Q&A with Satan's Host

Some bands make great music... but just never got to make it big. Satan's Host is one of them, and these peers of Iron Maiden are going back to explore their blackened power metal roots from their early years with the release of their fifth and latest studio effort, "By The Hands Of The Devil". Underground they may still be, but Satan's Host still haven't forgotten how to make darn good NWoBHM-ish music on this latest album!

Zetalambmary: Firstly, allow me to express my congratulations to the band for 34 years of existence thus far! When the band was first formed back in 1977, bands with overtly satanic names like this were still not very common. What prompted you guys to come up with such a name?

Patrick Evil: Originally, I wanted a name that would stand against Black Sabbath or Led Zeppelin and all the other great bands of that time.
Evil Little Hobbit: Patrick Evil came up with the name when he was a teenager. He felt he had to come up with an evil name that was better than Black Sabbath.

Zetalambmary: You all are almost as old as the titanic Iron Maiden. In fact, both Iron Maiden and Satan’s Host seem to share some similar traits musically, such as the high-pitched wails done by the vocalists and the NWoBHM-ish guitar riffs. Yet you all have a lyrical theme that is dark and unconventional for a band that has a heavy/power metal playing style. So between Iron Maiden and Venom, which band would you guys consider to be a bigger influence on the band?

Patrick Evil: I would say that for me, both of these bands had a great fire that I had interest in.
Margar: Venom is a great band and I enjoy their work, especially “Black Metal”, but Iron Maiden has definitely been a bigger influence.
Evil Little Hobbit: For me it’s Iron Maiden. I’ve been an avid fan since I was a kid; both Clive Burr and Nicko McBrain have been huge influences on me. But as far as what Satan’s Host is all about, I’d have to say that both Iron Maiden and Venom have been an influence.

Zetalambmary: America is also home to the famed Kamelot led by suave frontman Roy Khan. Have you all ever considered moving Satan’s Host towards the direction of modern power metal by incorporating keyboards into your music and lyrical themes that deal with humane problems like questioning the purpose of existence and human solitude?

Patrick Evil: No, I would say I have always been a fan of the more extreme forms of music that are aggressive and guitar-cum-vocal driven. I do like keyboards if they are written in a certain way for the mood of the song.
Evil Little Hobbit: We have had keyboards in past albums, Patrick used to use them before, and the thought of bringing them back is always a possibility. I think the themes we have in “By the Hands of the Devil” does have a lot of questioning, but not on the purpose of our existence, but more about where we came from, what’s happening around us, and more about uniting against the lies and enslavement of the human race by governments and religious ideologies.

Zetalambmary: Do you guys think that there is such a thing as a “black metal star”?

Patrick Evil: It all goes into the conception of thought and mortality; it would be in the way you would look at the star. To me, all great people are different kinds of stars in their own way.
Margar: Sure, there are plenty of black metal stars.

The channelers of Satan - Clockwise from top-left: Leviathan Thisiren (Vocals), Patrick Evil (Guitars), Margar (Bass Guitar) and Evil Little Hobbit (Drums)

Zetalambmary: When Jon Nödtveidt of Dissection was still alive, he often criticised that most of the black metal groups that are active in the global metal scene aren’t truly satanic in the very essence of the word itself, but are “mentally passive, easily-guided apathetic flocks of cattle”. Do you all agree with him?

Patrick Evil: I would agree with him. I think that many people just follow like sheep and don’t strive to create their own sounds and beliefs.
Evil Little Hobbit: Yes. But that is just a human trait in any formal organization. The thing with Satanism is to live as an individual.

Zetalambmary: What kind of beliefs does each one of you hold and what kind of messages do you all want to bring across in the music of Satan’s Host?

Patrick Evil: I think as individuals we all have our own belief systems, mine being spiritual and Satanic. There are so many ways to open the mind; I think it is hard just to limit yourself to certain beliefs. I think there are so many avenues of mystery to be explored and applied in what we wish to attain.
Margar: I don't hold any religious beliefs whatsoever. Because of this, I like to leave the messages to the other guys. I care more about making good music than sending a message.
Evil Little Hobbit: The truth is in the unopened mind, seek enlightenment.

