Respectfully,
Miltos XIC.
MÆ bites the dust.
I feel sorry for this decision but time's not enough to carry on with the weight of that blog page. MÆ deeply thanks all the bands interviewed and hopes to be excused for the cancellation of the rest of the planned ones. However, we're currently supporting a brand new blog, a similar effort in Greek language. Possibly, extracts from MÆ will be used at this new adress, only translated. Thanx to everyone who supported us so far. Of course, the page still remains open for anyone who wants to take a glance.
Respectfully,
Miltos XIC.
Respectfully,
Miltos XIC.
Featuring Dispirit's rehearsal at Oboroten
Dispirit were created back in 2000 but it took the band ten years to release their first demo rehearsal. This is a project of John Gossard (Weakling, Asunder, The Gault) and the line-up is also filled by Peter Blair (drums), Todd Meister (bass) and N.S. (guitar). This black/doom metal act is settled in San Francisco, California. "Rehearsal at Oboroten" features two long, breath-catching compositions aroused with sickness.
Ixtab's Lure
Bitumen Amnii
Bitumen Amnii
Visit the band's site at dispirit.org for further info.
Contact the band via info@dispirit.org to order the demo cassete.
Akercocke - Leviathan
Well, Musikal Æsthetiks opens a new chapter in this blog and at times will post certain tracks which are believed to be of uncompromising strength, passion and endless inspiration. Below you will enjoy a shocking composition from Akercocke, a band which has released masterpieces of art so far. Go on, fellas...
Sunrise is hours away
Precious seconds of life
Drift away
Unnoticed yet perfect
Slowly disappearing
I have found the edge
Have I found the answer?
Truth is my weapon
Your anger not enough
I wish to be alone
With my God
Moving through black waters
Leviathan
I wish to be alone
With my god
Have I found the answer?
The currents ebb and flow
Rising to the surface
From untold depth
Have I found the answer?
The currents ebb and flow
This fragile human condition
And cold necesity of death
Solitary and noble
Clarity briefly
Your breathing
Is my breathing
Your blood
Is my blood
I wish to be alone with my God
I am always part of you
Secret one precious one
Dying a death so tender
Don't fear thy exorcist
Drift away
The currents ebb and flow
MOONSPELL "Wolfheart" (Century Media)
Yesterday I heard in a long time again this beautiful record by Portuguese Moonspell and I remembered my teenage years when I was first introduced in the band's music. Full into the middle of the 90s when the air smelled different than now. The album contains eight great songs three of which are lengthy. The inaugural "Wolfshade" is best suited to enter you in the album's atmosphere and special musical perception of the band which (I may be wrong) apparently borrows late Rotting Christ tactics in rhythmic parts. Besides, the love and respect of the band for the Greek dark metallers is already known (Ribeiro appeared as guest in Rotting Christ's "A Dead Poem" also). Fernando Ribeiro (then Langsuyar) provides with a very dramatic vocal interpretation in the compositions of "Wolfheart". All of the tracks are in English except for "Trebaruna" and "Ataegina", which are in Portuguese, as well as the chorus of "Alma Mater" and "Ataegina". The keys of Pedro Paixão (Passionis) who dressed the compositions with vampyric mood and catchy melodies that stick in the mind forever played a catalytic role in Moonspell's music. A typical example is the keys playing in "An Erotic Alchemy" which is a duet, inspired by and quoting Marquis de Sade. The female vocal is provided by Birgit Zacher and is of a sufficiently operetta style. In the album you will also enjoy the bass themes of Ares (João Pedro) who has written some brilliant lines (in my opinion). The album closes with the now classic "Alma Mater", a song that was particularly liked by fans of the act for its special, uplifting rhythm. "Wolfheart" is the best moment of the band which, despite all these years, continues to release at least decent albums so far.Miltos XIC
TOMBS "Path of Totality" (Relapse)
I am happy to listen to this bang-up record. You can't imagine how much happy I am and you can't imagine the fire and enthusiasm this band retains either. To start with, I have to say that this is going to be in my top-20 list of the running year without doubt. I firmly suggest Tombs are among the pioneers of this new death/doom/black musical hybrid as it's highly represented by bands like Castevet. Some people even call their music sludge but I'm sure it's way beyond this. I'm also sure that "Path of Totality" must have already achieved the international acclaim of underground circles for Tombs have a lot of challenging and vibrant music in this. You will accede the fact that this record is full of haunting melodies and great performances. Oh god, they should really brag about this! Some riffs are truly menacing and the sound is so beautifully shitty that it can't disappoint any of the fans. If I'd try to praise the record's black metal spirit I might be greeted with indignation by the genre's scholars, though its power is an autosire monster, feeding from its own inspiration. Listen to the "Bloodletters" track which amasses most of the record's compositional finesse and make your own decisions. I already hail this shocking excretion.Miltos XIC
HYPNOS 69 "Legacy" (Electrohasch)
To be honest with you, I've never been fan of this band. In fact, I had listened spare tracks of their previous albums here and there and I was never impressed quite a lot. "Legacy" was released one year ago and the band seems to see their compositions as a natural transition to a more retro-like feel, in the veins of Uriah Heep and King Crimson. The surprise though is that it really worked! Hypnos 69 pack inspired improvisation and delirious rock beats and release a broken-down, yet focused record. Chock full of ideas, "Legacy" contains heavy riffing but not only that. The incorporated psychedelic tunes are so clinged to the progressive spirit of the record that it's going to bring you in mind the glorious Seventies. The band has taken an elaborate look on their idols and has fired up some kind of beautiful experimentation, elegant and respectable. The sound production is much vintage and the organ use ensues primal rock vibes. There's also flute playing which feels like Jethro Tull outbreaks. Generally, I've got to admit that Hypnos 69 have dodged the trap of just reproducing their favourite influences and despite the fact that it is much obvious from what they are influenced, they've created a really beautiful album.Miltos XIC
MAGMA "K.A." (Le Chant du Monde)
Magma's musical perception is somehow alien. It's as if they've built a whole musical world the amplitude of which is beyond any common human mind. Their compositions are of a crystallized, yet chaotic nature. Operatic vocals (both male and female) expressed in more abstract forms of course, over a progressive musical sheet provide such an advancement in each song that actually lead to an indeficient sonic result. They are considered as pre-eminently pioneers in the big prog family even though it's very hard to categorize their prodigious music. I stongly believe the band's rhythm section to power the songs they've created, yet the group comprises some of the most inspired and talented musicians of all times. If I were to parallel their music with another act, I'd have to mention mighty Gong whose work is beyond criticism - especially their "You" album back in 1974. In Magma's "K.A." you can enjoy three long tracks which include menacing and dramatic moments. I don't know how much in demand they are but surely Magma have gained a cult following, sometimes supported by phenomenally irrelevant to their style people. Just watch Castevet's mainman, Andrew Hock, and you'll get the point.Miltos XIC
Universe 217 video clips
Check out three beautifully made video clips by greek band, Universe 217. Somehow a state of art. Support them. Visit their MySpace page by clicking here.
In Your Head
I Don't Give a Damn
Prey
As the band claims:
In Your Head
I Don't Give a Damn
Prey
As the band claims:
The concept is simple. The very moment, between a choice made, and a deed done. Key to this the repetation of certain ideas and sequences slowed down, or timelapsed.
