content - Infernal Masquerade

Editorial:
This month’s issue was more relaxed, with school over I had more time to dedicate to this issue.
However, the interviews for this month with Graveworm and others, didn’t arrived on time, so please expect
them in the next issues. In other things, as you see the layout is better, giving me more space to write, this
means more reviews and contents, that is the reason why I’m looking for persons to write for the zine,
preferably in Europe, because I have my quota filled for the U.S and Mexico, so if you are interested, please
contact me: [email protected].
In other things, I’m taking a 3 week vacation/moving, so I don’t know if the next issue will be out on
time. I’m moving back to Mexico where the zine started, because school is over here in U.S. and I have to
return, so bands if you didn’t sent your material to my U.S. address please send it to:
Juan M. Banda
Apdo. R.P. 84
Chihuahua, Chihuahua.
Mexico
31231
or
Juan M. Banda
Reno #1603
Residencial Campestre
Chihuahua, Chihuahua.
Mexico
31271
So please send your material to the address(es) above. With the moving I don’t think it will be much
of a vacation, but I will try to get the zine done.
Well this is it for your editorial this month and I hope you enjoy the new layout of the zine.
Index:
Editorial ........................ 1
Index ............................. 1
Interviews
Somnus ............... 2 and 3.
Playlist ........................... 3
Album Reviews ............. 4, 5,6 and 7
Demo Reviews .............. 8 and 9
Contributors .................. 10
Next Issue ..................... 10
1
Interview
This interview was conducted by email with Rhiannon (keyboards and female vocals), by Dark Emperor.
L to R: Erik Rueschman- Lead Guitar, Chris Stolle- Percussion, Rhiannon – Keyboards Vocals, Lou Spencer- Bass, Scott Hilberg- Vocals, Guitar/Synth.
Dark Emperor: Thanks for the interview and first of all please tell me more about Somnus, how did it came about?
Rhiannon: Somnus was formed in Cleveland, Ohio by Scott Hilberg (lead vocals/guitar), Erik Rueschman (guitar) and Lou
Spencer (bass). Scott Shetler (percussion) and myself (Rhiannon--keyboards/vocals) completed the empire of Somnus in early
1996, when we started playing local gigs. We set out to create a sound that would include dark and desolate imagery while
capturing the full dynamics of a cataclysmic orchestra. We recorded our demo To Return the Crimson Skies in late 1996. Chris
Stolle (ex-Thanatopsis) replaced Shetler in late 1997, and we recorded a 2-song promo as well as "Seasons in the Abyss" for the
Dwell Slayer Tribute "Gateway to Hell". Erik departed after our debut CD Awakening the Crown was recorded in 1999, and Dave
Ingram (lead guitar, formally of Blood Coven) now completes the line-up. Somnus has continued to play shows and record
without fail despite the line-up changes, and we hope to continue playing and recording to become well-known enough to do some
touring.
D.E: What are your main influences?
R: That question is tough to answer, because the five of us have very different musical tastes ranging from black metal to classic
rock to doom to progressive. Maiden, Kiss, Meshuggah, Floyd, Soul Whirling Somewhere, Emperor, Krisiun, My Dying Bride,
Sabbath, Dead Can Dance, Bal Sagoth, we pretty much listen to everything. I don't think any bands in particular influence us to
play, we're more influenced by the idea of people hearing our music and hopefully enjoying what we do.
D.E: You just released the CD, "Awakening The Crown" on Root of All Evil Records. Tell us about that release.
R: It's our debut CD, released this March, featuring 8 full-length tracts and some keyboard interludes. We recorded the bulk of it
last summer and overall we're pleased with it. The songs show a wide variety of styles and tempos, a trend that we will continue
in our new material. We should have another CD out by this time in 2001, and we're currently talking to labels about releasing it
when it is finished.
D.E: By your cover you seem to have a lot fantasy influence, who designed the cover?, because it looks like some playing cards
I've seen.
R: A Cleveland-area artist by the name of Matt Cavotta painted the CD cover for Awakening the Crown. We're also selling shirts
in the same design. Good eye, by the way, he does indeed paint Magic the Gathering fantasy cards, and we think his work is
excellent and I'm sure we'll enlist him again for future Somnus art.
