EVOKEN (USA) - "Shades Of Night Descending"

EVOKEN (USA)

"Shades Of Night Descending"

DISPLEASED RECORDS

Release Date : 15/10/2009

This is excellent heavy stuff ! EVOKEN plays Doom Metal with heavy Death Metal influence. No exprimental shit ! They are one of American oldest Doom/Death bands, having been around since 1992 when they started as FUNEREUS. 

Their touches of Death Metal can be traced in the track "Tower Of Frozen Dusk". While they also unleashed their sudden Death Metal attack in the mid-part of the track "Shades Of Night Descending".

"Shades Of Night Descending" was originally released as their second demo in 1994. French ADIPOCERE RECORDS later re-released the same materials in MCD format in 1996. While, this reissue version comes with rarities - materials from their Promo 1996 and 1997.

In our opinion, the genre - Funeral Doom Metal is best refered to SKEPTICISM (Fin). It was back in 1998/1999 when PATRICK and RED STREAM RECORDS send us promo for "Lead And Aether" and later "Aes". They heavily incorporated keyboard, church organ and war drum/tom that made the music sounded really funeral-like - especially in "Lead And Aether".

e-mail : vastchoirs@aol.com
link : http://www.myspace.com/evoken
order : http://www.dis-order.com/

STRIBORG (Aus) - "Southwest Passage"

STRIBORG (Aus)

"Southwest Passage"

DISPLEASED RECORDS

Release Date : 15/10/2009

Imagine, a one man band with 20 releases under its belt. Fronted solely by SIN-NANNA, he seems to has abundance lots of idea. 

Whenever an Aussie extreme metal band came to mind, we expected all hell to break loose. But what we have here instead is 6 tracks of ambient black metal. The music is melodic and straighforward. Quite monotonous though ! The interesting part was we can't even understand the need for the band to include the instrumental track "Requiem For A Lonely Ghost" - an outro ?

With such kind of arrangement, no wonder the band can suprised us with their long list of discography ...

But, they redeemed back a bit with the raw guitar - notable in tracks like "Southwest Passage" and "All Contempt Reciprocated". While, the production is fair enough to make the materials sounds dark and obscure. We believed this is what the band aimed for.

link : http://www.myspace.com/striborg
order : http://www.dis-order.com/

BUNKUR (Hol) - "Nullify"

BUNKUR (Hol)

"Nullify"

DISPLEASED RECORDS

Release Date : 15/09/2009

What the hell is this ? Extreme ? Yes ! But we can't relate to what the band is trying to offer. This is torture turned into music. Extremely experimental and dark with touches of industrial and sampling. While, the vocal is nearly absence here, what we can hear instead is just their scream of agony. 

What you get here is only one track running for 77 minutes long. We fully agreed that BUNKUR is different, extremely different beyond anything you can imagine. But we are not sure whether listeners can still survive after being tortured by such. But frankly, we can't ...

link : http://www.myspace.com/bunkur13
order : http://www.dis-order.com/

MONUMENTUM (Ita) - "In Absentia Christi"

MONUMENTUM (Ita)

"In Absentia Christi"

DISPLEASED RECORDS

Release Date : 15/09/2009

It was a great step taken by DISPLEASED RECORDS to reissue this 1995 classic. The band has earlier signed with the cult label DEATHLIKE SILENCE PRODUCTION but the album never came thru. It was finally released under MISANTHROPY RECORDS later.

This is actually the third time "In Absentia Christi" has been released after the one under MISANTHROPY RECORDS (1995) and a limited self-released version (2007). While for Malaysian market, it was available under STRANGE CULTURE RECORDS (under licensed) back in 1998.

MONUMENTUM gives you dose of avant garde doom metal at its best - majestic, melodic and dark. The album set a high mark that no band has ever came close. So, should we say more ?

The one here came out with 10 tracks with one bonus.  Definitely a must have for those who appreciate original metal music. For those new listeners, its better late than never. We don't think that the album will see any more reissue.

link : http://www.myspace.com/monumentum
order : http://www.dis-order.com/

DISPLEASED RECORDS

 

Our time with RON & DISPLEASED RECORDS started way back in 1997. We have just released our 2nd issue, so we wrote him for possible working relationship.

