blog

Barzakh

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:24:28 +0100

The first formation of the band was from three people : Kiky, Yusuf and Rony. Was recruiting a new bass player and meet Gatrik in Jayabaya University about in year of 1997. We thougth that the formation is complete, hang around alwasy and jamming but its only a session. At the time we haven't know much about Black Metal because by hearing other genres of under ground and each one of us were still busy.

A few month later between two till four months we decided to forum a band, given a name and the genre of under ground music that we decided to chose in 1998, 29 month may we decided to name our band Barzakh. The style of our music we choose is Black Metal music. We decided and we alwasy hear Black Metal music. We made a logo for the band, the style of our logo was made by Kiky and Gatrik. Our very first formation is : Kiky (Vocal/Guitar), Yusuf (Guitar), Gatrik (Bass), And Rony (Drum).

March 29, 1998 our first journey, we are not satisfied to play Black Metal then we try to recruit a keyboardis in august 1998, we add Ally (Keyboardis) for almost a year with us September 24, 1999 Yusuf And Ally decided to leave the band. Was replaced by Reno (Guitar) and we record a promo tape entitled "Ritual Of Darkness", other that Kiky left May 26, 2001 Leon join as Vocalist supporting Yudi And as Guitarist supporting Reno, The frequent change of members doesn't change our attitude to record cassete and cd albums entitled "From The Devil To Sin". For two months July 17, 2001 Leon left for a long time together July 25, 2002 Rony left and Yudi also consentrated on college. Andy became (Guitar/Vocal) and Adev (Drum), not long after October 26, 2002 Yudi left the band, October 31, 2002 Andy also left. For one month November 20, 2002 Rizal (Guitar) Supporting Reno, January 23, 2003 Agni (Vocal) And Willy (Keyboardis) to record our second album entitled "Heart Holy In Hypocrite". May 10, 2004 Rizal and Willy left the band just session musician.

January 10, 2006 Adev left the band. We made to record for third album on cd with drum programming entitled "In A Meaning The Note". After 1 years we find new drummer and We got it and he name is Arvin for new drum player. Reno left the band because busy with the family and now Agni playing guitar. Finally we are got new vocalist he name is Adi for Vocal on 1 March 2009.

LINE UP : Adi (Vocal), Agni (Guitar), Gatrik (Bass), Arvin (Drum).

Our Black Metal music focus on Mayhem, Behemoth, Cradle Of Filth (Old), Dimmu Borgir (Old), Etc...To add our style of music is Sepultura, Deicide, Suffocation, and all metal music at that time.

* LINE UP FROM THE DEVIL TO SIN ALBUM *
Yudi (Vocal), Reno (Guitar), Yusuf (Guitar), Gatrik (Bass), Rony (Drum).

* LINE UP HEART HOLY IN HYPOCRITE ALBUM*
Agni (Vocal), Reno (Guitar), Rizal (Additional Guitar), Gatrik (Bass), Willy (Additional Keyboard), Adev (Drum).

* LINE UP IN A MEANING THE NOTE ALBUM *
Agni (Vocal), Reno (Guitar/Drum Programming), Gatrik (Bass).

Interview

* Interview with Armando from Death Thrasher Zine (Peru).
* Interview with Liisa from Metal History Zine (Canada).
* Interview with Tom from Mega Metal Zine (USA).
* Interview with JenRachel from Inside Newsletter (Indonesia / Poland).
* Interview with Edd from Sangwitok Zine (Malaysia).
* Interview with Rizal from Metal Industries Web Zine (Singapore).
* Interview with Hasryin from Emperor Zine (Brunei).
* Interview with Din from 666 Zine (Malaysia).
* Interview with Lordz from Rielchrisya Minizine (Indonesia).
* Interview with Roger from Gore NewsLetters (Indonesia).
* Interview with Rudy from Disaster Distro (Indonesia).
* Etc ....

For Magazine, Zine, Web Zine, Etc...