Download "Four Wall Freedom" by Ruined Families
See, that's a fucking masterpiece! The band itself provides the link for free downloading so we feel we're obliged to support them anyway. For those who love Canadian HC band, Cursed (RIP) or (best HC band ever along with French Kickback) Catharsis...Traclist:Get this from Mediafire
Modern Man
Sense Pleaser
Basement Rats
Visual Pain
Holy Weight
Temporary Companion
Seasons
Patriarchy
Ruined Families official blog page:
http://ruinedfamilies.blogspot.com/
Timeghoul - Occurence on Mimas
It's about fucking time for you to listen to this shit. Truly one of the most promising acts eve existed. "Occurence on Mimas" will prove this, folks. Give it a try, I please you.
“Transmission 82-09-4
From the imperial archeologist Beznan
On the cadaver world Earth
Concerning data in the fossilized brain
Of the last human being”
Upon the initial strata scan
No brains were found intact
Until the crystallized corpse
Was found in a mineral pool
A male homo sapien, face down, floating flat
Hulking blackened carcass
Fossil anchored to the bottom
With a brain tissue sample using memory chambers’ blood
Paint the research grid regard Earth’s history
Extract the tale of extinction of the timid human race
A titanic war verse a non-indigenous
Alien scourge
Behold Mimas
Shrouded moon of Saturn
Brandishing a crater
The girth of a mountain
Two warring nations
Ecology based on war
Underground dwellers
Infinite conflict
The one race smaller
With a larger frontal lobe
Mastered explosives
Severed their enemies’ world
Like a rotting useless limb
Causing the crater
Now an asteroid
Nomadic home drifts to space
And Mimas died
Earth’s gravity
Beckoned the meteor
Pierce the skin
Of atmosphere
Atlantis sunk
Dinosaurs cease
Landing in the Himalayas
Parasite world
Lie dormant
On the surface man thrived
While beneath him
In the flesh of the Earth
The scourge of Mimas became strong
Through instinct
The hordes from beneath emerged to murder
After the sun had fallen, up through the ground
Like stigmata
Dug through soil like blood
A poison from below
Tainted well spring of the planet
On crooked gait
They conquered, dragging corpses
Into the Earth for food
Remains reemerging, clogging the seas
Alien invasion from within their fortress
The Earth lay siege to home
Valiant struggle against oblivion
Mounted on evolved dinosaurs
Or on human ferocity matched ten fold
Swarms of fiends under the moon
The rapacious season of the dwindling age
Billowing clouds in the sky
Are gasses from the rotting creates of Earth
Cities collapse from below
The dove lies crushed under heavy laden foot
Victory adorns the horde’s sword
But the heaps of corpses poison the world
The soured filth purges the crust’s wounds
And underneath they parish from the blackened bounty
Seth Putnam (May 15, 1968 – June 11, 2011)
Kim Kelly of Catharsis PR confirms:
"Yes, it's true. Seth Putnam, one of the most infamous musicians that extreme metal has ever seen, the grindcore GG Allin, has passed away due to a heart attack.I handled all the promotion for Anal Cunt's last album, Fuckin' A, and Seth was always happy to oblige any request I sent his way. The band had been working on a new album before his passing, so chances are his musical career's epitaph has yet to be inscribed.I want to remind everyone that no matter how outrageous and controversial his musical career has been, Seth was still a human being with friends and family that loved him. I'm hoping that the internet will remember that. This is a very sad and trying time for those that knew him, and the last thing they need to see is an outpouring of messageboard hate. The man lived and died by his own rules; if anything, respect him for that."
Besides being a member of Anal Cunt, Putnam was also a member of the legendary Siege and made guest appearances on albums by Napalm Death, Pantera, Today is The Day, Psycho, Slapshot, Scissorfight, Eyehategod, Kilslug, Brutal Truth, Incantation, and countless others. Rest in Peace, Putnam.... much like you did after going into a coma, I know you're probably writing a song about this right now.
original post: http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2011/06/seth_putnam_rip.html
original post: http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2011/06/seth_putnam_rip.html
Tardive Dyskinesia live @ Gagarin (supporting The Dillinger Escape Plan)
MORBID ANGEL "Illud Divinum Insanus" (Season of Mist)
Man, in all of his humanly spirit, sometimes judges certain things not that much objectively. There's an interplay of many factors in his own idiosyncrasy which will make him love or hate any thing. Morbid Angel are one of the biggest chapters (if not THE biggest) of death metal encyclopedia and unfortunately "Illud Divinum Insanus" struggles to hit one's fancy. I'm not worthy to judge Morbid Angel as a band -in fact I'd never intend to- but the band's brand new musical ideology battles against the glory of their past. I'm not even sure if David Vincent's return and taste led them to this new direction. There are many though who accuse him for Morbid Angel's new face. I've been their fan since I first listened to their "Covenant" album and thenceforth I've enjoyed all of their records equally. In fact, they're my favourite death metal band of all times. Even their previous, "Heretic" album hid some seriously infectious compositions that could thrill the shit of me. I believe that Morbid Angel of this new era have misconducted their unique talent and I can't accept the fact that I had to wait eight years to get this kind of shit. Pardon me but "Illud Divinum Insanus" seems to contain second-hand riffs and non-essential material. The bright exceptions among the record's tracks are "Beauty Meets Beast" which has been lent a "Gateways to Annihilation" magnificence and "Nevermore" which is a typical Morbid Angel dynamite. Well, this isn't a joke anymore. I surely expected more than this. Tim Yeung may be a hell of a drummer but the themes he's chosen to use are really uninspired and I'm not sure if he's to blame. Vincent's vocal tone is really good, yet sometimes he sings like a hardcore singer or what. Trey Azagthoth outshines only in the record's solo themes - truly outstanding, particular and heartily performed. Pete Sandoval's absense is more than just obvious (we wish him to fully recover). To sum up, "Illud Divinum Insanus" is by far the worst Morbid Angel record ever released and (to me) one of the biggest disappointments of the last years. I just hope they'll soon strike back with a record of utter elegance and shut our mouths up. So, until next time...
Miltos XIC
DIRTY BEACHES "Badlands" (Zoo Music)
"Badlands" is one of those records that is really hard to describe or put under certain labels. Probably I'm not that well concerned of such kind of musical experimentations but it doesn't mean I can't enjoy this record's beauty. Its distraught feeling comes from the darkest compositions of The Jesus and Mary Chain or so it seems to me. Below its easeful surface dwells an ebullient anxiety and expressionistic mood. Fully dull and somehow ambient oriented, Dirty Beaches openly flirt with dark shoegaze or rock n' roll vibes. They have totally entoiled me with their fastidious tunes through which you may discern a gleaming performance ala Elvis Presley or Chris Isaak (fuck yeah)! If Joy Division of "Closer" era ever chose to cover the "Lemon Popsickle" soundtrack and all of its artists they'd probably sound like Dirty Beaches. Now riddle this! Well, you should at least listen to this partly grumpy, partly harmonic work and make your own decisions. Just don't forgo this chance.
Miltos XIC - 16/20
DEVIL "Magister Mundi Xum" (Unborn Productions)
It has almost turned out to be a trend of our days and many bands seem to be blown by past winds asperging their music with the early 80's spirit. We could even talk about a NWOBHM anabiosis or something like that. Though this journey to the musical past isn't exactly a British case anymore. Devil come from Norway and they manage to bridge the doom element of early Pentagram with Holocaust vibes. "Magister Mundi Xum" is a demo record but the band manages to share with the audience a crescive interest about their compositions. Directed to plain riffing, Devil's song-writing aims to bleak, heavy metal sounds of not ectatic range concerning their influences. So we can listen to a focused record, honest and pretty good. The elder fans of the heavy metal will surely appreciate this but it's still a great chance for the younger audience to meet euphony as taught three decades ago. I strongly exhort you to try this out.
