BATHSHEBA – Latin For Dummies

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Arvo Pärt, Bathsheba, Belgium, Bohren Und Der Club Of Gore, Callimero Syndrome, Caro, Church of Satan, David Bowie, David Eugene Edwards, Death Penalty, Debut Album, Disinterred, Dwight Goossens, Glimpse Of The Unseen, Jelle Stevens, Kate Bush, Lana Del Rey, Latin, Leviathan Speaks, Massive Attack, Mælstrøm, Meryl Streep, Michelle Nocon, Oathbreaker, PJ Harvey, Prince, Raf Meukens, Rheia, Roseanne, Sardonis, Satanic Church, Serpent Cult, Servus, Sex, She-Devil, Slave, The Smashing Pumpkins, Thom York, Tom Waits, Torturerama, Woven Hand

From the depths of the black charcoal mountains rises the Belgian band Bathsheba. Fronted by She-devil Michelle Nocon (ex-Serpentcult, Leviathan Speaks & Death Penalty), carried by the punishing drums of Jelle Stevens (ex- SardoniS), massive vibrations from Raf Meukens (Death Penalty, Torturerama) and relentless riffs from Dwight Goossens (ex- Disinterred). Bathsheba throws you into deep sadness and inner rage, straight into the cave grim, no meander in the enchanted forest on the way to the deep. Bathsheba plays heavy doom mixed with sludge and black metal. The heavy low-tuned monster can pursue in fast pace while the haunting vocals go from monotonous chants into another level of schizophrenia. Bathsheba has self-released a demo tape in October 2014 and shortly after signed to Svart Records whom released a 10”EP in May 2015. The debut album ’Servus’ will be out a month from today on February 24, 2017. So much about the official press release, but let’s take a look behind and find out how much of a she-devil she really is!

Say Hello to ‘Servus’

Michelle, how would you preferably describe yourself, specially in terms of being somewhat of a diabolical persona (if that even is the case at all)?

I suppose you can answer this question on different levels. Well I am someone of extremes I am kind of an innocent incorruptible person and at the same time I am quit dark. I know that. I am not a person who seeks vengeance altho I am a person capable of profound love and hate. I might say though that I’m not completely against vengeance either. I’m not a part of the Satanic Church but I respect them a lot. “When someone does you wrong, warn them. If they don’t stop, destroy them”. I might say I rarely find vengeance useful, to anyone. I mean it mostly takes energy and you empower the other person by still thinking of them or acting to trigger them. How much energy do you invest in another person’s unhappiness? You basically allow them to have power over you because they make you sad or angry. If you are indifferent to someone, then you are over things, then you have your power back. And are you a hateful person or not? So it’s about how you are and about what your limits are in terms of justice I think. Jealousy also often leads to vengeance. I don’t have that at all. But sometimes people do horrible things, real horrible things that allow us to lose power. When a person would hurt someone you love on purpose, would you not do anything about it? Also if you turn the other cheek, where will it end? If you do bad things and never get punished then there are no bad consequences for it… Why stop this then? Behaviour has consequences and you should take the consequences fully, whatever that is, whomever you are. Also if you are the person who takes revenge. I think I understand a bit of the balance within the kosmos. Revenge should only come with deep and true feelings of injustice.

On a spiritual level it’s hard to say. On one hand I value again this more satanic view. Life is here and now. If you want to do something good do it now and not for a reward at the end of the rainbow. Because that’s silly and it’s very selfish isn’t it? Doing good so you will go to… ‘heaven’ let’s call it that. If you want to do good to a person, do it now and do it because you want to do good to a person… If you think a person really deserve something bad don’t wait on the universe to correct it. You are in the universe and the universe is within you. And revenge is also a way of protection isn’t it? Some protect their ego, others protect the lives of the ones they love… I have an immense sence of justice when it comes to my loved ones. So back to this satanic view. They don’t believe in an afterlife so they don’t believe in spirits and demons. The people who believe to invoke demons etc… I think they just want to be cool. But when you look at them, no serious person thinks they are cool… They have no idea what they are doing mostly and they take themselves far too serious. Life comes with a big amount of humor, and self humor. On the other hand I have experienced things that make me believe that there is something more that carries us even beyond our death… I also believe no one in the world has control over who you can invoke. Of course there are rules for how to invoke or attract a particular demon. But I don’t believe, anyone of us controls the power to invoke a particular spirit. So you don’t know what you bring in and you don’t know what it does… I have to say I was always very much intrigued by these mysteries since a very young age… I still read a lot about it. I don’t know the exact truth but maybe there is no truth. Maybe if you believe in demons, they exist for you. And if you don’t, they don’t… Who will say. We are all light I believe and at the same time we are all diabolical.

Has your life changed during the progress of creating the album and what kind of emotional status do you expect after ‘Servus’ is finally out? I could imagine this to be like having sex for the first time ever, afterwards there’s just now turning back…

Funny you ask this, but yes certainly. I even talked about this with a friend. February of 2016. I remember well. On a morning walk in the cold. I’m going to try and tell you what I said. ‘Servus’ is a very spiritual album. It’s about deep feelings and experiences that are very abstract. There are other feelings like ‘saudade’ which is also very deep and hard to grasp for some people, but they are more concrete. ‘Servus’ is about things that are hardly on earth anymore. During the process of ‘Servus’ I had a lot of dialogues with myself, I went through a lot of weird things, also demonology related somehow. I told my friend that I was worried because once spoken, it makes it ‘real’. And if I write it down it will be in our minds forever. I can never erase this anymore if I pull through with this atmosphere and lyrics and I’m afraid it comes with a price. When the album comes out; it is recorded and written; and with that it is reality forever… I will never be the same again when this comes out. But I wanted to do it because this was inside of me. Hiding it would make me untrue towards myself. Within time I found that this whole demonology, if I can call it that, was simply a part of me but also a part of normal concrete daily earthly life. I accepted it and I will take the consequences of all my actions. So yes, you could somehow compare it with having sex for the first time. It’s an irreversible act and you will have to live with that. That said I will have grown.

As far as the German language is concerned, the term “Servus” can be used either to say goodbye or hello – in what way is the album title meant, is it open to interpretation and does it refer to any person in particular?

‘Servus’ in Latin means ‘Slave’. So this is what we are aiming at. You can be enslaved by concrete things on earth. Like sugar and food, sex, love or a person even. But on a bigger more abstract flow as well. This is what I like about this album. Anyone can apply it somehow. But a few ones will fully understand it. My experience was more about being enslaved in life and feeling crushed under this immense weight of being alive. The struggle between those two extremes, the darker side and the bright one. And how to cope with it. How to search for yourself, your truth. Almost losing yourself and acknowledging the different versions of yourself. That’s why I wanted a ‘being’ with a distorted face as an album cover. Sort of a faceless person. Because if you don’t watch out you’ll find you can lose yourself easily.

We’re not gonna talk about if there will be a tour sometime soon, cuz there will be one for sure! On the road, is there anything you would love to have on your personal rider?

Haaaa…, On my rider I would love to have healthy tasty food. I would really love to have as much as possible gluten-free food! I used to try vegetarian and vegan food but because I have gluten and lactose intolerance this is very hard. I also want to keep fit and healthy. If they make an effort for food that comes from bio farms etc, I would be immensely happy. I know it’s more expensive but it makes a difference on a mondial level. I’d rather ask something like that then a bottle of Absinthe (altho I love absinthe <3). I hate animal cruelty and I want to try to somehow make it better with whatever I can. Also for the health of the band. When drinking sodas or beer and eating fast food and candies the whole time… If you are touring a long time it will turn against your body. I’m also a herbalist so anything herby or self-made from your own garden stuff will make me happy… I’m also very eager to try new things even if they are weird. I must say… a good curry can really satisfy me though….

Dealing with the She-Devil: Bathsheba

Let’s get back to music for a change. I just recently discovered another Belgium band fronted by a powerful female vocalist and I’m pretty sure you know who I’m talking about – so what do you think about Oathbreaker and vocalist Caro?

Oh yes I think it’s a great band. “Glimpse Of The Unseen”.. Holy shit. I think she is a great singer and finally a woman who doesn’t participate in this ‘look at me I’m a girl in a band thing’. A musician, very skilled, great band also! I like that they tried new things on their last album. I don’t know her personally, but I wouldn’t say no on a good conversation with her over a glass of wine or a tea

If you could do a featured collaboration with a musician of you choice, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

I love this question. It’s the happiness most girls have in a clothing store, I have it now when thinking about that possibility. Haha. Well I have a few that I really admirer. I honestly don’t think I would deserve to work together with any of them, ever. But a girl can dream no? ;)

To name some. (No one said I had to choose :p )

• Kate Bush; Because she’s so weird and talented and I have always looked up to her.

• Tom Waits: Because he’s so weird and talented.

