by
Bill Vogel III
Prelude...
Greetings from the new millennium, and the new Dark Age... It is time for
the shadows to fall once more, and the Armies of the Night to rise as
infinity dimly fades into eternal night. So let the stars burn for evermore.
Let us enter STRANGER AEONS. Enjoy, tribes of chaos. Hail Darkness, and God.
Grit your teeth, and DARE it! Grim journeys...
In the news***
Rising from the abyss... INCANTATION, the legendary masters of Brutal Death
Metal, have signed with Necropolis Records. Other acts recently snagged by
this label include CIRCLE OF DEAD CHILDREN and PHOBIA.
Bassist Mike Inez is rumored to be a serious possibility for the replacement
of Jason Newsted in METALLICA. But does anyone still care?
LIVING COLOUR has reformed.
The month of May will start with a roar. PROJECT 86 will be headlining a
tour starting in May. The opening acts will be LIVING SACRIFICE and
STAVEACRE.
Those who remember the Rapcore Metal band MANHOLE (later known as TURA
SATANA), or who are looking for something a little different, will want to
checkout the band MY RUIN. Formed by vocalist Miss B., their latest slab is
called "Speak & Destroy."
Like your Aggro Metal with a smoother, less visceral edge? Then the new CD
by SKRAPE will be perfect. It is titled "New Killer America."
LOST SOUL has released their new slab of gut grinding Death Metal on Relapse
Records. It is titled "Scream Of The Mourning Star."
Remember the Norwegian Death/Grind Metal band CADAVER? All new incarnation
of that act has resurrected under the moniker of CADAVER INC. It features
former members of CADAVER and DIMMU BORGIR among others. They have signed
with Earache Records. Their sound has been described as Blackened Death/
Grind Metal.
Checkout the reissues of two classic Black Metal releases on Necropolis
Records. They are "The Past Is Alive" by Black/Death Metal legends
DISSECTION, and "In The Sign" by DARK FUNERAL. They have been remastered and
packaged with added information.
DERANGED's first 2 Mini-CDs will be reissued along with the "X-Rated" full
length, all on one CD. The latter release features a cover of "Paint It
Black," originally done by the Rolling Stones.
A correction...a new CD by KULT OF AZAZEL, titled "Triumph Of Fire," was
released on Arctic Records and distributed by Pavement Records.
The new DEEDS OF FLESH CD is called "Path Of Weakening." It's out now on
Pavement Records.
DIVINE EMPIRE has a new CD out called "Doomed To Inherit." This opus was
released by Olympic Records.
WITHERED EARTH will soon be releasing their new CD, called "Into The Deepest
Wounds."
The Death Metal band SADISTIC INTENT has a new album ready for release. It
is titled "The Second Coming Of Darkness" and it will be out soon on
Necropolis Records.
FLESHGRIND, the Chicago Death Metal killing machine, has a new CD out titled
"The Seeds Of Abysmal Torment." The sweet agony of it all...
DEFILED, the Japanese Deathrash maniacs with a vengeance, have issued their
latest slab of flesh and teeth. It is aptly titled "Ugliness Revealed."
JUNGLE ROT's new CD is called "Dead And Buried."
The debut of the Death Metal wrecking crew known as MURDER SQUAD is out now
on Pavement Records. This act includes members from bands such as ENTOMBED
and DISMEMBER. Their debut on Pavement Records is titled "Unsane, Insane,
And Mentally Deranged."
HASTE has a new CD called "When Reason Sleeps." This is Metalcore with
elements of Emocore. Excellent stuff...
Canadian Death Metal fiends have a new CD out called "From Wisdom To Hate."
The opus "Obscura" has also been reissued.
German Punk Rockers DIE TOTEN HOSEN has a new release out on Nuclear Blast
Records. It is called "Crash-Landing."
DARKANE has a new one out on Century Media Records. It is aptly titled
"Insanity." This is killer Swedish Style Death Metal.
BRAINSTORM has released their new opus, "Unholy."
Old School Death Metal freaks DECEASED have a new live album out on Pavement
Records. It is called "Up The Tombstones." They a forthcoming studio
release out soon on Relapse Records.
MURDER CORPORATION, which features former members of DERANGED, has released
their self-titled opus of riotous Death Metal on Qabalah/Repulse Records.
"Requiems Of Revulsion: A Tribute To Carcass" is out andfeatures the
following list of tracks...