2
Somnus Interview (cont):
D.E: What does Somnus mean?
R: Somnus is taken from Roman mythology; he is the god of sleep (and the father of Morpheus, god of dreams). We chose this
name to capture the dark and somber atmosphere that we try to create in our music, and also to reflect the mythological influence
in our lyrics. Our songs speak of ancient times, mythology, and paganism, and dark topics such as warfare and envy. There's a
lot of thought in them so definitely read them if you have the CD, we also really try and use them to compliment the music.
D.E: How do you define your music style?
R: Our music has a black metal basis but it's greatly twisted by elements of doom and epic movie soundtrack-type orchestration.
The mix of atmospheric black metal and melodic doom is kinda our trademark sound. People have called it "forest metal" from
the dark feel that they get while listening, as well as the pagan-influenced lyrics. The thing we're working on for the future is to
incorporate some heavier and more groove-oriented riffs into our songs to compliment and balance the black metal speed parts.
Our style isn't going to be changing but it will be becoming more complex.
D.E: Anything further to add?
R: For more info about Somnus, please go to http://somnus.cjb.net/ and check out the Somnus website! Sign our guestbook, or
email us at [email protected] or [email protected]. We have full color long and short sleeve shirts with the CD artwork
for $17 and $12, respectively. If you haven't heard the CD yet, get a copy from us or from Root of All Evil Records for $12 ($10
at our shows). Red Stream, Dark Symphonies, and Lost Disciple also carry our CD. Thanks again for the interview!.
The review of their great album “Awakening of the Crown” is features on the demo review of this month´s issue.
Dark Emperor Playlist:
1.- Somnus “Awakening of the crown” (pretty impresive stuff!!).
2.- Therion “Deggial”
3.- Graveworm “As the angels reach the beauty” (2nd straight month!).
4.- Rain Fell Within “Believe”
5.- Celestial Season “Solar Lovers”
3
Album Reviews:
Aeternus “Shadows of Old”
The cover of this album is kind of weird, just by seeing it I expected some fast black metal, with female vocals
(because of the chick on the cover), but I was wrong, its midpaced black metal, and no female vocals!. The
music its not more than traditional black metal, there are fast parts but not as fast as Immortal, and it has a lot
of death metal influences with the vocals like Kataclysm, which aren’t nothing out of the ordinary. Some
slower parts just make it a little boring, because they don’t go anywhere. There are some good riffs, but they
get repetitive. In general, this album is not what I expected, but its not too bad, and if you like black/death
metal, you’ll probably like this one. Except for some horrible clean vocals.
Ratting: 6.5 out of 10. – Dark Emperor.
Amduscias “s/t”
This is a very weird black metal album, and its not bad at any point (except for the recording quality). The
vocals and the music are nothing out of the ordinary but some parts where they use acoustic guitars and other
kinds of FX create a different atmosphere than many black metal albums. It has some fast and slow parts,
along with some acoustic interludes, making them kind of original. This album is not bad at all, but it just
takes an open minded person to like it!.
Rating: 8 out of 10. – Dark Emperor.
Amsvartner “The trollish mirror”
This is a traditional black metal album. It has fast paced parts, the usual screams and the fast drumming. They don’t really provide much to the
black metal scene, because they play what every other black metal band plays, so they aren’t very original. The CD lasts about 23 minutes,
making it not to boring, just semi-boring (jaja). So If you are a die hard fan of black metal and you like to hear the same music in all of your
albums, so get this thing and add it to your play list. Rating: 6 out of 10. – Dark Emperor.
Ancient “The Cainan Chronicle”
This is my favorite album of them, and its great in general. Basing their lyrics on the book of Nod, they tell
the story of Cain after he got kicked out of Eden, this makes the lyrics excellent!. Moving to the music, its
very different than Ancient’s previous releases, you could see the influence that Kimberly Gross and Lord
Kaiapas have on the music. The vocals are great, and specially the parts where God and Michael speak, they
sound great. The female vocals are excellent as well. The music is very good, specially the keyboards, that
gives the atmosphere that Ancient was missing. Lord Kaiapas variety of vocals are excellent giving more
depth to the music and life to the lyrics. In general this is a majestic album with a great concept and its
superbly executed making it one of my favorites. Rating: 9 out of 10. – Dark Emperor.
