Khors  are  a  band  from  Ukraine  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  has  more  of  a  raw  approach  to  atmospheric  pagan/black  metal  on  this  recording  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2006  album  "Cold"  which  will  be  re-issue d in  March  of  2015  by  Svarga  Music.

 A  very  atmospheric  and  epic  sounding  keyboard  starts  off  the  album  and  also  mixes  in  with  the  heavy  black  metal  riffing  that  starts  to  kick  in  on  the  recording  a  few  seconds  alter  along  with  a  great  amount  of  high  pitched  screams  and  after  awhile  the  music  starts  to  bring  in  a  decent  mixture  of  both  clean  and  heavy  parts.

  When  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  very  dark  and  melodic  sounding  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  on  some  of  the  tracks  they  bring  in  more  of  a  raw  style  of  black  metal  that  also  incorporates  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

   There  are  also  a  few  tracks  that  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  along  with  some  of  the  guitar  riffs  also  bringing  in  a  small  amount  of  melody  at  times  and  as  the  album  progresses  elements  of  pagan  folk  music  can  be  heard  in  certain  sections of  the  recording  and  there  is  also  a  a  brief instrumental  that  focuses  more  on  keyboards  while  the  first  of  the  last  2  tracks  returns  to  a  black  metal  sound  and  they  close  the  album  with  a  keyboard  song  that  utilizes  grim  black  metal  whispers

  Khors  had  a  very  atmospheric  and  keyboard  orientated  style  of  black  metal  sound  on  this  recording  but  done  with  more  of  a  raw  approach  then  what  was  later  to  come  with  future  albums  where  they  progresses  heavily  as  musicians,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  raw  while  the  lyrics  cover  Paganism,  Mysticism,  and  Space  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  was  a  very  great  sounding  recording  from  Khors  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  band,  you  should  enjoy  this  re-issue.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Ashes"  "Misery"  and  "Into  The  Depths  of  Black  hills.  8  out  of  10.

  

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

INIMICVS: Ophidian Coil was formed in 2013 by XIII.XIII.(now an ex-member) and me, around the middle of that year. The idea was present in a little bit different form in 2009 and through a couple of gradual transformations (in both the musical approach and involvement of other members who are not a part of the band anymore, to a more spiritual/personal upheaval) became the vessel of what it is today known under that name. Now Ophidian Coil order consist of the following devotees:

INIMICVS - Vocals/Guitar
Kozeljnik - Guitar/Bass
Alewar – Drums

Also, I have to point out that I'm very proud of the current line up and individuals whose joined forces now embody Ophidian Coil.

2.So far you have released a promo and an EP, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on both of the recordings?

INIMICVS: I think that musical sound on both releases follows the concept and lyrics as a whole and they are pretty much interconnected, and this was the main aim. Some would maybe say that the sound is made of insane blast beats, gnawing guitars and large range of vocals, which is a shallow take on all that and only a tip of the iceberg that might be too much for a simple human mind to grasp. But to us, it is a lot more. Personally, I would describe it as a sinister and energetic stream of Adversarial impulses and glorification of primeval forces of the Other Side, and at the same time serves as an offering to the above-mentioned.

3.Your lyrics cover some occult and satanic topics, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these subjects?

INIMICVS: I never shunned to gaze upon and practice different methods from different orders/authors/books, as long as I found them beneficial to my spiritual development. I believe that over the time all these methods can be somehow adapted in a personal way, and I recognize myself as an eternal student which has much more to learn and absorb. In the end, this thorny path that a few of the individuals follow is harsh, dangerous and long journey. It takes a lot of patience and certainly isn’t for everyone, let alone for someone who takes it lightly. Ophidian Coil’s lyrics are a crystal-clear reflection of my involvement in the occult, shaped in a somewhat subjective view, philosophy and experience which is of course based on the Left Hand Path. And not only that, lyrics are also based on every other small element of things that surround us, shallow human nature, dreams, astral plane, even plain philosophical discussions with the like-minded.  But, considering that this is the interview about the band and that I already said too much, I’m going to talk specifically about that. I can only say that Ophidian Coil’s goal is to burn down this false cosmic reality and all obstacles with the flame of Satan/Lucifer ( or if you prefer the One With Many Names, acknowledging that all deities throughout the history found in different cultures are linked to the Adversarial personality) and open up the portals to the Unknown and see beyond. To slay the arrogant ego and free the repressed subconsciousness, and thus open up the gateways through which the prime acasual energy of Chaos and Nothingness can freely flow. To achieve the state of self-realization/deification and sovereignty, furthermore leading to a break in the cyclic form of nature and achieving the endless freedom in all forms of life and death.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Ophidian Coil'?

