Sept/Oct Issue Posted!!!

Finally got around to posting up the current issue of the zine.Masami decided to be silent for this issue so no poems this time around.All reviews were done by yours truly!!

Reviews by Joe:

Frightmare "Midnight Murder Mania"LP Review, Coven "Witchcraft Destroys Minds and Reaps Souls" LP Review,Merchandise "Total Nite" EP Review,Michael Rice "Endless Tour" LP Review and Kilimanjaro Dark Jazz Ensemble "Here Be Dragons" LP Review

Enjoy...Also Happy Halloween,All Hallows Eve and Samhain to all...

Kilimanjaro Dark Jazz Ensemble "Here Be Dragons" LP Review

Kilimanjaro Dark Jazz Ensemble “Here be Dragons” LP

  

 One band that I can’t stop listening to as of late is The Kilimanjaro Dark Jazz Ensemble. The band is a mix of atmospheric and jazz sounds, often heard in drone and dark ambient.  The added classical elements led the band to coin the term “dark jazz” describing their sound. The band was formed by a couple of art graduates named Jason Konhem(Bong Ra) and Gideon Kiers(Telcosystems).  They decided to create music that could be placed over some of their favorite short films like F.W. Murnau’s  (Nosferatu) and F. Lang’s (Metropolis). Originally creating music as a duo, the band would later go on to form a 7 piece mini orchestra that featured trombone, violin, cello, drums, guitars, bass, electronics, and vocals. Their second release, “Here be Dragons”, is sonic maelstrom of dark atmospheres that draws the listener in one track at a time. The atmosphere this record gives is a very dark yet elegant sound. It almost reminds me of the kind of music you would hear playing in a darkened lounge while ghosts are dancing to the enchanting melodies. The band doesn’t go overboard on the instrumentation either. Everything fits into place and comes in at the right moment, never ceasing to disappoint. I recommend this to open-minded listeners and people who just want to relax to dark chilling tunes.

Michael Rice "Endless Tour" LP Review

Michael Rice “Endless Tour:” LP”

 I recently stumbled upon Michigan ambient artist, Michael Rice, and decided to check out some of his material. I was impressed by what I heard online and decided to check out his recently released LP, “Endless Tour”. The LP is riddled with cinematic ambient pieces, together with effect laden guitar passages and possible hints of synths that create surreal and dream like soundscapes.   Those sounds alone will take you away from reality with every listen. Michael Rice definitely knows how to hit a chord, especially on highlighted moments with tracks like “Ill Omen” , “Dab Tsog”, “Big Drift” and “Dark my Dreams have been of Late” Pt. 1 and 2. I can easily see this stuff being used in silent films or even movie soundtracks. I recommend this material to fans of Final, Braveyoung, Sunn o)) and Barn Owl.

Merchandise "Total Nite" EP Review

Merchandise “Total Nite” EP

   Local Tampa Bay Post Punk/Dream Pop/Shoegaze band, Merchandise, have come a long way from their humble beginnings as a bedroom project that never even had the attention to play live in the early days. Founders Carson Cox (vocals/guitar) and David Vasseolitti (guitar) have not only expanded the lineup, (Patrick Brady (bass) and newly acquired drummer Elsner Nino), but have also managed to grow as musicians. If you want further proof, check out their latest EP “Total Nite”. While the band doesn’t stray from its signature post punk/noise pop roots, the material seems to tread into newer territory while not going overboard.  This can be heard on “Who Are You” and the title track, “Total Nite.” The first track features harmonica melded with the various noises created, and the latter which features saxophone.  Even though the band incorporates noise elements into the music, the elegance of the songs aren’t buried or lost in the mix. When I listened to this album, especially on “Anxiety’s Door” and “I’ll be Gone”, I definitely see Merchandise carrying on and not being afraid to expand even more on their current sound. 

Coven "Witchcraft Destroys Minds and Reaps Souls" LP Review

Coven “Witchcraft Destroys Minds and Reaps Souls” LP.

  Everything has a beginning, and going back to the era of the late 60s early 70s, you can’t discuss the era without mentioning satanic rock band, Coven. The band’s first record, “Witchcraft Destroys Minds and Enslaves Souls” along with Black Sabbath’s self-titled record, were among the first heavy metal albums. I love the contrast of the 70s/acid rock feel to it, intertwined with occult themes that are made apparent, with song titles like “Black Sabbath”, “Dignitaries of Hell”, “The White Witch of Rose Hall”, and Wicked Woman”. Singer Jinx Dawson’s voice is elegant but menacing, and her passion can be definitely felt within the songs on this album. The closing black mass piece also added to the dark presence on this album. This year marks the album’s 44 year existence and still makes an impact after all these years.

Frigtmare "Midnight Murder Mania" LP Review

Frightmare “Midnight Murder Mania” LP 
  
   The B horror genre has definitely caught the attention of a crowd starting as far back as the Misfits back in the late 70s and Mortician in the late 80s/early 90s.  This Portland, Oregon death thrash/grinders band, Frightmare, has taken it to a new extreme starting off with their debut LP “Midnight Murder Mania”. The debut LP, which came out back in 2002 on Razorback Records, definitely defines the band’s obvious love for horror films of the 70s and 80s.  The machete-slicing guitar work of band mastermind, Maniac Neil (Blood Freak/Lord Gore/Whore), is definitely one of the highlights on this record, along with the depraved vocal work of Grisly Adams (Lord Gore/Fornicator/Blood Freak).  The band seems to create a disgusting mix of thrash/grind/punk/death/ and gore that would complement any old school B horror flick.  The band’s old school punk/thrash roots are also blended with elements of death and grind. This album is the perfect companion to the B movies, particularly with record tracks like “Crospy”, “Friday the 13th”,”Black Christmas”, and “My Bloody Valentine”.  This record for me is one of my personal favorites!!