PEOPLE LIKE YOU RECORDS – Agosto / Setembro 2007

The Generators – The Great Divide (2007): Novo trabalho de estúdio para os Norteamericanos The Generators, uma das minhas preferidas do catálogo PLY. Rock directo, simples, potente, muita melodia, muita atitude. Um pé no old-school e outro no lado mais moderno do Rock, uma certa influência Punk completa a equação. O que posso dizer mais sobre esta banda que já não tenha dito? Sou suspeito ao falar dos Generators precisamente por ser fã da sua música. “The Great Divide“ traz mais 10 temas do mesmo de sempre. E isso é bom, muito bom! Para quem gosta do seu Rock simples, directo e melódico, com um som limpo, sem chegar a ser comercial, pomposo ou pretensioso.RDS 90% http://www.the-generators.com/ / www.myspace.com/thegenerators

Heartbreak Engines – One Hour Hero (2007): Os Heartbreak Engines regressam com 11 novos temas de estúdio neste “One Hour Hero”. São 40 minutos plenos de Rock ‘N’ Roll com muita energia e atitude com toques Punk, Rockabilly e Psychobilly (a vertente ‘billy talvez esteja demarcada devido à presença de um “double bass” em vez de um baixo “normal”). Ritmos enérgicos, riffs de guitarra contagiantes e de puro Rock ‘n’ Roll, vocalizações ora selvagens ora melódicas, com muitos sing-a-long incluídos. Mais uma edição da PLY que não desilude (muito pelo contrário!). A salientar a participação especial de Sparky (vocalista dos Demeted Are Go) no tema que encerra o disco, “Gunwitch”. Um álbum do caralho! Recomendo vivamente! RDS 95% http://www.heartbreak-engines.com/ / www.myspace.com/heartbreakengines

The Peacocks – Touch And Go (2007): Foda-se! Então mas eu não tenho nenhum disco merdoso para criticar desta People Like You? É tudo bom? Pois então aqui vai mais uma crítica favorável. Não tenho muita informação sobre estes The Peacock e a biografia / nota de imprensa que acompanha o disco não é lá muito esclarecedora. Vou ser directo e conciso então. Pouco mais de 38 minutos divididos em 16 temas de Rockabilly tingido de Punk e Rock mais tradicional, muita melodia, aproximação quase Pop às suas canções mas sem perder a sua atitude Underground e de puro Rock ‘N’ Roll. Estes “pavões” sabem escrever grandes malhas e não andam apenas a exibir a sua penugem colorida. Ah, e é um trio (guitarra / voz, bateria, contrabaixo), isso dá para ver pela fotografia promocional. Vale a pena experimentar o canto destes pavões. RDS 85% http://www.thepeacocks.ch/ / www.myspace.com/itstimeforthepeacocks

People Like You Records: http://www.peoplelikeyourecords.com/

Akimbo – Navigating The Bronze (2007) – Alternative Tentacles Records

Novo trabalho para os Akimbo de Seattle, USA. Este ano marca o 10º aniversário da banda e nada melhor para comemorar do que um novo trabalho de estúdio, o quinto. Hardcore, Post-Hardcore, Post-Rock, Stoner, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Metal, tudo ajuda nestes opus hardcoriano de 10 malhas que perfazem cerca de 40 minutos de duração. Pesado, intenso, brutal, asfixiante por vezes e mais ambiental noutras ocasiões, uma faixa é um curto solo de bateria, outra é um tributo Rock / Hardcore a J.S. Bach. De notar ainda a intrigante capa, na qual podemos ver uma fusão de espécie de carripana “redneck” com um ”drakkar”. Para fãs de Hardcore moderno, Rock ‘N’ Roll / Stoner mais sujo e acelerado, Post-Rock mais intenso, bandas como Black Sabbath, Botch, At The Drive-In, Black Flag, Helmet, Man Or Astroman?, Alabama Thunderpussy, High On Fire, Mastodon, etc. RDS

95%

Alternative Tentacles Records: www.alternativetentacles.com
Akimbo : www.livetocrush.com

Raintime - Rolling Chances (Lifeforce 2007)

The Chapter - Entrevista

- The Chapter (origem / significado do nome, curta biografia, discografia, pontos altos, …):
Pedro Almeida: Os The Chapter formaram-se em Fevereiro de 2004 na Margem Sul (Amora – Seixal) por iniciativa do Pedro Antunes (baterista), Gonçalo Carvalho (vocalista) e João Gomes (guitarrista). Mais tarde junta-se à banda o Vasco Macau (baixista) e eu, Pedro Almeida (guitarrista).Somos uma banda com diversas influências dentro do metal, é notório no trabalho que temos vindo a desenvolver e que depois é apresentado ao vivo. Editámos recentemente o nosso trabalho de estreia, o EP “Into The Abyss”, onde estão todos convidados a ouvir e posteriormente a comentar o resultado desse trabalho!
The Chapter foi o nome que arranjámos para o nosso projecto. Queríamos essencialmente um nome que não remetesse para ideias clichés dentro do universo do metal. O nome “The Chapter” demorou algum tempo a ser encontrado mas foi algo que surgiu com naturalidade, ou seja sem pressões. Inclusive o nome surgiu no meio de uma brincadeira. As pessoas identificaram-se e depois foi tentar explorar dando um conceito à banda, associando-a ao metal. Temos recebido boas críticas e o saldo final é positivo. A ideia é continuar a trabalhar para alcançar-mos o nosso espaço. Conseguimos colocar os The Chapter numa compilação no Brasil com o tema “Wolf Be” o que dá uma óptima promoção naquela zona do globo e recentemente na compilação Nailed Skull (Net Label) com o tema “Into The Abyss”. No passado já partilhámos o palco com algumas das grandes bandas do metal underground. Vamos vendo reconhecido o nosso trabalho e valor.
Depois quem sabe começar a pensar em voos mais altos, sendo o sonho de qualquer banda e de qualquer músico. Nos The Chapter não passamos indiferentes.