Regurgitate - Genital Grinder
Rotten Sound - Reek Of Putrefaction
Haemorrhage - Rotten To The Gore
Nasum - Tools Of The Trade
Cattle Decapitation - Burnt To A Crisp
Exhumed - Exhume To Consume
Disgorge - Hepatic Tissue Fermentation
Machetzo - Suppuration
General Surgery - Empathological Necroticism
Necrony - Pungent Excruciation
Impaled - Carneous Cacoffiny
Pig Destroyer - Genital Grinder/Regurgitation Of Giblets
Vulgar Pigeons - Corporeal Jigsore Quandry
Bodies Lay Broken - Microwaved Uterogestation
Engorged - Swarming Vulgar Mass Of Infected Virulency
Dead Infection - Pungent Excruciation
Avulsed - Embryonic Necropsy And Devourment
Regurgitate - Psychopathologist
The new release from ETERNAL OATH is out now on Pulverised Records.
Norwegian Black Metal band DISMAL EUPHONY has a new CD out soon on Nuclear
Blast Records, titled "Python Zero." It's said to be a progressive genre
bender.
DIESEL MACHINE has finally released their debut opus, titled "Torture Test,"
on SPV/Steamhammer Records. This is ripping Death Metal.
Among the other terrors in this issue are REVIEWS of the following albums:
CHAOS THEORY......................"Chaos Theory"
DIECAST..........................."Day Of Reckoning"
BACKFIRE!........................."Still Dedicated"
BLOOD STAINED DUSK................"The Dirge of Death's Silence"
DIMMU BORGIR......................"Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia"
CARNAL FORGE......................"Firedemon"
GANDALF..........................."Rock Hell"
USURPER..........................."Necronemesis"
SKINLESS.........................."Foreshadowing Our Demise"
GODHEAD..........................."2000 Years Of Human Error"
HAUNTED..........................."Haunted Made Me Do It"
RAGING SLAB......................."The Dealer"
DOWNER............................"Downer"
These are 13 CDs that are sworn to brutalize without any tinge remorse, or
mercy for that matter. I offer only the best and most savage, never anything
less. Get brutalized!
Welcome to Stranger Aeons. These days are strange... Farewell.
//////William the Bloody [a.k.a. Bill Vogel III]
February 13, 2000 A.D.///////
***Hellion Crew***
This section has ten (or more) new or classic Cds that are cool. They are in
no particular order.
1. "When Reason Sleeps" by Haste [Brutal Metalcore with Emocore
inflections and melodic edginess. Simply brilliant...]
2. "Predominance" by Suspiria [Thrashy Black Metal with an eccentric and
sublime malevolence.]
3. "Kingdoms Of Greed" by Unmoored [Frenetic Death Metal with a rabid
sensibility.]
4. "Hellbrigade" by Centinex [Brutal Dark Metal in the Swedish style-fast,
heavy, and wickedly tenacious. ...A definite must for the
vicious at heart.]
5. "Choice Cuts" by Impaled [New, rare, and cover tunes by these Oakland
Death Metal freaks. Really gross artwork here.]
6. "Drowning In Tragedy" by Eternal Suffering [Brutal Death Metal with a
crushing vibe.]
7. "Ugliness Revealed" by Defiled [Frenetic Deathrash Metal...]
8. BURNT BY THE SUN [Brutal Hardcore savagery stitched together with equal
parts nuance and gristle.]
9. DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN [Re-issue of Grind/Metalcore Metal with
monstrous, aggressive tempos...]
10. "Insanity" by Darkane [Excellent and hypnotic Swedish Style Death Metal
with a slight Classical twist here and there.]
11. "Am Universum" by Amorphis [Beautiful, gritty Doom Metal with complex
keyboards and guitar structures.]
12. "Solstice Of Oppression" by Oppressor [Brutal Death Metal with a soul
of creative chaos. This is a re-issue.]
13. "Murder's Concept" by Yattering [Crushing Death Metal with a brutal
brilliance. Really good...]
***Age Of The Blade***
More, more Metal news...
God Forbid/// Here's a tour schedule...
God Forbid (with DIECAST only):
Sunday, April 1 - Planet 505 @ Syracuse, NY
Monday, April 2 - Bill's Bar @ Boston, MA
God Forbid Miscellaneous:
April 6/7 - NJ Metal Fest
April 8-13 - Short North American tour
with STAMPIN GROUND, ORIGIN and ESOTERIC
April 14 - New England Metal Fest
April 14-21 - Tour across America to begin
with NEVERMORE tour on April 22
Reach The Sky/// Besides having a killer new slab of Emocore out, called
"Friends, Lies And The End Of The World," they start the Dropkick Murphy's
tour on March 9th in Poughkeepsie, NY. That tour continues until the end of
April. Here's a schedule...