• David Bowie: Because he is so weird and talented and wise and inspiring. I would love to hear about his different alter egos. He’s a style icon and one of a kind. I could have learned so much from him. Since I was young I have admired him and with his last work he has really done something. Last year I woke up on my birthday and David Bowie was dead…

• Another one that died last year. Prince. I always admired him, but it’s true, that when a person dies they get more recognition. I wish I was more into him earlier. What a weird fantastic and sexual man. I mean, he’s not my type at all, but he has something… That charisma… is crazy. And it would be such a weird combination. I would love that.

• PJ Harvey: She is fantastic. Also someone who keeps reinventing and discovering herself

• Thom York: Thom is life…

• Bohren & der Club of Gore: I wonder what will happen if our darkness comes together…

• David Eugene Edwards: He’s the man of one of my favourite bands; Woven Hand. What a weird unique person, and that voice…

• Massive Attack: Fantastic band, very open-minded, always having great and authentic sounds and voices… Again, let me dream ;)

• Lana del Rey: Because I love her and I am in love with her hahaha

• The Smashing Pumpkins: Because they have a variety of great music and have a great sound

• Arvo Pärt: It’s magnificent music!!!

• I should stop I guess because I can go one forever…

Since I assume you’re as much or rather little into New Year’s resolutions like me, I’d still like to know if you feel a different vibe now that 2017 is here?

Well I am indeed not at all into these things. But… I had kind of a weird year and I noticed that I had this ‘Callimero’ syndrome. I don’t know if you know it? But it’s a little chick in an egg complaining that everyone is grown big and he is small and it’s not fair. I mean it’s not exactly that, but I like expressing it like that. I noticed I always think I don’t deserve things, I want to hide myself and with this, I sabotage myself. So in 2016 Callimero has died and I can tell you, I feel reborn. The year is just 20 days young and I have already made some decisions and reached some goals. In 2017 I will go hard and 2018 I am invincible.

Finally, did you ever watch the 1989 movie She-Devil? For anyone who doesn’t know it: It’s this totally hilarious black comedy featuring the amazing Meryl Streep and everyone’s favourite working-class housewife Roseanne!

No I don’t really watch many movies I must say. But I know why that tittle comes to your mind when you think about me :D hahaha.

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions, if you’d like to add anything else, feel free to express yourself!

Thank you so much for this interview and go full speed in 2017! May we meet soon

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MICHELLE NOCON – Sitting In The Basement With PJ Harvey, Recognizing No Authority

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Bad for Lashes, Bathsheba, Blut aus Nord, Chelsea Wolfe, Danzig, Death Penalty, Dodheimsgard, Earth, Ester Segarra, European Tour, Feverdance Rituals, Floor Jansen, Frederick Cosemans, Gaz Jennings, Gojira, Ho99o9, Horrors Of 1999, Isis, Kate Bush, Khold, Leviathan Speaks, Metallica, Michelle Nocon, New Album, Occult Sabbath, Om, PJ Harvey, Plague Of Gentlemen, Rise Above Records, Ryanne Kemmerling, Serpent Cult, Sign Of Times, Sleep, The Sleepless Gods, Tom Waits, Ulver

Her name has been an item for me for quite some time, after leaving SerpentCult and with the spawning of Death Penalty, Belgian beauty Michelle Nocon is back on the doom map. But our very first encounter is due to leading yet another brilliant band, Bathsheba, who just recently performed upon the initial joint venture of Feverdance Rituals & Occult Sabbath. Reason enough to have a little heart to heart with her now and dig deep into the depth. Actually I just want to know how soon she will return to the road so we can hang out again!

Michelle, which one of your current bands do you consider your main priority, Bathsheba or Death Penalty?

Bathsheba was born out of 4 members while Death Penalty is the project of Gaz Jennings.

 Bathsheba promo picture

SerpentCult is now history for you, but let’s get back way beyond this: How did you get into heavy music and when did you join your first ever band?

I didn’t really have any friends who listened to metal when I was young, so I mainly picked up some stuff from my brother and I basically took my own road from there on. When I had my first boyfriend we formed a band for fun. He was a Metallica fan, so was I. He was a guitarist, I could sing a bit. Then when I got to know Frederick Cosemans in a metal bar, and with the dramatic ending of the Plague Of Gentlemen, it all really started for me. I had no idea really what the hell I was doing, I wasn’t even up for auditioning because I didn’t think I could deliver anything on vocals for that band… So it was in a way a bit of a funny coincidence that I was suddenly singing in SerpentCult. But yeah here we are.

Your voice is very versatile and strong in both clean and rough ranges – did you ever take singing lessons or how do you work on your vocals?

I took a few singing lessons with Floor Jansen because I felt like I was only able to sing high and sweet and I wanted more. Also, she’s an extremely good and versatile singer. At that time I wanted to learn the high-pitched heavy metal scream so I took a few lessons to learn the basics. And from there on I went my own road and am pretty much self-taught. I just try to expand and experiment. I love to be able to really express anything I am feeling, going from soft singing to screaming. When I make a vocal line I improvise and record and then perfect it. The more free I become the more creative I am in my vocals. I am also starting to discover vocals that inspire me, PJ Harvey for instance. I don’t think I’m a really good technical singer, but my power rather lies more in an open-mindedness.

Being active in bands and as a writer/promoter myself for ages now, I feel that women have to work so much harder to be accepted or even respected in this so-called tolerant scene – have you ever felt that the gender aspect is an issue for you in any way, be it on or off stage?

Well it’s double… To be honest I think most female fronted bands are shit, so I find it dreadful that Bathsheba is often referred to as a ‘female fronted band’ . It shouldn’t matter also, especially in metal. When you have female fronted bands it’s often more about image/beauty than music. I don’t like this at all. The result is having these 50-year-old male fans that still live in the basement with their mother, listening to only female fronted bands… Please no…

On the other hand I do believe Bathsheba is a respected band because we really don’t get on the same train as these female fronted bands. Of course being a female in this male world gives you power also. It’s more like charisma. You don’t have to be an ugly dumb woman, you can be a powerful one. I see myself as a musician rather than a female singer.

On stage with Death Penalty at Rise Above 25th Anniversary bash in London – picture by Ester Segarra

To get to a very current topic: After the terrorist attacks in Paris and now in Belgium – which concerns you directly as a Belgium citizen – has anything changed for you emotionally about getting on stage or are you afraid of further incidents?

I am not worried or surprised because this was bound to happen. And it will happen again. Even though I am completely against ISIS I dare say that I doubt that we know what is really happening in the world. We can only make our own little theories of course and we all believe in our own truth. There is also the inevitable fact that we’ve been exceeding the capacity of the earth for a long time. And so in a way I support depopulation. It’s is obviously sad that innocent people die but with how it’s going now, it is inevitable that more and more people will die because of disasters, famine, war, terrorism in all forms… This is how it has always been and how it will always be.

I know there’s an album in the making with Bathsheba – when is this set to be out and how does the songwriting progress look like within the band?

We will start recording end of May and the album will be out somewhere at the end of this year. Mostly the guys pass me some riffs, I record vocals over them and then we get together to determine the structure or change parts.

Any plans for a European tour with Bathsheba or Death Penalty for the near future?

At the moment we are just focussing on finishing the last song, recording and getting the album out. We are all very excited for this. The 10” has done already so much for us so we really want to get the album out and spread some more plagues.

Leviathan Speaks – Waiting for the sea to swallow us – Picture taken by Ryanne Kemmerling

There is yet another project of yours I’m really intrigued to learn more about, specially the listing of artists that you like (Blut aus Nord, Dodheimsgard, Tom Waits, Kate Bush, Khold, Gojira, Bad for Lashes, Chelsea Wolfe, Om, Sleep, Earth, Metallica, Danzig, Ulver) caught my attention. What can you tell about Leviathan Speaks that you lead as your alter ego The She Wolf?

Leviathan Speaks is something dear to me. I don’t really plan to do anything specific with it yet. This is mainly because of the following reason; It’s just me improvising, so in the recordings there are false notes, the rhythm can be off, there are background noises or metronomes. But I am closest to the music I make at the point that I’m creating it. So rerecording it to perfection would be silly. I wanted to make something as pure as possible. Something that gives me the opportunity to express myself, experiment, grow, discover,… No boundaries anything can happen there. It’s in a way a self discovering I’m willing to share.

I think She Wolf fits well as I’m a bit of a lone wolf and an untameable woman. The music represents this in a way I believe. The wolf woman is singing/moaning… It’s sometimes very naturalistic and animalistic. I’ve always had a great attachment with wolves and the moon, so wolf woman comes very natural to me. Becoming an animal in a sense in this kind of music is inevitable for me.

To get to the end: Which is the last record you bought?

The last record I bought was “Horrors Of 1999” from the band Ho99o9. Great stuff!

Anything else you’d like to share with the world?

