Exekute - Doomsday Mourning

Review by James Goatfukk.

EXEKUTE is a Sydney-based five-piece delivering the goods with their debut EP titled, “Doomsday Mourning”. It is rather evident upon first listen where the guys in EXEKUTE derive their influences from; giving nods to bands like CANNIBAL CORPSE, SUFFOCATION and MALEVOLENT CREATION. The band is indeed all about spewing forth fierce and ultra-heavy Death Metal you can actually head bang to.

The sound is pretty good overall, with an excellent mastering job courtesy of James Murphy – a name I believe familiar to everyone reading this. The EP starts off with the killer instrumental track, ‘Doomsday Mourning’  before the second track, ‘H.A.A.R.P’ launches forth with brute force, smashing and obliterating everything in its sight.

EXEKUTE’s brand of old school Death Metal is rather enjoyable, maintaining a mid-tempo pace for the most part, but flirts with some faster parts hither and thither. The musicianship is reasonably good, with credit going out to the drummer for providing some kickass drum fills, keeping things interesting. The production on the percussion is really clear, and you are easily able to hear every single beat cut through in the mix. The guitarists have done a good job at keeping the rhythm tight and heavy at all times. The vocals are deep and fierce, yet not with the typical “cookie-monster” growls, but rather more in the Craig Pillard-type range with bits of George Fisher.  There’s a total of four tracks featured here, with a running time that clocks at fourteen minutes.

Like a hammer blow to the face, this shit is loud and furious and liable to beat you into submission. With "Doomsday  Mourning" the band shows much promise, but I do feel that there is still room for improvement, and perhaps even “progression" in terms of finding their own identity. "Doomsday Mourning" is a short and 'to-the-point' EP, and can be seen as a teaser of what to be expected from the band in the future.

Vobiscum Inferni - For The Greatness Of His Kingdom Of Fire And Blood (Mutilation Productions 2013)

The Brazilian death coven aptly branded VOBISCUM INFERNI unleash their second full length offering entitled " For The Greatness of His Kingdon of Fire And Blood " - and once more rips gashes across the wrists of every christian with an album absolutely heaving with evilness.

The sound hasn't changed too much since their former output; a mid-tempo beat that strongly dominates throughout this malignant pest, accompanied by hellish guitar sounds that portray an extremely bleak, hollowed feeling.

The riffs are comprised of truly unholy, dark tones, yet far from sounding unoriginal or monotonous. The guitars induce quite a viscous atmosphere, with a stench of pure death, at times reminding me a bit of SARGEIST. There's no doubt that the music contains an otherworldly feel and aspires to evoke some form of feeling within the listener.

I feel the need to praise the vocals too - rugged and harsh, raw and demonic - screams directly from the abyss. Diablorum (the vocalist) is a demon straight from hell. The drums are brilliantly executed, always maintaining a mid-pace, and complimenting the atmosphere perfectly. The music presented here is as black as it comes, and shows no probability of going "soft". This album may only contain a mere eight tracks, two being the intro and the outro. The songs are rather lengthy - with the longest being seven and a half minutes. Comparable to other Brazilian acts such as VULTURINE and BLACK ACHEMOTH. I would recommend this band strictly to the most die hard black metal maniacs.

Saxon- Dogs of War Review

 

Earlier this week Saxon re-released their 12th studio effort, Dogs of War. Thanks to Demon Records, it's been remastered, tweaked, and is being released on picture disc! It's the last album to feature Graham Oliver, a long-time member. But while the album signaled an end to an era, it perhaps also gave way to a new beginning.

By the early Nineties, heavy metal had really let itself go; it was way too bloated. Even Saxon fell victim to the hairspray sound, their albums in the late Eighties (Rock the Nations and Destiny) were polished and slicked up for commercial radio play. Well, by the time Grunge came up, the Golden Age of heavy metal was over and it was time to put up or go home. Saxon looked back to their roots and started to put out more raw sounding albums. Carrying on with the success of Solid Ball of Rock and Forever Free, Dogs of War continued the heavier direction the band was taking. The album set the foundations for the modern heavyweights like Sacrifice, their latest album. It's an important, and often overlooked piece of Saxon's history.