APRIL
01 San Antonio, TX @ WHITE RABBIT w/Dropkick Murphy's, Swingin Utters,
Lars & the Bastards
03 Mesa, AZ @ NILE BASEMENT w/Dropkick Murphy's, Swingin Utters, Lars &
the Bastards
04 San Diego, CA @ CANE'S w/Dropkick Murphy's, Swingin Utters, Lars &
the Bastards
05 Los Angeles, CA @ THE PALACE w/Dropkick Murphy's, Swingin Utters,
Lars & the Bastards
07 Las Vegas, NV @ HUNTRIDGE THEATRE w/Dropkick Murphy's, Swingin
Utters, Lars & the Bastards
08 San Francisco, CA @ MARATIME HALL w/Dropkick Murphy's, Swingin
Utters, Lars & the Bastards
10 Santa Cruz, CA @ CATALYST w/Dropkick Murphy's, Swingin Utters, Lars &
the Bastards
11 Chico, CA @ BRICK WORKS w/Dropkick Murphy's, Swingin Utters, Lars &
the Bastards
12 Portland, OR @ THE PINE STREET THEATRE w/Dropkick Murphy's, Lars &
the Bastards
13 Seattle, WA @ DV8 w/Dropkick Murphy's, Lars & the Bastards
14 Vancouver, BC @ CROATIAN CULTURAL CENTER w/Dropkick Murphy's,
Lars & the Bastards
17 Colorado Springs, CO @ COLORADO MUSIC HALL w/Dropkick Murphy's, Lars
& the Bastards
18 Denver, CO @ OGDEN THEATRE w/Dropkick Murphy's, Lars & the Bastards
19 Lawrence, KS @ GRANADA THEATRE w/Dropkick Murphy's, Lars & the
Bastards
20 St Louis, MO @ MISSISSIPPI NIGHTS w/Dropkick Murphy's, Lars & the
Bastards
22 Minneapolis, MN @ FIRST AVENUE w/Dropkick Murphy's, Lars & the
Bastards
23 Chicago, IL @ HOUSE OF BLUES w/Dropkick Murphy's, Lars & the Bastards
25 Cincinatti, OH @ BOGARTS w/Dropkick Murphy's, Swingin Utters, Lars &
the Bastards
26 Pontiac, MI @ PONTIAC SILVERDOME w/Dropkick Murphy's, Swingin Utters,
Lars & the Bastards
27 Cleveland, OH @ AGORA THEATRE w/Dropkick Murphy's, Swingin Utters,
Lars & the Bastards
28 Pittsburgh, PA @ CLUB LAGA w/Dropkick Murphy's, Swingin Utters, Lars
& the Bastards
The Damned/// Has signed with Nitro Records.
Corvus Corax/// These esoteric masters of extreme Metal have released their
new opus on Dark Symphonies Records. Titled "The Atavistic Triad," it is a
grim symphonic journey with elements of Black Metal, Gothic, Industrial,
Doom, Classical, and Folk.
Grade/// These Hardcore heroes have a new CD out on Victory Records. The
disc is titled "The Embarrassing Beginning."
Infestation/// Be on the lookout for their new opus, titled "Immolation," on
Pavement Records.
Unmoored/// Their new nihilistic vision is called "Kingdoms Of Greed." This
is Death Metal at its most vicious. Excellent stuff. Expect a review soon.
Rossomahaar/// This Russian band has signed a 4 album deal with X-Rated
Records, who will also reissue their debut "Imperium Tenebrarum."
ROSSOMAHAAR is Black Metal.
Boy Hits Car/// They have a self-titled opus out on Wind Up Records. This
Emocore with Aggro elements.
Factory 81/// This Rapcore/Aggro Metal band has a new CD out, "Mankind," on
Medea Records.
Saliva/// Their new CD is called "Every Sixty Seconds."
Dr. Know/// The legendary Raw Edged Deathrash Metal has issued a new opus on
Cleopatra Records. It is called "What Is Old Is New."
Unloco/// Melodic Aggro Metal band has a new release out called "Healing."
Murder 1 Blues Army/// This Psychedelic Metal band has a new CD, called
"Mordor Rising."
///Bill Vogel III
March 22, 2001 A.D.
***Tongue Lash***
This section contains quotes from songs, bands, band members, books, movies,
TV, etc.
"What is life? It is a flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of
a buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across
the grass and loses itself in the sunset."
-----Crowfoot.
"A little fact is worth a whole limbo of dreams."
-----Ralph Waldo Emerson.
"Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers."
-----Tennyson, "LOCKSLEY HALL."
"Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he
does not become a monster. And when you look long into an
abyss the abyss also looks into you."
-----from "Beyond Good And Evil" by
Friedrich Nietzsche.
"Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake."
-----Henry David Thoreau.
"A man is a god in ruins."
-----Emerson.
"Bad is never good until worse happens."
-----Danish Proverb.
"The historian looks backwards; eventually he also believes backwards."
-----Nietzsche from "The Twilight of the Idols."
"What was given to us by the past is adapted to the possibilities of the
future." -----Carl Jung.
"Man is the cruelest animal."
-----by Friedrich Nietzsche.
"It is not a matter of survival of the fittest but survival of the fiercest."
-----W.B. Vogel.
"The end is where we start from."