Artrosis “Hidden Dimension”
This is a great band from Poland (I think), and they play something like Goth/doom/rock, its hard to define because is very diverse and it has
different overtones of the mentioned genres. The band looks like its composed by only 3 persons, and I don’t have any info on them because I
have this album on tape. Medea’s vocals are excellent and they are very original, because I haven’t heard somebody that sings like her. The
music is very diverse because it has slow parts, fast parts and some keyboard parts. They create a great atmosphere with the keyboards along with
the guitars, a thing that they excel on. The guitar work is good, and the drumming is normal. Another strong point they have is Medea’s vocals,
this really puts them in a different dimension of the music, because they are very diverse. This album is great and if you want something
different, buy it!. Rating 8.5 out of 10. – Dark Emperor.
Atomine Elektrine “Archimetrical Universe“
The first song is rather long yet memorable, with a layered drone backing up various electronic noises for a
while, then fading out and coming back with a great, slow melody. Track 2 is more obviously "electro"-ish
starting out, then an incredible keyboard background appears. The first techno-like beat comes in shortly, and it
actually fits quite well. I used to shy away from those bassy techno beats, but this album is really helping me start
to appreciate them. "Cygnus Loop I" is the first of three very short "Cygnus Loop" tracks spread around the
album. Just one repeating ambient sound for about 1:30. Track 4 is somewhat similar to track 2, and track 5
draws connections to the harsher Andersson project Stratvm Terror. The rest of the songs fit similar descriptions,
while staying unique from each other. This album should be enjoyed by most raison d’être/ambient fans.
Rating: 8.5 out of 10. – Shane.
4
Celestial Season “Solar Lovers”
I first heard them on the “Death is just the beginning. Part III” compilation and I was mesmerized by this
band, so I got their CD and let me tell you, they kick ass in a weird way!. The album is very and I mean
very diverse, it has some songs that don’t really fit on it. The band has 2 violin players, this is a unique
thing of them, they are both excellent. The music is very doomy and depressive, they main attraction is the
sad violin parts, making the songs (the good ones) very dramatic. The lyrics are very diverse but well
written. Of course the heavy growls are excellent and they contrast perfectly with the melody of the music.
The clean vocals used are good because they add more dramatics to the music. This band is great, and if
you want a very diverse album, get this one. Rating: 8.5 out of 10. – Dark Emperor.
Dimmu Borgir “Spiritual Black Dimensions”
When I first heard Dimmu Borgir I didn’t thought they where that great, I heard “Devils Path”, but then I got
“Enthroned Darkness Triumphant” and I was amazed by the progress they made, so I was waiting for their next
release. The music got a lot more technical than in “Enthroned ....” and its has also more keyboards, and some
clean vocals, courtesy of their new bassist (Borknagar’s singer!). The best improvement they made is that they
don’t sound as repetitive as in “Enthroned ....” this makes them even better. They heavy atmosphere is not only
created by the keyboards but by the guitars also. The singing is great, Shagrat's vocals are excellent as usual, and
the clean vocals add more depth to the music making them more diverse and less repetitive. This is a great band
and it shows how they have progressed since their first album. This is a must have for melodic black metal fans.
Rating: 9 out of 10. – Dark Emperor.
Einherjer “Aurora Borealis”
A very unexpected find, I was aware that “Odin Owns Ye All” was different from prior recordings, but I didn’t
expect it to be that different! The first to notice was the vocals, not clean like Ragnar Viske’s, instead they are
“grim”. The vocals are done by Nidhogg, who also records with Ildjarn. The music is amazing, providing the
atmosphere necessary to explore the depths of Norwegian folklore. It is an E.P. so it only has four songs.
Rating: 9 of 10. – Rurik.