The album is a heavy one, the first two tracks ("Dogs of War" and "Burning Wheels") really knock you down on your ass. However, there are some traces of the polished sound from the 80s -old habits die hard, don't they- so  there are a few tracks that are on the melodic side like "Hold On." They boogie down with "Big Twin Rolling (Coming Home)", a catchy tune with a bouncy riff about motorcycles (c'mon, it's Saxon, it's their thing!). There are times where it's more rock 'n' roll than heavy metal, but that's not always a bad thing. Overall, it's a real solid album, even with a few dud tracks about buffaloes and prowling through the streets of Tokyo. It's still full of great, crunchy riffs with searing guitar solos and soaring vocals. The record starts out strong, has some good tracks like "Big Twin Rolling" and "Demolition Alley" in the middle, and finishes off on a good note with "Yesterday's Gone."

 It certainly benefited from the remastering though. The sound is a lot punchier, it has some balls to it. Compare it to the older version, and the old one feels a little flat. It really adds some color to the songs, as they sort of pop out with dynamics. I can only imagine what it sounds like  through my vinyl player, rather than my fancy computer speakers.

Granted, it's not one of their classics like Strong Arm of the Law and Wheels of Steel, but it's still an integral part of their discography. It's a strong output from a time where heavy metal was passe, and that's something to commend them for. Without it, they would have still been a relic of the 80s and would have been washed out with the rest. This album definitely shows that they still had it in them.

Nomad - Transmigration of consciousness (Witching Hour Productions 2011)

Review contributed by James Goatfukk

Ever heard of NOMAD? "Transmigration of Consciousness" is the fifth, full length and latest output by the Polish deathsters, and as a result, some of their most accomplished work to date. To a certain degree one can compare NOMAD to it's omnipotent country-men, BEHEMOTH (and rightly so, seeing as they share a guitarist) - but definitely on a different kind of scale. For instance, where BEHEMOTH has themes pointing towards the occult, NOMAD takes more of an individualistic stance on the matter.

"Transmigration of Consciousness" is greatly more atmospheric than it's predecessor. I believe the band visualized an album that would crush the listener with hypnotic rhythms, which are harsh, yet dynamic in it's variation. The interludes between tracks tie the songs together brilliantly and tend to evoke an obscure ambiance, which takes the climax of the atmosphere to devastating and effective levels. I suppose one easily categorizes NOMAD as a modern Death Metal band, yet there is so much more depth to NOMAD's brand of crushing Death Metal that puts them on a level of superiority compared to some of their peers.

Believe me when I say that it is no easy task to summarize the sound of this particular album, since I believe its aims are to break ground and stand above it's peers. Innovation is the name of the game here.

"Transmigration of Consciousness" is an album full of surprises and rewards the listener with repeated listening. There are no "singles" found here, as the songs flow together as one piece (hence the interludes between tracks). This is one of those albums that require you to listen from start to end to be engrossed in it's offering, a mood piece, so to speak.

If you enjoy the works of other Polish Death Metal bands such as AZARATH and VADER - or generally enjoy extreme metal that leans a bit towards the experimental side, then there's no reason you wouldn't enjoy of what's on offer here.

Cauchemar - La Vierge Noire (Nuclear War Now! 2011)

Review by James Goatfukk.

CAUCHEMAR, which means “nightmare” in French – is a trio hailing from the dark depths of Canada performing traditional-styled Doom with some heavy metal influences. Their sound is rather fresh with a dynamic edge and you can definitely hear the intention of the band was not to imitate their influences. For me, it's pretty hard to make comparisons, because I feel that CAUCHEMAR has their own thing going here, and as mentioned before, it all sounds very fresh.

