Και
φτάνουμε στον τελευταίο δίσκο για αυτό το σχήμα σταθμό στο ευρωπαϊκό τόσο
ακραίο αρχικά όσο κι επικό Metal στη
συνέχεια. Το δεύτερο και τελευταίο μέρος για τον Quorthon (που είχε ακόμα υλικό
τουλάχιστον και για την τρίτη συνεχόμενη κυκλοφορία όπως έχει διαδοθεί απ' τους
οπαδούς των Bathory
τότε)των Nordland δίσκων. Πολλοί λενε ότι
αυτό εδώ το CD
είναι πιο καλό απ' το 1ο. Ίσως να είναι πιο ηλεκτρικό γι'αυτό έχει περάσει η
άποψη αυτή. Μεγαλεπήβολες συνθέσεις, ογκώδη μέρη με συμφωνική χροιά, αρκετά
πλήκτρα και παγωμένη ατμόσφαιρα επικού μεγαλείου. Παραγωγή παρά πολύ καλή απ'
τον Borje
"TheBoss"
Forsberg
πατέρα του Quorthon και
μόνιμο παραγωγό της μουσικής απ' το ομώνυμο πρώτο Bathory του '84! Το τέλος ήρθε με
την ανακοίνωση ξαφνικά τότε στα μουσικά έντυπα αρχικά της φήμης και λίγο μετά
της επιβεβαίωσης ότι ο αινιγματικόςQuorthon , κατά κόσμον ThomasForsberg έφυγε για τη δική του
Βαλχάλα στις 3/6/2004 στη Στοκχόλμη σε ηλικία 38 χρόνων προδομένος απ' τη
μεταλλική του καρδιά. Παρακαταθήκη για τη σκληρή μουσική οι δώδεκα δίσκοι των Bathory και το προσωπικό του
άλμπουμ σαν σκέτο QUORTHON. Άξιος τίτλος το έκτο κομμάτι του δίσκου The Death and
Ressurection of a Northern Son, μαζί τα Blooded Shore, Sea Wolf, Vinland, Flash
of the Silverhammer, The Wheel of the Sun για πάντα στα όρια του κάθε κόσμου!
English:
It's been a while indeed!
And we've reached the final album for this landmark in
European metal, a band initially known for its extreme style, and later for its
epic approach. This is the second and final installment of the Nordland saga
for Quorthon (who, according to Bathory fans at the time, still had enough
material for at least a third consecutive release). Many say this CD is better
than the first. Perhaps it's more electric, which might be why this opinion has
spread. The album features grandiose compositions, massive sections with
symphonic elements, abundant keyboards, and an icy atmosphere of epic grandeur.
The production is excellent, thanks to Borje "The Boss" Forsberg,
Quorthon's father and the permanent producer of the music since the band's
self-titled debut Bathory from '84! The end came abruptly with the
announcement, initially a rumor in music publications, followed by confirmation
that the enigmatic Quorthon, Thomas Forsberg by birth, had departed for his own
Valhalla on June 3, 2004, in Stockholm, at the age of 38, betrayed by his
metallic heart. His legacy to heavy music is the twelve Bathory albums, as well
as his solo album, Quorthon. A fitting title is the sixth track on the album,
'The Death and Resurrection of a Northern Son,' along with 'Blooded Shore,'
'Sea Wolf,' 'Vinland,' 'Flash of the Silverhammer,' and 'The Wheel of the Sun,'
forever pushing the boundaries of every world!
American melodic death metal band Cryptic Prophecy
released their new single «Normandy». Formed in the U.S. in 2004, the band
released an EP in 2011 and albums in 2017 and 2018. Now a four-piece, they
recorded the single in 2024 while working on new material.
1.
"Element Zero" is a unique and intriguing name. Can you explain more
about the concept behind it and how it symbolizes your music?
KORINA: Element Zero is a hypothetical substance, an element
which has yet to be actually discovered, theorized to exist in the core of
neutron stars. We think it is a fitting symbolization of our music as we
consider it a yet undiscovered element, while we ourselves are still exploring
the core of our identity.
2.
Your music blends Alternative Rock with Metal elements. Can you talk about how
you balance these two genres and any challenges you face while doing so?
KORINA: What I consider most beautiful in our band is that
each of us has very different influences, so we actually balance between
multiple genres and this reflects on the end result. It is great because we
come up with unique sounds, but can also be challenging in the sense that it is
not always possible to keep everyone happy, although we do manage to work
through this eventually.
