jueves, 28 de marzo de 2024

VERWOED

 


Origen: Holanda, Utrecht

Formados: 2015

Estilo: Black

Temática:?

Enlaces: Bandcampdeezerfacebook y spotify

Miembros:

  • Erik B. Todo
Discografía:

  • Bodemloos EP 2016  
  • De val CD 2019  
  • Woudloper CD 2020  
  • The Mother CD 2024
THE MOTHER (2024)
Tercera entrega para esta one man holandesa, un álbum muy completo de black metal que se distingue por su oscuridad y lo elaborado de algunos pasajes de guitarra que logran acrecentar ese sonido portentoso del que hace gala el álbum. Una atmosfera oscura no envuelve desde el comienzo del álbum, esta surge del tratamiento de la guitarras, no existe un uso de teclados expresamente a la largo de los temas. Un planteamiento de sonido black al uso, directo y potente se presenta como grueso del sonido del álbum, sin embargo hay un par de matrices importantes, por un lado tenemos un sonido de guitarras que cobra protagonismo desde el inicio ofreciendo unos riffs poderosos y un sonido que se muestra sin fisuras más allá de la voces, logrando trasportarnos a una ambiente oscuro y gélido, sin hacer ascos a influencias heavies en ciertas secciones, llevando los temas a terrenos casi ampulosos y extensos, medrando en cada nota. El otro es el poder inmersivo del álbum, atrapándonos sin remisión en un sonido casi que complejo, con unas voces que suenen desgarradoras y profundas, a veces, sin una presencia notable, dejando que los temas vayan fluyendo libremente, pero con sus presencia dotan al conjunto de mayor empaque. Se puede hablar de un sonido que tiene más que ver con un black de gusto por el misticismo y la oscuridad, alejado del sonido más tradicional, pero de lo que nos hay duda es de lo poderoso de esta propuesta, tanto cuando juega las bazas del black más clásico, como cuando nos atrapa en su vertiente más oscura y mística, con un sonido de guitarra portentoso. (8,2)


1. A Prayer of Blood and Fire  
2. The Mother  
3. Seven Trumpets  
4. The Child  
5. The Madman's Dance  
6. A Choir of Null and Void  
7. Death in a Rosary





Vinyl, LP, Album





martes, 26 de marzo de 2024

SELBST

 


Origen: Venezuela.

Formados: 2010

Estilo: Black

Temática: Anti religión e individualismo

Enlaces: Bandcampdeezerfacebookinstagram y spotify

Miembros:

  • N Bajo y guitarra
Discografía:

  • Veritas Filia Temporis Demo 2011  
  • Three Ways of Consciousness Split 2013  
  • Aversio a Deo et Conversio ad Creaturas Split 2014  
  • An Ominous Landscape EP 2015
  • Selbst CD 2017
  • Secular Compendium Recopilatorio 2018  
  • The Guardian of the Final Plague Single 2019  
  • Relatos de angustia CD 2020  
  • Vortex of Anguish and Death Directo 2023  
  • Chant of Self Confrontation Single 2024  
  • When True Loneliness Is Experienced Single 2024  
  • Despondency Chord Progressions CD 2024

DESPONDENCY CHORD PROGRESSIONS (2024)
Tercera entrega para este proyecto originario de Venezuela, ahora afincado en Chile, en origen concebido como one man band, pero que a día de hoy cuenta con una formación de garantías y de pleno derecho. Este "Despondency Chord Progressions" habla de una madurez compositiva que llega despúes de más de diez años de arduo trabajo, en donde un sonido black oscuro y absorbente nos va atrapando desde la inicial "La encarnación de todos los miedos". Teniendo claro lo que se trae entre manos, junto la seguridad que da su amplia trayectoria, Slebst nos ofrece un sonido denso y pastoso, en donde la batería y las guitarras crean un sonido para nada atractivo, que nos va atrapando y sumergiendo en un mundo de miseria y depresión del que únicamente se puede salir a través de la muerte. Un sonido que ofrece un buen número de disonancias y cambios de ritmo que nos van golpeando en cada tema, capaz de sonar directos y con cierta rabia pero sin olvidarse de esos ritmo más cadenciosos e imprevisibles que hacen de este álbum una pieza endiabladamente enfermiza. Las estructuras que podríamos tildar de clásicas dentro del black, se suceden a otras que surgen de una mente inquieta como la de "N", en un primer momento con un tono más accesible, pero que en esencia siguen encerrando elementos malsanos y enfermizos, como sucede por ejemplo en el apartado vocal, en donde las oscuras voces, dan paso a algunos pasajes limpios que escanden la misma intensidad que las más directos, sin olvidarnos también de algunos pasajes más melódicos que solo sirven para enfatizar la rabia y la desesperación. (8,3).