Einherjer “Norwegian Native Art”
Building from the somewhat simple “Odin Owns Ye All”. Norwegian Native Art has intricate riffs, solid
drumming, powerful orchestration, and amazing vocals. Again the music provides and illustrates a path
through the times and beliefs of the Vikings. Released through Native North Records, exclusively, it was hard
to get, but it was worth the troubles. The best songs would be: Hugin’s Eyes, Crimson Rain, and Regicide.
Rating: 9 of 10. – Rurik.
Einherjer “Odin Owns Ye All”
Rather unexpected combination of Norwegian Mythology and Heavy Metal. Singer Ragnar Vikse sounds very
similar to Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson. Great production by Andy La Rocque (ex-Mercyful Fate). The
music summons a since of actually being a Viking. Standing tall on the bow of a ship, fur laden shoulders,
mead in hand, all that is missing is the frosty beard. Best Songs: Leve Vikingeaanden (instrumental) Out of
Ginnungagap, Clash of the Elder.
Rating: 8 out of 10. – Rurik.
Emperor “IX Equilibrium”
Another intense collaboration of technicality and genius that is Emperor. Superb song structures, and grandiose
orchestrations. Basically a more intense version of Anthems to the Welkin at dusk. With partially influenced
King Diamond shrieks. The guitar melodies are tight, the drumming is insanely chaotic and ryhtmatic at the same
time. And unlike Athems... the vocals are not put low in the mix. All in all, Black Metal does not exceed these
limits. Best Songs, are there any bad ones?: Sworn and Curse You All Men stand atop as the best.
Rating: 8 out of 10. – Rurik.
5
Hecate Enthroned “Slaughter of the Innocence”
I first heard of this band as a Cradle Of Filth clone, because of their singing style and that shit, but I see some
differences that separate them from CoF. First of all the singing is somewhat different, because it doesn’t
block the path of the music as in CoF. Second their music is different, H. E. plays less melodic than CoF and
a little bit darker in a different kind of way!. They keyboards as mentioned are not abused as CoF does. The
guitar work is what makes H.E. different from CoF, they have excellent guitar work and its not over powered
by the keyboards or the singing. In general this band is great they create total chaos, so what the fuck if they
have similarities with CoF, fuck it, its music and its great. Rating: 9 out of 10. – Dark Emperor.
Limbonic Art “Ad Noctum: Dynasty of Death”.
This band never seems to disappoint me. Whenever I want to here the same song repeated seven times on one
disc they are always there for me. Again, great orchestrations suffocated by boring guitar drivel. I can’t
point-out any highlights of the disc, simply because there are none! The constant lyrical concepts are even
being driven to a reoccurrence. Dark this, evil that, it is all the same! The cosmic fields of incessant evil
frequencies commit to the evil damnation of my soul! Blah! At most the best thing of this disc is that it ends!
Rating: 1 of 10. – Rurik.
Limbonic Art “ Moon in the Scorpio”
An alluring mixture of amazing orchestrations are drowned out by a pointless guitar fuzz that only achieves
repulsion. The drums are fake, but that can be forgiven. Limbonic Art is a good band, but on average the
songs mirror previous songs. Somehow they manage about two or three good songs per album. But that is
hardly enough to send anyone out to purchase half a disc of crap!
Rating: 4 of 10. – Rurik.
Moon of Sorrow “Tears”
This is an Old band (1992) that plays something like doom metal, only less evolved (compared to now), but I think its due to the year they
recorded it. They have a basic line up, and a keyboard player. When I read the booklet the thing that turned me off was that they dedicate the
album to Freddie Mercury (oh shit!!!). The music is very different from other things I have heard before but its not too bad, it has some ackward
moments and its recording quality is terrible in parts. But it also has some moments where they seem to forget what they where playing and they
start doing weird shit, and they get boring. In general this is a different release, it could be called unique, but it can also be called a piece of shit,
so I let you decide on this! (my opinion if that its weird!!!!). Rating: 7 out of 10. – Dark Emperor.
Mors Syphilitica “s/t”
This is a gothic album that I got on a CD-R, and its doesn’t have many metal influences on it. This band is
composed by two members only, and they have a variety of instruments that create a very gloomy atmosphere on
the CD. The instruments are in charge of the male member of the band, and the vocals are done by the female
member. The music is very dark and somewhat repetitive, but its very unique and those bell sounds are creepy!.
