Monday 14 May 2012

OLD CORSPE ROAD INTERVIEW May 2012


The UK has a lot to offer when it comes to Black Metal. One of those offerings is Old Corpse Road who have been making a real name for themselves over the last three years. I spoke to Steven Mills about how things are going with the band...

Hi Ste, how are you? How are things with the band?

Hi Matt. I'm great thanks. All is busy within the OCR camp as we are currently recording our debut album and preparing for its release this year. Over 2011, aside from playing numerous gigs around the country we crafted and perfected the tracks for the album and in November we began the recording process.
Everything is now recorded for the album with the exception of some acoustic guitar parts and a few more finishing touches. The mixing stage is getting very close indeed so hopefully we'll have some samples on line soon!

What is the history of Old Corpse Road?

There's a lot to tell, but I'll try to keep it brief!
In the autumn of 2007 myself and The Dreamer (Drums) were on a weekend break with another friend in the UK Lake District. We frequently visit the lakes to enjoy the outdoors and most importantly to listen to black metal. One day we visited Haweswater and came across a footpath named the Old Corpse Road. At the time we thought it sounded brilliant and after some research discovered what it was and decided it would be a great name for a band. I go into more detail about this later in the interview.
Anyway, we quickly began working on music in our practice room and also worked on a lyrical concept, choosing to write songs purely based on British folklore and legend. Over the following 6 months or so we drafted in the rest of the band, who are all friends and band mates from previous projects. The line-up has been consistent since.
We began work on the demo 'The Echoes of Tales Once Told' which we recorded at the back end of 2008 and released in March 2009. Receiving a great reaction we also secured a deal with Godreah Records to record a split album with the Worms of Sabnock (which contained 2 members of The Meads of Asphodel). Due to a number of reasons the split ended up changing to be with The Meads themselves which of course was great news to us.
We crafted and recorded 3 new hymns which we recorded during the latter half of 2009 and the split was then released in March of 2010, again receiving a great response. We also began our live crusade in late 2009, being invited to renowned folk metal festival Gathering of the Clans.
In 2010 we concentrated heavily on gigging around the UK and gained a slot on the New Blood Stage at Bloodstock Open Air Festival where we played to a near packed out tent.
In 2011 as well as gigging, we wrote the material for the debut album which is currently being recorded and will be released this year. We also recorded a cover of 'Equimanthorn' for a Bathory tribute album released in May via Godreah Records. This about brings us to date.


How do you feel about the UK Black Metal scene these days?

Difficult question. There are a vast number of great and very diverse bands in the UK at the moment. Unlike for example Sweden or Norway which has a typical style, the UK always produces a great range of weird and quirky bands as well as more classic styles.
Back to how I feel about the scene, personally I'm extremely passionate about it. I like to know about every band that emerges and where possible Old Corpse Road try to play live with as many as possible. With gigging, it's about more than just playing for the fans. It's about meeting the other bands, buying each-others merch and most importantly making friends.
Where I think the scene fails in the UK is in promotion. Sadly we are in a scene where too many people are in bands and there are not enough dedicated promoters and fans. Gig attendance is not as good as it could be and here I sympathise with UK promoters having hosted a number of gigs myself. Of course there are still plenty of gigs which are packed out and the feeling you get at these gigs makes up for the gigs with smaller crowds.
Overall though, I feel the scene has been getting stronger over the last few years, and as our own popularity has increased we've obviously seen the impact at our own gigs.

You have in the past been compared to Cradle Of Filth. Is this something you're all ok with?

Absolutely. Cradle are one of my all-time favourite bands and we would never deny or dismiss any comparison made between us and Cradle.
They get a lot of stick over their recent material by black metal purists but a lot of people either weren't around, or seem to forget what they did for the UK scene in the mid-nineties.
It's clear to anyone who listens to Old Corpse Road the influence their music had on us, especially the likes of 'Principle...' and 'Vempire'.


Your style of Black Metal is quite polished. Is this the style of Black Metal that you prefer when listening at home?