1. La encarnación de todos los miedos  
2. When True Loneliness Is Experienced  
3. Third World Wretchedness  
4. Chant of Self Confrontation 05:01
5. The One Who Blackens Everything  
6. Between Seclusion and Obsession  
7. The Stench of a Dead Spirit





Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Numbered, Stereo, Variant #2
Variant #2 out of 5, comes in a gatefold sleeve with a metallic effect and raised UV lamination. Limited to 100 hand-numbered copies.





domingo, 24 de marzo de 2024

BELORE

 


Origen: Francia, Marsella

Formados: 2019

Estilo: Black épico y atmosférico

Temática: Fantasía medieval

Enlaces: Bandcampfacebook e instagram.

Miembros:

  • Aleevok Letras y todos los instrumentos
  • Charlie Videau Batería
Discografía:

  • Journey Through Mountains and Valleys CD 2020
  • Artefacts CD 2021  
  • Sons of the Sun Single 2024  
  • Battle for Therallas Single 2024  
  • Eastern Tales CD 2024
EASTER TALES (2024)
Después de casi tres años sin tener noticias nueves sobre la banda, los franceses Belore regresan con su tercer larga duración, un nuevo álbum que redunda en un sonido cargado de épica y atmósferas medievales, todo ello partiendo de un sonido black. Resulta curioso la capacidad que tienen Aleevok y Charlie para fabricar un álbum rico y variado en matices, dentro de un sonido que partiendo de una propuesta black, logra crear una atmósfera épica de corte medieval, gracias al empleo de números recursos ambientales, seguramente de procedencia de sintetizadores que logran dibujar esas secciones épicas, como muchas veces han demostrado este tipo de bandas. El ritmo del álbum, salvo contadas secciones, se muestra más bien lento, son una batería que va desgranando un ritmo casi que contemplativo, sobre el cual las guitarras van construyendo un paisaje sonoro que nos trae ciertas reminiscencias paganas, priorizando las parte melódicas, que nos llevan a terrenos de la épica medieval. Algunas pinceladas de un black más directo se dejan sentir a lo largo del álbum, quizás esas secciones tengan un mayor protagonismo dentro del pagan metal, sin que en ningún momento se pierda de vista el tono melódico del sonido. Lo mismo podemos decir de un apartado vocal que trascurre sin muchos sobresaltos, pero si con un notable esfuerzo por que algunas secciones tengan mayor protagonismo estructuras más directas y oscuras que ponen cierto contraste con el apartado instrumental, eso si, el trabajo a las voces se muestra sublime, con la inclusión de algunas de corte limpio que sirven para acentuar ese tono épico del álbum. Un trabajo que encaja perfectamente en el sonido black atmosférico con cierta épica y melodía, capaz de rodearnos de un tono de fantasía de corte medieval. (8,3).




1. To the Eastern Lands 00:55  
2. Sons of the Sun 07:47
The ground burns as the summit approaches The Golden Company is climbing the Red Mountain Endraïl's den is in sight Kept by basalt skin men With no fear or pain Ready to defend this item We shall be guided by the light The swords roar against the flesh of creatures A forsaken cult, frightened Surprises by the violence, the guardians fall one by one Opening the way, to the dragons egg The vastness of the lair crushes the small armed group Terrified of a long time threat The beast, watching the ruins of Endeor Forgets his own offspring Frozen like a stone The egg starts to shine A blue light illuminates the dark cave The knigths realize their success We are the Sons of the Sun Through the light we live Against the fall of our lands Faithful warriors 
3. Storm of an Ancient Age 09:51
  Moving aways the shore
The turmoil slowly replaced by the sound
Of waves stroking the bow
Despite the great distance
The stronghold of Therallas keeps its glory and its majesty

Across the sea into unknown country
Our ships will soar above the breeze
A mighty song rising
Sailing as one on infinite azure
A burning sky, a sunset on fire
The journey just begins

Dark clouds appear on the horizon
The wind starts to howl as a threat

Behold the lightning that strikes above
A danger comes far from the east
Beware the storm is fierce and fatal
Set sail and face the beast

After hours of challenging battle
The sun breaks through the grey vault
Some of the boats are now asleep in darker deeps
Nevertheless, forest and mountains take shape far beyond
This new world, long awaited is finally at hand
A shining hope in the sailos' eyes is risen!

