ROCK HARD FESTIVAL 2018 – Rocking A Personal Reminiscence

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Amon Amarth, Black Sabbath, Blues Pills, Bolt Thrower, Children of Bodom, Come To The Sabbath, Elin Larsson, Headliner, Hellfueled, Jörg Litges, Judas Priest, King Diamond, Mercyful Fate, Ozzy Osbourne, Painkiller, Queen Of Spades Photography, Rock Am Ring, Rock Hard Festival, Rock Hard Megazine, Sodom, The Devil's Blood, Yorck Segatz

Blues Pills’ Elin in 2014 – On Sunday Morning

One morning in June some twenty years ago, I was…15 and this is a totally different story. It was the end of May actually some 14 years ago when it all started, my personal Rock Hard history. After the very first and supposed one-off event, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Rock Hard Megazine, the second coming came and would be my initial visit to what became and institution not just among the international Metal madness, but in my life as well. It was my very first “real” festival back then at the tender age of 21 – back in the days we didn’t have fucking facebook to keep up with what’s going on. Getting to know new people demanded to go to places and meet in person – it was a wild time and I loved it! The first two times as a more or less regular visitor and some time in between, attending Rock am Rind in 2006, being your typical broke student and a sick interlude, 2009 I finally had turned into one of those annoying media folks, attending RHF for ten consecutive years! 

Blues Pills in 2017 – Friday Headliner Bliss

It was that very year, 2009, that I immortalized myself as part of the Rock Hard history, performing on the main stage as a winner of the karaoke contest that took place the first few festival editions. And I hadn’t had it any other way than screaming my lungs out with the Judas Priest classic “Painkiller” – not to mention I would have needed some painkillers afterwards to sooth my sore throat from performing in front of a 6000 plus audience, let alone at an open air event! What a time to be alive. Just like the magazine, the festival itself has always been dedicated to a wide range of genres and as a support of the underground. We saw bands working their way up from tiny club shows to entering the charts on the pole position. Yes, this is the story of Blues Pills – a band I’ve always loved and that will have a special place in my heart forever and ever. I will spear your all the personal anecdotes for now.

Sodom in 2018 – Hairy Headliner For A Friday Night

Within the course of 14 years I had some of the best times ever, crowd surfing while Children Of Bodom played, banning my head hard for Amon Amarth and having my boobs signed by the Swedish sons of Ozzy Osbourne, Hellfueled, all in 2005. After a short absence in 2006, I also caught up with Bolt Thrower at their second time at RHF in 2012. And who could forget King Diamond‘s theatrical act in 2013, still gives me chills. But most memorable for me will be The Devil’s Blood, headlining in 2010, since no one wanted the stage after their blood-ridden ritual. Besides all these great bands, Rock Hard has always been a festival for families and friends and it really is and has been for me. Some folks I would just see once a year during the pentecoast weekend.

Partner in Crime & BFF – Queen Of Spades at RHF 2018

You’ve come a long way within the past 15 years, dear Rock Hard Festival and for the past ten years I couldn’t even imagine being anywhere else around this time of year, but now I feel that it’s time to move on. So much has changed and not all of it for the better. But I will always treasure my memories, specially of spending time with some of my best friends at the annual festivities. Most of all teaming up with my friend Susan at Queen Of Spades Photography in 2015 after the untimely demise of Jörg Litges, my former partner in crime of two years. And 2018 will always be a very special one to look back at as my former band mate Sonja joined in the fierce fun and my bestie Yorck made his debut as a real Rockstar and latest addition to Thrash legend Sodom. It might have been the last time for me for now, but it was one heck of a ride! Thanks.

