A Good Rogering says the following about Face Value: “We are thrilled to release our new double single, Face Value and Systematic Paralysis from our upcoming album. While the recording process began in 2018, the material seems even more relevant now, nearly four years later as 2021 comes to a close. Originally intending to record a few singles, a series of setbacks stalled the process even before the pandemic struck in 2020 and forced the world into limbo. Now, after the dumpster fire of the past two years, we are ready to unleash the complete album: one that found its nature and purpose amidst a stream of chaos that ensued throughout the process of recording, and coincides with the dystopian warnings within.”

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Opener Dare starts rather relaxed, with a mellow guitar rhythm backed by a fitting rhythm section that resembles rock or even blues more than any type of metal. That however turns out to be rather misleading as the song builds towards showing its true colors, which takes a minute. Part of what follows bares quite a significant resemblance with Metallica in general and their front man James Hetfield’s vocals, complete with its peculiarities, in particular. Luckily this strong resemblance is short lived as the album’s second song, Bipolar Distress, though style-wise not all that different, clearly has a different vibe and character. Not that I don’t like Metallica or that Telma did a crappy job, not at all even. Objectively spoken it certainly is a good song though, I’m just not a big fan of tunes that come too close to other bands’ work, which is the case with this song. One of my many flaws I suppose, hehe.  

Anyway, versatility is the keyword here as Telma’s metal, perhaps as to be expected from a modern metal band, holds references to many styles of metal, rock and blues. Though the one more strikingly present than the other, they’re all there nevertheless, cast in fresh, solidly composed songs. The vocals tend to go along in the flow as Anthony’s voice ranges from clean and clear to the rasping sound of an old cigarette-addicted, whisky-drinking rocker. I personally like the latter the best, he seems more comfortable deploying that specific vocal character.

All in all Telma delivers a solid, fresh sounding debut album that consists of versatile modern metal that taps from a wide variety of different musical styles that are not limited to metal. Sometimes it’s a mere soundbit or a brief reference, sometimes the influences are more prominent. Either way they never dominate or upset the delicate balance. This shows the band have a certain maturity in their music and compositions that one would not expect from a band of their age. If I hadn’t known up front I would never have guessed the band only has been formed earlier this year. If they follow the expected path of growth they could grow into a sensation. Only time will tell, for now suffice it to say that this one is certainly worth paying some serious attention to.

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Hey, how are you?

We are doing great! A lot of exciting things coming up for us.

Can you tell us something about the history of Viserion?

Ben and Matt are brothers and are also part of a death metal band called Moniasin. John happened to catch a show of ours and we got to talking about our love for black metal. After a few jam sessions we decided to form Viserion together.

For people not knowing Viserion (yet), how would you describe your music yourself?

Our music encompasses the old school black metal bands of the early-90s such as Mayhem, Darkthrone and Behemoth mixed with modern tones and influences of the black metal genre. It is bleak and dark in instrumentation and lyrical content.

When someone doesn’t know Viserion yet and you can choose one of your songs to present yourself, which song would that be?

Rotting Within off our demo is a good introduction to our music.

What makes Viserion unique?

What make us unique is that we don’t stick to any sort of rules. Our drummer especially doesn’t do the typical blast beats all the time that you hear a lot. Our tone and song structures are also unique to us.

Any future plans you can already tell us something about?

Our album Natural Selection is coming out August 13^th 2021.

Any upcoming gigs for Viserion? Maybe coming to The Netherlands?

We are playing our debut show August 22^nd at The Kingsland in Brooklyn. We would love to come to The Netherlands when things are more back to normal.

How do you think your life would be without music?

We would be miserable and empty.

What advice would you give to young and starting bands?

Be humble, practice, make connections and support your scene and other bands. Oh and practice more.

Thanks for your answers! Is there anything you want to say to DutchMetalManiac’s readers?

Thanks for reading! Our album drops August 13^th and our singles The Wraith (feat. Trevor Strnad) and Vaporized are out now!

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Hey, how are you?

Hey guys!! Really fine, thank you for asking!! I hope that everything is ok for you too!!

Can you tell us something about the history of Reaven?

We’re a French indie pop/rock band with a touch of electro. I (Romeo) started to play with the drummer of the band when we were 14 years old. It’s a long love story (laughs). And we met the 2 other members along the way in Paris. Rudy (bass) and André (keyboards).

For people not knowing Reaven (yet), how would you describe your music yourself?