A warm feeling as they walk on the sand
The great expedition may now begin
Walking for days into luxurious woodlands
Until they run into signs of human life

An ancient civilization appears the explorers
A splendid and imposing city emerges from the hills
The seal of Sindorias inscribed on banners
A part of the first age's nation exiled for centuries

Deep in the woods, appears a fortress
Marked by the age of an escape
New beginning, far from the west
The king's bloodline is preserved
4. The Hermit Awakens 09:07
  In the forest of Valdolen
Near the dawn
A shadow, unveiling
The moonlight shines on trees and stones
Showing the path, to the fearless wanderer

Whispers growing in hidden groves
Of a guardian
Constrained to flee
Walking for days through woods and hills
A sunrise, finally, enlightening hope

Living among Stoneskin humans
Erethor is hiding from his past
After the fall of Endeor
He chose a way, hermit, in the eastern lands
In the shadow of the west
Secret learning of a stone

The old mage sought for centuries
Keeping secret, a coveted gem
Which was used to compel the plague of Endeor
An artefact, unknown, the amber stone

In an ocean of light he marches
A secret keeper
Stone of amber
A new power awakens

Revealing himself to the great army of Riarl
The wizard swears allegiance to his new king
But no time for gallantry, a danger is growing
Denelïor overthrow the throne

Therallas petrified by witchcraft
The citadel must be reconquered
5. Benelior's Betrayel 02:09  
6. Battle for Therallas 07:16
A cold wind rises on Sehogan valley In a frozen hope, soldiers shield up Walking silently toward the besieged capital The rising sun chasing their fears Since Riarl left Therallas, corruption took the throne The fallen mage betrayed his king A magic cult forged in secret now stands All around the remparts Warriors of western echoes Come to my call, be proud Our chance to win back the town Is in your hands, be honoured Green fire arises beyond the remparts A deadly rain decimating the front lines Running on brunt bodies, Lynna reaches the main door Opening a breaches to the city Preceded by the king, warriors invade the royal court Defeated, the cult is forced to retreat As they mourn the loss of their fallen goals The sun sets on the reconquered capital  
7. The Rise of a Sovereign 06:19
A sorrow, face to the wounded fortress
Rialrl observes hid kingdom from its marble tower
With a heavy heart but now fearless
The young king is no longer

Having seen the darkness, the light will rise above it all
Despite the dangers that fate will put in its path
A new strength emerges from his despair
The rise of a sovereign

Flame guiding the king
Facing the fear of losses and ashes
 
  43:24







Vinyl, 7", EP, Red Translucent





sábado, 23 de marzo de 2024

HERXHEIM

 


Origen: E.E.U.U., Texas

Formados: 2017

Estilo: Black, death

Temática: Cuentos de advertencia

Enlaces: ?

Miembros: 

  • Patrick Brown Todos los instrumentos
Discografía:

  • Cultivating Throne of Fur Demo 2019  
  • Incised Arrival CD 2020  
  • Woe unto Thee CD 2022  
  • Contrapasso EP 2024
CONTRAPASSSO (2024)
Cuatro temas conforman el nuevo Ep de Herxheim, proyecto de Patrick Brown, exintegrante de bandas como Nepenthe o Howls of Ebb. En esencia estamos ante un trabajo que responde a un sonido que podemos definir como black, death, pero que en manos de  Patrick todo adquiere un tinte muy personal, que muchas veces casi que roza lo complejo. Existe una base de batería que desde el comienzo y salvo en la parte final del álbum, marca un ritmo lento y cadencioso con muchas estructuras que suenan totalmente estremecedoras, con un gusto por las disonancias que se están mucho más presentes cuando en el sonido de guitarra cobra protagonismo. Este entramado de guitarra y bajo parece programado electrónicamente, con un sonido monocorde, pesado y que funciona casi como un mantra, unas veces trayendo influencias más doom, otras con un aire más thrash. Si a todo esto le añadimos unas voces que suenan profundas y cavernosas, emergiendo de las profundidades de la mezcla, muchas veces como gritos desgarradores, tenemos como resultado un álbum que no resulta accesible de buenas a primeras pero a poco que nos dejemos atrapar en el sonido caótico y la profundidad del mismo, caemos rendidos ante su complejidad y densidad. (8). 




1. The Surrogate  
2. The Anointed  
3. The Enchanted 07:20   
4. And Their Pyrrhic Victories




Vinyl, LP, Album





jueves, 21 de marzo de 2024

MÖRGHUUL - INTERVIEW




1. The band started up around 2019, how did the creation of the band come about? Why did you choose the name Morghuul and what does it refer to?