-----T.S. Eliot, "LITTLE GIDDING."
"All great things must first wear terrifying masks in order to burn itself
into the minds of humanity."
-----by Friedrich Nietzsche.
***Soulgrind***
This section contains album (Cd) reviews. Enjoy...
"'Chaos Theory' by CHAOS THEORY"
by
Bill Vogel III
March 27, 2001 A.D.
The natural order is chaos. And only in chaos can pure creativity be
ignited. The band Chaos Theory knows something about such a process. On
their new self-titled CD [SPV Records] they blast a roaring fusion of Aggro,
Hardcore, and Metalcore into a artistic angst that is both heavy and emotive.
Mixing beautiful brutality with pure anger, they expand the boundaries of
aggression. Their sound melds pounding, heavy rhythms with massive guitar
assaults, and aggressive vocals having a slight Death growl rumble. The
result is sheer, monolithic brutality with a maddening brilliance.
The six songs on the disc are all great, but the best ones are the wrecking
"Idolkill," the pummeling barrage of "Pressure Situation," and appropriately
called "Broken Face." Brutality comes in many forms. Chaos Theory is one of
the best...
In summary, this is a riotous, killer slab of Hardcore Aggro Metal meant for
those who enjoy intensity. Somewhere between Hatebreed and Slipknot is where
Chaos Theory calls home. This is a band that should not be overlooked.
Chaos Theory has surpassed mere theory and became law. Stay savage.
Farewell.
Related Bands: Mudvayne, Hatebreed, Slipknot, Unearth, Vis@40,
Upheaval, Factory 81, Nonpoint, Slaves On Dope,
Facedown, Overcast, Luddite Clone, Diecast,
Anoxia, Dillinger Escape Plan, Dim Mak, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION. Piece.
Email address: StrangeAeons@compuserve.com
Provided courtesy of Stranger Aeons.
Copyright 2001.
"'Day Of Reckoning' by Diecast"
by
Bill Vogel III
March 25, 2001 A.D.
A new upstart Metalcore group that has forged a fiery reputation for heights
of aggression and pure ferocity is Diecast. On their second opus, "Day Of
Reckoning" [Now Or Never Records], lays siege on Hell. Building a solid
foundation on the DIY Hardcore ethos, they fuse ferocious Hardcore, Brutal
Death Metal, and subtle, wicked grooves into a beautiful hostility.
Aggression is good. [Repeat that credo 3 times.]
Their style mixes bludgeoning rhythms, fierce melodies, shrill Death growls
along with guttural ones, and blowtorch guitar barrages. The result is
beautiful, brutal, and bombastic. This is utter, visceral brilliance.
The most ferocious and best cuts include "In The Shadows," the feral
"Plague," "Disrepair," the massive wallop of "Remember The Fallen," and my
favorite the vicious "Exacting My Revenge." Each cut is a burst of
unsullied, perfect rage.
In conclusion, this is a heavy edged napalm assault of pure, perfect
Metalcore chaos. Get it, and exact your revenge on the mainstream. Stay
savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: Dim Mak, Haste, Turmoil, Dillinger Escape Plan,
Anoxia, Luddite Clone, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION. Piece.
Email address: StrangeAeons@compuserve.com
Provided courtesy of Stranger Aeons.
Copyright 2001.
"'Still Dedicated' by Backfire!"
by
Bill Vogel III
March 15, 2001 A.D.
There's something special about ultra aggressive Hardcore. One band that has
earned a legendary and well-deserved status in this genre is the act
Backfire. Their latest release, "Still Dedicated" [Victory Records], is an
essential work for fans of the style.
Backfire! (yes, the exclamation point is part of their name) has a sound that
mixes fast, aggressive guitars and rhythms with raspy, growled vocals. The
melodies are fast, yet catchy. And the overall effect is a catalyst for
freeform mosh. This is excellent Hardcore...
The most killer cuts include "Don't Wanna Die Young," "Buried In The Fields,"
the whiplash smack of "No Turning Back," and my favorite one which is the
title track. A couple of the tracks have intro samples taken from movies,
which are hilarious both in and out of context.
Overall, this is an excellent work of angst driven Hardcore aggression that
is direct, brilliant, and whacked. This is one act that is definitely still
dedicated to the DIY ethic. Stay savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: Haste, Turmoil, Hatebreed, Earth Crisis, Upheaval,
Total Chaos, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION. Piece.
Email address: StrangeAeons@compuserve.com
Provided courtesy of Stranger Aeons.
Copyright 2001.
"'The Dirge of Death's Silence' by Blood Stained Dusk"
by
Bill Vogel III
March 16, 2001 A.D.
Black Metal comes in many forms. One such style is Vampiric Black Metal,
with greats like Siebenburgen and Cradle Of Filth being legendary masters of
the art. There is a new act that is blazing a reputation in this subgenre.