Reaven is an indie pop/rock band, I think we’re known for our catchy melodies, our intense shows, a vocal signature and a real focus on vocal harmonies. We have always seen our music as a journey. Moving from heavy guitar riffs, rock to deeply pure and acoustic songs.

When someone doesn’t know Reaven yet and you can choose one of your songs to present yourself, which song would that be?

Hard choice!! Because I can’t choose I think I will go with the last rock single we released: Ordinary Heroes.

What makes Reaven unique?

I think that the diversity of the musical atmospheres we try to explore makes us special. We don’t limit our style, we always try to surprise our audience.

Any future plans you can already tell us something about?

We are booking a 3rd European tour and rescheduling our 1st US tour + Central/Latin America tour. We will very soon start to film a new music video for our song Ordinary Heroes, and we are preparing the new show for the next tours, so exciting!! And in spring 2022 we will release our album For Tomorrow so stay in touch!!

Any upcoming gigs for Reaven? Maybe coming to The Netherlands?

Actually it’s funny you ask because we’re trying these days to book some shows in the Netherlands. Would love to play there in 2022!! Apart from this, we will announce the first European shows soon!!

How do you think your life would be without music?

Not a life? Or deeply sad!! But if I wasn’t a musician I would maybe create start-ups of companies and try to be creative in another way. Also writing books I think.

What advice would you give to young and starting bands?

Trust yourself, always. No one knows you better than yourself. Make mistakes, overcome them, try again. Repeat.

Thanks for your answers! Is there anything you want to say to DutchMetalManiac’s readers?

Yes !! We really hope to meet you at one of our gigs!! Come and see us live, I swear you’re gonna have a good time!!

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Hey, how are you?

I am fine. We have just released our new album Summergloom and as you can imagine it has been a lot of work in the last few weeks. But I think it’s getting a little quieter now.

Can you tell us something about the history of The Halo Trees?

Sure. I founded The Halo Trees sometime around 2016 because, after many releases in the metal sector, I was in the mood for dark, calm, melancholic music again, which offers a lot of space for my deep vocals. But it took more than two years until I found a sound and wrote sufficiently good songs that were ready for a release. In 2018 our first EP Time And Tide Wait For No Man was released and in 2019 the first album Antennas To The Sky. At that time many songs of our new album Summergloom were already written, but we took our time to finish and release it because of the Corona crisis.

For people not knowing The Halo Trees (yet), how would you describe your music yourself?

I would describe it as a mix of indie rock, post-punk, some pop and progressive rock. Handmade music, that also contains some synths, which lives from the deep voice, the catchy melodies and has a lot of depth.

When someone doesn’t know The Halo Trees yet and you can choose one of your songs to present yourself, which song would that be?

Hm, I think our full album Summergloom is worth listening, but as a starting point, what about the single Dark Clouds Over London?

What makes The Halo Trees unique?

Actually, this question should be answered by other people who like our music. But I want to try – and that shouldn’t sound conceited: I think that our sound is unique, even if it certainly reminds of a few other bands. And I think we write songs that are above average and my voice certainly sounds very unique. But make your own picture.

Any future plans you can already tell us something about?

Oh yes, we’re already working on the third album, which might be out next year. We are actually quite far and are in the middle of the recordings.

Any upcoming gigs for The Halo Trees? Maybe coming to The Netherlands?

Unfortunately nothing at the moment, but we hope that it will start again soon. Right now, everything is still a bit difficult to plan.

How do you think your life would be without music?

Empty? Music is my life in so many ways. So I can’t imagine it any other way. I actually think about new songs all the time and plan new albums and projects. That’s just my form of expression.

What advice would you give to young and starting bands?

I think the most important thing is to find your own sound, even if you can’t force it, but over time it comes by itself. The music world needs more courageous bands who, thanks to this courage, release more extraordinary albums again – like in the 70s. Nowadays a lot sounds too uniform to me.

Thanks for your answers! Is there anything you want to say to DutchMetalManiac’s readers?

If you’re open to gloomy indie rock, check out our new album Summergloom.

The album is available here and some more videos to get an impression:

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Hey, how are you?

Hey – thank you for having us!

We are great and looking forward for this interview.

Can you tell us something about the history of Ophelia’s Eye?

Phew – this will be a long one.

Ophelia’s Eye started out as a Project Penny and changed the name to Red Fire Dragon before our drummer Marco joined in 2017. At this time the band consisted of him, a guitarist and a bassist. When Marco met his school friend Remo at Greenfield 2017 by chance he instantly knew that he needs Remo in his band as this worked really fine during a band they played together in school. As Remo was quite busy during this time he needed a some time but after one year decided to give it a try, came to a rehearsal and decided to stay. At this point the band started out moving from covering songs to writing own songs.