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- “Into The Abyss” (ensaios / composição, processo de gravação, edição, …):
Pedro Almeida: O “Into The Abyss” trata-se de uma edição independente, editado em formato Digipack. Foi gravado no Floyd Records e produzido pelo Nuno Loureiro (Painstruck) e pelos The Chapter. O processo de gravação correu bastante bem. Houve desde de inicio uma empatia entre o Nuno e a banda, ouvimos os temas em conjunto, seguimos alguns conselhos, demos ideias e o resultado final foi melhor do que se estava à espera. Pena foi não termos tido outro orçamento, senão o “Into The Abyss” seria produzido de outra forma, sobre outras directrizes e com as mesmas pessoas. O EP conta com quatro temas, todos eles com sonoridades e influências diversas. Uma linha musical muito própria onde revelamos de alguma forma o nosso modo de interpretar a música, melódicos, intensos e tentando sempre colocar algum de novo. Sem deixar de fora o sentimento, emoção e intensidade, o que se pretende é criar aquela ligação de simbiose e preencher tanto a nós como a quem nos ouve, ou quem nos vê. Este EP de estreia foi o fruto de dois anos de trabalho que culminou numa festa de lançamento em Outubro de 2006, mais propriamente na noite de Halloween, no Cine-teatro de Corroios. Portanto o EP “Into The Abyss” ainda está fresquinho e com o calor de Verão recomenda-se. Já agora gostaria de agradecer, sem referir nomes, às pessoas que nos ajudaram tanto no processo de gravação como na colocação do nosso trabalho em alguns pontos de promoção, lojas on-line, FNAC’s… o nosso sincero obrigado e estamos gratos por isso.

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- Letras (influências, temas, ideias, mensagens, …):
Pedro Almeida: Em relação às letras, todas elas são da autoria do Gonçalo (vocalista). Têm como inspiração algumas experiências pessoais que muitos de nós já tivemos oportunidade de passar, foi dada aquela carga emocional, fantasia, ficção e em alguns casos existe uma relação mitológica.
Pegando no tema que dá o nome ao nosso EP… A letra do tema “Into The Abyss” fala-nos por exemplo de um hipotético abismo, não necessariamente algo negativo para o ser humano, mas revela-se um percurso com queda de preconceitos e estigmas negativos que envolvem e assombram o ser humano. Portanto não se trata de algo com conotação negativa, pelo contrário. É o descrever de experiências, estados de espírito e uma relação entre intelectualidade com filosofia.
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- Capa / artwork do disco (quem, porquê, significado, …):

Pedro Almeida: A parte gráfica foi exclusivamente desenvolvida no seio da banda. Tal como o nome da banda, pretendíamos uma imagem que não remetesse para ideias clichés dentro do universo do metal e ao mesmo tempo que fosse apelativa. Criámos o nosso conceito e tentámos explorar ao máximo.Em relação ao artwork do EP, quisemos dar a ideia de um livro antigo, medieval, introduzindo um estilo clássico associando assim o nome da banda, em português “O Capítulo”. Queremos ser nós a escrever as páginas deste “livro” e esperemos que venha a ter muitos mais capítulos. Daí a importância de uma edição em Digipack.

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- Concertos / digressão de promoção:

Pedro Almeida: Os The Chapter têm vindo a promover o EP “Into The Abyss”, demos recentemente uma série de concertos e esperamos vir a dar muitos mais até ao final do ano. É sempre óptimo tocar ao vivo, chegar ao fim e receber criticas positivas. Conviver com os fãs que vão sendo alguns em especial na margem sul e por último a convivência com as outras bandas. Era excelente se pudéssemos tocar todas as semanas um pouco por todo o país sem excepção. Estamos a trabalhar nisso e a preparar os últimos meses do ano.

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- Influências musicais (e outras):

Pedro Almeida: De tanta diversidade musical que os The Chapter têm em cada um dos seus membros, existe uma linha musical que temos vindo a tomar e que provavelmente será a que vai sobressair mais no futuro. Identificamo-nos com Opeth, Katatonia, Daylight Dies, Orphaned Land, Stream Of Passion e Green Carnation por exemplo. Um som com uma vertente mais progressiva e experimental aliando a melodia e intensidade.

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- Mensagem final:

Pedro Almeida: Visitem o site da banda em www.myspace.com/mtchapter e lá poderão saber como adquirir o EP de estreia dos The Chapter assim como outro tipo de merchandise. Também poderão entrar em contacto connosco através do email thechapterband@gmail.com. Espero que gostem, comentem e que nos possam ver num concerto perto de vocês!A ti Ricardo, agradecemos-te a oportunidade de estarmos aqui e pela divulgação. Espero que gostes e que fiques fã :)

Cumprimentos a todos, Pedro Almeida (The Chapter)

Ravencult - Entrevista

Ravencult (meaning of the name, short bio, discography, highlights, …):
RAVENCULT exists since mid 2001 and we’ve been delivering straightforward oldstyle Black Metal ever since. Released a couple of demos, a vinyl EP and a full-length album called “Temples Of Torment”. RAVENCULT is a live band and has done gigs both in Greece and abroad while the music is similar to the first and second generation of BM; maybe a bit more varied though. About the name; the raven is a dark figure connected to pestilence and death throughout history. The “cult” word is a connection to the dark side. Uniting those two you get something that reflects a morbid aura, so you know what the band stands for; and that is Black Metal.

“Temples Of Torment” (rehearsing / writing process, recording process, label, …):
The album was recorded in mid-2005 at Molla Studio in Norway. We recorded it with Knut M. Valle of Arcturus as a producer. He’s a great guy and has a lot of experience by working for bands like Aura Noir, Mayhem, Ulver etc. The Dark Essence records guys offered us a deal after they received a promo copy of the album.

Lyrics (influences, subjects, ideas, messages, …):
Usually some negative vibes or antireligious thoughts.

Album frontcover / artwork (who, why, meaning, …):
It’s created by Stephen O’Malley of SunnO))). It’s a continuation of the album title which is actually an obvious statement concerning organised religion.