Mörghuul was started by me and Viktor (guitars) when we were 15. When we originally started, we envisioned playing thrash metal in the style of Sodom. Mörghuul is like a fucked up version of the word morgul, which is from Tolkien and means dark sorcery. We figured out that it sounds pretty evil, so we decided to use it. In our beginnings we didn't do much. We had a few rehearsal, recorded a pretty bad EP, played no gigs and stayed in our rehearsal room. We pretty much didn't exist during covid and got back together only after it ended. We found new members Adam (bass) and Dominik (drums) and by then, we already knew that we wanted to play old school black speed.


2. Some of you belonged to the band Sezarbil and later came the incorporation of Adam and Dominik, how important is Morghuul to you that you have decided to give it all possible priority, abandoning other bands? What did the incorporation of Adam and Dominik mean? When it came to recording your first album?

Mörghuul is definitely the priority for most of us. We abandoned Sezarbil specificaly, because we wanted to focus on Mörghuul. Dominik is a damn great drummer, who also plays in an awesome thrash metal band Refore. He made us much faster, because he's insane and plays everything fast. :D Adam is originally a guitar player, so his handling of bass is very ambitious. It didn't take him long to get intimate with hisninstrument.


3. The release of your first EP “The Beginning of Unholy Ride” around 2021 brought some recognition to you, however the sound was not entirely optimal. How do you approach the process of composing and recording the new album “Domination?” of the Beast” to correct the “mistakes” of the past? 

Yeah, the EP sucked, we mostly make fun of it. We wanted to make the new album mix of everything we like. From old school thrash metal through black metal to punk. We wanted the sound to be old school, but readable at the same time, so you can pick up all the details on it. It was mixed by Otyn from Davos studios. He's an absolute mad man and he was able to achieve precisely that.



4. Your sound merges the influences of the most primitive black metal with elements of thrash, speed or punk, managing to offer a raw and visceral sound, at the same time that you do not give up a certain melodic tone, how would you describe the sound of the new album for those who haven't heard it yet? What sounds and bands are influences for you when it comes to composing?

As i said. The sound is old school, but still pretty clear. If you like loud kick drum, then you're fucked, because there's nothing like that. If you like loud cymbals, you will have a good time. We are mostly inspired by the new breed of old school bands like Deathhammer, Nocturnal, Bunker 66 or older recordings of Hellripper. We however find inspiration all over the place.


5. The theme of your lyrics does not differ much from what was expected, devil, blasphemy and anti-Christianity, do you think that a style like blackened thrash/speed metal is linked to a theme of the previously described lyrics in an unalterable way? Are the lyrics Do they compose after the music or vice versa?

Of course it's linked! If your black thrash is not satanic and blasphemous then what the fuck are you doing? Sometimes we write the lyrics after music, sometimes before. It depends on the situation. Often times i get inspired, write lyrics and then find out, that they do not fit the song and then i have to change them a bit. Every song is approached differently.


6. Today there are a good handful of bands that collect classic sounds within the most primitive black metal with thrash or speed elements, managing to take us back to the eighties. Is it very difficult to stand out in a style, in which it already seems everything has been said and that many times you can err on the side of being a crude copy of the original? Is it a style that is somehow condemned to the underground? 

Black thrash is inherently tied to the underground and that's a good thing. There is no point in innovating, because as you said, everything has already been done. It doesn't matter tho, we live in a post-post-modern age, so why not make art which is just worshipping that, which came before, as long as that worship is of high quality? 


7. For the release of the album you have had the record label Doomentia Records, which has been in charge of releasing it not only in digital format, but also on vinyl and cassette. How did the possibility of releasing it with Doomentia Records arise? What does it mean for you to have physical editions of the album from the beginning?

We already knew personally Peťan, who is one of the main guys in Doomentia. He is also behind the Thrash Nightmare festival in Písek, which focuses on old school thrash and speed metal and where we will play this year. He loves everything old school, so he approached us at the Obscene Extreme festival, where we also played, and told us that he'd love to release it under Doomentia. It's a great and quite legendary label, so we agreed. We love that the album is on cassettes and vinyl. We already had our demo on cassette, but vinyl is a quite different beast.


8. There is not much information about the recording, mixing and mastering process of the album. How was this process carried out?

We recored in Davos Studio in Vyškov, Czech Republic. The whole album was recorded and mastered by a Czech legend in the field of recordings and masterings - Otyn. It was loads of fun in the studio. We drank a lot and smoked a lot of weed with Otyn, so the album turned out the best way it could :D


9. On the other hand, if we know that the cover is the work of Tomáš Mitura, how did the possibility of working with him to make the album cover arise? What does this cover represent and how does it relate to the content of the album?