That band is Blood Stained Dusk, and their new CD is titled "The Dirge of
Death's Silence" [Necropolis Records].
Blood Stained Dusk's sound is an intricate, complexly orchestrated frenzy of
dense and manic guitar roar, shrill Blackened growls, and subtle atmospheres
charged with pure, utter darkness. The resulting maelstrom of musical mayhem
is a bloodbath of sheer, stark aggression. Simply put, it is horrifyingly
amazing.
An excellent creation, its most monumental cuts include "Renounce The Dawn,"
the wickedly tormenting beauty of "Saguinas Path (The Blood I Follow),"
"Funeral Of Lamentation," and the frenzied assault of "Moon Behind The
Storm." All of them shine with an ebon rage.
In eulogy, this is a sanguine opus of pure Vampiric Black Metal perfection.
Any fan of Black or Extreme Metal should have this release. So come with me,
my kindred children of the night, down the darkened path. We shall watch the
Blood Moon rise... Stay savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: Siebenburgen, Cradle Of Filth, Emperor, Dimmu
Borgir, Dissection, Thy Primordial, Serpent
Obscene, Bloodthorn, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION. Piece.
Email address: StrangeAeons@compuserve.com
Provided courtesy of Stranger Aeons.
Copyright 2001.
"'Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia' by Dimmu Borgir"
by
Bill Vogel III
March 20, 2001 A.D.
From the darkened kingdoms of Black Metal there has risen an act hailed as
one of the best of the genre. The band is Dimmu Borgir, and on their latest
opus in black, titled "Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia" [Nuclear Blast
Records], they illustrate the reason why in a continuous storm of ferocity.
Their core sound has remained pure-fierce guitar blasts, ravenous Blackened
screeches tinged with growled roars, frenetic rhythms, crazed keyboard
ensembles with a maddening genius, and Gothic undercurrents that dredge the
very depths of the abyss.
The most amazing, fiercely driven cuts include "Architecture Of A Genocidal
Nature" (one of my favorites), "Perfection Of Vanity." "Hybrid Stigmata - The
Apostasy," "Puritania," the ferocious "IndoctriNation," and the crazed
assault of "Blessings Upon The Throne Of Tyranny."
In summary, this is one of the best Black Metal releases of the year made by
one of the world's best Black Metal acts...Dimmu Borgir. So prepare yourself
for a pure misanthropic euphoria. Stay dark. Farewell.
Related Bands: Emperor, Siebenburgen, Cradle Of Filth, Mayhem,
Children Of Bodom, Samael, Borknagar, Satyricon,
Thy Primordial, Darkthrone, Dissection, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION. Piece.
Email address: StrangeAeons@compuserve.com
Provided courtesy of Stranger Aeons.
Copyright 2001.
"'Firedemon' by Carnal Forge"
by
Bill Vogel III
March 15, 2001 A.D.
Some things defy the laws of physics. One of those is the new opus, titled
"Firedemon" [Century Media Records], by Carnal Forge. Carnal Forge takes a
relentless form of Swedish Death Metal and gives it a brutal sensibility.
Blasting, breakneck guitars scrape against frenzied rhythms, catchy melodies
with a crazed virulence, and shrill Death growl vocals. Brutal, hook driven
rhythms stitch these distinct elements together into a tight, vicious work of
brilliant mayhem.
The best cuts include "Covered With Fire (I'm Hell)," "Pull The Trigger," the
aptly named "A Revel In Violence," "Defacer," the bludgeoning "I Smell Like
Death (Son Of A Bastard)," and my favorite, the brutally ferocious "Too Much
Hell Ain't Enough Hell For Me." This is a feral display of true violent
beauty.
In conclusion, this is a pure, relentless onslaught of brutish Swedish Style
Death Metal with a fiery rage. So revel in the violence. Stay savage.
Farewell.
Related Bands: Darkane, Sentenced [early], Hypocrisy [early],
Soilwork, Darkest Hour, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION. Piece.
Email address: StrangeAeons@compuserve.com
Provided courtesy of Stranger Aeons.
Copyright 2001.
"'Rock Hell' by Gandalf"
by
Bill Vogel III
March 16, 2001 A.D.
Death Metal took an interesting tangent with this release. On the new opus
by the Finnish Death Metal band Gandalf, titled "Rock Hell" [Wicked
World/Earache Records]. By taking late 1980's Classic Metal guitar wizardry
ala Iron Maiden, and adding it to catchy melodies as well as a killer Death
Metal ferocity, they have forged a unique, interesting brand of Metal.
Gandalf uses this different approach brilliantly-the choruses are as
memorable as the melodies-making for a heavy yet very Rock 'N' Roll feel.
Tracks that really standout include "Nightderanger," "L8X Queen" (L8X means
"latex"), "Human Value Zero," the crunch and chug of "Dead Man's Hand," and
my favorite one "One More For The Dead." Every song kicks...