The guitarist left in the beginning of 2019 but Michel (ex. Sweet Massacre) joined, which was really a lucky case: Michel has placed an ad on Bandbuddy in 2016 that he’s a singer searching for a band. Nothing happened until 2019 Marco answered to his ad. Just at this time Michel has gotten his first child but as it fitted very well, he then joined. The band name once again was changed to the current name Ophelia’s Eye.

In August 2019 Corinne saw an ad from Ophelia’s Eye that they are looking for a guitarist. But since the ad was already from the beginning of 2019 and Corinne only played guitar for just under a year, she did not really believe that this would become something. But she was wrong: The answer from Marco came quick and only a week after Corinne came to a rehearsal and instantly knew that this was the right fit for her.

At this point we had the feeling that we now have the constellation to start out, recorded demos in our room very quick, built up our social media presence and organized our very first concert in February 2020 just before Corona measures took place.

But due to different goals we split up with our bassist just two weeks before our first concert and played without a bass player until we’ve found Sandro who joined in August 2020 and was really a lucky strike.

For people not knowing Ophelia’s Eye (yet), how would you describe your music yourself?

Ophelia’s Eye is a band from Switzerland with influences both from the melodic death metal sound of Gothenburg as well as the early metalcore era of 2003. This results in hard but also melodic metal.

When someone doesn’t know Ophelia’s Eye yet and you can choose one of your songs to present yourself, which song would that be?

It would definitely be Hopeless World which you will be able to hear on the upcoming album.

It has so many different elements from melodic clean guitar sounds, parts in which you can headbang all your way along, a breakdown and guitar solo – so anything for different tastes we would say.

What makes Ophelia’s Eye unique?

Our unity among all members is very big, like family-bonds. We get through everything together, be it difficult, sad, exhausting or of course beautiful and joyful moments, and we have each other’s backs. But of course also the passion of all for music in general and especially metal and its community.

You can feel this unity and passion with us also on stage and we think that we are able to transfer this passion also to the audience.

Also we think that we deliver a unique style in our music since we have influences both from the melodic death metal sound of Gothenburg as well as the early metalcore era of 2003. This results in hard but also melodic metal and gives us a lot of room when writing – which is what you hopefully will be able to hear on our album which we are producing now.

Any future plans you can already tell us something about?

We are going back to the studio in the end of October and beginning in November to record our full-length album.

A tour is also in planning, but more to that will be communicated as soon as possible.

And hopefully we get booked for some other concerts as well.

Any upcoming gigs for Ophelia’s Eye? Maybe coming to The Netherlands?

Unfortunately not except a tour which is in planning.

It is currently very difficult to get booked, as many concerts have been postponed, many locations are already fully booked and festivals mostly took over the line-up from the previous they needed to postpone.

Also, organizing gigs by ourselves is a big financial risk, which is why we hope to get other opportunities for concerts soon.

But we hope to get other opportunities – maybe even in The Netherlands – again, soon.

How do you think your life would be without music?

Dull, boring and much less lively!

We all couldn’t imagine a life without music in it since we listen to music nearly all the time.

Music can influence your emotions so much, can help you get through difficult times, can make moments even more memorable and joyful and brings people together so it is such a big part of life!

What advice would you give to young and starting bands?

First of all, be honest about what your goal is and define it together. For example, if someone in the band just wants to play together regularly, but doesn’t necessarily want to get ahead, and for another member it’s clear that he wants to get as far as possible in the music business, this doesn’t fit.

If you have defined your goal, draw the consequences if the constellation does not fit and bring the patience to find the right members. Without that, it will come to unsolvable difficulties sooner or later.

Besides the right members and patience, be ready to work hard but also stay optimistic, positive and build up some resilience to deal with draw-backs.

Thanks for your answers! Is there anything you want to say to DutchMetalManiac’s readers?

Thank you so much for having us!

To the readers: Thank you for your interest and reading all your way through this!

If you like our sound we of course would much appreciate if you share it and support us through buying our music & merch through our website or bandcamp.

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Hey, how are you?

Hello! Ocultum is fine, waiting for the pandemic state that strikes the entire world to thaw then!…

Can you tell us something about the history of Ocultum?

Ocultum emerged from the underground of Santiago, more than 10 years ago. It began as a stoner band and mutated as its members began to change, becoming what it is now, a band doomed to burn in the confines of the universe. At the moment we are three members, Sebastian Drugula Brunae on guitar, Ricardo the cook of hell Robles on drums and Pablo the dark Ktaldo on bass. This line-up has the smooth, swampy sound of stoner doom, which helps us withstand this harsh reality.