Well we know each other from the Czech scene. He sings in Sněť - awesome old school death metal, if you don't know them, definitely check them out, and in Vole - the greatest Czech punk band. We're friends and he is a great artist. He made cover art for Sněť's debut Mokvání v Okovech, which let us know, that he's the right man for the job. We basically let him do whatever he wanted. We send him lyrics to our songs and just told him, that we want a demon there. If you read the lyrics, you'll find out that a lot of the songs are represented on the cover art.



10. You come from Brno, one of the main cities in the Czech Republic, is there an extreme metal scene established in your city? What bands would you recommend?

There is a big metal and punk scene in Brno. It is however mainly grindcore, fastcore and powerviolence which we don't dig that much. We would still recommend Brünner Todesmarsch - awesome hardcore punk, Slať - filthy stoner/sludge or Hever - another great hardcore punk band. Other than that, we're not that much associated with the scene of our city as we are much closer to the scene in the capital - Prague.


11. I suppose the intensity of your music will be accentuated live. Have you already started the live presentation of the new album? What can your followers expect from your concert? Who would you like to share the bill with on a mini-tour?

You can expect war and hell on our shows. Nothing and no one is sacred.


12. How were your beginnings in music: first concerts you attended, first albums you bought? What happened in your lives that pushed you to want to be musicians?

My first real good concert was Slayer in 2019, which i attended with Viktor, our  guitarist. I was just 14 and he was 13. It was quite a nice mayhem. First album i bought physically was the debut Bathory alhum on CD, which i bought, because it had the yellow goat cover art. I don't know what was the first bought music of other guys. I personally wanted to be a musician after i saw the Exodus tour documentary. It just seemed so cool to me, that you get in a van and travel with your friends while playing music. It seemed like a nice adventure. And honestly it is! :D


13. What album represents for you the essence of black metal? What latest albums have you bought?

Depends on the style of black metal. I'd say that the first three albums of Bathory and the whole discography of Darkthrone are what black metal should be in our eyes. Latest album I bought was the debut self-titled EP by Slovak oi! punk band Remdik on cassette.


14. Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions for Black Metal Spirit, if you want to add something for Morghuul fans this is the place. I hope the questions are to your liking.

Thank you very much for this interview. 


Matěj

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hellcrash ‎– Krvcifix Invertör 15,99 €



Regular edition on black vinyl, with insert, poster, sticker, post card and download code.





miércoles, 20 de marzo de 2024

CIVEROUS

 


Origen: E.E.U.U., Los Ángeles

Formados: 2019

Estilo: Black, death

Temática: Decadencia, enfermedad y muerte

Enlaces: Deezerinstagram y spotify

Miembros: 

  • Aidan Neuner Batería
  • A.S Guitarra
  • D.S Guitarra
  • Lord Foul Voces
  • Naraka Bajo
Discografía:

  • Raw Demo I Demo 2019  
  • Demo MMXIX Demo 2019
  • Heralds of Affliction Split 2020  
  • The Expedition of Illness Recopilatorio 2020  
  • Live Promo MMXXI Directo 2021
  • Decrepit Flesh Relic CD 2021
  • Maze Envy CD 2024
MAZE ENVY (2024)
Segunda entrega para los californianos Civerous, un álbum que a grandes rasgos pude ser definido como death/black metal pero que sin embargo recoge diferentes estructuras e influencias que llevan su sonido a otros horizontes. El sonido del álbum es poderoso y podrido, influencias del death más clásico se deja sentir desde la primeras notas, pero hay un gusto por parte de la banda de recoger influencias de un estilo como el doom que acaba por impregnar todas las composiciones ofreciendo si cabe una propuesta mucho más pesada y lodosa, de la mano de un ritmo cadencioso muchas veces y unos riffs demoledores otras. Sin embargo esta propuesta que podría sonar pobre en recursos, en manos de Civerous se muestra rica en matices, hay un presencia de black metal que acaba por rodear el sonido dándole ese tono oscuro y frio al mismo, la mismo tiempo que algunos giros inesperados en el guión, como pueden ser ciertos cambios de ritmo imprevisibles, así como algunos elementos que podemos describir como técnicos dentro del death, dotan al conjunto de suficientes alicientes como para recibir una mayor atención. Un álbum que en ningún momento pierde de vista las premisas del death, dentro de un sonido demoledor de la mano de las influencias doom que se nos ofrecen, pero que sin embargo también tiene en el black una influencias importante a la hora de definir un sonido profundo y oscuro. (7,9). 