Zetalambmary: What are the 5 favourite albums ever for each one of you and which metal musician do you all admire the most?

Patrick Evil: I am not sure I could limit it to 5 albums. I would say “Blizzard of Ozz” by Ozzy Osbourne, “Heaven and Hell” by Black Sabbath, “Led Zeppelin 4” by Led Zeppelin, “Black Metal” by Venom, “Killers” by Iron Maiden, “Master of Disguise” by Savage Grace and many others.
Margar: Right now, it would probably be “Blackwater Park” by Opeth, “Sailing the Seas of Cheese” by Primus, “Horrorshow” by Iced Earth, “Viva Emptiness” by Katatonia and “Fate of Norns” by Amon Amarth. But that list changes about once a week depending on what mood I am in. I would have to say that I admire Mikael Åkerfeldt of Opeth because he is such an unbelievably talented musician and I like how he composes his music.
Evil Little Hobbit: “Powerslave” by Iron Maiden, “Melissa” by Mercyful Fate, “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd, “Sons of Northern Darkness” by Immortal and “Moving Pictures” by Rush. I admire King Diamond the most.

Zetalambmary: Since Harry’s rejoining of Satan’s Host last year, how do the other members feel about his contributions to the band so far?

Patrick Evil: With Harry, the sky is the limit. We can do anything we have ever dreamed of and more. There is so much room to grow and evolve as a band. We have such great chemistry together.
Margar: It has definitely been a welcome change. I am both proud and honoured to have the opportunity to work with such an incredible vocalist.
Evil Little Hobbit: Harry is stellar. He is a great vocalist, a great musician, a great friend and he has done all he can do to contribute.

Zetalambmary: The latest record, “By The Hands Of The Devil”, takes a nostalgic step back in time to Satan’s Host’s original power metal musical style and departs from the death metal musical style of the late ‘90s to 2009. How has fan reception of this new, or rather, old Satan’s Host been so far and how do you guys feel about it?

Patrick Evil: I think so far it has been an amazing reaction to this album. We wanted to go against the norm and invent something that has been lost for a very long time.
Margar: So far the fan reception has been great. It's satisfying to have something that we have worked so hard on be met with such good reviews.

Zetalambmary: Are you guys going to embark on any tours soon?

Patrick Evil: We do really want to go on tour because we live to play live. At the same time, we are loving song-writing and recording because we have so much fire inside of ourselves to create. We will tour and get the music out there to the fans, it is all just a matter of timing and to make sure we do it right!

Zetalambmary: Will you all ever consider coming to Asia to perform?

Patrick Evil: Of course, we know how passionate the fans are over there. All anyone has to do is make us offers and set up shows and Satan’s Host will play anywhere!
Margar: If the opportunity arises, the answer would be “Yes”.
Evil Little Hobbit: We want to hit every corner of the Earth at some point.

Zetalambmary: Before we end off, does any one of you think that Beethoven would probably make a pretty good heavy metal musician if he was still alive today?

Patrick Evil: I think he would make the ultimate metal musician, you can hear it in all of his works. Give him the technology we have and music would explode from him!
Margar: Without a doubt. Since metal has roots embedded so deep into classical music, he would probably be undeniably great.


"By The Hands Of The Devil" was released on 3rd May, 2011 through Moribund Records.

Q&A with Richard Patrick of Filter

Filter, the 30 Seconds To Mars of the alternative metal scene, is one band that piqued the interest of many extreme metallers worldwide during fall last year. Their latest studio album "The Trouble With Angels" had its distribution in Europe secured with famed extreme metal label, Nuclear Blast!

Nonetheless, regardless of whether you are an extreme metaller or not, Filter's music will most probably still warrant at least a listen from most people. It is pretty easy on the ears, and the heartfelt clean singing from our dear interviewee here is what puts the "alternative" into the metal for them. So without further ado, let's have a little chat with Richard!

Zetalambmary: Hello there Richard, pardon us for asking this a tad bit too late, but is there any significance behind the band’s name?

