Interview With JUSTIN (Kitty On Fire Records)

Interview with justin owner,operator of kitty on fire {net label} done by patrick.

1.hello justin hows your week starting out bro? please tell the readers a little about yourself.

Well this week has started out pretty hectic my friend, full of life's little twists and turns. But whats life without that eh?
My Name is Justin Thomas Squires, I am a 20 year old artist from Port Huron Michigan.

2. at what age did you become interested in music? was it long until you discovered metal and more obscure underground music?

Well I wasn't really music conscious until I was around 9 or 10 years old. I started off pretty mainstream, listening to VH1 back when they still did music videos. My favorite band was The GooGoo Dolls. I then started listening to older rock such as Ozzy Osbourne, which quickly became NuMetal such as Korn and Limp Bizkit. I stayed pretty mainstream alternative for a while, listening to Korn, Staind, Limp Bizkit Etc. Then I found Tool and such. But I never got into Underground metal until I was about 17, thats when It really happened. Started slow like metalcore bands such as ShadowsFall and Killswitch, and through time it lead me into the path of Technical and Melodic Death Metal such as Decrepit Birth and Arsis.

3.who are some of your all-time favorite bands? who are some current bands you think the readers/underground fans should check out?

My Favorite band has been Tool since I was the age of 13, and I dont see it changing any time soon, although I have MANY favorites. Some of my Favorite Bands Consist of Dream Theater, Between the Buried and Me, Deftones, Arsis, Porcupine Tree, Opeth, Gojira, Matthew Good, Stone Temple Pilots, and many many more, to many to name really. I suggest any of the bands I just listed, all great wonderful bands. As far as great current bands other then what I listed, I would have to say The Faceless, Born of Osiris, Beneath the Massacre, Dying Fetus, Lustmord, Three, Meshuggah, Burning the Masses, so many great musicians out there.


4.you recently started kitty on fire net label. what gave you the idea to start/try a label? are you happy with how things are going so far? do you run the label by yourself or do some friends help out?

Well I didn't start Kitty on Fire actually. It has been active for about a year and a half now, and has gone through four owners including myself. I took over this past August. I was actually Signed to Kitty on Fire previously back in Early 08. After being in the net label world for a little while, and understanding what it was all about, I began to think of ways that I could better the Net Community had I a Net Label. And one day I seen a bulletin from a Former KOF owner, seeking a replacement. So I asked for the job, and it was given to me and some other dude, who wanted to turn it into something "BIG" and put all kinds of money into it, where as I only wanted to do the Net Label thing, since it already had the ground work. There fore, after a long time of being ignored by the other guy, I stole the label for myself, in hopes to become a good Net Label. And I would have to say I feel pretty good about what I have accomplished for Kitty on Fire in these few short Months. I do everything by myself for now, but Im working on making a street team (please contact me if interested) and Im in search of Some One to become Head of Booking.


5.k.o.f is just a net label for now right? do you have plans to turn it into a cd/cdr label anytime soon?

Well, Im taking it one step at a time really. I have been working on getting a KOF Comp CD in the works for local and promotional distribution, but thats the extent of physical releasing at the time. My long term goal is to Take on Some roles as a successful Indie Label, all the While Maintaining my Net Label Status, I believe thats something that hasn't been done to much before.


6.who are some bands you have worked with/released so far? for someone who is not real familiar with a net label how do you download your releases? feel free to add any other information the readers may need to know.

Well I have worked with Several Great bands for Online Releasing so far (and then, there were Frogz,Cheerleader Concubine, Saram Hoki, Unicorn Hole, A Fallen Dream, Endometrium Cuntplow, Astral Vomit, and more) and I hope to continue and work with many more in the future to build an amazing free release Catalogue. I release using the Website Archive. org. I have a Net Label Collection page where my Entire Catalogue of Free Releases can be found. (Archive. org/details/kittyonfire) You just go to the catalogue, click on a release, and download it from the releases page.

7.the few bands i've seen/heard off the label seem to be both death metal,grind and more obscure experiemntal bands. so if any bands looking to work with you are reading this what do you look for when signing/releaseing a bands music?

I like to be diverse with Genre. I dont just sign the music I like, I sign all spectrums. I just look for some one who has the potential to contribute and be an active musician within KOF. I dont want some one who just wants thier name on the roster, and never communicates with me. I would like the music to be some what decent in quality as well, because if I promote terrible music, it makes my label look bad.

8. in your opinion what is the best and worst thing about the underground.and in your opinion what does the term "underground music" mean to you.

I would have to say that some of the most thought provoking music has come from the Underground, and that is probably the best part about the underground. Music that isnt constricted by mainstream wants. The worst part about the underground scene is the confusion that generates amongst the people. The confusion of Genre's and Genre Mixing, and being mislabeled. The Term "Underground Music" basically means and represents the sacrifice we have to take to become unique in our own way as musicians. To be given the short end of the lime light in order to make music more true to ourselves.









9.besides the label do you currently play in any bands or music projects of your own? if yes please tell the readers a little about them.
Oh yes, I have two music Projects I work with. The Main being "The Wretched Corpse Anatomy" a Progressive/Death Metal Project I have been doing for a few years. Ive been working on new music for over a year now, and will begin to record as soon as I have the means. I also have a side project called "MASTER TOAD!" which is a means to explore my electronic/ambient/environmental aspect on music.

www. myspace. com/thewretchedcorpseanatomy
www. myspace. com/themastertoad



10.what are some musical instruments you play? which would you say is your favorite one? which is your least favorite one?

I mainly Play the guitar. But I can play Bass, Piano, and KeyBoard as well. I cant really choose which instrument I like to play better, becuase I simply like to play instruments, but I play guitar far more then any of the others.

11.well man we have reached the end of the interview.thanks alot for taking the time to do one with my zine. do you have any final comments for the readers of deaths design?

Yes Indeed. I would like to thank you on behalf of Kitty on Fire and It's Bands for this Wonderful opportunity to shed some light on the matter. To all the readers, thank you very much for taking the time to read this Interview, and keep reading Patricks awesome Zine!
Please feel free to stop by the page and take a look around , check out some of the bands, download some of the free releases, and keep updated. Amazing stuff to come from Kitty on Fire within the next year.
Thanks again to all
Happy Trails.

