With an EP and an LP in their arsenal, Swedish arctic black thrashing trio SINIESTRO has already marked their advent phenomenal in the extreme metal realm.
The diabolical troop is all set to excavate their sinistrous crypt further with the upcoming EP “Arcitc Blood”, to be unleashed this May 2018 through BLACK LION RECORDS.
Siniestro presents the first teaser of the forthcoming video “Arctic Blood”, the title track of the EP.
VIRVUM have announced an extensive European tour in support of their label mates NE OBLIVISCARIS this spring, where they will also be joined by American tech death outfit ALLEGAEON.
The Swiss tech death shooting stars comment: “We’re extremely excited to be hitting the road with our good friends in NE OBLIVISCARIS, finally getting to tour the UK, and bringing ‘Illuminance’ to more countries that we’ve never played in before!”
See below for a list of all currently confirmed shows.
VIRVUM Live
+DODECAHEDRON +ZHRINE
17 Feb 18 Sint-Niklaas (BE) De Casino
VIRVUM Tour
+NE OBLIVISCARIS +ALLEGAEON
25 Mar 18 Dublin (IE) Voodoo Lounge
27 Mar 18 Glasgow (UK) Audio
28 Mar 18 Nottingham (UK) Rescue Rooms
29 Mar 18 Manchester (UK) Rebellion
30 Mar 18 London (UK) The Dome
31 Mar 18 Eindhoven (NL) Dynamo
01 Apr 18 Köln (DE) MTC
02 Apr 18 Wiesbaden (DE) Schlachthof
04 Apr 18 München (DE) Backstage
05 Apr 18 Leipzig (DE) Naumanns
06 Apr 18 Hamburg (DE) Headcrash
07 Apr 18 Aarhus (DK) Royal Metal Fest
08 Apr 18 Göteborg (SE) Sticky Fingers
09 Apr 18 Oslo (NO) Blå
10 Apr 18 Stockholm (SE) Fryhuset Klubben
12 Apr 18 Helsinki (FI) Nosturi
13 Apr 18 Tallinn (EE) Tapper
14 Apr 18 Vilnius (LT) Rock River Club
15 Apr 18 Poznan (PL) Pod Minoga
17 Apr 18 Bielsko Bia?a (PL) Rudeboy Club
18 Apr 18 Kosice (SK) Collosseum
19 Apr 18 Budapest (HU) Dürer Kert
20 Apr 18 Brno (CZ) Melodka
21 Apr 18 Wien (AT) Escape Metalcornen
22 Apr 18 Retorbido (IT) Dagda Club
23 Apr 18 Baden (CH) Kulturlokal Werkk
26 Apr 18 Barcelona (ES) Razzmatazz 2
27 Apr 18 Madrid (ES) Nazca
29 Apr 18 Nantes (FR) Ferrailleur
01 May 18 Paris (FR) Gibus
02 May 18 Nancy (FR) L’Autre Canal
On previous news, VIRVUM have released a bass play-through video featuring the track, “Tentacles of the Sun”.
Artwork, track-list, and further info on ‘Illuminance’ and VIRVUM can be viewed below.
Track-list
1. The Cypher Supreme (2:36)
2. Earthwork (4:31)
3. Illuminance (9:00)
4. Ad Rigorem (4:32)
5. Tentacles Of The Sun (4:55)
6. Elemental Shift (2:41)
7. I: A New Journey Awaits (1:43)
8. II: A Final Warming Shine: Ascension And Trespassing (10:28)
Total playing time: 40:26
When a relatively unknown Swiss band released their debut album ‘Illuminance’ in 2016, only insiders suspected the massive impact it would stir. Yet it was on the strength of this release that VIRVUM were offered to sign on Season of Mist. Now their new home is reissuing ‘Illuminance’, which is to be available on vinyl for the first time.
VIRVUM were founded by childhood friends in 2007 and since then the aspiring and hard-working musicians continuously fine-tuned and honed the tracks of their first full-length to match their burgeoning skills.
VIRVUM first got noticed when guitarist and main songwriter Nic Gruhn happily took the offer to join a European tour with California’s progressive death metal pioneers FALLUJAH while also opening for such renowned bands as SUFFOCATION and CEPHALIC CARNAGE in 2013. On the return of their guitarist, VIRVUM immediately set out to perform as many shows as possible in order to establish the band in Europe.