The singer has a strong voice and its a rest from the traditional sweet female vocals. This band can be compared
to Autumn Tears, but more darker. In general this release is good, and by having strong female vocals its
different, but its only recommended if you are into Goth bands.
Rating: 7.5 out of 10. – Dark Emperor.
Necrophorus “Underneath the Spirit of Tranquility”
Right away it pulls you in with layer after layer of relaxing sounds coming in, with the main focus being a
Gregorian chant. A recording very suitable for outdoor listening. The chants don't come back until track 9
(used much differently). In between, there are plenty of strange-but-still-sound-good sounds, some possibly
from homemade instruments or the like, covered with very nice synth work. Track 10 really throws me off,
and I'm sure it would anyone, because through the whole thing there is... Sampled snoring!? Okay... Track
11 is indeed very strange too, being almost harsh, and I have no idea how to explain it. The rest of the
album is more experimental stuff, like nothing else I've heard, and a little bit of what was in the first half of
the disc. I recommend this disc to fans of experimental ambient, even if it is strange at times, it remains
interesting and entertaining. Rating: 8.5 out of 10. – Shane.
6
Night Conquers Day “Rebelion is the art of survival”
I think this band is American, first because I read it somewhere, and second, because on the back of the promo
disc says “Don’t be a pussy play this album loud”, this is clearly American!. Anyways this is a slightly original
black metal band, that has some excellent musicians. Their sound has some similarities with the European
black metal bands, but it has some touches of originality that makes them good to hear and not be easily bored,
the vocals are good, but some clear parts just suck!!. the guitar riffs are good and the acoustic parts are
excellent, they blend perfectly with the music, which in general its entertaining, but it gets a little repetitive. I
recommend this album to all black metal fans that like to expand their horizon, because its not bad!. Rating:
7.5 out of 10. – Dark Emperor.
raison d'être - Enthralled by the Winds of Loneliness
From the somewhat early days of raison d’être came this classic album. I love dark ambient CDs that have lots
of different sounds and moods in them, and this is one. The first song, "The Awakening," reminds me of
different ancient places with its atmospheric water sounds and flutes. A good opener. Then comes in "Spire of
Withhold" which starts out with a strong neoclassical feel and builds into an awesome dark/emotional song.
The artwork for this album seems like it was designed while this song was playing. An echoey Gregorian chant
is the start of the next piece, "In Loneliness," a short but effective song. Then we get to the one song on this
album I can't fully appreciate, "The Narrow Gate". It has an Egyptian type flute thing going, backed by drysounding drums. It does, however, change quite a bit in its duration, so once I get past the first half I do like the
rest. "Sophrosyne" might not seem very enjoyable at first because it sounds like a Christmas carol in its early
moments, but have no holiday fear, it turns into a quite the
well-written composition after not too long. The cello, choir, and bells layer to make a beautiful song before it's
all over. Following this we have the slow epic "Spiraal" which seems to be actually moving like its title
implies. Through its three phases and 20-something minutes I am reminded why I like raison d’être so much.
The closing track "Pathaway" continues where "Spiraal" leaves off. It sounds haunting and beautiful at the
same time; perfect late night music for someone like me. As you can probably tell, this album is very
recommended. Rating: 9 out of 10. – Shane.
Therion “ The crowning of Atlantis”
This album comes is a great digi-pack and has some new songs along with some live tracks and its a taste of
what was to come for their next album “Deggial”. The music is majestic as always, and with the addition of
one of the female singers of Dreams of Sanity, its even better, you can really notice her majestic voice in the
7th song. Some of the new songs are heavy metal oriented, with the typical vocals and they are not bad, but
they tend to get repetitive. The orchestrations are great, very typical of Therion, but they have the same basic
sound in all of them. The live songs have great recording quality, so they sound as if you where hearing the
albums. In general a good release, the best part is the addition of the previously mentioned singer, and the
chants of Sara Jezebel, so its a must have for Therion fans.
Rating: 8 out of 10. – Dark Emperor.