-Justin Thomas Squires of Kitty on Fire Records [NETLABEL]
WWW. MYSPACE. COM/KITTYONFIRERECORDS

Reviews (October)

DERANGED "The Red-light Murder Case" PROMO 2008 {kate review}

You probably already listened this masterpiece from the Almighty DERANGED! But I decided they really deserve a special place over here at Death's Design Zine, so here is the review about it! I always felt like DERANGED didn't get the right attention and support they honestly deserve, I hope I am wrong. They seem to never get that "tap on the shoulders" every true underground servant seeks for, so I hope that will change immediately!
"Red-light Murder Case" is a serious masterpiece and in my opinion DERANGED should be proud of themselves (I hope they are) for leaving such a strong, uneatable mark of their existence to this and the young generations of true supporters to come! I am really addicted to this CD, I really am not aware of the number of playing this one in my player! :) I've been true supporter of Deranged since day 1, and after listening this promo CD, I proudly shout: "I AM DERANGED" :) Honestly, people, Deranged proved once again that they are true and willing to show you their ideology and rub it in your face!!!! The lyrics are in the well known DERANGED style, and everything is perfectly packed here, I really don't have the words to explain it!
RAW, MEATY, BRUTALLITY AND GORE!!!! This one is also a strong proof for Deranged and their success and mature ness through all these years, the guitar riffs never been so killer obsessed, the drums are more brutal then ever, the vokils are giving you that special intro in "solving the blood mystery"
The track titles are unforgettable and you easily get addicted to this sound! One of my special favorites are :" Strip nude for your killer" (kickass guitar work here!); "Gently before she dies"; "The Killer wore Black Gloves"; "Watch me when I kill"; aaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrggggggghhhhh JUST LISTEN THE WHOLE CD!!!!!!! Extreme support for these blood brotherz of mine, and after all, my message to them and to everyone who reads this is that I discovered the "FORMULA FOR A MURDER"! Want me to show it to you?
:)



DILAPIDATED "Repulsive emissions" PROMO 2008{reviewed by kate}

This material was recorded in July and it was also uploaded for a free download. What we have here is a 3 song disk, pure intense, Swedish death metal, created by 2 vicious men! When you play "Repulsive emissions" you can expect brutal, morbid and sadistic story, told by great, talented musicians. The disc in general is made originally, by the true beliefs and ideology of Dilapidated, but lead by the influence of Cannibal Corpse (older stuff) Aeon and as well as Entombed, which is awesome and nice for change. (Old school way mixed with today's brutalism) There are some pretty complexed riffs, as well as slow slamming parts, which is always a winning combo!
The 1st song "Carnivorous Cunnilingus" should tell you everything, although I wanna find a girl that will love this lyric! :) If there is any girl out there please contact me hahahahahahahahaha. Its starts with a small intro (not from a porn movie) and it drives you to some sexual harassment :) The vokils are really deep and strong. Really fits great in the whole story. The drums are constant and I like the guitar work (in each every song, not only in this one). The 2nd song called "Removal of facial features" also starts with an intro, (not from a porn movie) :) and seems to me that's this is one of the strongest sides of the guyz, they really match the idea. Pretty tight sound at this song, it's like you can feel the hatred and brutalism coming out from it! :)

"Profanity will guide my trembling hands

Bruised and abused, you scream in fear

Balance between insanity and dementia

Unable to resist the urges to disfigure

I am the great harvest; I am the great penance…."

The last song is called "Suspended and gutted"….It's in the same vein like the previous two, but also in a way new, fresh and original! Its really awesome I discovered two great master minds, so talented and respect worthy. You should definitely check this one, I am sure everyone will find something he likes…..most of you will like the kickass guitar riffs, some of you the drums "dictation" but most of you (similar to my taste) will like the lyrics. :) At the end just go listen them.



Hails of Bullets – Of Frost and War, Metal Blade Records, (2008){reviewed by gaz}
Streuth! Slap my face with a fringe and call me 'Harry the Comb Over'. What an album we have here guys. I heard this CD months ago and have been meaning to review this for a while, but I have a radio show to run!
If you like Bolt Thrower and all war inspired death metal you are going to think you are at the Battle of the Bulge with this CD! It really is D-Day time with this album.
If we look at the album then its no surprise considering the background of the members (Pestilence/Asphyx-singer Martin van Drunen, ex-Houwitser bass player Theo van Eekelen, Gorefest-drummer Ed Warby and both Thanatos-guitarists Paul Baayens and Stephan Gebédi) that this album would destroy the audience. This has been one the stand out albums of 2008 so far and is old school war death metal at its finest, but with a pure frantic modern pace. The tracks pay homage to the war in the east during World War Two and the song titles themselves focus on the German army being ordered to Moscow against Stalin's Red army.
There is a great atmosphere to the CD and like all the Bolt Thrower albums I really fell like I'm in battle when I listen to this. I can see myself on a Tiger tank or on a Panzer heading towards the eastern lines with my battle death metal blasting out. This music should be made mandatory to go to war with! Just when you despaired at Bolt Thrower calling it a day for the time being we have an album that steps up and assaults you with an MG42 machine gun! Achtung! Achtung! Hail of Bullets has arrived and sprays a relentless barrage of mosh. My fellow death metal legions our battle music has arrived.

So musically how I can I describe it? Bolt Thrower and Dismember do an album together.
http://www.myspace.com/hailoffuckenbullets



Infidel (Turkey) – Eyes of Medusa 2008 (Self Released)

Hey guys! Oh man has this been a hard one to review. This is a disc I neither hate or love and only has two songs that I enjoy. 'Eyes of Medusa' has decent sound quality and the tracks are composed well, but there are too many other genres within the music that detract from the stand out tracks such as fatal lie and infidel world. .
'Fatal Lie' is a track that reminds me of Old School Death and has some interesting elements that appear during the introduction, which does give it a different sound. Infidel has many influences as already expressed and I can hear old school death, doom (a genre I hate with a passion lol), as well as old school hardcore (no not 99 million breakdowns hardcore).
Infidel enjoy experimenting with various styles & maybe as the band grows they will become routed to a more specific genre. I certainly hope so as their old school death songs stand out from the other tracks. You can download the demo and their 2007 release from Rapid Share and the links to the web site are available on Infidel's Myspace page (details below).
However, I will keep an eye on Infidel's future, as I am curious to see the musical direction they take.
http://www.myspace.com/infideltr