Live tour to promote the new record:
Hopefully next season.

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Musical (and other) influences:
Violent, old style morbid stuff.
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Final Message:
Bangyourhead!
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Entrevistador: RDS

Entrevistado: Stefanos (Guitars)
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Ravencult: www.ravencult.net / www.myspace.com/ravencultbm

Karisma Records: www.karismarecords.no

Dark Essence: www.darkessence.no

SoulTakers - Entrevista

- Soul Takers (meaning of the name, short bio, discography, highlights, …):
Jari: The name of the band was chosen – as a joke - quoting an old b-series horror movie. We still like the idea of capturing someone’s soul, though. Not many of them, maybe, but every soul that recognizies something deep and involving – and not only interesting or ‘fun’ - in our music, is a personal success for us.
Soul Takers were founded in 1998 by Francesca and Federica, shortly followed by the singer Dino and the drummer Mauro. The core of the band began to create its particular style, with a prominent piano sound and genuine classical influences. Bass player Andrea was the next to join in and in 2002 Soul Takers recorded their first promo-cd, “Through the silence of words”, with another singer, while Dino dedicated to opera studies. Violinist Jari Pilati joined the band and and after Dino’s return, the band signed with Northwind records and recorded its first full-length, “Tides”, published in the first months of 2005. Now we’re out again with “Flies in a jar”, after signing with Dragonheart records.

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“Flies In A Jar” (rehearsing / writing process, recording process, label, …):
Jari: Writing songs for us is a process of ‘making’. One of us generally proposes a melhody and the whole band ‘builds’ a song around it. The result is often significantly different form what the first proposal indicated, with scorn of the proposer ;). It took us about one and a half years to get over this mountain. That is...to hunt these flies and force them into the jar. It has been such a hard work one could not imagine. In terms of time, energies, obstacles...if there is something we feel free to say we deserve, is respect for our work. We may not have talent (anyone can judge on that) but we really gave it all for this cd!
As regards recording “Flies in a Jar”, it was an exhausting as well as satisfieng experience that lasted a whole month at Luigi Stefanini’s New Sin Studios. The label supported us on all sides but left us completely free to refine our cd as we hoped, with no ‘market-compromises’, showing confidence in what we were doing and freedom of views. Luigi helped us find the best musical solutions to carve the sound we were looking for and producing a clean, effective musical impact on us, before than on the other listeners.

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- Album frontcover / artwork (who, why, meaning, …):
Jari: The idea represents a human version of a fly in a jar. We didn’t waant to be ‘didascalic’ and, some way, this in angel is far sexier than a mosquito, you’ll agree on that! Flies are simple being. The are annoying, they don’t think, they buzz...This is an angel in captivity! The artwork was crafted by Felipe Machado, a Colombian guy who simply picked up the idea of what we wanted and realized it in a way we would have never succeeded in doing it...

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- Live tour to promote the new record:
Jari: We’re going to play live on the 29 th of July in Milan, in an acoustic version. It is a dimension that enhances our musical qualities, even if it sounds ‘weird’ to listen to a metal band playing with classical instruments. We’ll try not to lose our ‘metalness’, though! We’re also planning a real series of dates in Automn around Italy and hopefully, as soon as we can, abroad. Not a proper tour outside Italy, but we’d like to widen our possibilities and ‘take’ more and more souls.
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-Lyrics (influences, subjects, ideas, messages, …):
Mauro: All lyrics written for this album turn around the main idea express in its name: we are all flies trapped in a jar. We tried to express this feeling through different approaches such as: the spiritualistic-religious in “Heaven’s Pillars”, the intimist one in “Belied”, the political one in “The Silent Empire” and so on. Anyway every lyric is linked in different ways to the general topic that gives the name to our album.

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- Live tour to promote the new record:
Andrea: We have planned an acoustic gig on the 29th of July in Milan at spazio Oberdan. we are now trying to plan new gigs after the summer to promote "Flies in a Jar" but we haven't planned a tour so far. On Spetember we’ll have a clearer idea about “Flies in a Jar” general sale rates so that we can plan some more gigs.
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- Musical (and other) influences:
Dino: We have all different influences inside the band. First of all it’s impossible not to notice the huge influence classical music has on our music both on the harmonic point of view and because we use piano on every song. Then we have to add all our metal influences to this main influence and every one of us has its own favourite bands and style that we try to melt in our sound. So, generally speaking, I think we can show gothic, prog, heavy, and classical music influences in our songs.

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- Final Message:
Federica: Thank you for this interview, I invite all the readers to visit our website and download some mp3s form there so that they can listen to our music.
Hope to see you on tour.
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SoulTakers: www.soultakers.net / www.myspace.com/soultakersmetal
Dragonheart Records: www.dragonheart-records.com / www.truemetal.org/dragonheart-records

The Blackout Argument - Entrevista

The Blackout Argument (meaning of the name, short bio, discography, highlights, …):

The Blackout Argument started in late 2005 from the Ashes of Paint the Town Red and Flyswatter. The main concept was to write heavy yet melodic songs and to push the band forward. Within a short time span we released a MCD on Engineer Records (Munich Angst), which has been re-released by Bastardized Recordings in 2007, another MCD (Munich Valor) on Bastardized, played an endless amount of shows, toured with Boy Sets Fire and have the release of our debut-album (Decisions) scheduled for September 2007. The name is based on a fight / quarrell I had with a close friend of mine that totally escalated and resulted in a furious blackout on both sides.

“Decisions” (rehearsing / writing process, recording process, label, …):

We started writing the songs for “Decisions” in Spring 2006 already. We wanted to have a large amount of songs to select from to make sure the album becomes a close concept. In Summer 2006 we finished a 5-song pre-production and sent it out to a couple of labels that already showed interest earlier, amongst them was Lifeforce Records. Lifeforce is a well-respected and hard-working label and we happily decided to sign with them in late 2006. The Songs were already recorded by then and we started mixing and mastering “decisions” at the Kohlekeller Studios under the direction of Kristian “Kohle”. We are very happy with the result and “Decisions” turned out to be exactly how we wanted it to sound.