In summary, this is a release that stretches the boundaries of Death Metal in
an epic way. Maybe it should be called Retro/Death Metal. Whatever it is
called it is really good, even if it is "Rock Hell." Stay savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: Entombed, Konkhra, Gorefest, Dominus, Godgory,
Gardenian, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION. Piece.
Email address: StrangeAeons@compuserve.com
Provided courtesy of Stranger Aeons.
Copyright 2001.
"'Necronemesis' by Usurper"
by
Bill Vogel III
February 22, 2001 A.D.
There's something about Chicago. Some really guttural, violent darkness
comes out of that town. Look at the Roaring '20s period of history-organized
crime, bootlegging, and the Saint Valentine's Day Massacre. That darkness
has been carried forward into today...
Chicago's own sons of brutality, Usurper, have returned with a raging new
slab of Death Metal entitled "Necronemesis" [Necropolis Records]. Usurper's
style is tempered with a fiery edge honed with old school brutality,
technical guitar maelstrom, and a ferocious growled vocal assault. The
result is a tightly built, brilliantly devastating engine of destruction. It
inspires a sense of horrific awe and wonder that only great, epic works of
darkness can.
The best, and most vicious cuts include "Slaughterstorm," the instrumental
"In Remembrance," "Funeral Waters," the frenetic rage of "The Incubus Breed"
(one of my favorites), shades of Edgar Allan Poe in the blistering cut "Into
The Oblong Box," and "1666 A.D." The title track features a guest
appearance by King Diamond. Each and every cut shreds.
In summary, Usurper unleashes a pure storm of Death Metal slaughter that
shouldn't be missed by any fan of Extreme Metal music. So keep your eyes on
the darkening skies... A slaughterstorm is rising over the distant horizon
as the Necronemesis appears. Stay savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: Deceased, Impaled, Dreams Of Damnation, Raise Hell,
Oppressor, Murder Squad, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION. Piece.
Email address: StrangeAeons@compuserve.com
Provided courtesy of Stranger Aeons.
Copyright 2001.
"'Foreshadowing Our Demise' by Skinless"
by
Bill Vogel III
March 24, 2001 A.D.
A band can never be too brutal. But sometimes the needed aggressive groove,
or blood-splattering hook, is lost in the dragon's teeth. One band that
successfully merges catchy, virulent rhythms along with sheer brutal
aggression is Skinless. On their new opus, "Foreshadowing Our Demise"
[Relapse Records], they push Death/Grind Metal in a brilliant, catchy
direction.
Ferocity is tempered, but never lost as blasting beats stitch together
pummeling guitar assaults and relentless, guttural Death growl vocals. The
resulting chaos has a vicious groove with a malicious, feral glean. It's
wicked, twisted, and brutal.
The most fiercely cool cuts include "Smothered," the pulsating blast of the
title track, "Salvage What's Left," "The Optimist," and the best one which is
"Affirmation Of Hatred." This release is guttural, gruesome, and genius.
Skinless cuts a new greatness from the old, decaying order.
Overall, this a seriously savage slab of catchy, hostility inducing
Death/Grind Metal for any true believer of aggressive and Extreme Metal
music. It's gut wracking, and soul drenching full-on ferocity that shouldn't
be missed. So get brutal... Stay savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: Blood Duster, Nasum, Rotten Sound, Hate Plow,
Oppressor, Gutted, Napalm Death, Brujeria,
Agoraphobic Nosebleed, Luddite Clone, Anoxia,
Hatewave, Dillinger Escape Plan, Naked City,
Mindrot, Deadhorse, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION. Piece.
Email address: StrangeAeons@compuserve.com
Provided courtesy of Stranger Aeons.
Copyright 2001.
"'2000 Years Of Human Error' by Godhead"
by
Bill Vogel III
March 16, 2001 A.D.
For people who enjoy their Industrial Metal with a Dark Pop feel ala Nine
Inch Nails and Orgy, then Godhead is the perfect fit. Their new CD, called
"2000 Years Of Human Error" [Plasma Head/Priority Records], is a freaky and
cool journey through the twilight glint. Godhead is the first band signed
and released on Marilyn Manson's label, Plasma Head Records.
Godhead's style is a mutational hybrid consisting of Industrial Metal,
dark/clean Pop vocals, subtle beats, and an atmospheric aesthetic that
smashes it all together into a swirling din. Even the softer elements work
well, creating a beautiful cacophony of diverse qualities. Techno
inflections are used as well.
The most memorable tracks include "The Reckoning," "Break You Down,"
"Sinking," "Penetrate," and the insanely cool "I Hate Today." Those are the
best cuts.