For people not knowing Ocultum (yet), how would you describe your music yourself?

We could say of our music, or rather, the music of our latest album Residue, which is a combination between a bad trip of LSD and marijuana, with reefs stuck to no more power and the violence of crass. All you have to do is listen to her on drugs and at a volume that’s unhealthy for your health.

When someone doesn’t know Ocultum yet and you can choose one of your songs to present yourself, which song would that be?

We would definitely recommend our single The Acid Road. which is a journey through life, riding a motorcycle.

What makes Ocultum unique?

What makes a band unique?… difficult to answer that. I guess the difference in musical tastes (and of course the similarities) of its members, that has created a heavy and lethargic sound at the same time. But I think what characterizes us most is the fact that we do not follow musical rules or styles established in the circuit.

Any future plans you can already tell us something about?

I think there are always plans to make. For example in December of this year, in spite of the pandemic, there is coming a reissue in vinyl of our album Residue. That makes us very happy. Besides, we’re writing for our third studio album.

Any upcoming gigs for Ocultum? Maybe coming to The Netherlands?

So far we have not scheduled any event, due to the capacity and problems stemming from the COVID, particularly from our country, a difficult state for everyone. And yes, it is always an option to play outside of Chile. We want to go to Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil and why not, a European tour. But the world plan dictates otherwise.

How do you think your life would be without music?

In general life without music is boring, either creating it or enjoying the musical creation of others. Life without music is like a vanished beer.

What advice would you give to young and starting bands?

The council is simple, start kicking ass! and you’ll get it all!…

Thanks for your answers! Is there anything you want to say to DutchMetalManiac’s readers?

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Hey, how are you?

Hey! I’m doing pretty good. I just got out of work. 

Can you tell us something about the history of the Void Collapse?

Well, I’ve been working towards this band slowly since about 2001. Around then I wasn’t too knowledgeable about what I needed to do, but I kept working. Over the next ten years I started learning guitar, and recording. I recorded different styles of music, and figuring out what sounded good, and what didn’t. Around 2012 I hooked up with a drummer from France and did our demo. We didn’t end up playing together for too much longer after that, because we both wanted to write, and it was too difficult on two different continents. I met our drummer Shane on a message board, and we’ve been working together for the last five years. Here we are 2021. 

When someone doesn’t know Void Collapse yet and you can choose one of your songs to present yourself, which song would that be?

Good question. The Cross Eyed Dove is the song I wanted to write up to this point, and really gives a good picture of what we’re about. It really came together exactly how I wanted it to. 

What makes Void Collapse unique?

The juxtaposition of straight up death metal, and beautiful ethereal melody. 

Any future plans you can already tell us about?

Our latest album Gwenda kicks off the first of a four part concept of albums. We’re going to try to put them out in a very timely manner, so stay tuned. We have a split with Before the Storm We Flourished that’s coming out in the next few months, and a Guns N’ Roses cover coming out soon also. 

Any upcoming gigs coming up? Maybe coming to The Netherlands?

Unfortunately we don’t play out. The logistics are too tough. We both live in different states, and it’s just a project band at the moment. I do want to visit The Netherlands. My girlfriend went a few years ago and she loved it. 

How do you think your life be without music?

I don’t ever want to think about that. Seriously.

What advice would you give to young and starting bands?

Do what you want. Dive in and figure out what you need to do to make it work. Just wake up every day, make lists and do stuff. 

Thanks for your answer! Is there anything else you’d like to say to DutchMetalManiac’s readers?

Hey, thanks for checking this interview out! If you think you might be into us, give us a listen And, thank you having us! It was fun!

The post Interview: Void Collapse appeared first on DutchMetalManiac.

Hey, how are you? Can you tell us something about the history of Pissing Razors?

