FERAL NOISE Issue #1 now available.

What is the point of producing an actual printed zine in this information saturated age? As everyone knows, the internet is an instant volcano of up to date news. Gone are the days of relying on printed matter as a valuable outlet for news, especially in the music industry. Magazines, periodicals, zines, whatever you want to call them now seem to be catered only to the dedicated reader. Also the pool size of extreme music publications has decreased, particularly in the DIY zine arena. The black hole of countless music websites and blogs is single handedly destroying the demand for printed matter. Eagerly waiting for a new magazine to discover the current is a notion that is now half dead and rotting on a pile of diseased fecal matter.
So the obvious has been stated, back to the original question: why make a zine? For one, it is for my own personal entertainment, but two, to produce each issue as a solid statement in time, a microcosm of what events transpired during the current issue’s print time. It is a piece for reading in the present and a relic in the future for reminiscing.
Websites eventually get deleted and all that information vanishes into cyberspace. However a zine is something in the physical world, something that can be touched, an item that can be collected. Basically a testament that will remain in your possession forever, well until you wipe your ass with it or trash it.
Now with that boring garbage out of the way, I will discuss the real highlight of this publication - the bands! This first issue is across the board in that regard, some are long standing war torn titans and others are fairly new powerhouses looking to get their name abroad. Although they have slight stylistic differences, two things they all have in common are a self driven motivation and an unquestioned savagery. All are extremely proactive in playing shows, recording and doing their part in support of their respected scenes.
Being a fan of all bands present, I was extremely excited in regard to the content. Included is a nice conversation with Cryptos as he gives some insight about his Wraith Metal horde, Spectral Manifest and the ever present Dread Lair label. Also is an information saturated interlocution with Austin’s extremely busy black metal entity Humut Tabal. To add to the great roster, I was extremely pleased to have longtime Houston underground legends Krullur on board, as they discussed their current resurgence and some memories from the past. Also we have Brimwylf, the band formerly known as Iapetus. They are a relatively new group that brings a fresh black metal approach with a rock feel. Another treat is from the popular San Antonio black metal dwellers Plutonian Shore. They were gracious enough to give an interesting personal interview. To top all that off is the bonus DVD! That piece of plastic includes promo videos and live footage.
Overall, I am pleased with this debut issue. It took some time to get all the content together and completed. Unfortunately a few bands did not make the deadline, however I look forward to having them included in the next issue. With that being said, Texas is a state chock full of great bands. So having a shortage of groups to include in forthcoming releases will never be a problem.
For those in Houston, the current issue can be found at these fine establishments: Sound Exchange, Vinyl Junkie and Domy Books.

BELOW THE RUINS

Here is the third version of the “Below the Ruins” video. Initially, the first version was hastily thrown together. Mainly it was just to have something extra on a DVD promo. That version was a compilation of home videos of cathedrals.
Unsatisfied, I put together a second version. I added footage from the Christopher Lee classic film Horror Hotel (which is in public domain). Anyone who has seen the film knows what a great, creepy atmosphere it has. For that reason, it is one of my favorite films. Years ago, Iron Maiden also used clips from the movie in their “Bring your Daughter to the Slaughter” video. So my idea of using it was not original, but none the less I had the urge to do it.
Finally, I decided to re-edit it again with shots of the band playing. In this final version, I feel the true essence is present. The visual properly represents the song’s slow, brooding style.

Encore Records: R.I.P.

This is somewhat old news, but it still enrages me: Encore Records closing its doors! Absolutely terrible news! I feel as if one of my favorite relatives has just been executed. Over the years my many trips to Austin always included the mandatory stop at Encore. This place has…well HAD a phenomenal metal section. A two hour minimum was always required in going through their stock. For me, Austin will never be the same.


http://www.austinchronicle.com/blogs/music/2011-12-16/encore-records-closing/

Brimwylf - Studio Report

Here is a short piece documenting Brimwylf's (formerly Iapetus) recent studio sessions. Also a preview of the bonus DVD that will be included with the first issue of the FERAL NOISE zine.

Rites of Darkness

This past weekend, I took a journey to San Antonio for the Rites Of Darkness Fest. In the days leading up to the show, there were many cancellations and questions about the event. I am not sure of all the details regarding that and honestly don’t really care. My only concern was that the show actually took place. With all the drama aside, I must say it was a great time. Everything was handled professionally, the sound was perfect and all the bands present were great.
For me the highlight of the entire gig was Chicago’s Cianide. Seeing them live was quite special for me. Ever since hearing their debut Grindcore Records release, The Dying Truth, I have followed them. They finally came to Texas. After many years of waiting, I was not disappointed. They performed a variety of tracks taken from their respectable discography. Although it was a full set, I preferred they played another hour.

Midnight, one of my other favorites, played a great set. Actually I think they stole the show. Black Witchery also delivered during their stage time of spreading sickness. Houston luminaries PLF and Blaspherian brought the intensity to reinforce their already known reputations. All the bands were great, but I am not going to review everyone of them. Anyone who was there knows exactly what I am talking about.
A comical highlight was the actions of an extremely intoxicated Neanderthal man. Apparently, the guy had way too much to drink at the gig. Outside, as the rain poured down, he was on his hands and knees puking his brains out while the seat of his pants was completely saturated with gobs of shit. The amount of shit on his pants looked like enough to come from three people. I thought GG Allin was dead? Some concerned concert attendees tried to help the man to his feet, but his response was, “Get the fuck away from me bitch. Hail fucking Satan!” The drunken yeti clumsily jumped to his feet, took off running sideways as more vomit poured out of his mouth, then slammed into a concrete wall. Not sure who he was, but I definitely sympathize for him…but also thank him for providing the entertainment.
Of course there was a massive amount of vendors present. I picked up quite a few CDs, most were good choices. However there were a few disappointments. I used the old 80s approach in buying music, look for unknown releases with interesting covers. Unfortunately I got raped on a couple of them. But no big deal, I will just add them to my under the bed collection of shitty CDs.

Humut Tabal "Ode To Misanthropy - This I Swear" Promo Video

Finally after hours of editing, here is the Humut Tabal promo video for the song "Ode To Misanthropy - This I Swear." This is a preview of what to expect on the bonus DVD of the upcoming debut issue of FERAL NOISE. This song was taken off the Humut Tabal / Plutonian Shore split EP released by Dread Lair.

Feral Noise Issue #1 - Coming Feb. 2012!

The best toilet side reading material you will find. The digital media age is upon us, but the DIY printed zine format will never be dissolved. Feral Noise is an independent publication that focuses on all forms of extreme music: Black, Death, Grind and Noise.

This debut issue features: Bound in Flesh, Iapetus, Spectral Manifest, Plutonian Shore, Humut Tabal and more!
Also included will be a bonus DVD filled with promos, live footage and interviews.