Kataplexia, Supreme Authority, Xtreem Music, 2008 {reviewed by gaz}


Who would like kicking in the face with a pair of boots? Well keep reading!
What we have here is an album that simply 'does what it says on the tin' and does not disappoint. Witness complete in your face groin wrenching brutality that is designed to do one thing and that is too make you mosh into oblivion you sweaty metal fiends!
Relentless fast pounding drums and guitars coupled with nice deep guttural vocals which is just how I like it with the piggy style vocals kept to a minimum so it doesn't sound like mr death core pants has entered the building.
Imagine your girl friend is non stop nagging at you because you would not take her to see that new crap 'Mamma Mia' film and she is going on and on, and you think "oh is there no end to your rambling!" This is exactly what you have with this album a non-stop barrage of brutality from start to finish.
The guitarists are worthy musicians and there is a technical influence behind their playing. Don't worry guys when I see technical I am not meaning anything like beneath the massacre or any scene rubbish such as that.
Good solid brutal death/slam at its finest and would be a worth purchase for any brutal death fan.

http://www.myspace.com/kataplexia

lividity-til only the sick remain cd {epitomite prod.} reviewed by patrick

the sicko's at epitomite decided it was time to unleash the lividity "classick" disk "til only the sick remain"{originally released through germany's morbid rec.} if you were one of the lucky ones to find this in it's original pressing.then you know the sick brutality that awaits you. if you missed out then i urge you not to miss out again and buy this today!! lividity are one of the "originators" of brutal porno/gore grind in the u.s and only prove you can keep it sick even after being in the scene for more than 10 years!! sick,perverse death/prono gore-grind not for the easily offended but for everyone else who enjoys the brutal sounds of death metal. get this today!!
www.epitomite.com
www.lividity.info

lividity-live fornication cd {epitomite prod.}{reviewed by patrick

lividity are a band you should all be aware of by now if you call yourself a brutal death metal fan.this is a disk of 2 live lividity shows.the first
one is the bands set from central illinois d.m metal fest 2007. 8 tracks of pure brutality that only could come from the legendary sicko's themselves.the 2nd show is from their 2007 show in germany. the sound is a little rougher/rawer sounding than the c.i.m show. but still a decent quality for a live recording {i personally hate "live" cd's that sound like they were done in a studio}if you have all the lividity studio albums then i say buy this to hear them spew their sick and vile lyrics and music.but if your unfamilar with the band i would recomend then studio albums first.
www.epitomite.com

mass obliteration-abrahamithic curse demo cdr {self-released}

with a band name like this you might expect unstoppable blasting grind. well you will be wrong.this italian brutal legion plays the more controlled heavy to mid-paced death metal in the vein of {early} grave and incantation.the band does speed things up to show it's more brutal and aggressive side on a few tracks.but can also go in the other direction and play slow almost doomish dark death metal {think cianide-a descent into hell era} this band has really put together an impressive debut demo i for one will be looking forward to hear what they do on future releases.
http://www.myspace.com/massobliterationdeathmetal

nekropsy/infidel-split cd {40 hour death}reviewed by patrick


beginning of f this split is illinois's own nekropsy.i am not sure what it is about the state of illinois but it has produced some of the best and most brutal death bands out there.and nekropsy carry the torch high with pride and honor.with 4 songs of mid-range brutal death metal.brutal well played guitar riffs and some really interesting brutal deep vocals {not guttural but still deeper than the average death metal growler} to a more gruff old-school vocal approach. the band really has i impressed me with their mix of old and newer school death metal.nekropsy will please all fans of straight-forward death metal.up next is the turkish band infidel. with 4 songs of death metal.gruff vocal approach and some really impressive guitar work.infidel showcase more of a heavier wall of musical sound. not a great band but still worth listening to.
http://www.myspace.com/necropsyx
http://www.myspace.com/infideltr

.
nocturnal fear--code of violence cd {moribund rec.}reviewed by patrick}

metal warriors gather around and prepare to be thrash and mosh!! nocturnal fear bring you 10 tracks of aggressive death/thrash that will pummel your senses and make your ears bleed.the band lets loose on the 1st track "code of violence and never let up the attack until the final chord of the last song.their is a german thrash influence {destruction,kreator} and also a early 90's u.s death/thrash movement.mixed with some death metal guitar sounds to give the guitars a thicker sound.vocals range from the gruff style of the early days of this scene with some shrieks. both thrashing and brutal death maniacs need this piece of insane thrashing death!!
www.moribundcul.com

No Souls Lost, Hostis Humani Generis, Open Grave Records, 2008.reviewed by gaz..

Another disc that I have been meaning to review for the zine for a while so lets jump straight in there eh?
After the intro we are treated to a blasting track 'Greater Pestilence' that showcases the band's powerful blast beat drumming rhythm and we can observe the Decapitated influence here in the music. I premiered this album on my radio show on its release, which was a few months ago, and it generally received a good response.
If you like powerful blast beating drumming then this disc is for you, but the band also demonstrates its aptitude to play technically and there are subtle mellow introductions to songs such as 'Metaphysics of Murder', which still retain the powerful drumming speed that consistently matches the pace of the music. The production of the album is clean, solid and tightly put together which is very good considering they don't have the financial clout of the larger well-known bands.
There are plenty of introduction tracks to other songs that serve as an intermission, and it is something everyone may not be happy with, but personally it doesn't really bother me as I just skip forward to the next song lol.
Enuma Elish is a track that goes on a little too long as it is 7 minutes in duration as well as very slow and down tuned. It does get a bit boring after 2 minutes, but 'Catatonic Death Trance' soon lays that memory to rest and gets back to producing a solid pounding assault of metal.
My only concern with No Souls Lost is the high pitch singing of the lead vocalist that I feel at times pulls the heaviness away from the band, but it is something that we can live with as the music makes up for it. I would prefer a singer with a more deep guttural tone, which we do hear with the backing vocals and maybe this will be the direction that the band takes in the future.
The cover of Carcass's 'heartwork' is a brave move and No Souls Lost succeeds in a reasonable cover version.
It is difficult selecting death metal artists from the Open Grave Records label that match the atmosphere and music featured on Decapitating The Masses radio show. However, No Souls Lost are a group that stand out to me on the Open Grave label along with Sapremia and I would recommend to readers and listeners to purchase their albums. So overall a clean professional debut for the Texas death metal band 'No Souls Lost' and at such a reasonable price you could do a lot worse.