Lyrics (influences, subjects, ideas, messages, …):

All our lyrics can be traced back to experiences we made, so most of them are kept very personal and often emotional. However “Decisions” is not about telling other people how much we suffer or how many hard times we’ve been through. The lyrics are honest and always show both sides of the coin. Life is about making decisions and dealing with the consequences. There is no “right” or “wrong”, no “good” or “bad”, just different paths to follow.

Album frontcover / artwork (who, why, meaning, …):

The artwork was created by Aaron / Sons of Nero who did an amazing job! Everything is kept in a pretty dark Frank Miller-Like comicstyle and reflects the album-concept of making decisions and facing their consequences.

Live tour to promote the new record:

We are planning to tour Europe in September or October in order to introduce “Decisions” to as many kids as possible. We’re really looking forward to this!

Musical (and other) influences:

Hard to say… we all got totally different musical backgrounds and draw our influences from all kinds of styles: rock, hardcore, emo, metal, pop, even country music…

Final Message:

Thanks for your interest in The Blackout Argument. Feel free to get in touch!

Entrevistador: RDS

Entrevistado: Chris Z.

The Blackout Argument: www.theblackoutargument.com / www.myspace.com/theblackoutargument

Lifeforce Records: www.lifeforcercords.com

PEOPLE LIKE YOU RECORDS

The Meteors – Hymns For The Hellbound (2007): Mais um capítulo adicionado à já longa carreira dos mestres do Psychobilly, The Meteors. Quase 3 décadas depois do início, para cima de 30 discos (originais, ao vivo, compilações, bandas sonoras de filmes de baixo orçamentos, etc), mais de 45 singles, entre outras edições, aí está uma colecção de mais 12 demoníacos temas patrocinados pelo próprio Satanás (segundo o comunicado de imprensa, o maior fã da banda!). Temas lentos, a meio tempo e rápidos, as habituais letras do mundo Psychobilly, muita garra e atitude. Não é o melhor álbum de sempre da banda? O que é que isso interessa? É mais do mesmo? Pois é. Mas é assim que nós gostamos dos Meteors. Os mestres estão de volta! RDS 80% www.kingsofpsychobilly.com

Born To Lose – Old Scars (2007): Novo trabalho para os Texanos Born To Lose. São 17 novos temas que podem ser apelidados de Working Class Pop Punk ou Pub Punk (estes tipos que escrevem os comunicados de imprensa lembram-se de cada uma!). Simplesmente Punk ‘N’ Roll, diria eu. Muitos refrões sing-along, voz áspera, rock ‘n’ roll directo e cru, atitude Punk, guitarras bem altas, grandes malhas e muita cerveja à mistura! Há tantas bandas a fazer isto, mas estes Born To Lose fazem-no bem e com muita atitude e garra, coisa que faz falta a muito boa gente. Venha mais uma caneca, acenda-se mais um cigarro e carregue-se play na jukebox! RDS 75% www.borntolose.com / www.myspace.com/borntolose

Frontkick – The Cause Of The Rebel (2007): Terceiro disco para estes Alemães Frontkick, o primeiro para a PLY. Streetpunk com muita melodia, voz áspera, grandes malhas de guitarra, atitude, temas memoráveis. Mas, quer-se mais alguma coisa do estilo? Eu penso que não. Ao todo são 14 temas que vão desde os 1:46 aos 3:46, típicos temas Punk / Rock ‘N’ Roll pois claro, curtos, simples, directos, enérgicos. Mais uma edição da Germânica PLY que não desilude! RDS 75% www.frontkick.de

People Like You Records: www.peoplelikeyourecords.com

LION MUSIC

Twinspirits – The Music That Will Heal The World (2007): Novo projecto para o Italiano Daniele Liverani, responsável pelo projecto Genius Rock Opera. O estilo? Metal progressivo pois claro! O próprio Daniele Liverani se encarregou de escrever, compor e produzir todo o material do disco. Os músicos que o acompanham nesta aventura são bons, mas limitam-se a reproduzir o seu trabalho. Hoje em dia é muito difícil encontrar um disco de Progressive Metal que satisfaça plenamente. Excelentes músicos, um punhado de bons temas, riffs bem sacados à 6 cordas, algumas melodias cativantes, mas nada mais do que isso. Mediano. Se faltar aquele "quê" a mais, que distinga o projecto de tantos outros, então é apenas mais um. E aqui falta. Ouve-se um disco ouviram-se todos. Este é bom, mas é apenas mais um. RDS 65% www.twinspirits.com / www.myspace.com/twinspiritsband

Awake – Illumination (2007): Mais Progressive Metal. Este vindo da Inglaterra. Primeiro senão: detesto este tipo de produção de bateria, soa mecânica, precisa-se de um som mais orgânico. À parte disso, gostei mais deste disco que do anterior, uma aproximação mais Britânica ao estilo. Não conheço o disco anterior mas, segundo o comunicado de imprensa, este disco está mais directo e menos progressivo. Ideias progressivas, outras mais sinfónicas, um pouco de AOR. O disco foi gravado e produzido por Tom Englund, guitarrista e vocalista dos Evergrey, o qual também contribuiu com vozes de apoio, assim como o guitarrista Hendrik Danhage (também do Evergrey) contribuiu com um solo. Gostei, mas não vai ser a salvação do género. Hum… podia dar mais pontuação mas esta bateria…! RDS 70% www.awakemusic.net / www.myspace.com/awakemusic

Joop Wolters – Out Of Order (2007): Entramos agora nos terrenos dos discos instrumentais. Este é o terceiro disco a solo para o guitarrista Dinamarquês Joop Wolters. E quando digo solo, digo mesmo solo. O homem compôs, produziu e gravou todos os instrumentos, fora algumas participações especiais de amigos. Não foge muito à regra dos discos de guitarra, devaneios instrumentais infinitos, passagens por todos os géneros e subgéneros do Rock, Pop, Progressivo, Jazz, Blues, etc. Discos que, na sua maioria, agradam apenas aos músicos envolvidos e a outros músicos. O homem até pode tocar muito bem mas, se não há nada de novo, original ou ousado na sua música e na sua maneira de compor ou tocar… É apenas mais um disco de guitarra, entre tantos outros. E para variar, não gosto da produção, muito menos da típica bateria programada (na maioria das faixas). E para chatear ainda mais, são 16 temas! RDS 60% www.myspace.com/joopwolters