Recognize No Authority

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SPIDERS – The Easy Way To Rock With ABBA On A Cemetery

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ABBA, Ann-Sofie Hoyles, Axel Sjöberg, Crusher Records, David Paul Seymour, European Tour, Festival Season, Flash Point, Graveyard, Heavy Tiger, Joakim Nilsson, John Hoyles, Jonathan Ramm, Matteo Gambacorta, Muskelrock, Ricard Harryson, Rikard Edlund, Spiders, Tiger Bell, Uncle Acid And The Deadbeats, Why Don't You

 – Yorck Segatz for Psychorizon –

Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats teaming up with Sweden’s finest Spiders: Definitely one of the most exciting tour packages throughout the past year! The gig at club Luxor in Cologne, was just the right opportunity to discuss the latest development and future prospects with Spiders’ guitarslinger John Hoyles. The subjects range from jailhouse rock to hidden merchandise treasures… So read for yourself!

Hi John! Since it’s just you for the Interview, we have to skip the cross-introduction, so could you introduce yourself?

My name is John Hoyles and I play guitar in Spiders! We’re on tour now with Uncle Acid And The Deadbeats for about a month.

How’s that going for you?

It’s going great, a lot of people are coming to see the shows.

How did you organize the tour? Did you come up with that package?

No, their booking agent asked us if we wanted to tour with them. So we jumped at the idea. It fits very well!

During this year’s summer period, you did quite a lot of festival appearances and some headlining gigs on your own.

Yes, I think in may we were on tour for week or so, then we did loads of festivals mainly in Sweden. There are a lot of festivals coming up there lately.

Do you recognize an increase in popularity?

Yeah, all the time! It’s building up more and more, also since we’ve released our new EP “Why Don’t You”. People start to recognize us.

Did you write the songs especially for this release or were they unused material from the last album?

No, we wrote them especially for the EP. I had the idea for quite a long time. It has two of our own songs on it and one ABBA-cover.

That’s quite Swedish! You also released a video for one of the tracks.

Yes, for the title track. It’s a live performance from a former prison actually. It’s closed down since a few years and they turned it into a youth centre.

In January 2016, you will embark on a US Tour with Graveyard. How did that come together?

Basically, Ann-Sophie (Hoyles, John’s wife and singer/2nd guitar player in Spiders) and me were sitting in a pub when we heard that Graveyard would go on a US tour. I just told Ann-Sophie that I was going to send Axel (Sjöberg, Graveyard drummer, former drummer for Spiders) a text if they would take us along. The next day their manager phoned us and now we’re on the tour!

Wow, that’s easy!

Yes! Sometimes it’s helpful to know the right people. Especially when you’re not a bigger band.

What’s the most important thing/device in your suitcase on tour?

Tough question… Apart from my stage clothes I’d say my toothbrush! And fresh underwear. You don’t get to shower often, so you have to try and keep up appearances…

The band has been around for quite a while now. What has changed for you since the beginning?

Well, we’re making some money now, but we still have to work when we are at home. Fortunately, we have bosses that let us take time off from work in order to go on tour. It’s our dream to do this full-time, we’ll see in the future…

Do you still own your very first instrument?

I gave it to my brother, now my mother keeps it in the attic. It’s still there, but damaged, so you can’t play it anymore. I had quite a few guitars since then.

When I took a look at your merch booth, I noticed some different styles regarding the artwork. Who comes up with the ideas a how do you choose the artists?

It’s difficult, because one wants to have shirts that one likes oneself, but at the same time you have to sell. It has taken us some time to figure out the style that suits us. We’re big fans of Alan Forbes and this guy called David Paul Seymour, he’s very talented, too. We used to have some designs in the past where we were like “This is great!”, but it hasn’t sold anything…

So you have some precious left overs at home?

Yes, we have some at our rehearsal space. Maybe we’ll bring that on tour some day in the future…

A main topic with your last Interview for Psychorizon was of course the situation of female fronted bands. The interview took place in 2012. Has anything changed since then?

I think in Sweden it’s becoming bigger and bigger with women playing in rock bands. I.e. Heavy Tiger and Tiger Bell… But it’s still difficult and harder to break for a band if it’s female fronted.

I thought it was the other way round, because women attract more attention,

That’s what I thought as well!

I have one last question for you: If the band could star in a movie, what kind of movie would that be? Would you be the good guys or the villains?

Hm… I like war films and history… So it would be us playing the good guys in one of these!

Thanks a lot for taking the time!

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DEAF FOREVER – Love Metal! Hate Hypocrites! Make Money By Accident!

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Adramelch, Almost Famous, Armored saint, Ascension, Cirith Ungol, Classic Rock, Cover Story, Deaf Forever, Doom Metal, Enforcer, Europe, Fanzine, Goetz Kuehnemund, Hammerheat, Iron Fist, King Diamond, Kris Walker, Lemmy, melechesh, Mercyful Fate, Motörhead, Orchid, Party.San Open Air, Prog, Ranger, Secrets Of The Moon, Selim Lemouchi, Sorcerer, Terrorizer, That's Metal, The Devil's Blood

There’s some new kids on the block and they got some nice toys to play  with: Pen & paper, mind & soul, total conviction and no compromise! Though the name DEAF FOREVER might give somewhat of a “shallow” impression, taking the title of a MOTÖRHEAD track as a trademark. But no worries, this is not just about “the usual suspects”, this is the work of a bunch of passionate people and what more could you ask for in this world where a few major labels run large parts of the business and everyone becomes a whore when it comes to money…The debut issue featured a cover story of KING DIAMOND & MERCYFUL FATE, there’s been a Doom special in the second one and now it’s all about THE DEVIL’S BLOOD. One year has passed since DEAF FOREVER started and the readers have proven them right to not selling their souls to the music business. A great opportunity to have a little chat with the Leader Of The Pack, Goetz Kuehnemund, celebrating the magazine and true metal!

A bald man & a beer can – ⒸKris Walker

How long did it take from the very first idea to actually creating a new magazine and what was the greatest obstacle on this way?

It took about five months. this included forming a company, working out a concept, collecting money, looking for offices, selling subscriptions and advertisements in advance and producing the first issue. it all worked out really fast because there was so much enthusiasm.

I know quite some people who see DEAF FOREVER more as a fanzine and not as the result of proper journalist work – what is your opinion on this?

I take this as a compliment, thank you! „Music journalist“ is a 4-letter-word to me – it translates to „idiot“. I never saw myself as a journalist. I´m a metal fan who has the privilege to voice his opinion. „Proper journalistic work“ means selling your soul to the music business, writing about the stuff the record companies want to sell this week. There is no heart and soul in it – and I think people are fed up with this. Just look at the sales figures of all the „proper“ music magazines and you can see the proof.

Is anyone actually able to make a living as a music journalist nowadays is has this become a romantic idea portrayed in movies like “Almost Famous”?

If you have something unique and authentic to offer: Yes, you can. But as I said: „music journalists“ are idiots most of the time. They make their money on the back of musicians and record companies, and no one respects them. Rightly so.

How hard is it to stay true to oneself and you own beliefs – for some this might even imply staying “underground” to a certain extent – and still be able to make a monthly income with DEAF FOREVER?

We don´t even think about this. We can only write about what we personally love and care for. That´s why metal fans feel attracted to DEAF FOREVER and buy the magazine: They know it´s honest. And yes, „by accident“ we can make a living this way.

The anniversary issue displays a picture honouring the late S.L.

Regarding the current issue, featuring a cover story/special on THE DEVIL’S BLOOD: How important are the readers’ reaction for the magazine staff when it comes to chosing or maybe even avoiding topics?

There is no avoiding topics if we believe in something – no matter what anyone says. We write about what we like and what we feel strongly about – we can´t do it any other way. And I´m sure that´s exactly why the magazine sells well. Every issue outsells the previous one, no matter how „provocative“ some of the topics are.

One aspect of the young DF history is rather obvious. How much was this, specially for you, a “mandatory” decision or a step done out of pure conviction, saying you could have done something else rather than staying in the writing business?

There were interesting offers from festival organizers, management companies and (German) television – but why should I stop writing? I always loved what I do and I can´t see this changing – especially when I´m free to write about whatever I like. If there was any pressure on us (meaning we HAVE to do – or avoid – something), I would probably think about changing my „job“ as it wouldn´t be fun anymore. It might sound cheesy to some – but DEAF FOREVER is total conviction for all of us! I have the best team in the world by my side (by moonlight we ride, ten thousand side by side, with swords drawn held high, our whips and armour shine!).

A part of the DF crew at Party.San Open Air 2014 – ⒸSeda Tunca

At this point, would you say DF is still finding its own niche among the vivid competition on the market and that some of the columns currently featured might disappear in the cause of time?

No. We have found our niche and we are happy with the way things are shaping and evolving. Thanks to everybody out there who has helped along the way!

My first impression of the look was “very British”, has there been one or more established mags you took inspiration from, like British IRON FIST or TERRORIZER?

