM - Hailstorm
GIRLSCHOOL - Hit and Run COUNTESS - Hell’s Rock’n’Roll
VULCAIN - Rock’n’Roll Secours COUNTESS - The Book of the Heretic
SORTILÈGE - Sortilège EP SAMAEL - Blood Ritual
H-BOMB - Coup De Metal NECROMANTIA - Crossing The Fiery Path
ANVIL - Metal on Metal NASTROND - Toteslaut
SAXON - Denim and Leather GOATLORD - Reflections of the Solstice
EXCITER - Violence and Force NECROS CHRISTOS - Triune Impurity Rites
ACID - Maniac DREAM DEATH - Journey into Mystery
IRON ANGEL - Hellish Crossfire ARMOURED ANGEL - Angel Of The Sixth Order
METALUCIFER - Heavy Metal Chainsaw AUTOPSY - Severed Survival
MERCYFUL FATE - Nuns Have No Fun EP POSSESSED - Seven Churches

76
 ANVIL, CAULDRON, JOE THRASHER + KARNAX
Live @ Maverick’s, Ottawa – April 4, 2008

it’s much faster with less grooves. They also released a

new EP, called “Speed Kills”. (Funny though, this song is
not THAT fast compared to others!) Great show though, and
This is the first good concert of the spring – and with top notch guys. They played “More Hate”, “Speed Kills”,
the snow melting comes the smell of... death/thrash! Like a “Joe Thrasher”, a metal cover of “Folsom Prison Blues”,
thunderbolt, KARNAX shocked the hell out of me! Damn, this “Assassin”, “SST” and “Metal Forces”...
band was seriously ravaging, I can’t say which tunes they did,
‘cause honestly, I knew NOTHING about them, but I can surely
tell you all that they played a lethal mix of ancient Swedish-
styled DM with a dose a purely evil thrash. Sublime! They did
a cover of SODOM’s Outbreak of Evil with Eric from BASTARDATOR The place started filling up when CAULDRON (Ex-GOAT HORN
also, which was amazing. A demo CD-R is available from them members!) was about to play. The air started smelling the
for 2$ + shipping. (It sounds like a pro CD...) good ‘ole stench of sweat and beer. They did their classics:
A SMALL CHAT WITH LIPS “The Striker Strikes”, “Into the Cauldron”, “Torture’s Too
After this band, I noticed the members of ANVIL hanging Kind”, etc, but I was pleased to hear that there were new
out at the back of the venue, so I went to buy “This is tunes as well! There was one that had a small “AC/DC” touch
Thirteen”, their new album. I chatted with LIPS for a to it... I thought it was pretty cool! Weird, but quite
while. I had just discovered the meaning of ANVIL’s song original mix. I must say, I enjoyed it quite a lot.
“Backwaxed” and mentioned it to him – telling him he really
dirty! Haha. He smiled, his eyes started glowing and he
said: “You know, that song was supposed to be on “Forged
in Fire” but I ended up taking it out because it was too
dirty. You know, back in the early to mid-nineties, we Alas! It is turn for the mighty ANVIL to make our ears
used to have all sorts of girls following us to our hotel bleed with pleasure! Armed with a beer in each hand, I
rooms – they would take their clothes off and run around went straight for the front line. They started out with
naked! Nowadays, everyone is so uptight. “Backwaxed” really a new song off their latest album “This is Thirteen”,
shocked people back then though – and so did my guitar which sounded quite similar to “Forged in Fire”... Great
playing with the dildo! ...Then A.I.D.S. came out... and tune! After, if I remember correctly, they did “School
with it, all the girls disappeared, man!!” I asked him if Love” and played the usual set-list... 666, Motormount,
that’s why he wrote the song “Safe Sex”. He smiled, laughed Metal on Metal, White Rhino (with Rob Reiner’s drum solo
and said “Yeah!! But the girls still wouldn’t come back!!.” – of course), Computer Drone, Winged Assassins... but no
I suggested he should have tried to put a condom on that “Forged in Fire” or “Blood on the Ice!” That’s ok though,
dildo when playing... Hahaha. Anyway, it was quite a funny ‘cause damn it, I was already in for one hellish bangover
story that I had to share with you all! with what I had witnessed so far. They were really killer
though (as usual), and had a really killer stage presence.
You could see they were having a really good time!
Anyway, I had not seen a show in Ottawa in a really long
time, and I had a real blast. To be honest, I might be
Next band in line is Joe Thrasher, a foursome of dedicated living in Montreal, but my mind stays in Ottawa. Hehe.
headbangers (the guitarist is the one who organized the Cheers to Matt and Taylor for this great gig! Also, cheers
show!) I could say that their style is quite varied; the to all my buddies that I saw. I missed you guys!
older stuff had a groovy feel like ANTHRAX but nowadays,

77
 Cauldron is the name, heavy metal is their game! This great Canadian band consists of three metal maniacs;
Jason Decay (vocals), Ian Chains (guitar) and Steel Rider (drums). They are basically GOAT HORN with a
different guitar player. Hailing originally from Pembroke – a small town close to Ottawa, they have just signed
a deal with Earache records. (We’ll see if it’s a good step – hopefully they will bring the label back to its “Forest
of Equilibrium” glory days!) Anyway, since CAULDRON and GOAT HORN are so similar, and since I
never had the chance to interview Jason when he still was in GH, this interview will cover all eras.
Hey Jason! I hope you are doing well I think they can do a lot that we LP’s and cheap second-hand metal
these days!! Recently, you often couldn’t do ourselves... tapes. How did you personally get
spoke that you were looking for a So, I believe you have pretty much introduced to Heavy Metal in the first
label that would provide a better finished recording your new album... place? Which album did you first buy
distribution of your albums. A few how long have you had these songs with your own pocket money?
days ago, I read that you finally written for? Can you tell us a bit Actually, GOAT HORN started in ’99,
found a deal with EARACHE records!! about the number of songs, artwork, but I don’t think we played an actual
Congratulations for that – and I etc? Where was it recorded? show until 2001. I got into metal
hope for the best that it will be a through my next door neighbour who
great experience. You guys definitely The album is called Chained To The
Nite. It’s going to have a picture turned me onto METALLICA at a young
deserve it. How did they contact you? age. It was quite impressionable on
How did you react to these news, and of a girl chained up in chains on
the cover. There’s 9 songs on the me. I think the first tape I bought
what are your main expectations with was a GUNS’N’ROSES tape, but me and
this label? album, some as old as 5 years, some
were written this year. We recorded Brandon used to ravage the second hand
I guess they first contacted us in Toronto with Ian Blurton and Neil shops in the mid 90’s cause there
through myspace, just poking their Kernon is supposed to mix it some were so many metal tapes available
nose around to see what we were up time this month in Chicago. for dirt cheap, I mean everything!
to. After talking to them for a bit That’s how we got into Banzai, all
they offered their services if we Ok, let’s go back to the very start. the best albums had a Banzai logo
were interested, so we negotiated a GOAT HORN started up around 2001... on them in Canada... everything,
deal. We’re pretty excited I think, The band grew up surrounded by Banzai like Raven, Metallica, Celtic Frost,
78
 GOAT HORN PICTURES
FROM ALL ERAS

Slayer, Lizzy Borden, and onnn! We friends here, more than in Ottawa, and such quality material by yourselves?
once found a crate of like 45 lps for it just seemed like the place for shows, Also - Silverbirch Productions,
$15! There was everything in there, so we came here in September 2001. 32nd Records/Sonic Unyon, Basement
tons of Banzai pressings! Usually, bands start with a fast Metal... why so many label names? Can
Yeah, I remember some record shops first album and then get slower as you explain each one?
in Ottawa having tons of old tapes the albums go... but you guys totally We worked hard at it I guess. We wanted
for like 3$ each... none of them were broke this “rule”! How come was there to record in real studios so we’d
as cool though – they had shit like such a big change in the style since have a good sounding album because we
DESTRUCTION’s Cracked Brain... guess the beginning? didn’t know how to run anything more
you left that for me. Haha! Anyway, Well, I guess previous to GOAT HORN than a 4-track. Silverbirtch was just
which GOAT HORN songs were the first we were playing mainly fast thrashy the place that manufactured the first
ever written? Were they quite different stuff, so when GOAT HORN first started CD. October 32 was someone we knew
than what can be heard on Voyage to jamming we were doing the opposite. who had distribution in Canada through
Nowhere? After the first album, in order to Sonic Unyon. Basement Metal was our
No, I think the first songs written stay musically satisfied with one band own name. So basically they were all
were GOAT HORN and Doom March, both we had to find a medium, so from there self released.
which appeared on the first album. We we changed from just slow, to just A few years ago, there were talks
had a couple other incomplete songs metal, I guess. about pressing the two first GOAT HORN
too that we forgot. I discovered GOAT HORN around 2003, albums on vinyl. Is that project still
You had mentioned in a past interview and really fell in love when I saw going on, or is it on ice now?
that “Axe Cross” (one of the two extra the “Rotten Roll” video. It completely There are no current plans to put them
CAULDRON songs on the vinyl EP issued baffled me because it was almost a out on vinyl, but I can still see it
on New Iron Age records) was from a mirror of my own metal parties! happening someday.
GOAT HORN demo. I had no clue that Definitely the coolest home-made video You guys started up as a trio of
there were actual demos! Is there any ever made. Was it ever aired on TV? really good school friends, but
other unrecorded material? Do we have I remember there was a petition for
any chance of hearing them one day? it to be played on MuchMusic (!) Any
We used to demo our songs before we chance of seeing a CAULDRON video one
recorded them in the studio, but lots of these days?
of the demos were incomplete. We had a 6 I don’t think it was ever played on TV.
song demo of what was to be the next GOAT We submitted it twice, but they always
HORN album, 3 of those songs appeared had some excuse, like the quality was
on the Into The CAULDRON EP. Axe Cross too low, but there was lower quality
was demoed too, but we decided that we videos that aired in the GOAT HORN
weren’t going to use it. I actually lost 90’s, I think it was just DICROGRAPHY
the demo for that one. much music was getting even
You guys were Pembroke folks, living more commercial. We started
close to Ottawa. When was the big move making a CAULDRON video a
to Toronto done? Why did you move year and a half ago, similar
there, in the first place – and not to the Rotten Roll video, but
Ottawa, for example? we never finished it.
Steelrider was already going to school Most of your albums were
in Toronto in 2000, and we had lots of self-financed... how did
you guys manage to release

79
 something happened a few years ago... GOAT HORN songs... now, you only Well, we can’t afford to record them
Steelrider moved back to Pembroke and include one from time to time. Do you all! We’ve jammed tons of covers over
got replaced by RAMMER’s Al “Biddle” miss playing them, or if you would have the years, some turn up at different
Chambers. (He did a great fucking stayed with the same band, you would shows. Others I can think of are
job!) After that, some shit happened have shifted to new songs anyway? Deathrider by OMEN, Hurricane by
between you and Brandon Wars – which What it comes down to is we can only THE RODS, Shot in the Dark by OZZY,
made him leave the band. You were play so many songs live. Of course Free As the Wind by ANVIL, Ride of
basically the only original member GOAT HORN would have started playing the Chariots by THOR, Heavy Metal by
left, so the band broke up. What does new songs, actually, we were. GOAT HELLOWEEN... not all of these make it
Mr. Wars do these days? Do you still HORN had a new album coming out and our of the jam space though! Oh, and
talk to him from time to time? we were playing a few of those songs Chains Around Heaven by BLACK’NBLUE
Brandon has his own band now called live. When CAULDRON started, I kept (Metal Massacre version!). We
Zuku. We still talk, but when GOAT the songs that were solely mine. recorded a couple of covers while we
HORN first split we didn’t talk for Our set at first consisted of all were recording the new album.
a while. As for Steelrider, he was songs that were GOAT HORN songs. The You are one hell of a good live band,
having some problems with his legs idea was to keep what GOAT HORN had always putting on a killer show. I
and we really weren’t making the going... going! Initially, I tried to believe nobody fully experienced GOAT
situation easier on him by bitching approach it as just a name change HORN/CAULDRON until they have seen
about his drumming, so he just left, with a new guitar player, but GOAT you guys live. What is playing a show
it was pretty mutual at the time. Then HORN is definitely 3 personalities, for you?
Al came in for the last few months and I don’t think it could be called Free food and sluts... and after that,
of GOAT HORN. He carried on with me GOAT HORN without at least 2 of them not throwing up.
into CAULDRON until Steel came back there you know, Al was on drums too,
in November 2007. Al was just spread so I didn’t think it was right to You all enjoy the nectar of the gods
too thin between CAULDRON, Rammer, call it GOAT HORN with just me left. (beer!) and partying. Can you give us
and Toxic at the time and had to make However, at the time of the split I some booze-fuelled touring stories?
a decision on his priorities. felt differently. I really liked what When I think of booze fueled touring
How did you get in touch with Ian GH was doing and accomplishing and stories, the first thing that comes
Chains – the one who replaced Brandon wanted to keep the momentum going. to mind is piss. Someone’s always
Wars? The first time I met him was at Had I really liked the name GOAT HORN pissing their pants, pissing on
the SACRIFICE show in 2005... I saw in the first place, I may have kept it, records, getting pissed on, that’s
him from the back, tapped him on the but instead I tried to look at this as about it really.
shoulder to say “hi” (thinking it was an opportunity to fix shit up.
Do you feel like metalheads in Europe
you) and to my great surprise, it was Also, you seem to always choose to cover party different than in Canada?
another guy!! It seems you guys are cult classics, for exemple SLAUGHTER’s
almost brothers! Incinerator, GRIM REAPER’s See you In Europe they start drinking before
in Hell, MANILLA ROAD’s Necropolis, North Americans get out of bed.
Ian got in touch with me, he heard I
was looking for a guitar player. It WITCHFINDER GENERAL’s Free Country, Ok, to finish up the interview, what
didn’t take me long to figure out he TYRANT’s Making Noise and Drinking is next in line, for the band? Any
was the right guy! Beer, etc. Aside from the SACRIFICE tour projects coming up?
(pressed on Storming the Gates CD) and
When Ian was recruited, you guys TYRANT (pressed as a bonus song on your Waiting for the new record to come out,
changed your name to CAULDRON. After vinyl EP) covers, you always play these doing a few shows... We’re going to
an EP and a few shows, Steelrider came covers once and then forget about them. get drunk and collect our own vinyl.
back because Al had moved to Portland Why tease us like this? Can you name Thanks for the interview!
to tour fulltime with TOXIC HOLOCAUST. other songs you’ve covered for fun – or
You started up CAULDRON playing mostly have wanted to do for a while?

80
Coming straight from the dreadful darkness of the early 2000’s, PORTRAIT plays a
style of haunting Swedish-style NWOBHM worship. Totally dedicated to their Heavy
Metal forefathers, Christian Lindell (Guitar), David Stranderud (Bass), Richard
Lagergren (Guitar), Anders Persson (Drums) and Phillip Svennefelt (ex-Vocalist)
have already unleashed one demo in 2006, a single in 2007 and still quite recently, a
full-length in April 2008. Their complex song arrangement, off-beat riffs and fresh
honest approach will tremendously attack your poor ears. Read on, slave of darkness!
Hails Christian! Let’s jump right into the that went horseshit and I can’t remember what
abysmal cesspool that is PORTRAIT... can you happened then, but me and Anders continued
tell me about its very early stages and how it playing together with the other guitarist in
came to be what it is now? What was everyone’s that band, and we also recruited a guy named
first band when they were younger – and what were Andreas Bünger (now in NECROVATION) and the
they playing at the very beginning? Also, were music got darker and darker, and we developed
there many line-up changes at first – or did you into some kind of thrashy black metal outfit.
guys just magically fit perfectly together? We went on with some different band names,
Hey! (as in “Astronomy”). Well, when I had been starting out as MORD, changing it to NIGHTMARE
playing the guitar for a few months (when I and from there to BLOODLUST, and I actually
was 12 or something) I started to play together think the last band name we had was LIGHT. We
with Anders, who had been a drummer since made two demos that were never released, but
before he was born. I think he was already they are quite OK I think. We actually made a
in a band called INFINITY when we got to know tape pressing of the second demo but we never
each other and they wanted a second guitarist managed to do a decent cover artwork for it,
so I joined them. Don’t know how to describe and the band started to fade to black. So I
the music really. Some kind of primitive, yet have about 60 cassette tapes in my basement
weird thrash or something. We did one gig featuring this demo, without any covers.

81
Anyway, I think Bünger left the like BLOODLUST and NIGHTMARE when I I think this singer situation has
band to focus on NECROVATION and the was younger, like every 14 and 15 been the biggest obstacle for us
rest of us kept rehearsing a bit, year old does nowadays. this far. There has never been a
but the interest was lost after a What happened with Philip – your question about if we will solve it
while. After this I was in CROSSBOW old singer? I think he was really or not though, of course we will...
for some year. We released a single fitting with the band... Was it hard All in all I think one could say that
(“Priestkiller”) on Monster Nation. to play shows with him, even thought there have been many good surprises.
From that band I got to know David he was not in the band anymore? Do The goals are set higher by the day.
(who quit the band at some point later you already have somebody else lined Why did you call yourselves
on, and I got sacked because of lack up to replace him? “Portrait”? Does it come from the
of dedication). I knew David liked It started during the recording KING DIAMOND “Fatal Portrait” LP or
bands as Mercyful fate, Stormwitch, of the album I think, where he maybe “Portrait Records” – the US
Dark Wizard etc. and during this showed quite a lack of interest in label that released some ACCEPT +
period I made a recording of the song recording his vocals at all, and I IRON MAIDEN LP’s?
“Black hole of doom” in school which think this lack of dedication can be
I played to him, and he liked, and we A friend of mine came up with the
heard in some places unfortunately. name and I sort of stole the idea
talked about starting a band in this Personally I think that the vocals
vein for quite a long time. I wrote one could say. I didn’t (and still
on the album are good on most of don’t) see it as a tribute to either
more songs on this satanic heavy metal the songs, but in some places they
concept and tried them out together KING DIAMOND or the US record label,
are not. It’s not only his fault because it was rather chosen because
with Anders in the rehearsal place. We though, we should have been harder
asked Philip to try and sing them and of the mystical “essence” behind the
and more patient to get a perfect word, as with the Dorian Gray story,
we thought it sounded good and went result maybe, but in the end it
on from there. Then all of a sudden for example. The lyrics to the song
felt like we wouldn’t get a better “Portrait” by COVEN also channels
Richard, whom I had met at quite a few result anyway, and I think that
concerts and festivals, moved to our the energy of the word in the right
he also said that he couldn’t do way I think.
hometown and I think I asked him to things better than he had already
join the band the second time we met done, so. Anyway, the album thing I think one of the strongest points
each other in Kristianstad. is one of many reasons for his in PORTRAIT’s music is that you guys
Apart from Richard and David switching departure, and apart from this write INTERESTING songs – which is
instruments and Philip not being in there are some personal reasons as severely lacking in bands nowadays.
the band anymore, there have been no well which wouldn’t make sense to Honestly, every time I listen to
line-up changes. I would definitely anyone outside the band. the LP, I hear something new! Who
NOT say that we fit magically together, writes most of the riffs, and how do
Yes, we probably have found a you guys stitch them together?
we fight all the time, but hopefully replacement now!
we will be united some day, haha. Thanks, that is really great to hear
And yeah, I hope I won’t get banned Have you had many good (or bad) and it is also something that I of
from all the elite internet warrior surprises with the band? What course agree on being the lack in
forums for not knowing of old bands has been the biggest obstacle for many bands. There are lots of them
PORTRAIT up to now? playing a good ‘style’ of heavy
metal but they simply can’t write
LIVE Ettlingen, Germany 2008.10.18 good enough songs.
Me and Richard wrote the songs on
the album, and for the next one we
are trying out stuff more together
in the rehearsal place. I really
look forward to start working on
the new songs full time soon!
I believe Tyrant of NIFELHEIM did
your logo... but does he also do
all your artwork (besides the S/T
painting)?
Yes, he did the logo for us and I
think it’s perfect. He has not done
any other artwork for us yet but I
think I will have to ask him if he
could do so very soon.
Obviously you have attracted quite
a lot of good criticism from the
underground, since the release of
your demo “Welcome to my Funeral”.
(Which is a fucking excellent one
by the way!) Where in the world do
you get the most praise? Are there
any surprising places where you have
sent your recordings/merch to?
I believe Germany has been the best
so far. Many orders and gigs over
there. I think we have been playing
more times in Germany than we have
82
in Sweden actually.
 DEMO TAPE, 7”
AND DEBUT LP