Festival, Fun & Friendships – Rock Hard Festival 2018

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Rock Hard Festival Homepage

Rock Hard Festival Facebook Page

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THE RUINS OF BEVERAST / KING DUDE / (D O L C H) – Invading Central Europe In Autumn

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(Dolch), Acherontic Arts Fest, Alexander Frohn, Alexander von Meilenwald, Arioch, Asakku, Bifröst, Death in June, Europan Tour, G.ST, Gold, Helvegr, I Wanna Die At 69, Job Bos, John Grumptmann, Johnny Cash, Kathaaria, King Dude, Leonard Cohen, Licht, Licht. Maschine. Herz., Meilenwald, Michael Zech, Not Just Religious Music, Paria, Sex, The Devil's Blood, The Ruins Of Beverast, Thomas Jefferson Cowgill, Thomas Tomsen, Tour Dates, Towards Malakia, Urfaust, Ván Records, Woody Guthrie

Just as the third edition of the now annual Acherontic Arts Festival closes its doors, yet another live announcement comes from Germany’s very own (oc)cult label Ván Records. In October and November two of the rosters most relentlessly touring artists – King Dude and The Ruins Of Beverast – will be en route through central Europe. Joining in on the stage shenanigans will be one of the most mysterious acts, the label has to offer: (D O L C H).

As reverent as it is prophetic and stark, Burning Daylight pulls together the biblical sound and isolation of the northwest. King Dude draws from artists akin to Death in June & Leonard Cohen but sews together a hybrid of true folk tradition alongside the likes of Woody Guthrie and Johnny Cash. Last year’s release of King Dude’s debut full-length masterpiece, Love, saw a beautiful vision of what was in store for the future…and what future is now. Burning Daylight is the newest edition to the King Dude canon. Coal dust spirituals mined from the haunting backwoods landscape of the Pacific Northwest. Stories of the constant struggle of man’s turbulent affair with his Lord and the Devil. Burning Daylight produces a maturity and direction that is unparalleled…showing us the word, and way and the light.

Atmospheric and sustained music for the heart, soul and brain. (D O L C H)´s first two demos (Demo I + “Licht. Maschine. Herz.” ) showed a very melancholic soundscape, accompanied by sad voices and lyrics. Their live performances are as intense and honest as their songs, to say the very least.

“Beverast” is Meilenwald’s own derivation of the word “Bifröst” influenced by the old Norse term for the bridge between Midgard and Asgard. Thou art now profane in death.

Check out the flyer below for all confirmed dates of this prestigious package!

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KING DUDE on Facebook

(D O L C H) on Bandcamp

THE RUINS OF BEVERAST on Facebook

GOLD – “Optimist” Out Today

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Album Release, Amsterdam Recording Company, Ash Borer, Be Good, Come With Me, Donald Trump, Earth, Europan Tour, Gold, I Do My Own Stunts, Interbellum, King Dude, Marissa Nadler, Milena Eva, New Album, New York Times, No Image, No Shadow, Optimist, Pim Top, Randall Dunn, Rotown Rotterdam, Sulphurous Visions, Summer Thunder, Sunn O))), Tear, Teenage Lust, The Devil's Blood, Thomas Sciarone, Tour Dates, Track List, V11, Ván Records, White Noise, You Too Must Die

With their third full-length, Dutch quintet GOLD further establishes its focus on form and content, where their instruments are mere means to express – this contemporary rock band is heavy because of the songs, not because of the sound.

The songwriting core of GOLD exists of guitarist Thomas Sciarone (ex-The Devil’s Blood) and singer Milena Eva. Longtime friends Igor Wouters and Harm Haverman provide a rock steady yet adventurous foundation and new kid on the block Nick Polak completes the bunch with his talent for harmony and melody. On “Interbellum” GOLD have clearly crafted their own style with elements not unfamiliar to man. Milena Eva sets herself apart from other singers in modern rock music with her warm and soulful voice. She’s supported by a heavy rocking band whose effect is undeniable, but so is their joy in playing. Together they form an ambitious force that is eager to share its music with the crowds.

After the artistic success of 2015’s “No Image” – which united journalists, musicians, music lovers and even a pro-wrestler in its appraisal – GOLD returns with its successor. Together with producer Randall Dunn (a.o. Sunn O))), Earth, Ash Borer, Marissa Nadler), GOLD have put their angular drive, their blackened guitar textures, and the composed yet vulnerable vocal delivery of Milena Eva in an even broader context. GOLD have created an almost unlimited space for their unique unity of beauty and cruelty to crush and confuse even more.