Simone Fiorletta – My Secret Diary (2007): Último da Lion Music por agora. Outro disco de guitarra. O Italiano Simone Fiorletta tem neste registo o seu segundo a solo. Este é um pouco mais interessante do que o acima revisto mas, mesmo assim, continua a ser aquele típico disco instrumental que agrada apenas a músicos. È um disco mais homogéneo e mais centrado no lado Hard Rock / AOR mas isso até o torna mais monótono. E mais uma vez, a bateria soa mecânica! Mas por sorte, são apenas 10 temas. Venha o próximo de Joe Satriani, por favor! RDS 60% www.simonefiorletta.it / www.myspace.com/simonefiorletta

Lion Music: www.lionmusic.com

Man Must Die - Entrevista

- Man Must Die (meaning of the name, short bio, discography, highlights, …):

Man Must Die – are from Glasgow – Scotland and formed in 2002. We released our debut Album on Retribute Records called ...Start Killing in 2004 and have just released our second CD The Human Condition which is our Relapse Debut. The name Man Must Die came from a news reel i was watching years ago , when some womans son had just been murdered and she was screaming “that Man Must Die” about the murderer it was really hard hitting so it was perfect for the name of the band, so we rolled with it.

- “The Human Condition” (rehearsing / writing process, recording process, label, …):
We had a great feeling from the start of writing the songs for the human condition, everything seemed to take on a different feel and had the aggression that we really wanted to capture in the music, when you are rehearsing your tunes with your teeth gritted you know you are onto something haha, once the songs were written we headed over to Canada – Montreal and recording the CD with Jean Francois Dagenais (Kataklysm) we had a great time there and the recording went really well, was cool to sample recording life in a different country, really added to the feel.

- Lyrics (influences, subjects, ideas, messages, …):
The Lyrics on The Human Condition are very important to the Album, they encapsulate the anger to its maximum, the meaning of the songs on the CD have hit notes with people from all over, so many people have met with the lyrics on a personal level which is unusual for an extreme metal band, we write about the experiences in life, all the dark ones, the ones that really fuck us off at times, the lyrics on the cd are just as important as the music and should be checked out.

- Album frontcover / artwork (who, why, meaning, …):
The artwork on The Human condition was done by an Iranian artist called Omid Nemalhabib, his artwork had caught our eye online and we got him to do the artwork on the CD which turned out nice and dark the way we wanted it, it all fits in with the overall feeling of the album too, which is cool.

- Live tour to promote the new record:
We are looking to tour as much as we can over the coming months, we start off with a small UK tour with Kataklysm and Aborted in October which will be a riot, and we are really looking forward to getting out to as many countries as we can, we are trying our hardest to make this happen, we feel its very important to promote your CD via touring so rest assured we will be out there as much as we can. Be great to meet some of the cool people who like what we do, buy our CDs and shirts etc, thatd be cool.

- Musical (and other) influences:
When it comes to musical influences with all four of us, we all love the extreme but the other influences are quite bizarre, dany our bassist is a massive folk/bluegrass lover and is an awesome acoustic guitarist, john (drummer) is a massive death metal fan, if theres a death metal band on the planet johns heard of them and has their CD, Joe our vocalist is a massive slayer fan, and also loves queen and iron maiden, and i love heavy metal/power metal and really extreme metal, but all in all the nucleus of MMD is pure steel haha, we all love the anger and rage that MMD produces and thats not gonna stop, if anything it`ll intensify.

- Final Message:

Just want to say a huge thanks for taking the time out to read this and hopefullu check us out, we love to hear what people think so get in touch, hope to meet you all at a show sometime soon, stay cool.

Entrevistador: RDS

Entrevistado: Alan McFarland

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Relapse Records: www.relapse.com

Man Must Die: www.manmustdie.net

The Blackout Argument – Decisions (2007) – Lifeforce Records

Mais uma banda vinda da Alemanha. Hardcore. De todas as vertentes do género, desde o típico hardcore-punk ao emocore, passando por algum noise / screamo e alguma inspiração NYHC. Não é nada de novo ou original. É mais do mesmo, mas é bem feito. Entre o rápido e o meio-tempo, com a agressividade típica do género mas com muita melodia à mistura. Voz a alternar entre o áspero, o gritado / screamo, falado e apontamentos melódicos. Colaborações especiais de Geert van der velde (ex-Shai Hulud, The Architect), Byron Davis (God Forbid) e Benni Buss (Flowing Tears). Bem feito, mas não passa do mediano. Apenas para fãs do género e de bandas como Strike Anywhere, Kill Your Idols, Shai Hulud, 7 Seconds, etc. RDS

70%

Lifeforce Records: www.lifeforcerecords.com
The Blackout Argument: www.theblackoutargument.com

War From A Harlots Mouth – Transmetropolitan (2007) – Lifeforce Records

Disco de estreia para estes Germânicos, depois do split EP com os Molotov Solution. Fusão esquizofrénica de grindcore, mathcore, e algumas pitadas de Jazz é o que a banda de Berlim nos propõe nestes cerca de 40 minutos divididos em 11 temas. Não se assustem já com a descrição! Não se trata de mais uma banda de Metalcore ou Deathcore ou algo do género. Brutal, poderoso, esquizofrénico, visceral, honesto. É assim o som dos War From A Harlots Mouth. Esta descarga musical vem acompanhada de um humor bem próprio, notório no nome da banda ou nos títulos de alguns temas como “Heeey… let’s start a band”, “Fighting wars with keyboards” ou “If you want to blame us for something wrong, please abuse this song!”. Bem mais interessante do que o que algumas bandas andam a fazer nestes espectros musicais, com muito mais sucesso comercial até. Para quem gosta de música extrema mas que quer a sua dose de experimentalismo e inovação sempre presente. RDS

