“One gloomy evening in early April, I sat down for a Zoom call with German black metal machine, Noise, the mysterious creative mind behind Kanonenfieber, Leiþa and Non Est Deus. As something of a fanboy—Kanonenfieber’s outstanding Menschenmühle was my 2021 Album of the Year and this year’s Leiþa scored ROTM for January—it would be fair to say I was excited.” Noise exposure.
Interviews
Interviews with Bands
Interview with Project: Roenwolfe’s Alicia Cordisco
“On a video call from Tucson, with her playful dog Kansas and a huge Visigoth poster in the background, Alicia Cordisco filled me in on what she’s been up to. A prolific metal guitarist and occasionally, singer, with plenty to say, she’s a joy to interview, speaking extemporaneously on her community within the metal scene, the joys of Manilla Road (“they’re the greatest band ever and I will accept no other option”), and the challenges of coming out and of living as a trans woman.”
An Interview with Rimfrost and Son of Sam
“Below I’ve tried to compile the highlights of the amazing hour-and-a-half conversation I had with the guys. Though I tried to keep it focused, professional, and kid-friendly, I have failed. I know what you’re going to say, Steel, but it wasn’t my fault.”
Interview with Tony Thomas of Dawn of Ouroboros
Join Master of Muppets as he discusses many things with Tony Thomas of Dawn of Ouroboros.
Mental Health Awareness: Interview with Northern Crown’s Zach Randall
As part of of our ongoing series on mental health awareness in metal, we sit down for a chat with Zach Randall of Northern Crown.
The Art of Labelling – Pt II
Join us for the second part of our look behind the bands themselves, into what the independent metal labels do to get music to your turntables.
The Art of Labelling – Pt I
“The more time I’ve spent reviewing stuff on this here blog, the more I’ve begun to take note of record labels, to the point now that certain labels generate certain expectations for an album. With that realization, I became more interested in labels, how they work and the people behind them.” Behind the music lies the work.
Mental Health Awareness: Interview with Nils Groth of Heretoir
“Nobody likes being depressed, plain and simple. It inherently brings us somewhere cold, dark and painful, and conversations centered around the subject can often lead to similarly unpleasant destinations. As important and necessary as communication is, whether we’re struggling with mental distress or walkin’ on friggin’ sunshine, depression and anxiety are often able to plant themselves directly between the affected individual and their ability to effectively convey their struggles—and that sucks, yo.”
Mental Health Awareness: Interview With Tom from Ancst
“When it comes to discussions about serious topics—religion, politics, mental illness — I have found many people prefer to steer clear. Occasionally that’s an appropriate stance. These are difficult and delicate subjects and sometimes the circumstances are just not right for them. But this isn’t one of those times. Today, I approach one particular subject, that of mental health awareness, frankly.”
Mental Health Awareness: Interview with Déhà of Slow/Déhà
“I have never had such a candid and comfortable conversation about this most miserable of subject matter with anyone before my discussion with Déhà, the mastermind behind Déhà and Slow, among others. It is my sincere hope that someone out there will read these words and feel the same level of support and understanding that I felt as they transpired, and it is all but certain that this will forever be the post that I am most proud and humbled to have contributed to this great Hall ov ours.”