IST)
FULL LINE-UP (WITH EX-VOCAL

The “strangest” place I have sent a it´s often hard as we go by airplane there’s simply no turning back.
shirt to is Chile I think. I hope when playing abroad, so... When we What is your favourite...
we will get to play live outside of have more money we will emphasize ...demo tape?
Europe some day. this. We are not satisfied until we
brand everyone in the audience with Probably TORMENTORs “Anno domini”
After the demo, you released a
two song single called “Into the the mark of the Devil for the rest ...obscure 80’s Swedish metal LP
Nothingness”... why a single? Was of their lives. and/or single?
it to induce salivation in hungry Of all the places you have played Depends on how obscure it has to
headbangers, who couldn’t wait long so far (Sweden, Germany, France, be. Don’t think there were so
enough for the full length? Also, Norway, Finland), which was the many good obscure full albums from
who drew the cover? rowdiest crowd, and how? Sweden actually, but quite a few
We thought that a single was perfect It’s either the Germans or the Finns singles. Anyway, my favourite 80’s
because it´s easier to spread the I think. Fucking wild and supportive heavy metal album from Sweden is
name with one of those before in every way. It really grants a lot probably “Death or glory” by HEAVY
releasing a full album. The chance of energy to see people banging and LOAD. Favourite single is the
that someone picks up a single by bleeding! ZONE ZERO single I think. I also
a new band he/she haven´t heard of like the TROUBLE “Warrior” album
You had the chance to play with the because I traded it for the DANGER
earlier is also bigger than the mighty ANVIL... were you guys big
same case but with a full-length ZONE “Victim of time” LP, which is
fan of them before playing that very good.
I believe. The cover was drawn by show? Did that gig change your
a girl named Stina Henriksson, who perception regarding these guys? ...punk band? Black Uniforms
did a great job. I don’t think that They always put on one hell of a
she had done any covers before we ...guitar player? K.K. Downing
show...
asked her. I know you’re a huge JUDAS PRIEST
Yes, it was a great thing for us and fan. (so am I!!) What do you think
The split LP “NEW AGE OF IRON VOL. that gig went very well. I didn’t
1” sold out in one day. What the makes JUDAS them so special compared
see the band members that much to other heavy metal bands?
hell happened there? Did the label, during our time there though, but
New Iron Age (now Iron Kodex), sell from what I saw and heard they were Great to hear. It’s nice to talk
like 50 of these LP’s and burn the pretty much exactly as I expected to people that realise that PRIEST
rest or something? Hahaha! Good – very cool. are better than all other bands.
thing I pre-ordered mine. Not that you really said you do,
What inspires you, lyric-wise? but...
I don´t know, hehe. I heard something
about Manuel giving them away for Everything that may raise the dead I think what makes them the best (apart
Christmas presents, but I really and put the living in the grave. from being the best song writers of
don´t know... Were you always fascinated by the course) is that they really dare to
How would you describe your live shows? dark gulf that is Darkness? What look beyond the horizon for what is
What do you want to “recreate” on triggered your fascination for it? “right” and what is not. They never
stage? Do you even like playing live? cared for trends. OK, Rob left the
I guess so, yes. It started with horror band and blahblahblah, but fuck off,
Haha... can/do you play with a few movies/stories and god knows where it
beers in your blood, or do you prefer he did what he felt was right although
will end. What has triggered me the most there must have been tons of pressure
to keep that for after the gig? is probably the times when you realise on him when making that decision. A
Our live shows are quite intense that the powers you are exploring are man of his calibre doesn’t have to
and good. We try to always bring real, and not some fantasy. When you bow down to anyone at all. He created
some scene decorations and stuff but succeed with proving this to the “ego”, metal and can treat it however he
 feel like. And it’s not really strange if he some songs ready but they will probably change
kind of thought that they had done everything a bit before they are ready to be recorded.
in 1991. I would also consider quitting if I We had some plans for a single but we haven’t
made a “Painkiller”. I mean, how could you decided yet. We will also do demo recordings of
possibly top that? I am very glad that the the songs but we will probably not release them.
band continued and that he is back as well Do you have anything else you want to add to
of course. The two latest albums are fucking complete this interview?
awesome. “Nostradamus” is easily the best album
released in the last ten years. Or, easily the Thank you very much for the interview and good
best since “Servants of Darkness” (NIFELHEIM luck with the zine. It’s a great honour to get
album -ed) anyway. to be featured. Keep on keepin’ on, for every
man shall fall!
What is on your current playlist – and what
are your recent discoveries that you can’t Check out PORTRAIT’s website here:
stop spinning? http://portrait.webb.se
“Nostradamus” has been on the playlist since or contact them here:
its release in June of course, but apart from
that I listen a lot to the new AC/DC album which Christian Lindell
is great, and also “Chinese Democracy” which I Skogsvägen 5 C
find damn great so far. Recent discoveries for S-291 34 Kristianstad
me include OPHTHALAMIA and THE DEVIL’S BLOOD, SWEDEN
and I can’t stop spinning any of them. The
OFERMOD album “Tiamtü” is brilliant as well.
The debut album is already quite mature and
developed – yet it is only the beginning! What
will the next one be like? Do you have a lot
of new songs written already? Will there be a
new single/demo before its release?
There will be some progression of course, but
I wouldn’t say it will be more technical than
before (maybe a little, but also maybe a bit
less technical in some places). It will be dark
and heavy and evil just as the first one. We have

84
 I know, I had also written record shopping guides for Montreal in the
past Morbid Tales fanzines, but a lot of shops closed down and a few
opened and changed places... so use this one as an update. By the way, the
suggested route is 4,6km long, so don’t do this one in high heels, ladies!
1. Bring records that you don’t listen to anymore to sell. Sometimes you can trade too!
2. If you feel you must, it is possible to deal with record shop owners when you buy tons
of records at the same time – or feel the LP is way too expensive judging on its condition.
3. Bring CASH with you. Not every place takes interact or credit cards.
4. This guide should be followed either on Saturday or Sunday (but it can be done in the week too).
5. This is a serious record shopping guide for serious heavy metal hunters.
You will dirty your hands and walk a lot. Forget about doing it if you are an mp3 “metalhead”!

– START AT 11AM – Sign of Evil on Banzai records for 5$ CAD! “missing” CD’s to complete your collections
A steal! Recently though, every time they there... you know, the ones you don’t want
A VOLUME
277 Rue Sainte-Catherine E
sell a rarity, it is from 50$ to 80$... in
some cases (like old 80’s PANTERA stuff for
to pay full price for! I found some cool
obscure stuff there nonetheless.
example). Anyway, this store is the best
Note: Don’t go later than 11AM if you want place in town to get old heavy metal on wax!
to sell something there, because they go on
lunch around 12PM and you will have to wait
(Btw, useless fact, but the owner’s name is
NICK – hence BEAT + NICK... harharhar.)
G LE MARCHÉ DU DISQUE
793, rue Mont-Royal
till they come back!
One of my favourite record shops in
I always start with this shop because they
give good money for used CD’s (depending D PRIMITIVE
3828, rue Saint-Denis
Montreal, due not only to the fucking
vast used metal CD section and small but
on what, though...) and they have a huge quality used LP section, but also to the
selection of metal albums. Unfortunately, This is a used only shop. They have a tiny great people working there. They do trading
they don’t sell any vinyl LP’s at all... and metal CD section, but it contains like 10 with other record shops in other cities,
the CD’s are quite expensive, but you can albums. Their metal LP section is reasonably so their collection is quite different, and
find some pretty obscure stuff in there. big, has good prices and has a heavy they have A LOT of obscurities at INSANELY
rotation of new (used) material. There are good prices. I found tons of great stuff
a lot of classics there, like JUDAS PRIEST, there... some used SCALD, FLAMES OF HELL
B X20
3456, rue Saint-Denis
IRON MAIDEN, METALLICA but other cool stuff
like GRAVE DIGGER, GRIM REAPER, and a lot of
(not the LP obviously), ORODRUIN, ISEN TORR
and in their used LP section, the MERCYFUL
French metal (found H-Bomb, Sortilège, Ebony FATE MLP (10$!), DARK ANGEL stuff... (check
At first glance, this looks like a gothic/ records compilations, Satan Jokers, etc). it out downstairs). Totally recommended! I
punk clothes and shoe shop, but it actually What is also cool about this place is that worship this place!!
has a very good underground record shop on the they have a listening station, so it gets
second floor. They sell a lot of new CD’s and quite useful to discover new stuff!
LP’s, but also have some small used sections.
This is THE place in Montreal to find albums H FOX TROC
819, rue Mont-Royal
from smaller labels like for example Hell’s
Headbangers, Asphyxiate Recordings, Morbid E SONIK
4050, rue Berri Tiny used record shop. Microscopic metal CD
Moon Records, NWN! Prod – as well as extreme section. Go there anyway, as you never know
metal material like ABHORER, BEHERIT and tons Small shop, but totally worth going. They what you shall find... but beware, they put
of old school death, black, thrash, etc. mostly specialize in punk/hardcore/crust Bon Jovi in the metal section!!
Although they obviously also sell bigger and especially local stuff (they also own a
titles too. If you still have some albums label – Sonik Chicken Shrimp records), but
left to sell, don’t hesitate to sell them
here too, as they give very good money for
they have a fine metal CD and LP selection.
I remember the first time I set foot in the
I1379,33 rue
TOURS
Mont-Royal
used stuff. (Smart move on their part, the place; I practically emptied their used LP
word will get around and soon their used section... they have really good prices and This is a fairly new record shop that opened
selection will be even more amazing). Oh you can ask them for recommendations. Great its doors in 2007, I believe. They wanted to
yeah, they also carry great metal t-shirts, guys and very friendly place. Also, don’t open in London (England), but decided that
patches and books! forget to say hi to their dog Becky. She is the rent there was waaay too expensive, so
the dog with the biggest record collection. they came here instead. Anyway, they have
Always be nice to dogs with good record a GIGANTIC metal CD section (a lot of used
C BEATNICK
3770, rue Saint-Denis
collections. and new stuff) and probably the biggest
metal LP section in Montreal. It is the
perfect place for KISS, METALLICA, MAIDEN
Small record shop downstairs, with lots of
used LP’s, and new CD’s. The CD section is F L’ÉCHANGE
713, rue Mont-Royal
and HELLOWEEN collectörs as they have huge
sections for ‘em. Prices are fairly good,
OK – although I hardly bought any there. but they tend to follow the “market”. They
What is interesting though, is the used LP This is a used library with a used CD also carry some really cool stuff, like
section... you can find some quite cheap gems section. The metal selection is quite good lame JUDAS PRIEST picture discs... ever
in there if you look often. For example, on nowadays, thought it supposedly was great seen the “Love Bites” PD? Hell yeah. I will
one of my last runs – I found SODOM’s In the back 5-6 years ago. You can find those damn buy it one of these days.

86
J1477,FREESON ROCK
rue Mont-Royal
K PAUL’S BOUTIQUE
112, rue Mont-Royal
L SOUNDCENTRAL
4486, rue Coloniale
This long-running shop is specialized in Do you like used metal LP’s, CD’s and tapes, Small underground record shop, selling
prog rock and metal. They have a good used used porn videos and magazines? Then, my punk and metal CD’s, tapes and LP’s. Their
metal section (sadly carrying lots of Russian friends, this is your perfect shop. Haha! LP section is actually one of the best
bootlegs), and a huge new CD section. They This place is very small and crowded, but it in Montreal, even though it is not the
carry a lot of imports of bigger names, but has a fairly good selection. My friend found biggest... I can say that this is probably
still quite some hard to find stuff. It is a the first two Noise record VENOM’s there the best place to find old thrash metal LP’s
bit hard to navigate through them, as they for like 15$ each. They were also selling at still reasonable prices. They are also
are locked behind glass and you constantly VULCAIN LP’s for a little while... mmm. very sensitive to their doom metal fans, as
have to ask the key to look at the cases. Don’t ask Paul for a discount. He will tell they carry a lot of doom CD’s and LP’s. Great
They also have a good metal DVD section, a you to fuck off. place and great guys! They also have a couch
small “obscure black metal” collection and to relax, as at this point you will be a bit
at the front of the store, some demos, a few tired... hehehe!
vinyls and some fanzines.

Ok, now you have finished my usual record hunting run!! You will probably be quite tired, unless you are you used to
it hehe... Anyway, here are more record shops that are a bit out of the way, but are VERY worthy to visit:

M PROFUSION
1843, rue Ontario Est
N CHEAP THRILLS
2044, rue Metcalfe
BOOZE UP!
Katacombes
1222, rue Ste-Catherine Est
This is Montréal’s only fully metal shop. Owned Located on the 2nd floor of a old crooked
by Rémi, who used to have his own “Profusion” building, this shop sells mostly indie rock, Totally underground metal/punk cooperative
fanzine back in the 90’s, this is a must- folk and psychedelic, but also has a good bar with different music themes from Monday
stop for any metalheads around town. They have black metal section (!?). They carry some to Thursday (my very own metal night is on
mostly new CD’s, but also they are starting to “Tour de Garde” releases and some other Wednesdays there... come and have a beer
get more and more wax. For new albums, this is related stuff like EBM and other oddities. with me!) and shows on Fridays and Saturdays.
the place with the best prices in Montréal!!! They have a killer selection of beer (micro-
For example, this is the only place that will brewery stuff) and cheap prices overall.
order DARKTHRONE albums from Europe, so we can
get them before anyone else around town. They
O HMV
1020, rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest
also import great important albums from Metal Café chaos
Mind productions, Marquee records, and all 18 000 feet square, three floors, one expensive
sorts of killer new-releases/re-issues. They (but good) metal section is what you can find 2031, rue St-Denis
sell tickets, also, as well as some t-shirts at Montréal’s downtown HMV location. I hate Alternative/punk bar with a pirate theme.
and a little bit of DVD’s. Also, ask Rémi for listing this here, as I like to support smaller Has varied metal nights on Thursdays and
recommendations, he will not deceive you. I shops, but this place is great for hard to find Saturdays. They play viking/folk/black metal
just love this shop. Heavy Metal/NWOBHM and thrash metal imports. and brutal death but can play other stuff if
Go there when you have gift certificates! you ask them to!

SORRY FOR THE SHITTY

GOOGLE MAP RENDERING,
i promise it will be
helpful!!
87
 Call me crazy, but my trip to France lasted only one week. Me and François went to Saint-
Malo, Mont Saint-Michel, Carnac, the Poitou region and then Paris. Yup! One week! It was
very speed metal, but it was my first trip to the country of my ancestörs and I truly enjoyed it!!

CROCODISC
42, rue des Écoles, Paris 5e
Small shop that have been opened DISQUE D’OR
for 30 years, Crocodisc has mostly 26, Rue Edouard Grimaux, POITIERS
used CD’s (encased in really nasty
We spent only three days there, but long old plastic packages) and We had two or three hours to wait
still found quite a few record shops. LP’s. They have a big “hard” (as for the TGV train from Poitiers to
Expect albums to be quite expensive, in hard rock) section with lots of Paris and had nothing to do, but
except for Gilbert. Don’t forget to grunge, mallcore, glam and metal. walk in the streets of Poitiers...
have a beer break from noon to two, Their LP section is quite good, and when out of nowhere, we ended up in
as all shops are closed! has mostly old Heavy Metal and some front of this little shop. I think we
90’s popular “lame” BM stuff. I did had something like 10 minutes before
GILBERT manage to find BLASPHÈME – Désir it closed for two hours. We entered
de Vampyr there for 12 euros, as anyway and I made my puppy eye move
34, boul. Saint-Michel, Paris 5e well as an old version of TANKARD’s for the guy to keep his shop opened
If you are in Paris for just a Chemical Invasion CD for 6 euros. for me. They had tons of French
day and want to visit its best metal which made me quite excited.
record shop, I suggest you go to R’N’R VOLTAGE I bought SATAN JOKERS’ Les Fils du
Gilbert – as it has BY FAR the best Métal and the first MOTÖRHEAD 7”.
selection, the best prices and the 23, rue du Roi de Sicile, Paris 4e LEGION OF DEATH records
best location. They do not have a This is a metal and hard-rock only
vinyl section, but their used and shop, with tons of stuff – which is Les Cueilles, Bellefonds
new CD section is fucking HUGE and mostly waaay overpriced. They have This is the L.O.D. headquarters,
just incredible. They had really a Black Metal section, lots of ran by SHAXUL (Deathspell Omega,
obscure NWOBHM Japanese slipcase CD vinyls, CD’s and old picture discs Arphaxat, etc.) There were no record
editions (WHITE SPIRIT!!), the TANK hanging on the walls. The owners shop per-se when I visited, but
boxset, BULLDOZER re-issues, every are really nice though, and know only a room with a shitload of
French metal album you dream of, very well their stuff... although records, t-shirts & zines. They sell
SLAUGHTER CD’s for under 10 euros they show off a bit. Haha. I still underground metal only, focusing on
each, lots of doom, hell – lot’s remember talking about a band, and the more ‘exotic’ side if it. Shaxul
of everyfuckin’thing! I think I one of the guys pulling out his told me that in the summer they
bought like 15 CD’s there. I wish I memorabilia.... Anyway, if you will open a real shop which will be
was still there right now! I could can’t find something – ask them as located in a Yurt (structure used
compare it to the Amoeba record they might have a copy at the back. by nomads in Central Asia) outside
shop in San Francisco. Good shop, They carry lots of boxsets, too. of his home. E-mail him if you are
highly recommended! in this area: shaxul@orange.fr

88
 I absolutely worship VOÏVOD. Everything from their artwork, music and lyrics were ahead of their time,
and its originality was just unmistakable. They showed the world that it was possible to go beyond borders
in metal, and they have influenced 1000’s of musicians and bands. They evolved in all aspects, and is still
going strong. Sadly, there have been through many obstacles on their way, and the biggest one of them was
the death of one of the founding members, the legendary Denis “Piggy” D’Amour in ‘05. His last show was
with an Aut’Chose reunion (70’s hard rock from Montréal). In any case, we will review the history of the
band (excluding Eric Forest years), told by Snake. Interview done in person over 2 days in Dec ‘08.

90
 don’t know how they pronounce it, but
that’s a fucked up name too and they
became famous! After a while, people
got used to the name even though there
are still big fuck-ups today!
I hope so, after 25 years! Haha. Ok,
so you personally had been chosen by
the band because you were good at
improv theater – which gave you great
front-man attitude. Can you tell us
more about this audition process? How
did the first “jam” go?
I was doing alot of improvisation and
acting, and I was with the Levesque
& Turcotte group, the same ones that
later formed the “Groupe Sanguin”
comedy group. We all went to school
together – I was with Marie-Lise Pilote,
Dany Turcotte, Dominique Levesque
(all famous Quebecer comedians – ed).
I really enjoyed being on stage and
could have probably been a part of
them if it would have not been of me
I know that the concept and name of VOÏVOD putting all my energy towards VOÏVOD.
was there way before the foundation of the When I was really young I would write
band. How did the idea for it came by? plays, and do small shows in front of
When we were looking for a name, we my family in my living room around
came up with all sorts of odd names... xmas time... it’s part of me to do
strange things like “WHIZ” and... shows. But I was nervous when came
anyway, we had a few but we all agreed the time to audition for VOÏVOD. I
that they were quite lame. We all into never thought I had a chance. I did
heavy things and we were also looking know Michel (Away) because we went to minutes! And on top of it, I wasn’t
mostly for a name that has a special school together and we had done some used to holding a microphone or dealing
ring to it. How the name up for the small pranks as kids... I had met him with that technical stuff!”...so I
first time is when Away read a Bob again in Cégep (some kind of college was quite hesitant as you could see.
Morane book when he was about 12 years in Quebec) and he had told me he was Anyway, I still went and told myself
old, and inside there was a thing playing with Denis D’Amour – who was that what will happen, will happen. I
called the “Talismen des Voïvodes” and already a fucking legend in my town. had learned one JUDAS PRIEST and one
the Voïvod was the Lord of all Gipsies One hell of a guitarist! He told me IRON MAIDEN song... I remember that I
in Bohemia... then it appeared again that he was starting up a band and that was reading the songs and tried to sing
in Bram Stoker’s book “Dracula”. I we were looking for a singer. I really them phonetically because I had no clue
remember when Away told us that name; liked rock music and at my parent’s what they meant. Haha! I did basically
I thought it sounded really cool and place in their basement I had a sound like a rock star... I would posture
original. It sounded quite different system where I’d crank up the volume myself if it was like a show and I
because it was completely foreign to and imagine singing... But I never think they really enjoyed my efforts.
us. We could have chosen an English sung before!! Ok, I played a little The singing was horrible though – I was
word but that would have been too easy bit of bass at my house, but was really singing in a guitar amp and it sounded
and not unusual enough. I was even bad. But singing!! Ahhh! I needed to really bad. It didn’t matter too much
more interested when he explained that learn words and I couldn’t even speak in the end, as they liked my attitude
it had to do with Dracula, and how Vlad English... “Damnit”, I thought, “they and could see that I already had stage
Dracul lived as a prince in Vojvodina would completely reject me and kick experience.
(Voïvodine in French). me out of the band in not even two Did it take a long time for you to
Did all the members react to the name find your “voice”?
the same way? Yes, definitely. My voice changes
Well, yeah pretty much, but when we often...
started telling people about our new ...depending on how tight your pants
band name, they were like “What? were?
Voïvoï? Voïdvoï? Voïdvoïd?” We had Haha yeah, I’d sing more in a soprano
all sorts of different spellings... style with tight jeans! Haha. No really,
When that happened, we asked ourselves for the first album I would use more my
“hmm... is that really want we want? A throat to sing – since I didn’t have
name that nobody can say?” But I admit the right technique. I’d sing from my
that it made no difference... like head... it’d sound more like a kind of
for example, « Dimmu Borgir »... I

