Steve Von Till probably needs little introduction to most Ghost Cult Magazine readers. His hugely influential work with post-metal icons Neurosis needs no further elaboration here. What people may be less aware of, though, is that Von Till has been releasing solo records since 2000. Indeed, Alone in a World of Wounds (Neurot Recordings) is his sixth solo offering to date.Continue reading
In this new episode, Ghost Cult’s own Tom Osman chats with Brittany and John of RWAKE! Their comeback album “The Return Of Magik” is out now via Relapse Records ! The Arkansas band has made a killer new album and Tom uncovers the mysticism and practical magic behind how the band makes music as a collective. Continue reading
There is just so much to decipher when it comes to incorporating Norse-themed references into the creative process of a sonic craftsmanship; either it is in a mythological, esoteric, or cosmological sense– the discourses may vary from the dead warriors called Einherjar who Valkyries brought to Valhalla, the nine realms of Yggdrasil which started off as a primordial void called Ginnungagap, the great winter that preceded Ragnarok which is Fimbulvetr, to the trance-like state of the Berserkers which is called Berserkrgang.. I’m pretty sure many bands –especially the ones surrounding the Nordic Folk and Metal scene– have immensely covered the said topics enough already. But Wardruna is one of the precursors among the niche of Norse-themed music. It just appears to me that they have succeeded in making the very topics of ancient Norse cultural and esoteric traditions feel familiar towards those who are initially not deeply invested in the culture. Wardruna isn’t just some regular ordinary Norse-themed Folk collective; their musical trajectory is a testament of how profoundly well-versed they are when it comes to exploring their roots; the sorcery, the runes, the rites of passage, and the traditions.Continue reading
In this episode, Keefy is joined once again by Norse music legend Einar Selvik of Wardruna! They discussed the years-in-the-making new album “Birna” out soon via By Norse Music / Sony Music! They chatted about the making of the album, the concept of nature and the “she-bear,” the long-standing contributions of Lindy-Fay Hella, performing at Red Rocks Amphitheater, and much more! Continue reading
Canadian post-black metallers Panzerfaust return with their sixth album, and the third in The Suns Of Perdition series. Sharing their name with a German World War II anti-tank missile, and the classic 1995 lo-fi album from Norwegian second wavers Darkthrone, Panzerfaust having been carving away a niche following with their distinct sound and conceptual albums since 2005, this time styling the lyrical theme of III: The Astral Drain (Eisenwald) on mankind’s collective descent into madness. Continue reading
Ghost Cult caught up with Daniel Beckman (Twilight Force, Ages) of Urferd! His solo ancient Norse music project just released its debut album “Resan” via Black Lodge Records. Daniel spoke about the genesis of this project, the long road from concept to the finished album, his composing and production styles, new music he is already working on, and much more!
Common wisdom would have you believe that most bands approaching their third decade, and / or seventh album, will have found either a comfortable groove, or a furrow that they like to plough, and that the desire to challenge themselves and their supporters, to expand or revitalise their sound, has probably been dissipated to some degree. The cycle begats the (album) cycle and the artist, conscious of the desired output, sates the audience even if they do make token refinements to keep their own creative beasts content. For while there may be tweaks and tinkerings, there are, deep-down, a forest path of a woodland much explored, not often adventures anew.
I think Holy Fawn summed themselves up brilliantly with their band summary: “four creatures making loud, heavy, pretty noises”. Combining ambience, walls of distortion and ethereal vocals, Death Spells (Holy Roar) is the embodiment of these contrasting musical textures.Continue reading
Of all the grandchildren of heavy metal subgenres, one of the most precocious and still burgeoning is atmospheric black metal. As my colleague Richie HR noted in his recent new column for Ghost Cult, it seems that even the most mainstream bands are reaching for opportunities to expand their sonic palettes to include the more unconventional, and extreme styles. However, time and time again we return to the underground to seek greatness, from those who follow their own path, and eschew typical glory. One of those bands is Fen.Continue reading
On a brisk fall evening we arrive at SPACE Gallery in down town Portland and await the avant-garde Black Metal explosion that was set to begin. Emma Parsons and my self make a home stage left where we can sit comfortably and still see the bands. All around the room are the banners that have been closed while all the other bands play as not to ruin the experience that Wolves In The Throne Room delivers.Continue reading