Richard: The band’s name “Filter” came from just the overall functionality of the brain. Everybody’s brain is a filter.

Zetalambmary: You used to play guitar in NIN. After so many years, have you ever regretted leaving NIN and setting up Filter?

Richard: Nope! I quit that band and never looked back. I had a blast when I was in it but I just never felt comfortable in that situation.

Zetalambmary: Do you feel that you have matured in any way with Filter over the years?

Richard: I think everybody matures. I think every band matures. I think it’s healthy to explore. Have you ever thought your writing has changed as a journalist?

Zetalambmary: Have you ever considered dabbling in noise music?

Richard: Yes! I created my children! They take every musical instrument I have and make tons of noise. They are the best and they will kick ass over any other noise band in the world.
That is a challenge, world!

Zetalambmary: So “The Trouble With Angels” is indeed a heavier album than “Anthems For The Damned” as you promised it would be. Is it a sonic representation of your frustration at anything while you were recording the album?

Richard: I had a blast on that record! I can't wait to do a little tour over there in Europe. I hope it leads to greater things.

Zetalambmary: Based on earlier interviews you have done, the lyrical content of the latest album seems quite eclectic. I mean, it ranges from touching on the friction between Galileo and the Church to talking about your intoxicated past. Is there an overarching theme linking these lyrical subjects together?

Richard: You've gotta speak your mind. It needs to come naturally...
I'm actually getting to a point where I want people to take what they want from my lyrics, and for me not to give it all away…

Zetalambmary: News has it that you have been working on new songs for movie soundtracks again. Do you constantly work on movie soundtracks so as to gain more exposure for Filter?

Richard: Yes, I'm actually writing a movie right now. It's so much fun.

Zetalambmary: Ever considered acting in a movie instead of making music for it?

Richard: Acting is fun, I love acting. I'm going to continue to do it all!

Zetalambmary: Do you see yourself working together with fellow Rocket Science Ventures label mate Clown from The Black Dots of Death in the future?

Richard: As long as I'm on the bottom! ;)

Mmhmm.

Zetalambmary: Nearly 9 years have passed since you successfully completed rehab. How were those 9 years without alcohol and drugs? Do you still feel the urge to smoke or drink these days?

Richard: Thanks for noticing! Not until September 28th is it 9 years. I am so fucking done with drugs and alcohol. It is sometimes hard to remember that I was that guy. I love being sober.

MASTODON'S BRENT HINDS Is Busy With Two New Projects!

Mastodon's Brent Hinds Presents:
WEST END MOTEL And FIEND WITHOUT A FACE
Full-Length Debuts To Be Released As A Two-CD Set Via Rocket Science June 7!

Mastodon mastermind/guitarist Brent Hinds is proud to unleash two very special projects this year: WEST END MOTEL and FIEND WITHOUT A FACE.

FIEND WITHOUT A FACE are a rockabilly/porno/metal concoction mixed with a bit of a country, surf guitar and applesauce on the side. They've been rockin' house parties for nearly two decades, but word on the street is that they're about to go legit thanks to Rocket Science! The self-titled debut features 13 tracks of singular awesomeness that needs to be experienced by anyone looking for a bit of adventure in their listening outings. Like a fat man sending back soup, these boys are on a mission for the world’s condition. FIEND WITHOUT A FACE are armed and dangerous, packing just pantyhose, a fez and a bit of Vyvanse.

WEST END MOTEL are a conglomerate of losers, poets and hobo-sexuals. Tom Cheshire met Hinds in Atlanta on a corner under a bridge in 1993. They were panhandling and drinking cough syrup and before long, music began spewing from their pores. Songs were written on an acoustic guitar and a bucket with the occasional toy piano in the background. Late nights turned into early mornings and much booze was consumed. They write and sing for the underdog and give the listener a glimmer of hope. Originally, they aimed for a Simon And Garfunkel hanging out with Ethel Merman but the end product sounds more like Nick Cave fronting Gogol Bordello. The songs take on a life of their own and no two tracks sound alike. Throw Mike Shina, Stiff Penalty and Ben Thrower into the mix and you got yourself one good time. WEST END MOTEL are now an official collective and are ready to get down to proverbial business with nine-track debut Don’t Shiver, You’re A Winner. 2011 is their year and they’re on a mission with no luggage. The band took over Brooklyn this past fall, where rich men, housewives, home bums and a garbageman danced in the streets. The West Coast is next, then the world. These men love music and write for people who love music. It's that simple. They write songs of loss and laughter and occasionally offer a new lease on life. They’re a gospel band, a soul band, a band of gypsies… Hear for yourself.