If you want to interview BARZAKH band please send message to :
agni_metal@yahoo.com

Discography

*Promo Tape "Ritual Of Darkness" Made Self (1999).
*First Album On Cassete "From The Devil To Sin" Made Self (2001).
*First Album On Cd "From The Devil To Sin" Made Self (2001).
*Second Album On Cd "Heart Holy In Hypocrite" Made Self (2004).
*Third Album On Cd "In A Meaning The Note" Made Self (2007).
*Simple Video Clip on Armada studio’s "The Power Darkness That Eternal" Made Self (2005).
*Release On Cd "Heart Holy In Hypocrite" by Made With Hate Record, Canada (2007).
*Release On CD "In A Meaning The Note" by Black Sign Productions Malaysia (2010).
*Black Warriors Compilation by Black Mad Production, Jakarta (2001).
*Vampiria Party 1 Compilation by Extreme Noise Record, Jakarta (2001).
*Hati Hitam It's True Compilation by Black Heart Production, Surabaya (2001).
*Black Lightning 1 Compilation by Sonnengott Music, Gresik (2002).
*Blacker Than Darkness Chapter IV Compilation by Dark Banner Production, Bandung (2003).
*Jeritan Hati 2 Compilation by RA Production, Jakarta (2003).
*Deeper Under Ground 3 Compilation by Sonnengott Music, Gresik (2004).
*Army Of Black Waly 1 Compilation by Inviolable Music, Cirebon (2004).
*Black Legion 1 Compilation by Master Of Disharmony Record, Purwokerto (2004).
*Castle Of Darkness 1 Compilation by Screams Of Agony Record, Lamongan (2004).
*6 Way Hell Split album On Cd by Metal Industries Production, Singapore (2005).
*Tidaklah Berakhir Seperti Ini Compilation by Inside Record, Jakarta (2007).
*Brutal Orchestra Compilation On Cd by Khayangan Production, Malaysia (2009).
*Republik Hitam Compilation On Cd by Brutal Homed Records, Jakarta (2009).
*Black Pagan Death Salute Vol II Compilation On Cd by Salute Record, Sweden (Soon 2010).
*Satanic Annihilation Squad Compilation by Burning Churces Record, Canada (Soon 2010).
*Much More....

Judas Iscariot

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 08:59:28 +0100

Judas Iscariot was founded as a one man black metal project in 1992 by a man going by the name Akhenaten, son of a judge back home in Dekalb, Illinois. In 1993 he released his first demo which was similar in style to early Darkthrone and Gorgoroth. In 1995 the debut album "The Cold Earth Slept Below" was released on Moribund Records. Several releases followed the next couple of years but he also took time to participate in side projects named Sarcophagus and Seeds Of Hate. The "Thy Dying Light" album was originally meant to be released by Head Not Found but their parent company Voices Of Wonder was too shocked by the extreme controversy surrounding the band and therefore refused to release the album. Soon Akhenaten moved to Germany and he recorded "Of Great Eternity" in Nürnberg in March 1997. In 1999 he signed a recording contract with the American label Red Stream. On August 25th, 2002, the project was terminated but Akhenaten still lives in Germany.

Azazel

Sat, 04 Jun 2011 14:48:01 +0100

AZAZEL - Black metal (Florida, USA 1999) ‡

++++++++++++
Members

Xul-Bass and Vocals
Xaphan-Guitar and Vocals
Rico Mortis-Drums

+++++++++++
BIO

From the darkest depths of hell arises the spirit of Azazel to wreak havoc
upon the disintergrating ruins of a corrupt society. Forming at the close of
an old era and embracing the shadows of a new Satanic eon, Azazel unleashes a
deadly plague of unholy black metal upon the four corners of earth .

Azazel, hailing from South Florida, was formed in April of 1999 when
ex-Devoured By Darkness Xul on bass/vocals and Chruch of Satan
member/ex-Coprophagia Xaphan on guitar/vocals decided to join forces from
working on solo projects, drawing influences from all forms of unholy black
metal bands such as Venom, Hellhammer, Sodom, Possessed, Darkthrone, Acheron,
Mayhem, and Destruction.

Azazel put out the Demo "Entering Erebus" which consisted of 4 pre-recorded
songs done by Xul with a drum machine as he was working under the moniker of
Erebus. Soon after Xul and Xaphan begun rehearsing the songs off of "Entering
Erebus" and writing new material to play out. In June of 99 Azazel went into
the studio to record the previous four songs plus two new ones which are
compiled on the new CD "Order of the Fly".