91
 DEAF DEALER

raptor “RAAAWWW! RAAAAWWW! RAAWWWW!” of notes and melody, while Piggy was except for Piggy right? Who were your
(I tried to imitate Snake’s sound looking more for a bassist that would favourite bands? What did you like so
there, haha –Ed). It took at least two be more rhythm oriented and that would much about that style of music?
albums to be satisfied with my vocals support the drums. Our album album came Yeah, Piggy was more into progressive
and then I started experimenting a out a bit before DEAF DEALER’s and we and complicated music. (BUUUURRRP -
little bit more. I tried to have them had some sort of competition going on Annick) Haha. That burp was for you
to sound more melodic, but by screaming – like what was going on in the days Piggy! Anyway, I discovered punk after
at the same time... I was trying to between Beatles and Rolling Stones heavy metal, which is usually the other
progress because I thought what I was fans. People would ask “are you for way around. The SEX PISTOLS arrived in
doing was too plain. The music would DEAF DEALER or for VOÏVOD?” haha... it ’76, but at that time I wasn’t much.
always progress in VOÏVOD but I was was in Jonquière you know, there was I first got into IRON MAIDEN and then
always doing the same thing so I had to nothing else! It was quite something into other metal bands... One of my
do something about it. It was getting to actually have two metal bands at friends in school introduced me to the
too complex. Also, being vocalist for the same time! I personally didn’t see Pistols and when I heard it for the
this band is not like learning an AC/ see why there would be competition, first time; I thought it was complete
DC song... it’s not like singing in but after a while it started to get a shit... I said “Arghhh!!!!! What is
a traditional way. We always had to bit out of hand. There would almost be this?? It’s all over the place and
push the boundaries, make the songs fights over it... haha. Let’s just say the singer is not even singing on the
interesting but complicated, so that that Blacky was very good at pissing right tone!” I really hated it. I told
was a lot of pressure. Just picture off some people. the guy that I didn’t know what this
yourself singing for RUSH – but you Is he still like this nowadays? Haha crap was and I didn’t want anything to
had never sung before. It was like that do with it. About two months later,
for me! So I obviously had to work hard Well, he is a grown up now, but Blacky
always stayed a kid... I mean, we’re I met a girl that was into B-52’s,
on it. Stray Cats and all the New Wave stuff.
in Japan at the airport, and him and
Yeah, I understand, haha! So I believe Dan Mongrain were in carts they were She was also into the SEX PISTOLS, of
the first bassist in VOÏVOD was Jean- racing and running into luggage each course. I told her that it was fucking
Pierre Fortin – who then went on to other you know? Haha. I was a bit shit, but she told to listen to it
form DEATH DEALER/DEAF DEALER. Can you freaking out because you know, there again, and so I did... That’s when I
tell us how that happened? are cameras everywhere and we’d most understood all the meaning behind it.
Well, that was actually before it was likely get searched at the customs. I My logic was that if people made that,
called VOÏVOD. I think J-P would have still like him a lot though. it was because there was a reason
loved to play with Dennis D’Amour behind it. It wasn’t to win money,
Speaking of Blacky, he was a DJ in a to win girls, but to rebel against
(Piggy), but on Piggy’s side – there local pub back in the early 80’s...
was no spark. First of all, he had the politicians of their time. That’s
Piggy had asked him if he knew how to when my world shifted and I understood
a bass playing style a bit similar play bass, right? How did it happen?
to Stever Harris, which had a lot that I too had that protesting side to
Piggy thought he had great taste in me! They weren’t even good musicians,
music. He was spinning MOTÖRHEAD, but that didn’t matter – they had the
BUDGIE, TYGERS OF PAN TANG... pretty will. These guys really threw me off
rare stuff for the time. It was always my chair because they were worshipping
a fun time at the pub. It always smelled the “No Future!” In 1976!!! I also
like hashish, haha. Anyway, Piggy enjoyed that they were trying to paint
thought Jean-Yves was a good mixer,
and had a good musical ear. He came up
to him in his booth and asked him if he
knew how to play bass... he said “no”.
Then he said that he could teach him
how to do it because he played guitar.
Piggy preferred to teach somebody that
was “worthy” than to take anybody and
break their minding. For him it was
simpler. Blacky was a good person, and
he was very funny.
Ok, let’s talk about hardcore punk! !!
You guys were all fans of these genres, BLACKY AND HIS FIRST BASS

92
the ugly side of men as music... I explode... they’d actually show that in
understood that music could be used to school! It was the perfect ambience!
be artistic, make money, be known or
show off your musician skills, but it
could also be used to protest!! I then
got into the RAMONES...
What about the Montreal punk scene at
the time... with bands like UNRULED?
Well, I wasn’t THAT much of an UNRULED the oil and then shoot out smoke. But
fan but Mario, Michel and the entire yeah, the machine was made to pulverise
gang were really fucking great guys. insecticide! What happened once is that
It was parties after parties in those the pipe warmed up the oil but it didn’t
days. They really welcomed us warmly come out as smoke, but as hot oil that
when we moved to Montreal. They saw Can you tell us about your very first shows
– and the ambience reigning at them? went directly on the two kids’ faces
VOÏVOD like people from “Lac Saint- Anyway, for stage accessories, we had a
Jean”... living with cows and all... Well, I was so nervous at that show drum riser, but that’s about it.
haha. I remember them calling us “La I couldn’t say a word in between the
vache à Voïvod!” But we did make our songs! I couldn’t even say “potato!!” Who was making all your leather and
place, and fast! People were making a it was one song after the other. That spiked gear?
bit fun of us also at the beginning show was at Place Nikitoutagan, which It was our girlfriends at the time,
- just like I was making fun of punk was an outside venue close to the river mostly, that did them. My mother
before, because we were much too heavy. (Rivière au Sable) in our town. It actually had made me some “snake-
Back then, rock in Montreal was very was us that had organised everything like” pants made in a fake snake skin
basic and straightforward... but yet, – we did tickets, shows, promotion, design. We’d also use razor blades to
we were from the woods, listening to etc. It was actually a good turn out!! “rip” up our t-shirts and we’d get our
VENOM, you know? I remember hitchhiking ...Raaaahh, put it on pause, there is bulletbelts and gasmasks from army
from Jonquière to Quebec-city for three no more wine!! surplus store.
hours to get the newest IRON MAIDEN (later...hehe) During the early years,
imports that we’d pay 25$! Why?? Because you had spage costumes with lots of
these albums wouldn’t even get to our spikes and bullet belts, like the
town!! I remember buying first IRON german thrashers DESTRUCTION... did it
MAIDEN album from a guy that had bought piss off a lot of people in the days?
two copies, and considered myself Did you have any cool scene accessories
really lucky. Speaking of Quebec-city, or special effects?
I remember going to a MOTÖRHEAD show
in ’82 (Overkill tour), but the show No, but it was really hard to go through
got cancelled... Eddie Clark had quit the borders with our bulletbelts – and on
the band. I said “wow... this is a big top of it we made our own pyros so we also
moment in MOTÖRHEAD’s career!” had gunpowder! It was actually illegal to
go through borders with that, even if
Haha, I totally agree on that too!! Ok, it was just the U.S. To get gunpowder,
it the beginning of your career, your we’d empty 12 cal bullets to get the
songs were mostly on nuclear subjects powder out or after a while, just bought
and apocalyptic battles. Would that big containers of it... haha. We also
shock a lot of people? had 8-inch nails accessories... it was
Back then, there was very bad really hard bringing all that stuff back
communication between the Russians and to Canada. Even in Canada it was quite
the Americans and we were really really illegal... I burnt the face of two kids
close to a world nuclear cataclysm... with my insecticide machine once.
this atmosphere was perfect to talk Can you explain what this machine was?
about these subjects. They would show Haha
us movies on how to protect us from
nuclear attacks with mannequins in I was wearing a gas mask, and I’d put
fake houses that would then blow up... baby oil in my insecticide machine. That
they’d do models of cities and have them thing had a burner, which would warm up

93
 SNAKE AT WWIII festival

“change vocalist” because you know;

he knew I’d take time to learn how
to speak English... haha. Still, he
was still really hooked up with the
underground. He was trading with Metal
Blade, and that’s how we got known
over there! Also, he was receiving all
sorts of bands like the first METALLICA
demo with Dave Mustaine, for example.
You can’t physically riff faster than
METALLICA or SLAYER... James Hetfield
totally learned from Dave Mustaine in
Haha wow!! Hey, can you tell us about my opinion.
Jonquière, your hometown? How was it,
and how did it influence VOÏVOD? In 1984, you released War and Pain...
how did you get received by the media
Jonquière was a working-class town. It – and how would you get described in
was a really cool place – even though we reviews? Was it a big success?
often spoke badly about it. I remember you remember well this concert? How
this ancestral house on the main street The critics were much divided: either it would you describe your performance?
(St-Dominique) that turned into a big was very good, or that we were the worst
biker party house... there were always band on earth... which is actually a good Yeah, it was quite an event. We had done
a big line of choppers in front of it, thing because it created quite an impact everything ourselves again, with the help
and the entire house was painted BLACK! to be called that! of our manager Maurice Richard. It was a
Girls were always topless there, even lot of organization. We chose the bands,
in the afternoon... hahaha. When I was CELTIC FROST, POSSESSED, NASTY SAVAGE
at the end of my teenage years, I had and DESTRUCTION because they were really
made the city mine. I was doing all important metal bands at the time. For
the pranks that I could and the police our set – we had pyrotechnics. Blacky
was starting to keep an eye out on me. had made some kind of bombs, but he had
It was time for me to leave... People- exaggerated on the amount of gunpowder
wise, everyone is really nice. You’d be used... before the show, he had told me
stuck there – just known on any door “our bombs will be fucking huge, just
and they’d welcome you like family wait”. So the bombs went off during the
and serve you hot soup. It was very song “Nuclear War” and well, the explosion
isolated, so if you had the courage to was so big that the ceiling tiles fell and
go thru the park, we’d welcome you with everything was burnt! The soundman was at
open arms!! the back of the venue, which was very far
from the stage, and he said that his hair
How did VOÏVOD get the hell out of Jonquière How was it recorded and how did you actually moved. Also, it got so hot on the
to the rest of the world, anyway? guys afford to do it? stage that my skin got almost burnt...
That’s a really good question! It was My mom had gave me 2000$ to record that Were you guys pissed off at Blacky? Haha
because of one person, our friend Wayne album! We recorded in Laterrière, which
Archibald – who was a tape trader. He was a town neighbouring Jonquière. No, but the detonation was just so
had correspondents all over the world. There were some people there that big!! We could have burnt the place
This guy lived in Arvida (now part of owned a studio – a good one, where down. Back then, there were no laws
Jonquière – Annick) and was part of a they mostly recorded radio jingles. – we’d do whatever we want.
tiny Anglophone community surrounded Sometimes they had musical projects, Haha it must have been so fucking cool!
by totally French Quebecers. He was a but nothing close to rock music. We And how were Tom G Warrior, Nasty Ronnie
guy with a leather jacket, long blonde were the first heavy band there. We and Schmier in person?
hair and he really worshipped Piggy. He were total novices, and it was quite They were all really cool. We didn’t know
came from time to time to practices – experimental!! then before, but we got to know them at
where I was really trying hard to sing Ok, so November 30 1985 was the day of the gig. I remember that Tom Warrior was
in pseudo English – and he was there in the legendary World War III festival. a bit different – I wasn’t expecting him
front of me, totally English. He was It was the first international metal to be “like that”. The rest of the guys
quite suspicious of me, because what I festival in Canada – with bands from were all crazy metal heads – but him, he
was singing made no sense whatsoever. the US, Switzerland and Germany. Do didn’t really want to mingle with us. He
The first thing he had told Piggy was

94
was in his own “kingdom” if I could put – we had fun every night. I remember Where was your practice space in
it that way. Nasty Ronnie was crazy; he walking to the practice space because Montreal, back in the day?
would roll in the glass after crushing I had no car, and I had to walk through Well, we had many, but to name some
tv’s on his head. There’s nothing he deep snow, creeks, snow storms... I was – we had “Chez Emile” located on de
wouldn’t do... he was a very extreme asking myself where all this would lead la Gauchetière, where we played in a
person! He was covered in scars, cuts me to... haha. I was there, walking, very gloomy jamming space. I remember
and blood after the gig. knee deep in the snow and thinking of that the walls would not go up to the
Fuck I so wish I had been there! Haha. what we’d write about... “Warriors of ceiling, and so we could see in other
Shows are not rock’n’roll like that Ice” just came to my mind!! We also rooms. (Just like in public toilet
anymore. Anyway, sometime after WWIII, felt that there was metal was starting stalls – Annick). We sneaked up at the
you did your first show outside of to boil, that it was getting more and top to see what there was beside us and
Canada. It was at the Ritz in New York, more popular... first there was the it was boxes of dynamite. Hahaha! Just
with VENOM and RAVEN. How was it to play first METALLICA, then SLAYER, then beside us... We were also the first
with bands that actually had influenced us...! It came out from everywhere! ones that rehearsed at “Cité 2000”
you in the past? We had to come out of our woods and (old storage facility that also has
let the music out. But back on topic practice spaces – Annick)... it was
Well, we were just really excited to - we practiced a lot in Montreal when
be playing in New York! It was kind of nothing before us; we had to turn a big
we had moved there and lived together, twin switch on to get electricity.
a dream to play there, especially with but after a while, we were practicing
bands that we liked. There was a great less often, because we started getting In 1986, Rrröööaaarrr came out on Noise
reaction from the crowd, and it was girlfriends, jobs, apartments, etc. records, and you have played the No
quite full. We’d practice like 2-3 times a week, Speed Limit festival. You were getting
You guys evolved very fast from album to keep the momentum. known internationally and you were
to album... how many times would you evolving very fast, concept and music
practice per week? wise. Were you realizing the impact of
VOÏVOD at the time?
We’d actually practice every day at
the very beginning – 7 days a week. To Well, not really then, but we knew
arrive where we are now, we had to work that metal was getting more popular.
very very hard. Also, in Jonquière, There were more people at the shows
there was not much to do, especially and all. But while you attract people,
in the winter. It was better to go you attract fights. Some people were
out and practice than watch two shaky meeting at shows just to fight other
channels on TV. We had no internet, we people... like skinheads for example.
had absolutely NOTHING to do, so it They were ganging up at the entrance. I
was not a loss to go out and practice remember that at that festival, there

WARRIORS OF ICE

95
 were about 10 cars of police... it was No actually, I keep quite a lot, but I sounds... we’d visit the wall and it was
almost the anti-riot squad! didn’t even have the time to listen to quite scary because the army guys had the
them all yet. Haha! right to shoot you anytime. They wouldn’t
Wow, you must have a few treasures give you a chance to do a bad move. Once
in there. Haha. Ok, so Noise Records we wanted to go to the east part of the
release Killing Technology in 1987. That wall, just by curiosity. We asked the
album had been recorded in Berlin, when guard if we could pass, and he said “Ha,
Germany was still divided. The album you look too funny”. We had to take the
was way more progressive but there were metro back to where we came from...
still the aggressive sounds of the early Damn, that definaly sounds like a
VOÏVOD material. What were you listening perfect atmosphere. Haha. Anyway,
to back then? you had done some music videos, like
Everyone was listening to different Ravenous Medicine – that was banned on
things. Piggy would listen to fucked MTV... how did that happen?? Haha
up prog music, but we’d also listen to It’s just because there was a scene
contemporary classical music, like Bartók, that had a syringe with “AIDS” written
Stravinsky... I’d listen to a lot of punk, on it. At the beginnings, we didn’t
Haha, damn... good thing it is not like DISCHARGE, or movie soundtracks like know that AIDS was going to become
like this anymore. Now we have the MAD MAX’s, Anyway, all these influences so big. We found it almost funny at
anti-racist action (ARA) people created quite a cocktail. first... but then we realized that it
kicking the ass of black metallers. was a deadly disease and more and more
Haha. Anyway, I’d like to know more people were dying because of it. On
about your « Iron Gang » fanclub. How our side, we thought it was a disease
did that start and what would you do like all others, we wanted to create a
in it for your fanatics? fucked up scene where that disease was
Well, it started when we ... started made in a laboratory... it was almost
it! We’d reply to every letter, one a bad joke – which didn’t turn out too
by one. At the beginning it was very well because it got us banned.
manageable – we’d get just a few
letters... but after a while, fuck, it
was impossible to manage it. We had a
mail box that was ALWAYS full. At the
beginning we’d reply to 10 letters a
week but then after a while, we’d get
150... after a while we handed it down How long did it take you to write and
to a guy that was doing it full-time. record it?
Yeah I assume it was... what else would We used to write one album per year, so we
you do for the fans of your club? were quite productive... when we signed
Just replying to letters was quite a lot, to Noise records, we’d tour a lot and
I’d say! (Haha, sounds like it really this album was actually written between
scarred him –Annick), but we were also 6-8 months – mostly in between shows. The
selling demos that we’d do ourselves. recording had lasted maybe a month.
We’d get a master tape and then copy it Do you think that the fact that it
on other tapes... after 50 copies, the was recorded in Berlin, Germany, when
sound would be terrible... haha. it was still separated, brought an
Would you receive a lot of tapes that apocalyptic side to the recording?
people would send you? I imagine that Well, it was when the wall was up
you have thrown them out or gave them – so armies were all around. You heard
away since then? helicopters and all sorts of army

96
 DRAWING FOR THE
RRRÖÖÖAAARRR! VID
RAVENOUS MEDECINE

Yeah, although I did see it a few years heard the original version, I thought it doesn’t matter. When you come back from
ago on TV... but you had many more was really over the top, especially with months of touring thought, you come down
videos, like for Tribal Convictions and its 8-minute solo! I couldn’t conceive from the bus and you arrive home, and then
Astronomy Domine. It really created an us covering this song to make a hit... nothing moves anymore...
impact on people eh? and seriously thought it would way too Yeah, it must be quite a shock... damn!
Yeah, well back then it was THE new different from the rest of the album. I Well, you were speaking of parties and
thing to have if you were a band. It was didn’t even like the idea of recording a all, did it ever happen that you ended up
almost even more important to have a cover. Finally, I had challenged myself in strange situations?
good video than to have a record!! to do harmony vocals for the entire song,
but I still didn’t quite believe in it. Yeah, it happened before. Sometimes it
Two days after the recording of the song, would actually be scary situations...
I heard a mix that Glen Robinson did, you’d end up in unknown parts of the city
and I was really fucking impressed. I and you’re with people you don’t know...
almost felt that it would rival against You always have to make sure that nothing
the other ones on the album! bad happens – like getting arrested by
the cops or get in trouble somewhere.
Sometimes it was actually drug dealers,
ex-cons and over all real tough guys.
They don’t know that you are the singer
of a band and just don’t care!
Hmm, ok - Angel Rat (which got released
in 1991) was the last album with the
original line-up. The band went on a
slightly different way – from lyric and
artwork-wise. Did Blacky leave right
It changed a lot since, haha. In after the recording. What happened?
1988, all the « thrash » bands that
were popular a few years earlier were
already releasing washed up albums and
most were going on boring directions...
on your side, you have surpassed them
with Dimension Hatröss, which was very Your album was nominated at a gala for a
different – more technical, complex «Félix» as well as a «Juno». How was the
and progressive. How long did that experience? Were you dressed in tuxedos?
take to write?? I mean, it must have Haha, no! We arrived in the VOÏVOD style,
been quite something! with leather jackets! Obviously we didn’t
We wrote that album between shows and win, as we were rivalling with Celine Dion!
tours, and recorded small parts here Where was your favorite place to do shows,
and there. After a while, we had enough back in the days? Did you enjoy the tour
material to release the album. life at all?
1989 was pretty much your peak year I really liked playing at this place in Blacky left during the recording. Piggy
success-wise, because of the album New York called « The Cathedral »... it had finished up his parts. It really
Nothingface. How were things for you back was an actual cathedral which was really wasn’t a good experience, and ruined the
then? Why did you guys choose Astronomy cool as the ceiling was very high and the exciting vibe of releasing a new album.
Domine as a single, anyway? sound was great. I remember that there was He pissed me off for a long time... I
Nothingface was our big album, yeah. also stairs everywhere so you could go at hated him; I was waking up in the middle
Astronomy Domine was spinning everywhere. different heights to watch the show. It of the night to hate him!!! But you know,
Why did we choose that song to cover? Well, was really special. Touring is cool as after all that happened – including
our label was putting alot of pressure on you get to learn more about the others and Piggy’s death, we are back as a live
us to make covers, because they wanted a about yourself. It’s hard to eat well, team! We are on great terms now.
hit... it was a marketing thing. Piggy to sleep well, and it is very exigent Good!! So after that incident, you left
eventually came up with the idea of doing but at the same time it is so thrilling after recording The Outer Limits – in
PINK FLOYD’S Astronomy Domine. When I with shows and parties everyday that it 1993. They got destabilized for sometime

97
 WITH DAVE GROHL

and then found Eric Forest to replace anticipated. We pretty much had to rebuild Cool, I’ll check that out then! Ok, back
you. Were you still going to see them in everything. It cost us tons of time and to the interview... there aren’t many
concert? Why did you leave anyway? money that we didn’t have. Also I have questions left. Haha. A few days before
to tell you one thing: starting up an his death, Piggy told you that there were
enterprise with your girlfriend is not an a few songs recorded on his laptop – and
easy thing. I then sold to “Frites Alors!” told you guys how to go and get them. How
which is still standing up. It is located did you react when you heard them?
on 5405 9e avenue (Masson) in Montréal. Well, we were in the process of writing
I’ll check it out one day... too bad that new material back when Piggy fell ill.
it turned so badly... anyway, let’s fast He had decided to record everything,
forward to nowadays. In 2003, You have two albums in total... maybe he sensed
come back in the band and replaced Forest something was coming, that he didn’t
Yeah, it was weird at the beginning, – and then recorded an album. What is the have much time or that he had something
but we stayed in very good terms. I story behind that? to finish. I honestly don’t know what
left because I felt like I had been in The story is that I did the PROBOT motivated him.
the band for too long (12 years at that projet with Dave Grohl, and I felt that And how long did you guys know about
time) and I was at an age where I was Piggy wanted me back. The PROBOT project Piggy’s cancer before he passed away?
searching myself, and I wanted to live plunged me back into music – and it kind How long did it take time to progress?
something different. of woke up the band, which asked me to It went very fast, but it was already too
An early mid-age crisis...haha. But come back... I wanted to, so it clicked late to do anything. He was 46 years old.
anyway, three years later, in 1996, you and it felt like nothing has happened
had opened your own restaurant that did for the past 10 years! We kept on going Do you know if it had anything to do with
not survive too long. What kind of food where we had left. the cancerous brain tumour that he had
were you serving? Why did it not last gotten, in ’88?
Great that you felt that way!! Two yeard
too long? ago, your basisst - Jason Newsted was No, I don’t think it had anything to do
Yeah, it was called « Merguez Frites part of a bad national TV show called with it – but we are not sure.
», which was a kind of “European” fast “Rockstar Supernova”. How did that Were the songs recorded well structured?
food restaurant. I had started it with affect you as a band?
an ex-girlfriend of mine called Louise. Yeah, he had done absolutely everything!
Well, Jason was quite busy with that What you hear on Katorze is exactly what
She really liked cooking and so I started – as it was every week and all. It was
up this business with her. There were he had written.
in his contract to wear a VOÏVOD shirt
tons of problems at the beginning, like because it was very important to him... Fuck... that’s crazy. And how was it to
lots of renovations that were REALLY not he was the only “member” that was aloud record without him?
to wear a logo on a t-shirt. There was It was a very emotional and screwed up
still an impact, as millions of people experience. Especially at the beginning
were watching that. – as he had died not that long ago.
Ahh ok! And also, Sam Dunn, the guy It was very hard to do promotion and
behind “A Headbangers’ Journey” wanted everything. We’d always be thinking
to do a documentary on your band. How is about him because, well, we had his
that going? riffs play through our headphones.
I think it has been shelved because
there was a lack of fund somewhere...
I know he wants to do it, but there are
still a few things missing.
Annie (Snake’s girlfriend): Speaking of
documentaries, there is also Jean-Marc
Roy from Chicoutimi that made some kind Y
of VOÏVOD docu-fiction that lasts around FULL BAND BEFORE THE TRAGED
25 minutes. It’s called “Panorama:
Seeking Voïvod”. It’s really funny. Yeah I can understand that... Well, best
You will be able to see it in theatres luck in whatever you guys want to do!
on the 14th and 15th of February at Les Now, can you please tell me a bit about
Rendez-vous du cinéma Québecois. the reissues of all the VOÏVOD albums?