Miltos XIC - 14,5/20
AUTOPSY "Macabre Eternal" (Peacevile)
Some years elder now, in a sea of utter professionalism, image issues etc., Autopsy -as afloat corpses- try to discern through a genre which has changed so many faces and is agglomerated by fake messiahs and so many promising nonentities. The tactics of duet Reifert/Morales were never missed at all, though. With Abscess' alacrity they both kept the frowst in high levels for many years. In the hearts of fans though, the name of Autopsy ever carried such heavy heritage that everyone was curious about this great act's reunion. Especially when Eric Cutler is announced to be back in this freaky association. So, are Autopsy assoiled? This may be kind of a stupid question since Autopsy have to assimilate only themselves in order to really bother those who have been continuingly following the band's steps since their very beginning. What if the production of "Macabre Eternal" seems to be cleaner than ever? These stubborn, ageless fuckers never spent worthlessly the bottled stink. The abyssic vocals are sput from lungs that smoulder, swearer and death-tinged. Reifert's drum groove tires the unadorned hate of guitar riffing. Both Morales and Cutler unveil their death/doom/punk influences through a vicious circle of sick compositions. Joe Trevisano (of Von fame) adds to the dark timbre of the songs a tight performance precipituting the end. There's no need to worry about Autopsy, nor their future is precarious. They keep to it, they've never left. Probably the most essential death metal band ever existed. Period.Miltos XIC - 17,5/20
VARIOUS ARTISTS "Miss Fortune Was a Henhouse Manager" (Spinalonga)
Sixteen bands coming from Hellenic ground compile this double CD collection. Spinalonga Records tests beyond the mainstream acts a whole underground scene which may interest most of the doom/sludge/heavy (or whatever) fans. The aberrant sounds of National Pornographik and Extraordinary Rendition colour this effort with aesthetic talent while the rest of the bands are drowned in ultraheavy, sometimes psychedelic, musical orgy. This compilation actually proves the healthy status of Greek underground scene and settles it strong anent similar foreign musical streams. Sun of Nothing broadcast a mesmerizing hymn, National Pornographik may remind of phenomenal Julie Christmas' Made Out of Babes and Drunk Motherfuckers dally with a half-stoner, half-sludge track. Nechayevschina's instrumental participation caves in psychedelic aspects and so does Last Rizla's song. Korsikov's much Sabbath-like introducing riff turns into a monster and Farsalas (vocals) beshrews it all. They could become the domestic Black Cobra, believe me. Stonenrow are beset by Electric Wizard inspiration and give the audience some of their spare blur. Bad Trip is a band I'd never listened to before and their music seems to be more than just promising. Sadhus, the Smoking Community participate with a long, long track in which I can discern a black metal aura (due to the vocal style) over the sludge musical background. Brotherhood of Sleep do once again what they do best; through their instrumental composition they manage to build up beautiful, atmospheric soundscapes. Universe 217's indisputable talent leads them to the creation of one more mellow, lethargic, yet short opus. 1000Mods cover Eyehategod's "Sister Fucker" so they got to be neutral criticized. Nice effort, though. Sector Illusion's recording slightly veers away from the rest of the tracks' mood but it still is a beautiful song. Extraordinary Rendition's progressive spirit gifts the audience a Keelhaul-like, inspired composition which lasts only 1.21 minutes. Circassian are the only to provide Eastern vibes through a song both mesmerizing and minimal. Yassa contribute four tracks in this compilation, functioned as intros/outros in both two CDs. To sum up, this compilation is a great chance for you to meet Greek underground scene and offers you nearly 106 minutes of quality music. Visit Spinalonga's website for further info and show your support. It's really worth it.Miltos XIC - 15/20
BLOOD CEREMONY "Living with the Ancients" (Metal Blade/Rise Above)
I fucking love Canada. Most of the bands originated there are really superb. At least the most known of them. Blood Ceremony's debut album, barring the obvious influences, was excellent. In their second effort, Blood Ceremony have a more personal sound even though their music still gives praise to bands like Black Sabbath and Jethro Tull. The heavy riffing behind the flute and organ use is astonishing and much trippy. Blood Ceremony are candid as regards their musical style and they feel free to construct retro-doom compositions without cheapening the folk song-writing. The character of the band is, of course, much occult and the fact that behind the microphone stands Alia O'Brien may bring you in mind the mighty Coven by which they are also influenced. More into the proto metal scene than The Devil's Blood and more connective to plain rock than neo-doomsters, Jex Thoth. I consider them to be more substantial than the previously mentioned bands. "Living with the Ancients" is a beatific listening, dulcet and estrayed from the music that most of the metal bands are playing nowadays. It will travel you to past times and you can figure on Blood Ceremony that it'll be a really nice trip. Hails!Miltos XIC - 16,5/20
RAMESSES "Possessed by the Rise of Magik" (Ritual)
They are the new leaders. No Compromise. Heming around a black metal aura with horrific, primitive British doom riffs, more impish now than ever before. Ramesses' new face is implacable. All the bands of the doom/sludge genre have got to labour under the incomparable power of this trio. This raw musical piece of art is something more than just rehearsal holdovers, it turns out to become a ritual. I don't even know whether this was a single or common vision but all three members of the band held together perfectly in order to give life to this opus. Even if Ramesses were promoted as Electric Wizard's ex-rhythm section new project, Adam Richardson's persona is proved to be larger than life. His vocal performance habits the band's doomed tunes with such soul that it actually obtrudes upon the recorded instruments. I won't be surprised if they're going to excrete a black metal record soon. Try facing this band's impetus and you'll get lost. This is possibly the running year's top release.Miltos XIC
DARKTHRONE "Transilvanian Hunger" (Peaceville)
It's been three days now that I'm listening to this album non-stop. No, it doesn't mean I discovered this sort of musical masterpiece now but it seems I'm stuck to it once more after making the "mistake" of re-listening to this. The album is untypically divided into two units as regards the lyrics since Fenriz leaves half of the song scripts be written by Burzum's Varg Vikernes who had then been imprisoned. Its minimalistic sound is of blacker-than-black nature. Its obvious melancholic tone drags you into the deepest abyss. Each one of the record's songs (my personal favourites are "Skald Av Satans Sol" and "En As I Dype Skogen") impenetrate the dark soul of black metal music as few albums have done so far. These long, long riffs may maul your senses. Its demonic touch ("As Flittermice As Satans Spys") predominates over the 80% of the so called black metal scene. Lest ways, try this. Authenticity through music. So pure...evil! Cold.Miltos XIC
Interview: Ruined Families
This is hardcore. And that's an interview with Ruined Families' member, Takis. Enjoy.
Although I have already read about some of your musical influences, I would like you to mention those constituting the sound of RF.
The main and greatest influence for us is the mutual connection with each other. Most of all, we have a really nice relationship and the constantly evolving environment that we create with each other and as a unit is the main place of influence for the band as a whole. Apart from that, our musical influences are pretty varied. We like stuff like Born Against, Acme, My Bloody Valentine, Unbroken, Ampere, The Jesus Lizard, Darkthrone and Interpol. Nirvana play a big part in our sound too.