I listen to all forms of black metal and have no specific preference. It all comes down to the mood of the day, or hour! When it comes to black metal I'll listen to anything from early Bathory through to the most polished of Dimmu Borgir's albums. The whole scene, in all its forms is very special to me and something I adore and live for.
I'd say if I had to define my favourite style of black metal it would come down to a period in time and that would have to be early to mid-nineties when a lot of bands put out some classic albums such as Cradle's 'Principle...', Emperor's 'Nightside..', Mayhem's 'De Mysteriis..' etc. 1994 it seems was a brilliant year for black metal.


How did the split with Meads Of Asphodel come about Do you know the band well?

I knew the band since their first demo tape in 1998 when I saw a review of it in Kerrang! of all magazines. Since then I've kept up to date with every release. One of the UK's finest bands and legends of the experimental black metal scene worldwide.
We didn't know the band in person but JD Tait (guitarist) contacted us via MySpace after receiving the demo via his webzine The UK Legions of Black Metal. JD also plays in the Worms of Sabnock and he basically said himself and Crin (Godreah Records owner) were really impressed with our demo and would we like to do a split CD with them. As it transpired the split ended up being with the Meads of Asphodel which turned out great for us. Less than a year later, the split was released.


In 2009 you released the first Old Corpse Road demo 'The Echoes Of Tales Once Told'. How has the demo been selling? Do you have many left?

The demo has been shifting consistently over the last few years. We've only sold between 300 and 400 copies so far of the CD version, but in our eyes it's great news. We wanted to limit the demo, but not by such a small quantity that we'd run out any time soon. As it is limited to 1000 copies there's still a good 600 left.


Darkness Shade Records released a cassette version of your demo a couple of years ago. Can you tell me how this came to be?

We received an email from Darkness Shade asking if we'd like our next release to come out on tape via the label. At the time we had no new material to offer, aside from our ongoing album writing which had already worked out what we wanted to do release wise.
We did however have 2 unreleased tracks from the demo recording sessions which we always wanted to release at a later date. It seemed the perfect option to get those tracks available in a limited format. Something special for the fans. We agreed with Darkness Shade to re-release the demo with the additional 2 songs ('Hell's Kettles' and 'The Song of Amergin') limited to 100 copies and also with new artwork. The tape came out early 2011 and as far as I'm aware is now sold out.

How far do you think Black Metal has come since the glory days of Norway in the very early nineties?

Most of the darkness and mystery surrounding black metal has now gone. The days where you'd buy a release based on hear-say or a glimpse at a cool front cover are gone. Nowadays you can hear a full album before deciding if you're going to buy it and it will never be the way it was.
Still, for those of us who still care to look through the tiny cracks there's a really healthy worldwide underground scene with lots of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Black metal will always for me be a personal thing and as long as I respect it, it will respect me.
Musically black metal has gone from the simplistic and raw form it started out as, to a versatile beast. Nowadays there are so many varieties and blends with other genres and I think this is a great thing. Black metal has always been experimental and I look forward to hearing new incarnations in the future.


Where did you get the idea from for your band name?

As I mentioned before, we came across the band name in the lakes near Haweswater. This footpath as it is now travels over the hills from Haweswater to the town of Shap. The best way to sum up the meaning of a corpse road is with an extract taken from our most recent press release:

Corpse Roads provided a practical means of allowing the transport of corpses to cemeteries that had burial rights. In Britain, such routes can also be known by a number of other names: bier road, burial road, coffin road, coffin line, lyke or lych way, funeral road, procession way, etc. Such "church-ways" have developed a great deal of associated folklore regarding wraiths, spirits, ghosts, and such-like. Many of the corpse roads have long disappeared, while the original purposes of those that still survive as footpaths have been largely forgotten, especially if features such as coffin stones or crosses no longer exist.

Have you had much interest from any labels?

We've had interest from a few labels which I'm afraid we can't mention right now.

What's next from Old Corpse Road?

The Bathory tribute will be out in May which we are really excited about. The album will be finished and hopefully news regarding that will surface very soon. Aside from that we are looking to gig more this year to promote the album, with 4 shows already lined up in June and a few more for July, August and September so far.