INIMICVS: The term “Ophidian” is used to represent the ancient Serpent, the wisdom-bringer of many religions and cults, whose poison we gladly drink. Also it represents shedding of the human skin (nature), and transforming into something much bigger. “Coil” here can represent many things, from the coiling of the Serpent in various spheres and thus absorbing the knowledge, to the coiled up Serpent ready to attack and spray venom in the face of ignorance. When we formed the band, we felt that this name best represents our ideology and intention.

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?

INIMICVS: For now we haven’t had a chance to play live, because our new drummer Alewar is from Spain, and Kozeljnik and I are from Belgrade (Serbia), so that makes it a little difficult. But I have no doubts that some appearance  will happen soon. All I can say for now that our stage performance would be highly intense.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

INIMICVS: For sure, as I already said in the answer above. I still cannot say what future bring, but live appearance is a must and it will happen when the time and energies feel right.

7.The EP was released on Obscure Abhorrence, are you happy with the support they have given you so far?

INIMICVS: When we were searching for a label, I had sent several e-mails to various labels. I was really amazed with Andreas’ quick response and news in e-mail that he wants to release it. We came to agreement quickly. Obscure Abhorrence Productions is a prestigious label with a large amount of releases for first-rate bands, such as Horna, Sargeist, Drowning The Light, Macabre Omen, Acherontas, Dodsferd… And yes, we are more than honored to have signed with them. Andreas did a great job so far and has all my respect as a person and as a professional.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?

INIMICVS: The feedback has been fairly good on a worldwide level, with positive critics etc. Also, I must say that we are honored to have had a chance for a mastermind such as Honza Kapák (Avenger, Master’s Hammer…) to do a session drums for us on both “Promo 2014” and “Denial | Will | Becoming”. This last release is still fresh, so there is plenty of time for it to be introduced to the audience. Nowadays, bands are popping up everywhere, and over the night they get all this attention, often undeservedly… Somehow I get the feeling that all this sacred art came to some kind of generic form - but that is a topic for some other interview. I can say that I am glad that manifestation of our release left some positive impact on individuals who have Eyes to see and that I highly respect.

9.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?

INIMICVS: Alewar is playing in several other projects, which will be revealed to the public soon. Kozeljnik is well known for his band The Stone, which I don’t even have to mention. With their 7th full-length masterpiece “Nekroza”, they once again proved that they are Serbia’s leading force. He is also present in May Result,  Kozeljnik (duo with the drummer L.G. also from The Stone/May Result) and Murder. I encourage you to check them all out if you haven’t already. I am also playing live appearances for The Stone (bass) and Kozeljnik (guitar), which both have tours and shows coming soon.

10.When can we expect a full length album and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

INIMICVS: I cannot say anything for the full-length album, but probably in the late 2015 - early 2016. Currently we are working on the split release with Septuagint from Greece, and all our energies are concentrated on that. After that, we have plans for another split, but I cannot reveal anything right now. Musically, Ophidian Coil will evolve more and more with every release, together with its members.