The new Satanic Millineum is upon us and brings the creation of pure
unholiness in the form of Azazel.

Hail Azazel! Hail Satan!

+++++++++++++++
Azazel Discography

Entering Erebus (Demo)
Forever Heaven Gone (Promo)
Order of the Fly (MCD)
Live 18.7.99

+++++++++++++
N e w Links

AZAZEL Official •

+++++++++++
NEWS March 2001

KULT OV AZAZEL debut release for
Arctic Music is finally ready to be released to the masses on March 27th.
Titled "Triumph Of Fire," this CD will set new standards for American Black
Metal. This 11-song assault of cold, grim, fast and deadly Black Metal will
easily put these masters of the black arts into the Black Metal elite. Upon
first listening you will be absolutely horrified and in disbelief of how evil
this band truly is. Recorded at Studio 13 with producer/engineer Jeremy
Staska (Malevolent Creation, HatePlow, Divine Empire etc.) you can only
expect top-notch production. March 27th is the day of reckoning!!!!!

NEWS August 1999

The mcd, entitled "Order of the Fly", is comprised of six songs of pure
apocalyptic hate and is now available. Azazel, hailing from South Florida,
was formed by ex-Devoured By Darkness Xul on bass/vocals, Church of Satan
member/ ex-Coprophagia Xaphan on guitar/vocals drawing influences from all
forms of unholy black metal bands such as Venom, Hellhammer, Sodom,
Possessed, Darkthrone, Mayhem, and Destruction.

Download Wave - Azazel [1999]
from their New MCD! / Order of the Fly /

Aether Cries (565 bytes)
Garden of Shadows
Crown of Fire
Forever Heaven Gone

or Download a Wave at Azazel Site

Kult ov Azazel [Off.] - Black / Death Metal (Florida, USA 1998)
http://www.kultovazazel.com
http://redirect.to/kultovazazel
Email: KultOvAzazel@aol.com
http://members.aol.com/kultovazazel/666.html

The reissue of Kult ov Azazel "Order of the Fly" on Blood Fire Death Records
Limited to 50 copies, very rare, $10 postage paid

"American Black Metal Assault" compilation on Infinite Darkness Records
(Netherlands). 17 bands and tracks by Azazel, Judas Iscariot, Krieg,
Vukodlak, Blood Storm, Grand Belial's Key, Exile, Fog, Summon, Maskim,
Thornspawn, Noctuary, Demoncy, Weltmacht, Fog, Khisanth, Bloodstained Dusk,
Crucifier,
$13 postage paid through Kult ov Azazel or $15 postage paid through Infinite
Darkness Records.

Kult ov Azazel
c/o Xaphan
PO BOX 23308
Ft. Lauderdale FL 33307

Nosvrolok

Sat, 04 Jun 2011 14:45:17 +0100

Nosvrolok

Sinister traditional Black Metal blasphemy from this U.S. act. Another prime piece of satanic hell from the Infernus Rex label.

Absu

Sat, 04 Jun 2011 14:00:42 +0100

Biography

The band originally formed as Dolmen in 1989, and after briefly taking the name Azathoth, they became Absu in 1991.^[1]^[2] The original members were Equitant Ifernain (Guitars, Bass, Lyrics) and Shaftiel (Guitars, Vocals).^[1] After recording two demos and releasing an EP they were joined by Proscriptor McGovern (Russ R. Givens - Drums, Vocals, Lyrics), David Athron Mystica (Guitars), and Black Massith (Keyboards, Synth, Sequencing). After releasing their first album Barathrum: V.I.T.R.I.O.L. in 1993, Absu narrowed their line up to a three piece when David Athron Mystica and Black Massith left. For live performances, they recruited the help of Mezzadurus (from Philadelphia Black Thrashers, Bloodstorm) and recorded as a three piece with Shaftiel and Proscriptor sharing vocal duties and Proscriptor taking over keyboard and synth duties as well. The band stayed with this line up for some time. With their second album, The Sun of Tiphareth (1995), the band explored Sumerian, Mesopotamian, and Celtic mythology.^[2] The band's third album, The Third Storm of Cythraul (1997), drew inspiration mainly from Celtic mythology, and continued their intellectual approach.^[3] Over the next four years, Equitant and Proscriptor worked with the ambient group Equimanthorn and Absu's sole release was the EP In the Eyes of Ioldánach (1998).^[2]