 

He was supportive, replying back fast along with promos from bands like SADIST (Ita) - "Crust", ETERNAL SOLSTICE (Hol) - "Demonic Fertilizer", UNLORD (?) - "Schwarzwald", PENTACLE (Hol) - "The Fifth Moon" and SMELL LIKE TEAM SPIRIT II (comp-album). Later, more promos arrived from bands like ALTAR (Hol) - "Provoke", NEMBRIONIC (Hol) - "Incomplete" and MANEGARM (Swe) - "Nordstjarnans Tidsalder". All were reviewed in our 3rd issue.

When we started working for our fourth issue in 1999, he continued sending more promos from bands like  EVEN SONG (Hun) - "Path Of The Angels", WHIPLASH (USA) - "Messages In Blood", HOUWITSER (Hol) - "Death But Not Buried", VESPERIAN SORROW (USA) - "Beyond The Cursed Eclipse", KUNTAUTCULT (Hol) - "From The Pits" and SMELL LIKE TEAM SPIRIT III (comp-album). But unfortunately, as the plan for the new issue fall abrupt (supposely to be out in 2000), none of the review saw the light.

 

After nearly 10 years of losing bond, we finally e-mailed RON recently, telling him that we have re-commenced our works for a new issue. To our suprise, he replied fast as usual. Thanks to RON and DISPLEASED RECORDS for still believing in us ...

DISPLEASED RECORDS
RONDE TOCHT 7-G
1507  CC ZAANDAM
HOLLAND

website : http://www.displeasedrecords.com/

e-mail : ron@displeasedrecords.com

HORMALA FANZINE - ISSUE # 5

When talk started to spread that LANGSUIR has reformed after being inactive for 10 long years, we decided to pay homage to them in our fifth issue.

The issue was released in Nov '2005 as a mini issue - limited to 100 copies for all the LANGSUIRian die-hards.

People might asked, why LANGSUIR ? The simplest why was LANGSUIR is a band that has set a mark in our local metal scene with their creativity and quality song writing. We recalled how excited we were when we first heard the legendary "Occultus Mysticsm" demo 1993 back then. No doubt, it was one of the best demo to ever came out from MALAYSIA.

They were scheduled to come out with their new EP under ORIENTAL ERUPTION (a division of Germany's NAZGUL'S EYRIE PRODUCTIONS) but the plan fall apart when OPYROS decided to end the label. The "Eastern Cruelty" EP was later released by local label NEBUILA PRODUCTION. They were at their peak.

Later they contributed two tracks in IPOH METAL MILITANT SUPREMANCY - a compilation album under ULTRA HINGAX PRODUCTIONS. That was the last time we are to hear from them.

There was always arguement on their unreleased track - "Sumpahan Tujuh Keturunan". Somehow, it was said that the track managed to get caught in tape during their rehearsal at BLACK WIDOW STUDIO (the rehearsal is believed to be in the hand of EAST GOTHIC PRODUCTIONS). We talked to XULHISHAM of METAL STORM a few years back about the track and have also asked for a copy of that recording. However, since he has re-located far from his hometown, it was impossible for him to pass it to us. Tight with other commitments, we don't managed to follow up since then.

In another attempt to secure the recording, we spoke to AZLANTHOR about the track. But he never recalled rehearsing or ever recorded it.

That year was 2005. It has been 12 years since we first wrote to AZLANTHOR for a copy of "Occultus Mysticsm". The band has always been a brother to us. When we finally passed a copy of the mini-issue to AZLANTHOR, he just told us "Salute ! HORMALA still remains underground" ...

HORMALA FANZINE - ISSUE # 4

Despite our tight schedule, we managed to have 9 interviews done somewhere in 1999/2000 with KAMBING (Phi), SCULPTURED (USA), AIMING HIGH (Jap), TWISTED TOWER DIRE (USA), CEMETARY (Jap), STEEL WARRIOR (Bra) and VRYKOLAKAS (Sin) as well as local bands like PAHANG's obscure Death Metal tyrant TASYIM and PERAK's Heavy Metal groovers EVENTIDE HORIZON.