In 2015, a first single entitled ‘Internal Howl’ attracted immediate attention and, that same year, VIRVUM were picked to internationally support big names such as DYING FETUS, FLESHGOD APOCALPYSE, and DEFEATED SANITY among others.
In advance of their self-released debut full-length, VIRVUM received a massive response for the song premieres of “Ad Rigorem” and title track in 2016, while the album was highly acclaimed by critics and fans alike.
With their professional attitude, the exceptional technical prowess of each individual musician, and last but never least the outstanding collective songwriting skills, the Swiss are now ready for the next step. While VIRVUM create a new monstrous record in studio, their amazing debut ‘Illuminance’ is made available again.
Track-list
1. The Cypher Supreme (2:36)
2. Earthwork (4:31)
3. Illuminance (9:00)
4. Ad Rigorem (4:32)
5. Tentacles Of The Sun (4:55)
6. Elemental Shift (2:41)
7. I: A New Journey Awaits (1:43)
8. II: A Final Warming Shine: Ascension And Trespassing (10:28)
Total playing time: 40:26
W.T.C. Productions sets March 30th as the international release date for Ascension’s highly anticipated third album, Under Ether.
Beginning life in 2007, this German black metal cult have been a patient study in fire and faith, to paraphrase their 2010 EP. Every step of the way, Ascension’s move has been deliberate and decisive, with nothing left to chance; truly, their canon has developed organically, but with a steadfast trajectory in mind. The first full fruition of their fire and faith came with their debut album, Consolamentum. Released in 2010 under the auspices of W.T.C., Consolamentum quickly became a modern classic of orthodox black metal. They once again precluded an album with EP, as Deathless Light followed in 2014 before the successive second full-length, The Dead of the World. Here, Ascension took their already iron-willed orthodoxy to greater heights/depths with an ambition that betrayed their young years as a band. And once again, they rightfully reaped critical acclaim for it. There was no turning back…
Indeed, Ascension have crossed their own Rubicon on Under Ether. Still staunchly BLACK METAL to the bitter end, here, the band’s unbridled ambition takes them on a journey to the most haunting hinterlands of their pitch-black sound. Like gleaming obsidian, Under Ether reflects (and refracts) a kaleidoscopic array of hues, each darker than the next. It all coalesces into a hideous swarm – or, to reference an ever-apt song title, “Pulsating Nought” – that, despite its usually teeth-gnashing intensity, displays a cool/calm/collected knack for dynamics: space and shade are laid bare across this treacherous landscape.
After the suitably stage-setting intro, each of these seven sins rushes onward with an almost-disarming ease, Ascension within the churning maelstrom directing its every malevolent move and sulfurous shudder. Further, they’ve expanded their melodic arsenal here, with evocative leads often taking center stage; other times, riffs are colored by cleaner tones that nothing less than soul-searing. Completing the totality of Under Ether is stalwart production, courtesy of Michael Zech and V. Santura: warm and feverish and totally analog, but possessing a palatable clarity that allows every detail to ring true. Gleaming obsidian, indeed…
With a full decade under their belts now, Ascension are no longer plucky newcomers; with Under Ether, they’ve truly become masters. Prepare to go under, deeper than ever… Begin the descent with a special teaser video HERE.
Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Ascension’s Under Ether
1. Garmonbozia
2. Ever Staring Eyes
3. Dreaming In Death
4. Ecclesia
5. Pulsating Nought
6. Thalassophobia
7. Stars To Dust
8. Vela Dare
Today, Satanic speed metallers Hammr premiere the new track “Sadistic Poison”. The track hails from the band’s highly anticipated debut album, Unholy Destruction, set for international release on February 23rd via Hells Headbangers. Hear Hammr’s “Sadistic Poison” in its entirety HERE.
Hammr was formed in Cleveland, Ohio by J. Hammer in 2013. As a strictly solo endeavor, Hammr recorded a full digital-only demos album, which caught the attention of several labels. From there, the band went on to release the Hammr EP in 2015, first digitally and then on cassette tape through Hota Rex, the latter of which quickly sold out. Other plans for releases were delayed due to label managers going to jail as well as the usual financial delays, which led J. Hammer to start releasing demo singles directly to the metal people. It was during this time that he met the folks behind Hells Headbangers and also Demona founder Tanza Speed, who both took a lot of interest in Hammr. Once he received the offer, J. Hammer decided to hold off on recordings for other labels, and use some of his demos and new material for the imminent debut album, Unholy Destruction.