“La Vierge Noire” contains five tracks that clocks at about 21 minutes in total. The first track, ‘Le Voile D’Isis’ opens up this EP in fine style with a thrashing riff that will get your feet tapping in no time. This is definitely one of the absolute stand-out tracks here and a great song for an introduction. There’s a lot of emotion on display here, with a rich melody and epic atmosphere. The band is more than able to conjure up a very mystic-like atmosphere that gives the music its rich character. The vocals of Annick Giroux, sung in French, come off as very powerful. Her performance is top-notch and a definite stand-out in the mix.

I read somewhere where it stated that, anyone is able to create Sabbath-inspired Doom nowadays and correct enough (and which REAL Doom bands don't take inspiration from the mighty godfathers?) – but on the other hand, FEW bands are able to come up with something as innovative and emotive such as what CAUCHEMAR has done here. Now I’m not giving the full praise here, just stating that whatever they are doing, they’re doing right, and should continue doing!

Now there’s no denying that CAUCHEMAR is a “revival” band, and so what? Revival bands are NEEDED in order to pave the way for future acts and to push the genre forward – but it's always a matter of whether or not the band is able to pull it off properly, and here, in this case, CAUCHEMAR has done well. I think the foundation of the band’s sound owes a lot to bands such as WITCHFINDER GENERAL, CIRITH UNGOL, BLACK SABBATH, PENTAGRAM, etc – you get the idea – basically, the whole proto-metal and 80’s Doom movement. There’s a definite 70’s tone prominent here, which is, of course, a good thing.

“La Vierge Noire” is a competent display of well-executed epic Doom that will find itself appealing to traditionalists and fans of the riff. A good, solid EP.

Putrified - Spawn of the Dead (Dybbuk Records 2011)

Review by James Goatfukk.

PUTRIFIED is another Swedish band, amongst a million others from the same country that play Death Metal. Does it ever get redundant? Depends what you consider to be redundant; what makes you tick and what does not. With me not being such a Swedish Death Metal fan, I would not hoard out absolutely everything that comes from this Scandinavian country – and not disregarding the classics. I will say this though: there’s no denying the supreme quality coming from Swedish territory and PUTRIFIED is nothing short thereof.

PUTRIFIED don't follow in the footprints of the typical Swedish Death Metal sound, instead they opt for a sound more akin to the old Dutch scene, taking hints from the likes of ASPHYX, SINISTER, GOREFEST, etc. I should note that their sound is not completely devoid to its country peers; and you'll be able to find (if I can recall correctly) touches of old ENTOMBED. Another band, sounding much like PUTRIFIED, would be none other than the Polish beast known as THRONEUM.

Initiating the madness, "Zombie Priest" opens with a piano interlude that subdues your spirit for about eleven seconds...before you find yourself being slammed into the dirt like a sewer wench by some otherworldly beast.

A really great riff makes itself known around the 00:53 mark that recollect BLASPHERIAN at their most prominent moments.

After experiencing that ferocious beating, "Fucked by the Dead" throws you back into the putrid gunk yet again to torment you even further. Decent, heavy, bulldozer-type riffs with fast and simple(yet effective) drum fills.

The vocals are excessively abrasive, stupefyingly loud and is also accompanied by tones that set off a pissed off vibe, which is all exactly what makes it so brilliant. Everything barring the bass flows somewhat melodically in a sense and were the bass to become less discernible, a replacement need be seeked.

Track number four, "Spawn of the Dead", is among one of the highlights on this particular album, a rather hostile number enhancing PUTRIFIED's vibrancy and forcefulness. A small taste of their lyrics follows:

"Vicious penis suffocation

Mouth filled with infected zombie cum

Awaken yet again to penetrate

And with the dead repopulate"

Now is that not indeed charming? It is most certainly poetry of such a nature to attract that girl you love.