90%

Lifeforce Records: www.lifeforcerecords.com
War From A Harlots Mouth: www.myspace.com/warfromaharlotsmouth

Furyo – Furyo (2007) – Anagram / Cherry Red

Esta é mais uma edição da Anagram e da sua colecção Goth Collectors Series. Aqui trata-se da recuperação de parte das gravações dos Furyo, uma banda renascida das cinzas dos Punks Britânicos UK Decay. O mini-LP de estreia homónimo e o EP que se seguiu, “Furioso”, ambos de 1984, compõem este CD. Infelizmente estas são as únicas gravações que os Furyo deixaram para a posteridade que são aqui recuperadas, e digo infelizmente porque isto é uma preciosidade do rock gótico / post-punk da primeira metade dos 80s. Existe ainda um álbum que nunca foi editado oficialmente (apesar de ter sido lançada uma edição em cassete grátis com a fanzine Grim Humour) que poderia ter sido aqui incluído e assim ficávamos com tudo. Se alguém tiver isso que avise! Os masters originais estão completamente deteriorados e por isso mesmo, as gravações foram masterizadas a partir do vinil. Este facto leva apenas a que ambiência das gravações seja intensificada e lhe dê aquele toque “vintage”, sujo, negro, áspero, próprio do vinil. Aliás, esses mesmos termos podem caracterizar a música da banda, fusão de rock gótico, post-punk, dark folk, folk rock, industrial e algum experimentalismo próprio da década de 80. Para fãs de Bauhaus, The Birthday Party, Dead Can Dance, Devo, Glaxo Babies, entre outros. Uma pérola do Goth Rock britânico! Essencial! RDS

100%

Cherry Red: www.cherryred.co.uk

Minsk - White Wings (Relapse 2007)

Unearthly Trance - Permanent Ice (Relapse 2006)

Somniae Status - Entrevista

- Somniae Status (meaning of the name, short bio, discography, highlights, …):
First of all thank you guys for support you’re giving us and of course thanks to fenixwebzine friends.
With SOMNIAE STATUS we mean a sort of “state of imagination”, the meaning well fits our personal approach to themes and lyrics as well to the music of course. We couldn't find a good solution in English so we thought to Latin.
Somniae Status formed in 1996 by Randy Mion, Fabio Tumiati and myself. But we completed the line-up only in 1999 with Breeze Danieli and Andrew Vekk. In 2002 we recorded our debut album “Cassandra”, co-produced by Alex De Rosso and us. The album was released in 2003 by Adrenaline Records and it received very good feedbacks from press and audience attending to our gigs around Italy. Just before the tour ending, Breeze was replaced by Ivan and in the meantime we have been doing some promotional activities with gigs and demonstrations for the companies we have endorsements with, in particular B.C.Rich guitars and Hughes&Kettner amps. In 2004 we recorded a cover version of Queensryche's “I don't believe in love” released through Steelheart Records, and we started writing “Echoes” with our producer Pat Scalabrino, still continuing performing live around the country. We recorded Echoes at the New Sin Studios with Luigi Stefanini and Dragonheart Records offered to us a deal for this new album Echoes. And today, we are proudly supporting and promoting this album!

- “Echoes” (rehearsing / writing process, recording process, label, …):
Echoes is about moods and feelings, an introspective trip through everyone’s own experiences. We started writing Echoes after a while from our first album Cassandra. During that time we were gigging a lot, and many early ideas came out during sound checks or somehow doing stuff all together. At that time we also met our producer Pat Scalabrino, and we started writing tons of material, his support and supervision were absolutely fundamental.
Echoes was recorded, mixed and mastered by Luigi Stefanini at the New Sin Studios, where other bands like Labyrinth, Vision Divine and Domine spent some of their recording sessions. Luigi is a very professional and good guy, we made a wonderful work with him. We fixed some ideas and rearranged some passages during the recording sessions, and I think that Luigi’s contribution is a additional magic for the final result. Indeed, we came up with a co-production of Pat and Luigi!
We knew Dragonheart records since several years ago, since they have a very good exposure in the scene. Then, our producer Pat Scalabrino got in touch with Enrico Paoli at Dragonheart, introducing Echoes and ourselves. Dragonheart liked the album and they offered to us a deal. We have to say that Enrico and all his staff are very good guys, and we are doing a very good work with them regarding the promotional activities.

- Lyrics (influences, subjects, ideas, messages, …):
I have to say, we all have an insane dark nature. The lyrics of the songs walk through introspective themes leaded by various states of mind. There is a common thread along the lyrics, moods recall to mysterious trips through the feelings that people experience while questioning about his existence. Life choices that come back from the past… Echoes, indeed!

- Album frontcover / artwork (who, why, meaning, …):
We found an Italian artist by browsing the DeviantArt repository. We were searching for the right designer and we definitely got it! His name is Nicola Coin and his artwork is simply amazing, he caught exactly the spirit of the album, the right contents with textures that perfectly fit into the music.
When we first met him, he was given the music and the lyrics and we said to him “go for it!” and we definitely got it!

- Live tour to promote the new record:
We're hard working on it 'cause live stage is our natural habitat, and hopefully we should gig a while after the summer..

- Musical (and other) influences:
Within the band and yet within ourselves there are a lot of different influences. The earlier influences started with our passion for prog-rock bands like Yes, Kink Crimson, Fates Warning or Queensryche, moreover our thrash love for Slayer or Anthrax and finally we're also fashinated by hard rock bands like Whitesnake.
On the other hand, we all currently appreciate Nevermore, Stone Sour, Sevendust and many other bands that are more influencing the general sound of our songs. I hope these influences have somehow helped us find our personal sound!