I'll start with the lyrics which I liked very much. I dig some direct messages which occur after reading them (to me at least). Do you think that young men walk alone?
I think my lyrics are really personal, but, i believe that people can reflect and interpret them in their own way which is a good thing. I believe that the man of our age lives alone inside a well-built society of non-working relationships and social circles. People live with different profiles for every cause: real-life, internet, business, dating, friendship. All these people within one person make it difficult to recognize real personality. Also, there's no real need for other people except for self affirmation. Misery loves company only when company is comprehending misery. People enjoy to see other people miserable. The idea of loneliness and misery sells and makes it a way to gain attention. People starve for recognition, they're not really miserable.With such different characters and personal systems of understanding it's difficult to say that people are united with each other by emotions as every person feels differently for the same thing. Also, people lack quantity in contact and are overwhelmed by a great amount of bad contact. The internet makes everything even worse. The perception of loneliness and the awareness of it is much harder than the actual loneliness in company.
Did the formation of the band emerge by luck or under a certain purpose/need?
We have all played in different bands together or separately and we all wanted to unite in a working vehicle that would approach aggressive music, so, it all came really easy. As for the purpose, everything works for a purpose.
I'm glad you avoided the so typical Hatereed-Beatdown "trap" of hardcore. If you ask me, you're the best domestic act I've listened to as regards the genre. What's your relationship with this "side" of hardcore music?
I think we have a whole lot of different approach in the term "Hardcore" just to start. Some of us were listening to some of their songs when younger, but, they never inspired us. We approach hardcore in a different way. We approach the anger, tension and despair of Hardcore music with a more romantic way, even if that sounds contradictory or annoying.
How did the name of the band come up and what does this symbolize?
A friend of mine asked me if it sounds painful and dramatic on purpose and if it's provocative. When i think about it i believe that it might sound a bit like this, but, i think that it pretty much characterizes the sound and the aesthetics of the band. If it's provocative, let it be. I can think of a lot of bands that get you instantly in a vibe from when you first hear their name. It's not at all a bad thing to drag the listener into certain vibes that you create, if you can support them. As for the name itself, i think it's a pretty bold statement about the tradition of family, which is one of the most established traditions of this world. I don't think that there are happy families.
Is it my idea or is there some kind of flirt with black metal also? Particularly with the 00's US scene...
Black metal has been rising silently during the past years and i think that a lot of bands tend to produce good records, especially those that take black metal into another level. All of us really enjoy several USBM bands of the last years. I think that Black Metal starts to get credited as a market in music nowadays and more and more people give credit. We try to embrace its nerve, coldness and atmosphere up to a level where we can support it.
What shall we expect from RF in the future? I've read that your guitarist is actually serving his military services so I suspect that the live appearances would be less frequent for awhile. Where do you plan to get with the band?
Our guitarist is spending some time serving the army at a coastal army camp near Athens. Inevitably, this keeps us away from shows for some time, but, we play in a great DIY fest in Patra next week and possibly some more shows. We got a 7" record that will be out sometime soon and then we'll try to do the things bands are supposed to do.
Ask yourself what you haven't heard so far and reply to this.
What is the question that answers every question? -Does this really matter?
Propose us, if you will, some nice records you've found out recently.
I listen to a lot of new stuff all the time. Here are some stuff that made an impression to me lately: A lot of stuff that came out on Level Plane records, Unwound, Scorpion Violente, Raw Moon, Shaved Women, MNMNTS, Merchandise, The Replacements, Twilight, Drainland, Night Birds.
I've got nothing else to add. I wish you achieve the best with each one of your releases and the best for each one of you personally. Close this interview as you wish.
Thank you very much for the great interview. Start a revolution in your home.
Although I have already read about some of your musical influences, I would like you to mention those constituting the sound of RF.
The main and greatest influence for us is the mutual connection with each other. Most of all, we have a really nice relationship and the constantly evolving environment that we create with each other and as a unit is the main place of influence for the band as a whole. Apart from that, our musical influences are pretty varied. We like stuff like Born Against, Acme, My Bloody Valentine, Unbroken, Ampere, The Jesus Lizard, Darkthrone and Interpol. Nirvana play a big part in our sound too.
I'll start with the lyrics which I liked very much. I dig some direct messages which occur after reading them (to me at least). Do you think that young men walk alone?
I think my lyrics are really personal, but, i believe that people can reflect and interpret them in their own way which is a good thing. I believe that the man of our age lives alone inside a well-built society of non-working relationships and social circles. People live with different profiles for every cause: real-life, internet, business, dating, friendship. All these people within one person make it difficult to recognize real personality. Also, there's no real need for other people except for self affirmation. Misery loves company only when company is comprehending misery. People enjoy to see other people miserable. The idea of loneliness and misery sells and makes it a way to gain attention. People starve for recognition, they're not really miserable.With such different characters and personal systems of understanding it's difficult to say that people are united with each other by emotions as every person feels differently for the same thing. Also, people lack quantity in contact and are overwhelmed by a great amount of bad contact. The internet makes everything even worse. The perception of loneliness and the awareness of it is much harder than the actual loneliness in company.
Did the formation of the band emerge by luck or under a certain purpose/need?
We have all played in different bands together or separately and we all wanted to unite in a working vehicle that would approach aggressive music, so, it all came really easy. As for the purpose, everything works for a purpose.
I'm glad you avoided the so typical Hatereed-Beatdown "trap" of hardcore. If you ask me, you're the best domestic act I've listened to as regards the genre. What's your relationship with this "side" of hardcore music?
I think we have a whole lot of different approach in the term "Hardcore" just to start. Some of us were listening to some of their songs when younger, but, they never inspired us. We approach hardcore in a different way. We approach the anger, tension and despair of Hardcore music with a more romantic way, even if that sounds contradictory or annoying.
How did the name of the band come up and what does this symbolize?
A friend of mine asked me if it sounds painful and dramatic on purpose and if it's provocative. When i think about it i believe that it might sound a bit like this, but, i think that it pretty much characterizes the sound and the aesthetics of the band. If it's provocative, let it be. I can think of a lot of bands that get you instantly in a vibe from when you first hear their name. It's not at all a bad thing to drag the listener into certain vibes that you create, if you can support them. As for the name itself, i think it's a pretty bold statement about the tradition of family, which is one of the most established traditions of this world. I don't think that there are happy families.
Is it my idea or is there some kind of flirt with black metal also? Particularly with the 00's US scene...
Black metal has been rising silently during the past years and i think that a lot of bands tend to produce good records, especially those that take black metal into another level. All of us really enjoy several USBM bands of the last years. I think that Black Metal starts to get credited as a market in music nowadays and more and more people give credit. We try to embrace its nerve, coldness and atmosphere up to a level where we can support it.
What shall we expect from RF in the future? I've read that your guitarist is actually serving his military services so I suspect that the live appearances would be less frequent for awhile. Where do you plan to get with the band?
Our guitarist is spending some time serving the army at a coastal army camp near Athens. Inevitably, this keeps us away from shows for some time, but, we play in a great DIY fest in Patra next week and possibly some more shows. We got a 7" record that will be out sometime soon and then we'll try to do the things bands are supposed to do.
Ask yourself what you haven't heard so far and reply to this.
What is the question that answers every question? -Does this really matter?