Therion “Deggial”
I really like this band and how it has evolved since their first albums, but the only thing that I’m not liking
is that they are adding heavy metal vocals, because they now sound gay. Anyways the music is brilliant,
excellent orchestrations that goes perfectly with the choruses, creating an excellent atmosphere that gives
the impression that you are at the opera. the female vocals and choruses are great, better than a lot bands,
except Tristania of course!. The only thing that was wrong with this release its that some of the music gets
repetitive, and their last song its a complete destruction of my favorite song of the movie “The Omen”, if
you only hear until track 10 you are going to like it.
Rating: 8 out of 10. – Dark Emperor.
True Kings of Norway
This was a disc that I thought was out of my reach due to my location. But to my surprise, I got it! The disc is a collection of old 7’’ E.Ps from
the beginning of Black Metal. Included are: Emperor - As the Shadows Rise, Immortal, Dimmu Borgir - Inn I Evighetens Morke, Ancient - Det
Glemte Riket, and Arcturus - My Angel. All the Emperor tracks can be found on “ Wrath of the Tyrant” in the same form, except for Lord of the
Storms which is the same but with some strange vocal effects. Immortal sounds like shit, but then again so does Emperor. Quite a difference
from their modern sound, but nothing special. The Dimmu Borgir tracks can be found on the re-issue of “For All Tid”. When I came upon the
Ancient tracks I was quite amazed. Having heard Mad Grandiose Blood Fiends, which in case you were wondering sucks, I was surprised that
this was even the same band. But the best tracks on the disc were by Arcturus. The song “My Angel”, although painstakingly simple is amazing.
The chorus is repeated almost too often but it never loses its effect. It was strange to hear Arcturus without Garm on vocals. Another great thing
is it shows a sort of family tree concerning Black Metal, illustrating members of the five bands on the disc’s other projects. All in all, this is one
hell of a disc and definitely worth whatever troubles are endured to get it. Rating: 11 of 10. – Rurik.
7
Demo Reviews
(Note: Not all the material reviewed here is necesarily a demo, but I put them here to help the bands get more exposure, because they are not well
known).
Descent / All that is evil “Split CD”
-. Descent.- This is not another death metal band, they achieve something different in their sound that makes them different from
the bunch. Some of the music is fast and brutal as usual, but they have something in their music structure that makes them unique
and very different from the other bands. So if you want death metal but with different sound,, you should get this split CD.
Rating: 8 out of 10. – Dark Emperor.
-. All that is evil.- After hearing Descent you can really tell the difference between them. All that is evil’s music is slower and it
has 2 different kinds of vocals and this is the only weak thing that this band has. The music is excellent, but the screams are the
ones that take out the power of the music, they should have stayed with the growls!!!. In general this is a good death metal band
and great to listen to, but those screams!!, they destroy the music.
Rating: 7 out of 10. – Dark Emperor
Average Rating of CD: 7.5 out of 10. – Dark Emperor.
Contact: Cutting Edge Records. P.O. Box 770376. Cleveland, Ohio 44107. USA. Email: [email protected]
Dream Of Nebiros. “Live passion / Dead bestiality”
After the good impression that their first demo left in me, I got this tape at a gig they played in my city and for my disappointment
it sucks. Maybe is the extremely poor recording quality. But of what I can make out of the new songs they aren’t as good as the
ones on their first demo. They sound more like a continuation of their first demo. I wont say anything else, because maybe it was
the poor recording quality only and Its unfair to destroy them because of this.
Rating: 6 out of 10. – Dark Emperor.
Mortigena “Death’s Caress”
This is a Grind/Death metal band from a friend from Chihuahua, Mexico. This is one of the best demos recorded in the city! (a
long with Discantus “Loneliness “). The music is very original for my city, and its good in general. The drumming is fast and so
are the guitars making the music fast an violent, but not as exaggerated as many D.M bands. They add some keyboards to the
music a long with some unholy growls and you get an excellent demo, very rare from the stuff I’m used to listen to. Mortigena
even went with on to experiment with some slower, doomier songs, with more keyboards and some clean vocals. This band has
splited, but some of the members went to form UmbraE, another band that I will later review. But this demo is excellent and you
should get it if it’s still available.
Rating: 8 out of 10. – Dark Emperor.