Within her lyrics Milena Eva lays bare her insecurities, internal struggles and self-doubt, as a means to reach out and connect. To ultimately inspire acceptance and love of the self, of the known and of the alien. To resist the apathy as expressed in the album’s first lyric – ‘Binge-watching the world collapse’ – and to include. With their nonconformist outsider approach, which the New York Times strikingly defined as “serenely intense… near-metal”, GOLD has managed to find a previously uninhabited spot that is truly their own. To achieve this in the heart of such a densely populated musical landscape, rather than at its outskirts, is the exciting result of intense years of performing and self-reflection.

“Optimist” is an adventurous confirmation of GOLD’s reputation as an enthralling band, on stage and on record and will be presented to European audiences in March & April at the following dates displayed on the flyer.

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GOLD Homepage

GOLD on Facebook

GOLD on Ván Records

 

COVEN – To Headline Roadburn Festival 2017

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Billy Jack, Black Sabbath, Blood Ceremony, Blood On the Snow, Buddah, Chris Neilsen, Coven, Farida Lemouchi, Ghost, Goth Queen: Out of the Vault, In Solitude, Jex Thoth, Jinx Dawson, King Diamond, Mercury, Mercyful Fate, MGM, NEVOC-All, Occult Rock, One Tin Soldier, Ozzie Osborne, Rick Durrett, Ricktor Ravensbruck, Roadburn, Roadburn 2017, Roadburn Festival, Roadburn Festival 2017, Selim Lemouchi, Steve Ross, The Devil's Blood, The Oath, Venom, Warner Bros., Watain, Wicked Woman, Witchcraft Destroys Minds And Reaps Souls

The Netherlands-based festival comes out of the gate with its first announcements for Roadburn 2017 and immediately proves why it’s like nothing else happening on this poor pitiful planet we happen to occupy. To bring Coven back to the stage for the first time in untold decades and for their first European show ever? Come on. I don’t care where you live, that’s worth getting on a plane for.

Coven will play their first show in decades, and for the first time ever on European soil. Devil Horns, the Left Hand Path, Satanic Rituals, Black Magick, Sexuality, and a seminal debut-album that has had a lasting appeal since 1969.  Coven’s Witchcraft Destroys Minds and Reaps Souls was not only ahead of its time, the iconoclastic troupe – helmed by high priestess, and the original wicked woman, Jinx Dawson – heavily influenced future generations of musicians, from Ghost to The Devil’s Blood, from Witchcraft to In Solitude, from Blood Ceremony to Lucifer, and even our festival.

We are equal measures excited, proud and overwhelmed to be able to announce that Coven will thrill Roadburn Festival to it’s darkened core on Thursday, April 20 at the 013 venue in Tilburg, The Netherlands. Jinx Dawson, and her unholy union will take their cult-ritual to the stage for the first time in decades – and for the first time ever on European soil.

Jinx Dawson commented: “Roadburn Festival’s intrepid ring master, Walter, hath stirred us from our Coven lair. We shall be performing a musickal ritual for the first time in many ages. We are wickedly delighted to travel to the Netherlands for this very special festival concert, and to bring our musickal form of Witchcraft once again to the live stage.”

Known by many classic rock fans for Jinx Dawson’s early seventies hit, ‘One Tin Soldier’, from the counter culture flick Billy Jack, the song was an anthem for hypocrisy and added more mystery to Coven’s occult imagery and aesthetics that laid the groundwork for hard rock and heavy metal.

The band’s diabolical mix of proto-metal paired with dark psychedelica and prog was dabbed in deeply occult lyrics, and has always been a celebration of all things Left Hand Path. Whether it’s the much sought after and talked about Witchcraft Destroys Minds and Reaps Souls, or the band’s third album Blood on the Snow, Coven’s output has terrified peers and audiences, as well as the moral-elite since their incarnation. Their extreme dark and shocking rites, thriving on a strong woman’s sexuality, was unheard of at the time.