Ever aptly titled, Unholy Destruction is the grand culmination of the Hammr aesthetic. Built on a proud foundation of early Bathory, Celtic Frost, Iron Angel, Discharge, early Slayer, Sodom, and Venom, Hammr lets loose a wild ‘n’ loose blast of what J. Hammer has dubbed “Satanic speed,” which, in his own words, “combines fast speed metal riffing with D-beat drums and relentless arrangements. This isn’t a quick-startup, Lemmy-worshiping metal/punk band that we see a lot of; Hammr goes for your throat and doesn’t give a fuck about that shit.” Indeed it does go for the throat – relentlessly and rabidly, possessing the listener’s very body and soul as each galloping charge detonates upon pressing “play.” The solos fly fast and free from Midnight’s Commandor Vanik, instilling that very lawlessness so often missing from heavy metal these days. It’s raw and rivetheaded to the very end, locating that elusive point between heavy metal glory and hardcore punk fury, and reveling in the moment while simultaneously clutching tightly to rock-solid songwriting. And, above all, it compels – nay, DEMANDS – repeat plays, so total is that possession.
No politics, no party, no drinks: Unholy Destruction is Hammr’s declaration of independence for all the fellow lone-wolves out there. With mixing done by Commandor Vanik and mastering by Toxic Holocaust maiman Joel Grind, Unholy Destruction is bound to be one of the hottest debut albums in recent memory!
Cover and tracklisting are as follows.
Tracklisting for Hammr’s Unholy Destruction
1. Intro
2. Satanic Raid
3. Under Black Command
4. Eternal Prey
5. Desecrator
6. Sadistic Poison
7. Death Reign
8. Unholy Destruction
9. Demonic Rites
10. Into the Pentagram
11. Final Sacrifice
NE OBLIVISCARIS are now updating their already announced European headlining tour with many more shows. The Australian progressive extremists will be joined by freshly signed label mates VIRVUM and directly supported by American tech death outfit ALLEGAEON.
NE OBLIVISCARIS comment: “For the first time, we are finally able to bring our full 90 minute show to Europe in the form of an extensive headline tour in support of our new album, ‘URN’. We are excited to be bringing our American tour buddies ALLEGAEON along for their European debut, and one of our favourite up and coming bands, the brilliant VIRVUM. Tickets are on sale now. See you all there!”
Before coming to Europe, NE OBLIVISCARIS will tour in their native Australia and also New Zealand.
See below for a list of all currently confirmed shows worldwide.
NE OBLIVISCARIS Europe
+VIRVUM +ALLEGAEON
25 Mar 18 Dublin (IE) Voodoo Lounge
27 Mar 18 Glasgow (UK) Audio
28 Mar 18 Nottingham (UK) Rescue Rooms
29 Mar 18 Manchester (UK) Rebellion
30 Mar 18 London (UK) The Dome
31 Mar 18 Eindhoven (NL) Dynamo
01 Apr 18 Köln (DE) MTC
02 Apr 18 Wiesbaden (DE) Schlachthof
04 Apr 18 München (DE) Backstage
05 Apr 18 Leipzig (DE) Naumanns
06 Apr 18 Hamburg (DE) Headcrash
07 Apr 18 Aarhus (DK) Royal Metal Fest
08 Apr 18 Göteborg (SE) Sticky Fingers
09 Apr 18 Oslo (NO) Blå
10 Apr 18 Stockholm (SE) Fryhuset Klubben
12 Apr 18 Helsinki (FI) Nosturi
13 Apr 18 Tallinn (EE) Tapper
14 Apr 18 Vilnius (LT) Rock River Club
15 Apr 18 Poznan (PL) Pod Minoga
17 Apr 18 Bielsko Bia?a (PL) Rudeboy Club
18 Apr 18 Kosice (SK) Collosseum
19 Apr 18 Budapest (HU) Dürer Kert
20 Apr 18 Brno (CZ) Melodka
21 Apr 18 Wien (AT) Escape Metalcornen
22 Apr 18 Retorbido (IT) Dagda Club
23 Apr 18 Baden (CH) Kulturlokal Werkk
26 Apr 18 Barcelona (ES) Razzmatazz 2
27 Apr 18 Madrid (ES) Nazca
29 Apr 18 Nantes (FR) Ferrailleur
01 May 18 Paris (FR) Gibus
02 May 18 Nancy (FR) L’Autre Canal
NE OBLIVISCARIS Down Under
09 Feb 18 Adelaide (AU) Fowler’s Live
10 Feb 18 Melbourne (AU) Max Watt’s
14 Feb 18 Canberra (AU) The Basement
15 Feb 18 Newcastle (AU) The Cambridge Hotel
16 Feb 18 Sydney (SU) Manning Bar
17 Feb 18 Brisbane (AU) The Triffid
21 Feb 18 Auckland (NZ) Kings Arms
22 Feb 18 Wellington (NZ) Valhalla
24 Feb 18 Perth (AU) Jack Rabbit Slim’s
NE OBLIVISCARIS will be touring in support of their latest masterpiece, ‘Urn’, which has been released on October 27th 2017.