Propose us, if you will, some nice records you've found out recently.
I listen to a lot of new stuff all the time. Here are some stuff that made an impression to me lately: A lot of stuff that came out on Level Plane records, Unwound, Scorpion Violente, Raw Moon, Shaved Women, MNMNTS, Merchandise, The Replacements, Twilight, Drainland, Night Birds.
I've got nothing else to add. I wish you achieve the best with each one of your releases and the best for each one of you personally. Close this interview as you wish.
Thank you very much for the great interview. Start a revolution in your home.
Interview by Miltos XIC
Recent Thoughts
Both of them are death metal bands. In fact, they are death metal legends. This last month, two new songs were released online so we could have a small taste of what's to come. Here's my thoughts on Morbid Angel's "Existo Vulgore" and Autopsy's "Always About to Die" tracks.
Part 1: AUTOPSY "Always About to Die"
Autopsy face no enemies. Even after their split-up sooo many years ago, the Reifert/Morales duet kept on shitting some lethal stuff out there with Abscess which can be considered as the physical continuance of Autopsy's vision. Now Autopsy are re-united and some of you have already listened to their new O-P-U-S "Always About to Die". All the good elements of Autopsian (yeah, that's much unique so we're allowed to name it that way) death metal that made us love this freakish act are there. The lethargic doom metal lapse before the primitive death metal/crust break betrays a band unfalling in inspiration and aesthetics. I am well convinced that "Macabre Eternal" will seriously kick some asses. Besides, Reifert is a human god!
Part 2: MORBID ANGEL "Existo Vulgore"
I wasn't that happy to hear that David Vincent rejoined the BEST death metal band ever existed. OK, don't get angry already, that's only my opinion. His musical association with Genitorturers (what a joke) evinced a man whom taste of music had changed radically. Morbid Angel, on the other hand, had released a very good album (Heretic) plus two magnificent records (Formulas Fatal to the Flesh, Gateways to Annihilation) with Steve Tucker behind the microphone/bass duties. I listened to "Existo Vulgore" the same day it leaked through YouTube. I didn't like this unfortunately. I consider its riffs as unremarkable and uninspired. The drumming of Tim Yeung, despite being perfectly performed, lacks in the organic sense Pete offered in the band's sound. Trey's solo in this is beyond imagination, though. David's vocals are still into shape but I don't like very much the hardcore style he spits the words. Morbid Angel ever seemed to show an imperial feeling through their music. And that's why I love this band so much. Their last album, "Heretic", missed this feeling although it was still epic because the rhythm guitars spat some demonic themes that could tramp upon most of the modern death metal compositions as a true conqueror beast. So I come to wonder this; it is announced that Morbid Angel's new record will contain eleven songs, two of which will be the intro and outro. One of the songs will also be instrumental - I believe similar to the ones of their last works. So we've got eight songs left, two of which are Thor's (new guitar player) compositions and they may be really good. The lingering six tracks are composed by mastermind Trey Azagthoth. "Existo Vulgore" is not that good. From what we can sense, "Nevermore" isn't a shocking track too, it is rather a typical good Morbid Angel song. Four tracks are left to show Trey's talent now. Let's suppose that all of those tracks are masterpieces. Is it enough for four to six tracks among the whole tracklist (that means half of the record) to make a record legendary? I very much doubt that but only few days are left 'till we all find out. Hope they prove me wrong.
Part 1: AUTOPSY "Always About to Die"Autopsy face no enemies. Even after their split-up sooo many years ago, the Reifert/Morales duet kept on shitting some lethal stuff out there with Abscess which can be considered as the physical continuance of Autopsy's vision. Now Autopsy are re-united and some of you have already listened to their new O-P-U-S "Always About to Die". All the good elements of Autopsian (yeah, that's much unique so we're allowed to name it that way) death metal that made us love this freakish act are there. The lethargic doom metal lapse before the primitive death metal/crust break betrays a band unfalling in inspiration and aesthetics. I am well convinced that "Macabre Eternal" will seriously kick some asses. Besides, Reifert is a human god!
Part 2: MORBID ANGEL "Existo Vulgore"I wasn't that happy to hear that David Vincent rejoined the BEST death metal band ever existed. OK, don't get angry already, that's only my opinion. His musical association with Genitorturers (what a joke) evinced a man whom taste of music had changed radically. Morbid Angel, on the other hand, had released a very good album (Heretic) plus two magnificent records (Formulas Fatal to the Flesh, Gateways to Annihilation) with Steve Tucker behind the microphone/bass duties. I listened to "Existo Vulgore" the same day it leaked through YouTube. I didn't like this unfortunately. I consider its riffs as unremarkable and uninspired. The drumming of Tim Yeung, despite being perfectly performed, lacks in the organic sense Pete offered in the band's sound. Trey's solo in this is beyond imagination, though. David's vocals are still into shape but I don't like very much the hardcore style he spits the words. Morbid Angel ever seemed to show an imperial feeling through their music. And that's why I love this band so much. Their last album, "Heretic", missed this feeling although it was still epic because the rhythm guitars spat some demonic themes that could tramp upon most of the modern death metal compositions as a true conqueror beast. So I come to wonder this; it is announced that Morbid Angel's new record will contain eleven songs, two of which will be the intro and outro. One of the songs will also be instrumental - I believe similar to the ones of their last works. So we've got eight songs left, two of which are Thor's (new guitar player) compositions and they may be really good. The lingering six tracks are composed by mastermind Trey Azagthoth. "Existo Vulgore" is not that good. From what we can sense, "Nevermore" isn't a shocking track too, it is rather a typical good Morbid Angel song. Four tracks are left to show Trey's talent now. Let's suppose that all of those tracks are masterpieces. Is it enough for four to six tracks among the whole tracklist (that means half of the record) to make a record legendary? I very much doubt that but only few days are left 'till we all find out. Hope they prove me wrong.