98
 RECORDING KATORZ

DAN MONGRAIN
SNAKE

I don’t really know what will be reissued out for a jam session, and when I heard I have no clue, although I’d like
but all the NOISE albums will be re-done. him play... I fell on the floor. I had to write with Dan – it’d be a good
As for extras or layout-wise, I really huge goosebumps! He did all of Piggy’s experience I’m sure. I am not taking
don’t know what will be done... but I notes and tricks. It was perfect. Right anything from Piggy, but he is not
really liked what Metal Blade did for there. Not in three days, right there! there, and I have to move on...
“War and Pain”. The first practice! I also felt like I Also, will Blacky record with you for
Yeah me too!! So, you have been very was travelling back in time... it’s been future albums, or you guys will keep on
productive in 2008: you played a big 15 years since I haven’t seen Blacky going with Jason Newsted?
festival here (Heavy MTL), you opened up play – with his big spiked up blower
bass, and then I hear Piggy – almost Well, the line-up with Jason Newsted is
for JUDASD PRIEST and headlined the Trois actually part of the albums with Piggy’s
Rivières MetalFest. You have played with exactly the same? It really felt like a
time-warp. This guy was a revelation! On music and all. Jason really wanted to be
Daniel Mongrain from MARTYR on the guitar part it... he started this project and
- and Blacky has came back on bass. How top of it, he was really, really nice!
want to go until the end. We will keep
did that all happen? Also, how was it to You didn’t know him much before, I assume? on playing live with Blacky though.
play with them for the first time? Well, I always had seen him live with How is the recording of the new album
MARTYR as well as with Blacky. One day, coming along? Will it be pretty similar
we were at the airport – going somewhere to the last one?
for the promotion of our newest album,
Katorze, and Away had mentioned that Dan Actually, no! It will be quite different.
Mongrain was a fucking great guitarist. It stays “metal” but the songs are more
Back then I said, yeah yeah... there bizarre than on Katorze, even thought it
are tons of great guitarists around. For was taken in the same bunch of songs from
me, I was completely closed to the idea Piggy’s laptop.
of replacing Piggy! Nobody would have Alright, to finish up with this
been good enough. Then I actually looked interview (finally!) what do you think
back and thought, yeah... he does some of technology nowadays? Do you think
pretty complicated stuff, but playing that we will be digging our own graves?
Pig’s riffs? It’s Voïvod... Anyway; Away
BLACKY LIVE AT HEAVY MTL ‘08 had told me some good words about him Technology is very good in one way but on
and said that we should try him out. You the other way, it changes things... people
know, it takes a totally long time to go lose jobs, people buy less albums... if
I think that the death of Piggy really through a mourning... you are closed up you would have said 25 years ago that
brought us together. Of course, there on yourself; you have to pick yourself everybody would have a computer and would
are always little things between bands up. You have to accept death! In my brain, download songs instead of buying albums,
members. When Piggy started to get sick, to imagine somebody replacing Piggy was people would probably have thought it
Blacky really wanted to make peace with a glitch... but I came to the conclusion was going to be a bad move. And also,
him – and he did it, and he did peace that the best way to honour Piggy and downloading mp3’s is not the same thing as
with us at the same time. It was sad for to keep him alive is through his music. tape trading like many people say, because
all of us... he lived it differently If we mourn and stay at home, the band to be a tape trader you really worked hard
than us, but he found it hard also. The will stay dead! When the big Heavy MTL and you actually deserved the songs! Also,
turning point was Dan Mongrain – he had fest came – it was really something. It you had the excitement of waiting for a
already done projects with Blacky so he was the first show without Piggy, EVER. certain demo in the mailbox...
felt safe with Dan. I don’t know exactly It was very meaningful and there were a Yeah, I was like this a long time ago...
how it happened, but at the beginning we lot of emotion in the air. We had broken very exciting!! Anyway, the interview is
absolutely didn’t see the solution of the ice, and went past mourning. We will done! Thanks for your precious time!!
replacing Piggy. I had a black wall in never forget Piggy, but we had taken a
front of me and I didn’t see any light. step forward. It was very important to It was very long, but it was a VERY
Andreas of SEPULTURA offered to play, us. I still have shakes talking to you GOOD interview. Hahaha!
but I told myself... fuck, SEPULTURA is about it... it was the end of years of
from BRAZIL!! We’d have to bring somebody what seemed to be a bad trip!
from Brazil just to do band practices!! Great!!! But after you run out of Piggy
He’s a nice guy, and we toured months compositions – are you guys going to call
together, but it just wasn’t right at it quits or keep on going with Mongrain?
the time. Anyway, we tried Dan Mongrain

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 The years 2007 and 2008 surprisingly spawned many quality albums and EP’s, which makes me happy because
it only means that the scene is WELL! Also, I have received so many demos and material since the last ‘zine that
I was not able to fit them all in these pages... but be aware your un-reviewed stuff are being passed on to worthy
hands. Furthermore, I tried my best to be constructive as possible, but you are an idiot if you get pissed off with
what I say in certain reviews, because these are just my opinions and should be regarded as guidelines only.
screaming song names... must have been a good style on some songs (“Mindsweeper” and
time! For later shows, they were WAY tighter “Wastelander”), but you soon forget about
but unfortunately lost most of their punk/ it, when listening to the awesomeness of the
hardcore influences... most likely because of songs. Anyway, get this if you’re a fan of
the member changes. After all these live tunes MIDNIGHT, TRENCH HELL, BARBATOS and later
is “The Dark” demo from ’88 – which starts off DARKTHRONE. “It’s all over, can’t you see?
with “Fuck of Death” – but goes to straight- We’re on our way to WWIII!” Visit them here:
SLAUGHTER – Tortured Souls CD Boxset on thrash with paranormal lyrics. The comp myspace.com/thewasterlander (sorry, no snail
Marquee records, 2007 finishes off with their unreleased album “Fatal mail address provided!)
This is a 4 CD, 95-song compilation of Judgement” (the band was called STRAPPADO back
SLAUGHTER material released on Marquee then). It’s weird, it doesn’t sound at all
records from Brazil (the ones that brought like SLAUGHTER... more like DEATH mixed with
you the amazing SACRIFICE re-issues in 2005)! some technical bay-area style thrash. Anyway,
It features the Meatcleaver, Bloody Carnage, the rest of the box set is also really amazing
Surrender of Die and The Dark demos – as well – it includes three stickers, one poster and
as the Strappado – Fatal Judgement unreleased two thick color booklets with old pictures,
album, some rehearsals and live tracks. The a biography, lyrics (even to the obscure SKIN SLICER – Made in Hell CD
Meatcleaver demo (summer ’84), recorded in songs!), and an old interview conducted by 2008, End Records
Ron’s basement, is a basic outline of very Laurent Ramadier. Overall, it’s a very good
early SLAUGHTER stuff, which sounds more like history of the band, although the amazing This album spins quite often in my hellhouse
one-chord primitive punk than anything else. I “Strappado” album is missing. Hopefully they – and for a reason! This is pure Motör-
had never heard about half the songs on there, will be re-issuing it soon because that album venom worship. Catchy, simple and straight
like Children of the Fire or Hell Hath Returned definitely deserves a good treatment. Limited to the point, “Made in Hell” has 13 tracks
(really catchy tune). They are alright, but to 1100 copies, for maniacs only. Get it from total (with almost half of ‘em having “hell”
it’s obvious why they aren’t on the later Marquee records for 33$ (www.marquee.com.br) in the title... haha). As funny as this
stuff. After this is the heavily traded – it won’t last long in my opinion!! sounds, SKIN SLICER actually achived to
filthy Bloody Carnage demo – again recorded have their own riffing style, although still
WASTELANDER – Wardrive CD
in Ron’s basement in ‘84. It’s funny to hear worshipping at the Cronos/Lemmy thrones. It
Planet Metal, 2008
these two demos one after the other, because is for sure a hard thing to do nowadays, when
you can definitely see a small improvement Wastelander is quite a hellhound! Before so many bands want to do the same things. My
with their playing. In any case, they were listening to the CD, you open the case and you fav track on it is the very catchy “Hellfire
already destroying everything in sight. Next see a picture of a bunch of guys in a bunker 666”. Oh yeah, how can I forget to talk
part is a very familiar demo: “Surrender or drinking beer, listening to records and about the insane amount of delay used on the
Die”! This one, my friends, is the best demo eating food directly from cans, surrounded vocals...! It is mandatory for SKIN SLICER,
that ever came out. Every song is perfectly by war related stuff (a war map on the wall, and it sounds fantastic! Order this CD for
deadly. Sometimes I wonder if I like this even a WWII helmet on the table, a hand grenade, around 15$ USD to End Records / 816 Du Roi,
more than “Strappado”, their debut album! The etc..) it almost looks like a wax scene from App. 1, G1K 2X5 / Québec, CANADA.
production is just right (it was recorded in a museum, but replace soldiers by drunken SERPENT SAINTS - Leather Lucifer
a studio this time) and the songs are simple metal heads. So, having this picture in 2007, EmanesMETAL records
and effective. It just simply kicks ass... mind, imagine these guys playing a strange
Anyway, on to the SLAUGHTER rehearsal tunes... mix of Black Metal and Rock’n’Roll, trapped Released by the band in 2007, “Leather
how can I describe this? It sounds and feels in a thick punk gas cloud. They actually Lucifer” is the debut 4-song (+ 1 bonus) EP
like crushing a 24 of empty beer bottles on managed to start a very punk-influenced by Danish heavy metallers SERPENT SAINTS.
your head. They play way faster... almost song with a wind intro! (“Frost Storm”) I They play traditional metal overshadowed
like grindcore (but actually good)! I really am totally digging this, haha. There are by the great Danish gods MERCYFUL FATE
enjoy how they kept the recording intact – 10 songs in total, and they are all very and WITCH CROSS. This band has some really
you can hear them say stupid shit in between different from each other... some are more good potential, as some songs have insanely
songs. “This is the next top 40 song!” Ha-ha. rock’n’roll, others are total thrashing black killer riffs – but I am afraid to say that I
Next are live shows of ‘85 until ’89... all metal, etc. I guess that’s a strange mix cannot stand the vocals... they sound like
recorded in Canada. At the ’85 Toronto show, also, but I presume that’s what makes that modern DEATH SS vocals, which really get on
they changed the lyrics for Incinerator... album interesting! The song titles are quite my nerves. Argh! Maybe I just need to get
it became “Masturbator” and the song was re- evocative, the one that shook me the most is used to them or something. Anyway, check
written to match this new title. You have “Knee Deep in the Dead”... what an awesome them out anyway if you like this genre, you
to hear it; it’s really funny – in the most title, it just brings tons of pictures in my might find a gem. You have been warned!
juvenile way! The Montreal show sound like it mind! The only minor complaint I’d have with EmanesMetal Records / 41 Rue du Capitaine
was fucking full, with people cheering and this album is that sometimes the vocalist Aubert / 59100 ROUBAIX / FRANCE
sounds a sometimes has a bit of a pop-punk
100
MIDNIGHT – Farewell to Hell CD drummer has this huge fucking drumset with really cool and drony ambient riff loops??
2008, Nuclear War Now! Prods a miniature bass drum. It’s just not full I don’t know how to describe it! In fact,
enough in my opinion. Best bands on it are I would call this album very original and
Finally, some new MIDNACHT! Expect no RÉSISTANCE (French heavy metal), RISING DUST I should I say... well-seasoned! I have no
progression, only regression! This is (French doom-rock doing their Motörhead clue what the lyrics talk about (they are
pure pissed off punkish black metal in the cover), LONEWOLF (aha! A discovery! Really all in Spanish), but music-wise; you can
most ancient way. Think VENOM, SATAN and good trad heavy metal from France!), THE clearly tell the influences – although it
HELLHAMMER meets DISCHARGE! ARGH! Anyway, BOTTLE DOOM LAZY BAND with their SAINT VITUS is actually very different from most black/
the CD contains 6 killer tracks + 3 bonus cover (Living Backwards) and HANDFUL OF death. Expect no compromises. Sure, it has
SPITS covers from their 7” and the 10” LP HATE (occult Italian Black Metal.. another fast blast beating parts, but some other
contains only the 6 songs but die-hard good discovery!). The rest I don’t really times it has incredibly doomy build-ups
version has an extra 7” with an interesting enjoy.... Anyway, it is worth it for the good that leaves you (errm, me) drooling for
live Toronto show event... hunt it down! tracks, and on top of it, this release has more... Also, the vocals on this one are a
Nonetheless, this is PURE FILTH. You will the spirit of 80’s metal comps on vinyl!! bit similar to those of MASTERS HAMMER, with
like it. Contact Jamie “Athenar” Walters at more feedback added at some parts. Fucking
3515 Nautilus Tr, Aurora, OH 44202 TRENCH HELL – Southern Cross Ripper MCD right! I have no clue where this has been
2008, Hells Headbangers
V/A - WE DON’T GIVE A FUCK!!!! CD recorded, but the production is fucking
2008, Kuravilu Prods I knew this wouldn’t deceive me... After THICK as hell (think REPUGNANT production),
waiting for 4 years of re-releases of the same which really helps to bring out the hellish
Here is a really fucking cool compilation three “Alcoholic Disaster demo” songs comes feeling out. Excellent album all around, I
of metal bands doing some old and obscure an insanely good Mini CD from these Aussie VERY STRONGLY recommend it to all maniacs
hardcore/punk covers. Released by the mighty bastards!! This MCD is a Bonded by Blood of craving a good dose of satanic ass-kicking!
Chilean label Kuravilu productions, it evil riffing... It contains a total of 5 Send 13$ USD PPD to Kuravilu Prods / P.O. Box
features 10 bands doing 15 covers: BARBATOS songs + 1 evil speed metal intro - which are 548, Valdivia, Chile
does a cover of “Fifteen” by Japanese very good continuations of the demo. The ONLY
shock punk band the Stalin, featuring VULCANO – Tales of the Black Book CD
thing I do not like about this release is the
some really disturbed vocals by Sonomi, 2004, re-released in 2009 by I Hate Records
cover artwork. A metalhead raping an innocent
a crazy Japanese chick from LUNAR (?). woman in a backstreet... it’s pretty fucking I got the three first VULCANO albums and never
HATEFUL AGONY does a total thrash version lame. It should have been a metalhead woman actually bothered to check out their later
of “Money, pleasure & pain” by Broken Bones raping an innocent man for once. That would stuff, as I didn’t think it could be as good.
(proabably the best cover on this album!), have been nice for a change, HA! Anyway, this Well, fuck! I am quite surprised at this - it
OPPRESSION covers “Dry Heaves” (D.R.I.), “In MCD is a fucking MUST for fans of MOTÖRHEAD, is obviously not the bestial insanity that
your Eyes” (Circle Jerks) as well as Book old SODOM/DESTRUCTION, IRON ANGEL and old was once VULCANO, but they now play amazing
Attack (Scholastic Deth!!). FARSCAPE did CELTIC FROST/BATHORY. Simply delightful!!!! mid- to fast tempo black/thrash with an
the amazing “City baby attacked by rats” Send about 15$ USD to HHR / 3593 Medina Rd ancient death sound. Also, the production is
by G.B.H., MISERYCORE does a FUCKING great #109 / Medina, OH / 44256 / USA perfectly fitting as it gives the album a vibe
version of Slapshot’s “Step on it”, SCALARE of Darkness. This album is interesting from
does “Albtraum” by SLIME (I don’t know this
band, but the cover is not very good haha), the beginning to the end. Highly recommended!
Hails to I Hate records for the re-release...
Italian bastards THE KRUSHERS does VERY raw they are also doing ROOT re-releases for the
slow deathgrind versions of “Marijuana Punk” interested! (They already did Hell Symphony
(Underage), “Ribelle per Moda Ribelle per and will do Zjeveni & The Temple in the
Niente” (Wretched) and “Politicians” (Raw Underworld in FEB ‘09). I Hate / Box 13023 /
Power) – which was also covered by NAPALM S-600 13 Norrköping / Sweden
DEATH. The ANA FRANK PIMPS do a fucking
heavy version of the Ramones’ “Blitzkrieg DARKTHRONE - Dark Thrones and Black Flags CD
Bop”... haha, it rules. OBTEST does a RUINS - Satanic Bitchpenetration CD 2008, Peaceville records
catchy cover of “Fantazija”, which is from 2008, Fistbang records This is fourteen! Wow, already fourteen
an insanely obscure Lithuanian garage/punk Insanity! Pure insanity! RUINS is a fairly albums released by the masterminds behind
band that only released one tape in ’94. The new German one-man band, having released two DARKTHRONE. I worshipped the old Black
comp finishes off with ETERNAL PAIN doing demos so far since 2006. This is their first Metal material, but fucking love the new
death/thrash metal version of “Pretty in a
full-length, released on greek label Fistband black metal/punk direction as well. This
Casket” by Blitzkid, and then jumps right records. It features pure dirty black/thrash album is a good following to F.O.A.D. and
into “Beat the Bastards” by the Exploited. with an emphasis on DIRTY. This 11-song actually regresses even more! (There is some
Overall an insanely good idea, and FUCKING album features totally distorted vocals sort of 70’s proto-metal riff in “Hanging
well executed. You should see the quality (like MEGIDDO/COUNTESS) screamed on top of out in Haiger”!) Anyway, “Dark Thrones and
of the artwork used for this one. The cover an insane satanic orgy of riffs (picture Black Flags” features 10 tracks in total,
is a perverted jesus in undies, nailed on 1983/1984 demo-era BATHORY). In all honesty, each of them worshipping the old metal ways.
his cross - beaten up by G.G. Allin, Wendy this album is actually VERY refreshing! My My favourite tracks on it are “The Winds
O Williams and a bunch of other stuff!! The favourite songs on this are probably “Inhale they Called the Dungeon Shaker” (it is just
album comes with a poster of it - which is The Cries Of The Impaled Children” (awesome so fucking catchy) as well as the already
already on my wall. The paper used, also, title!!!) which again makes me think a bit of classic “Hiking Metal Punks”. The epic
is very thick and of nice quality. This is MEGIDDO with less repetitiveness, and “The solo in the later song is just too fucking
a stayer, and I suggest you order your copy Rituals”, the last song off the album, which incredible!! The other songs have all pretty
for the cheap price of 13$ USD PPD. Kuravilu closes it in the most malefic and torturous much a different “main style”, while still
/ P.O. Box 548 / Valdivia / Chile way. I am shaking right now! What a killer of obviously keeping the DARKTHRONE necro-style.
V/A - LONG LIVE METAL!!! Acte Premier an album. Get it. NOW, YOU FUCK!!!!!!!! SVEN Great album overall, not as good as F.O.A.D.
2008, EmanesMETAL records KLAKA / MUEHLGASSE 13A / 63654 BUEDINGEN, in my opinion, but maybe I still need a few
GERMANY or ruins@hotmail.de more listens. By the way, what the fuck is
This is the first compilation released by that super duper mega jewel-case thing? Mine
French metal label EmanesMETAL records. KRATHERION - Necrouroboros XXXIII CD is already broken at two places and I can’t
I love compilations in order to discover 2008, Kuravilu Prods / Pagan South replace it. Ahh well! Get this from your local
new bands, but on this one some bands are KRATHERION is an incredible goat worshipping record shop. They will have it for sure.
really terrible (like SILVER CYPHER, which band from Santiago, Chile – featuring
sounds like watered-down metal that would NAILGUNNER - Apocalypse. Now or Never CD
members from AMMIT. This is their first album
play on TV and BLISS OF FLESH, some modern 2008, Areadeath productions
after three demos (which I haven’t heard
French Black Metal band). The HIRAX song, unfortunately). This great album consists This is the first full lenght from Finnish
Satan’s Fall, is ok as a thrash song, but of 11 black/death thrash tracks including hellbangers NAILGUNNER! Released on Wang’s
the drums are horrible! It sounds like the