3.
Your lyrics delve into inner conflict and socio-political issues. Can you share
any personal experiences or specific events that have inspired your lyrics?
JACOB: Inspiration is drawn from emotional overflows caused
by either internal struggles or world events. For example, the lyrics for When Everything Is Lost, the last track
of our debut EP, were written during my hospitalization a few years ago. Or Outcast was inspired by the incident of
George Floyd’s murderback in 2020. In general,we notice
that even though we live in a time where information is readily available
anywhere, anytime, it seems to be getting harder and harder to establish
connections within our immediate communities, and consequently reach out to
either seek help for personal issues or come together and rise up against
common problems.
4.
You've released five self-produced singles. What have you learned from the
self-production process, and how has it influenced your approach to creating
your debut EP?
JACOB: The best thing about being able to self-produce your
music is that it gives you the chance to try many different things, be it
sounds, frequencies, volumes, or the way you blend the music with the vocals.
This is something which has significantly helped us have a clearer concept of
what we wanted our debut EP to sound like.
5.
Without giving too much away, can you give us a sneak peek into your debut EP
“A Place in the World”? What themes or stories are you exploring?
KORINA: Without wanting to get too specific, so as to leave
things open to interpretation and allow listeners to relate in their own way,
we are generally exploring themes of mental health, toxic relationships, and
power inequality. We have bothwoven stories within which we hid some real-life
issues in our lyrics and written some songs which are directly inspired by
personal experiences. Lastly, you will find our cover of Silence by Delerium, the first single out of the EP, and a heavier
interpretation of my first ever favourite song.
6.
Element Zero is set to open for the Ghostlands & Ravenlands Festival. How
do you feel about this opportunity, and does the responsibility of being an
opening act cause any anxiety?
JACOB: We are very excited and looking forward to playing
this gig. It’s a great opportunity for us to play our music on such a historic
venue. And what we feel isn’t so much anxiety, but rather anticipation!
7.
Are you aware of the music of the other bands sharing the stage with you at the
Ghostlands & Ravenlands Festival, such as Dragony, I Abyssick, and
Mystfall? Is there any particular band from the above you’d love to see more of
on stage?
JACOB: Indeed, we are familiar with the other bands’ work,
and we are honoured to share the stage with them for the first time. It’s hard
to pick a favourite when they have such diverse sounds, however we do have a
soft spot for The Silent Rage as their guitarist Nikos is an old childhood
friend and we both hail from “Korydallos City”!
8.
How do you navigate the creative dynamics within the band? Are there specific
roles each member takes on during the songwriting and production process?
KORINA: We don’t have hard-set roles, we try to be as
equally involved as possible. Generally you can expect either me or Jacob to
write the lyrics, and as far as the music goes, usually someone brings a main
idea and each one contributes their own part until we have something completed.Pre-recording
our own first songs and getting involved with the production was what most
shaped our understanding of songwriting and the different aspects involved.
9.
How important is fan engagement to Element Zero? Do you have any stories where
fan interactions have significantly influenced your music or performances?
JACOB: We are slowly and steadily building a following, and
we are happy to discover that we are gaining listeners both from our live shows
and through the internet. For example, we will always remember the first time a
young woman approached us after a small gig to show her appreciation. At the
same time, we have been contacted through social media by people abroad who
would otherwise be impossible to reach without professional promotion.
Theirenthusiasm is a brand new experience
for us, and it is truly inspiring and motivating to realize the impact our
music is beginning to have.
10.
How has Element Zero's sound evolved since its formation? Are there any new
directions or experiments you’re excited about exploring in the future?
ΤΟΝΥ: Despite the fact that we all personally listen to
different genres of rock/metal music in general, we agree collectively that
there are some bands that left their mark on us. Through that aspect we started
to mold our sound into something that could keep the diversity of the members
but, in a way, controlled by some basic principles. The “big” secret is
continuous jamming and brainstorming ideas that we sent to each other and that
managed to keep our inspiration focused!
11.
What are your goals and aspirations for the future? Are there any specific
projects or collaborations you’re looking forward to?
KORINA: At the moment, we are mainly focusing on preparing
for the Ghostlands & Ravenlands
Festival. Next up in our plans is writing songs for our next, full length album,
while we are looking into playing outside Athens, hopefully even abroad.
12.
As you continue your journey with Element Zero, what message would you like to
leave for your fans and supporters? What can they look forward to in the near
future?