Miltos XIC
DAX RIGGS "Say Goodnight to the World" (Fat Possum)
Dax Riggs has got the fabric of great song-makers along the way. Former member of Acid Bath and Deadboy & the Elephantmen, he has colored his solo work with some dark themes both lyrically and musically. His voice is perfectly warm and welcome and at times reminds me a less boozed Danzig. The musical compositions lend inspiration from the dark side of blues idiosyncrasy but not only. I guess it's these haunting soul melodies that make his work so special. The homonym track, for example, is a perfect background for Dax's vocals to sing in a so beautiful, deliberate discord. I hadn't listened to this record at all up until the last month and I got to admit I adored it. Far from the sludge experiments he's been associated with in Acid Bath, Dax comes to prove -nearly fourteen years after- that he is a musician, indeed. You could be much surprised by this record's good taste in musical aesthetics. Atmospheric, trippy, mid or up tempo, Dax sings some really shocking stuff even David Bowie would be jealous of. Plus there's an Elvis Presley sombre cover of "Heartbreak Hotel" which is well performed and suits the rest of the tracks' mood. "Say Goodnight to the World" manages to establish Riggs as a top musician of our days and you should give it a try if you have any kind of doubt about that.Miltos XIC
MASSACRE THE WASTELAND "World Collapse Countdown" (DIY)
"15 minutes of pure death/grind madness reflecting the nowadays self-destructing proceedings". There was an additional file, the music's one aside, including some certain information about the band when Johannes (guitar) sent me his band's stuff. The sentence above is generally a nice, short description about the music of Massacre the Wasteland, a newly-introduced act hailing from central Europe and especially Germany. The music of Massacre the Wasteland isn't innovative but does overflow with the certainty of professionalism at all levels. Concerning the EP's sound production I've got to admit that a great warmth is achieved despite the digital character of the genre. Vocals are both brutal and piggy and often expressed over much technical guitar themes which owe part of their chaos form to bands like The Dillinger Escape Plan or even newer, more chattering, Ion Dissonance etc. The great about MTW though is that they avoid using those so called beatdown tricks, thus basing their compositions on a totally sicker atmosphere. My opinion is that if those guys choose to imbue their musical style with some more keys/samples like the inspired part of "Conclusion: Extinction" (at 1:15) they are damn able of creating thrilling vibes. It may be too late to talk for these dudes but you could be surprised by their undisputed big appetite. I am really impatient to listen to their first full-length. Oh yes, I am.Miltos XIC
WEAKLING "Dead as Dreams" (tUMULt)
The upsetting approach of haunted melodies, the sorrow which looms ahead devoid of supposedly feigned pain, the solitude expressed through hymnal guitar rhythms, banished in isolated musical landscapes, all harmonized under the heavy rhythmics of Weakling who so ingloriously faded before we could even dream about their next masterpiece. US black metal kind of dominated in the previous decade's musical circles both in aesthetics and content. Weakling released this at the very first breaths of it, in 2000, and then split up. John Gossard (guitar, vocals) kept on showing high levels of creativity with both Asunder and the most recent Dispirit (a band that actually takes Gossard back to what he'd left with Weakling as everything seems) but his contribution in Weakling's opus, "Dead as Dreams", possibly marks his career as his most important moment to date. The chaotic, long-winded compositions of the record leave the audience almost breathless. The sounds evolution inside the tracks is really catchy and natural and tracks like the homonym masterpiece are truly astonishing. You're gonna feel some epic feeling even, because when the introducing riff of "This Entire Fucking Battlefield" commences ripping the resonating speakers you kind of putting off in the field with the fighting bodies. Five songs. Five long-winded songs are sometimes all you ever need to travel through different realities. Well, I bet Weakling can offer you a bitter one.Miltos XIC
ABHORRENCE "Evoking the Abomination" (Evil Vengeance)
Part 1 - Abattoir. Ten years after brutal death metal shows its teeth for the first time (debut album of Suffocation) Brazilian act, Abhorrence welcome the listener to an alike style of musical aggressiveness. Part 2 - Evoking the Abomination. The fury lingers on until it is totally expressed in Part 3 - Sacrificial Offerings. An unrelenting display of musical orgasm in which the old thrash metal influences are embodied so smartly that the whole song sounds so unholy. Part 4 - Hellish Annihilation. Some double recorded vocal lines reminded me of Deicide's unforgettable debut record. The short solo themes are of course inspired by thrash metal of the 80s. Part 5 - Storming Warfare. A huge riff accompanied by an even more huge riff. The gunshot-like snare playing is really menacing. Let loose! Part 6 - Abhorrer Existence. From the darkest deep of the abyss they come, marching for intense destruction, bringing in the hands the unholy vengeance. Or so the lyrics say. Part 7 - Reborn in Vengeance. Some furious performance in all levels exposed in this brutal death metal hymn. Try this out if you doubt at all. Part 8 - Triumph in Blasphemy. The record's most time-consuming composition closes the album by abstracting all of its content. Twisted guitar brays and a howling wind fades. Already a classic!
Miltos XIC
A FOREST OF STARS "The Corpse of Rebirth" (DIY)
The violin which mourns in the introductory "God" sets the climate of a record which extends its sounds through a gray landscape. With constant development and basically a minimalistic musical pattern, the narrative sounds of A Forest of Stars seem to be believably haunted. If they draw inspiration from the so called suicidal black metal it is hard to say with certainty. Nevertheless, if i were to compare this record to the music of Silencer or Ondskapt I'd say that there's no such thing as similarities among them, yet the distance which departs these albums isn't very far. Both the piano and the violin introduce once more the weeping theme of "Female" and color a so anguished sonic background until everything gets peaceful under ambient tunes. All these things happen before the storm rages on again, of course. A more atmospheric "Male" follows and ends up with an absolutely theatrical interpretation and culmination. The record ends with "Earth and Matter" and "Microcosm" in a similar way of expression. The only difference is some tribal musical references which confer a special nature in the whole style of this band's music. Generally, this is an album you deserve to discover.
Miltos XIC
SUFFOCATION "Pierced From Within" (Roadrunner)
While their classic as hell debut record seems to still face no enemies behind the angry musical faces of its followers, "Effigy of the Forgotten" is so over-analyzed and discussed that really there's no thing left to say about its colossal prehension. Suffocation are stigmatized as a brutal death metal act and that's what they truly are, in fact. "Pierced From Within" is the third full-length of these NY death metal legends and the first without the alliance of Mike Smith (drums). It also happened to be the last record not to feature Smith behind the drumkit. Mike Smith is one of the biggest motherfuckers out there (intangible in drum technique) though Doug Bohn filled his boots so very well. The swirling guitar themes and the constant bass threaten are ever present, even in Suffocation most death metal album to date (along with 2009's "Blood Oath" maybe?) which scents, at times, Morbid Angel odors. Frank Mullen's vocals are beastly and unique and the band generally produces such a thick sound most of the modern bands still struggle to cope with. Brutal death metal at its peak with a schizophrenic style inside the compositions. Here, you can listen to "Synthetically Revived" as part of the album four years after its first audience in the best death metal EP of all time, "Human Waste". In the homonym track you can enjoy the best slamming shit ever heard by human ear and concisely "Pierced From Within" is one of the top records of death metal's finest, Suffocation. That simple.
Miltos XIC
Update
Just felt right to mention that "THE BIBLE" compilation is re-uploaded @ 320 kbps, including the Merlin track as well. Check out post no. 1 of month April for further info. Thanks.
Click here to download.
RUINED FAMILIES "Four Wall Freedom" (DIY)
Miss Catharsis at all? Just in case you believe that the mentioned band is one of the few, true HC acts ever existed (cuz I do) I dare you try this one out. Ruined Families gonna kick the shit out of you, that's a promise. "Four Wall Freedom" is the first sample of this Greek quintet and contains eight short hymns influenced mostly of technical hardcore music as taught by Catharsis (mainly) and each one of the tracks could be part of the latter's opus, "Passion". Their influences also extend to some even newer hardcore-based sets like Cursed (R.I.P.) and as the band's members claim bands like Celtic Frost, Nirvana and Interpol are among their favorites as well. Their music is direct and fires on! The lyrics reminded me a lot the writing style of C. Colohan and raise chords of a corrupt society. Their singer expresses himself in stressful ways and is much passionate. Songs like the introducing "Modern Man", "Visual Pain" and the album's closure, "Patriarchy" are so inspired that allow us to talk already about the birth of a shocking band which could deservedly represent the HC scene in global levels. The suspicious music enthusiasts have already discovered RF outburst and it'd be wise if you did this, too. For Greece is a country which provides not at ease the best for its artists and it'd be a shame if you'd missed this great piece of music when it withers. This band needs AND deserves your support. So well done, boys.
