Gestalt  are  a  band  from  St.  Louis,  Missouri  that  plays  a  very  experimental  and  progressive  form of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2015  ep  "Infinite  Regress".

  A  very,  raw,  distorted  and  melodic  black  metal  sound  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  some  high  pitched  screams  that  also  take  the  music  into  a  faster  direction  that  also  introduces  blast  beats  onto  the  recording  and  you  can  hear  a  lot  of  progressive  elements  in  the  bands  musical  style  and  spoken  word  parts  can  also  be  heard  at  times.

  When  synths  are  utilized  they  add  more  of  an  experimental  feeling  to  the  music  along  with  all  of  the  musical  instruments  sounding  very  powerful  and  the  songs  also  bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  the  music  also  brings  in  a  touch  of  ambient  at  times  and  a  couple  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  they  close  the ep  with  a  song  that  is  more  experimental  soundscapes  and  drones.

   Gestalt  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  is  very  raw,  melodic  and  progressive  all at  the  same  time  while  also  bringing  in  a  touch  of  experimental  music,  the  production  sounds  very  raw  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  Zen, Philosophy, Theology  and  Existential  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Gestalt  are  a  very  great  sounding  progressive  and  experimental  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Breach  Of  Eden"  and  "Wade  In  Toil".  8  out  of  10.         

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?
1. To be honest we did not give us much time to record CODE: END. We had already chosen the songs from a collection of pre-produced songs. Still, the recording sessions were long and intense.
Along the way, our past label dissolved we signed up with CURSED RECORDS. This fact was pretty good for us. To be honest we had already doubted that cooperations with labels would be the right thing for us.
Also, Necrosodomizer moved on and left the band, so Malthus recorded the bass guitar as well. Finally, Mike Hell joined as our new bassist and performed our recent Live Delusions with us.

2.Recently you have released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
2. We spend a lot of time with re-amping and mixing to reach the sound that we have imagined. The sound should maintain and transmit the feeling on the album, it should also be some kind of futuristic and individual what seems quiet impossible nowadays.
Still the result is very satisfying for us and different from „Unconsciousness“,  a bit more daring.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?
3. In „Code:  End“ I think it’s obvious  to talk about the humanity's end.
Generally the topics refer to the primitive human being and his miserable fail to metaphysical questions. The human race is not as highly developed as we think. Humanity is easily influenced and controlled, that regresses awareness and evolution.
The solution could be for example some extra-terrestrial orbs in apocalyptic colours and being replaced, in reaching a higher lifeform, or just a game of chess…
This kind of topics leave space and there is no question arising if the written words are right or wrong. Especially I always try to leave space for self-interpretations and try to mash the lyrics with music.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Groteskh'?
4. The word Groteskh has always been with us and our musical careers.
It offers wide scope not to be categorized and musically limited.
Groteskh is also a result of different musical influences and individual characters sharing the same feelings to express ourselves.

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
5. We had many shows so far but nearly every show is particular. There were some great gigs during a tour for example in Hamburg, Karlsruhe, Paris as well as shows with and mostly for our friends and fans. For us it is important to row in the same direction.
To describe our performance is also part of the audience.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
6. Currently we are „touring“ with our new release-shows live delusions through Austria.
Beside the already played shows in Klagenfurt, Linz, Vienna and Graz we will also appear in Salzburg this week to call the home crowd attention to the new album and our new age, like Malthus used to say.

7.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?
7. It is difficult to be apparent in this thick forest of partly good black metal bands today. Unfortunately supply overtakes demand. Personally it’s not easy for me to keep overview and select a new underground band out of many to identify myself with.
Like in business, it seems to be more useful to have money and promotion than musically aspects.  Therefore, we are glad to have received such a good feedback for our MUSIC from people so far.
We also like to absorb feedback of constructive critics who really occupied themselves with us.


8.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?

8. For us it is important not to be associated with other projects some of us were or are involved.
The thing is that people compare and form an opinion, even if there are no musically parallels, like unfortunately media does from time to time.

9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
9. That will also be interesting for us. We are pleased that Malthus established his own professional recording studio. There we can spend a lot of time with producing what is a luxury we never had before.
We already have several new songs and we are just looking forward to produce. It’s maybe fair to say that they will sound less conventional.