Sapremia – With Winter Comes Despair, Open Grave Records, (2008)

Sapremia are one of the most under rated bands in the underground at the moment and its amazing how unknown they are in Europe. A fact that never ceases to surprise me, especially as I'm European. What can I tell you about the band? Well they are an old school death metal band from New Jersey, USA and have a style very much in the vein of 90's death metal that is influenced by the likes of Morbid Angel, Suffocation, as well as Immolation.
Their debut for Open Grave Records really stands out and caught my attention. I was lucky enough to hear the CD weeks before its release as I interviewed the band on my radio show (Decapitating The Masses) and I premiered the album in its entirity for Europe to hear.
If you want a CD that is well produced, cleanly put together with many good head banging parts and brutal classic death metal vocals then this CD really is for you! What we have here is a CD that quite simply says "put me on you're CD player and let my music do the talking".
The songs are well structured, composed and put together and it leaves the listener with a feeling of whoa these guys have put some effort into this release and are making a clear statement to the underground. There are so many great head banging parts on this CD guys you have got listen to it. Tracks such as 'Hollow', 'Cold War', 'Forgotten Paradise', 'Ambitious Suffering', and 'Ascension' just growl at you to get in the pit!
Anyone who listens to my radio show knows that I play these guys a lot, but also realises that I'm very honest about bands and music. I want to stress that just because I DJ a show on Open Grave Radio does not mean I like every single band on Open Grave Records. So make no mistake if I thought this was a poor CD I would have reviewed it accordingly. If you are Stateside I urge you to go to a Sapremia gig and hear these songs live.
To conclude the review it is an excellent CD that is very old school, but contains plenty of modern elements and clean aggressive vocals with some nicely structured solos on the tracks. If you buy one Open Grave artist then I suggest that you choose Sapremia. Death Metal fans will not be disappointed.

http://www.myspace.com/sapremia

sotajumala--teloitus cd {woodcut rec.}


this is my first time hearing this finnish band and i must a say it is a nice surprise.i knew finland had a strong black metal scene but not very familar with their death metal scene but this bands makes me want to learn more! the band plays straight-forward death metal with no compromise and no weak sound within these tracks.sick brutal growls,pounding mid-paced drums that come close to blasting but always seem to pull back right before going the insane blast beat sound.the guitars remind of me some early 90's u.s death metal ala cannibal corpse,internal bleeding but also have some modern brutality influence such as hate eternal and maybe some nile.ifyour tired of all the core bands or technical bands that have forgotten how to play straight forward death.check out sotajumala and be ready to get pummeled!
www.sotajumala.com
www.woodcutrecords.com

those who bring the torture-tank gasmask ammo cd {pulverised rec.}

another brutal band from finland!! but this time t.w.b.t.t go down the more grinding road of metal.the band has nice mix of old school carcass and some of the newer bands of both brutal death and modern day grind to mix a intense,insane roller-coaster ride for the listener.another plus this band has done is the top-notch crystal clear production.which the listener can hear every insane shriek/grow,every whirlwind guitar riff and of course the blasting brutal beats of the drummer.all fans of grinding intensity should look this band up.
www.pulverised.net

Some News About Death's Design Zine

Brutal hails to everyone reading this.i hope you all are having a great weekend. just wanted to drop a quick blog of some updated news.1st you will notice we have a new writer in the form of gaz! i am sure many of u familar with this page have seen all the reposted bulletins this man does a true metal warrior and good friend/support. if you are not familar with him.gaz runs the open grave internet radio show "decapitating the masses".if your a band or label please check his page out.AND READ IT as gaz only supports/plays brutal death,slam,grind,gore,SOMETIMES thrash but more death/grind oriented.and gaz always posts his "playlists" on his page's blogs and in bulletins. so check em out if you want to know if your band might get played. or better yet contact gaz.he is usally pretty fast with mail.
and second i have decided with the addition of gaz and my friend lori {reviewer},kate eternal {reviewer,and operator of embryotomy street team!! check it out} and plus all the fans/bands/labels etc. cool enough to subscribe" to these blogs.i am gonna do more frequent and updated reviews.most likely {depending on how much each of us gets done or sent to us} i would like to do monthly updates.
and finally!! i have decided to include some various thrash/speed/heavy metal reviews.of bands that are cool enough to send them. yes i know thrash/speed is not really as brutal as death or grind.BUT without thrash.there would be no brutal death,grind or any of the current genres.
thanks and enjoy the upcoming reviews..
patrick
p.s
oh yes sadly i was not able to send out alot of interviews this time around but i do have a few out so i will post them as i get them stay tuned!!

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REVIEWS

BROKEL -rebirth of the unholy cd {ablaze prod.}
{kate's review}

These incredible 4 guys are from Toluca , Mexico . Seeing that they come from this part of the world was another reason for me to get their album and immediately push the "play" button, expecting some serious talents, mighty potential and deep lyrics I can drown in! And I wasn't wrong!

This CD consists 8 brutally-chaotic songs. The lyrics are about anti-Christianity and blasphemies in general, which you can even notice from their track titles, which I personally adore! (In Baphomet's Possession; Brutal Dismember Of A Worthless Body; Forever Hating your god In Hell's Abattoir (The Night Of The Christian's Sacrifice) etc. I really am into their cover artwork. Jesus Christ's face with his crown of thorns on the head, but his half face is represented as a scull, on a brown-yellow background!

The first 30 seconds from the 1st song called "Thrones Of Supremacy" really gives you a bright idea what should you be expecting from this album which lasts approximately around 39 minutes!

As I was focusing on the mighty guitar work here, I must say that I was blown away from the drummer of this band. I found myself head banging from the start, and I could not believe what I am listening. While I was listening the shouting "Thrones of Supremacy!!!" I literary turn up the volume and imagined I was listening them live! Haven't got the chance to see one of their live performances but I will totally write them down on the list along with the others "must see" bands!