1. The Azure Eye 02:01  
2. Shrouded in Crystals 08:25  
3. Endless Symmetry 02:27  
4. Labyrinth Charm 04:40  
5. Leviatation Tomb 05:17  
6. Maze Envy 09:23  
7. Geryon (The Plummet) 09:54  
  42:07  




Vinyl, LP, Album

A1 Nadsvest - Ustolicenje Smrti I
A2 Nadsvest - Ustolicenje Smrti II
B1 Necrobode - Peste Negra
B2 Necrobode - Pisados Pelos Cascos De Satanás
B3 Necrobode - Inferno Escarlate





domingo, 17 de marzo de 2024

ABERRATION

 


Origen: E.E.U.U., Minneapolis.

Formados: 2020

Estilo: Black, death

Temática: ?

Enlaces: Facebookspotify y youtube

Miembros:

  • AW Guitarra
  • DH Bajo y voces
  • EC Batería
  • JH Guitarra y voces
Discografía:

  • Aberration EP 2021  
  • Salomon's Gate Single 2023  
  • Divinations Split 2024  
  • Refracture CD 2024
REFRACTURE (2024)
Ya tenemos aquí el primer larga duración de los estadounidenses Aberration, una banda que cuenta entre sus filas con miembros de bandas como Suffering Hour,  Annihilation Cult o Nothingness y cuyo sonido responde a patrones del mas infecto black death en la linea de bandas como Antedeluvian o Altarage. A lo largo de los cinco temas que conforman este álbum no vemos sometidos a una presión tanto física como mental, fruto de lo enrevesado, vanguardista y poderoso del sonido del mismo. Por un lado tenemos un sonido implacable y demoledor de batería, muchas veces combinado un ritmo frenético con otro mucho más ponzoñoso y profundo, todo ello permite que los riffs se muestren musculosos y retrógrados, en una mezcla de guitaras y bajo que solo redunda en una suerte de profundidad insondable. A todo ellos tenemos que añadir las cavernosas voces de DH en una linea muy death en cuanto a profundidad y violencia. El sonido es magnifico, logrando atraparnos en una ambientación casi que enfermiza, en donde el componente musical logra atravesar nuestra mente hasta causarnos un estado febril, casi de inconsciencia en donde la ambientación que emana del álbum, junto con esa carga de violencia intrínseca al sonido, el vanguardismo de algunas secciones y los demoledores cambios de ritmo se muestran impasible a la hora de triturar mentes (8).



1. Antithesis  
2. Wresting Vibrations  
3. Interstitial Enmity  
4. Blighted  
5. Refracture





Vinyl, 12", 45 RPM, EP, Limited Edition





sábado, 16 de marzo de 2024

DUINDWALER - INTERVIEW



1. This project starts up around the year 2021, in the middle of Covid and you belong to bands like Hellevaerder, Infantry, what made you want to create a new band? Why did you choose the name Duindwaler and what does it refer to?

With my band Hellevaerder we have hit a roadblock during the pandemic. We were about to record our first full length 'In de nevel van afgunst' but were brought to a halt due to Covid. Being fed up by the restrictions to make music, I have placed my motivation to continue with a soloproject. As I wrote almost everything for Hellevaerder, I had the means to write, and (almost) record everything by myself. 

It was a way to release my energy, not being hold back by Covid, nor Hellevaerder itself. It was a way to prove to myself I could make something worthwhile, just by myself. 

The name 'Duindwaler' just came to mind. I grew up in Heemskerk, a little town nearby Haarlem and Alkmaar. It is filled with history, almost like an open museum if you know where to look. Surrounded by the forests and the dunes, the Dune Wanderer (Duin Dwaler) came to live. While the main focus was to pay a homage to one of my biggest influences, 'Hate Forest', I'd like to think I have become more than just that. 


2. Although active since 2021, it was not until 2024 that you released your first full-length, have the EP and the split been a way to define your sound better and give it a more personal approach until you found what you were looking for?

It all started as an outlet for my creativity, as mentionend above, an outlet for my energy. That brought life to the EP 'Landloper'. 

'Verloren vertellingen' came to life after labelmanager Alex from Zwaertgevegt asked me to make a split vinyl with our friends from Asgrauw. Featuring my band Hellevaerder, our friends from Asgrauw, myself as Duindwaler and the soloproject from Asgrauws drummer Floris, Schavot. 