The column SERUAN TANJUNG PUTERI continued with LOGAM and PURNAMARJUNA (initially known as PENANGGALS).

While, questions send to WARHAMMER (Ger) never got to their attention. Should they reply, it will be one hell of a discussion. They were heavilly influenced by the cult band HELLHAMMER, so we asked them why. With no oppose to HELLHAMMER, we pointed out that HELLHAMMER was just a band resembling the mighty VENOM. THOMAS GABRIEL FISHER later in his biography - "Are You Morbid ? Into The Pandemonium Of Celtic Frost" (published in 2000) admitted that his phase with HELLHAMMER was all about copying their idol - VENOM. But CELTIC FROST innovates - the master of avant-garde rock. Perhaps, this was where VOLKER found the questions irrelevant.

Yet again, things did not turned out as planned. This time, we plunged into metal hibernation for nearly 5 years. None of the interviews were made public. We lost touch with so many great peoples.

In late 2004, we gathered all strengths left and started working again. It has been 6 years since the last issue was out in 1998. We are plagued by shitty setbacks everywhere (no lame excuses here!). All reviews kept in file for years were all corrupted. We were unable to go thru a new listening session, especially in a rush, as we will not be able to form opinion true to the materials. With apology to all labels, the review section was bitterly taken out. Things didn't seem to allow us to make an easy comeback.

The fourth issue was finally released in Jan '2005. Despite the long delay, we send all the bands a compliment copy. But still we are not sure whether it reached all. The distribution was passed to MUZIK BOX PRODUCTIONS for assistance.

The metal scene has came into a new era. Fanzine, once served as the heart of the underground scene, has now been left forgotten. Information can now be easily obtained, anytime, anywhere via the internet.

Despite the challenges, we we determined to preserve the old form of network. We have started our journey to immortality ..

HORMALA FANZINE - ISSUE # 3

We resumed works will full forces. There was always room for further improvement. PENANG's northern sons of darkness MISTIK was the first to response. We also gave a page to KEDAH's new talent SAILENDRA (after releasing "Akhtaj Paksina" demo '1998, they later dissapeared). While from SINGAPORE, we have KIBOSH SIBYL KISMET and BEAST PETRIFY.

During the period, we still continue to maintain contact with MISANTHROPY RECORDS. As a way to extend our support, yet still doubtful on the outcomes, we have taken a bold step to feature NORWAY's supremos like MAYHEM (re-activated with Necrobutcher, Hellhammer, Maniac and Blasphemer of AURA NOIR), BURZUM (touching on their new album made in prison "Daudi Baldrs"), ARCTURUS (working on their second album "La Masquarade Infernale")  and HAGALAZ' RUNEDANCE (fronted by ANDREA - wife of SAMOTH of EMPEROR and interestingly play traditional folk music). These bands were at that time signed under MISANTHROPY RECORDS.

If memory served us well, there were strong talk circulating back then that big Norwegian bands do not answer interview no more. With all the chaos that happened, it appeared that these group of elites were trying to isolate themselves.

As expected, none reply.

Things got more exciting when questions send to HELL-BORN (Pol), INFERNAL BEAUTY (Bel) and SADNESS (Swi) never found its way home. Things didn't always came out as planned.

We finally received fantastic response from Occult Metal supremist LUX OCCCULTA (Pol) - they were celebrating the released of their highly acclaimed second album "Dionysos" under PAGAN RECORDS. The same with AURA (Hol) and CALLENISH CIRCLE (Hol).

A new column - SERUAN TANJUNG PUTERI was introduced, dedicated to the JOHOR METAL SCENE - our hometown. It featured interviews with FADZIL and MUZIK BOX PRODUCTIONS, NARSAMUM (still breathing fire after all these long), TANDUS (old school ass kickin' deathrasher) and ATROCIOUS (southern darkest sons).

We released the third issue in Nov '1998. It was significant, reaching greater distance. On postive notes, TOMASZ and PAGAN RECORDS acknowledged our effort.