Maybe subconsciously, yes. I like IRON FIST a lot, but haven´t seen an issue of TERRORIZER in a long while. I love to read fanzines – and there are some very good ones around. The best German ones (right now) are HAMMERHEART and THAT’S METAL. Reading good fanzines always inspires me – as well as reading (English) Classic Rock  and Prog magazines.

DF just celebrated its first anniversary, so congrats on this! What are the plans for the near future and what general goals does the staff have in mind?

Thank you! The goal is to be able to continue the way we work without any compromise. The future looks very promising and interesting to us.

The first half of 2015 is pretty much over by now: What are your favourite new releases so far?

Oh, there are many! SULPHUR AEON  stands out – so do ADRAMELCH, ARMORED SAINT, RANGER, ENFORCER, SORCERER, ASCENSION, MELECHESH and (surprise, surprise) EUROPE. And right now, while answering these questions, I´m listening to the new BLACK TRIP album. After that I will put on new ORCHID, new MOTÖRHEAD or new SECRETS OF THE MOON. All exciting stuff!

Up the irons!

If you wouldn’t be a writer, is there any career you could imagine for your life?

I would probably (try to) write books. I´ve started three books in my life, but didn´t find the time to finish any of them. Don´t ask about the content – it´s all boring stuff. Metal is absorbing most of my life, and that will never change. I´m very lucky to have a metal girlfriend who fully understands (and regularly steals my CIRITH UNGOL vinyls).

Thanks a lot for taking the time to do this interview with Psychorizon. Is there anything else you would like to tell the world, cast a spell on anyone or declare love or war right now?

Love Metal! Hate hypocrites!

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DEAF FOREVER Homepage

DEAF FOREVER on Facebook

DEAF FOREVER on YouTube

THE ORDER OF ISRAFEL – All Of A Sutton

Tags

Adelaide, Australia, Church of Misery, Debut Album, Doomdogs, European Tour, Feierwerk Munich, For Those Which Are Asleep, Freak Valley Festival, Gothenburg, Hammer Of Doom, Hans Lilja, Horisont, Japan, Lonely Kamel, Morning Sun, Napalm Records, Norway, Oslo, Patrik Andersson Winberg, Pentagram, Staffan Björck, Sweden, Sweden Rock Festival, The Order Of Israfel, The Skull, Tom Sutton, Uncle Acid And The Deadbeats, Wisdom

According to the Neon Genesis Evangelion Wiki, The seventh Angel, Israfel (イスラフェル Isuraferu), has the appearance of a massive, humanoid creature (…). Israfel has a face/mask, (…) which resembles a yin-yang symbol, and has a pair of razor sharp claws and can shoot an energy beam. It has two cores located in its chest, matched on either side of its center torso by four external bone-like rib structures. How much of this is part of the bands’ name, THE ORDER OF ISRAFEL?

Tom: I have now heard about that character, but I didn’t know about it when I came up with the name of the band. Israfel was actually mentioned to me by a friend once as the angel of music, and that idea really captured my imagination. Music is such a positive thing, and acts almost like an angel in our lives. It seemed perfect as a symbol for a group of people who really live for music. Once I looked into it a little further, I found out that the name was used in an Edgar Allen Poe poem, and is one of the four Islamic arch angels.

Shiny Happy People – Staffan, Tom, Hans & Patrik

Althoug some of the how, when and where you got together is published on the Metal Archives, would any of you like to recap the early stages of the four of you ending up forming a band?

Tom: The concept of the band has been around for about 10 years. I recorded the first songs I wrote for this band 10 years ago. Once I joined CHURCH OF MISERY, I felt like I didn’t have time to look for members or anything, but I knew I’d do it one day. When I worked for PENTAGRAM as a guitar tech, Patrik’s old band, DOOMDOGS played a few shows with them, and that’s how I met Patrik. When I decided to move to Gothenburg, he put his hand up and said he’d be interested in jamming. So, it was he and I at the start. He knew of Hans, but had never met him. He just knew that Hans was a SABBATH fanatic. I tried a couple of other people before we jammed with Hans, but Hans had that combination of heaviness and swing that was just right for us. We played like that for a while, just the three of us, ‘cos it took some time to find the right second guitar player. Again, we tried a couple of other people before Staffan came along. Actually, Staffan and I were house mates. He asked to hear some demos, and liked the songs, and it felt right playing together straight from the start. We’re very lucky in that we’ve found just the right people both musically and personality-wise. We’re all great friends.

Patrik, you told me in Munich quite some of the story how the band got its deal with Napalm Records – could you please share this with us again?

Patrik: Well, we had our first gig ever as suport act to UNCLE ACID AND THE DEADBEATS and the place was packed, over 400 people in the audience! A friend of mine filmed the first song wich was Wisdom and he sent it to me after the show. We looked at it and we felt really happy about it. We decided to send it out to record labels just to show them that we were around and thought that some would maybe react to it and give us some feedback? And man did they react! We got positive feedback from 6 labels who wrote that they wanted to hear more and that they might be interested in signing us, some even offered a deal from just this video. Napalm answered a couple of days before christmas last year and Sebastian A&R at the label wrote that this was among the best stuff he had heard in a long time and that he really wanted to work with us but needed to hear some more music before signing us. The fun thing was that we just started the recording of our debut album but we had no demo stuff recorded att all so we told him that he had to wait ’till the album was mixed and mastered before hearing any recordings. He told us that the owner would not allow him to sign us without hearing some proper recordings but we told him again that he had to wait ’till the album was done and i also told him that we had 5 more labels who showed really big interest in us from the live video. While recording the album we did a live recording of a full show in Gothenburg and sent it to Napalm. Sebastian loved it and took a meeting with his boss and got allowed for the first time to give a proposition to a band just from a live video. The rest is history.

How well does it work to have four people with totally different backgrounds (Tom being the Globetrotter with at least another band, currently HORISONT, Staffan so much younger, Patrik and Hans being married)?

Tom: It’s funny, but we get along amazingly well. It could be weird, but it isn’t. As long as everyone’s on the same page in terms of enthusiasm and commitment, it can work. And we are. We all love this band, and are willing to put in the time to make it something special. Hans may be almost double Staffan’s age, but the maturity level’s pretty much the same. Ha!

You just been on your very first tour supporting LONELY KAMEL in Europe – how was the experience with the new band?

Tom: it was totally great! I mean, just from the standpoint of LONELY KAMEL being really fun guys to be on tour with, it was a great time for all of us. Musically, it was a big experience for us too. I’ve done a lot of tours before, but never with a new band where I’ve been involved from the start. It was almost a bit scary to go out in front of people without the safety net of a tried and true name to fall back on. We were out there for the first time. There were always a few people in the audience who had heard the album, but most people were hearing us for the first time. We had some amazing moments where we got huge reactions from people, and that felt good. One guy in the UK saw us in Glasgow, and then followed us to two more shows, even sleeping in his car to make it possible. That kind of reaction is something you dream about.

Oh, that HAT again…!

Looking at 2015, THE ORDER OF ISRAFEL are announced for Sweden Rock and Gothenburg Sound already. Are there any other festivals coming up, like Freak Valley, Hammer of Doom etc and will there be another tour to look forward to?

Tom: Yes, I believe there are already two more festivals that we have agreed to do so far. We can’t say anything until they announce the shows, sorry! Hopefully, the next tour won’t be far off too.

According to the bands’ Facebook page there is serious work on songs for the next album going on – when can we exspect the successor of “Wisdom” to be out?

Tom: It’s hard to say at this point. I guess we’ll book the studio once the shape of the album is becoming clearer. I have a lot of songs saved that we haven’t worked on yet as a band. Things usually take longer than you think they will, so I would say early 2016? Maybe? He he! I personally can’t wait to get to work on some of these songs. It will be fun on tour to be able to play a different set every night.

Talking about songwriting, how does that work, do you have one conniving dictator or actually work together with everyone?

Tom: That’s me! I’m the evil dictator! Ha ha! In The Order, it’s me who comes up with almost-finished songs, and then we work on them together, and the other guys work on the details of what they’re going to play. It really is a band feeling, though. Patrik commented on the fact that even though I come up with the songs, he feels very much that it’s his bass playing style that you hear, and that he feels free to do what comes naturally to him. Everyone in the band makes huge contributions to the sound of the band, Actually, the first sound you hear on the album is Staffan’s guitar, and it’s a guitar part that he came up with. So, the concept and songs are me, but everyone’s DNA is very much a part of what you hear.

With the end of 2014 ahead: What is your favourite album of the year?

Tom: I think Patrik and I have both said that for us, it’s THE SKULL’s ‘For Those Which Are Asleep’. It’s exactly that classic doom sound that is so close to my heart. Real songs, beautiful riffs. I can’t wait to see them play some time. And we’d love to tour with them. It seems that stylistically, we’d be a perfect match for each other.

And finally, any last words?