FIEND WITHOUT A FACE and WEST END MOTEL will be released as a two-CD set via Rocket Science Inc. on June 7, 2011. Said Hinds of the recordings: "I feel like a thousand umpa lumpas have been lifted from my back. I want to thank everyone that made this possible.. in the time it took to put these two albums out, I wrote five more, so whoever likes this kind of stuff, there's a lot more where this came from."

You can pre-order the CD/bundles & received a free download from each band HERE.
Listen to a stream of FIEND WITHOUT A FACE’s “Tsunami” & WEST END MOTEL’s “I Like It A Lot” at the following locations:
http://fiendwithoutaface.viinyl.com
http://westendmotel.viinyl.com

Brent Hinds Presents FIEND WITHOUT A FACE and WEST END MOTEL
2-CD Set

DISC 1:
FIEND WITHOUT A FACE
01. Calypso
02. Black Grass
03. Green Slime
04. Cha-Cha
05. Bank Robbin Bandits
06. Tsunami
07. Hot Rod
08. New York
09. Don’t Like
10. Cosmonaut
11. Stupido
12. Get Straight
13. Volcano

DISC 2:
WEST END MOTEL
Don’t Shiver, You’re A Winner
01. The Confident Wino/...And We Are Here To Entertain You
02. The Devil Called Me Tommy
03. I Like It A Lot
04. She's On Fire
05. Under My Skin
06. Silly Old Song
07. Highwaters

Brent Hinds talks about West End Motel's beginnings and its first album

ABOUT ROCKET SCIENCE INC. - Rocket Science Inc. is a premier label services engine that provides comprehensive record label departmental needs under one roof. Rocket Science Ventures expands on this concept by adding a release funding and Sony/RED distribution option while still providing artists and management the ability maintain ownership rights and control. Coupled with the extensive and accountable in-house services, Rocket Science Ventures offers a turnkey solution with a focus on execution.

http://www.Myspace.com/westendmotel

http://www.Myspace.com/fiendwithoutafaceband

http://www.Mastodonrocks.com

http://www.Myspace.com/mastodon

http://www.Facebook.com/mastodon

http://www.myrocketscience.com

http://www.rocketscienceventures.com

For review copies, interview requests or further info, contact Matt.Threat@myrocketscience.com

* * * *

Q&A with Cernunnos of Hæresiarchs Of Dis

Even though our interview with Californian one-man black metal project Hæresiarchs Of Dis was done through an e-mail exchange, it still did not prevent us from feeling a cold, grim and evil aura seeping through the computer screen from Cernunnos's interview response. From topics regarding his musical background and influences all the way to his views on music trends, Cernunnos shares with us his insightful views on those issues plus more!

Zetalambmary: You have probably been asked this question many times before already, but what is the significance behind naming your project Hæresiarchs of Dis?

Cernunnos: There is no great significance behind the name Hæresiarchs of Dis. At the time of inception a leading inspiration came from Dante’s Inferno. This led to Dis—as in the city and the name for the demo
CD I released during spring last year—but as time passed I opted for a name that delivered greater depth. In this case, I
decided on Hæresiarchs of Dis: A heretic of the city of Dis. Part of this decision was out of necessity for a name that better suited the complexity and direction I felt the project was heading. Dis had been used many times over by other bands, and the more I thought about it, the more the name Hæresiarchs of Dis rang true. I was adamant about choosing a name that strayed away from the cliché and anything that was an expected standard in metal. It is amusing when I see someone gripe about the name, making comments like it is incomprehensible or unwieldy. A perfect example of how metal is perceived to be “simple” in some eyes.