After distributing the first print of original copies, we were unable to find adequate time to continue to response to mail orders. We were hand tight with commitments. 

Our brother XULHISHAM of WARLOCK REVENGE PUBLISHING later came in and assisted us in the distribution. It was re-issued in smaller size and in blood red cover for the last 100 copies probably.

We never expected that the years to follow will hold so much uncertainty ...

HORMALA FANZINE - ISSUE # 2

We began to work immediately after the released of our debut issue. At least, we are on track to release one new issue every year - it is impossible to release issue regularly. Our second issue saw the light in Jun '1997.

There were in-depth interviews with bands like OHURA MAZDO (Jap), REX INFERNUS (Gre), DARKWOODS MY BETROTHED (Fin) ABLAZE MY SORROW (Swe), SECRETS OF THE MOON (Ger) and WITHERING SURFACE (Den). While from our local metal scene, we have MISTERY (ATANNASZ's War Metal band) and two of PERAK's new hopes - PURNAMWULAN and ZUBIRUN.

While our attempt to feature bigger bands like ABSU (USA), MOONSPELL (Por), SATYRICON (Nor) as well as ASIAN deskerators - IMPIETY (Sin) and SIGH (Jap) was to no avail. Such outcomes were inevitable. For the very first time, we have also arranged to get a fanzine editor covered - AZMIE of TERENGGANU's own BLOKONG FANZINE (one of the best black/death metal fanzine to emerge during the period). But unfortunately, it didn't materialised.

The issue also marked our first collaboration with great labels like TOMASZ and PAGAN RECORDS (Pol), CARSTEN and SOLISTITIUM RECORDS (Ger), RON and DISPLEASED RECORDS (Hol) as well as Patrick and RED STREAM RECORDS (USA).

Response was again overwhelming. We received positive review from PURI SILUMAN PEJAJARAN FANZINE issue # 3 - focused on review and interviewing fanzine editors.

While, our brothers AZLI of EAST GOTHIC PRODUCTIONS and ABDUL AZIZ of MUTIARA HITAM PRODUCTIONS assisted us in distributing some copies.

HORMALA FANZINE - ISSUE # 1

The year was 1996, we have been working like hell since May '1995. The local metal scene was brimming with power, fully supported by fanzines from every corner of MALAYSIA. AMIR has just released THY UNHOLY ABYSS issue # 3 in Jan '1996. While, HIMI and AZRIL were working on RAHAB issue # 2 (released in Aug '1996). Darkness was everywhere !

There are goin' to be 12 in-depth interviews, that's the highlight. We were selective, hand-picked dedicated and potential bands only.

With exception of VOCIFERATION ETERNITY, PERAK's finest LANGSUIR and HAYAGRIVA were the earliest to reply. While, SINGAPORE's blackness ITNOS dropped us a mere biography in return. But AS SAHAR replied with all questions well answered.

Suprisingly, it took BEHEMOTH (Pol) only 1 month to answer. They have earlier released their debut album - 'Sventevith - Storming Near The Baltic' under PAGAN RECORDS. But it took 4 - 6 months for SETHERIAL (Swe) and ZEPHYROUS (Gre) to reply - SETHERIAL stormed the scene with their excellent 'A Hail To The Faceless Angels' demo 1994, while, ZEPHYROUS impressed us with their 'Entrance And Wandering On The Seven Zones' demo 1994. Doing mail interviews really test our patience to the limit.

The best part was interviews send to ROTTING CHRIST (Gre), THRONE OF AHAZ (Swe) and IN THE WOODS (Nor) didn't even came back to Malaysian shore. Whether the letters were misled to hell, we have no answer. We also have no problem if bands find our questions uninteresting. While OHURA MAZDO (Jap) slightly missed the dateline.

But looking back, we tend to agree with ANTOINETTE (of now defunct English label MISANTHROPY RECORDS) that these bands have so much mail and interviews to do all the time. So sometimes it is impossible for them to answer everything. If they can answer it they surely will ...

Mac '1996 saw the released of our debut issue, purposely circulated in limited copies. Response was mostly overwhelming. Sales figure was not our concern. But we believe that we have so much to offer ...