Thanks to everyone who has checked us out. We’ll be on tour again soon, I hope! Cheers!

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THE ORDER OF ISRAFEL Homepage

THE ORDER OF ISRAFEL Facebook Page

THE ORDER OF ISRAFEL YouTube Profile

ELECTRIC WIZARD – Listen Kids, It’s Time To Fuckin’ Die!

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13, Antwerp, Black Mass, Black Sabbath, Clayton Burgess, Desertfest Blegium, Electric Wizard, Hellfest, It’s Psychedelic Baby, Jess Franco, Justin Oborn, Kenneth Anger, Lee Dorrian, Legalise Drugs and Murder, Lineup Chance, Liz Buckingham, Mark Greening, Occult Rock Magazine, Reverend Bizarre, Rise Above Records, Sadio Witch, Satyr IX Productions, Satyr IX Productions / Witchfinder Records, Shazzula Vultura, Sonisphere, Sourvein, Spinefarm Records, Steve Gullick, Time To Die, Witchfinder Records

Quite some months have passed since the announcement of a new sonic offering from one of the most hailed and yet quarrelsome bands around: Over two decades into their outstanding carrier, Dorset Doomsters ELECTRIC WIZARD have recently stepped away from their long-term label and partner, London-based Rise Above Records – founded and run by former CATHEDRAL mastermind Lee Dorrian, just in case someone didn’t know that – to release their latest attempt, entitled “Time To Die…” through Satyr IX Productions / Witchfinder Records on September 29, 2014. To dive into the depths of the bands’ upcoming Riff-o-Rama, Occult Rock Magazine had a little chat with the Wizard – centered around guitarist & vocalist Jus Oborn and his spouse, axegrinder Liz Buckingham.

“There is a constant ELECTRIC WIZARD line-up. Me and Liz.” Jus Oborn

Picture by Steve Gullick

When did you begin recording ‘Time to Die’ and when was it completed?

We started it in the summer of 2013 and finished it around April 2014. It took a while, but mainly because it wasn’t recorded in one go and there was a bit of a problem getting back into the studio in the middle, if that makes sense…

Not to get into details, as there has been enough talk and what not online and printed these days, is the fact that you’re releasing the new record under different terms a whole new chapter for the band or just a tiny part of the puzzle?

It can be viewed both ways. I hope it’s a new chapter for the band, but in terms of the bigger picture, it’s probably just another step on our hideous journey into hell…

It’s not a secret that the band is basically the creative outlet of Jus and Liz – the question on everyone’s lips might be: Will there ever be a constant ELECTRIC WIZARD lineup again?

There is a constant ELECTRIC WIZARD line-up. Me and Liz.

Talking about the album or rather its concept, if there is any to speak of, I noted the rather (colour) reduced cover art work: How important is the visual concept of the ongoing promotion or overall work with the band?

I always think we’ve been a very visual band, and of course the artwork is very important to the album / LP format. I mean, we’re not a singles band, we don’t release 3 minute songs, we release long, epic tunes that cover one whole side of an LP. So we always conceive the artwork to go with that concept, and we’ve almost always done it ourselves. I think it’s become almost half of what ELECTRIC WIZARD is… the visual element and the ideology and everything else that goes with the band, that’s part of the attraction, really. Something deeper than just music…

Has censorship ever been an issue for you (For example the EW/REVEREND BIZARRE Split 12” cover artwork…)?

That was censored by our label back then – I think they were worried about it getting into the shops. But, no, we haven’t had as much trouble as you might imagine really, although of course we’ve had the odd Puritan soul who complains about us. Actually, one gig we played was pulled mid-song because the town council didn’t like the video we were showing – that’s happened once or twice, more than with most bands, I guess. We’ve shown some pretty hard-core porn on stage and people being burnt alive, all sorts of horrible shit, you know, just to destroy peoples’ psyches, really. I think if you come to see ELECTRIC WIZARD you already know what you’re in for…

The most current step on the Wizard’s march of global conquest is the video for the second single “Sadio Witch“, which holds a certain resemblance towards the timeless “Black Mass” – would you like to tell us something about this certain song, why it has been chosen and how you got engaged with underground film maker Shazzula Vultura?

Obviously, we’d been meaning to put out a promo video for a long time, it just wasn’t possible with our previous label. So when the opportunity came to do it, we approached Shazzula because we liked a film she’d made a year or so ago, ‘Black Mass Rising’. She’s very influenced by Kenneth Anger and Jess Franco as well, so we very much met on the same page artistically, and it was just a case of us allowing someone else to do something for us and work with us instead of us doing everything ourselves.

The song was chosen because it was written as a single – it’s bloody 4 minutes long! But I don’t think there’s any shame in that. I am really surprised by the rules that some people put on music. A single is supposed to represent your band in usually 3 minutes, so I think we actually went too far in making it 4 minutes, haha. I think the song is perfect as a 7”, which of course it now is.

You’ve just played Desert Fest Antwerp. What are the international touring plans for ‘Time to Die’ ?

Well, the album is meant to be played live. I think that’s pretty obvious from the way it sounds, which is raw and brutal. To be honest, we are probably going to end up touring the fucking world by the end of this album’s life… I’d like to get to South America eventually, and the US tour is coming into play around April 2015, and then we’ll be back to playing in Europe, so hopefully a world tour by the end of the cycle…

Doom Metal went through several stages of development and might now be enjoying its highest point of popularity. Do you consider this to be connected to the cultural/social/political climate of the post-millennium? Is it maybe even a kind of musical/artistic counter concept to neoliberalism?

Well, I think it’s doomy times now. The world sort of feels like it’s entering the doom, and doom metal is the music for it. I think BLACK SABBATH had that period of popularity when people felt a lot of doom and gloom at the beginning of the ’70s, with the Vietnam war and the fuel crisis coming in, and there wasn’t a lot of money around in that period, it was kind of brutal. So when times are hard, people do listen to heavier styles of music… So I think the time is perfect for Electric Wizard. We are a pop band, as far as I’m concerned… we just don’t sell enough records, haha!

Final question: Is it really “time to die” yet?

Yes, I fucking hope so.

Read the entire Interview ecxlusivly on Occult Rock Magazin!

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ELECTRIC WIZARD on Facebook

ELECTRIC WIZARD on YouTube

THE VINTAGE CARAVAN – Riding The Nightliner Through A Snowstorm, With HE-MAN!

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Alexander Örn Númason, Óskar Logi Ágústsson, Grand Magus, Guðjón Reynisson, He-Man, Mikael Akerfeldt, Roadburn, Rock Revelation Tour 2014, Solstafir, The Vintage Caravan, TuRock Essen, Voyage

 – Yorck Segatz for Psychorizon –

Sometimes doing Interview with touring bands will lead to what? Deep, meaningful conversation, consuming amounts of booze beyond believe or just good clean fun! As Icelandic Classic Rock trio THE VINTAGE CARAVAN were en route of the “Rock Revelation Tour 2014”, alongside labelmates GRAND MAGUS, one of their trips took them to the heart of the German Metal scene, right in the centre of the Ruhr-area. Facing a completely SOLD OUT venue, TuRock, Essen that is, vocalist&guitarist Óskar Logi Ágústsson and bassplayer Alexander Örn Númason found themselves on the stairway to backstage heaven (sorry, couldn’t help it!), where they spent quite some time trying to figure out how to put together one of He-Mans rubber companions and not to forget doing an Interview. While sticksman Guðjón Reynisson reportedly was taking an inside-lesson on German culture, Óskar and Alex were taking a Q&A, which couldn’t be used in full due to the recoding being pretty much noise – to make a long story shot(er), here now is the mailer done afterwards – FINALLY!

For the average Metalhead, Iceland is just known as „Solstafir-Country“… Tell me about Iceland and the music scene in general.

The Icelandic music scene is very fertile and active, it consist mainly on artsy pop but the rock scene is very strong in our Sólstafir country. The down side of being a band there is mainly costs regarding flying, lack of venues do to hotels being built down town and all the elfs that we have to battle before performing live, they do not approve.

The clueless caravan

What is it like to grow up in Iceland? How much emphasis is put on musical education?

For me growing up in Iceland was absolutely wonderful. Beautiful landscapes and great people. I don’t know anything else, so yeah.

Have you ever considered doing Icelandic vocals?

Nah not really, I just don’t think it fits the music we make, could sound kind of cheesy.

Would you say that your music includes Icelandic roots or are you more influenced by your own idols/favourite bands?

Everything we see, we experience and feel influences our music. Surely there are icelandic elements in our music, we are always trying something new for us. Best example of the Icelandic landscape influencing our music is in the track “Winterland” on Voyage, i wrote that while we were driving to a gig out in the country, and in the blink of an eye we were inside a snowstorm.

How did you meet each other and how did you form the band?