NE OBLIVISCARIS Frontman Tim Charles commented: “Every time we head back into the studio it’s simply with the intention of being ourselves and challenging each of us in the band to continue to expand and enhance what we are capable of doing. On our new album, ‘URN’ it feels like the culmination of all of these years of hard work has come together in a way that is beyond anything we have done before and we are thrilled to present it to you today in full and look forward to sharing it with you live around the world over the coming months!”
1. Libera (Part I) – Saturnine Spheres (9:52)
2. Libera (Part II) – Ascent of Burning Moths (2:36)
3. Intra Venus (7:29)
4. Eyrie (11:51)
5. Urn (Part I) – And Within The Void We Are Breathless (7:30)
6. Urn (Part II) – As Embers Dance In Our Eyes (6:38)
Total playing time: 45:56
NE OBLIVISCARIS’ third album, ‘Urn’ is bound to be a career defining moment. The Australian extreme prog shooting stars have honed and re-balanced the key elements of their unique sound to a razor sharp musical edge. The dynamic entwining of fierce growls and emotive clean vocals, the contrast between devastating et intricate guitar riffs and thundering drums against an unleashed violin and gorgeous string parts as well as the perfect blending of epic progressive and intense extreme metal forms of expression are all marking a new peak in the steep rise of the band.
Founded in the beautiful Australian coastal city of Melbourne, Victoria in the year 2003, NE OBLIVISCARIS took the inspiration for their name from the proud motto of Clan Campbell based in Argyll, Scotland, which means “forget not”. From the start, this collective of exceptional musicians made it clear that they did not intend to follow any trends or walk on well-trodden paths. Their first demo, ‘The Aurora Veil’ (2007) had a massive impact in the metal underground far beyond the fifth continent and already their debut full-length ‘Portal of I’ (2012) reached mainstream music press, which praised a unique array of influences and the characteristic virtuoso violin.
NE OBLIVISCARIS immediately climbed remarkably higher on the ladder with sophomore opus ‘Citadel’ (2014) by adding avant-garde approaches including jazz, flamenco, progressive rock, and many other wide-ranged influences to their solid metal base.
Parallel to their success on a critical level and with an ever-growing host of die-hard fans, the Australians increased their reputation as an excellent live act with extensive touring literally around the globe. The financial base for this was laid by NE OBLIVISCARIS’ ground-breaking use of modern day crowd-funding campaigns. This includes an ongoing Patreon membership scheme under the moniker The Ne Obluminati, which is revolutionising the relationship between band and fans by using the ancient concept of patronage in today’s democratic setting.
‘Urn’ will lift NE OBLIVISCARIS to the next level. Outstanding musicianship meets excellent songwriting and a firework of brilliant ideas. Evening out the scales between extreme and progressive metal, the Aussies carve their own path. Spin ‘Urn’ on heavy rotation and NE OBLIVISCARIS will take you to a whole new dimension of musical delights.
Line-up
Xenoyr – harsh vocals
Tim Charles- violin and clean vocals
Benjamin Baret – lead and acoustic guitars
Matt Klavins – guitars
Dan Presland – drums
Guest musicians
Robin Zielhorst – bass (all tracks)
Emma Charles and Natalija May – additional violins (tracks 1, 4, and 6)
Tim Hennessy – cello (tracks 1, 3, 4, and 6)
Today, Invictus Productions, in conspiracy with Vrasubatlat, sets April 20th as the international release date for Adzalaan’s highly anticipated debut album, Into Vermillion Mirrors. Invictus will be handling the CD version while Vrasubatlat will be handling the vinyl and cassette versions.