Zetalambmary: What kind of musical instruments and sound effects (if any) are used in your music?

Cernunnos: The core instruments I use for Hæresiarchs of Dis include two of four electric guitars, one acoustic/ electric guitar, an electric bass, an upright piano, and several software programs that include a variety of instruments and effects. The ambient sounds I create come from a voice recorder or samples which are later manipulated with time effects, modulations, or extreme tone drops.

Zetalambmary: Musically speaking, unlike the more popular forms of black metal such as blackened death or black thrash, ambient black metal does not rely heavily on syncopated rhythms and catchy tunes to attract fans. What do you think is the draw of ambient black metal?

Cernunnos: I do not differentiate between sub-genres, and find it ridiculous that people have a need to do so. To me, they are all part of the same ilk, falling under the larger umbrella of black metal. Although the term black metal has “metal” in it, really it is the mood and subject matter that defines a project of this nature and not always the heavy metal part. It is rather amusing to see how music has unfolded into more and more sub genres. I, however, do not feel Hæresiarchs of Dis is ambient, as many tracks include heavy riffs and constructed song structures. The parts that are not “metal” range in variety, and the ambience that prevails is in the mood of the music, not often the song format. The draw of ambient black metal that you put forth in a question is in the morose emptiness, or lack of familiar musical ground. It is the open uninhibited soundscape of ambient black metal that intrigues many listeners.

Zetalambmary: What kind of lyrical themes does Hæresiarchs of Dis deal with?

Cernunnos: It varies between albums. There are the continuous themes of religion, death, and destruction, but more recently there is the dominant suggestion about Man and his inability to fathom his own true fate. It is through the desecration of the soul that revelation is revealed, and ultimate truth attained.

Zetalambmary: Is there any particular poet you revere?

Cernunnos: Most notable within my releases is inspiration from Dante and Milton. The track “In Remembrance
of He Who Defied God” is my musical interpretation of a particular piece of poignant text from Paradise Lost. I do
not think I revere any poets, although there are numerous literary greats that I hold in high regard.

Zetalambmary: Do you think extreme music as a whole, including black metal, can be considered a bold and experimental extension of classical music (read: Baroque to 20th Century)?

Cernunnos: The idea behind what music is does not change. We’d like to think we are modern and at the forefront of art, but really everything is borrowed from something else. Comfortably we call this inspiration, but music is created by available ideas and methods, where current times dictate what medium this inspiration is conveyed in. Currently the format of metal best conveys a lot of my ideas and emotions, but who is to say I would not be using a full orchestra if this was the 17th century, and who’s to say that Paganini would not be a flamboyant electric guitar player if he had been born in modern times.

Zetalambmary: So are there any classical composers you particularly look up to and draw musical inspiration from?

Cernunnos: There are many. Classical music has always been an inspiration in my endeavours. Wagner and Mozart come to mind off hand as many compositions by them inspired me as a child. There are many others, and I am always expanding my classical library. Offhand I have found influence in Chopin, Janáček, Liszt, Debussy, and Sibelius to name a few.

Zetalambmary: What about the FWoBM musicians?

Cernunnos: Metal for me really struck home in the early 80’s. A powerful influence on me at the time was early thrash bands and others of that ilk, but only a couple of bands of that decade have lingered in my influences as time has gone by, including Mercyful Fate and Celtic Frost. The batch of early black metal bands did not influence me until later, after I had started the project. There are too many black metal bands I enjoy, both current and first wave, to mention. I tend to acquire anything and everything I can get my hands on, whether CDs, vinyl or MP3s, and there is little in this genre that I dislike.

Zetalambmary: In an interview with Metal Underground, you mentioned that Hæresiarchs of Dis does not do live shows because it is “a very personal and reclusive experience”. This trait is reminiscent of bands like Deathspell Omega. Just for curiosity’s sake, however oxymoronic this may sound to you, do bands like you guys actually get into contact with one another?