All the songs flow at a upper mid-pace to faster, more deranged parts.

“The Shape of Death To Come” has a melodic, Gothenburg-inspired riff and I won’t lie if I say it feels a bit out of place here.

This band has most certainly enough of "what it takes" to ensure that this debut album does not go unnoticed in the underground scene. Perhaps one of their few flaws concerning their music pertains to the structure of their songs, which sometimes seems a bit too chaotic for their own... chaos. Blended with memorable moments, this album could stand out on your playlist. With a name like PUTRIFIED, you should already be aware of what there is to expect - nothing new or fancy - just pure, old-school death metal, drenched in the bowels of impurity.

Interview: Hell Torment

1. Bestial fucking hails Moises!!! For those who do not know much about your band, please give us a brief summary of the past and what your musical influences were from the start.

Infernal greetings my friend

Hell Torment is a band from Peru south America it formed in December 2006 of Total fucking death, thrash Metal , have a demo tape called "I Invoke Thee" a full length by Crush Until Madness Records, 2 Ep vinyl by Iron Bonehead Records and a split in format tape by Devil Blood Records From France a split format CD with Abigail from Japon and Adokshiny and a MCD Called "Cursed Nazarene" 2013 Hell Torment this formed by a only single person which recorded all the instruments and voices, and major influences are Venom, Celtic Frost, Destruction, Sodom, Kreator, Sarcofago, Sepultura Old, Vulcano and many bands of the decade of the 80s and early 90s.

2. Being from Peru, can you tell us more about the underground scene over there? I know some killer hordes like RECRUCIFY, HADEZ, ANAL VOMIT, BESTIAL POSSESSION, etc. Which other bands would you recommend?

There are very good bands from my country brother some with many years of formed, and many concerts in the scene underground of my country as Anal Vomit which has played in many countries in South America, the underground scene in my country is very small but very strong! There are also some important labels and too zines only I hope that the underground scene in my country can grow only time will tell.

I can tell you about a new band that I formed currently in June 2013 called "Impaled Christ" from total fucking war Metal total destruction the first week of July 2013 will release a promotional demo of two tracks and we are working to release in late July a demo tape with 5 tracks.

3. The music from HELL TORMENT is primitive and bestial. What opted you to play in this vein as opposed to having a polished sound like many modern bands? What is it about the primitive hell noise that gets you fired up?

The influences that I have always liked is the sound primitive and bestial I do not like the polished sound it sucks although it should be noted that in the different releases of Hell Torment I was able to combine different musical rhythms but I never leave of have a sound raw, this is why I hate some bands, by have a sound as polished but each band chooses its future. but the second album Hell Torment will be a complete madness will return to sound dirty and sick as my new project Impaled Christ band.

4. As far as I know, you play all the instruments; is this a difficult process? Why not collaborate with other musicians … or is the vision of HELL TORMENT too personal to share its ideas?

Exactly my friend I play all the instruments and voices, and as you say it is a really difficult process takes a long time and sometimes becomes stressful but when you have the final result is very rewarding, in my country is very difficult to find a good drummer or guitar

I always played guitar but as I could not find a drummer I had to learn to play this instrument my last band was “Eternam” death metal great band but disintegrated in late 2005 Hell Torment is a very personal band but it should be noted that anyhow this year we will be playing live and I'll meet musicians only for presentations.

 

5. Let’s go back to your debut album that was unleashed upon this rotting world in 2008 … What are your feelings now regarding this devil seed and what was the response like at the time? How did you end up sealing a pact with CRUSH UNTIL MADNESS? Any idea whether the label is still spreading its propaganda or not?

The first album brought me a great satisfaction my friend At That time was very difficult for me because I was learning to play drums and that's why the tracks are simple but with a lot of energy proposing Total chaos, now I feel satisfied with the first production was a very good time in Hell Torment and the response of people was very good, I met Marie Horval, from Crush Until Madness recrods by a friend who communicated with her and chatted sent him the demo tape she likes and she became interested in producing the first album at present the label does not exist so I have understood, but hopefully soon may arise from the ashes.