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

INIMICVS: The list is never-ending. From the classic heavy metal, thrash metal, all the way to ambient music. And of course, mainly black metal. Beside the bands that we all like, everyone in the band does listen to a lot of different stuff. Kozeljnik is an old vinyl-maniac, with one of the largest collections that I have ever seen. I am listening not only to metal, but electronic music and various other genres. These days I listen to many bands, Blaze of Perdition, Mortuus, Ofermod, Malign, Akrotheism, Septuagint, a lot of heavy metal, thrash metal… And a lot of Thy Darkened Shade, I must point that out. I am looking forward to the vinyl version of “Liber Lvcifer I: Khem Sedjet” coming out soon.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

INIMICVS: Thank you for the interview. You can order your copy of “Denial | Will | Becoming” via Obscure Abhorrence Productions (www.obscure-abhorrence.de). We also have a limited batch, so you can order directly through the band.

Praised be the Black Light.

  Terra  are  a  band  from  the  United Kingdom  that  plays  a  cascadian  influenced form  of  atmospheric  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  untitled  album  which  will  be  released  in  March  by  Hibernacula  Records.

  A  very  distorted  sound  starts  off  the  album  before  adding  in  heavy  riffing  and  after  a  minute  high  pitched  black  metal  screams  are  added  into  the  music  along  with  some  melodic  leads  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  it  displays  more  of  a  raw  style  of  black  metal  that  also  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  blast  beats.

  All  3  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  while  black  metal  screams  are  utilized  at  times  along  with  a  great  amount  of  depressive  screams, the  music   focuses  more  on  the  instrumental  side  and  at  times  atmospheric  post  black  metal  elements  can  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  they  are  usually  mixed  in  with  the  melodic  guitar  leads.

  Terra  creates  a  very  raw  and  epic  style  of  atmospheric  black  metal  on  all  3  of  the  tracks  and  they  mix  in  the  cascadian  elements  of  the  Northwestern  black  metal  scene  to  make  their  music  sound  a  lot  more  creative,  the  production  sounds  very  heavy  and  powerful  while  lyrics  are  very  rarely  used.

  In  my  opinion  Terra  are  a  very  great  sounding  raw  and  atmospheric  cascadian  influenced  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "II",  8  out  of  10.

1. For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
MALPHAS: HAGL started up as just an idea late 2010, when I had a lot of very good riffs and melodies I didn't feel like could fit the other bands I played in. In early 2011 I started up creating songs, and contacted Sorath. The only thing I could interest him with was the name of the band, and the songtitle "Askefast". He was very interested, and from that point we were a three piece band. Me and Gheist have been friends for a long time, and it was only natural that he would play drums on the record, as he completely fits this band in all ways.

2. In March you have your first album coming out, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?
MALPHAS: The sound on the album is very dark, disharmonic and still yet melancholic. We went for a more clean sound as there is a lot of details that I want the listener to pay attention to. This is songs you really have to listen to many times to really catch what's really going on!

3. All of the band members have experience playing in other bands, what are you able to do with this band that you are not able to do with your other groups or projects?
MALPHAS:  Since this is a new band, its more easy to make something new, since there are no previous records behind us. Especially since we all wanted to do a so-called slow record that keeps the tempo and yourself down at all times. And on this record, all spoken words are in Norwegian, that's something we all have never done before.

4. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores  with the music?
SORATH: The core of the lyrics is nihilistic darkness; a black mass of suicide, deathglorification and hopelessness, with a strong message that each individual is worthless and doomed from birth.

5. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Hagl'?
MALPHAS: The word 'Hagl' is norwegian for the weather phenomenon hail. I wanted a Norwegian name for the band, and I am fascinated with hailstorms. Hail can be pretty brutal sometimes, and have killed several people.

6. Has the band done any live shows or is this strictly a studio project?
SORATH: We are not entertainers, but when the time is right, we will appear on stage. As of now, despite several offers, we wait...

7. The new album is going to be released on Folter Records a label that has been a part of the underground since the 90's, how did you get in contact with this label?
MALPHAS: I met with Joerg at the Under The Black Sun festival the last summer, where I played with Endezzma and So Much For Nothing. We all had a blast, and when I came back I stayed in touch with him, and told him about this band I had. He was really interested in doing this, and everything has been handled very professionally.