Any last words?

Thanks for taking the time to ask us these questions. I hope you enjoy the read and please help spread the name of Old Corpse Road across the world!
Until then, farewell....

Thanks for the in-depth answers Ste. For those of you unfortunate enough not to have already checked Old Corpse Road out, you can visit them on Facebook, Reverbnation, and of course the bands own website.

DARKNESS SHADE RECORDS INTERVIEW May 2012




Darkness Shade Records is an underground record label from the UK, and has released some outstanding Metal artists over the last few years. The owner is also responsible for Orbis, so I spoke to owner/front-man Paul about a few things...

Hi Paul, for those who don't know, can you introduce yourself and tell us what you do? 


Hails, I'm the owner of  Darkness Shade Records, a label that specialises in releasing underground metal bands on cassette format. I also have my own Dark / Drone Ambient project Orbis.

What was it that made you want to start a record label?

I always wanted to start a underground metal label from a very young
age. So when I had money spare to invest into bands and learnt a bit
about the trade. I started in 2008 evolving the idea of DSR. With my
first releases being in the May of 2009 on cassette format.
My main aim was to keep the underground cassette scene alive by
spreading music I love and support on this wonderful format.


Can you tell me a bit about your ventures with your Ambient Black
Metal project Orbis?

This quote sums up my project Orbis in one hit -
"Dark / Drone Ambient hailing from the shores of the UK. Drowned in
pitch black ice cold depressed darkness. Capturing true emotions of a
barren desolate wasteland of a world drowned in darkness. My nightmare
I present in a atmospheric sound-scape giving you the listener an
extraordinary listening experience never heard before. Orbis is not
just samples / re-sampling, but original recordings done with real
gear and professional production."

What has been your favourite release on Darkness Shade Records and why?

I have done many releases on DSR so it's hard to pick out a favourite
one. I'm proud of the releases I have done so far and plan to keep on
going for years to come.


How do you view the Underground Extreme Metal scene in 2012?

The underground scene in 2012 is still alive and pretty strong. Still
loads of bands recording strong albums and many older bands still
active. With many new artists coming into the extreme metal scene it's
still a good scene to be apart of.

Most of the releases on Darkness Shade Records are on cassette tape,
in your opinion is there still a strong customer base for tapes?

Support for cassettes is still about but in much smaller numbers. This
only effects the volume of tapes I get pressed but still enough
support and trading active to keep cassettes alive in 2012.


Witchclan's 'Misanthropist' album was your first CD release, do you
plan on more CD releases in the future?

I might do another couple of pro-CDs in the future on Darkness Shade
Records just see where the future  takes me and what bands come my
way.

What is your main inspiration for when you write and record Orbis material?

My main inspiration is my misanthropist / depressed mindset which I
really want people to feel within my music to create my nightmare
within my songs for people to hear and escape within.


If you had the choice, which band would you most like to release on
Darkness Shade Records?

I'm happy with the current roster of bands I have signed on Darkness
Shade Records, And pleased with the bands I have worked with over the
past couple of years and plan on working with over the coming months /
years.

What UK bands are you into?

Some off the top of my head -
Abwehrschlacht – Bal-Sagoth – Witchclan - Akercocke – Barad-Dur -
Hecate Enthroned - Myrrdin - The Meads of Asphodel - Venom – Acid
Regin – Lawnmower Deth – Xentrix - Black Sister – D.A.M. - Deathwish –
Decimator - Drunken State – Evile - Gama Bomb – Re-Animator – Sabbat –
Skyclad - Blind Fury - Pariah – Satan – Slammer - Tortoise Corpse –
Virus - Cerebral Fix
I've missed out loads but could go on forever the UK has an amazing
past of many hiden gems within the world of Thrash / NWOBHM.


I remember you saying that there might be some Darkness Shade Records
merchandise such as patches available soon, is this still on the
cards?