Miltos XIC
Interview: Dala Sun
Dala Sun recently shook up my sound boxes with their doom/stoner musical arrangements. To tell the truth, I'm pretty happy to find out (thanx Alkis) another domestic killer band. The more-than-just-positive mood of Andreas (oboe, translated as "drums") gives this interview a ton of gratification. Relish his humorous words...
Are you guys drinking whiskey straight up with a dala sun in summertime? You've burnt our skin...
Oh dude now that's brutal! Well under our hellish summer's circumstances we try to avoid it, at least while tha big Dala still stands in vertical pose, although you know, we have many more relaxing substances, not neccesarilly liquid. A few more days under the sun, the skin thickens in a blacker/cancier tone, you won't feel a thing from a point on...
On this ovule-sun of the cover which exactly are the sperms that make this conceive a band like Dala Sun?
Oh yeah, it's the pink ones! You don't see 'em? Well it seems the job's done!
I'd like to know the formation record of the band. Under what circumstances did that happen?
Well nothing catchy, Tolas wanted to name a band "Dala Sun" for so long. One day some guys were just chilling at his place, in a semi-septic mood, when a week-toned voice popped a question from some dark corner of the room "anyone wanna jam some vlaho-stoner (country-stoner) ?" Well that's about it, the only ones eager were me and Harris and next thing we know is us jamming some riffs down a basement in mid winter... Thrilling huh?
Were the members associated with other bands in the past? If they did, what did these bands recommend musically?
Yeah sure we did! Haris used to play for the municipal band of street parades in Aegio city, he was the best xylophonist and flutist of the whole town. Tolas used to sing songs in karaoke children partys dressed as a clown and hitting hard on his claquetas. As for me, the times when I used to play the oboe for my local church's psalms,really were something... Long touching ages, gone now. I mean come on, ain't this stuff obvious on the record?
Do all the members contribute in the songs compositions or is there a main composer?
We don't actually compose any music at all. It's our thieving and re-shaping ability that 'll sure get us big one day. You know, we steal some fav riff from some loved band and spend hours trying to cleverly reform it so that we won't be accused of thieving...same ol' story as EVERY band does, works every fucking time!
I did enjoy the record as really few inside the genre. Where do you owe your influences besides your obvious light source (=sun)?
Urban alcoolism, temporary mood-changeability, our own ears, surealism, the awe of situations under drugs, me, chaos, you, nature, humans, all the "something's not right here!" everyday thingies, exaggeration, love, the "come as you are" mood, false society, terrifying smiles, animal aggression, negativity, the end, stressing silence, and many more!
I got to be honest. My favorite track of yours is "In Evil". The vocal melody is like the ones of Dax Riggs. The rhythm change at 0.44 reminds me a pre-break out only Ramesses can create. Your thoughts on this?
Ramesses rule! Tolas said that the specific part may remind them a lot, it's true, one more stolen band here, hehe. Who's the Riggs guy? It's a good thing you dig these tracks anyway, but I don't really like them so much, after all I just hit the drums dude, you 'd better ask the musicians of the band...
How were you able to slip the trap from creating another one "southern" band? Don't you think the whole mutiny has turned to a trend?
Yeah, it's always been trend all the way. We just wanted to play some rock, but our influences were more grungy and somewhat catchy, tricky and more "dis-harmonic" than the classic pentatonic-blues riff-o-logy of the southerns, so that's what it came to be. It also plays great part that 3/4 of the band are into extreme and noisy punk/metal and experimentation in general. As for me, one band after "The Wizard", comes to mind when jamming with the Dala.... Unsane!
The artwork is much suitable to your music. Did you create this by yourselves?
Oh you think? Hehe... Yeah, it's mostly sketches of Tolas the bassman, as well as some of mine. We set the whole thing on PC afterwards. You see everything in this album (including the sound) is done entirely by the 3 of us.... it's "do it youself" haha!
Drop some words about your local scene. I personally dig Guinea Pig's released promo a lot and Bohemian Grove, especially their second excretion.
Patra has a strong underground, and through the last decade some great bands appeared some still active some split-up etc. It's mostly studio bands and bands that have short period of existence due to studying obligations and people coming and going like visitors since not their hometown, and most of the known/active extreme Patra's bands act/survive in this way. After all there's always been some strong underground, mostly self-organized/d.i.y. in our hometown, thus meaning unity and support towards live acts and music realeases, something that is harder to find in bigger scenes like Athens or Thessaloniki, etc. I used to play the drums for Guinea Pig, and sure liked and enjoyed the second Bohemian Grove Album being "blacker" than the previous, but unfortunatelly both bands are inactive due to life's obligations and mishaps and I don't see a very bright future on their rocking going further for quite some time, but let's hope they prove me wrong!
In this epilogue, taunt something, praise something else or wish anything. Thank you for this interview. Hope the best for you, guys.
Since I started answering this interview, our band got another guitarist! And since I enjoyed the Dala being a trio it feels quite crowded now, when being in studio or in stage, so please if you don't want us to become more, don't send us any more interviews haha!
I add. We're in need of music like the lapse at the third minute of "Electric Magician" and its ending riff as well. Give us SUCH!
Not a thing to happen soon, our next album will be more groovy, aggresive and fast. We'll try playing some rock n' roll now and we've set for the third album to be doomier and EVIL!!! Buhaha, but people and things change so we/you'll see till then... κοινως μεχρι τοτε, ποιος ζει ποιος πεθαινει αδερφε! It's been fun giving this interview, all the best from Dala Sun! Cheers dude!
Oh dude now that's brutal! Well under our hellish summer's circumstances we try to avoid it, at least while tha big Dala still stands in vertical pose, although you know, we have many more relaxing substances, not neccesarilly liquid. A few more days under the sun, the skin thickens in a blacker/cancier tone, you won't feel a thing from a point on...
On this ovule-sun of the cover which exactly are the sperms that make this conceive a band like Dala Sun?
Oh yeah, it's the pink ones! You don't see 'em? Well it seems the job's done!
I'd like to know the formation record of the band. Under what circumstances did that happen?
Well nothing catchy, Tolas wanted to name a band "Dala Sun" for so long. One day some guys were just chilling at his place, in a semi-septic mood, when a week-toned voice popped a question from some dark corner of the room "anyone wanna jam some vlaho-stoner (country-stoner) ?" Well that's about it, the only ones eager were me and Harris and next thing we know is us jamming some riffs down a basement in mid winter... Thrilling huh?
Were the members associated with other bands in the past? If they did, what did these bands recommend musically?
Yeah sure we did! Haris used to play for the municipal band of street parades in Aegio city, he was the best xylophonist and flutist of the whole town. Tolas used to sing songs in karaoke children partys dressed as a clown and hitting hard on his claquetas. As for me, the times when I used to play the oboe for my local church's psalms,really were something... Long touching ages, gone now. I mean come on, ain't this stuff obvious on the record?
Do all the members contribute in the songs compositions or is there a main composer?
We don't actually compose any music at all. It's our thieving and re-shaping ability that 'll sure get us big one day. You know, we steal some fav riff from some loved band and spend hours trying to cleverly reform it so that we won't be accused of thieving...same ol' story as EVERY band does, works every fucking time!
I did enjoy the record as really few inside the genre. Where do you owe your influences besides your obvious light source (=sun)?
Urban alcoolism, temporary mood-changeability, our own ears, surealism, the awe of situations under drugs, me, chaos, you, nature, humans, all the "something's not right here!" everyday thingies, exaggeration, love, the "come as you are" mood, false society, terrifying smiles, animal aggression, negativity, the end, stressing silence, and many more!