101
 killer AreaDeath productions, this CD is EVIL ANGEL are a Finnish Black/Thrash band, “studio” tricks to ruin the sound), the
fast thrash in the most violent way. This 8- playing in a very bestial style. This album artwork is great and dark; the atmosphere
track album actually has a clean production is simply fucking insane! Take SARCOFAGO, is infernally thick. Cheers to Rodrigo of
and sounds professional, which some people old SADUS, early IMPALED NAZARENE and Blood Harvest records for this magnificent
will love. I personally like it, except BLASPHEMY, mix them with a few grenades and release. Send 20$ USD to Blood Harvest / Box
for the drum sound which is a bit too the remains is the insanity that “Unholy 7092 / 200 42 / Malmö, Sweden
modern for my tastes. The album cover is Fight for Metal”. You get 9 songs for a HADEZ – Ready to Suffer... Hadez Attack
really great also, which I beleive was made total of around 30 minutes that really hits Again!!! CD
by a Chinese artist. (Hail the Iron Horse!) the spot. It is not typical black/death, as 2008, Eternal Blasphemy Prods
Best songs on this album are “On Metal Monster the drums don’t blast the whole time - most
we Ride“ as well as “Craving Your Flesh“. often, they are off-beat or sometimes even Just by looking at the very “Cannibal
Support these Finnish bastards by sending 10 a bit d-beat!! Anyway, this edition is the Holocaust” inspired cover, I knew this was
euros hidden to Jori Sara-aho / Noljakantie U.S. re-issue... original issue came out in going to be very ...juicy sounding! Hailing
91 C 26 / 80140 Joensuu / Finland Finland by Bestial Burst. Send 15$ USD to from Lima, Peru, HADEZ play an abysmal breed
Marie Horval / 3593 Medina Rd #109 / Medina, of black/death metal with borderline gurgling
OH / 44256 / USA vocals (which is really not my style). The
album features 8 tracks with added live
NECROS CHRISTOS – Triune Impurity Rites CD samples in between (strange, I know!) followed
2007, Sepulchral Voice Records by 5 bonus live songs recorded live in 2001.
Ok, everybody and their dog has heard this Great material, very necromantic – that’s for
ENFORCER (CHI) - Violent Speed Assault CD release as it was probably one of the most sure! For fans of MORBID ANGEL, AUTOPSY and
2007, Utterly Somber Creations talked about albums in 2007, but I couldn’t ROTTREVORE. Contact the band at John Capcha
Apparently recorded in 7 hours, this a semi- help myself to also praise its immenseness. / Jr Rio / Paucartambo 5667 / Urb. Villa del
gem of killer nasty thrash/speed metal in I had heard their Grave Damnation demo Norte / Los Olivos (Lima 39) PERU
the likes of SARCOFAGO, RAZOR, EXODUS and about 3 years ago and was already thrown HADES ARCHER – Penis Metal EP CD
ancient SODOM... (These are all bands from off, but kind of forgot about them until 2008, Kuravilu Prods
different countries/thrash metal scenes!) I received some flyers, saying that this
ENFORCER (not to be confused with speed metal album would soon be unleashed. I ordered YES!! The already infamous Penis Metal
Swedish band with the same name) is NOT a band the album and when it started, I immediately album! Well, you wonder what is this “Penis
that fucks around trying to do “different” plunged into a gulf of Darkness. The songs Metal” sound? According to HADES ARCHER,
shit; they just want to destroy everything are very thick and doomy mid-paced satanic it is metal for men and fuck. On my part,
that’s in sight... which is exactly why I death metal, in the vein of old ACHERON. I think it simply describes the primitive
like this album so much! There is a little It is just simply infernal! The album is South-American black/death style (hammering
bit of melody here and there (mostly for some sort of conceptual work split in three sound of Satan’s penis entering the Virgin
the solos), but the majority of the time parts; The Three Cultmysteries according Mary’s tight cunt.) No need to compromise
it’s just a non-stop sonic attack. Rodrigo, to the Torments of the Damned, The Three your masculinity here, guys! Hahaha!! Anyway,
the vocalist, is amazing: he screams out Cultmysteries according to the Ceremonies this EP features 5 fucking violent short
evil broken-English lyrics and does truly of Goetia, and The Three Cultmysteries blasting songs, and finishes off perfectly
impressive “Sheepdog”-style shrieks. I think according to the Rites of Necro-Demonomancy. with some sort of hidden track, which is an
it’s the first time I hear someone else than They all individually feature intros and insanely good SODOM cover! (Ekinox). Get your
Sheepdog achieve so fucking well! Ignacio’s bring the listener to putrid necromantic own penis some metal for 13$ USD: Kuravilu /
guitar sound is very similar to Dave Carlo’s depths, which is very hard to get out of. P.O. Box 548 / Valdivia / Chile
on Evil Invaders... and the drummer, well, I actually was playing this on repeat for GRIMORIUM VERUM – S/T Digibook CD
he doesn’t stop pounding one bit. I really days when I first got it! A masterpiece! 2008, Satanist Art Productions
wonder how he does it? The poor maniac must And those people out there saying that they
want to rip off his own skin after rehearsal! are pretentious art fags, you may forever GRIMORIUM VERUM is the oldest black metal
The bass is no real presence, but you still rot in heaven! NECROS CHRISTOS has the right bands from Ecuador, and finally after 15
hear a sign of life of it here and there. to be fucking pretentious when releasing years, they release their first full-length!!
The cover artwork is reminds me a lot of such a perfect, well-seasoned album. www. Released on a “digibook” (like a digipack,
“Armed and Dangerous”!! I wonder who their darknessdamnationdeath.com (Also, check out but taller), it features 8 glorious black/
favourite band is! To buy this great CD, send DROWNED, their other band... it is not as thrash songs, a GG Allin cover (BITE IT YOU
13$ to Utterly Somber Creations / P.O. Box occult oriented, but is just as heavy. Dig SCUM!!) and finishes off with an instrumental
08419/ Chicago IL / 60608 / USA and wait for up Viscera Terræ, you will thank me later.) outro. On top of that, there is supposed to
your ears to be annihilated!!! WORSHIP!!!!!!!! be a video on the CD when you insert it in
the computer, although it doesn’t work on
EXPLOSICUM - Conflict CD mine... strange. Anyway, the 6 first songs
2008, Area Death Prods are absolutely perfect, but then the last song
Great new band from the young but promising and the GG Allin cover has added goregrind
Chinese metal scene, EXPLOSICUM brings us vocals that I really didn’t enjoy. Also,
this first full-lenght of old-style SLAYER/ the artwork is a bit too modern/photoshop
TESTAMENT style thrash. The production is for my tastes. I mean, you can barely see
really great - it doesn’t sound modern the penis in the middle of the booklet
whatsoever. The lyrics are almost entirely because it is so blurry and photoshopped...
NECROVATION – Breed Deadness Blood CD
sung in Chinese, so I cannot really comment HAHAHAHA! What truly counts is the music
2008, Blood Harvest records
on them - hehe, but they do have a SLAYER though, and you need this important piece
worship song in there! Sadly, the vocalist After an EP, a demo and a split, NECROVATION of Ecuadorian metal: Contact them at...
doesn’t have the best vocals in the world finally released their first LP! FUCK YES!! gvluc@hotmail.com / equidnos@hotmail.com
- they are always on the same tone and are What a killer of an album it is... this RESUSCITATOR – Iniciation CD
very very high. It almost sounds like the is real putrid Swedish death metal, and I 1993, re-released in 2008 by NWN! Prods
singer of VIO-LENCE with tight pants... refuse to write “old-school” anymore because
haha. It kind of gets on the nerves after a it is REAL death metal, in all the senses of How can such a gloomy and evil band emerge
while, but once you get past that - you can the term. This album has 9 songs in total; from sunny California is a concept my brain
really enjoy the great riffs and songs. In all of them are fucking perfect. The riffing cannot process... (a bit like GOAT LORD and
any case, support this young band and buy is heavy as hell, the drums are hammered Las Vegas!). RESUSCITATOR is not the tightest
their CD! It is dirt cheap: vigorously and the bass is rumbling in the band of its time, but it is delightfully
adp.areadeath.net shadows... imaging that with BEHERIT-style evil. They play some sort of doom/black/
vocals (heavy delay!) Fuckkkkk, what a death which sometimes is slow and doomy, then
EVIL ANGEL – Unholy Fight for Metal CD treat!! The production is great (no modern other times gets intensively fast for a few
2007, Crush Until Madness records

102
seconds and out of nowhere turns into fucked Freezing Moon and a “je ne sais quoi” that quite close! Support these hellish bastards:
up Black Metal!! The overall garage feeling probably comes deep from the Finnish soil. BARIS SILAY / PK 278 / BEYOGLU / ISTAMBUL /
reminds me quite a lot of REENCARNACIÓN’s In any case, this album is an excellent TURKEY or finalblasphemyrecords@hotmail.com
888 Metal (Isn’t the band name similar as soundtrack to a walk in the forest, or a KATHAARIA – The Complex Void of Negativity
well?) with a touch of ancient Greek BM. train ride in a snowstorm (haha, this is 2008, End All Life Productions
My absolutely favorite ritual chant on where I am now). Order from Northern Silence
this album is “Black Funeral”, which has Prods / P.O. Box 100131 / 09441 Annaberg- Prepare to plunge into the subterranean world
a really powerful build-up part that just Bucholz / Germany of KATHAARIA - where Black Metal cliché’s are
creeps me out. Anyway, this album is not left behind and pure Darkness leads the path.
VALUATIR – I CD
for the weak-hearted. I recommend it highly The two men behind KATHAARIA created a very
2008, ARMAGEDDON Records
to fans of IMPALED NAZARENE, VARATHRON and avant-garde style of progressive complex
GOATLORD. Originally released in ’94 by Wild Hailing from the Poitou region, this is Black Metal that is already quite mature
Rags and now – 14 years later by NWN! Prod. VALUATIR (previously known as INIS GWENVA)’s for a first album! Their talent level and
www.nwnprod.com first full length. Be forwarned – if you can’t personal style is a great achievement, and
stand celtic/folk melodies and instruments, will please the listen who wants more than
CARDIAC ARREST – Cadaverous Presence CD stay away from this and don’t bother to read just another typical BM album. The production
2008, Epitomite Productions this review. This is a mix of trad. melodic on these seven tracks is perfectly cold, and
US Death metal in the vein of early DEATH French BM mixed with BATHORY and very well the cover artwork is remarkably simple, yet
meets OBITUARY. It is fast, blast-beating performed traditional The album mostly keeps effective. I cannot really name any bands to
and straight to the point. The vocals a very dark and morbid side - often paired whom they sound like, you will have to check
are not not too much my cup of tea, but with glorious melodies reminding of ancient- it out for yourself... Opolus / Schillerstr.
it is still well executed and the overall times. The lyrics are beautifully written 114 / 45768 Marl / Germany
album has a nice fitting production! in French (they words are very strong, they UTLAGR – 1066 - Blood and Iron in Hastings CD
Order the album and support the band: totally add to the atmosphere!) and the words 2007, Sepulchral Productions
Cardiac Arrest c/o Adam Scott / 1855 Brentwood are audible when sung, but the vocalist has
Lane / Wheaton, IL, 60187 USA more of a raunchy scream than clean vocals. UTLAGR is a fairly new band from Quebec-city.
I throughoutly enjoyed it, and love the They have released a demo in 2005, and this
FUNEROT – Nova II 12” EP fact that this is not another one of those concept album is their first full-length. It is
2007, Inimical Records annoying NS bands!! Get this either from great later BATHORY/MOONSORROW/ENSLAVED-like
Still as refreshingly impressive as “Invasion Armageddon records (Japan): c/o Sekine / black pagan metal played with great talent.
from the Death Dimension”, their last CD, 3-32-1 Higashi-Ueno Taito-ku. Tokyo / 110- The songs are catchy and are well written.
Nova II is a 6-song 12” EP featuring fast/ 0015 JAPAN or the Legion of Death mailorder Lyrics-wise, it speaks about the historical
high-energy thrash with “punk” vocals (just - www.legionofdeathrecords.com Battle of Hastings, where the Normans defeated
imagine the VIO-LENCE vocalist with more the English and then conquered England. Quite
range). Style-wise, it sounds like a mix of glorious, isn’t it? Hehe. Maybe it will get
SLAYER, TANKARD and VOIVOD - for the weird repeated one day in Quebec. In any case, if
dissentient parts. Skillful solos are played you are a fan of the bands mentionned and seek
in every song... which makes me quite happy! something good, buy this album for 13EUR /
Bands lack that nowadays, in my opinion. The 13$USD: Sepulchral Productions / CP St-André
TERRORAMA – Omnipotence CD
lyrics are about diseases, mutations, weird / BP 32 128 / Montréal, QC / Canada, H2L 4Y5
2008, Nuclear War Now! Prods
human experimentations and are... quite poetic MONARQUE – Fier hérétique CD
if you read them! They convey detailed images Fucking hell! This is speed banging, dead 2007, Mankind’s Demise
of 50’s style b-movies in your head. Haha! raising, dark death/thrash in the vein of
This EP is not all original material though... early NIFELHEIM meets OBSCURITY meets very This album is the first full-length from
as it contains a cover of WHIPLASH’s excellent raw early 80’s demo-style thrash metal. MONARQUE, a depressive Black Metal band
“Spit on Your Grave”!!! On top of it, the Fucking christ, it is unbelievably great. hailing from Quebec-city. Entirely written
overall packaging is effectively simple and The album contains 8-tracks in total, in French, “Fier hérétique” (Proud Heretic)
well done. Reuben (drummer) took charge of the including an intro (I am not a fan of intros consists of seven melodic/epic BM songs
artwork, which is comic/gory like, as well as but at it least it’s short). The songs mostly surrounded by storm, wind and explosion
the type (all made with a REAL typewriter!). blast and thrash, but there are some mid- samples. Some tracks are excellent,
Ah, it feels good to know bands like these tempos, and obviously some fucking good especially the fifth one; “Extinction”.
are out there. Available for $12 PPD as a MLP riffs. Expect a lot of solos, and screams It starts very doomy, and then builds up
and $5 PPD as a tape with two bonus tracks from the depths of hell!!! The artwork takes in a majestic epic madness! Unfortunately,
from the ’05 demo (prices for US... if you an important part in this release as the I personally think that it is not raw and
are elsewhere, send more or contact the band cover art is very different for this style destructive enough for my tastes, as it
before: FUNEROT / c/o Max Gorbman / 177725 of metal - but I really like it personally. fails to summon the possessed demon that
25th Ave, NE / Lake Forest Park, WA / 98155 It is very strange indeed, and helps bring sleeps within me... althought I am quite
USA - metalforbreakfast@hotmail.com out a very uneasy vibe when you listen to curious to hear what else they have in store.
the album! I am getting shivers as I write In any case, whoever designed the cover did a
HAÏVE – Mieli Maassa CD this! It is in my opinion what death/thrash great job with it. It almost seems like the
2007, Northern Silence SHOULD be. You can obtain it on CD or vinyl, figure is saying “enter my realm; I have to
Haïve is the project of Varjosielu, with whichever you please: www.nwnprod.com. show you a few things..” Very mysterious! Send
the help session-vocalist Noitavasara. The 10$ USD to Mankinds Demise records / 2770 St-
entire album is in the interesting sounding Narcisse #1 / Beauport, Quebec / G1E 6V8
DEGGIAL / MALEFIC ORDER / GODSLAYING
Finnish language. So, you are curious of HELLBLAST – TRM Deathsquad CD Cold Northern Vengeance – Domination and Servitude
what the music sounds like, eh? Well, they 2007, Final Blasphemy records 2008, Bindrune Recordings
consider themselves “folk metal” but to
be honest, it is way deeper than that. It United under the banner of Lucifer, these Hailing from New Hampshire, US, COLD NORTHERN
is quite a unique hybrid – and sure, they three Turkish hordes play uncompromising raw VENGENCE is a two piece that plays a very
use a lot of traditional instruments like Black Metal. These bands all have their very different breed of Black Metal. This album is
mouth-harp and Kantele, but it is done very distinct style... “GODSLAYING HELLBLAST” is no exception, as it starts up with an excerpt
subtly. Everything just sounds so organic decapitating blasting BM, a bit like a melodic from the movie Haxan (William S. Burroughs
and natural on this album... Haïve’s sound VON, as absurd as this sounds! DEGGIAL plays voice) and then slowly shapes up into this
is just insanely powerful. The riffs and mid-paced “Panzerfaust”-ish BM with nasal unique occult monster, where bass is loud
melodies are very epic, but still make you screamed vocals, while MALEFIC ORDER summons and roaring, and atmosphere is king. The 10-
want to headbang (which is quite an important a younger Quorthon with their fast blasting track album brings forth a very ancient and
element for me). Take the chanting vocals on hammers. M.O. is the best band off this magical feeling to the listener’s ears. It
ULVER’s Kveldssanger, the beauty of MAYHEM’s split, although GODSLAYING HELLBLAST comes also includes some folk, piano and mildly