10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
10. All of us mostly listen to different music and also genres. You sure will recognize some styles listening through the album.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?
11. There are many. From driving motorcycle to playing chess. Most all of us trying to spend time outside as much as possible to go fishing or just to enjoy nature.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
12. It would be a pleasure for us if one or the other reader becomes a listener and open oneself to give us a feedback!   
Thank you for your interest and all the best by keep doing occultblackmetalzine!


(answered by Goreman  - guitar)

  ProFanatism  are  a  band  from Poland  that  plays  a  very  raw  and  heavy  style  of  black  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2015  album  "My  Kingdom  Come"  

  Spoken  word  samples  start  off  the  album  before  going  into  more  of  a  heavy  and  melodic  musical  direction  and  the  vocals also  bring  in  a  very  grim  and  hateful atmosphere  and  after  the  intro  high  pitched  screams  are  added  onto  the  recording  and  the  music  starts  going  into  more  of  a  black  metal direction.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  remain  true  to  a  very melodic  musical  direction  and  the  songs  also bring  in  a  great  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  with  the  faster sections  displaying  more  of  a  raw black  metal  style  and  the  music  also  brings  in  a  decent  amount  of  blast  beats  while  some  songs  also  have a  ritualistic atmosphere  at  times  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful sound  to t hem and  the  songs  also  go  for  more  of  a  modern  European  style  of  black  metal.  

  ProFanatism  plays  a  style  of  black  metal  that  can  be  very  fast  and  raw  at  times  while  also  bringing  in  a  great  amount  of  melody,  atmospheric  and  playing  that  utilizes  a  great  amount  of  talent  and  skill,  the  production  sounds  very  powerful  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  occult  themes.

  In  my  opinion  ProFanatism  are  a  very  great  sounding  fast,  raw  and  melodic  black  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre, you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Dark Essence"  "Ether  of  Hades"  and  "And  Legion  My  Soul".  8  out  of  10.   

    

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

We're finishing to compose our second album, it will be quite different from the previous one.

2.In November you had released anew album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the demo you had released in 2012?

The 2012 Demo was a live recording in our rehearsal room, so the sound is raw, many errors, a rushed work. Something we're still proud to have done. Tracks were one by Agatunet, one by ky and 2 by Kjiel.
The album is balanced in sound, progression of tracks, composition, lyrics... Songs are all by Agatunet and other members added their parts. Production is better and has been slow to find the best sound we can have with our resources.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?

Mostly they're inner explorations of our fears and negative feelings, seeking the truth, through a rational look at our irrational side, to know and accept the reality.

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

To see without your eyes, to see through... It was an idea by Kjiel and HK. The sound of the name, the many meanings behind...

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

We enjoyed live shows with Lantlos, Vidharr and Dreariness. They were the best ones. But generally we like to play live shows.

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

Actually we don't, but we hope we will again.

7.The new album was self released, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

We released the digipack through Self Mutilation Services from Mexico. We're still looking for a label to release a vinyl.

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

We have had positive and negative ones on various levels, but mostly people say they like what we do.

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?

We all have parallel projects. Actually:
Agatunet plays in Vidharr and runs her personal self-named project.
HK plays with Black Faith, Atavicus, Selvans. Also he recorded drums for too many bands, the complete list would become a book...
Same for Kjiel, she plays in Sacrimoon, Black Whispers, Lifeless, L.A.C.K. (with ky and HK), Angor Animi (her personal band) and as guest in many others.
ky had some projects as Tormental, Somnium, null, Deep-pression and is working for Perpetual Melancholy (with members of Dreariness) and for some guest appearances.

10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

We will continue following our musical tastes and playing what satisfy us, whatever it musically is.

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

Our musical tastes are deeply different and unorthodox, so what we do is a middle way of the huge amount of music we listen. List is endless and maybe useless since it contains all musical genres from all times.

12.What are some of your non musical interests?

To drink, watching films/telefilms, to eat a lot, to work the wood, to enjoy nature, to build through DIY...

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

Cheers!

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the musical project these days?
I have been very busy with my bands as of late however some projects are starting to slow down or take a hiatus so it has allowed me to focus more on writing solo music. I plan on releasing a couple splits with some local bands, an EP in the next coming weeks, and possibly begin work on a new album for next year.

2.How would you describe the musical sound of the current music?
I write very melodically and all of my music since the beginning has been focused on that. I like to usually define my sound as being contemporary black metal mixed with early second wave Scandinavian, punk, and atmospheric.