Me and gaui have known each other for 10 years now and have been playing together since we were twelve, so eight years. I asked him a few times to join the band when I was 9 or ten but he had a school band that he was in so he had no time for the ginger kid. but at age 12 he finally gave in haha. We have been trough a lot, especially for our young age. In 2009 we came in third place in the icelandic battle of the bands (Músíktilraunir) and I received an award for my guitar work, after that (then aged 14) we went on a roll and shortly became on of the most active live bands in Iceland, within Iceland ofc.

Trio in full

Is playing in the band a full-time job?

You could say that yeah, in January we decided to move to Denmark, after our march tour, to be closer to the scene. So yeah this is a full-time job for us, which is a dream come true.

How did you get to play two sets at Roadburn this year and how did you choose the set-lists?

Let’s just say Guðjón is very persuasive! Haha, no, we had been booked for the festival the month before being signed, Walter Roadburn helped us a lot with that. then a month before performing at the festival Mikael Akerfeldt chose us to play at his curated night, he apparently loved the album, which was really amazing for us, really meant a lot. For Mikael’s set we did a proggy’er set with more emphasis on improvising, and the other set, late on the saturday evening we did more of an up tempo party set. It really is a wonderful festival.

Winner smile of two very accomplished lads!

What does MARSWATT stand for?

It’s a secret, only to be relived when all the planets are aligned and Carrot Top clicks his heels three times.

Do you have any interesting/unusual hobbies?

Alex skates a lot, I love to sleep, Guðjón plays real life call of duty when drunk with a wooden stick.

How do you spend your spare time on tour?

Kidding around, taking a walk in the city we are in, sleep/resting, watching movies in the nightliner, waiting and eating. That kinda sums it up, haha!

What are your plans for the future? I heard you would like to move to the European mainland.

We are going to keep living here in Sonderborg, Denmark the rest of the year. We have been writing a lot lately, we have a lot of festivals and tour dates coming up, a tour in october will be announced soon. Then going home for christmas and spending january and february recording our album. the plan is rigging up our stuff and record in an old farm out in the icelandic country side, should be really interesting. Please check out our facebook and our album, Voyage. Cheers brothers and sisters!

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THE VINTAGE CARAVAN on Facebook

THE VINTAGE CARAVAN on YouTube

 

DERKETA – From Tape Trading To Unwillingly Writing History

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Acrostichon, Angela Gossow, Arch Enemy, Carcass, Cattle Decapitation, Creation is Crucifixion, Darkness Fades Life, Decibel Magazine, Derketa, Don Crotsley, Funerus, Goreguts, Grave, Holy Moses, In Death We Meet, Mary Bielich, Mike Laughlin, Mind Cure Records, Morbid Vision, Noisem, Nun Slaughter, Ola Lindgren, Pittsburgh, Robin Mazen, Rock Goddess, Sepultura, Sharon Bascovsky, Studio Soulless, Terri Heggen, The Black Dahlia Murder, The Pleasure Seekers, The Runaways, Troops of Doom

As unintended as the fact of being the first ever all-female Death Doom Metal band to grind down the face of the earth, as great the effect was and still is of DERKETA forming in the late 80s. Far from any gender related clichés and whatnot, the Pittsburgh-based four piece managed to stick to their own selves and finally reformed in 2006 after disbanding in 1991. Keeping alive their original sound, DERKETA are currently working on new material and tomorrow night will join in the ongoing Decibel Magazine Tour featuring NOISEM, GOREGUTS, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER and some old friends of DERKETA’s – CARCASS.

Thus its about time to have some serious talk with vocalist/guitarist and founding member Sharon Bascovsky.

DERKETA 2014: Mike Laughlin on drums, Sharon Bascovsky, Robin Mazen on bass & Mary Bielich on guitars

You started as an all female band back in 1988, when both Death and Doom were in an infant state – how did the members of DERKETA get into that kind of sound?

It was a natural progression from Classic Rock, to Heavy Metal, to Thrash Metal, then to Death and Doom Metal. Our friends would have parties and people would bring along cassettes from tape trading and that is how we got exposed to it all. Once I heard doom and death metal, that is the genre that grabbed my attention and started my passion for it.

Having only female musicians was that something that just happened or was it an actual decision?

It just happened that way. I started playing guitar in 1985 and got bored with learning song covers and started writing my own music. I met Terri, who later became the drummer, at a party and her and I became friends. I had mentioned to her that I was thinking of starting a band and she said she wanted to do the same. She bought a drum set and took some lessons, then we started jamming together just as friends and did some recordings. It wasn’t until people started to ask us to play out live is when we started looking for other members and once we started asking our friends if they knew of anyone, they would refer other females that they knew played. It was more of our friends liking the idea of us being an all female band and the way we saw it, it was whoever was willing and able to do it. It wasn’t that we specifically wanted females to join. At one point Don Crotsley, the singer of NUN SLAUGHTER, was playing bass with us. He had met Mary Bielich at a party, found out she was going to college for bass, and suggested that we replace him with her because she is an amazing bassist. Throughout the years I’ve worked with both males and females, but originally it was just me and Terri so we became known as the first all female Death Metal band. We eventually reformed the original lineup in 2006 to work on recording “In Death We Meet” but since then Terri quit due to time restraints. We now have Mike Laughlin on drums, he’s played with CATTLE DECIPATIATION and CREATION IS CRUCIFIXION, and that has been going well. He’s been with us for about 2 years now.

How would you depict the ups and downs of being a bunch of girls in a very much male dominated environment, has that ever make you doubt about “doing the right thing”?

We’ve only encountered the negative “female band” thing outside of Pittsburgh. Here, it is very common for women to be involved in extreme metal, ever since the 80’s, so we were never treated strange or looked down on here. Once we became in contact with people all around the world, we did encounter some “odd” behavior from the guys, either thinking we were just doing it to meet guys or just plain insults that we were women and didn’t belong in the Death Metal scene. There wasn’t a lot of it, most of our peers were into it, but there were some and ive become numb towards negative opinions. In the early days it would bother me cause I didn’t understand what their problem was about it. I mean, it’s just a band, ya know? And a guy doing Death Metal vocals is just as strange as a female doing it. Now I can care less and am not fazed by it. If you like us, then fine. If you don’t, that’s fine too. I’m too old to care what others think of me or the band. We’re having fun and that’s all that matters. But in all honesty, we’ve taken more heat from girls versus the guys mainly cutting down our looks, which is weird. Posting their opinions on how ugly they think we are, or starting strange rumors. Don’t get me wrong, we still get that from guys too but girls can be vicious and catty. After 26 years of various insults, I’m numb to that as well as ive never defined myself on my looks and that’s not what this band is about. Those would be the “downs” of being a female into Metal, the almighty judgment. The “ups” would just be the people that could give a shit that we’re female and shown us respect as a band/musician. The only benefit that I can see is people being curious on the female factor and they may have checked us out because of that. I’ve never had any doubts though; im doing what comes naturally to me and what I want to do.

Sharon – vocals & guitars

Sharon, you told me before that DERKETA hasn’t played outside the US up to this point – what are the reasons for that, specially with loads of people from overseas taken an interest in the band?

Well, we’re not sure how the interest would be for us over there. We self release our recordings and we simply can’t afford to travel too far away on our own unless a promoter pays for our expenses to do so. Trust me, we want to and we’re hoping that a promoter will have faith in us to bring us over while we’re still able to do it. We’re not getting any younger, not that age worries us, it’s the health problems that are bound to happen with aging…and of course, death. We are doing a 4 date tour in Mexico this September and we’re all extremely excited about that. We have some diehard fans there and we’re looking forward to meeting and performing for them. The other thing I worry about is keeping everyone’s drive up to continue. We’ve gotten good reviews and have just about sold out of the first pressing of “In Death We Meet”, merch sales have been good for us, so that has helped to keep our drive going for regular rehearsals and not be so casual about it all. Maybe in 2015 some overseas promoters will bring us over. I think playing some Euro fests would be the wise move as we’re not sure how well we’re known over there to do an actual tour on our own just yet.

Your full-length debut “In Death We Meet” was released in 2012. How soon can we expect a successor coming up?

We just recorded 2 songs for a 7” on Mind Cure Records, which is a local Pittsburgh record store. Theyre releasing a local band a month and I believe our release date is the end of May. The conditions to the 7” were one original song, which is called “Darkness Fades Life” and a cover song. We covered Sepultura’s “Troops of Doom” (MORBID VISION version).

We also had Ola Lindgren from GRAVE remix “In Death We Meet” because there were some things that I wasn’t 100% happy with and I wanted to fix them for the vinyl version. The remix is complete, Ola did a FANTASTIC job, exactly what I was looking for, so the vinyl should be released this summer, as well as a CD version since were almost sold out of the original pressing. There is no sense in repressing the original when the remix completely blows it away. We took our time on the remix, worked in between our schedules so it allowed us to give our ears a break which was a definite bonus.