103
 droning industrial parts, which makes it even of traditional Maryland-style doom be sure propelling magical epic metal. It is quite
weirder and un-orthodox! Clocking at around to check them out! EmanesMetal Records / 41 reminiscent of OMEN meets Open The Gates-era
one hour, this album is to be appreciated on Rue du Capitaine Aubert / 59100 ROUBAIX, MANILLA ROAD although it is more rhythm-
a cold winter night with a cold beer in both FRANCE oriented (which is great for headbanging!!!)
fists. Obtain your own copy for $15 USD from For example, one of the best songs on it,
Gemini at North Cabin Enterprises / 42 Heath “Cimmeria” features a great drum build-up
St / Newton, NH 03858, USA. TOTAL SUPPORT!! right in the middle of it, which raises the
hair on the back of my neck. Lyric-wise,
TALAMYUS - ...In GRAND MAGUS – Iron Will CD they speak mostly about horror stories (H.P.
These Days of 2008, Rise Above Records Lovecraft / Robert E. Howard style) but it
Violence CD I do not like to review albums from “bigger” fits perfectly with the music. Artwork-wise,
2007, Prodisk labels, but there is no way I could pass up on I am not a big fan of it... I feel it is not
This band was this fucking monster of an album!! I have only organic enough, too new-comic book style -
described to me as heard the first (too stoner) and the second although it is my personal opinion. Overall,
thrashy viking metal GRAND MAGUS (ok, but not perfect) but after this is a must-get for fans of the genre. Oh,
from Canada. I was that I kind of gave up on them... until someone and you will be quite pleased to know that a
quite curious to (I don’t remember who) told me to get this certain Mark Sheldon sings on three of the
check them out after that description! What album, and so I did. And so I was completely songs on there!!! Send 18$ USD to Shadow
I am reviewing now is their second album, baffled by the doomy heavy metal greatness of Kingdom Records / PO Box 15952 / Pittsburgh,
“In These Days of Violence”, and it contains it! It is strong, insanely epic and just make PA 15244, USA
almost no thrash elements to it...also, it a gigantic beer appear in my raised fist. Best
was “Viking” as in AMON AMARTH and not later songs are “Like the Oar Strikes the Water”,
BATHORY or something. Damn. Me and my false the neckbreaker “Iron Will” and the long epic
assumptions, haha! (I am not a fan of AMON “Silver into Steel”. Unfortunately, not the
AMARTH - so you fans out there might think entire album is perfect, but it is surely MANILLA ROAD – Voyager CD
this is actually a great album). Anyway, a grower. Oh yeah, the cover art is bloody 2008, My Graveyard Productions
some riffs here and there are good (like insane, too – it totally gives a cold and
in “God of War” and one on “Violent Faith” mystic atmosphere to the opus. Get this album First MANILLA ROAD album in three years,
that sounds great), but overall I am not a from your local record shop!! “Voyager” is a concept album based on a bloody
huge fan of the album. Also, the production Viking story written by Mark Sheldon himself.
is a bit too modern for my tastes. On the Read the story before hearing the album! The
other hand, the cover is fucking fantastic, cover depicts a beautiful painting depicting
one of the nicest around!!!!! Cheers to you a long-ship full of Vikings, navigating the
guys for getting Mr. Kris Verwimp!!! Get troubled sea. All of these elements create
this for $15 CAN / $15 US / $18 USD WORLD an atmosphere that helps a lot to enjoy the
from CAUSTIC RHYTHMS / P.O. Box 5705 / Ste- album at its fullest. The album starts with
Julienne (Québec) / Canada, J0K 2T0 an intro with Mark’s voice voice over it,
HORRORS OF THE BLACK MUSEUM – Gold from the Sea and then it jumps straight into the epic
greatness of the album! There are 9 tracks
2008, Obskure Sombre records in total, all of them - except for the
French un-orthodox horror doom is how I would intro and “Tree of Life” (which is more an
WITCHFINDER GENERAL – Ressurected
describe this weird experiment. It is very acoustic progressive song) - glorious epic
2008, Buried by Time and Dust records
conceptional, and presents itself as a late metal anthems, that should be worshipped by
20’s “Horror Tales” kind of magazine. As for The first album made when a band reunites all fans of the “true metal” genre! The o
them music, I never heard anything quiute is always waited with a mixture of hope and nly downside to this is that I have a small
like it before! It is slow, dense and VERY fear, because in most cases, expectations problem with the overall production on the
heavy. You hear apocalyptic synth throughout are too high and people get dissapointed. more metal songs, it gives the solos and
the entire album, which only adds to the Sadly, it is the case here, as this new album riffs a “different” sound that you have to
twisted ambience. On top of this insanity feels more like a demo with a rock cover get used to. I could write more about this,
resides ... clean vocals! I guess you could band singer than a WFG album. On the other but I think you should have a listen for
say it balances it off. Haha! The lyrics are hand, the authentic Witchfinder General yourself!! MyGraveYard Productions P.O.BOX
really scary, lovecraftian-like storylines. core is there, and most of the amazing Phil 202 / 25018 Montichiari (Brescia) – Italy
They are to die for! (Harhar) This 4-track Cope riffing hasn’t changed since the early RÉSISTANCE – Bang your Fucking Skull CD
concept album also contains a THE OBSESSED 80’s. Most of the song writing is quite 2008, EmanesMETAL Records
cover (Hiding Mask) which is almost not excellent!!! Unfortunately, I just can’t get
recognizable. I love it when bands totally over the new vocalist... In my opinion, he These guys have everything right... they
take a cover and make it theirs! Anyway, doesn’t fit in with the band at all, and listen to the finest metal bands around,
if you are interested in setting foot in fails to bring any emotion to the songs. recorded their debut album in an analogue
the unsettling underworld of HOTBM, contact He sometimes sings out of key, and at one (!) studio, and even did a MANILLA ROAD cover
them at horrorsoftheblackmuseum@gmail.com point almost raps!! At least if the vocals (Necropolis)! Their playing style is quite
or check out the label’s website at www. would have been less high in the mix, it unusual though – it is a complex breed of
obskure-sombre.tk would been easier to swallow. One could of progressive doomy thrash... They don’t really
only dreamed of hearing these songs with a sound like anybody else actually! The album
RISING DUST – Taste of Fire EP CD singer of Zeeb Park’s caliber. Someone like contains 10 fairly long songs, which pays
2008, EmanesMETAL Records Lee Dorian would have done an amazing job homage to the Gods of Metal. Good release!
RISING DUST band comes from the ashes of DARK on this. I wish! Anyway, listen to it and The only thing that slightly bothers me are
WHITE - which is the first doom metal band in make your own opinion - as alot of people the clean vocals going a bit off-key from
France... I fucking had never heard of them REALLY like it. I write these lines with time to time... that’s it! Contact the band
before! Damn!! Well, RD plays doom rock a bit deep regret, as my whole self really wanted by this address: resistance667@hotmail.com
similar to THE OBSESSED, but not exactly the to like it. BURIED BY TIME AND DUST RECORDS / The Bottle Doom Lazy Band -
same. The vocalist has this insane shaking P.O. BOX 345, Diablo, CA / 94528, USA Blood for the Bloodking CD
haunted voice that pairs perfectly with the IRONSWORD - Overlords of Chaos CD 2008, EmanesMETAL Records
heavy doom riffing featured on this EP. Sadly, 2008, Shadow Kingdom records
there are only two original songs (which are Excellent follow-up to their demo, this
really, really really really good) - and two “Overlords of Chaos” is the third and album is an heavy slab of putrid doom,
covers (Forever by Queen - PENTAGRAM and long-awaited full-length from IRONSWORD a rising up from the ancient Poitevin marshes.
IRON HORSE/BORN TO LOSE/MOTÖRHEAD), and I killer Portuguese epic heavy metal outfit. I can’t say that this is traditional doom,
would have LOVED to hear more material. Fans It features about an hour-worth of fist- but it isn’t extreme or anything... It is

104
like BLACK SABBATH vs REVEREND BIZARRE So, onto the band... MIDNIGHT RIDER calls the layout and even band pics, this album is
vs SLEEP I’d say, althought like on the themselves “Rock’n’Roll Conservatives”, one of those rare gems you,ve been seeking
demo, traditional instrumentation is used and they “struggle for loyalty and purity for a while... Too bad everything has an
(bagpipes, wheel fiddle) so the band’s style in music”!! Well, they have surely reached end! Contact the band at: Alberto Beri /
pretty much stands by itself. The lyrics are their goal, because I swear – this could C.da Marinuccia 11 / 63039 S. Benedetto del
about death, diabolical legends and occult have easily be written in the early 70’s! Tronto (AP) / Italy
subjects. It contains 7 tracks in total, It is pure SABBATH/LED ZEPP/Rocka Rolla- XIBALBA – Ah Dzam Poop Ek LP
which one song reaches 10 minutes! Also, era JUDAS PRIEST worship. Performed by 3 1994, reissued in 2007 by NWN! Prod
the production is fucking great - I wouldn’t Germans and two Japanese guys, this 3 song
change a thing on it! Every instrument maxi single features perfect production, Mayan culture was fucking bloody and violent
proudly stands out and brings a unique perfect vocals, artwork and songs. This is – and this album represents it incredibly
atmosphere. Get this album, as they totally easily one of my favourite releases of 2008. well. XIBALBA (pronounced Shee-bahl-bah) is
deserve it! EmanesMetal Records / 41 Rue du I can’t wait for new material!! myspace. a primitive Mexican Black Metal band sounding
Capitaine Aubert / 59100 ROUBAIX / FRANCE com/midnightridergerman like a breath-taking mix of “Under a Funeral
Moon” era DARKTHRONE, with sometimes CELTIC
ENFORCER (SWE) – Into the Night LP FROST riffs and BATHORY vocals. That sounds
2008, Heavy Artillery Records great doesn’t it? Some melodies used are very
The band started out as a one-man band original too, which makes them a “different”
featuring Olof (Sweden’s best nowadays heavy kind of Black Metal band. I actually managed
metal vocalist). He released a 2-song 7” to shake while listening to it for the first
single on the mighty German Iron Pegasus time – imagining nasty ritualistic sacrifices
label, and then got a full-line up to play with this album playing in the background!!!
live shows. Usually, more people = more song I really enjoy the sound effects – they carry
writers, but no worries here as the songs you to ancient times, in the middle of the
are still as axe-sharp on this new album! jungle... then, a fucking lethal riff starts
Out of the 7 tracks recorded on this, only and you know you’re in trouble! The LP,
5 are new – as “Mistress of Hell” and “Evil recently re-issued by NWN Prod (original is
Attacker” were on their 7”. (I prefer these from 1994), features two discs with 3 songs
versions by far, personally!) The only thing on each side. It’s hard to tell which side
I noticed on this LP is that it seems they to put on first, because nothing is written
now focus a bit more on speed than rythmn on the labels. (But I’ll tell you a secret
like they did before, which removes a bit – if you look clovely at the LP in the middle
of “punch” to the songs. Nevertheless, this where the engravings are – you will see a
EXCALIBUR – Fils Vengeur LP
is a very good debut album!!! I’d recommend letter... A, B, C or D.) I really enjoy this
Demo issued in 1984, re-released in 2007 by
this to fans of JUDAS PRIEST, EXCITER, AGENT album, although my favorite song is probably
EmanesMETAL Records
STEEL and RUNNING WILD (old). Heavy Artillery the barbaric tribal instrumental “Bolonliku
Records, P.O. Box 916, Middle Island, NY / I admit it; I am completely addicted to Vahom”. It sounds fucking disgusting!
11953 USA French heavy/speed metal. When I heard WEAPON - Para Bhakti... Salvation 7”
HOUR OF 13 – S/T LP about this so called EXCALIBUR gem being 2007, Full Moon Productions
dug up and then carved on wax, I was very
2007, Shadow Kingdom Records eager to hear it. I picked this baby This is one of the vilest, most evil
This is the first full-length from North up in France, at the Legion of Death recordings to have been pressed on wax. These
Carolina occult doomsters HOUR OF 13. I headquarters, and only got to listen to it two songs are the best material WEAPON ever
own the LP version, so my review will be at my arrival in Canada... haha. I was far put out so far, and they simply fascinate me.
based on that. The album features up-beat from being disappointed anyway, as this LP The malefic aura on this album is so thick
traditional doom, sometimes with a little is pure raunchy speed metal hell, with a and dense, it sounds as if it was recorded
PRIEST edge here and there. The riffs hinge of punk. It is not the best quality in hellish depths, and then filtered though
are fucking great - totally original and in the world, but for a demo tape that was human ashes. Both songs are long, doomy Black
epic, but I have a slight problem with the made 24 years ago, it sounds great!! Good Metal masterpieces that have forever scarred
vocals...! The singer has a good voice, job to the person that did the master! my mind. I am happy this is not an LP because
but the lyrics are sung so boringly, in The original demo only had 6 songs, but it would have been almost unbearable! haha.
my opinion! They almost feel repetitive at Emanes added two extra tracks from their Good job to Vetis and the WEAPON clan - I
parts, which is totally not the case at first demo, as well as a live track from very much look forward to the new material
all on the back music. The lyrics are ok, a show in 1985. This is heavy metal that (that will be released on Ajna Offensive,
but brings forth nothing original - as it I am always craving for! Material that I believe?). Order this slab of hatred at
seems to be quite a trend nowadays to talk was released before 1986 always sound so FMP / P.O. Box 1930 / Parker, Colorado, USA
about Satan in doom metal. Artwork-wise, fucking fresh... arghhh! Anyway, anyone / 80134-1930. I am proud that this band is
the images picked are terrible – they are into SORTILÈGE, H-BOMB, ADX, TANK, IRON located in CANADA!
stretched out and blurry, taken from the ANGEL and MOTÖRHEAD will certainly dig this ENVENOM - Christfukk 7”
internet and movies. Argh! Anyway – this album as much as me. WORSHIP! EmanesMetal 2008, Iron Bonehead Productions
is still a good release even though it Records / 41 Rue du Capitaine Aubert /
doesn’t sound like it from my review... 59100 ROUBAIX / FRANCE (ps. Although the This is the first 7” by the mighty ENVENOM
haha. I think it needs more listening (and pictures on the insert show some history, from Malaysia! Expect a total terrorist
love) from my side. There are no way to it would have been REALLY cool to include attack of thrashing black/death metal that
get in touch with the band, and don’t get an insert with the band story, as they were will turn every bone in your body to (gun)
in touch with the label for this one, as completely unknown to me... ahh well, I powder. 3 tracks are offered on this 7”,
they will not respond. Enough said. May the will have to resort to the intraweb!) with a religious chanting intro on top of
hunt begin! that. The lyrics are written in evil engrish
BLASPHEMOPHAGER – Nuclear Empire of with total worship to SADEX with their many
Apocalypse LP “kk”’s! This is honestly one of the best
2008, Nuclear War Now! Productions
MIDNIGHT RIDER – S/T MLP bands from Malaysia nowadays. They truly
2008, Rock Saviour Records BLASPHEMOPHAGER is a three-piece Italian carry the Black Fire heritage. Also - the
horse, playing refreshing thrashing black/ front artwork is simply insane, one of the
I found out about this band through the killer death metal, an... well, what can I say coolest U.G. metal drawings I’ve seen in a
Iron Pegasus records comp “Hellbangers Metal about this LP apart that it is absolutely long time! Another great work by the artist
Forces”, and could NOT STOP to listen to mandatory to Black/Death fiends? Everything “Sickness 666”. Contact the band at Iskandar
the song “Opium Trail” on it. Honestly, I is just so spot-on on that release – from the / P.O. Box 10428 / 50712 Kuala Lumpur /
think I must have spinned it about 40 times amazing renaissance-like cover painting, to Malaysia. No rip-off here my friends!
in a matter of two days. It is THAT good.

105
 BESTIAL RAIDS/HELLISH - Heretical Rights 7” mix of SADEX, ANGELCORPSE and first-LP era recorded - as they are very simple! (If you
2008, Bird of Ill Omen records BOLT THROWER. This 6-track EP was originally don’t like Motörhead, FUCK YOU!!) Overall,
released as a MCD in ‘91, a 7” and now great 4-song E.P. I really need to get the new
This is a split between two infernal as a glorious gatefold 12” EP by Nuclear full-lenght that came out this year. Snif.
Polish hordes; BESTIAL RAIDS summons two War Now! Prods. Played in a time when Death I think this is sold-out so no point in
diabolical tracks “Christ Inversion” and Metal actually meant morbid, annihilation putting contact addresses.
“Impaled Holiness”, which is pure blasting and evil, the meat on this EP is so thick,
black/death while on the other side we have CUTTHROAT - Thrash Metal Crazy Night 7” EP
it will certainly blow your brains off. The
HELLISH (a band I have never heard before) 2008, Necromancer records
artwork is a beautiful 3-color job, with
which plays even faster than BR! They bring the original artwork inside, and a crusty Another one of these great CUTTHROAT EP’s
forth three songs, “Death Blast”, “Lake of evil drawing on the cover. Music-wise, the to add up to the good ole collection! This
Blood” (sounds like Hate of God when he guitars are savagely played, grinding and one features one 2008 track, “Power through
sings, haha) and “The Call of Azathoth”. I riffing throughout the songs - on top of Darkness” (Necrophagia cover) as well as
cannot stand the drumming in these songs, dirty speed/blast drums and vicious vocals. three old live songs from 1999. (Bonded by
but the rest is fucking great. My favourite The production is surprisingly good for a Blood - EXODUS cover, Blitzkrieg Air Attrack
track off this 7” is probably the mid-paced release this underground, but still not good from Rape! Rape! Rape! album and Sacrifice
parts in “Call of Azathoth” - and I hope enough for some pussies out there (you know by SACRIFICE). It is a fun EP to have, but
they continue releasing songs in that vein who you are!!). Stay away if you don’t have nothing necessary really... I suggest to get
because it sounds incredibly sinister!! balls... but rejoice if you enjoy your metal it if you are a maniac only (well, most of you
Contact BESTIAL RAIDS at: Lukasz Adach, death-like and raw. www.nwnprod.com are... hahahaha). bloodynecromancer.de
Tumlin Wykien 87 / 26-085, Miedziana Gora,
Poland // Contact HELLISH at: Adrian, P.O. CARDIAC ARREST – Beast among Many 7” single G.A.T.E.S. / DISCLOSE – Black Plague/
Box 20 / 02-919 Warsaw 76, Poland - www. 2006, Famine Records Nuclear Hell split 7” EP
birdofillomen.com CARDIAC ARREST is a US band playing old- Split EP with two of Japan’s finest bands in
school style Death Metal with lyrics and the underground punk/metal scene. With ex-
artwork about gory subjects. There are members of CHURCH OF MISERY, COFFINS and other
three songs in total on that single. Most cult Japanese heavy metal bands, G.A.T.E.S.
of them have slow and doomy (!) parts that could be described as really killer speed
develops into a speeding deadly frenzy quite metal motörpunk with coarse vocals (they are
reminiscent of ASPHYX and DISMEMBER. The different from Lemmy’s but just as good).The
cover, whish is drawn by hand and colored first song they play - Born to Lose - is a
on the computer, is ok but a bit amateur. bit more crust’n’roll (a bit like TANK meets
Nothing compared to their first full-length AMEBIX) while the other one, Black Plague, is
DEIPHAGO - Satan Cult Baphomet 7” PD Morgue Mutilations which has really fucking more in the Motörvein. It’s really fucking
2008, Morbid Moon Records killer artwork! Sadly limited to 325 copies, dirty and raw just like I love. On the other
you can still try to order this thru Al at side is DISCLOSE (RIP Kawakami) – which is
This 7” is fucking great bestial black/death Famine records (Chicago): faminerecords666@ more like... you guessed it right: DISCHARGE!
cross desecration. The first side (Satan),
contains an intro of distorted cricket sounds aol.com or thru select distros like NWN! Both songs are really violent and straight
Prod (www.nwnprod.com) and Hellsheadbangers to the point. The drums are played louder
- and then jumps into the long and insanely (www.hellsheadbangers.com). It sound cost than almost all of the instruments and the
primitive “Satan Cult Baphomet”. The second around 5$ plus shipping. vocals are mostly shouted. It came out in ’05
side features “Sadistic Ritual” as well as but I think it’s still available... Here’s
the almost grind-core like “F.O.M.B.M.” ALCOHOLIC RITES - Metal Alcoholico Destructivo the address to obtain your own copy: Masayasu
(Fuck off melodic Black Metal). Yeah! I 2008, Iron Bonehead Futatsugi / 1-61-1-103, Shiraitodai, Fuchu,
think it will piss off more than one person. This is what you get when you summon Satan Tokyo 183-0011 / JAPAN
Hehe! I am not a big fan of the drums on this through a beer bottle! ALCOHOLIC RITES are a
one, but the rest is really great. Limited G.A.T.E.S. – Devastation 12” EP
very chaotic sloppy black/thrash band from
to 500 copies, this 7” picture disc features 2008, High Society Satanic Records
Ecuador, and this 7” consists of a bunch of
the incredible artwork from Sickness 666, drunken songs recorded in 2005/2006. It is Ahhh, G.A.T.E.S.!! The true flame carriers
and the first 100 copies comes with a patch very raw and sounds more like a rehearsal, of Japanese metalpunk. This is their new 12”,
and poster. For fans of SADISTIK EXECUTION, but the feeling is what counts here, as it beautifully packaged in a folding guillotine
ARCHGOAT, ABHORER and BEHERIT. Support or is total destructive material!!! You get 6 blade (!) There are sadly only 5 songs on it
die! // Morbid Moon Records / P.O. Box 70814
songs in total... One of them is actually – the first three being more metal, while the
/ Succ. Chabanel / Montréal, QC / H2N 2L2 entirely sung backwards! First time I hear other two are more axed towards punk’n’roll.
RIBSPREADER – Vicar Mortis 7” EP this in recent times. Haha. It sounds really GREAT fucking material! I would love to hear
2006, Midnight 666 Records fucking evil! My favourite side is probably more songs in the vein of “Devastation” and
Blood - the songs are a bit tighter and thrash the rocking “Bloodsucker”. I’d be really
RIPSPREADER sure sounds like a “gore” more than the blasting ones on side Alcool. great also to have lyrics in order to sing
Death Metal band – but really isn’t. It’s In any case, I would describe ALCOHOLIC RITES along, beer in hand, in totally broken
more Swedish Death-Thrash in the vein of as an alcohol soaked demo-days DESTRUCTION, Japanese. Haha! This is already sold out
ENTOMBED mixed with REPULSION, GRAVE and a lit on fire and then being fed amphetamine unfortunately, but maybe if you’re lucky you
bit of SLAYER. The vocals are not really pills. Yeah! 7” is 5 euros + postage: Iron can still score a copy... you can try asking
my type of thing, but the music is really Bonehead Productions / P. O. Box 49 02 25 / Boy Record (Japanese record shop). Ps.
fucking powerful! You will not only find any 12282 Berlin / Germany SAMM, ex-SABBAT/SACRIFICE (Crest of Black!!)
blastbeats or breakdowns, but nice building is now the new drummer. Oh yeah!!!
thrashing madness... and even d-beat styled TIGER JUNKIES - Sick of Tiger 7” EP
drums (which is a refreshing addition in my 2006, Destroy records
book). It’s nice to see new Swedish bands Woops, I didn’t review this before... I am
take on the torch of their forefathers. The a bit late on that one. Anyway, this EP was
7”s come with a sticker and are available for recorded in 2005 in Yasuyuki’s bedroom admist
7$ + shipping. midnight666_records@yahoo.com his used-up kleenex piles (haha). Music-wise,
MARTIRE - Martire EP this is total d-beat madness (and the “d” in
1991, reissued in 2007 by NWN! Prod d-beat stands for “drunk” in this case). It
features the song writing and vocals from
To those unfortunate who don’t know Martire AFTER THE BOMBS – Relentless Onslaught 12”
Yasuyuki (BARBATOS, ABIGAIL) and Joel (TOXIC
(not to be confounded with the technical Quebec 2007, The Total End Records/Vex
HOLOCAUST). it’s cool because they exchange
band Martyr) - they are bestial, archaic and vocals on each song, and the lyrics sound like Well, I haven’t heard something this fucking
chaotic Death Metal from Australia. (But way they were written the same day as they were apocalyptic in a long, long time! AFTER THE
ahead of their time!!). They sound like a