The patches will be avaliable with the new Orbis album details below -

DSR-EVIL-XIV- Orbis - "The Unquestionable Chapters Of A World Forgotten" Tape 2012 
The logo patches have been done and will be avalibe with the new Orbis album set, details below.
Dark / Drone Ambient hailing from the shores of the UK. Drowned in pitch black ice cold depressed darkness. Capturing true emotions of a barren desolate wasteland of a world drowned in darkness. My nightmare
I present in a atmospheric sound-scape giving you the listener an
extraordinary listening experience never heard before. Orbis is not
just samples / re-sampling, but original recordings done with real
gear and professional production.
The dust partials of ash blow in the wind like a sandstorm all that
was left behind from the destruction of planet earth. Molecules settle
building a new structure of dark grey waterless waste land. All life
disappeared, just nothingness. All that can be heard is the noise that
echo's out drowning you in darkness, my vision I present you!
Limited edition tape release first 25 come with -
2x Badges - DSR Logo / Orbis Logo + 2x Patches - DSR Logo / Orbis Logo
+ 2x Artwork Postcards + 1x Letter / Signed / Dated with lyrics /
poems + 1x Flyer + 1x Pro Doubled Sided Cover + 1x Pro-Duplicated Tape
with Pro-Stickers both sides + 1x Full Black Case + 5x Tracks of dark
cold drone ambient spanning over 50 minutes long.
Due out next month.



Any last words?

Thanks for the interview.
New releases out next month on DSR -

DSR-EVIL-XIII- Temple of Baphomet "Testament Of The Heretic Priest" Tape 2012
13 tracks from the ToB era 2000 to 2005. 6 classic ToB black metal tracks
and 7 experimental / piano songs - just a little under an hour of demo material.
Lots of unreleased tracks - and the first re-pressing of the originals
in over 8 years.
Marking the 15th anniversary of ToB...

DSR-EVIL-XV- The Stone - "Golet" Tape 2012
Praising the ways of old with modern strength and ineffable
persistence and dedication, The Stone deliver their 6th opus "Golet" -
sophisticated black metal mastery, renewed through 8 chaos invoking
spells; dynamic, heavy and harmonic, yet wickedly indulging,
accompanied by top notch musicianship. A new chapter of European
darkness has begun.


DSR-EVIL-XVI- Njiqahdda - "The Path of Liberation from Birth and
Death" Tape 2012
Limited one off cassette tape limited to 100 copies first 25 come with
pin badge and on special coloured tape! Once sold out this will be
history never to see the light of day again!
The strange dark spirit of Njiqahdda is summoned forth once again for
an epic journey into an ethereal maelstrom of mystic eccentricity.
Njiqahdda easily shatters the bonds of it's former self to present
over 75 minutes of technical, complex, progressive and melodic
Njimajikal art.
This latest spell incorporates multiple guest vocalists and a densely
diverse, technically-proficient instrument performance, delving into
previously undiscovered complex chasms of mind-altering mystery. With
their signature thickly-immersive recording production, Njiqahdda this
time lashes forth with surprising skill and virtuosity to carve
violent vistas of structure out of cosmic chaos using their seemingly
endless well of creative energies. Guest Appearances: Guest vocals :
Syntax A. and
S. Trombatore.

To order just go on the above web site.

Thanks Paul. Be sure to show your support to Darkness Shade Records, the label has some excellent releases so get yourself onto the website here, and be sure to check out Orbis. You can email Darkness Shade Records directly at darknessshaderecords@googlemail.com 

Saturday 5 May 2012

DEATHRAISER INTERVIEW May 2012


Brazil are pretty well known for churning out some of the best Thrash Metal over the years, and Deathraiser are no exception to this. Having released their debut album through Xtreem Music last year, I spoke to the bands drummer William to get the lowdown on Brazil's latest Thrash export...

Hi William, how are you and how are thing with the band?

Hello Matt, is a pleasure to do this interview for you and for everyone who enjoys the Deathraiser. With us everything is great, just rehearsing and touring.

Can you give us a bit of background history on Deathraiser?