Joe Rodriguez (vocals): Pissing Razors is the brainchild of Eddy Garcia and Mat Lynch formed in 1994, with Danny Garcia (Eddy’s brother) and Dave (Loco Pelon) McNutt infusing groove oriented heavy metal with punk rock. After performing and recording a few demo tapes, Loco Pelon would exit the band and Joe Rodriguez would enter the fold in 1996 and recorded Psycho Punko Metal Groove which was released independently. Danny Garcia would leave the band and was replaced by Rick Valles. After touring extensively in support of Psycho Punko Metal Groove, Pissing Razors would eventually get signed to Noise Records and release two records, Pissing Razors and Cast Down the Plague, with the lineup to include Eddy Garcia, Mat Lynch, Joe Rodriguez and Rick Valles, to tour extensively in Europe and the US. In 1999, we would see the lineup change with the departure of Mat Lynch and replaced by Cesar Soto. In 2000 would bring another lineup with the departure of Joe Rodriguez replaced by Jason Bragg. We would continue to tour and yet another lineup change would occur in 2002 with the departure of Jason Bragg and Cesar Soto. Both members would be replaced by Andre Acosta and Mat Difabio. In 2004, we would see the eventual hiatus of Pissing Razors after the release of Evolution, the last record released by the band until 2014 when original members Eddy Garcia, Mat Lynch and Joe Rodriguez would reunite and team up with Geo Gomez to complete the lineup. Rick Valles was asked to participate in the reunion, but declined due to family commitments and remains an integral part of the history of this band. Pissing Razors has since toured in 2018 and released two singles in 2019, and for 2020 we released a cover of Nailbomb’s Wasting Away.

For people not knowing Pissing Razors (yet), how would you describe your music yourself?

Mat Lynch (guitar): The foundation of our music is beat driven first and foremost. That’s key for us. It’s generally always aggressive and the mood is set in the groove of each song, then glued together with sharp and catchy melodic rhythms rounded out by commanding vocal lines that openly welcome the listener to commit to the song’s journey with us. 

When someone doesn’t know Pissing Razors yet and you can choose one of your songs to present yourself, which song would that be?

Eddy Garcia (drums): My answer would be Dodging Bullets. It was the first song on our first release. I think that’s fun to touch a lot of people in a lot of different ways, but not only that, it’s a song that struck me in the middle of the night. I wrote it in my sleep almost. We got to practice and I remembered everything. We wrote it in almost no time. It’s magical so that’s the one.

What makes Pissing Razors unique?

Geo Gomez (bass): What makes this band unique is the way it incorporates a punk feel at times meshed with some groove and crushing riffs. If you listen closely, there are some off-timing turnarounds that really separate us from most bands. Take Where We Come From for example. It goes from groove to hardcore then adds a punkish twist. PR has its own unique touch on every tune which I believe is like no other. Sure we have influences, but in the end, it really comes together totally incorporated into PR staple.

Any future plans you can already tell us something about?

Joe, Mat, Geo, Eddy: We recently finished recording our first record in 17 years titled Eulogy Death March and it is currently in the mixing and mastering process with Sterling Winfield (Pantera, Hellyeah). As Covid pans out and affects live music, our goal is to tour in support of the new album. If anyone wants to find us on social media, listen to our music digitally, or buy merch, they can go here. Thanks to everyone for all the support!

Any upcoming gigs for Pissing Razors? Maybe coming to The Netherlands?

Joe, Mat, Geo, Eddy: We will have our CD release party on October 1st, 2021 in our hometown of El Paso, Texas at Ricky D’s. We are also headlining the Texas Domination Festival in San Antonio, Texas at Bonds Rock Bar on November 6, and a show in Ft. Worth, Texas at the Rail Club Live on November 7.

How do you think your life would be without music?

Joe Rodriguez (vocals): Well, probably very boring and very uninteresting, not to be a Negative Nancy. Most people have outlets. Music is my outlet. You know especially when you have bad days or even good days and what not. To be able to let that out, let some steam out. It could be the good or bad, but definitely would be very uninteresting very boring life if I didn’t have music.

What advice would you give to young and starting bands?

Joe Rodriguez (vocals): Pay attention to contracts. Don’t be so eager to sign your life away.

Thanks for your answers! Is there anything you want to say to DutchMetalManiac’s readers?

Joe Rodriguez (vocals): We recently finished recording our first record in 17 years titled Eulogy Death March and it is currently in the mixing and mastering process with Sterling Winfield (Pantera, Hellyeah). We will have our CD release party on October 1st, 2021 in our hometown of El Paso, Texas at Ricky D’s. We are also headlining the Texas Domination Festival in San Antonio, Texas at Bonds Rock Bar on November 6, and a show in Ft. Worth, Texas at the Rail Club Live on November 7. Our goal is to tour in support of the new album Eulogy Death March. If anyone wants to find us on social media, listen to our music digitally, or buy merch, they can go here. Thanks to Razor Nation & everyone for all the support!

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Today, DutchMetalManiac is proud to give you the exclusive Dutch premiere of Non Serviam’s video for Il Pleut Partout Derrière below.

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