INFILTRATION PSYCHOSIS // MIRROR IMMERSION
Adzalaan’s debut LP, Into Vermilion Mirrors thrusts the project beyond a standalone solo working of R, but refocuses Vrasubatlat as a whole to accept the entity as one of the cabal’s core focuses. Into Vermilion Mirrors manages to meander across many different forms of black/death metal while maintaining a progressive edge and allowing one to delve deeper into the darkness of the sonic offering. As the 20th release of the Vrasubatlat collective, Into Vermilion Mirrors shows that the force of the group is shifting and growing stronger. Succumb to the reflection, and engage the depths.
IN THE MIRRORS, I CHANGE // VERMILION ADJOINS SKIN
In the meantime, hear “Paralysis Euphoria,” the first track to be revealed from Into Vermilion Mirrors, HERE.
Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Adzalaan’s Into Vermilion Mirrors
1. Haven to Flesh (Introduction)
2. Succumb and Vanquish
3. False Cleansing
4. Haven in Blood (Interlude)
5. Wretched Oaths Fall From Wicked Tongues
6. Paralysis Euphoria
7. Vermilion in Absentia
Nuclear War Now! Productions sets March 15th as the international release date for Morbosidad’s highly anticipated fifth album, Corona de Epidemia, on CD and vinyl LP formats.
For 25 years, Morbosidad has been a stoic pillar in the black/death metal underground. Guided by the relentless dedication of demonic mastermind and vocalist Tomas Stench, the band has maintained a level of consistency in its recordings and live performances that has not been rivaled by many over the course of such an extended tenure. Even more impressively, it has achieved this feat in the face of numerous lineup changes, including those resulting from the untimely deaths of two drummers and an ensuing three-year hiatus following the first of these tragic setbacks.
Throughout Morbosidad’s history, Nuclear War Now! has supported its nefarious cause by releasing all of the band’s full-length albums on vinyl, CD, or both, along with two EPs and a split EP. In fact, the seminal self-titled debut album was one of the very first that the label released, and it has been repressed a number of times, including in the limited “Onward//Ascendant” series of picture discs that NWN! made available in part to commemorate the most long-standing partnerships it has had with a select number of bands on its extensive roster.
This conspiracy continues anew with the release of Corona de Epidemia, the fifth album in Morbosidad’s unyielding discography and one which reaffirms the band’s revered status. Unlike many highly respected bands who release an acclaimed masterpiece along with an additional solid album or two before fading into the obscurity of forgettable later recordings, Corona de Epidemia maintains the same degree of songwriting, musicianship, and overall hostility that have characterized Morbosidad’s previous recordings.
The most unmistakable constant between this album and the others is Stench’s signature vitriolic vocal assault, which is as potent as ever. As always, his lyrics are written in Spanish, which is an appropriate vehicle for his venomous blasphemies, given the language’s history as a direct descendent of the Latin tongue spoken by the crucifiers of Jesus Christ. Joining him on this album is a lineup once again partially revamped since the Tortura EP, which is comprised of Joe Necro (guitars/bass), Matt Mayhem (drums), and Ded Ted (bass).
Like Tortura, this album was recorded by Irving Lopez at Imperial Mind Engineering in Dallas, Texas. The result is a production that, much like Tortura, is deeper and fuller than that of the preceding album, Muerte de Cristo en Golgota, and thus enhances the violent delivery of the vocals and drums in particular. Continuing a practice also established on the Tortura EP, on which the infamous Chris Reifert of Autopsy joined the band for guest vocals on the final track, Sodomatic Slaughter of Beherit was invited to record the drums on the closing track of Corona de Epidemia. These appearances by such honored guests are a testament to the respect that Morbosidad has earned from its peers and fans alike.
Originally released jointly by NWN! and Boris Records as a limited-edition LP with alternate cover to celebrate the band’s performance at the Mass Destruction Metal Fest in Atlanta in November of 2017, Corona de Epidemia is hereby released with a more comprehensive layout featuring yet another work of art from Chris Moyen, who has served as the illustrator-in-chief for many of the band’s recorded works and has once again perfectly captured in image the band’s doctrine of contempt for the Bastard Son and his meager flock.
In the meantime, stream the title track to Corona de Epidemia HERE.
Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for Morbosidad’s Corona de Epidemia
1. Muerte Suicidio
2. Corona de Epidemia
3. Cordero de Cristo
4. Cristo en Desgracia
5. Transtorno Mental
6. Condena y Castigo
7. Difunto
8. Maldición
9. Sepulcro de Cristo
10. Crudeza
11. D.E.P.
Dutch brutal death metal outfit SEVERE TORTURE have amicably parted ways with Seth van de Loo recently. This split marked the end of the outstanding drummer’s career with the band that has been spanning twenty years. SEVERE TORTURE have posted an update on their Facebook account about this decision and their future as a band.
“2017 has passed. That year marked the 20th anniversary of SEVERE TORTURE. It was no time for celebration, but a year of reflection and intense soul searching. This ultimately led to Seth’s decision to part ways with us. As one of the band’s founding members, Seth will always be part of the family and we genuinely thank him for 20 years of dedication, inspiration, and creativity! SEVERE TORTURE are about one thing: death metal! That being said, the band will continue to go on and we are now looking for a new drummer to join us to record and tour.”
SEVERE TORTURE are currently still looking for a new drummer to join their band as a permanent member. Singer Dennis Schreurs comments: “We have already received a lot of reactions and we’ll check out each and every drummer that responded or whose name popped up. We don’t have a deadline so far and therefore interested drummers can still contact us.”
Today, death metal supergroup The Grotesquery reveal the first single, cover, and tracklisting for their highly anticipated fourth album, The Lupine Anathema, to be released this spring via Xtreem Music.
Led by Swedish mastermind Rogga Johansson (Paganizer, Putrevore, Ribspreader etc) and mythic Florida vocalist Kam Lee (ex-Massacre), The Grotesquery were formed back in 2009 and have been spreading their awesome death metal with their first three albums, all released through Cyclone Empire, and gaining a loyal fanbase around the world.
After completing a trilogy, the band is now starting a side chapter with The Lupine Anathema, still in the clutches of the Lovecraftian horrors of old. Expect nothing else than a continuation of the sound they have forged so far: heaviness, melodies, groove, and the legendary and classic vocals of Mr. Kam Lee!
Hear for yourself with the new track “By Feral Ways” HERE
Release date for The Lupine Anathema shall be April 6th through Xtreem Music for the CD format. Cover and tracklisting are as follows:
Tracklisting for The Grotesquery’s The Lupine Anathema
1. Under the Curse of the Full Moon
2. By Feral Ways
3. Wrath of the Garvulves (By the Eyes of Moonlight)
4. Advent of the Werewolves
5. The Faceless God
6. As Death Dies
7. The Beast of the Bayou (Night of the Rougarou)
8. Dark Cry of the Wolf
9. Ithaqua the Wind Walker
10. Bloodcurdling Tales
Today we got to speak to the guys in Austrian Post Black Metal band Harakiri for the Sky. Check it out
* You have been with Art of Propaganda records for a while now – how did your deal with them come about?
J.J.: This all came about when we finished the recording of our first album. I went through my vinyls and wrote a list with labels releasing Depressive Black Metal and that stuff. AOP released Apati and Self-Inflicted Violence at this time. So I sent a Demo Cd there and Sven made us a good offer. With the years we became good friends. And that’s why we stayed with him. We had many offers for the 4th album from bigger labels like Napalm, Season Of Mist and that kind, but staying with Sven felt better to us.
When it comes to making music the Austrian “scene” is overshadowed by German bands
* You are from Vienna right? How’s the metal scene there? I would imagine that it gets over shadowed by the Germany scene or does it have enough of its own identity?
J.J.: I live there yeah. M.S. too. In Vienna we don’t have something like a specific scene. It’s very mixed with people from other genres such as Hardcore, Stoner Rock and so on. And yeah, when it comes to making music the Austrian “scene” is overshadowed by German bands and labels. We don’t have many bands that make it out of the country. Austria is still a farmer country. Such as Kansas in the USA haha.
* Correct me if I am wrong but Heroin Waltz is about those small minded people who never left their towns and never broaden their horizons by traveling? Is this right?
J.J.: Not especially, but it’s a part of it. The song is about an everlasting search for a place called home and this warm feeling we are all searching for. Everybody that tried drugs like Heroin knows what I am talking about. I don’t know if were are able to reach this feeling of completeness and happiness in real life and without these substances. I don’t know if we will ever feel home.
They are like big unbelievable thick walls that safe me from the rest of the world
* If so I presume you grew up in a small town and not some where like Vienna (which is very cosmopolitan) is this correct? If so how was growing up like that?