ΤΟΝΥ: First and foremost let’s keep the music and the
underground scene alive! It is such a fertile ground for our art, and by
supporting it we can push the bands to greater things and I believe the scene
deserves that. As for us, our love and passion for our art is something that
keep our wheels turning and through that new music and exciting projects will
occur so stay tuned!
Είναι
περίπτωση οι τύποι αυτοί στο πρώτο τους άλμπουμ που ήρθε την εποχή που το
ιδίωμα του Sleaze/Hair Metal περνούσε τα τελευταία δύο χρόνια πριν την
κατάρευση. Κι ενώ συνήθως μου προκαλούν αλλεργία κάτι μπάντες τύπου Ratt,Warrant, Poison, Bon Jovi και βέβαια οι
Άγγλοι Def Leppard κι οι αρχικά πιο heavy Motley Crue που μετά το δεύτερο
άλμπουμ τους έγιναν η επιτομή της.... γλίτσας, αυτοί εδώ και οι Skid Row πάντα
με τραβούσαν μουσικά! Λοιπόν το ομώνυμο αυτό CD τους πέραν του ύμνου της
ερωτικής αλητείας των θηλυκών γύρω μας που τιτλοφορείται All She Wrote και που
είναι άπειρη κοματάρα, έχει κι άλλο αξιόλογο συνθετικά μουσικό υλικό σαν τα
Lover's Lane, Overnight Sensation, Rock On The Radio (ο στόχος κι αυτών βέβαια
τα FM), Oughta Be A Law, Seasons Of Change , Shake & Tumble και γενικότερα
όλο το άλμπουμ είναι στο γλετζέδικο, βαρύ αλλά μελωδικό Hard And Heavy ύφος που
τους κάνει πραγματικά να ξεχωρίζουν απ' τη πλέμπα που πετούσε στον αέρα σε
ποσότητες την εποχή εκείνη.
English:
At the crossroads.
They're a case of these types in their first album
that came out in the time when the Sleaze/Hair Metal style was passing through
its final two years before its downfall. And while they usually cause me an
allergy with their bands like Ratt, Warrant, Poison, Bon Jovi, and of course,
the English Def Leppard and the originally heavier Motley Crue, who turned into
the epitome of... superficiality after their second album, these guys here, the
Skid Row, always drew me musically! Therefore, their self-titled CD, apart from
the song of the erotic flattery around us called All She Wrote, which is a
meaningless song, also has other notable synth-heavy musical material like
Lover's Lane, Overnight Sensation, Rock On The Radio (their goal, of course, is
the FM audience), Oughta Be A Law, Seasons Of Change, Shake & Tumble, and
in general, their whole album is in the sleazy, heavy but melodic Hard And
Heavy style that really makes them stand out from the masses that were flying around
in great quantities during that time.
Danish thrash/heavy metal band Anarchy Zone released
their debut album "Satan's Island," recorded in "Beefy Sound
Studios" and "HopHouse Studios." Mixed/Mastered by Kai
Stahlenberg at "Kohlekeller Studios" in Frankfurt. Formed in 2021,
the band, inspired by the Bay Area Thrash era, consists of experienced Danish
metal musicians: Sonny Rock (vocals), Mr. T and Hinge (guitars), Lars Schneider
Sørensen (bass), and Drix (drums).
Η
τετράδα των νεαρών Γερμανών μουσικών Peavy Wagner φωνή και μπάσο, Joenchen
Shroeder και Thomas Gruening κιθάρες και ο μελλοντικός γυρολόγος της ευρωπαϊκής
σκηνής ντράμερ Jorg Michael στη πρώτη δουλειά τους ως Rage με αυτό το Speed
Metal κατόρθωμα γράφουν τη δικήτους
ιστορία. Γνωστοί ως Avenger, είχαν ήδη κυκλοφορήσει τοPrayers of Steel με αυτό το όνομα , αλλά
επειδή ως γνωστόν το όνομα ήδη είχε χρησιμοποιηθεί απ' τους Άγγλους Avenger,
χρειάστηκε να αλλάξουν στο πιο μικρό και παρμένο απ' το κλασικό τραγούδι των
Judas Priest, Rage. Ίδια ιστορία με τους συμπατριώτες τους Running Wild,
Helloween, Angel Dust,Grave Digger κι αυτοί στο ντεμπούτο τους, τραχύ γρήγορο
τευτονικό Metal με image όλο αλυσίδες, δερμάτινα , ζώνες με φυσίγγια και
περικάρπια με καρφιά, το άλμπουμ δεν απογοητεύει τους οπαδούς του κλασικού
γερμανικού Speed Metal , η παραγωγή του είναι αρκετά καλή και το υλικό (τόσο
του αρχικού άλμπουμ όσο και της πρόσφατης επανέκδοσης σε διπλό CD απ' την Dr.