Though Coven went clandestine not long after the release of Blood on the Snow, Jinx Dawson, and the band always remained a landmark within the metal community, and hailed as one of the 10 greatest heavy metal front women. Having battled with record companies, management, opposing religious organisations and law officials has only added to Jinx’s legacy to stay genuinely true to her own firm beliefs, based upon a very long lineage of Occult Adepts and Practitioners of the Ancient Arts.

With the release of 2003’s Goth Queen: Out of the Vault, and 2013’s album, Jinx, Dawson rightfully regained her throne as ‘the originator’ of the burgeoning occult rock scene – a movement that we have wholeheartedly embraced at Roadburn over the years, while offering a platform to her children of the damned.

Having the mysterious Jinx Dawson / Coven at Roadburn isn’t only a thrilling once in a lifetime event, it is also our way of paying a humble tribute to a woman that has been such an integral influence on the festival since its incarnation in 1999, and an inspirational heroine to many bands that graced our stages over the years. We couldn’t think of a more fitting ceremony, and welcome all of you to Jinx’s lair on Thursday, April 20 at the 013 venue in Tilburg, The Netherlands  – don’t break the circle, and join us.

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COVEN on Facebook

PSYCHORIZON – Celebrating Five Years

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Anniversary, ArieZ, AZ Muelheim, Basel, Blood Ceremony, Breit, Canada, Deaf Forever, Doom, Drain, Event, Festival, Jimmy P Lightning, Laura C. Bates, Live, Lucas Gadke, Luis Martins, Michael "Ariez Vent du Nord", Occult, Psychorizon, ritual, Steffen Malessa, Stoner, Sue Leafheart, Switzerland, The Devil's Blood, Toronto, Völur

Who would have thought that this idea would last longer than any relationship I’ve ever had to this date – not me, that’s for sure! But this year, on August 1st, 2016, Psychorizon celebrates its fifth anniversary and what better way to do so, as to have a nice little party?

Without further ado, here now is the official flyer for Psychorizons celebratory event, coming up on July 31st, 2016 – joining me and all guests, will be four bands from three countries. Full coverage on all of them will follow in the upcoming weeks.

In the meantime you may check out their Facebook pages, as listed below.

Live on stage:

ArieZ – Psychedelic-Heavy-Blues-Rock and Ritual Doom from Gelsenkirchen

BREIT – “Weed is our history” from Leipzig

DRAIN – Stoner/Doom Rock from Basel

Völur – Doom from Toronto

RSVP to the event via facebook.

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PSYCHORIZON on Facebook

PSYCHORIZON on YouTube

PSYCHORIZON on Twitter

FARIDA LEMOUCHI – Premieres Collaboration With ZOON

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Astrosoniq, Death Alley, Death and the Seven Pillars, Deep, Earth Air Spirit Water Fire, Farida Lemouchi, Griftegård, Heretic, Lighttown Fidelity, MetalEyeWitness, Roky Erickson, Ron Van Herpen, Selim Lemouchi, Strike, Tabula Rasa, The Devil's Blood, The Mouth of Satan, The White Faces, Thistle, Ván Records, White Storm of Teeth, ZooN, Škan

Dutch band ZOON, led by guitarist and mastermind Ron Van Herpen (also a member of ŠKAN, and former live guitarist of THE DEVIL’S BLOOD and ASTROSONIQ) picked Argentinean webzine MetalEyeWitness.com to offer the exclusive world premiere of the track “Strike”, which will be part (and close) their debut album “Deep”. The album will be released by independent label Lighttown Fidelity, based in Eindhoven.

Pics courtesy of Haste Malaise / Teun van de Velden / Farida Lemouchi

“Strike” is not only special for its deep melodic substance (a promising advance of the album that will be released on December 19th), but because it features the first collaboration as lead singer of Farida Lemouchi, the former vocalist of THE DEVIL’S BLOOD. Farida already accomplished several collaborations since THE DEVIL’S BLOOD split (she recorded with HERETIC, DEATH ALLEY, GRIFTEGARD and some more), but this is the first song completely sung by her as a guest.