Cernunnos: I do not have any relations or communications with other bands. This is not intentional in an attempt to maintain some off-limits attitude, rather I have no interest. I do not do black metal to be in a community. I am not interested in performances or relations with others. I have played shows and been in bands in the past, and I am done with it. The whole rock star thing is stupid. This music is not about that, rather it is my personal extreme expression delivered in the semi-tangible form of music. Music is after all another form of art, and it is not uncommon for artists to want to be left alone. This is not to say that the future may not hold collaborations with other musicians, just not something right now I see any point in or would actively look for.

Zetalambmary: If Hæresiarchs of Dis is really such a personal experience, why do you still promote your works through record labels like Moribund Records?

Cernunnos: Interesting question. When I say “personal experience”, I am referring directly to “understanding”. I do not expect anyone to completely understand Hæresiarchs Of Dis the way I do. It is uniquely mine in many ways. I am the sole creator and operator of this project and it needs to remain that way in order for it to still strike a chord inside me. I do not share the music with individuals, but people in general—those I have no relations with—I have always had the intent to spread it regardless of my attitude towards others, getting it to those who appreciate this kind of project. This does not mean I want to be friends with everyone. I do not have a hand in promotion of my material, the label does that, but we are not talking about a huge corporate label, rather a niche field of extreme art.

Zetalambmary: The time gap between your third full-length record, “Denunciatus Cinis” and the new album “In Obsecration of the Seven Darks” is only one year. How much has Hæresiarchs of Dis grown within this period?

Cernunnos: “In Obsecration of the Seven Darks” was composed and recorded during post-production of “Denuntiatus Cinis” last year. In reality, the album was done before “Denuntiatus Cinis” was released, but I wanted to spend some time away from it before entering post-production. To answer your question, I do not think Hæresiarchs Of Dis has grown in any way during this time. In fact, I feel the project has been more or less the same from the original onset many years ago. Production may vary between releases due to changes in equipment or software, but the ideas and concepts and song structures have remained consistent.

Zetalambmary: Do you foresee any radical changes in the musical style of Hæresiarchs of Dis in the future? If not, would you ever consider exploring less cacophonous musical realms while still retaining the messages you want to bring across in your music?

Cernunnos: After the release of “Overture” a couple of years ago, I told Viridis Vir—contributor on my two previous releases—that a future release may be entirely an ambient experience, or a symphony of sorts. I even toyed with the idea of creating a release of piano compositions. Hæresiarchs Of Dis is experimental by nature, and I am never certain what direction it will take, nor do I care to plan it out. It is possible there may be no more albums in the future, or there may be a dozen. I do not know. The guitar is only one instrument I find interest in exploring, but with so many options available to me, I do not see metal being the sole vehicle for conveying this project in the future.

Zetalambmary: Most people think that serious black metal musicians are no-lifers that do nothing but dwell in their misanthropic, waste-filled pits all day long. What else do you do in your spare time when you are not composing any of your hate-filled masterpieces?

Cernunnos: In many ways there are two aspects to my person: one that is angry and misanthropic, and the other just gets by, by doing the daily grind that needs to be done. The music I make very separate from the everyday part of my life. I have family and friends for the most part that do not know about Hæresiarchs Of Dis. This is not to say that I keep it a secret, as in fact, I am openly outspoken about many of the ideals set forth in the music, but rather it is something I choose not to share with everyone. I’d expect many would not understand, and that is fine by me. I have always been an artist, and work in the Information Technology arena by day, contracting design, websites, and illustration periodically. The black metal is an outlet for me, but it is not the only creative outlet I have pursued. Books and art have always been a strong pastime for me as well as film. I do not find many modern works in any of these areas that appeal to me often, so most of my consumption is in the classics. This is very strong with books, as I am passionate about literature. Human creations that have stood the test of time and cultural shifts deserve the most recognition, not the latest topping the New York Times Bestseller list. Maybe this makes me slightly antiquated, but nonetheless it is where I find the most thought-invoking inspiration.

Stand A Chance To Win Albums By STRATOVARIUS and PSYCHO!