In 2001, Absu recruited a new second guitarist, Kashshapxu. The band released their fifth album that year, Tara, which continued the Celtic theme of Cythraul and Ioldánach, and featured bagpipes on the title track.^[4] The album is considered the band's masterpiece,^[2] and is described by McGovern as a concept album:

"The album is presented in a chronicled assembly dividing it into two phases: 'Ioldánach's Pedagogy' and 'The Cythrául Klan's Scrutiny'. Certain goals and objectives were finally accomplished with 'Tara', through exploration of our ancestral attributes and channelling divisions of pure magic within our minds and souls".^[2]

This line-up was short lived as soon after recording Tara, Equitant left due to musical differences (however, he and Proscriptor still collaborate on other projects to this day). Shortly after that, Proscriptor severely injured his hand in an accident, which required surgery to repair his hand. After almost a year of healing and therapy, he was ready to play again but Shaftiel no longer had any interest in Absu and Kashshapxu had also left the band due to musical differences. Proscriptor then put Absu on hold and decided to work on other projects. During this period he auditioned for Slayer but Slayer eventually went with their original drummer Dave Lombardo. In 2005, Proscriptor and Equitant put together a collection of rare, live and unreleased Absu recordings and released it under the title 'Mythological Occult Metal: 1991-2001' based on the suggestion of a fan.^[5]

With Absu still on hold, Proscriptor continued to work on other projects including Equimanthorn (with Equitant and members of The Soil Bleeds Black, dark ambient music), Proscriptor (his own project of neo-folk/classic rock fused music), and Starchaser Network (with Equitant and Victorious; electronic art/rock band). Additionally, he was the drummer/vocalist for Melechesh for six years (1999–2005; although still contributes lyrics and vocals) and has done session work with Judas Iscariot, Thornspawn, and Magnus Thorsen. Proscriptor also has his own record label, Tarot Productions.

In May 2007, Prosciptor finally announced the addition of Vastator Terrarum and Aethyris MacKay to the band. In early 2008, Absu announced they had signed with Candlelight Records for their future recordings but will release a 7" EP through Relapse Records. That EP was "Speed N' Spikes", a limited series featuring their first new material in seven years. In March 2008, Vastator Terrarum had left the band but had been replaced by Zawicizuz (formerly of the bands Infernal Oak, Rape Pillage Burn, and Bleed The Son) . In October 2008, the band added ex-Panzram member Ezezu on bass and vocals, after completing the recording of their latest, self-titled album, released on February 16 (Europe) / February 24, (USA) 2009 on Candlelight Records.^[6]

In September 2009, Zawicizuz left Absu and was replaced by Vis Crom of Rumpelstiltskin Grinder, Woe and XXX Maniak. The band then embarked on a European tour with Pantheon I, Razor of Occam and Zoroaster.

In November 2010, Absu announced that they would be doing a six date US tour with Immortal in February 2011 as a three piece as Aethyris MacKay has left to join Pantheon I. After this tour, Absu entered the studio to record their next album, titled 'Abzu' which will be released in late summer 2011.

Discography

[edit] Demos

Return of the Ancients - (1991)
Immortal Sorcery - (1991)
The Temples of Offal - (1992)
Infinite and Profane Thrones - (1992)
Promo Tape 1993 - (1993)

Studio Releases

Barathrum: Visita Interiora Terrae Rectificando Invenies Occultul Lapidem (V.I.T.R.I.O.L.) - (1993)
The Sun of Tiphareth - (1995)
The Third Storm of Cythraul - (1997)
In the Eyes of Ioldánach [EP] - (1998)
Tara - (2001)
Mythological Occult Metal: 1991-2001 - (2005)
Absu - (2009)
Abzu - (September 2011)
Apsu - (TBA)