The great Farida “The Mouth of Satan” Lemouchi, will be featured in an extended interview contucted by MetalEyeWitness.com a few months ago. It was one of the very few that she has done talking about her brother Selim and the end of THE DEVIL’S BLOOD, plus her vocal duties with THE WHITE FACES (a special cover band of Roky Erickson’s music). In the meantime, check out the conversation MetalEyeWitness.com conducted with mastermind Selim Lemouchi before his saddened depature with the purpose of discussing the split of THE DEVIL’S BLOOD and the release of SELIM LEMOUCHI & HIS ENEMIES “Earth Air Spirit Water Fire”.

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SELIM LEMOUCHI & HIS ENEMIS on Facebook

THE DEVIL’S BLOOD on Facebook

THE DEVIL’S BLOOD Homepage

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

IN SOLITUDE – Call It Quits

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Apocalyptic Death-Rock, Beastmilk, European Tour, Gottfrid Åhman, Hammer Of Doom Festival, Henrik Palm, In Solitude, Live Frenzy, Live Review, Metalcamp, Niklas Lindström, Obknoxious Youth, Pelle Åhman, Release Ritual, Sister, Summer Breeze, Tags Beastmilk, The Devil's Blood, The Thousandfold Epicentre, The World The Flesh The Devil, TuRock Essen, Uno Bruniusson, Wacken

The following announcement has just been posted via the official band Facebook page, calling it quits after 13 years and countless shows alongside legendary acts like THE DEVIL’S BLOOD in 2011 and playing a full European Headlining tour in 2014 with en route support by the recently re-formed and re-named BEASTMILK.

“Dear friends. It is with great sadness that we inform you that we have chosen to end In Solitude here.

This is something that’s been taking shape for a long time and suddenly the day came when we had to evaluate our positions in life and find a solution.

The reasons for our departure are not hostile in any sense and our love for each other and the music is stronger than ever before. But it is with respect for that music and that love between us that we choose to end it at this point.

Changes in our personal lives demanded that we treated this as carefully as we could and with our deepest respect and reverence for all personal feelings, and for the aim of our journey.

This has been one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever had to make and we’ve had to investigate every inch of our beings in order to make this right. In Solitude has been the center of our lives for 13 years and we’ve invested everything we have in this and to make this decision was to rip us up by ours roots and make us re-evaluate our entire lives and our future.

As the final words fell in our concluding agreement, we looked back and saw with new eyes the magnitude of our brotherhood and the things that were carried through because of it. Our trust, our love, our shared obligation. The truth of the hand and the truth of the word to disperse the bounds between us and to diverge the shore for us follow. How it gave us the width of the world and the means to share it and store it together. All that was in it and all that was taken from it. And all the things that now shall pass without our collective notice. We saw with new eyes how clarity entered in stagelight and moonlight and sunlight and darkness and landed us finally over and over in that inexplicable mystery of beauty that we’ll share as ours forever. If there was ever an accomplishment in what we did, it was the merging of the five of us in unity and the things that came as everything grew because of it. Not a single second was spared in these 13 years, and we’ll never ask for any of them back. We spent everything in our world on this and got more than everything back.

We want to thank all our closest brothers and sisters for being there and standing by our side the whole way through. Your love, support and hard work will never be forgotten and your presence have realized this band and enriched our lives in ways you’ll never understand. You are all truly the geniuses who shall change the course of the world. You know who you are. And we’ll always admire you for that.

Last, but most importantly. We thank all of you for being there. In the crowds, in front of the stereos and in our hearts. Without you, this strange and wonderful dream would never have happened. The impact of your support can never be put in words and the outcome of our lives will always be in debt to you for what you gave us. As much as we were In Solitude, you were as well.

We know that this will come as a shocking surprise for many of you. And we hope you understand that we must follow our hearts in order to stay true to what In Solitude is and what that entails.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you forever.