- Final Message:
Thank you guys at fenixwebzine and all the friends of the zine for support, we'd love you to get in touch with us through our site www.somniaestatus.com and www.myspace.com/somniaestatus

Entrevistador: RDS

Entrevistados: Alex Danieli & Randy Mion

Dekapitator - Entrevista

- Dekapitator (meaning of the name, short bio, discography, highlights, …):
Dekapitator formed in the late nineties as a result of the burgeoning vinyl collections and distate for modern metal that were building amongst myself, Dan Bulldoze and Andy Maniac. The band skipped the demo process altogether and recorded a split 7" w/Nunslaughter in 1997. That was followed by the "We Will Destroy... You Will Obey" full-length in '99. The band tried a few different 2nd guitarists, and was largely inactive while the members pursued other projects. After settling on a new 2nd guitarist, D. Attacker, Dekapitator reconvened to start writing in earnest for the new album in '05. Now it's out - poseurs beware!

- “Before The Calm” (rehearsing / writing process, recording process, label, …):
A couple of songs were written quite a while ago, but the newer ones were almost all worked out in the rehearsal room by Hellfiend and Maniac, just jamming and creating hellish crossfire from scratch. The recording was a bit more convoluted, with tracking sessions in San Francisco and San Jose, and mixing in Arizona. But the album still sounds nice and mean. Relapse had been longtime collaborators with myself and Andy, so it was a no-brainer to get them to put out the record. Everything has been smooth and simple in working with them as always.

- Lyrics (influences, subjects, ideas, messages, …):
Our lyrics are about World Wars III, IV, and V, and their respective aftermaths. The message is, all this stupid shit could end at any time, to so fucking rage, thrash and get drunk while you've got the chance! They're influenced by Pabst Blue Ribbon, Miller High Life, Jameson's, Absolut, Duvel, Spaten, Coors Light, Jagermeister, Sake bombs, Thor's Hammer vodka, and the Oakland Raiders.

- Album frontcover / artwork (who, why, meaning, …):
The cover conveys a lot of our lyrics, the chaos and destruction, the ravening dogs of war, tanks crushing mountains of corpses, you know all the great things in life.

- Live tour to promote the new record:
Probably nothing too extensive, but we hope to play as many shows as possible!

- Musical (and other) influences:
See above for most of them... but musically, Venom, Slayer, Sodom, Metallica, Kreator, Exodus, Violence, Exciter, Dark Angel, Priest, Angel Witch, Mercyful Fate, Discharge, The Accused, Anti-Cimex, Agnostic Front, D.R.I., Onslaught, Maiden, Megadeth, Laaz Rockit, etc. etc. etc.

- Heavy / Thrash / 80s revival. Your opinion:
It will destroy... poseurs will obey!

- Final Message:
Give me a beer!!!!!

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Entrevistador: RDS

Entrevistado: Matt Harvey

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Relapse Records: www.relapse.com

Dekapitator: www.myspace.com/dekapitator

Fueled By Fire - Entrevista

- Fueled By Fire (meaning of the name, short bio, discography, highlights, …):
A. Fueled By Fire... At first it had no meaning, it was just a cool name that nobody else had. Now it has alot of meaning, and it's the whole thrash scene the fans, the pits the music the excitmentt of the shows, it's litteraly "Spreading Like Fire".
First we have Carlos Gutierrez - Drummer (he started the band) Then we have Jovanny Herrera( we call him "Gio" for short) He is our Lead vocalistand Lead Guitarist, Ricardo Rangel (Rick for short) also Lead Guiatar, And Anthony Vasquez - he's our Bassist.
We are all old school friends, except for "Gio". When we first started we were a five piece band which included Sal Zepeda- who started the band with Carlos and another vocalist. We met Gio when a couple of us went to see another band practice, and Gio was there, they got to talking and Gio mentioned that he had been trying to put a band together and he mentioned he also sings. Not long after that we kicked out the singer we had cause he could'nt handle the stage and contacted "Gio" and asked him if he would be interested in trying out for the spot with "FBF". So we picked him up at his house, brought him to try out, he brought his guitar cause he said he felt more comfortable singing with his guitar and he sang a song he wrote and there was no question about it. "Gio" would be our singer and now our third guitar, A year later Sal decided to go his own way and leave the band, and we decided that we would keep it with the four of us remaining. We have remained tight "LIKE BROTHER'S" ever since and it's working out GREAT!
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Discography:
Two Track Demo:2004
1. Death Rides a Horse
2. In the Evening We Fight
Six Track Demo:2004
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FBF Live at Hoguebarmichaels
1. Metal Forever
2. In the Evening We fight
3. Clash of Irons
4. Death Rides a Horse
5. Killers (Maiden Cover)
6. Hallowed Be Thy Name (Maiden Cover)
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Four Track Demo Entitled: 2005
Life...Death... and FBF
1. The Metallion
2. Final Prophecy
3. Screamer
4. Merciless Blade
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Self Released Album: 2006
Spread The Fire!!!
1. Ernest Goes to Hell
2. Thrash Is Back
3. Striking Death
4. SPread the Fire!!!
5. Betrayal
6. Massive Execution
7. Metal Forever
8. Dreams of Terror
9. Command of the Beast
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Re-Release - Metal Blade Records 2007
Spread The Fire!!!
1. Ernest Goes to Hell
2. Thrash Is Back
3. Striking Death
4. Spread the Fire!!!
5. Betrayal
6. Massive Execution
7. Metal Forever
8. Dreams of Terror
9. Command of the Beast
Bonus Tracks
10. Chaotic Punishment
11. Put To Death!
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- "Spread The Fire" (rehearsing / writing process, recording process, label, …):
A. We write all our songs as a group we all have input on the lyrics,and the msuic.We rehearse three times a week in and when we have shows we try to squeeze in a few more rehearsal sessions to practic our set. We recorded this cd in several different recording sessions. We would go into the studio to record every time we finished a couple of songs.til we ahd enough for a full length.
Well what can about the label it speaks for it self...It's "Metal Blade"
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- Lyrics (influences, subjects, ideas, messages, …):
A. Lyrics - In this album most of the songs are about the scene, the fans and killing poser's and we say "FUCK POSER'S"
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- Album frontcover / artwork (who, why, meaning, …):
The artist is a guy by the name of Desmond Ambrose, because we like his artistic style.
The meaning of the cover is "Thrash is back and we are killing all the poser's who think they know what real metal is.
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- Live tour to promote the new record:
We are currently still working on a tour.
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- Musical (and other) influences:
IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, ARMORED SAINT, DIO, RUNNING WILD, EXODUS, ANTHRAX, ABATTIOR, AGENT STEEL, EVIL DEAD, DEATH, DEATH ANGEL, DARK ANGEL, FORBIDDEN, PESTILENCE, HEATHEN, HIRAX, PHANTASOM, VIO-LENCE, LAZZ ROCKIT, SEPULTURA, RAZOR, ONSLOUGHT, SACKRIFICE, M.O.D., S.O.D., D.R.I., L.W.S., WHIPLASH, VIKING, SLAYER, METALLICA, MEGADETH, VENOM, TESTAMENT, POSSESSED, DARKNESS, EXCITER, HOLLOWS EVE, SODOM, DESTRUCTION, TOXIC HOLOCAUST, SABBATT, NECRONOMICON, SKULL, BATHORY, MESSIAH, NUCLEAR ASSAULT, SACRED REICH, OVER KILL, EXUMER, VIOLENT FORCE, KREATOR, METAL CHURCH, CORONER, MORBID SAINT, MORTAL SIN, SADUS, KORZUS, MUTILATOR, DEMOLITION HAMMER, DETENTE, LIVING DEATH TANKARD, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, NO MERCY BEOWULF, DEVASTATION, REPULSION, MORBID ANGEL, INFERNAL MAJESTY, AGGRESSION, CELTIC FROST, MERCILESS, PENTAGRAM(TURKEY) IRON ANGEL, MASSACRE, RIGOR MORTIS, MORBID SCREAM, AND MORE
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- Heavy / Thrash / 80s revival. Your opinion:
We weren't here for the eighties but We are sure that The energy, the spirit and aggression of the whole thrash scene as it was is growing at a fast pace.
-