Brokel is probably one of the bands that I couldn't believe I can listen to. Don't get me wrong, they are brutal, but the thing the drags me most to playing this album again and again is their way of playing with the melodies! (I don't mean on some cheese, softly-gay melodies) :) The thing that surprised me the most is definitely their way of keeping the brutalism, and keeping that sound strong and tough, beyond the melodic riffs or drumming. On some parts, this album reminds me (in a good way!) of the old Disinters "Welcome to Oblivion" album. I really enjoy in their performance, the two vocals they have, the potential they've showed on this full-length, and representing their vision of how do they see the "Rebirth of the Unholy" through a beautifully done mix of death and black metal. Violence, Satanism on one, and melody on the other hand! Every single member of BROKEL matches perfectly in it, and in my opinion they really know where are they going, so I expect to hear more from these sick brothers of mine in the close future! "Rebirth of the Unholy" is a brand new release, but shortly took one solid place on the underground scene! From the pictures i had the chance to see, BROKEL looks like a extremely young band, I mean on the age of its members. (They are formed in 2004). So you should all just pay attention to these guys, if you don't do it now, you will sure do it later!!!

COPREMESIS -muay thai ladyboys cd {paragon rec.}

this is a band out of queens new york area.and what a release they have spewed up on to the u/g masses.no compromises,no melody just straight forward guttural brutality!the vocals as mention are pure guttural sickness the drums are a non-stop battering of blast beats with the occasional mid-paced speed to let you the listener {and the drummer i'm sure} catch your breath then it's back to punishing the drum kits.the guitars and bass are heavy thick sounding walls of intense noise and shredding mayhem.while lurking deep in the chaotic sounds you can hear some really good solo's and bass lines.most people outside of the brutal u/g might just write this band off as another clone band.but give them a good honest listen before you do that cause their is some broken hope/devourment etc style but also alot of original and brutal sounds that will appeal to fans of sick,brutal death metal world-wide.
www.paragonrecords.net

CYCLOTRON-promo/demo 08 {self-released}

it is hard to be original sounding in the death/grind scene today.but germany's own cylcotron have tried to do that with their music. they mix traditional straight forward grind intensity with a dark aura of industrial style sounds for an interesting sound of grinding industrialism.i must admit industrial.i must admit i am not a huge fan of industrial but the band has enough grind parts and intensity to keep me listening.i also enjoyed the vocal approach with instead of insane shrieks/screams like most grind bands .they use a more whispery/talking type of vocals.
this is a band and release you'll have to hear for yourself. personally i enjoyed it but it defintly has alot of different styles than just grind so if you enjoy grind with some variety you might enjoy this german band to.

DEICIDE-til death do us part {earache rec.}

i was really excited to see the new deicide was out as their last release was really good with the new line-up.and then i pushed "play" and what i heard shocked me.the band has seemed to lost their intensity that deicide is known for.i mean glen's vocals are still some of the sickest in the u/g today and even after all these years has the same intense evil growl and shriek but the band musicanship has lost the edge.i am not sure if the band just wanted to try to play a little more melodic {yes the music is still extremly fast,but in my opinion fast does not make you brutal} their are a few good tracks but over-all the release is boring {and believe i never thought i'd say that about a deicide release. only buy if you wanna waste money.

DISEMBOWEL-symptoms of decline {bmc-records} kate's review}

I must say I can't wait to start analyzing this album! :) I mean from speaking about the band, their logo, their cover, through their sound! First of all, this deranged five (5) comes from Greifswald , Berlin- Germany . They are called Disembowel, start working a few years ago. Had some line up changes but their brutalism overwhelmed them and they are now unstoppable force! "Symptoms of Decline" is their debut, this month's release, which enchants you with first of all -its look, and later with its sound! Whoever did their logo, had to be on some kind of a heavy medicine, in a positive way! Looks totally vicious and inhuman! S.O.D. offers incredibly insane artwork!!! I am pretty sure that absolutely no one can take his eyes of it, and I guess someone will use this cover as a idea for his tattoo! :)
For this debut they took a new drummer -session member, who also companions them on the live shows. And he is an extraordinary choice, believe me! Total maniac, who just rapes the drums unmercifully, giving an extremely violent, fast, brutal and complexed definition of Symptoms of Decline.

Everything is locked in perfectly in the death metal cell! The tension, fastness, brutality, intensity, power sound, hard bass line, slam parts, non-constant tempo, vicious vokills, and a killer drummer! "Symptoms of Decline" sets some wicked atmosphere, a moment that lasts for approximately 44 minutes, where you don't have the slightest idea what you will do with yourself next, and which tempo or instrument should you follow! My personal favs are: "Are You Mental?"; "Organic Machine" (kickass drums here!); "Dysfunction"; "Masticator" etc. Pure sickness coming your way!!! There's something about this album, that you don't have idea what is it, but you can feel it under your skin! And there is absolutely nothing you can do 'bout it, Just push the "play" button again, lay down or bang your ass off, get addicted and admire!

DISMEMBER-s/t {regain records}

the godfathers of swedish death metal have returned!! 11 tracks of "classic" dismember intensity,and sound that only dismember can deliever.so many bands "claim" this or that about themselves but dismember have always let their music do the talking for them.matti karki's vocals are still sick and intense as ever.the guitar sounds of david b.and martin p.
have never sounded more intense or precise.and the drumming of thomas d. is something to be heard! intense pounding beats of brutality.this will please all fans of dismember and death metal fans in general get this masterpiece!!!
www.regainrecords.com

EVISCERATED-s/t cd {amputated vein rec.} Kate's review


Eviscerated is a 5 piece death metal band hailing from EAST BAY, California, U.S.A. They are presenting a pretty tough death metal, with complexed attitude but on the other hand, combined with some melodic parts, and double vokills attack! When I saw their cover artwork (which by the way is made from one of the masters of today's visions of brutalism -Mike Majewski, I knew what can I expect so I prepared myself for the most brutal ride in the death tunnel! And that's what I've got! Every song on this first album (and there are exactly 10) has a unique Eviscerated stamp!

The album is self- titled (has the exact same name like the band); and it lasts for approximately 41 minutes.

The variety, and differences - different styles in this album are (by my opinion) coming from different ages of the band's members, which is good, cause we have people from 16 to 20 years old. I guess this is why its sound so fresh and unique. It's death metal, that's right, but there are lots of melodies from time to time, but they only fulfil it and richer up the sound!

It can open new ideas for the other musicians, and totally some new tastes and doors for the fans! So? Go check them out.