[edit] Additional Releases

...And Shineth Unto the Cold Cometh... [7" EP] (1995)
Gummo (Soundtrack) (Absu performs the song "The Gold Torques Of Ulaid") (1998)
In The Visions Of Ioldánach [Video] (2000)
Originators of The Northern Darkness: A Tribute To Mayhem (Absu performs the song "Deathcrush") (2001)
L'Attaque Du Tyran: Toulouse, Le 28 Avril 1997 [7" EP] (2007)
Split with Demonical [7" EP] (2007)
Speed N' Spikes #2 [Split 7" EP with Rumpelstiltskin Grinder] (2008)

Line-Up

Current Members

Proscriptor McGovern (Russley Randell Givens) - Drums & Percussion, Lead Vocals, Mellotron, Lyrics, Arrangements (1992-)
Ezezu (Paul Williamson) - Bass, Vocals (2008-)
Vis Crom (Matt Moore) - Guitars (2009-)

Former Members

Aethyris McKay (Shandy Mckay) - Guitars, Synthesizers (2007-2010)
Zawicizuz (Geoffrey Sawicky) - Guitars, Keyboards and Backing Vocals (2007–2009)
Vastator Terrarum - Guitars and Backing Vocals (2007)
Shaftiel (Mike Kelly) - Guitars and Vocals (1991–2003)
Equitant Ifernain (Ray Heflin) - Guitars, Bass (1991–2002)
Kashshapxu (Rad Davis) - Guitars (2001–2003)
David Athron Mystica (Dave Ward) - Guitars (1992–1993)
Black Massith (Brian Artwick) - Keyboards, Synth, Sequencing (1992–1993)
Mezzadurus (Chris Gamble) - Vocals, Bass (1995–2002; Live Session Member)
Gary Lindholm – Guitars (1991–1992)
Danny Benbow – Drums (1991–1992)

Profanatica

Sat, 04 Jun 2011 13:44:21 +0100

Interviews with PROFANATICA are rare and pretty hard to find these days as bandleader Paul Ledney is simply not into doing them at all. We experienced this attitude ourselves when we contacted him way back in October of 2007 about the possiblity of a fresh PROFANATICA feature... Even though he surprisingly agreed on doing it, he also told us not to come up with too many questions. Well, we figured that we could live with that and sent over only a small number of 'em... And then there was silence... Tons of emails and reminders followed until we finally could offer you the following result... Not really the best interview in the world, yet a small sign of life from one of the coolest grim Black Metal acts out of the US...