J.J.: I grew up in a small town in the middle of the alps, 400 kilometers west of Vienna. Growing up there was great and one day I’ll find my way back there. I miss the mountains every day. Many people say they feel caged there, for me it’s the other way round. They are like big unbelievable thick walls that safe me from the rest of the world. My relationship with Vienna is like a Love Hate Love. I have many friends there and it’s the only place in Austria where you can find open minded people, but it will never feel like home there.
We bought some really strong MDMA there and were fucked up like hell
* As a touring act you have done some pretty decent tours so far? What’s been your best experience on tour so far? Your favorite city / country to play and why?
J.J.: That’s difficult to say. I really like Great Britain. We played in Scotland once. That was great. We bought some really strong MDMA there and were fucked up like hell. Last year we played in a Theater outside of Paris, that was also very cool. And for sure Sweden is nice to play too.
* How did you come up with the name Harakiri For The Sky? Many primitive cultures believe the end of the world would come when the “sky was falling” is this a play on words for the end of times?
J.J.: The name was my idea. To me this name should describe a special feeling I get while listening to music. It’s like running straight up to a cliff and just jump into the sky. Like in the music video of Sigur Ros’ Glósóli. But it’s also leant on a song by the Norwegian band Snöras.
* How do you guys write your songs? Does it start with MS coming up with a riff or guitar part and JJ writing his lyrics /vocal lines around that? or possibly the other way around?
J.J.: No, it’s just possible with writing the music first. M.S. shows me the preproductions of our songs and then I write the lyrics.
* This is your 4th album correct? How do you guys feel the band has progressed in the last 6 years?
J.J.: With “Arson” we kind of matured. The music is more conceived and thought-out. Lyrically as musically. In comparison to our first three records “Arson” is for sure the most eclectic one with very different musical influences. Also concerning to the production we made a big step. Now we sound like we always wanted to and made the best album we were able to at this point of life.
Never lose touch to your childhood friends
* What advice would you go back and give yourselves if you could send a message to yourselves in 2012?
J.J.: I think we made everything right when it comes to the band. In my private life I’d make many things different these days. Never lose touch to your childhood friends. You never know if it’s the last time you can share a drink with them. In worst case you will never see them again.
* How did you guys get into Black metal – what were your gateway bands?
J.J.: I started listening to Slayer, Death and Sepultura when I was like 12. Before I really was into Misfits and that stuff. I know that I bought Nocte Obductas “Galgendämmerung” because I really liked its cover. This was probably my first Black Metal record. This brought me into all these Austrian cult bands like Abigor, Summoning and old Dornenreich. At the same time I started to love Burzum. Latest at this point I was addicted to this music. This love didn’t change until today. It just got stronger.
To me “.neon” of Lantlos is still the most important album in my life
* When did you see/feel/realize that the limits of what was called “Black Metal” were expanding past the lo fi style of Darkthrone style bands? (For me it was Ulver)
J.J.: Ulvers first album was already to good produced to be Lo-Fi. I don’t really know. When it comes to modern Black Metal I’d say Alcest and Lantlos were very important. Black Metal began to become boring in 2005/06 but then these two bands came up mixing Black Metal with Post Rock and saved it. To me “.neon” of Lantlos is still the most important album in my life and maybe also the point where Black Metal changed its direction.
* Have you played the USA yet? If so how was it? If you have not yet – are their anything you are looking forward to doing? (some musicians want to see the Dakota building where John Lennon was shot, or the grand canyon, Mount Rushmore, The Sunset Strip etc) How about you guys?
J.J.: No we have not. But I will fly there in 2,5 months. I go to Dever and make a 4000 kilometer long trip from there to Cheyenne, Idaho Falls, the Rocky Mountains, some Nationalparks, Helena, Missoula, Piere/South Dakota and back to Denver. And yeah I will see Mount Rushmore too. I’m very excited about that.
* Do you have any dream countries you would love to tour but have not done so yet?
J.J.: Australia and New Zealand. Maybe Ireland too.
* I know you have a big European tour going on right now but what more can we expect from the band in 2018?
J.J.: We play many shows this year. More than we ever played before. We are playing Japan and China. In Autumn. And right now we are touring Sweden and waiting for the album to finally be released.
* Any final words?
J.J.: We hope to come to New York one day. With many luck we can go there in 2019. But who knows. Its not easy for an European band to tour the US these days. Thanks for the interview.