Deathraiser began in mid 2006 under the name Mercilless. In 2007 the band recorded their first demo 'Possessed By Thrash', having a great acceptance in the global scene. In 2009 we decided to change to Deathraiser, and released the album 'Violent Aggression' in 2011.


Are you pleased with the reception you have got with your latest album 'Violent Aggression'?

Of course man, we had a great acceptance of the album everywhere with fanzines, magazines, web sites... We were very pleased with this CD, it has brought us many good things and hopefully it will  bring more. Now we can now launch it here in Brazil and hopefully get some good publicity.

How did you come up with the name Deathraiser and what prompted you to change the name from Mercilless?

After we recorded the demo, we saw that there were already several bands with this name, and we were looking for something more aggressive and it was then that we came up with the name Deathraiser. We liked the name, but we were hesitant to use it at the beginning as it was hard to get used to it, but I believe it was a good choice.


Your style has been described as Kreator on amphetamines, how do you feel about this? Are Kreator a big influence for you?

We received several descriptions, but do not see this as a downside. Kreator has always been a great influence to the band, and for us it is a pleasure to be compared to bands that created Thrash Metal as they are part of our influences but I believe we still own one side, and are more characteristic of Brazilian bands like Sepultura, Sarcófago, and Mutilator.

Your style of Thrash Metal is very aggressive and fast, how easy is it for you to play to this level in a live performance?

Haha, it is sometimes tricky because we can get very tired, but the best thing is to show it live because the energy is insane and you get used to it. I confess that at first it was more difficult to maintain, but today we are very familiar with the songs and we want to do always perform better.


Do you listen to other styles of Metal, or are you mainly into Thrash?

I particularly listen to a little of everything. I like various styles and I think the band members also do.  I really enjoy Old School Death Metal, 70's Rock n' Roll, Crossover, Grindcore, Punk Rock, Hardcore, Stoner, Hard n' Heavy and various other things but it is clear that Thrash is always first.

How do you feel about the new wave of Thrash Metal bands? Do you think Thrash is better these days compared to the 80's?

I love this 'new' wave of Thrash Metal, but it will never be like it was in the 80's. The 80's was perfect and there's nothing that can compare to it, but today we have many great bands, and more bands emerging which is good, but of course you will get a lot of bands that appear and then disappear over night. I believe that things must be done with passion and desire, and there must be cooperation not competition.


What is the scene like in Brazil?

Our scene is always on the rise but still has plenty of handicap, in various ways. Many producers who think only about money and lots of people wanting to take advantage, but the underground is very strong in Brazil. I like living in this scene, and we like organizing gigs, our local scene is getting better and better.

Are you guys writing new material, and what can we expect from this new material?

We started writing two new songs, new material that we wanted to be more evolved, with more variations and simple riffs. We are very concerned about the lyrics this time, they will be more critical about the world we live in, with all this misery, corruption and ignorance. We believe it will be a more mature work in every way, to give an example I will say it will be a mix of Sepultura's Arise with 'Extreme Aggression' by Kreator hahaha - do not take me seriously, haha just kidding!


What UK bands are you into?

We believe that the principal is Motorhead, but like some UK bands, in terms of lyrics, Napalm Death, Extreme Noise Terror, and many others.

Do you guys have some cool merchandise available and where can the readers get it from?

 We have plans to make our official merchandise as fast as possible. So far we haven't been able to for lack of money and services from quality businesses, but hopefully this year we will do our shirts and other official merchandise.


What plans do you have for the future?

Hopefully in 2013 we will record the second album. We have plans for several tours in Brazil, South America and Europe now, our plan is to record our first video and play at many places that we can.

Any last words?

I want to thank you Matt, for giving us this opportunity, and everyone who enjoys the Deathraiser. We hope to play in England some day, it would be great to meet you and drink a few beers haha!
Keep the underground spirit! Thrash 'til death.

Thanks for answering the questions, William. Remember to check out Deathraiser and be sure to buy their album which you can get direct from Xtreem Music. You can visit the band on Facebook and Myspace, and you can also follow them on Twitter.