Greetings Paul... hope you're doing fine and you're in the right mood to do a long overdue, fresh interview for VOICES FROM THE DARKSIDE?! I was actually quite surprised to see a new PROFANATICA album being released as I always thought that the band didn't exist any longer. I mean, you're running your own company these days and from what you mentioned to me before already it seems that you're doing fine with it... So, do you have enough time to focus on PROFANATICA as well? Do your employees know about the band?
"Yes, the employees all know about the band. No sense in hiding it anymore. It's a different time now. I keep a notepad with me at all times to write down ideas during the day. Of course as with any band you're thinking about it non stop."
In the credits of the "Profanatitas De Domonatia" CD you are mentioned for the coverartwork as well, so do you also create artwork these days? Have you worked for other bands as well already? Tell us a bit more about it...
"I like to do artwork for the young bands to help them out for cheap. I'm not the best at it, but poeple seem to like my work, so it's cool. Sometimes people ask me, and sometimes I offer to them."
If you compare your new album to your old releases the production of the new one is a bit strange at first... What did you change? Did it happen on purpose or was it pure coincidence?
"It happened on purpose. That was the sound we were trying to get all these years. More of a thick INCANTATION feel to it. PROFANATICA has not changed our style / ideas since 1990, unlike other bands. I'll make a special list at the end of the interview of bands that have changed. It's a shame to read but its all true."
Apart from the album, there's already been a couple of other PROFANATICA releases in the last couple of years. Were they all official? Give us a little rundown on the stuff here...
"All official. When the time is right we strike. Many things have to come into play to make it right. Otherwise we would just be pumping out shit like so many other bands do these days. A Black Metal band with 14 full CDs out is stupid in my opionion, and unnessesary."
For about a year or so you played with John McEntee in INCANTATION before you decided to move on and form PROFANATICA... What was the reason for that?
"John wanted to work harder than I did. That's it in a nutshell. I wanted more of a part time thing, and he wanted balls out everything. As you can see McEntee is still working hard making things happen."
Pretty quickly you released two demos ("Putrescence Of..." and "Broken Throne of Christ") that created a lot of interest in the underground... When did you write those songs? Was it all brandnew stuff at the time or did you re-work old ideas from the TOTEN and / or INCANTATION days here?
"We re-worked old ideas just to get a start. Then we cleaned all the parts up, and recorded the first demo. We did a 2nd demo right away because we wanted something more raw, like the necrovore demo."
Why was your guitarist Brett unable to participate in the recording of your second demo?
"Gelso and Brett were always in and out of the band. Sometimes one of them, and sometimes both. They thought the grass was always greener on the other side of the fence. While profanatica was going on they both did horrible Heavy Rock projects (seperately) hoping they would take off. Both of them are sorry they didn't just stick with profanatica."
After World Records then stepped into the picture and released the "Weeping In Heaven" 7"... What can you tell us about the material featured on that EP and was the deal for a 7" only?
"The deal was for a 7" only. Jason called me and said let's do it. We were very surprised that someone wanted to work with us. Locally (New York) we got no support at all. Everyone who had a band was asked to play New York shows but us. We were left off on purpose. Even when a friend of ours passed away there was a benefit show for her. Again no PROFANATICA. Anyway me and a close friend flew out to Michigan to make sure the 7" was going to be completed on time. There was a huge delay with the printing of the covers."
Next came the split album with Colombia's MASACRE on Osmose Productions... Originally it was supposed to be another EP, so were you happy about the change of format? What's your opinion about MASACRE?
"I like the Florida MASSACRE... the other one does not fit with us. I wanted to cancel the EP when I found out it was going to be a split. We would talk and fight for weeks over the phone, until I finally gave in and said ok to Osmose. The other guys kept telling me to calm down, and let it just come out. I thought we deserved special treatment, and Osmose should have put all of their money into PROFANATICA, for promotion, etc. PROFANATICA has always been a special band. Not touring, and recording 15 full length CDs. Take a look at what happened to the Osmose bands, and how they sound."
Before you entered the studio to record your debut full length album "Sodomy Of Sacred Assholes" you had to face some line-up problems... what happened? Was it difficult to find replacements so quick?
"Up until 1996 it was always hard to find people to play, now it's easy. Our songs are very simple in structure so anyone can really play them. The trick is to play them aggressive like Gelso does."
There's various stories circulating, so what really happened to the recordings of that particular album that it never got released?
"Aragon and Robert from demoncy erased it using a large magnet at the studio when I left early one night. That one I'm positive of. They both admited it on seperate ocasions. The drums were done in 1 take in 1 night. After that the guitars were very sloppy, and I kept having them re-do it. Keep in mind we are not RUSH. This shit is very easy, and anyone knows me knows I'm more lazy than picky in the studio. The shit was so off time I couldn't believe it. I was giving those guys a hard time about the parts. Now it's going on 2 weeks and the guitar tracks were not finished. I was furious. Herve kept calling us asking where the hell the master is. I gave those guys a deadline and I guess they didn't like it so they destroyed it. I was drinking quite heavy at the time and was probably acting like an asshole, but that hardly warrents erasing what could have been the best Black Metal disc ever."
Was that the reason why PROFANATICA ceased to exist at the time? When and why did you start up HAVOHEJ instead? I mean, most of the material that got released was from PROFANATICA anyway, wasn't it?
"After the reels were erased, the producer was pleading with me about getting fill in people to re-record it. I just couldn't put that much energy into it again, so I just let it die. There was a rough mix without bass that was saved. A few of those tracks can be heard on the "Enemy Of Virtue" double disc on Hells Headbangers."
Do you continue on with both bands now or is HAVOHEJ history again?
"Yes. Both bands are in full effect now and sound nothing like each other. There's a brand new havohej 10" out as I write this, and another one on the way."
Ok Paul, that's about it. Thanx for your time and all the best. If there's anything else you'd like to add, feel free to do so now... Cheers!
"Thanks for letting me take my time with this. I hate doing interviews as much as I hate playing live shows. Our label is Hells Headbangers who have been more than great to us in every way possible. PROFANATICA will headline the "Sacrifice Of The Nazarene Child Fest # 9" in Texas this summer. Still plenty of time to get airfare tickets for