Instead of making a 4-way split we have decided to make one album, with four different visions of it. One theme, one cover, one idea. Just interpetred by four different artists. Thats how the two Duindwaler tracks came alive. The music was already there, it just needed a little push for the greater good.

Both those releases were a way forward to my own sound. The debut 'In het Heemskerks duin' is the first real release in my opinion. It defines the soundscape truly worked through perfection, atleast in my opinion at the current time. It has evolved from a simple homage to a more worked out idea. That was refined to what is made now, a truly new identity with a newly made sound. New inspirations and a view on the progress I have not only made as a musician, but as a person.



3. How did the idea of creating the “Verloren vertellingen” split come about? Is it a kind of creating an alliance of Dutch bands? How would you describe the health of black metal in your country?

As mentioned in the last question, Alex from Zwaertgevegt reached out to me. We have a long running friendship and partnership with my band Hellevaerder, and on a personal level, we are also closely in contact.

He asked the question to Asgrauw, Schavot (Floris, drummer of Asgrauw), Hellevaerder and me. If we were interested in a release together. We all shouted 'YES!' instantly. That being said, 2 months later we all recorder 2 tracks (8 in total) and the rest is history.

We'd like to think a alliance like this is special. There are many splits being released, but we would not like to call this a true split. It is an album made by four bands together. That is not common in the Dutch BM scene. 

Speaking of the Dutch BM scene (NLBM), it is more alive than ever. There are more bands than ever to make and release NLBM, most of them with their own unique style and intentions. It is a scene that is upcoming, and I cannot wait to see what it will bring in the near future!


4. “In het Heemskerks duin”, your first full-length album, will soon be released. What was the process of writing and recording this first album like? What do you think has changed with respect to the EP and the split? What brands of instruments have you used in the process? What parts of the entire process do you find most complicated to carry out?

This album has been the most easy one to make and record so far, that needs some further explanation:

The most difficult part is creating the music itself. Inspiration is a funny thing, it cannot be called upon will and will come when it is there. Nine out of ten times when I pick up a guitar I come up with nothing, but that one time that I do grab the instrument I write a song within a hour. 

It can take months between songs, or just minutes. I cannot get a grasp on it. This release has been written, recorded, mixed and mastered by myself. In just 6 days I made it entirely, and have been without inspiration for weeks now. My soul is empy, it has spoken for what it needed to say... for now.

As it is a solo album, I have written all music and lyrics, recorded and mixed&mastered everything. For the guitars I have used my trusted Solar A2.7TB, for bass I have used a Harley Benton BZ-5000 II NT (I mean, GREAT value for money there!). For the drums I play a Tama Superstar (if I recall correctly) with Zildjian symbals (2x hat, 1x ride, 2 crashes, 1 china and a splash). All is recorded by some cheap ass drum mics from Thomann. Of course I would want more and better, but it did the job how I wanted it in current time. Fine is good enough, for now.


5. Although you are involved in other bands, where we have to highlight Hellevaerder. The sound you offer with Duindwaler is substantially different. Was it clear from the beginning that you wanted to distance yourself from the sound of the rest of the bands of which you are a part? As you are the only member of Duindwaler, do you feel freer when it comes to creating a sound more in line with your tastes? How would you describe the sound of this album for those who have not heard it yet? What bands and sounds are an influence for you?

Duindwaler has started as a homage to the mighty Hate Forest. Their pure and raw sound gave me a feeling of being alive. Hellevaerder has them as partially inspiration for the music. But I truly wanted to make music in their style. So Duindwaler was born, allthough it has became it's own entity by this release.

With Hellevaerder I have gathered musicians that are more capable than myself, atleast to my idea. I love to learn from them and create our own identity together. With the new full length on its way, I think we are succeeding in that. Duindwaler remains my personal interpetation of black metal. It is raw, fast and unforgiving. Something I will always seek in music.

Having this as soloproject gives me the ultimate freedom. I can do whatever I want, however I want to. 

That is how I would describe this album. Raw, furious, hard and unforgiving. The thoughts of Hellevaerder remains the same here: You are worth nothing, death is liberating!

 Besides the obvious Hate Forest inspiration for the 'Duindwaler' project, I have grown up with metal (and specially the black and death variant of it). My alltime main inspirations are as following: 1349, Belphegor, Immortal, Deeds of Flesh and Satyricon.


6. The lyrics of the split revolved around stories and legends from the Dutch region from which you come. Do you maintain this theme in the lyrics of the new album or do you address other topics? Did you adapt the lyrics to the music or vice versa?