Bones) αξίζει με το παραπάνω. Εντάξει δεν έχει τραγούδια που να έμειναν μετά
στο ζωντανό playlist τους αφού στα επόμενα άλμπουμ τους είναι πιο
χαρακτηριστικά τα κομμάτια, οπότε τα δέκα της συγκεκριμένης κυκλοφορίας δεν τα
ακούμε πλέον για δεκαετίες δυστυχώς ! Σαν σύνολο, τίμιο και στο δεύτερο δισκάκι
πολύ demo υλικό απ' την πρώτη εκείνη εποχή αλλά και ανέκδοτα κομμάτια που είχαν
στο μπαούλο τους.
English:
Good start.
The quartet of young German musicians – Peavy Wagner
on vocals and bass, Joenchen Schroeder and Thomas Gruening on guitars, and the
future globetrotter of the European scene, drummer Jorg Michael – wrote their
own history with this Speed Metal achievement, their first work as Rage. Known
as Avenger, they had already released “Prayers of Steel” under that name, but
since the name had already been used by the English band Avenger, they had to
change to the shorter name taken from the classic Judas Priest song, Rage. It's
a similar story to their compatriots Running Wild, Helloween, Angel Dust, and
Grave Digger. This debut album features raw, fast Teutonic Metal with an image
full of chains, leather, cartridge belts, and studded wristbands. The album
doesn't disappoint fans of classic German Speed Metal; its production is quite
good, and the material (both from the original album and the recent double-CD
reissue from Dr. Bones) is more than worthwhile. Okay, there aren't any songs
that remained in their live playlist later on, as their subsequent albums
featured more characteristic tracks, so we don't hear the ten songs from this
particular release anymore for decades, unfortunately! As a whole, it's a fair
offering, and the second disc includes a lot of demo material from that early
period, as well as unreleased songs that they had kept in their vault.
Το
δεύτερο άλμπουμ της τετραμελούς Speed/Power Metal μπάντας του Peavy Wagner με
ντράμερ τότε το μετέπειτα ήρωα Jorg Michael. Με τους παγκοσμίως, άγνωστους
κιθαριστες Rudy Graffσε αυτό καιτον Jochen Schorder που ήταν παρών και στο
ντεμπούτο τους, να πλαισιώνουν τους άλλους δύο. Δε λέω ότι δεν μου αρέσει,
τουναντίον είναι κλάσεις ανώτερο του ντεμπούτου τους τουReign Of Fear (αυτό με τον ninja στο
εξώφυλλο!) που δεν το λές κοα κακό στα αλήθεια, αλλά το Execution... ξενίζει αν
έχετε στα αυτιά σας τα επόμενα τους που είναι πιο γνωστά, ίσως είναι ακόμη
νωρίς για να πούμε ότι έχει κλασική αξία αν και ταDown By Law,Grapes Of Wrath, Hatred , Steerwolf και τοMental Decay έχουν θέση στο ζωντανό τους
playlist (έστω για μένα) ως σήμερα. Στην επανέκδοση σε διπλό CD παίρνουμε στον
δεύτερο δίσκο την αρχική μίξη όλου του άλμπουμ σαν δώρο, ευχάριστη
διαφοροποίηση απ' το τελικό mix.
English:
It takes a while, but day breaks.
The second album by the four-piece Speed/Power Metal
band of Peavy Wagner, with drummer Jorg Michael, who later became a hero.
Featuring the globally unknown guitarists Rudy Graff on this album and Jochen
Schroder, who was also present on their debut, alongside the other two members.
I'm not saying I dislike it; on the contrary, it's several classes better than
their debut, "Reign Of Fear" (the one with the ninja on the cover!), which
isn't bad in truth, but "Execution..." feels strange if you're accustomed to
their later, more well-known work. Maybe it's still too early to say it has
classic status, although 'Down By Law', 'Grapes Of Wrath', 'Hatred',
'Steerwolf', and 'Mental Decay' have earned a place in their live playlist (at
least for me) even today. On the re-release as a double CD, we get the original
mix of the entire album as a bonus on the second disc, a welcome change from
the final mix.