In summary, this is a divergent yet good opus of Industrial Metal that will
appeal to fans of this genre, or those who enjoy something a little different
once in a while. Stay savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: Nine Inch Nails, Orgy, Stabbing Westward, Helmet,
Prong, Therapy?, Econoline Crush, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION. Piece.
Email address: StrangeAeons@compuserve.com
Provided courtesy of Stranger Aeons.
Copyright 2001.
"'Haunted Made Me Do It' by Haunted"
by
Bill Vogel III
January 3, 2001 A.D.
Formed from the ashes of the legendary Swedish Death Metal act At The Gates,
the Haunted take Thrash Metal to its very limits. Their latest opus,
"Haunted Made Me Do It" [Earache Record], approaches the Death/
Thrash Metal style from the other direction. The result is tightly played
Technical/Hyper Deathrash Metal with commanding, intricate guitar leads and
Swedish Death growl vocals. It adds a truly unique dimension to the sound,
creating a visceral feel with Classic Metal nuances.
The best cuts include "The World Burns," "Human Debris," "Hollow Ground,"
"Bury Your Dead," and my favorite "Dark Intentions." Marco Aro's [formerly
of Face Down] vocals are a fierce offset to Jensen's and Anders' sharp guitar
leads. It's a ravenous display of adrenalized ferocity.
In summary, this is an excellent second release by these Swedish masters of
the new world disorder. So grit your teeth... And remember, the Haunted
made me do it. Stay savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: Slayer, Terror 2000, Kreator, Sepultura, Oblivion,
Soulfly, Corporation 187, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION. Piece.
Email address: StrangeAeons@compuserve.com
Provided courtesy of Stranger Aeons.
Copyright 2000.
"'The Dealer' by Raging Slab"
by
Bill Vogel III
March 16, 2001 A.D.
There's always a need for a different edge in heaviness. And one band with a
very unique slant is Raging Slab. Somewhere between Black Sabbath and Lynard
Skynard is where these southern patriots rebelliously stomp around. This is
Retro Metal with a Southern, Bluesy twist.
Raging Slab's latest work, "The Dealer" [Tee Pee Records], continues their
progression towards a more dynamic sound. They mix Psychedelic Metal, chunky
rhythms, Doomed-out grooves, clean yet intense vocals, and a Bluesy swagger
that shakes the concrete foundations of Fort Knox. Every track kicks with a
solid smack to the face.
The best cuts include "Too Bad," "Chasin' The Dragon," "That's Alright," and
"Bite The Lightning" which is my favorite from this album. Raging Slab truly
creates a melodic and heavy style of Southern Psychedelic Metal.
In conclusion, this is a visceral, bluesy slab of Retro Metal that is pure
heaviness. So crank up the adrenaline, and take a ride on the Raging Slab.
There's no need for a boring trip. Stay savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: Black Sabbath, Masters Of Reality, Sea Of Green,
Lynard Skynard, Kyuss, Queens Of The Stone Age,
Mondo Generator, Fu Manchu, Monster Magnet, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION. Piece.
Email address: StrangeAeons@compuserve.com
Provided courtesy of Stranger Aeons.
Copyright 2001.
"'Downer' by DOWNER"
by
Bill Vogel III
March 13, 2001 A.D.
There are a few rules that remain eternal in music. First, a band can never
be too heavy. Second, any style of Metal is better when there is a dark
quality. The group Downer adheres well to this second law...by taking Heavy
Alternative Rock into the darkness. Fans of acts such as Tool, Creed, and A
Perfect Circle will enjoy this band.
On their new self-titled CD, out on Roadrunner Records, Downer pushes heavy
guitars grooves with melodious darkness. The vocals are utter and clean, but
drenched in melancholy. Rhythms are bludgeoning and flow entirely with the
lunatic moods that fuse the Downer sound into a cohesive, dynamic wallop.
The best cuts include the faster chaotic slide of "Bi-Furious," "Mud Bath,"
the morose tension of "Flex," and "Last Time."
Overall, this is a good album for the fan of Dark Alternative Metal. So,
when the lunacy grabs the masses here is the soundtrack for that deep
depression charged with the occasional angry fit. Stay savage. Farewell.
Related Bands: Tool, Creed, A Perfect Circle, Garbage, Our Lady
Peace, Bush, Silverchair, etc.
Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION. Piece.
Email address: StrangeAeons@compuserve.com
Provided courtesy of Stranger Aeons.
Copyright 2001.
*** Full Access ***
This is the place where you find out where and/or how to get Stranger Aeons
magazine.
On the World Wide Web:
Official Site...
http://strangeraeons.tripod.com/index.html
Secondary Sites...
http://www.student.nada.kth.se/~d90-two/music/stranger_aeons/
or
http://huizen.dds.nl/~pax/metal.html
*** Metal Slag ***
More Metal news than one person can stand in one issue!