The split has covered the folklore of the village called Heemskerk. That was also the main lyrical force for 'In het Heemskerks duin' (In the dunes of Heemskerk). Before the split I had the thoughts of making an album about the rich history from this region. But the music came first.

On day one I wrote a track, recorded it in the afternoon. During the evening the same day I wrote the lyrics and recorded them. That went on for six days. So this album was born. It will tell the tales of the battle from the perspectives of both parties in this region during the 80 year war.

I do not want to disclose everything, as by doing so I will take away the meaning for all listners. Give your own meaning to the music, as that is what makes it art. 


7. The Portuguese record label War Productions is in charge of publishing the new album. When did the contact and agreement to work together occur? Do you think that working with a foreign record label will give the band greater visibility?

Working with WAR was dealings of my friend from Void Wanderer Productions. He works together with WAR alot of times and I trust him in his opinion. 

Further more, the person behind WAR productions is great. He is promoting me in every way possible and has a great feeling for underground releases. The reach he has obviously has a good inpact, but only by being a good person he has been able to recieve and maintain those relations. It is a great partner to have in the battle to be fought!



8. I mentioned previously that the sound of the album has a very particular sound within black metal, there is a classic sound base but with a very peculiar and personal approach, I see that you have taken care of the entire recording process yourself, do you think That the sound offered could only have been created by yourself, taking care of the entire process? Did you consider the possibility of working with someone external?

During the recordings of the split I have asked Floris (Schavot, Asgrauw) to record te drums. As I did not have the possibility to record the drums on my own account at the given amount of time.

With this release I have done everything myself, including drums. Ofcourse there is always the option to record, mix and master at some studio or by some engineer. But this album is my 'child'. I want to do everything, as it is my hobby, my driving force for this life. 

By doing everything myself I can make it part of me. It is a story written and executed by myself, through my own vision. I am the Dune Wanderer, I am the eater of souls. And not an engineer from afar...


9. The credits on the cover are from A.A.W.R., unlike the Ep we are dealing with a cover of a landscape and loneliness, why this change with respect to the past? What does this cover represent and how does it relate to the content of the album?

A.A.W.R. is a shadow writer for Hellevaerder, she came up with the name and wrote multiple lyrics for that band. She is a great friend and even greater partner in everything. 

The artwork for 'In het Heemskerks duin' is based on one of the many viewpoints you would have at the real dunes of Heemskerk, only darkened a bit. She feels what I want to make, and gives valued input on everything I make. She is not just a creater, she is a thinker. 


10. Is there a possibility that we will see Duindwaler on stage one day? 

There is a possibility, allthough it being very slim. There have been ideas to bring it live but there are some complications.

As I did the vocals, I would like to play guitar live while doing them. But to find a drummer capable of playing this, is difficult for the amount of shows I would like to do yearly (aka, not that many). So maybe I will do some shows with this work live, but do not expect it. 


11. How were your beginnings in music: first concerts you attended, first albums you bought? What event in your life pushed you to want to be a musician?

I have started my metal journey early on. While I was 6 years old (currently 30) I was die hard Rammstein fan, by age 10 that became Carcass and Cannibal corpse. After some time it turned to black metal mainly by Immortal. That eventually became black and death only as in the artists mentioned earlyer. 

At this moment of writing it is more focussed at bands like Golgothan Remains, Fozziliasation, Abigor and ofcourse 1349 and Hate Forest. 

It is always a changing thing. Music is emotion. I can listenen brutal death to grindcore, slam death to all kinds of black. And even some techno in between. There is no good or wrong, only death.

Everyone needs an outlet for their emotion. Mine is through making music.


12.  What latest albums have you bought?

The last few albums I have bought are ofcourse from Hate forest, but I would like to highlight 'Tetragrammacide - Typho Tantric Aphorisms from the Arachneophidian Qur'an'. This album is my most played this year so far, as well as: 'GOLGOTHAN REMAINS - Adorned in Ruin'. Both are true fucking masterpieces. Both are not black, but are influencing me alot about what I seek in metal (and thus black metal) 


13. Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions for Black Metal Spirit, if you want to add something for Duindwaler fans this is the place. I hope the questions are to your liking.

I want to thank you for taking the interest in me, my music and my background. As well as everyone that have taken the time to read this.

YOU ARE WORTHLESS

DEATH IS LIBERATING!

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Ordem Satânica / Mons Veneris ‎– Negros Manifestos De Ordem Venusiana 16,99 €



This press does no longer come with a black cardboard. Instead, it comes with a regular sleeve.

Repressed to an undisclosed number of copies