I’m in the process of writing for our next full length album; which were hoping to record the end of this year, but its all about creativity and ideas so it all depends on how that goes. Its something that I can’t force to happen but I work on the songs daily. We’ve taken a step back from playing too many live shows this year so that I can focus on it. And of course, Ola will mix it at his Studio Soulless as he is the only Studio Engineer that I will work with from now on. It’s not that the other engineers ive worked with were bad in any way, it’s just that im particular on sounds and tones and not everybody agrees with me. Ola “gets” the sound and feel that im trying to accomplish with our songs and is extremely easy to work with. He also mixed our “Darkness Fades Life” 7”, and even played on it. As he was mixing, he was hearing some guitar notes in his head and asked if he could try them out on the recording. Those notes really enhanced the song and im excited for people to hear it. I highly recommend bands to work with him as he does have a true talent and they wont be disappointed with his work. I’ve heard other bands that he’s worked with that have a different style than Derketa so he is able to bring out bands in the way they need to be heard. I’m looking forward to working with him on our next recording and that has helped my drive to get the new material written.

What do you think of bands like ARCH ENEMY, HOLY MOSES or the likes with female vocalists?

As weird as it may sound, I don’t really put a focus on bands that have female musicians or vocalists. I guess since im a female, I don’t see it as weird or anything special, they’re just bands to me. I don’t have any desire to compete with any band/person, musically or vocally, so I don’t keep up with it all. I’ve heard a song from ARCH ENEMY and they’re too technical musically so im not really into them. I thought Angela’s vocals sounded too processed or something and think it would have been better if she went naturally as she does have a strong voice. But that’s just my vocal preference. When I perform, I don’t even want echo on my vocals, volume is the only thing I want to keep it raw and natural. I’ve heard of HOLY MOSES but have not actually heard their music. There are too many bands to keep up with so im sure im missing out on a lot. I’m am friends and a fan of FUNERUS and ACROSTICHON, both having female fronted members, I’m really into what they’re all about and doing but id like their music just the same if they were males. They both do a great job. I’m very picky about vocals in general, I don’t like the barking death metal vocals; I like words to be distinguishable.

Have you been inspired by any of the early all-girl groups such as THE PLEASURE SEEKERS, ROCK GODDESS or the famous RUNANWAYS?

No, it was never my intention to have an all female band, it just turned out that way because of a friendship, so there wasn’t any inspiration for that direction. In fact, I was a little turned off by some of the all female bands in the 80’s because of the glam era and members trying to look sexy and glamorous. I didn’t relate to that at all, it wasn’t and isn’t my personality. That goes for the guys that got dolled up too! My inspiration came from various bands growing up, the 70’s and 80’s era, just bands that wrote good music that captured me in some way. I was never a girly girl and always felt more like a peer to the boys, and when I would hear a song on the radio or see a concert, I knew that its something that I wanted to do and it had nothing to do with any female influence. I mean, I love Joan Jett, but if she didn’t exist, I still would be doing what im doing. Its not like a saw a female do it and then thought that if she can do it, I can do it too. You know? There have been lots of things that have inspired me throughout the years but none of it is gender related.

DERKETA live in 2013

On April 07 you will join in some old friends on stage for the ongoing Decibel Magazine tour – how do you feel about it?

Nervous and excited at the same time! Its going to be fun finally sharing a stage with CARCASS but I’m always a little nervous until we hit the stage and start playing. This is a great opportunity for us as we’ll be playing in front of a larger local crowd and we’re hoping that it will bring some awareness that Pittsburgh does have a local metal band scene.

And how come you didn’t jump onboard for the entire tour circle?

We weren’t asked to. Decibel Magazine selected a few cities to have a local opener and we were lucky to be one of the cities/bands that were asked.

Last but not least, is there anything else you’d like to share with the world, maybe some words for aspiring young lasses who’d like to kick some major arse the way you do?

Thank you for taking the time to send me this interview, I really enjoyed your questions! If people are interested in keeping up with what were doing, find us on Facebook as we update that regularly. As far as advice, don’t let guys or girls intimidate you in an attempt to prevent what you want to do. At some point, you will encounter it but you are only on this earth once. Those people don’t matter. Stay true to yourself, don’t try to compete with others, and do what comes naturally. You will not fail.

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DERKETA Homepage

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PURSON – Rosalie Cunningham Inspecting Jazzy Horizons

Tags

Astra, Black Sabbath, Blood Ceremony, George Hudson, Jack Hobbs, Jess and the Ancient Ones, Jex Thoth, Jimi Hendrix, Justin Smith, Leaning On A Bear, Purson, Rise Above, Roadburn, Rosalie Cunningham, Royal Thunder, Samuel Shove, Spiders, The Beatles, The Circle And The Blue Door, The Kinks, The Move, The Small Faces

Hype, Retro wave, back to the roots – whatever one might name the ongoing tendency towards low-fi productions, vintage equipment and a pleasant way of reducing music to the essentials. Lessening their own possibilities, so to speak, many a band maybe finds a more immediate approach to its own skills. Among those PURSON seem to stick out, not so much concerning the fact that the band is led by a woman – the, both incredibly young and talented Rosalie Cunningham – but far more with their sound. Specially this kind of genre holds many female musicians and names such as BLOOD CEREMONY, JEX THOTH, JESS AND THE ANCIENT ONES, SPIDERS, ROYAL THUNDER and many more come to mind. All of those are associated with the Rock/Metal scene, while PURSON seem to inhabit their own alcove, full of 60s vibes and bright colours.

To talk about a current matter at first: You have just been on the road supporting ASTRA, but had to cancel quite a few dates, among them your participation at this years’ ROADBURN in Tilburg. Do you want to tell the reason(s) for this?

We had a wonderful time on the road with ASTRA and would have loved to have joined them on the rest of the tour but we simply couldn’t afford it. With van hire, hotels and everything, we would have lost so much money.

PURSON (l.t.r.): Samuel Shove – Organ, Mellotron, Wurlitzer, Justin Smith – Bass, Rosalie Cunningham – Vocals, Lead Guitar, Jack Hobbs – Drums, George Hudson – Guitars, Backing Vocals  – Courtesy of Ester Segarra

Are there any plans so far to tour outside the UK in the near future?

We have a few things on the horizon but once again, that depends on how much we will be paid for the gigs. If we can’t cover our costs, we won’t be able to tour.

PURSON seems to be a band with a strong virtual concept – is this just my personal impression or do you actually plan in things like stage clothes, vinyl-colour ect?

We wear the same clothes on stage as we do off stage. We love to dress up, myself and Sam especially, and it’s part of the fun of being in a band for us. We get to live out our wildest wardrobe dreams as part of the job description! I think it’s important for the visual side to reflect the world we create with our music. The vinyl colour isn’t much to do with us… it’s something that Rise Above like to do.

Do you collect records and what do you think about this, let me call it, policy of Rise Above to publish things as very strictly limited editions that sell out so fast, most people won’t even be able to pre-order upcoming releases?!

I know that this policy upsets a lot of people and I have to agree, it doesn’t make much sense to me. I am not an avid collector, I have what I need. I am not concerned about having first pressings or a certain colour of vinyl. The music itself is far more important to me.

The Heavy Metal-scene has changed quite a bit during the last… I don’t know ten (?) years. There’s the heck of a lot of vintage sounding bands around right now. Do you think a band like PURSON could’ve been around ten years ago?

I was pretty much a child 10 years ago so I can’t say exactly. I have also never been involved in the heavy metal scene. I have liked certain heavy bands but have never considered myself part of any scene associated with it.

At best (or earliest) the 70s have been present in Heavy metal/hardrock music pretty much, but the 60s never seemed to be much of an issue – cept for HENDRIX – your sound (e.g. “Leaning On A Bear”) seems to have more of a 60s (pop) vibe than it’s common for bands outside the Garage-Punk-scene. How important is that period for you?

Debut album, “The Circle And The Blue Door” released 29th April 2013

This period is especially important for me in terms of songwriting. I was into 60’s pop before I was into anything heavier or prog. Bands like THE BEATLES, THE MOVE, THE SMALL FACES, THE KINKS and a lot of obscure pop psych bands are more of an influence for me and I will always appreciate a well crafted pop song more than any riff. I suppose that is what sets us apart from the other vintage sounding bands around.

There are two aspects about your music that might (judged from my experience as a record dealer) make it not that easy to sell your records to the average metal or even rock-fan; groove and female lead vocals in combination. A couple of buyers have already turned the single down when I recommended it to them. One reasoning it would be “too funky”.In my personal opinion the amount of shuffle is what makes the song cool. I love the short stop on the bass drum and hihhat during the chorus.
Would you consider Purson as being “funkier” than the average metal or rock band? And did soul music or jazz have any sort of influence on any individual in the band?