106
BOMBS is a 5-piece band from Montréal. The recorded back in ’82! (They had written only fan, I got the die-hard version which came
vocalist, Janick, sings with a lot of night a dozen of songs back then...) Steve Cowerd, with patch, a tiny “leather” hand-binded book
and energy (although I wish the vocals could the vocalist, has a similar vocal style than (all made by Randy Reaper...) and a beautiful
have been louder in the mix). Her voice could Zeeb Parks... but doesn’t sing quite as high quality gatefold sleeve. The book is
be compared to Lynda Simpson, vocalist of high. The best tune is probably “Reborn”... a really cool addition to the package – it
SACRILEGE (UK). Music-wise, the guys of AFB it’s slow, epic and has a morbid/occult explains the mystic and interesting history
are all excellent musicians... first song atmosphere. Side B, “Trojan Journey” is a of the order of The Lamp of Thoth. As for
starts acoustic and then, like a black cloud, bit too FM (radio-style) for my tastes... it the album itself – well, it sounds absolutely
creeps in and destroy everything living. Solos makes me think a bit of “Music” by WFG – if amazing like expected! There are three songs
are to be found everywhere... They really add you know that I mean! You kind of get hooked in total. Side one has The Lamp of Thoth, which
a metallic taste to it all. Second song “Black on it though, as you listen to it. (Kind was on their demo (aside from the production
Wind of Fear” is a bit slower, doomy, powerful of like “Music” also...haha). Thumbs up to – which is better – the mood is still same)
and hair rising. “Consemned” is thrashy – a UK-based Zerlinda Records for this! It’s and Sunshine (don’t be fooled by the title
bit like BATHORY meeting WHIPLASH. Flip the already great to see such passionate people – it’s actually really dark and heavy) which
record over to side B and you get two more releasing ancient treasures (on such thick is probably my favorite on this 10”.... I
incredible songs... “To the Void and Back” wax). I have two e-mail contacts for this: just love how melancholic it sounds at the
also starts acoustically and develops itself zerlindarecords@hotmail.com and btears@aol. beginning and then out of nowhere, there is a
into angry grinding riffs. The EP finishes com. It was limited to 500 copies... but supreme ass-kicking riff... it actually made
off with “Relentless Onslaught” – a king of maybe you will be lucky enough to find one. me shiver! Flip the 10” over and you got a
progressing apocalypse that is in the blackest cover from the mighty CIRITH UNGOL (Frost and
TALES OF MEDUSA – Triumphant Serenade LP
of shades. The artwork is incredible, also. Fire) but it is completely Lamp of Thoth-
2007, Lycanthropy Records
The cover features a troop of reapers on ified. I admit I had a hard time recognizing
rotting horses (the painting style reminds Damn, every time I receive a package from it at first, but did when I heard the lyrics.
me of Dave Patchett’s – CATHEDRAL’s cover Axe, it becomes a goddamn event... and this It’s just that everything is played twice as
artist). And inside, the gatefold is a skull time around it is even greater – as what I slow! It’s really cool – it makes a killer
pierced by a sword with two rotting heads on got in the mail from them is a full blown doom song. Overall, if the world would be
the side... fuck, there is a lot to look at LP!!! It features pro-recordings of songs perfect, all the pubs would have The Lamp of
– I can’t describe it all!!! Overall, this is from past demos and the E.P. (but sung by Thoth as background music and everyone would
a real neck breaker. If you’re looking for a different vocalist?). Anyway, TALES OF be drunk. So, help the cause and join the
something refreshing, check them out. This MEDUSA is pure regressive Vancouver heavy legions! www.miskatonic.cc
band is amazing. $10 PPD in the US and $12 PPD metal – sometimes speed-like, sometimes
in the world. VEX - C/O Matt / 1928 Thomaston doomy, but always majestic. It sounds like
Ave / Waterbury, CT / 06704 / USA it was written somewhere between 1980 and
1983 to tell you the truth! Simply amazing
SACRIFICIAL BLOOD / THRASHER - Revenge of stuff and memorable songs. Ancient Greek
the Radioactive Squad verses are summoned on 8 songs, all of them
2008, Rusty Axe records exceptionally good (although I slightly
Great little split EP featuring bands that prefer SK as a vocalist). Thanks again Axe
are completely unknown to me! SACRIFICIAL for this great release. Albums like this
BLOOD plays poser slaughterin’ black/thrash make me feel fucking alive!
and does two songs - one of them being a PAGAN ALTAR / JEX THOTH - Walking in the MANHAI / REVEREND BIZARRE – Under the Sign
MASSACRE cover (Mutilated). Second side Dark/Stone Evil split 7” EP of the Wolf (Tribute to PENTAGRAM) 7” split
features a very original artwork of - you 2007, I Hate Records 2006, The Church Within Records
guessed it - a radioactive squid!! (Which is
sucking radioactive liquid from the bottom Ahh, PAGAN ALTAR – one of my favorite bands This is a nice little split with two Finnish
of the sea, of course.) Music-wise, it is ever! I was very excited to hear about this bands covering PENTAGRAM (the legendary US
more crossover stuff. It is ok, but the release – especially after learning that doom band) songs. Being a huge PENTAGRAM fan,
vocals get on my nerves. Anyway, this is “Walking in the Dark” is an unreleased song it is always cool to hear how their songs
still a good release, especially for the recorded originally in ’76... which is 32 are envisioned by other bands. MANHAI covers
SACRIFICIAL BLOOD side. Contact the label at astonishing years ago! It has more of a rock “Forever my Queen”, which sounds ok, but a bit
rustyaxerecords.com feel to it (a bit in the vein of Lynyrd too modern in my opinion. It feels like they
Skynyrd) but with Alan’s magical guitar made it lose its 70’s vibe! The song still
MERCY – Session 1981 7” EP
soloing and Terry’s mind-blowing singing has a pleasant heavy groove, though. “Broken
2007, Nuclear War Now! Productions from the beginning to the end. What a treat! Vows”, covered by REVEREND BIZARRE (RIP), is
Catchy “New Wave of Swedish Heavy Metal”- Next side is “Stone Evil” by American heavy just plain crushing! Sure, it sounds almost
type stuff, a bit like really early SAXON / band JEX THOTH (formerly TOTEM). In my exactly like the original song, except for
IRON MAIDEN with a funny accent. This 7” has opinion, it doesn’t really mix well with Albert’s threatening/theatrical vocals...
4 really cool recordings from 1981 (studio, PAGAN ALTAR’s tune... but I guess it gives but who fucking cares! Get it while it
not rehearsal)... It was originally released it a bit of diversity. The song starts off lasts, as it’s limited to 1000 copies. I’m
as bonus tracks on their “Swedish Metal” sounding like SABBATH’s “Planet Caravan” and not even sure if there are any left. Contact
re-release CD that came out a while ago on then gets way doomier. It’s good, but it gets Oliver Richling – The Church Within recs
the Swedish label TPL. I love the sleeve a bit repeti-tive... although it’s way better / Habelschwerdter str. II / 49393 Lohne /
also – it doesn’t look like shitty computer than most shit that comes out nowadays. The GERMANY. Serious Pentagramers only!
graphic amateur stuff but has a real raw package itself is quite notable: the cover THE DEVIL’S BLOOD - Come, Reap MCD
underground imagery. It really represents art is drawn by Albert Witchfinder (REVEREND 2008, Profound Lore Records
the “chain/leather/studs” essence of the BIZARRE vocalist) and the wax itself is so
band!! Different from later MERCY stuff, but thick that it will probably still be around Newcomers from the Netherlands, THE DEVIL’S
just as great. Fans of early traditional in the next century. I think it is sold out BLOOD is a great satanic heavy rock band!!
metal will melt for this one. Get it for 5$ by now, but I am almost sure there will be a They had previously released a 7” - which
+ shipping off www.nwnprod.com second pressing. $7 + shipping - I Hate / Box in my eyes sounded a bit too much like Roky
13023 / S-600 13 Norrköping / Sweden (e-mail Erikson, but this new album is way different.
TELLURIAN – Reborn 7” single here for availability: ihr666@yahoo.se) It is fuller, and more focused on a haunting
2006, Zerlinda Records atmosphere (greatly shrouded in the Mouth of
THE LAMP OF THOTH – Cauldron of Witchery 10”
To be totally honest, I had never heard Satan’s enchanting vocals) There’s nothing
The Miskatonic Foundation, 2007
of this band before ordering this... I else like it, really. It just fucking rules!
just based myself on good reviews I read. Eagerly awaited, this heavy 10” vinyl is the The only thing bad with it is that it is too
TELLURIAN is one of those rare NWOBHM Doom first “pro”-release of TLOT (which followed short! I want more! www.van-gbr.de
bands and the two songs found on this 7” were shortly after their amazing demo). As a big