SHUVEL, a new Rapcore Metal outfit, has a new release out called "Set It
Off."
In Aggro Metal news...there is an excellent new band named VIS@40. Surf
Records has released this act's latest offering, "Crushing 2 Humans."
One of my favorite new bands is the group NONPOINT. Their raging debut of
blasting Aggro Metal is titled "Statement" [MCA Records]. The first single
is "Misled."
The first 2 albums by Atmospheric Death Metal freaks NOCTURNUS, "The Key" and
"Thresholds," have been reissued with bonus tracks. Be sure to check-out
their latest, "Ethereal Tomb," as well.
HIDEOUS MANGLEUS, the Gore/Grind outfit, is currently hammering together
their next release.
TOTTEN KORPS has finished mastering their next opus, "Tharnheim: Athi-Land-
Nhi, Ciclopean Crypts Of Citadels." It includes 11 tracks and is scheduled
for November 1st, 2000 through Repulse Records. Totten Korps is from Chile.
EVOKEN, those Doomdeath Metal monsters, have released their new CD titled
"Quietus."
J.J. PARADISE PLAYERS CLUB has released their self-titled debut on Tee Pee
Records. This act features former members of the UNSANE.
REHAB will release their debut, titled "Southern Discomfort."
INTERNAL SUFFERING, Colombia's most Brutal Death Metal act, has a new CD out
called "Supreme Acknowledge Domain."
TANTRIC is the new band formed by former members of DAYS OF THE NEW.
MURDER CORPORATION, the Death Metal band formed from the ashes of the
legendary Death Metal act DERANGED, has released their self-titled CD.
NO INNOCENT VICTIM has completed the recording of their upcoming Victory
release, "Tipping The Scales." Look for the album to be released on May
22.
THURSDAY will be hitting the road for a string of dates with MIDTOWN and
HOT ROD CIRCUIT in April and May. THURSDAY's Victory Records debut, "Full
Collapse", will be released on April 10th. Expect killer Metalcore/Emocore
Metal. Excellent...
WATERDOWN has finished recording on their Victory Records debut, entitled
"Never Kill The Boy On The First Date."
DARKEST HOUR has signed to Victory Records. This band's styles combines
Hardcore with Swedish Death Metal.
Stay evil. Hail Darkness.
///March 22, 2001 A.D.
***Eye Tripz***
These are the best videos of the month.
1. "Dig" by Mudvayne.
2. "Butterfly" by Crazy Town.
3. "Wait And Bleed (Claymation Version)" by Slipknot.
4. "Power Struggle" by Sunna.
5. "Stoopid Ass" by Grand Theft Audio.
6. "Drag You Down" by Finger Eleven.
7. "Set It Off" by Shuvel.
8. "Back To The Primitive" by Soulfly.
9. "Again & Again" by Taproot.
10. "Leader Of Men" by Nickleback.
*** Rogue's Gallery ***
I still claim all rights to the names "Angst Industry" and "Hate Box," and
to the concept. Old issues of it can be downloaded, and distributed under
the same rules as Stranger Aeons.
Writers: B. "William the Bloody" Vogel III
Editors: Bill Vogel III (Managing Editor)
Layout Design by B. Vogel III
Coverpage Design by B. Vogel III
Published by Bill Vogel III
Produced by Anarchy Productions (TM.), in cooperation with Death Jam (TM.),
Night-Creatures, and The D.E.A.D. Ones (TM.).
Legal Junk: This is copyrighted material. It may be distributed freely, as
long as it is in its complete and original format, or credit is given for
quoted portions. We are not liable for changes made by idiots after they get
it or if they misinterpret it.
Note*** If you have a magazine and would like to use portions of Stranger
Aeons, contact me.
All scrivener's errors (typos) are the sole responsibility of me, B. Vogel
III. Any flak directed at other writers should be sent to me...I do not want
my friends besieged by silly crap. My views do not necessarily reflect those
of Rocknet, Compuserve, Prodigy, America Online, the World Wide Web,
Internet, the other writers, my friends, my church, my family, Jimi Hendrix,
James Hetfield, Glenn Danzig, or anyone else. So there. :)
Note to Pro-Censorship types: Bite me.
Beware of people who can do nothing but gripe, whine, and moan...by writing
or speaking trite, naive, and idiotic crap (i.e. certain members of the U.S.
Congress, and most of the White House).
Finished March 30, 2001 A.D.
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| | Bill Vogel III
| * | Of
* | | * Stranger Aeons Magazine
------------------- Death/Grind Metal List
| * WBV * | Rapcore Metal List
------------------- Spitting Blood [Death/Doom/
* | | * Black/Grind Compilations
| * | List]
| | Coming Soon: Industrial
|III| Metal List
| |
-----
STRANGER AEONS
Email: StrangeAeons@compuserve.com
LifeEraser@aol.com
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