- Final Message:
KEEP AN EYE WE'LL BE COME TO YOUR TOWN SOON!!!
THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT!!!
SPREAD THE FIRE!!!

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Entrevistador: RDS
Entrevistado: Carlos, Anthony, Gio
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Fueled By Fire: www.myspace.com/fueledbyfire
Metal Blade: www.metalblade.de

Evergreen Terrace - Entrevista

- Evergreen Terrace (meaning of the name, short bio, discography, highlights, …):
Our name is from the Simpsons. We have been around a long time and seen a lot of shit. It has and still is fun. We have released a bunch of records but the only one you need to know about is Wolfbiker. The highlight of this band is when we hung out with Vanilla Ice, my life has not been the same since.

- “Wolfbiker” (rehearsing / writing process, recording process, label, …):
We practice a few times a week and worked on writing when we had new material. We wrote about 8 songs and then realized that they sucked ass so we started the writing process over. It took about 4 months to write and record Wolfbiker. Theses songs seemed to pour out of us for the most part, nothing was really forced, we just wrote what we liked and hopefully others will be into as well.

- Lyrics (influences, subjects, ideas, messages, …):
The lyrics are written about life and how we feel about life. From politics to religion to relationships to struggling in this world; they are all real and straight from the heart.

- Album frontcover / artwork (who, why, meaning, …):
Shaun Thurston did the artwork, he is a rad local artist in our town and it was a pleasure working with him. He did a great job capturing the feeling that they music produces.

- Live tour to promote the new record:
We are about to head out with August Burns Red, The Warriors, and Casey Jones. Then in Sept go out with Strung Out and then in December hit up Europe with Hatebreed, Agnostic Front, Ignite and more on the Persistence Tour. Then in Jan/Feb we will be out with As I Lay Dying.

- Musical (and other) influences:
Willie Nelson

- Final Message:
Leave it at the beep.

Entrevistador: RDS
Entrevistado: Joshua James (Guitar)
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Evergreen Terrace: www.evergreenterracehxc.com / www.myspace.com/evergreenterrace
Metal Blade: www.metalblade.de

Cephalic Carnage - Entrevista

- Cephalic Carnage (meaning of the name, short bio, discography, highlights, …):
The name cephalic carnage means to slaughter the brain, we've been around since the beginning of 1997, me on vocals, zac and steve on guitar, john on drums, various bass players til now we have nicko on bass, we have the following cds, ”conforming to abnormality”, ”exploiting dysfunction”, ”lucis interval”, ”anomalies” and now xenosapian on relapse records, the highlights of touring have been going to amazing countries and seeing awesome crowds, smoking the finest grass the world has to offer, and playing big fests in europe.

“Xenosapien” (rehearsing / writing process, recording process, label, …):
Four months of practice, the same way we've have done every other album, we write stuff on our own the show the rest of the guys everybody add their own mark to it and that is that, I will title and write the words, we record with dave otero here in denver at flatline audio and our own studio hybrid studio, lots of blood and sweat, we are on relapse records in case you didn’t know.

Lyrics (influences, subjects, ideas, messages, …):
Life in general, life is too short we should learn to get along.

Album frontcover / artwork (who, why, meaning, …):
That’s up to the listener, you make your own analogy on this that’s what its about your views on what you see about this, I don’t care to comment on it, buy it and see what its all about , to me its pretty self explanatory.

Live tour to promote the new record:
Tour the world if we can, for now tour with shitty metalcore bands.

Musical (and other) influences:
Heavy metal period, hockey, weed, the air, he sun, woman, life in general, living aal inspires.

Final Message:
Don’t let your meat loaf or your pussy willow. buy the new cephalic carnage cd, hopefully we can come to Portugal to play some shows for the freaks, but until then we will just try to be metal, thanx for the interview and the support.

Entrevistador: RDS

Entrevistado: Leonard Leal

Relapse Records: www.relapse.com

Cephalic Carnage: www.cephaliccarnage.net