/Pelle, Uno, Gotte, Nicke and Henke”

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IN SOLITUDE Homepage

IN SOLITUDE on Facebook

IN SOLITUDE on SoundCloud

 

 

JEX THOTH – RUHR RITUAL MMXIII

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Axolotl, Blood Moon Rise, Brandon Newhouse, Daniel Gonzalez, Gloryful, Helvete Oberhausen, Jessica Thoth, Jex Thoth, Kult Temple Oberhausen, Matt Jacobs, Mitchell K. Johnson, Nick Ray Johnson, Nothing Left To Die, Rock Hard Festival, The Devil's Blood, The Places You Walk, Warrior Woman

Having witnessed several live appearances of the Queen of Doom and her instrumental entourage, both in dark, smoke-filled clubs and in brought daylight on festival stages, it is easy to say that JEX THOTH is a band one best enjoys in an overcrowded hall with lacking oxygen, arguable sound and something of a colourful arrangement the venue owner might even pay a light engineer for. Almost a year to the day has passed since the pale, yet radiant mistress has proven her honours to the city of Oberhausen, playing a show at Kult Tempel with its sacral seeming interior and just shortly after entering the 2012 edition of Rock Hard Festival. Back than, the “Purify With Pyra”-show was fairly visited, giving the audience much room for a pleasurable live event. At present, the new setting at one of the Ruhrareas’ most popular venues, Helvete, a most uncommon sight awaits the entering guests as the night not only holds room for rocking and rolling, but also for one of the countries’ favourite sports: Soccer. With a live broadcast, many a metalhead in the upper bar room is as quite as they won’t be for the rest of the year, at least in public.

Front row view towards the sound creation

Downstairs one leaves the lifelessness far behind to your usual saturday night metal club, which is filling up fast after the soccer match has ended. For one, the choice of support acts of this show is beyond me, featuring two local Power-Metal acts that open up for the leading lady of the Occult Scene…well, whatever caused this match made in hell – or wherever and for whatever reason – both AXOLOTL and GLORYFUL are not unknown to the residential spectator. Suspicions that some of the, specially younger concert guests are only around to watch those two, won’t be far from the truth. Nevertheless, with the upcoming and for quite a number of people, including myself, long-awaited JEX THOTH encounter right ahead, the space before the stage gets literally invaded – memories of my first time at a ritual of THE DEVIL’S BLOOD come to mind: It was the same place, herbal fumes made everyone a bit more relaxed and the entire world turns into slow-motion. With their latest record “Blood Moon Rise” not even officially released – but tonight available on a special white vinyl tour edition – vocalist Jessica Thoth, guitarists Brandon Newhouse and Matt Jacobs, drummer Nick Ray Johnson and bassplayer Daniel Gonzalez clearly feed off previous publications, specially the self-titled debut from 2008.

Guys, bend down as the mistress kindles the flames!

Those who saw last years’ show and / or have the advantage of owning a promotional copy, have heard at least some of the new material, which appears very sophisticated. Within a year the musicians obviously merged together as a band, acting in a noticeable union. In addition “Blood Moon Rise” has a continues concept and its songs are well-received tonight. The evening starts with the gloomy album intro “To Bury” and my current new favourite “The Places Your Walk”. True sparks between the five apparitions on stage and the countless eyes in front of it do spray with the intonation of indispensable hits, such as “Warrior Woman”, “Nothing Left To Die” and of course “Seperated At Birth”. Weather its their tunes or the magic of their redheaded vocalist and emcee, illuminating a bit of the present darkness with burning some Palo Santo wood, the enchantment of JEX THOTH is ever present and bequeath a sweat soaked and fully bewitched audience.

All pictures courtesy of Daniel Kühne

BLOOD CEREMONY – Doom Couture

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Alia O'Brien, Ancient Vvisdom, Black Pyramid, Blood Ceremony, Coven, Decibel Magazine, Ghost, Horiston, Jex Thoth, Lord Vicar, Lucas Gadke, Michael Carrillo, Nuclear Nightclub Oulu, NukeTV, Rite Club, Rue Mourge, Sean Kennedy, Subterranea, The Devil's Blood, Uncle Acid And The Deadbeats, Witchcraft