107
PiledriveR
By the Piledriver himself
There are variations, but, here’s the simplest one, happily with Coke instead of the prune juice that is usually found in the ‘original’
Piledriver recipe... that’s where it got its name from -how your hemorrhoid piles are slammed by the shits that you get after drinking
too many Piledrivers. Yup! It’s the Coke (or even better -if you can afford/find it- Pepsi) version for ME! Here’s how ya whip one up:
Ingredients:
2 parts dark rum,
2 parts vodka,
1 part Coca-Cola,
1 part orange juice
How to make Piledriver recipe: Add rum and vodka to a beer mug. Top with
coca-cola and orange juice, and add ice if possible. Drink as many as
humanly possible and fall down a lot... now get up and flip the album over
to side two without drunkenly scratching the hell out of it, cuz, it’s like a
classic, right?! It’s not like there’s another Piledriver album coming
soon... or is there... hmm... how many of these have I drunk now... I’m not
as think as you drunk I am... theesh thingsh are fukkkin’ strooong dude....
Hey... wait... we should get a pizza or shumthin’... ooh... I love thish
part.... Danh dan dan dandanna haaanndaaaaahnn.... Daaaaa daaaaaah daaaaa
dant! Dant Dant!!! Daaaaaaah!!!!
CAULDRON: Heavy/Traditionnal metal band from Toronto, Canada
DESOLATION ANGELS: Heavy New Wave of British Heavy Metal band from London, England
ABIGAIL: Black/Thrash from Tokyo, Japan
BARBATOS: Black/Punk from Tokyo, Japan
LAMP OF THOTH: Eccentric traditionnal doom metal from Keighley, United Kingdom
EXCITER: Speed metal band from Ottawa, Ontario
OGRE: Heavy/Doom rock from Portland, United States
MASTER: Death metal from Chicago, United States (now Czech Republic)
ANVIL: Heavy metal from Toronto, Canada
KILLERS: Speed metal band from Bardos, France
GATES OF SLUMBER: Heavy/Doom metal from Indianapolis, United States
TOXIC HOLOCAUST: Black/thrash/punk from Oregon, United States
IMPALER: Speed gore metal from Eagan, United States
ELIXIR: Traditional Heavy Metal from London, England
WARPIG: Proto-metal from Woodstock, Canada
NAILGUNNER: Death/thrash from Joutseno
TROUBLE: Doom/thrash metal from Chicago, United States
COUNTESS: Orthodox Black Metal from Leiden, Holland
GRAVEWÜRM: Black/thrash/death metal from Oakton, United States
REVEREND BIZARRE: Traditionnal Doom metal from Lohja, Finland
ORNE: Progressive rock from Turku, Finland
HOLOCAUSTO: Black/thrash from Belo Horizonte, Brazil
PILEDRIVER: Heavy metal from Toronto, Canada
13
 YASUYUKI’S TOASTED RICE BALLS
by Yasuyuki of ABIGAIL/CUTTHROAT/BARBATOS
This is my favorite Japanese food recipe. It’s good for after hangover.
Ingredients:
1 cup (240 ml) of cooked rice for every 2-3 rice balls required
Flesh of pickled plums (“umeboshi”)
Shaved bonito (“katsuo bushi”)
Tuna fish, teriyaki chicken, or “takuan” (yellow pickled radish)
Soy Sauce, Salt
STEP 1: Cook the rice in the normal (Japanese) way, but decrease the amount of water by 20 percent. One cup (200cc)
of rice is sufficient for 2-3 rice balls. // STEP 2: Wet your hands thoroughly, sprinkle salt on them and rub them
together. Shape the rice with pressing and rolling motions. The rice ball should be firm. // STEP 3: Poke a hole
in the rice ball and insert the filling. Shaved bonito should be mixed with a small amount of soy sauce before
insertion. // STEP 4: Toast the rice balls on a grill over a slow flame. A stove top fish grill is often used in
Japan, but a barbecue grill is also suitable. // STEP 5: Toast them on both sides, being careful not to let them
burn. Baste both sides with soy sauce at least once while they are being grilled. When both sides are a golden
brown, they are ready to serve.
Southern Vinlander Rusty Nail
By Gravewurm By Peter of ORNE/REVEREND BIZARRE
INGREDIENTS: INGREDIENTS:
Jack Daniels Whiskey 4 cl (1 oz) Grant’s Scotch Whisky
Coca Cola 2 cl (1/2 oz) Southern Comfort
Put 90% Jack Daniels Whiskey with Note: It’s a fucked up drink, but does the job.
10% Coca Cola and enjoy! After ten of these anyone learns to speak Finnish.
And the Finns forget how.
Caipirinha
by HOLOCAUSTO
INGREDIENTS: 1 lime, 5 spoons of fine sugar, Cachaça (Sugarcane brandy), Ice
The ingredients are the traditional ones. The preparation is that it
differentiates it. After to wash the lime, is peeled partially the same (some
people do not like it flavor supreme it the rind it lemon). The central part
(white) of the bagasse is cut to the lemon in two halves, removing of each one
of them. This prevents that the drink if becomes bitter. Despite that never it
gives time for this. After the usual procedures use two equal cups, glue well
between itself to effect the mixture, as it was a coqueteleira.
Morbid Chef’s comments: Confused? So was I, until I did some research and saw
a video on how to make it. It is traditionally prepared in the following way:
Take a lime, cut the tips, and then cut the lime in half, lenght-wise. Take
out the middles white “lines”, cut into wedges, then throw at the bottom of
a glass. Add the fine sugar, mash the content of the glass with a pestle or a
wooden spoon, and then fill up the glass with crushed ice. Put the content in
a cocktail shaker, shake and serve! Leon of APOKALYPTIC RAIDS precised that you can use vodka if it is easier to find it, but in
that case the name changes to a bizarre adaptation of Russian language sound: “Caipiroska”. Goes down like soda and goes up like
12
a kick in your face!
Black Pudding and Squid in its Own Ink, with a Hashish Garnish
That most melancholic of meals / by Simon of THE LAMP OF THOTH
INGREDIENTS
2 lb small fresh whole squid with ink sacs
1 onion, finely chopped
1 cl garlic, finely chopped
olive oil for frying
Yorkshire (flat) parsley,
chopped bread crumbs
Sauce:
1 onion, finely chopped
1 cl garlic, finely chopped
crust of bread
Ink from the sacs
1 potato
250g/9oz black pudding
salt and freshly ground black pepper
a quarter of Hasish (or the finest Chinese opium).
PREPARATION
STEP 1: Take apart and clean the fresh squid, taking care to remove the ink sacs without breaking them. Set the ink sacs aside.
Cut the tentacles into one inch chunks.
STEP 2: Fry one onion and one garlic clove in olive oil. When the onion begins to take on color, add the chunks of squid tentacles
and cook slowly while stirring in the oil. Add the chopped parsley and bread crumbs and stir until well thickened.
STEP 3: Black pudding, like a dark, mysterious stranger, remains slightly outside the culinary mainstream. Perhaps that’s
because one of its major ingredients is animal blood. Yet, from Yorkshire breakfasts to Spanish tapas, blood sausages have
a long and morbid history... Making blood sausage at home is no easy task, as the recipe harks back to a time when everyone
kept livestock at home. If you want to make your own black pudding, first and foremost a strong stomach is required. Then
you’ll need access to some pigs’ blood. Fewer abattoirs seem willing to supply fresh blood (unless you’re having your own
animals butchered) so it’s not that easy to get hold of. As an alternative you can use dried blood, but you’ll need to locate
a specialist trade producer. Talk to your local butcher about how to find both dried blood - and the sausage casings you’ll
need to make the puddings.
STEP 4: Then peel the potato, dice and cooking a pan of salted boiling water until tender. Dice the black pudding and fry in
a pan for 3-4 minutes until it begins to go crispy and crumble.
STEP 5: Stuff the squid tails with this mixture, being careful not to overfill. Seal the openings with a toothpick. Fry the
stuffed tails in a small amount of olive oil, turning gently, until golden in color. Meanwhile make the ink sauce.
Ink Sauce:
Brown the other onion and garlic clove in olive oil, and add a crust of bread. Place the fish broth in a small bowl. Place the
reserved ink sacs in a fine sieve (strainer) over the bowl and puncture carefully. Blend the ink and broth. Add this liquid
to the onion and garlic and cook slowly. Add the tomato puree and continue to simmer for a short time.
Run the mixture through a blender. Place the sauce in a large skillet, add the fried, stuffed squid and simmer for 15 minutes.
Drain the potatoes, add Hashish to the black pudding and continue to fry for 2-3 minutes. Season.
Add to the squid, consume and enter a world of nightmarish gastric visions. Lament on the appetites of man which chain him
to this cold earth. As Nietzsche said, ‘The belly is why man does not readily mistake himself for a god!”
MORBID CHEF NOTES: Can you guys beleive I actually made that one? It was a long process to make, and actually looked good at
the end. Unfortunately, I don’t like seafood and made it for a friend of mine - but he never showed up. I wonder why. Haha!
11
 Ronnie Cole’s Turkey Chili
by Ron Holzner (Debris Inc, ex-TROUBLE)
It’s a football thing, you start one hour before kickoff,
and you are eating at halftime.
Ingredients
2 tbsp Olive oil
1 whole Green pepper
1 lb. Ground turkey
2 cloves Garlic (minced)
1 med. Onion (chopped)
1 to 2 Serrano pepper (or Jalapeno) – stemmed, seeded + chopped
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 6oz can tomato paste (no salt added)
1 15.5 oz can “Brooks” chili beans (mild)
1 15.5 oz can “Brooks” chili beans (hot + spicy)
1 28 oz can Whole tomatoes
1/2 tbsp Parsley
2 tbsp Chili pepper
1 tbsp Cumin
1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper
1/2 tbsp Worcester sauce
Garnish: Cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, hot sauce.
STEP 1: Dice and seed green pepper, hot peppers. Add oil to pot,
then add chopped green pepper. Sauté them at medium heat for 2
minutes. Add onions, garlic, and hot peppers. Sauté one minute.
STEP 2: Add turkey, salt, pepper, and parsley. Sauté till turkey
browns. Stir in tomato paste.
STEP 3: Add beans, (add a little water to cans and loosen residue)
stir well. Add juice from can whole tomatoes.
STEP 4: Cut up tomatoes into chunks, add to pot and stir. Add chili powder and cumin and turn Heat to simmer.
STEP 5: Add Cayenne and Worcester sauce. Stir the Chili at every commercial break. Simmer till half time!
Macaroni Against Monotheism
by Orlok of COUNTESS
Though I am certainly a gourmet these days and enjoy few things more than a really
fine meal, this recipe is the quintessence of raw, simple, filthy food. Yeah,
just like my music. This recipe goes back to my days as a student, when of course
I had very little money and was too busy either studying or partying to pay much
attention to food. I used to cook simple meals in large quantities (so that I could
eat off it for three or four days). Sometimes I ate this particular meal every
single day for weeks in succession.
Cooking timE: 25 minutes
Servings: 6-7
Ingredients:
Cheap macaroni
666g of pork and 333g of beef (of the lowest possible quality)
Powdered-based pasta sauce
STEP 1: OK, here we go: take equal amounts of macaroni (the cheapest you can find) and minced meat. Let’s say 1000 grams of each.
Fry the meat, grinding it while you do and simultaeneously boil the macaroni. Do the macaroni a little too well (more than al
dente) to get the exact result we’re looking for here.
STEP 2: At the same time, prepare a sauce, based on the cheapest little bag of powder-based sauce you can find in a supermarket,
the kind that you have to add water to and then boil. Use just a bit of sauce in comparison to the amounts of macaroni and meat.
STEP 3: Once everything is done, throw it all in a single pan. Do not add anything else and most certainly not fresh vegetables
or herbs or anything that will refine the taste. Then mix it all together and serve it.
The taste should be really primitive because of the equal amounts of meat and macaroni and the very limited presence of the sauce.
Consume with large quantities of the cheapest beer (preferably pilsner) you can find in a proletarian supermarket (the kind
10 vagrants drink) and while listening to some Orthodox BM. Enjoy!
PROTO-METAL LAMB SHANKS BRAISED IN BURGUNDY
By WARPIG, Stephen Huston c.c.c.
This is the creation of Dana (keyboards, rhythm guitar and vocals)’s chef
Stephen Huston. Dana’s restaurant Little Louis’ is an exceptional place with
great food and the recipient of many awards. (See www.littlelouis.ca)
Preperation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Servings: 6
6 each lamb shanks (400 grm ea) 1/2 litre red wine
1/2 cup celery chopped 1 litre chicken stock
1 each carrot chopped 1/4 cup tomato paste
1/4 head fennel chopped salt and fresh ground pepper
12 garlic cloves chopped olive oil
1 sprig fresh thyme
Ingredients:
STEP 1: Season shanks with salt & pepper and brown in olive oil over medium high heat. // STEP 2: Remove shanks from
fry-pan and add all the chopped vegetables and sauté until very soft. // STEP 3: Add tomato paste and cook to mature ,
stirring frequently, approx 10 minutes. // STEP 4: Add wine and reduce by half // STEP 5: Add stock and shanks and bring
to a boil. // STEP 6: Cover pan loosely with foil and place in a 325 degree oven to braise until very tender, turning
every twenty minutes for 1 1/2 hours. // STEP 7 Skim away any fat from the surface and serve 1 shank per person with some
of the braising liquid, some baked polenta and fresh vegetables.
Tomato-garlic HELLFIRE chicken
Jori of NAILGUNNER (FIN)
This is a recipe I developed with a good friend of mine. We wanted to get
some hot and spicy food but there wasn’t anything in the shops that would’ve
had the right kind of taste, so we started experimenting with our own simple
ingredients.
Preperation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2-3
Ingredients:
500g of chicken (Pre-sliced is ok, but I recommend a fillet to chop yourself)
A can of squashed tomatoes (400g I guess?)
Rice (basmati recommended)
1 clove of minced garlic
Salsa
1 red pepper, sliced
Spices: chili, basil & onion and all kinds of herbs and hot spices that seem
suitable.
STEP 1: Put your favourite Manowar album on. // STEP 2: Get the rice cooking // STEP 3: Slice the chicken, then fry it in a
saucepan with some oil. // STEP 4: Pour in the squashed tomatoes, 2-3 tablespoons of salsa and 2-3 teaspoons of garlic. Add
the other spices. // STEP 5: Boil up the sauce, then turn down the heat and let it brew until it’s thick enough for you. //
STEP 6: Taste and add spices if needed. Eat!!
Tips: Experiment with the spices to get a level of hotness suitable for you. You can also add bits of vegetables like carrots,
onion and peppers if you like.
If you’ve got suggestions on how make this food even better, send them here: jorisaraaho@gmail.com
Morbid Chef’s comments: This is a very tasty fast meal. I added some thai hot peppers and it was perfect! Also, I suggest you
mix the chicken, sauce and rice together... it’s really good.
9
 Bloody Intestines and Worms
(Just kidding! Italian sausage, peppers and onions)
by Bill of IMPALER
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 min
Portions: 2
INGREDIENTS
1 lb (500g) of hot or sweet Italian sausage
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper-seeded and sliced
1 green bell pepper-ditto
1 large onion in 1/2 inch slice
1/4 cup tomato sauce thinned slightly with water
pinch of salt and pepper
STEP 1: Pre-heat oven at 425oF. // STEP 2: Place sausage on a baking sheet and drizzle extra-virgin olive oil over them. //
STEP 3: Place in hot oven and roast until casings are crisp and juices run clear.(15-20 mins) // STEP 4: While sausages roast,
heat skillet with 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil and thin sliced garlic for 2-3 mins and add peppers and onions. Turn
the heat up a notch and cook until veggies are tender. (5-6 mins) // STEP 5: Add thinned out tomatoe sauce, pinch of salt and
pepper and mix though veggies. // STEP 6: Take sausages from oven and pour veggies over the top. Serve with favorite dinner
bread. Rock ON!!!
SAUSAGEMEAT PIE
Phil Denton of ELIXIR
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 min
Portions: 5 band members and a roadie or two.
Ingredients
Greased baking sheet with a raised 500g pack of puff pastry
edge, approx 13”x 9” 1 tbsp of butter
500g sausagemeat 1 tbsp of olive oil
1 medium onion (chopped) 1/2 tsp sugar
1 can chopped tomatoes Salt and pepper
STEP 1: Melt butter and oil in a large saucepan and gently fry onions for 5 minutes. Remove and set aside. Cook sausagemeat
in same saucepan, stirring frequently, breaking up pieces, for approximately 5 minutes. Add onions to sausagemeat, plus
tomatoes with juice, sugar and salt and pepper.
STEP 2: Stir, bring to boil, put lid on and turn down to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring now and then.
Meanwhile, remove puff pastry from packet and cut in half along shortest width.
STEP 3: Roll out one piece of pastry until it fits the baking sheet. Lay it on tray and, when cooked, add sausagemeat
mixture using a slotted spoon – as you don’t need much juice – and spread over pastry, leaving about a 1” gap around the
edges. Wet edges with water.
STEP 4: Roll out 2nd piece of pastry – slightly larger than the first – and fold over so the two long edges meet. Make
long slats along the folded edge, leaving just under 2” uncut.
STEP 5: Open out and place on top of other pastry sheet and sausagemeat mixture. Press edges down, then trim any excess
pastry so it fits neatly inside baking sheet.
STEP 6: Score edges (i.e. make lots of small horizontal cuts around the two edges of the pastry sides), brush top with milk
and place in oven for about 20-25 minutes on Gas 6 until golden brown. Serve with creamy mashed potato and baked beans.
8
The Stew of True Doom
Karl of The Gates of Slumber
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2,5 hours
Portions: 6
Ingredients:
2 lb (1000 g) boneless beef shoulder 1 bay leaf
in 1.5 in (4 cm) cubes 1 cup dry red wine
1 tbsp butter 1 cup canned beef broth
1 tbsp cooking oil (more if needed) 4 medium carrots in 1/2 in (1,5 cm)
2 tbsp Flour diagonal slices
2 cloves of chopped garlic 2 medium onions cut in 8 wedges
1 tsp salt 4-6 medium potatoes, halved
1/2 tsp Thyme 2/3 cup green peas
2 tsp fine chopped parsley 1/2 tsp salt
5-6 grinds of pepper 1/4 tsp pepper
The main thing to bear in mind about all stews cooked with vegetables is the timing. The vegetables should not be over cooked; each
should preserve its own texture and taste. The exceptions are the pot vegetables put in at the outset for flavor. these are often
supposed to end as a puree; when just the flavor is wanted, the are strained out. This is a marvelous brown stew, a meal in itself. A
red wine like Beaujolais or a California Mountain Red, or Pinot Noir is a good accent. Like most stews, it is definite in taste and
soft in texture, so a crisp first course of raw vegetables with a dip would provide a contrast. A lettuce salad served after the stew
in the French way, followed by a soft Brie or Fontina with the last of the wine, and could round out the meal, with fresh fruit of
the season to top it off. The vegetables in the stew may be varied according to preference and availability. The potatoes may be left
out entirely and a side dish of noodles, rice, Kasha, Zesty new Potatoes or dumplings may be substituted. The Dumplings should be a
kind that can be made apart from the stew, such as Matzoh-Meal Dumplings or Butter Dumplings since cooking dumplings in the stew would
interfere with the cooking of the veggies.
1. Heat oven to 325 oF (162 oC). Dry the meat in paper towels. It won’t brown when wet.
2. In a heavy skillet heat the butter and oil and carefully brown the beef pieces a few at a time. If they are too close together they
will not sear, and the juice will run out. As the pieces are done, remove them to a heavy, lidded flame proof casserole, with a very
low flame under it.
3. Sprinkle flour on the meat, in the casserole and stir with a wooden spoon until the flour is absorbed.
3. Mash the garlic with salt on a saucer using a strong fork. Add to the casserole with the other seasonings.
4. Add the wine and allow stew to heat for 5 min. add the beef broth to barely cover. Bring to a simmer, cover, and place in the oven.
Turn down to 300 oF (149 oC). or whatever temp. to maintain simmer.
5. Cook 1- 1.5 hrs. or until beef is beginning to tender. Check the stew occasionally to make sure it is not too dry. Add hot water to
bring it back to original level.
6. Add the veggies, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover and cook for 3/4 hr. or until meat and veggies are tender.
7. Tip pot to skim off fat. Check and correct seasoning.
8. Add the peas, sprinkle parsley all over. Serve with a hearty ale or stout beer while Holy Diver is playing.
Morbid Chef’s comments: This is by far the best stew I have ever tasted. I almost had a heart attack when plunging my teeth
into this baby! The meat melts in your mouth, and the wine-flavored stock makes the veggies taste hellishly good. I suggest
making this on a weekend because it takes a bit longer, but trust me - it’s worth the wait!
Rolled Flank Steak
by Joel of TOXIC HOLOCAUST
This is my favorite recipe by far. The meat gets so tender!
It’s great with beer... It is a German recipe after all.
Ingredients:
- 2x 250g Thin Flank Steak
- Bacon
- Onions
STEP 1: Put bacon slices on thin flank steak and add cut up onions on top. // STEP 2:
Roll each steak and tie with string. Dip each roll in flour. // STEP 3: Put floured
rolls in roaster and cover with water. // STEP 2: Bake in oven at 350 degrees for
about four hours, making sure you check that the water does not evaporate. 7
 Thundering Roast Beef Brisket
Lips of ANVIL
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 beef brisket of 1,5 lb (750g)
- 6-7 cloves of fresh garlic
- 2 onions
- 1 package of Lipton Onion Soup Mix
STEP 1: Fill roasting pot with 1 cup of water and one pack of Lipton’s Onion Soup
Mix. STEP 2: Using a garlic press, crush up about 6 or 7 cloves of garlic and put
it on the meat and into the soup mix. If you really like garlic, use more. Place
meat into roasting pot. STEP 3: Slice and dice up onions and place into the soup
mix and on the meat. STEP 4: For added interest, cut up potatoes into medium to
large pieces and put in all around the meat and in the soup mix. STEP 5: Place
in oven at 350 C for 3 hours, periodically basting the meat with the soup mix.
Keep covered and add water if necessary.
MORBID CHEF NoteS: If it is not possible to obtain onion soup mix, replace the
water in step 1 for a small chopped onion, 1 cup of beef stock, 1 tsp of celery
salt and 1 tsp of sugar)
Rock’N’Roll Sauce
Glenn of ANVIL
“I am the band chef... I cook most of our meals when we are living in the studio. When we
are doing tours we are usually spoiled and don’t have to cook for ourselves, but when we
are in the recording studio doing albums we like to have home cooked meals. I make a great
sauce, which can be used in lasagna, italian poutine*, on top of pasta or just slopped
over a nice piece of bread.”
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Portions: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (500g) ground meat - 1/2 tsp basil - 1 large can of tomato sauce
- 1 onion - 1/2 tsp oregano - 1 small can of tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic - 1/2 tsp thyme - 1 stalk of celery
- 1 green pepper - Salt and pepper - 1 large tomato
STEP 1: Sauté the onion, garlic and green pepper. Add the basil, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper. // STEP 2: In a separate pan,
brown your favorite meat. // STEP 3: Drain excess fat from meat and then add sautéed vegetables. // Step 4: Add small can of
tomato paste and tomato sauce, 1 large can for every pound of meat. // Step 5: Add 1 cup of water or red cooking wine and bring
to a slow boil. // Step 6: Chop 1 stalk of celery, and 1 large tomato and add to sauce. Let simmer for 20 minutes, then serve.
*Poutine is a french-canadian meal consisting of french fries, cheese curds and sauce (poured over the cheese to make it melt.)
AXOA
by Bruno Dolheguy of KILLERS
Pronounced “Achoa”, this is a traditional Basque dish that we prepare when we
organise gigs. Very handy because it can be prepared in advance and then re-
heated (it is actually recommended to do it at least one day in advance).
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 110 minutes
Portions: 8
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 kg of veal cubes (beef if too expensive) - 1 bouquet garni (bundle of herbs
- 1 big red pepper and two big green tied together)
peppers (or opposite) - 2 chicken broth cubes
- 2 nice onions - Parsley, salt & pepper
- 2 garlic cloves - Espelette pepper
STEP 1: Remove the nerves in the veal, and then cut thinly. // STEP 2: Chop the pepers, garlic and onions very thinly. // STEP 3: Cook the
meat in olive oil or duck fat. // STEP 4: Add salt and pepper. // STEP 5: Add the vegetables (which should be almost in a paste) to the
meat. // STEP 6. Fill up with water, add chicken broth cubes and bouquet garni. Add a bit of Espelette pepper. Cover and cook for 1 hour.
6 // STEP 7: Reduce heat and cook uncovered for about 30 minutes (until desired amount of liquid). Serve with potatoes, fries or rice.
 Chili Fit for An OGRE!
By OGRE
Preparation time: 20 min
Cooking time: 1.5 hours
Servings: 10
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef, turkey or 1 bag of - Salt
crumbled veggie meat substitute - Pepper
- 1 medium red onion - 2 - 28 oz. cans of crushed tomatoes
- approx. 10 lg white mushrooms, chopped - 2 - 16 oz. (444 ml) cans of diced tomatoes
- 3 tbsp minced garlic with green chilies
- 1 diced bell pepper - 1 - 16 oz. (444 ml) can of each:
- 2 diced jalapeños Corn, dark red kidney beans, light red
- 2 tbsp olive oil kidney beans, Garbanzo beans (chick
- 2 packet of chili seasonings peas), Black beans, tomato sauce
STEP 1: Brown these ingredients in a 15+ cup cooking pot until the meat is thoroughly cooked. // STEP 2: Add one of the chili seasoning
packets and stir. Once seasonings are evenly distributed, add the cans, the other packet of chili seasonings and salt and pepper to
taste. You can add hot stuff to your liking, too. // STEP 3: Cook this on low for at least 1.5 hours, and serve with garnishes such as
sour cream, cheese, tortilla chips, etc.
Morbid Chef’s comments: Excellent chili recipe overall, very filling and gives you loads of energy! Perfect for cold days.
Speckmannn’s Chili Mac attack
By Paul Speckmann of MASTER
With cooking in general, I have found that practice makes perfect. I was actually forced to learn to cook through trial and
error as my stepmother, A.K.A. Funeral Bitch didn’t cook very well. Her idea of a meal was tuna mixed with Kraft macaroni
and cheese with tomatoes on top. My father used to just say eat it, and keep the peace. Please, if she serves you shit on a
stick-eat it and save me the argument and frustration. So my poor Dad and I had to grin and bare it many times.
Preparation time: 30 min
Cooking time: 3 hours
Servings: 5
- 2 tbsp of vegetable oil - 28 oz (828 ml) can of whole tomatoes
- 1 pound (500 g) of ground beer/pork and a few turkey sausages or - 16 oz (444 ml) can of each:
klobasa (slovak sausages) and 2 breasts of boneless chicken - Tomato sauce
- 2 large onions - Corn
- 4 cloves of garlic - 2 x 16 oz (444 ml) can kidney/white or red beans
- Regular peppers: 1 green, 1 red - 1 small can (369 ml) of tomato paste
- Hot/Jalapeno/Habanero peppers: 1 red, 1 green, 1 yellow or - Sugar, salt, pepper
can of hot peppers - Chili powder OR chili con carne mix
STEP 1: Chop up onions and add them to the pan with a few tablespoons of oil and the
garlic. Cook over medium heat while chopping up one regular red and one green pepper.
STEP 2: Dice up one red, one green, and one yellow hot pepper available in any America
supermarket. They obviously go by different names Jalepeno, Habanero, etc. You decide
what to try. Also, if you are in a hurry, you can just add a can of hot peppers again
available at any specialty or Hispanic store.
STEP 3: I live in Europe (Czech Republic) now, and so I use klobasa and chicken or
ground meat, pork, beef whatever I can find on a particular day. In North America,
one pound of ground beef and a few turkey sausages grounded up are the best. Add this
to the veggies.
STEP 4: Cook all the ingredients for about 45 minutes or until tender. Get rid of the
grease if you care, I usually don’t bother. Add all of the cans as well as one 16
oz can of water. After mixing, add the sugar, salt, pepper and chili powder. Here in
Europe, chili powder is difficult to find, so you can use a package of Chili Con Carne
Mix. There are various brands available here. In America use regular chili powder, and
add a few tablespoons.
STEP 5: After about an hour, check the flavor, as you might need more salt or chili powder. Don’t overdose on the salt becauseit can be a
difficult thing to judge. Two to three hours of stirring is the best advice I can give. I think great food takes time, so be patient.
Serve with macaroni, cheese, and sour cream. (optional)
5
 MISO SOUP
by Yasuyuki of ABIGAIL/CUTTHROAT/BARBATOS
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1/2 package tofu, soaked in a water and cut into small cubes
- 20g wakame seaweed, cut into bite-size pieces
- 4 1/2 cup dashijiru (fish soup stock)
- 3 tbsp miso (soy bean paste)
- 1/2 green/welsh onion, sliced
- 1/2 package fried tofu, pre-boiled, drained and cut into small 2cm cubes
- 8 small taros (root vegetable... go to your local Chinatown!)
STEP 1: Boil dashiru. // STEP 2: Add taros, miso and dissolve completely. Be careful not to overcook otherwise the miso
flavor will weaken. // STEP 3: Boil simmer gently about 3 minutes, then add Wakame seaweed, fried bean curd and soybean
curd. // STEP 4: Boil for a while and turn off the heat and add chopped Welsh onions, then serve.
Morbid Chef’s comments: Miso soup is a traditional japanese dish, often eaten a breakfast. This particular recipe is quite
tasty and really healthy. If taros cannot be found, it can be replaced with potatoes - or completely removed.
Easy Cheesy Beans on Toast
By Emma of Lamp of Thoth
Here’s my idea on how to make a boring meal slightly less boring!
PrepAration time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
- 16 oz (444 ml) can of baked beans in tomato sauce
- A handful of grated, extra strong cheddar cheese
- Two slices of white bread (I have experimented with whole meal and baguette)
Take the can of baked beans and heat gently over a medium flame. Add a the handful of
cheese and simmer. Toast two slices of white bread, or whatever takes your fancy. When
toasted, pour the beans over and enjoy! For dessert, you can’t beat vanilla ice cream
with either, a chocolate bar or chocolate biscuits crumbled over the top.
Morbid Chef’s comments: Being french canadian, I’m not a big fan of tomato sauce in my baked beans (here we put maple
syrup!) - althought, mixed with cheese it’s a whole different experience. I am craving some now!
Recipe for Disaster / Tour Bus Molotov cocktail
By Dan Beehler (Ex-Exciter)
In 1987 we, Exciter, toured with an opening act called ‘Crypt’ in Montreal (awesome
band). Both bands and crews shared a bus. Crypt soundman ‘Sylvain’, who was massive,
had his own little recipe. He would say, in his French accent, “me I’m take the
chocolate milk, then I’m take the egg-salad sandwich, then I’m powermix”, moving
his hips in a circular motion (like a hoola-hoop). Then he would eye his victim and
he would say – ‘watch out tonight boy’. Even our bass player Alan Johnston (Gaseous
Maximus in all his rancidness) couldn’t compete, although he tried for years. So
remember, always choose the bottom bunk.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of high fiber bread
- 2 large ‘strong’ eye-cryin’ onions from Hell
- Mayo
- 1 garlic clove
- One quart chocolate Milk
STEP 1: Boil eggs. // STEP 2: Mix cooked eggs, onions (from Hell), mayo & garlic in a big bowl.
STEP 3: Make sandwiches. // STEP 4: Drink chocolate milk. // STEP 5: Eat sandwiches.
4
STEP 6: Powermix... watch out tonight!!!!
 Hails, and welcome to the cookzine section of MORBID TALES!
HELL BENT FOR COOKING is a crazy idea I got a few years ago... I started
developping a certain obsession for cooking and food and thought that it would
be nice to mix both together... because, well - even metalheads have to eat to
stay alive! So yeah, here are some alternatives to your usual beer and goat
blood. All recipes are either the band’s favourite - or it is something that
represents them well. Enjoy!
JASON DECAY’S WELFARE NACHOS
by Jason Decay of CAULDRON/GOAT HORN
What I do is mock a dish they make at Sneaky Dees (a Toronto mexican
restaurant/venue). I make the welfare version. It works really well on a day
off, or if you’re hung over (which is usually my day off).
PrepAration time: Varies how you are hung-over
Portions: Varies how you are hungry
INGREDIENTS:
- A bag of nacho chips
- 16 oz (444 ml) can of refried beans
- Favorite vegetables (Jason usually uses tomatoes, onion and green
pepper but mentions you could be budget and just use salsa)
- Shredded cheese
- Fried egg
- Hot sauce
Line a glass bowl with nacho chips and throw in a big scoop of refried beans.
Chop up your favourite vegetables and throw them is on top. Then shred some cheese on top and throw it in the toaster oven on
like 500oF (260oC) for 10 minutes. Then you can top it with a fried egg (or not) and douse it in some hot sauce. That’s it! Or,
if you’re rich, just take a cab to Sneaky Dees in Toronto and order the Traditional.
Yorkshire Pudding
by DESOLATION ANGELS
New Wave of British Heavy Metal band Desolation Angels shows
us how to do one of the most traditional British side-sides.
PrepAration time: 40 minutes (30 min wait time)
Cooking time: Varies between 15 - 35 minutes
SERVINGS: 4-6
INGREDIENTS:
- 300ml (1/2 pint) 2% milk
- 110g (4 oz) plain flour
- 1 egg
- Oil, lard or dripping
STEP 1: Place the flour in a bowl, then make a well in the centre and break in the
egg. Mix in half the milk using a wooden spoon, work the mixture until smooth then
add the remaining milk. // STEP 2: Beat or whisk until fully combined and the surface
is covered with tiny bubbles. Allow to rest for 15 to 30 minutes, whisk again before
use. Pre-heat oven to 220°C; 425°F. // Step 3: Place a teaspoon of fat into 12 individual deep bun tins or a single large tin
and place in the oven until the fat is very hot. Pour the batter into the tins and bake for 10 to 15 minutes for individual
puddings (or 30 to 35 minutes if using a large tin) or until risen and golden brown. 3
2