6. A lot of your lyrics are written in English, but a lot of other South American bands seem to feel more at ease expressing themselves in their native tongue … Why did you opt to write mostly in English?

The songs are written in English because I can sing better, in Spanish I did not feel very good when I sing and also because many people in the abroad could know what one this expressing.

7. The cover for “Opening the Gates of Hell” was rather simplistic (just like the music), with no artwork – just the logo and title in red … I think it was the perfect decision since it pretty much sums up what the band is all about; straight-forward, no frills Black/Death that is the musical equivalent of Christ being raped in his own blood…Your thoughts?

Exact brother, the cover was just the logo, I wanted to express that music was something simple but direct to the bones all the lyrics about the worship to Satan, lust, and perversion clear and direct.

8. Moises, which releases or bands have you been particularly fond of listening to lately? There are many killer bands present in the underground today, maybe there are a few bands who have captured your attention in the last few years?

There are many killer bands, stunning in the underground as Necroblood from France, Ouroboros from Canada, and also bands like Sadomator, Black Witchery, Morbosidad, Obeisance, Deiphago and many more.

9. The following is the not a question I use regularly, yet I notice that you hold your six string axe in almost every picture I’ve seen of you, so perhaps you could describe some of the equipment you jam with …

Always play the guitar from the decade of the 80... I have a guitar GrassRoots, and a washburn series Chicago I too have a small rehearsal room where I have Marshall head, Carlsbro head, cabinets Marshall 1960 for the Guitar and Gallien Krueger head of bass and a Pearl drum kit and some equipment more from recording.

10. The moniker HELL TORMENT is fairly ‘to-the-point’ and therefore it should be obvious what can be expected lyrically. What motivated you to settle with this name? How does it link to the message that you convey with your music?

Initially I sought an appropriate name for my band, but I search a name that expresses what I think ideologically, was hard to find a name but at last I found and Hell Torment expresses, what I think: Total hatred for Christians by spread something that does not exist in my concept that is the belief in a god called Christ, about Christ who died and rose again this is a big lie, and in my lyrics speak about the lies of a god that does not exist! Fuck off all Christians poor wretches.

And basing on this way of thinking is that I think to put the name of Hell Torment but also tried some different concepts of my life.

11. What is your stance on bands who wear spikes, bullets-belts and leather, but seem to apply a “fun” image to their music? Does this go hand in hand? Or do you think humour can not be brought in context with extreme metal?

Each band does the best he sees fit, if they feel they must use spikes, bullets-belts I think it's okay, I have 41 years and I grew up looking the zines the classic positions of the bands primarily as Venom a great band of total worship of which I am a total fan, but the spikes, bullets-belts is the position of music that is Total War the final holocaust, with a sound raw, rotten of torment for all Christians!

12. What’s next for HELL TORMENT?

In the first week of July 2013 will be released a production called Hell Terror which contains 9 tracks 2 tracks exclusively for this production and the others tracks of this productions are of the 2 ep released by Iron Bonehead and 1 Track of a split tape release by the Devil blood productions from France.

Right now I'm working on the news songs from Hell Torment for the second album which will be a raw sound and complete chaos something like my other band that I have been called Impaled Christ.

13. Thanks a lot for your time, Moises. I hope this interview will in some way help spread your message of hate across this world … Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks to you my friend for the support and tell all the maniacs of Hell Torment Total gratitude for the support and tell that Christ is a total lie and fuck off all the Christians, and the only thing real in this world is death.

any contact write to:

https://www.facebook.com/helltorment

moises-jo@hotmail.com or

helltorment.peru@gmail.com

address:

Moises Dextre Avila
Joses balta 148 segundo piso
urbanizacion ingenieria
lima - 31
Peru