Don’t Forget to visit Infernal Masquerade On-line! At: http://infmasq.cjb.net
Bands, do you want to have a website?, but don’t want to pay the high fees that some designers charge?,
well then look no more, Obscurity Web Design is here!, we don’t charge the high rates that the
competition does and our design is very professional.
We have been designing websites for several years. We even do Infernal Masquerade’s website!. Please
visit some of our work:
UmbraE’s website (http://umbrae.cjb.net)
Infernal Masquerade (http://infmasq.cjb.net)
And some of the work in progress:
Antiqua´s Website (http://antiqua.cjb.net)
Legion Metal Zone (http://legionmetalzone.cjb.net)
If you are interested please contact: [email protected].
8
Somnus “Awakening the crown”
This is an American band that plays melodic black metal, with some minimal doom influence. Let me tell you, this band kicks
ass!, they can easily be compared with Ancient (“Halls of eternity” and “Cainan Chronicle” era). The music is well structured and
its very good, because its not boring even though is a little repetitive. The keyboards contribute greatly to the atmosphere. The
vocals are very diverse and similar to Lord Kaiapas (Ex – Ancient), because of the variation it has along the songs making them
entertaining to listen to. There are some female vocals mixed along the songs, they are perfectly time, giving more depth to the
music. This band is one of the best black metal bands I have heard from U.S. and if they continue with their creativity, they are
going to be recognized world wide!!!. Rating: 9 out of 10. – Dark Emperor.
Contact: Somnus. P.O Box 81379. Cleveland, Ohio 44181 USA. Or: http://somnus.cjb.net
Withered Earth “Forgotten Sunrise”
Where have this guys been the last 5 years?, Even death metal has evolved!. Their music style is the same that the one
from D.M bands from years ago. Of course this release is brutal and fast, but the only problem is that people have heard this over
and over with other bands. Putting aside the previous considerations this is a very brutal and intense album that will make any
death metal fan mosh to it. If you see this album from a death metal point of view, it really kicks ass and makes a lot of other
bands sound weak. The drumming is total chaos (brilliant) and the music is in general very violent, adding up the great vocals this
is a supreme death metal release.
Rating: 8 out of 10. – Dark Emperor.
Contact: www.witheredearth.com or, Withered Earth. 5 Beechwood Dr. Roch. N.Y. 14606. USA.
Bands, send your demos for review to:
Juan M. Banda
Apdo. R.P. 84
Chihuahua, Chihuahua.
Mexico
31231
or
Juan M. Banda
Reno #1603
Residencial Campestre
Chihuahua, Chihuahua.
Mexico
31271
Do you have a band or a label?, and want to place an ad on Infernal Masquerade?.
The ad rates are:
$50 Full Page
$30 Half Page
$20 Quarter Page.
This zine is distributed in parts of Mexico and parts of USA, so you will get a decent exposure, plus if you
place an ad on the printed version it will also be featured in the on-line version!, this is double exposure for
you.
Interested labels, or bands please contact:
Dark Emperor at: [email protected] or at [email protected]
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Contributors:
Dark Emperor ([email protected])
- Editor, Interviews, Album Reviews, Demo Reviews and Webmaster.
Rurik ([email protected])
- Album Reviews
Shane Cotee ([email protected])
- Album Reviews
Also thanks to: Natalia, Jason, Angie, Amber, Micer Baliel (are you alive?), Rhiannon and Somnus,
Withered Earth, Cutting Edge Records, Hugo and UmbraE and the others that I forgot!.
Natalia, good luck!, ‘til we meet again!.
No thanks to: again to the labels I haven’t received anything, and from some not even a reply!!!.
Fuck off to: School!!!, Christine (again!!!), Rap-Metal, Hip Hop, The Church (all of them!!) and every body
else that I don’t like.
Next Issue:
Interviews:
UmbraE
Discantus
Graveworm (If I get the reply).
Album Reviews:
Ulver
Darkness Enshroud
My dying bride
Elysian Fields
And more.....
Demo Reviews:
Azazel
And whatever else I get in the mail
So wait for the next issue (maybe a little late!), with more writers now!.
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