I got to be honest. My favorite track of yours is "In Evil". The vocal melody is like the ones of Dax Riggs. The rhythm change at 0.44 reminds me a pre-break out only Ramesses can create. Your thoughts on this?
Ramesses rule! Tolas said that the specific part may remind them a lot, it's true, one more stolen band here, hehe. Who's the Riggs guy? It's a good thing you dig these tracks anyway, but I don't really like them so much, after all I just hit the drums dude, you 'd better ask the musicians of the band...
How were you able to slip the trap from creating another one "southern" band? Don't you think the whole mutiny has turned to a trend?
Yeah, it's always been trend all the way. We just wanted to play some rock, but our influences were more grungy and somewhat catchy, tricky and more "dis-harmonic" than the classic pentatonic-blues riff-o-logy of the southerns, so that's what it came to be. It also plays great part that 3/4 of the band are into extreme and noisy punk/metal and experimentation in general. As for me, one band after "The Wizard", comes to mind when jamming with the Dala.... Unsane!
The artwork is much suitable to your music. Did you create this by yourselves?
Oh you think? Hehe... Yeah, it's mostly sketches of Tolas the bassman, as well as some of mine. We set the whole thing on PC afterwards. You see everything in this album (including the sound) is done entirely by the 3 of us.... it's "do it youself" haha!
Drop some words about your local scene. I personally dig Guinea Pig's released promo a lot and Bohemian Grove, especially their second excretion.
Patra has a strong underground, and through the last decade some great bands appeared some still active some split-up etc. It's mostly studio bands and bands that have short period of existence due to studying obligations and people coming and going like visitors since not their hometown, and most of the known/active extreme Patra's bands act/survive in this way. After all there's always been some strong underground, mostly self-organized/d.i.y. in our hometown, thus meaning unity and support towards live acts and music realeases, something that is harder to find in bigger scenes like Athens or Thessaloniki, etc. I used to play the drums for Guinea Pig, and sure liked and enjoyed the second Bohemian Grove Album being "blacker" than the previous, but unfortunatelly both bands are inactive due to life's obligations and mishaps and I don't see a very bright future on their rocking going further for quite some time, but let's hope they prove me wrong!
In this epilogue, taunt something, praise something else or wish anything. Thank you for this interview. Hope the best for you, guys.
Since I started answering this interview, our band got another guitarist! And since I enjoyed the Dala being a trio it feels quite crowded now, when being in studio or in stage, so please if you don't want us to become more, don't send us any more interviews haha!
I add. We're in need of music like the lapse at the third minute of "Electric Magician" and its ending riff as well. Give us SUCH!
Not a thing to happen soon, our next album will be more groovy, aggresive and fast. We'll try playing some rock n' roll now and we've set for the third album to be doomier and EVIL!!! Buhaha, but people and things change so we/you'll see till then... κοινως μεχρι τοτε, ποιος ζει ποιος πεθαινει αδερφε! It's been fun giving this interview, all the best from Dala Sun! Cheers dude!
Interview by Miltos XIC
RAVEN "Wiped Out" (Neat)
NWOBHM, Speed Metal, no matter what. British act, Raven, was something more than just a common band and they made a go of it through their unique technique skills and their live apperances also. When the rest of the NWOBHM scene was competing one another in image issues (leathers e.t.c.) these guys actually birthed their music as "Athletic Rock" and appeared on stages with hockey masks and some even frenzier mood. They are considered to be among the fathers of the Speed/Thrash Metal sound and I believe this is due to John Gallagher's guitar playing and compositions. The six strings abrasion refers clearly to heavy sound themes despite it's played a bit faster. "Faster Than the Speed of Light" - the album's first title says it all after all. Raven's "Wiped Out" stands perfectly for the rest of the UK acts that bursted out in the morn of 80s and is already a classic. "Live at the Inferno", "Bring Down the Hammer" are heavy metal hymns that can at least humiliate today's youngster-bands. At times the Ravens can outshine their own musical, stylistic flux in songs like "To the Limit/To the Top" where the listener confronts a different version of the band (the initial slower theme) even if it's just the calm before their acquainted break-out. Simply beautiful musical moments! For the story, drummer Rob Hunter once scraped through the hyper-cult band, Détente, and Joe Hasselvander (of Pentagram fame) fills Rob's shoes behind the drumkit since 1988. "Wiped Out" is a must-have record for the nostalgic fans of NWOBHM.
Miltos XIC
"THE BIBLE" compilation by Fenriz
Well, I’ve to say that Fenriz is kind enough to immediately respond to our request on how he apprehends music of 60s and 70s by sending this copy of “THE BIBLE” compilation (CD #3) from the “LET THE STREETS BURN” club nights, in 2008.
As he claims in the liner notes, these 12 songs are HIS kind of disciples, torn from the mesmerizing vaults of 70′s and late 60′s black magic of our love. It is a style he’d call DEEP ROCK, but he also made room for some ice-breakers along the way. Here’s the tracklisting of the comp, anyway…
01. WICKED LADY “Out of the Dark” 1968 UK
off of “The Axeman Cometh”
02. MERLIN “Space Raider” 1974 UK
off of “Merlin”
03. DIRTY TRICKS “Armageddon (Song for a Rainbow)” 1976 UK
off of “Night Man”
04. ICE CROSS “Jesus Freaks” 1978 IS
off of “Ice Cross”
05. WARLORD “Face of the Sun” 1974 UK
off of “Warlord”
06. SIMON DUPREE & THE BIG SOUND “Kites” 1967 UK
off of “Kites” compilation
07. HIGH TIDE “Futilist’s Lament” 1969 UK
off of “Sea Shanties”
08. HORSE “Sacrifice” 1970 UK
off of “Horse”
09. BUFFALO “Leader” 1972 AU
off of “Dead Forever…”
10. STRAY “Sister Mary”
off of “Saturday Morning Pictures” 1971 UK
11. ATOMIC ROOSTER “Death Walks Behind You” 1970 UK
off of “Death Walks Behind You”
12. JAMES GANG “The Bomber” 1970 USA
off of “James Gang Rides Again”
MÆ thanks Fenriz a million times and supports him to the bone.
Download @ 320 kbps:
DODSFERD "Fucking Your Creation" (Moribund Cult)
About two years ago, I did a show with the Karawans and met this guy from a band we played with, Nikos. This drunk dude didn’t seem to hide such love for black metal music but I was damn wrong. Later, I found out that, in fact, he’s been running an act of his own, called Dodsferd. And Dodsferd‘s a fucking cool band. “Fucking Your Creation” is a perfect sample for you to be introduced in this Greek act’s music. Obviously attracted to the second wave of Norwegian black metal, Wrath (aka Nikos Spanakis, also in Drunk Motherfuckers, Nadiwrath & Kampf) composes and performs all the songs of this beautiful album (with additional assistance from Archdjevel behind drumkit and Bacchus on bass duties). The record’s aura will submerge you into some seriously necro-metallic moments. Its riffology is reflecting a great operation of the black metal style and, at times, displaying a majestic feeling. In fact, the black metal sense is well manipulated inside the album’s five compositions that I’d rather think those guys are Norwegian. The malignant mood of “Fucking Your Creation” makes me proud of these guys for they serve this musical blasphemy greatly. This record is not recommended to irresponsive fans, though.
Miltos XIC
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