GOREINHALED-art of sickness {nice to eat you records} kate's review!!}

When I think of something extremely underground, sick, pervert, brutal and deranged, I think of Gore inhaled!!! It's an honour for me to see and listen such chaotic beauty these guys serve! This twisted disease was born at the end of 2002 in Majorca, Spain. They offer you an exquisite master piece of death metal- grindcore combo, with a total time of 27 minutes! The cover artwork is pretty colourful, and by that I mean that there is absolutely every single colour in it, that every our organ has it! Lots of corpses on the cover, but in a anatomy way. Colourful sketches of what kind of organs we have, their colour, form, and shape.

I would really like to meet in person these sicko's, I am totally amazed from their entire ideas! "The Art Of Sickness" is an awesome definition and vision of GoreInhaled. I cannot believe what I am listening, it's one of my favourites for this year in general! And when is this album in question, it's never too loud!!!! There is really so much to say about this album, but on the other hand, I don't want to lose more time, I want to play them and bang my ass off! :)

I don't think these guys are normal; I am not quite convinced they are humans! :) They totally fucked up my head, unmercifully played with every single healthy nerve I have left! It's easier to obey and devote to some seriously-damaging head bang, then to try to pay attention or follow the rhythm. It's like your mind has been ripped off your head, and placed into some other, freaky place! :) If these sick brothers of mine commit a murder (if they haven't done one yet) :) you will totally forgive them after you listen one of their songs:"Pleasure of murdering"!!! If you find some slower, slam parts, you will be also executed by them!

There is absolutely nothing I would take away or add to this mighty trio! Where did you come from?! I cannot stop listening them! I played the cd, unaware that some serious, chaotic, extreme complexity is overwhelming me! The bass line is shredding you, leaving small chunks behind… And the vokills? That just a too morbid picture for you to handle!

Heaving earth-july 2008 promo {self-released}
kate's review}

Heaving Earth Is an Extreme Death Metal Act of 4 sicko's hailing from Prague, The Czech Republic. I really am not too surprised from this kind of band, if I think over twice about their origin! Anyway this promo cd contains 2 songs; the 1st one is called "Vultured Vision" and the 2nd one is "Concepted Backwards". The total time of this cd is around 8 minutes, but its pretty much enough time to see what you are dealing with. Speaking of the songs, I must say I prefer the 2nd one more. It's kind of reminding me of Hate Eternal and some Morbid Angel! It's a death metal band that knows his "job" pretty well…there are some melodic riffs, but still complexed. The drummer never ends, and the vocal is making you intense! Pretty good atmosphere. You should check them out, I am sure I will be hearing some more brutalism from these guys in the close future.

Interview With GAZ/Decapitating The Masses Radio Show

interview with gaz d.j/operator of open grave radio show "decapitating the masses".done by patrick

1.metal hails brother!! thanks for taking the time to fill this out.please tell the readers a little bout yourself. Hey bro np. Well I'm a twenty something lunatic that dj's on Open Grave Radio & hosts the show 'Decapitating The Masses'. My favourite genre of music is death metal, but I also like some grindcore and a little thrash, but I have an intense hatred of metal core, scene hardcore, emo, comb overs & scenesters in general. I believe they all should have to pay an oxygen tax.


2.when did you first get the idea to start a radio show? what would you say is the easiest part of the show,and what is the hardest part of doing a show? Just a spare of the moment thing one day. Open Grave Radio were advertising for djs & I thought I'd give it a shot. I had tried to get slots before in my local area but no one will look at you unless you are a scenester or kiss a venues arse and play mainstream shite all night I won't do that. I care too much for metal to sell out like that. Easiest part of the show? Lol bashing core and shitty genres of music on air and of course playing mosh. Hardest part is trying to stay sober lol & erm remembering to get through shout outs as they tend to pile up if you put them off too long lol & trying to fit everyone's requests in the show.

3.how has the response been so far from the bands,labels,fans? and for the readers who have never heard the show how would you best describe it ? Amazing and pretty over whelming to be honest. Had tons of positive feedback and emails from places where I thought whoa someone listens to us over there. Great! The only label that contacts the show is our own 'open grave'. Never heard anything from any other label yet. Fans have been great and I do the show for them it's a hobby and as long they enjoy it then that's all tha matters to me. LOL describe the show? hmm drunken, comb over bashing, full of mad ads that bash comb overs, erm and brutal proper metal. It's a crazy show and that's not just the music, but hey I'm always honest with people and won't bull shit them. People will prob think I'm a lunatic when they hear some of ads rofl but its me and ma mates just having a laugh when we are hammered and I don't wanna be boring and just sit there saying "oh yes next we have so and so".


4.the show is broadcast through open grave radio.how did you come in contact with them? how is it working with/for them? Well I was already friend's with James from Open Grave Records and the guys from Sapremia, and Open Grave Radio added me one day on myspazz and as I said earlier 1 day I thought what the hell I'll give it a go and apply for a dj slot. It's going good bro and we are growing as a station and we have djs now that cater for certain types of music so people can tune in to the appropriate shows and hear their favourite music. Couple of massive shout outs to James, Megz, Metal Mark, my bro Night Goat, for all their killer support & friendship. I want to thank Metal Mark (Audio Aggression, Open Grave Radio, lol shameless plug) & Megz & James (Open Grave Records) for giving me a break.


5.how many hours a day/week would you say it takes to prepare the "decapitatig the masses" show? Hmm depends how many requests you get and if u have to sort out airplay for bands but I'd say about 3 hours a day, sometimes 5. Tons of promoting u have to do which is time consuming. I never stop really I'm always on the lookout for new music and if I hear something or pick something up from a store I'll put it in the show.

6. if any bands/labels are reading this what styles of metal do you play/support? and how can they get in touch with you if they want to get their band played/featured on the show?
Death Metal, Brutal Death Metal, Grindcore, Slam, Death Grind that's it, oh if u are death thrash we will play ya but nothing else. U can contact us at decapitatingthemasses@googlemail.com or are our myspazz page myspace. com/decapitatingthemasses you can also contact our street team which kicks arse! Lol at decapitatingusastreet@googlemail.com or their myspazz page myspace. com/decapitatingusastreet

Metal Core (comb over core) can fuck off, scene hardcore can also fuck off with ya shitty 2 steps, melodeath please piss off, its gay, no black metal as its for homos, definitely no folk metal. I hate that forest roaming shite. No Deathcore either!