We have finally gone into print, and in slightly over a week from now, the hardcopies will finally be ready to hit local shelves. Don't worry, overseas buyers can order one copy from us as well, and we will most probably be using PayPal for that (still unconfirmed as of now).

UNIVERSAL MUSIC has decided to give away a copy of STRATOVARIUS' latest studio album, "Elysium", to a lucky American reader of ZETALAMBMARY magazine. Thus, we will be choosing this fortunate supporter from the first 20 American readers who buy our magazine from us once it is out.

Also, our magazine's own promotion gives a lucky reader a chance to win an autographed copy of PSYCHO's debut full-length album, "Pain Addict Pigs". So who knows? If you are an American reader and will be that lucky, you might end up winning both albums from STRATOVARIUS and PSYCHO.

That's it! Stay tuned for the hardcopies and don't be hesitant to spread this piece of news around!

Song Of The Week: Within The Ruins - Invade

This band has really matured quite a bit since the last time I have visited them on this blog. Whether they saw my advice the last time round or not (Haha! I wish!), it is definitely good that they did clean up their image after all. They sure look more like metal musicians now!

One thing that might be quite amusing to note though, and I bring it up because Zen has mused to me about this phenomenon on quite a few occasions so far; what is with all these metal musicians in bad shape playing topless?! Notice how Drummer their drummer is playing topless in the music video above even though he has a physique that would make a Greek god roll over in delirious laughter? Look at the "tsunami waves" he creates whenever the camera rolls over to Drummer briefly in the music video...

Musically, their guitars still retain that signature high-pitched sound complete with that same old frenetic playing. This is a mind-blowingly technical masterpiece full of speedy and precise breakdowns, fretboard raping, flying fingers, impossible riffing, and an attitude that simply just kicks ass! But the music video is a typical one that simply shows the band rocking out to their own performance, albeit with lots of bouncy moments, and it sure does show off the technical prowess of the guitarists. The possible addition of an animation of some sort showing an unknown creature pillaging some small town somewhere would have been nice though, although since that has not been done, this music video serves as a good live performance video for WTR fans to watch over and over again whenever they feel like seeing the band in action.

Tech Metal Masters: From left to right - Drummer (Drums), Joe Cocchi (Guitar), Tim Goergen (Vocals), Jay Van Schelt (Guitar), Mike Beaujean (Bass Guitar)

If you are a metalhead who has not heard of WTR until today, go on, play the video and be bewildered. Actually, the same praise can be showered on practically every other track off of the entire "Invade" album, but my lazy mind is telling me that the pillow on my bed is more worthy of my attention on such a comfortably cold night.

Nergal Checks In From The Hospital: Suitable Blood Marrow Donor Found!

Looks like the tough frontman of BEHEMOTH is finally having things going his way: A suitable blood marrow donor has been found!

So here is what Nergal has to say to Metal Blade Records and the BEHEMOTH newsletter:

Hello everyone! I’m still in the hospital but in quite a good shape so I write to let you know about my health and the further stages of treatment. I’ve been through four planned chemotherapies and have stayed in hospital for over 3 months now. I’ve gone through the whole therapy smoothly, though I also had a couple of difficult moments. All this means I finish the stage of pharmacological treatment and I am about to start the irradiation and then the marrow transplant. Yes, we’ve found a donor! Having searched for months, the fundation has found a person whose genotype is identical to mine. It would have been difficult to achieve if it wasn’t for the support of so many people. Most of all, I want to express my admiration for Dorota - my wonderful and devoted fiancée. She did everything she could to help me and many other people, regardless of adversities and comments which were often unfair. Your help is invaluable! Thank you! I love you. On behalf of me and all other people ill I thank everyone who registered in the bone marrow bank regardless of origin, skin colour or religion. The concerts for charity have been organised all over the world and people of show business, bands and, most of all, the fans got deeply involved. You are beyond great! One of you made my transplant possible, but remember, your attitude may save many others in need. So I appeal to everyone: don’t stop the madness! The march for victory continues! Horns up!

Nergal