3.In the beginning you played folk punk and noise but have over the years have evolved into more of an atmospheric black metal style, what was the decision behind going into this musical direction?
I lost interest in folk punk to be honest and for the longest time I thought that punk was my scene. It still is to a degree but I began playing music through metal and I listen to metal way more than anything else so it's only suitable that I would make music based on that. I started the transition when I was supposed to make a collaborative folk black metal album with someone and it didn't work out so I just used those songs for what became my black metal debut 'Aftermath'

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you explore with your music?
I write about a lot of topics but most are concerned with violent revolution, suicide, fear, and self-loathing.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Anti-Freeze'?
It's kind of a stupid name but it stuck so I'm not changing it. My real name is "Preston" and over here we have a brand of anti-freeze called "Presto". My music teacher in high school used to call me anti-freeze because of this so I just kept it. In hindsight, I wish I could have picked something more creative but that's how things go sometimes.

6.With this musical project you record everything by yourself, are you open to
working with other musicians or do you prefer working solo?
As Anti-Freeze I'm very reluctant to include other musicians. I do enjoy collaborating but it's very difficult to play on my own ideas with other people. I play all of the instruments so I can do it all myself. Someday however I do want to do a live show with my black metal music and I plan on getting the best musicians I know to play for when that happens.

7.What are some of the best shows you have played with this musical project and also how would you describe your stage performance?
I have only performed noise and folk punk live before. Mostly in houses, outside, punk squats, etc. All very laid back and casual stuff. My black metal performance, if it ever happens, will be a special occasion.

8.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
Waiting for the opportunity. Possibly if I get offered, I would figure something out but currently I just want to release music.

9.You have been a part of a lot of splits and compilations as of late, can you tell us a little bit more about the contributions you have made to these recordings and also what are some of the other bands that have been a part of these days?
I have been a part of two awesome anti-NSBM compilations that came out last year as well as a compilation for the blog "Death of a Modernist". More splits with the groups Molly Drag and Hunter-Gatherer are done and just waiting to be physically released. I want to do some splits with other locals and hopefully an overseas band in the future. I'm always open if anyone ever showed interest.

10.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
I would really like to get on a label like Nuclear War Now, Northern Silence, or Season of Mist but it's unlikely I think. In the meantime, I release stuff under my own label. (whygangrecords.com)

11.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?
I find that people from other countries show a lot of appreciation and respect for the music. Underground metal is a weird thing to be a part of. Locally I find it difficult to promote music in the metal scene because too many are focused with prog and groove stuff. Maybe it's just North America but I really just don't care for those genres so I often have to reach out on the internet to find fans of black metal or within the punk scene.

12.Where do you see yourself heading into musically during the future?
Anti-Freeze will always be a project that will continue to grow with me so it's never certain that I will be doing exactly the same thing forever. I feel that black metal in some shape or form will always be an integral part because it combines intensity and simple but effective melodies. In the near future though I feel that the music will simply just expand. I'm adding more clean vocals, some low growls, and yells in newer material.

13.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?
While Darkthrone was probably the first black metal band I listened to, Ulver was one that inspired me to be experimental and ambient. I have been doing ambient stuff for awhile and it's largely because of projects like that. Lately I've been completely amazed by the works of Ghost Bath while continuing to dig up bands like OfDoom or Blasphemy (Real Canadian black metal!).

14.How would you describe your left wing and anarchist views?
If I had to describe myself briefly, I'm more or less an anarchist without adjectives.

To me, anarchism is the most sensible political system. Complete and total freedom from the state and capitalism. In my music however, I don't focus on direct topics because it often comes out corny and a lot of left wing music really bugs me for this reason. There's just way too much elitism  within it's ranks and the worst of it often comes from the biggest hypocrites. Movements can often be discredited entirely because of this and it's poisonous.

15.What are some of your non musical interests?
I'm working on a video game right now that will hopefully be released next year. (thetarioproject.tumblr.com) I'm very excited as it's stories I've held onto since a very young age. It is a retro 16 bit RPG with a science fiction/fantasy twist.

Occasionally I play tabletop RPGs and I do my best to keep up with current events. I'm also into history quite a bit. Other than these things, I can't do much besides music.

16.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
No final thoughts. Thanks for doing this. I appreciate it and everyone who has given the time to read it.