7. in your opinion what is the best and worst thing about the u/g today? and what does the term "metal underground" mean to you? Worst is the shortsightedness of some people and bands/organisations/venues/clubs that won't support anyone who isn't a part of their little click or circle. The good is discovering true people/bands that actually care about the music & their metal community. True Metal Underground – not comprising or selling out with trends or catering for the mainstream masses, but the true definition for me is something my good friend Stritty started a while ago and its a concept decapitating the masses has taken onboard and our street team also believes in this. 'Unity', quite simply support who supports you.

8.allright brother we have reached the end of the interview.thanks again for doing this on such short notice anything you would like to say to the readers before we end?
We will always strive to bring you head banging mosh every week and never will compromise with scene core fucks or commercial bastards. Thx for the support ev1 and it would take me ages to list you all but the unity brotherhood/sisterhood u know who u all are and u have my support through and through guys....

Interview With GRIND ON And Divine Torture Webzines

Interview with aaron editor of grind on!! web-zine
done by patrick..


1.brutal hails aaron hows your weekend going so far? please tell the readers a little about yourself.

Hey man, weekend's been going pretty good so far. Well, first off, I play drums for the old school style death/grind band, Internal Malice. And I also help run the Tennessee Deathmetal website a little. Since my band has some down time while the search for new members is underway, I decided to become more involved with the deathgrind scene in a new way, so I started GRIND ON!! to help bands, labels and everyone else involved in the underground the best I possibly could.

2.when did you all decide to create grind on! web-zine? i know you have another friend who is co-editor along with you please introduce them and any other "writers" you all may have.

I actually am the only one working on the site right now as far as interviews, reviews and promotion for bands. Matt is a good friend and a fellow TNDM colleague. He and myself have been brainstorming a lot together during all of this. He is very busy because he is actually the head runner of TNDM, but should be helping me out very soon with the site. As far as web design, structure, and promoting the zine itself, my fiancée Allison has been a terrific help with that department. Seriously man, I would not be half as far as I am right now if it wasn't for her. And also at the moment, I'm interviewing new writers and anyone that would like to help out with the zine. What mainly made me decide to start the zine was the current state of the death metal scene. There are so many amazing bands out there that deserve to be heard, while some of the bigger bands that I've been listening to for years have been selling out and changing their styles left and right. There are so many great things about the world wide death metal scene, but it still has its problems at times. I just wanted to help preserve the music that I love, and do my part ushering in some of the newer up and coming talents.

3.who are some bands you have had the chance to interview so far? are there any upcoming interviews the readers/fans should watch out for? if you had the chance to opportunity to interview one band or label past or present who would be your dream interview?

Well, so far I've only really released an interview with Ex Dementia, and Infinite Defilement, a one man grind project from Melbourne Australia. I've got interviews pending currently with Pathology, Gruesome Stuff Relish, Embalmer and the sick and twisted gore artist, Putrid that I'll be releasing very soon! I'll probably be interview several other bands very soon. And Matt has some lined up as well. As for a dream band to interview.. Probably Broken Hope, Carcass or Impetigo, seeing as how they are some of my favorite bands that would be death metal hall of famers, if there ever was one, haha.

4.looking at your web-zine and your myspace page it is pretty clear your favorite styles are brutal death and grind/gore.what is it about these styles you enjoy so much?

I actually enjoy different genres of metal for different reasons. Old school death metal groups like Embalmer and Ex Dementia keep the feel of the classics alive, whilst bands like Pathology, Atrocious Abnormality, Kraanium and several others are bringing in the new style of brutal death metal that involves precise and amazing musicianship. And I love goregrind and horrorgrind bands like Blood Freak, Gruesome Stuff Relish, and Frightmare because of the lyrical content and horror film art concepts, which other than brutal music, is my favorite hobby, collecting horror flicks. There are just so many awesome bands out there that bring in their own terrific unique sound and style that should be heard.

5.how many hours a day/week would you say you spend writing/working on the web-zine? what would you say is the easiest and the hardest parts of doing a zine?

Christ man, I started this shit a couple months ago, and it has consumed my life. I work on it everyday, but at least four days a week, I'm working on it ten to twelve hours a day at the least. There is so much to be done, and the outpouring of positive responses is amazing, which makes me want to keep working even more. The hardest part is actually keeping up with and unearthing all of the news that is spread out across the death metal globe. Also just keeping up with the goals that I give myself has been extremely difficult, haha. I have so much shit going on that I have to work double time to stay above ground. I really do love it though, and in no way plan on slowing down, but actually doing more in the future. The easiest thing is probably just meeting new people, and having the opportunity to work with bands and labels that are in this for the same reasons I am, which is to improve the scene and put out the best tunes that they possibly can. I also love reviewing cds, and take great pride in my work.

6.have you ever written for any other zines before grind on!!? if yes which ones. who are some of your favorite web/fanzines?

No, this is my first, and it's been a great experience. I definitely intend on keeping it up. As for favorite webzines, I honestly haven't visited many others since I started mine. I mean it's got nothing to do with competition; I just want to be as creative as possible and not rip any other great zines off. To be honest, I don't even know if what I am doing is up to par with most other zines, I am just going in the direction I feel is appropriate for me, and with all of the positive words from bands, metal fans, labels, and all other places, I feel as though I am doing what I should. I am more than willing to work with other zines, and cross promote with them, I just don't want to get inspiration from them. Keeping GRIND ON!! different from everyone else, helps both myself and other fanzines equally, because it makes it to where we all offer something very different from each other, and keeps the people circulating from all of our respective organizations.

7.you all live in the state of tennessee. what is the scene like there? are there any killer bands that you can recomend to the readers?

It really depends on where you are in the state. Nashville has some pretty big bands that come through, but the local scene is kind of dead. To be honest, anything on the east of the state is where it's at, with the exception of bands like Whore Hammer and Exenterated. But in east Tennessee, you have some fucking great local shows, and a lot of great bands like Coathanger Abortion and my buddy Matt's band SKEW, which are both great. There are a lot of bands in that area, mentioning them all would take forever, haha. My advice if you were interested would be to check out TNDM's Myspace page.

8.well aaron thanks alot for taking the time out of your busy schedule to do this interview. do you have any final words for the readers of death's design?