Haha, I’ve never thought of us as funky but I suppose compared to classic metal we are. We like to play with a bit of swing and groove which I think is quite typical of rock music… I mean BLACK SABBATH! They definitely have a jazzy feel sometimes, especially early stuff. I think the jazz influence comes more from things like that and other jazz-rock and prog rather than jazz itself, which I don’t really listen to.

Rosie Cunningham – Courtesy of Ester Segarra

(to Rosalie) You been referring to yourself as a ‘control freak’ several times. How far do you take that? And is that habit only related to music?

I’m pretty chilled out with everything else actually. The first album was made under very difficult circumstances and I was determined for it to turn out the way I had planned and so I did become a control freak there. I don’t compromise at all with my music. I do have a tendency to want to do everything myself but I’m slowly learning that it’s not how a band works…

Thanks a lot for this Interview – if there is anything else you want to send out into the universe, feel free to do so right now!

Not that I can think of right now…

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PURSON on Facebook

PURSON on YouTube

WASTED ILLUSION – Popping Hippie Creations For Rob Halford

Tags

220 Volt, Bad Religion, Bandit Rock Awards, Beatles, Damien, DocMartens, Emelie Berg, Facebook, Filippa Nässil, Fred Åkerström, Genesis, Gotham City, Heavy Load, Hippie, Husqvarna, Jerusalem, Judas Priest, Led Zeppelin, Lethal Illusion, Lisa Ekdal, Motorcycle, November, Pink Floyd, Riot Grrrl, Rob Halford, Rock'n'Roll, Shock, Simon and Garfunkel, Soul Spine, Sparks, The Scams, Thundermother, Torch, Vinyl, Wasted Illusion, Whitesnake

Back in the early 90s, when I started buying band merch, it was a time you would not find girly shirts with the banner of your favourites…anyway, as the little bad-assed Riot Grrrl I was back then, it was ok to run around in an army blouse with the full back showing the crossed out cross of Canadian Punk Rock veterans BAD RELIGION. Combined with whatever black shirt I would find in my closet, some cut-off army pants and OF COURSE DocMartens Boots – oh heck, it was cool when I was 12, attending my first cool live show, hating High School and giving my mother sleepless nights as I could just not be her pretty little princess.

Well the days have changed and THANK SATAN, more and more bands have a nice selection for us Rock Ladies to add to our wardrobe. But if you don’t want to look like every second of them, you will have to go even further: Running scissors and needle trough the lines OR get some help from WASTED ILLUSION!

The Lady with the not quite so wasted illusions: Emelie Berg

Emelie, you are the head of WASTED ILLUSION – could you tell us how and when the idea for making this kind of fashion came about?

It all started a few years ago when I just was modifying band shirts and then I wanted that special perfect vest so bad, you couldn’t find it anywhere. So I made a few. Never got that perfect one though, so I’m still making them! And now everybody else also wants my stuff! Couldn’t imagine that 4 years ago, when I only had my grandmas oldoldold Husqvarna sewing machine on a little table in the corner in my kitchen, in that small apartment I had back then. Today, things are a lot different.

Do you still have another job or can you make a living from designing already?

I can only work with something I love and adore, otherwise I will bang my head through the wall in agony and pain and it feels like I’m gonna die. For real!

I have survived on making cloths on my own for the last year. Some months was hard as hell and some was great. I’m so blessed that I have a husband-to-be by my side that supports everything I do and pushes me forward.

Now when I just launched the Facebook site for my brand, things kinda exploded. Now I really have stuff to do nonstop and it is so much fun! I’m so glad a friend of mine is helping me with all the pictures and all the technical stuff so I just put my time on sewing and answering mails and comments.

SOUL SPINE meets THE SCAMS at WASTED ILLUSION

You are shipping worldwide, how far was the furthest delivery sent to by now?

I have a package by my side that I’m going to go and post at the post office after I’ve finished this. Its going all the way over the Atlantic to Santiago, Chile. Thats amazing!

I also have a pair of custom pants going to England next week.

If I would order some costume made item, let’s say a fringe vest (hahaha, just totally LUV those), how long will this take approximately?

Fringes is truly amazing! And on vest!! Ahh, Its amazing!!

At this moment I have about a 4 weeks waiting period. If you not live in Chile though. Then only the time for shipping will take about 10-15 days.

But if the customer have a special day coming up and really really badly want an item within days. I can fit it in my schedule to fit my customers need.

Like the amazing guitarist Filippa from Thundermother needed a dress for “Bandit Rock Awards” last week. She emailed me 3 hours before the package needed to be at the post-office. A sewed like a mad-woman and got the item ready in just under one hour! I can tell you I was sweating!

Dressed For Success the Rock’n’Roll Way

For the customized things, what information do you need, if someone isn’t able to come over for taking measurement?

Then I need them to take their own measurements, everybody can do it. I always tell them how and where to measure.

I’m pretty picky and often take lots of measurements when my customer can come over. But the most important is to know their body type and how they want it to fit. One pair of pants can fit me perfectly, I’m a size small, but somebody else who also fits in a size small may need a whole different model to fit them just as well. Thats the fun part, and the hard part.

Where do you take your inspiration from for the items you have “in stock”?

Most of the time something just popp up in my head and I need to create it. And while doing that item, it says when needed more details or less. So I never know what its gonna be when I start. I know when its finished though. I don’t think when I create, I just do. That flow of creative glow is making me high. I never want to stop!

Apart from that, inspiration comes first from my customers. From todays fashion and hippie and motorcycle styles.

Is there a certain price range of the things you offer or is the sky the limit?

It all depends on the customer and how much detailing they want. In the details is the fun, I have a chance to give the most of me and create something rat. But more detailing also means it will be more expensive. But it is truly worth it! My customer is my boss, so if they want anything for 50 euro or 500 euro. I’ll make it for them.

All-in for your Style: All in the bag!

Besides clothing, are there also accessories to be found at WASTED ILLUSION?

Yes, I have made a few purses, bags, hats, bracelets and I have a few new ideas that will coming up soon. I can tell that I and another designer-artist is gonna do something great together. Stay tuned all hippies out there!

You can check out Hessam from DAMIEN to see a rat bracelet/armband-thingy I made him last year.

How did you come up with the name WASTED ILLUSION?

I thought for a looong long time about what to name my brand. My hubby said I should have something with “Wasted” because I used to be wasted all the time. Now a days I don’t drink at all, all I want is to create. And it kinda fits with the hole rock n’ roll style. Illusion comes from a song named “Lethal Illusion” by my favorite swedish Heavy Metal band 220 VOLT and it kinda represent how I see on life in general.

Let’s take a trip back in time: Do you still remember the first piece of band clothing you bought and what was the most current one you purchased?

I will never forget the first one, or, the two first I bought with my own money. It was at the alternative shop SHOCK in Gothenburg. They had a sale on band tees. I saw two JUDAS PRIEST shirts that I fell in love with, but the only problem was it was kids size.. There it all began!

As far as live shows are concerned, as a fan and designer you are both, what is more important to you: Music or a real entertainment that might cause some crooked tones?

I love real music by real people. I can’t stand the overproduced albums and the perfect shows. Nothing is perfect! So don’t try to hide it with “a brush”. I like when you can tell when it isn’t perfect, the part of the thing of being human stands out in the mass just there. And when people don’t hide their flaws. I like it rough, small stages, when the strings on the guitar breaks in the middle of a song and the musician needs to make the best they can to entertain us with what they got.

Talking about music: What band got you into Rock/Metal and do you have favourite one?

I grew up with music like GENESIS, PINK FLOYD, LED ZEPPELIN, SPARKS, JERUSALEM, SIMON AND GARFUNKEL, BEATLES and swedish folk like FRED ÅKERSTRÖM and LISA EKDAL. And when I found JUDAS PRIEST when I was around 15 or 16, I found an inner fire in me that stands strong til this day. JUDAS PRIEST gave me lots of amazing bands and a GREAT deal of inspiration. There stage gear is the most amazing thing I have ever seen. That girl is my all time favorite designer!

Right now I have a period of only listening to old swedish Metal/Rock bands. Like 220 VOLT, NOVEMBER, HEAVY LOAD, GOTHAM CITY, SILVERMOUNTAIN, JERUSALEM, TORCH on vinyl, always on vinyl!

Fringe Frenzy: WASTED ILLUSION got it all!

Apart from Facebook, where and how can people get in touch with you?

I’m about getting my own homepage with the e-mailadress info@wastedillusion.se but until then, e-mail me on Facebook or at my personal mail: emelie@fam-berg.net

What is going on at WASTED ILLUSION at the moment, specially after launching on Facebook?

Working my ass off! haha, Facebook and internet is truly amazing with this stuff. To reach so many amazing people all over the world. I’m so thankful to live in this time.

I have a thing going on that I told you about earlier, that is gonna be really awesome and I am so exited!

Thanks for this Interview, I hope that there will be some custom-made stuff with Psychorizon on it!

Thank you! This was so much fun!

We will make the rattest thing ever for Psychorizon! I have a few ideas already!