8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by the black metal fans that have heard it so far?
MALPHAS: We have stayed very low about this, and recently opened a Facebookpage. The feedback has been very good, it seems like many looks forward to give this record a listen. The music takes you back to the old days, with solid melodies and riffs, and when the groove mattered - not how fast a band could play.

9. What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are apart off?
MALPHAS: Endezzma will release a new record(Arcane Abyss) in a few months.
SORATH: We're also working together on the last Beastcraft album (The Infernal Gospels of Primitive DevilWorship) and 10" (Occult Ceremonial Rites),  and I've also started preparing the recording of the next Vulture Lord album with Diabolus.

10. Where do you see this band heading into musically during the future?
MALPHAS: We will continue to keep it down, bringing utter darkness to the listener. Expect solid riffs, disharmoy, death chants and a good groove! We have very good ideas and plans for the future.

11. What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
SORATH: All our influences comes from the dark past, the beginning, the filthy purity. As we move through time towards the end, we bring those black decades with us,  creating utter darkness. The future lies in the past.

12. How would you describe your views on Occultism?
SORATH: That has been an important part of my life for over 20 years. The search for what lies beyond. The borders I have crossed, the sights I have seen and the borders I have crossed shall remain within my circle and lyrics, but I can say as much, that I am fearless of dying.

13. Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
SORATH: Hail the underground and keep the black flame burning!

  This  is  a  review  of  a  split  album  between  the  United  Kingdom's  Torver  and  Arcane  North  called  "From  Moonrise To  Moonset"  which  was  released  by  Blackwood  Productions  and  we  will  start  off  the  review  with  Torver  a  band  that  plays  an  atmospheric  form  of  black  metal.

  A  very  dark  and  atmospheric  sounding  synths  starts  off  their  side  of  the  split  along  with  the  sounds  of  nature  and  after  the  intro  clean  singing  vocals  are  added  into  the  music  which  leads  up  to  more  of  a  black  metal  direction  along  with some  high  pitched  screams and  the  mix  the  clean  vocals  and  atmospheric  elements  in  with  the  heavier  style.

   After  awhile  the  music  starts  to  speed  up  a  bit  and  melodic solos  and  leads are  added  onto  the  recording  while  the  second  song  brings  in  more  of  a  fast  and  raw  black  metal  sound  at  times  along  with  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  and  after  awhile  a  small  amount  of  spoken word  parts  are  added  onto  the  track  which  is  also  very  long  and  epic  in  length,  the  production  sounds very  dark  yet  powerful  at  the  same  time  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  an  ritualistic  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Torver  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  their  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Lunar  Ritual"  8  out  of  10.

  Next  up  is  Arcane  North  a  1  man  band  that  has  been featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  an  atmospheric form  of  black  metal.

  A  very  epic  and  atmospheric  sound  starts  off  his  split  along  with  some  dark  ambient  elements  and  after  a  minute  more  of  a  melodic  style  of  black  metal  is  added  onto  the  recording  along  with  a  good  mixture  of  grim  and  high  pitched  screams  as  well  as  a  small  amount  of  clean  singing  being  utilized  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording.

Most  of  the  atmospheric  parts  get  mixed  in  with  both  the  heavy  and  melodic  parts  quite  a  bit  in  the  songs  and  at  time s the  music  does  speed  up  at  times  and  also  bring  in  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  and  most  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  the  songs  also  mostly  stick  to mostly  a  slow  or  mid  paced  musical direction  and  the  last  track  is  an  instrumental  ambient  piece,  the production  sounds  very  dark  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  nature  themes.

  In  my  opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Arcane  North  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  atmospheric  black  metal,  you  should  check  out  his  side  of  the  split.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Cold  Lonely  Moors".

  In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  split  and  I  would  recommend  it  to  all  fans  of  atmospheric black  metal.  8  out  of  10.