Thanks a lot for interviewing me, and for helping out with the death metal underground like we all are. And thanks to everyone who has helped GRIND ON!! grow as quickly as it has in just a matter of months. Keep visiting our page, and remember, no matter what, SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SCENE. Thanks again.


interview with joanna co-editor of divine torture blog/e-zine.done by patrick
.brutal haisl joanna!! how is ur weekend so far? please tell the readers a litle bit about yourself.
Well, my name is Joanna Ohlsson. I'm 19 years old and live in a litte town in the northern Sweden. I've been playing live bass for Vomitous during the past year, and hopefully I'll be playing second guitar instead of bass in the future. I've been doing the Divine torture zine for about a year now, and it's going great! And I'm really thankful that you want to do this interview with me, hopefully it will get us some more readers than we already have!


2.when did you all get the idea to form "divine torture"? how did you all decide on the name of the zine?
I've always wanted to have my own zine since I really enjoy writing. So me and Mike decided to create a webzine together for about a year ago.
I don't really remember how we came up with the name Divine Torture, I think it was Mike's idea actually.


3.you also have a friend who helps as co-editor/writer.please introduce him and any other "writers" you may have for the zine.
The other founder of the zine is Mike, guitarist of Vomitous. Besides us we also have to writers that help us out. Andy from the band MP5K and Samuel aka Slampo, he is also in a band called State Collapse.


4.who are some bands/labels you have interviewed for the zine? do you have any upcoming interviews the readers should watch out for?
Well, we've interviewed Steve from Lust of Decay/Atrocious Abnormality, Deranged, Soils of Fate, Dead for Ten Weeks. The latest one we've done is with Brian from Regurgitation/Necrotic Disgorgement. He is one sick guy and I'm really glad to have been able to get in contact with him and to get to know him better.


5.you are a part of the godly swedish death metal scene.what is your opinion on the swedish scene? who are some of your favorite swedish bands? who are some of your other bands outside sweden?
Besides our oldschool scene, we have Degrade, Deranged, Soils of Fate to mention some bigger bands. But we are getting more and more demo bands aswell that looks really promising!
But the I really like the oldschool stuff too!
Crypt of Kerberos - World of Myths is one heck of an album! Not like the typical swedish oldschool sound though.
Hard to say some favourite bands outside of sweden since there is just too many, I like alot of diffrent kinds of death metal and there is just too many great bands to say just a few!


6. in your opinion what is the best and worst thing about the u/g? and what does the term "metal underground" mean to you?
To me it stands for one big family that is into the same thing, that supports eachother.
The worst thing about it today is that I think it's getting to big. To much bands and to little people who is listening to them. It's to many shitty myspacebands out there these days.
Also, I would have love to be a part of the tapetrading days. That sounds much more fun to send hand written mails to eatchother instead of just a e-mail. And not to care about prices and just really feel that whole close connection.


7.well my friend thank you for taking the time to do this interview do you have final comments for the readers of death's design e-zine?
Thanks alot for interviewing me!
And check out our webzine and the sickest band from Sweden, Vomitous who is about to record an EP soon!
http://divinetorture. blogspot. com
http://www. myspace. com/vomitous
And if you need help promoting your new merch, or a so called "merch girl" who sell your shirts on your tour or something like it, just write to me at my myspace and I'll see what I can do!
www. myspace. com/rectal_vomit

MENTAL KILLING SPREE Interview

interview with timm vocalist for the brutal german death horde mental killing spree!! done by patrick


.brutal hails tim!! hope the week is starting off good for you and the band.1st off thanks for agreeing to be the first featured band in our new blog of upcoming brutal bands! please tell us a little about M.K.S.

Hailz back to you Patrick! We got to thank you for this. Yeah, the week started good for us. Well, MKS is a death-metal band from Wilhelmshaven, Northern Germany (I think at the moment we are even the only there in our town, most is black metal) and we now want to spread our music a little bit more than we did before...

2.how long has the band been together? what is current line-up? how did you guys meet? Well, our current line-up (Jörg-drums, Slav-guit, Simon-bass, Me-vocs) exists since 2007, after our second guitarist left the band for personal reasons. That's also the time when we started to put a bit more of straight brutality into our music and we decided to enter a studio at the end of 2007. We are all very good friends and live in Wilhelmshaven and have known us even since school. So, we also had a lot of parties together as well in this time. We played in several constellations of Wilhelmshaven musicians and moved between Thrash and Death-Metal and the actual line-up is the one we, now that we look back, always wanted but never realized before.

3.how long did it take to write the new release? do you have a personal favorite song off of it? how has response been so far from the underground.
Our actual songs were all created in 2007, so that we decided to enter the studio (Cheers to Michael and Andreas at Rosenquarz-studios,Lübeck!) at the beginning of 2008. I can only speak for me, so, I guess, "Desensitized" and "Atrocious Generosity" are my favorite ones. The responses have been quite amzing for us so far, especially just because we are now played on a few radio stations (Hailz to Gaz at Open Grave!!)and several fanzines are doing reviews of our stuff,not to forget the lots of bands and people we met at myspace so far!! Really great killer support! We didn't expect that, we just wanted to check out, how our noise sounds for other people.

4.when did you start singing? is m.k.s your first band? do you do anything special to keep your throat healthy?who are some of your influences/favorite singers? Well, I started doing vocals since 1990 with a couple of my friends (Jörg was already drumming there), we called ourselves "Vanguard's risk" and played thrash. Sometimes the line-up changed, but the sound remained the same style. We recorded a demo tape that days called "The final awakening". After that, I don't know exactly when it was, I was the singer in a band called Second Reality (completely different line-up) and we released one demo-CD and two full-lenth-albums until 2001, when we decided to let this band die. After that, we finally gathered (Jörg, Slav and me) to play some sounds, that would be more asskicking without having a complete line-up. So, our demo is the result. No, I don't do anything to keep my throat clean, except smoking and drinking (haha). My favorite singers and influences, as I would say now, are Mike Akerfeldt and David Vincent.

5.thanks a million for your support and doing this intierview brother.anything you would like to add ? The thanks go out to you from us for YOUR great support, Patrick!! First of all, I want to wish you much success for the proceedings of your fanzines and me and the band we would like to send out thanks and cheers to all the people out there that supported us so far (especially Gaz)! See ya!! Keep it sick and brutal!