Welcome. We gladly present to you Episode4, featuring an Interview with Crimson Moonlight's Gustav, CD reviews of Protest "The Truth Enslaves Us", Imperial "We Sail At Down", free legal music downloads by various Bombworks Records bands and Ugly Records.Plus our first TRAMAtic Contest, we are proud to partner with Facedown Records in a CD giveaway of Impending Doom's new release "Nailed. Dead. Risen." See below for details.
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Interview//Crimson Moonlight's Gustav (unhuman-like drummer):
1) Good Day Gustav. Tell us your background in music and how you became the drummer for Crimson Moonlight.
Gustav>>> Hi, hmm I was raised in a music family with my mother singing and my father playing different instruments such as piano, guitar, trumpet etc. I started in a music-school with drums but it was pretty boring so after 3-4 years I left the school. And my first real interest in drumming started when me and some friends started to play different metal songs by Metallica, Sepultura and more. It wasn’t any good quality but we had a couple of gigs and I was getting more and more into extreme drumming. About the story of Crimson Moonlight: It all started when my second band “Disembowel Satan” was breaking up, and I wanted to come in a new band. I knew Petter Stenmarker (now Edin), Simon Rose´n and Alexander Orest from before and when we all meet the summer of -97 I asked them if they wanted to join a band together with me. They where all very positive, but from the beginning CM was not very serious. We decided just to play 1 show and record a lousy demotape and then brake up. But it was far more appreciated than we ever expected so we decided to continue…
2) What is the passion for Crimson Moonlight?
What does Crimson Moonlight hope to accomplish with their music?
Gustav>>> This is a question that has a pending answer, but our goal is to play music that people are getting touch by, both musically and lyrically. The passion is also to develop and grow as persons in the band and of course as musicians.
3) Since you are the drummer for such a unique and ultra heavy band as Crimson Moonlight, where do you get inspiration for such technically bound and driven drum tracks?
Gustav>>> I use to have pretty much ideas of what kind of drums that is fitting a certain part in a song, and I want to have my own style when playing the drums. I listen to different music and also trying to get inspired. But the other guys in the band use to have some ideas too if they have written a certain guitar riff. My goal of drumming is too have fun and develop as musician.
4) On Crimson Moonlight's "Veil of Remembrance" the musicianship is outstanding, and very few groups could come close to rivaling such quality. Let me ask you, how did you record such a clean sound and play so fast on the record?
I have never heard such lightning fast drumming and precision.
Is there special tuning you use?
Gustav>>> Thanks! About the recording: Everything went very fast. I recorded 7 tracks the first day and 2 songs the day after so everything was going very smoothly in the studio. We had rehearsed the songs pretty much so it wasn’t any problems. About the sound: We worked with an old friend of mine (Plec) that also produced the covenant Progress. He asked us what kind of sound we wanted and our answer was: like a tank smashing everything in its way. The drum sound was acoustic and then we sat at the mixing table and turning the wheels as much as we could haha.
5) I know in July your new EP came out on End Time Productions (Sweden), what can fans and curious music fans expect from the new Crimson Moonlight songs?
Gustav>>> Hmm the songs of this recording is a little bit different compared to Veil.. but not that much. It’s still brutal and maybe some more death metal to it. We have also re-arranged the song “Alone in silence” from our very first demo. So for the Antestor fans out there – this is a song for you!
6) About your style - are you self-taught or have you received formal training?
Gustav>>> When I get this question my normal answer is self-taught. As I said before: I have been on a school when I was young, but finding the way in double bass drums and blast beat is all my own practicing.
7) What is your drum set up like - can you send us a picture or drawing to show us [featured image at top of this post]?
Gustav>>> The setup is depending in what band I play but in Crimson I have 2 * 22 bass drums, 8”, 10”, 12” hanging toms, 14” floor tom, 13” snare drum, and of course Sabian cymbals, Pearl equipment, Remo skins, and vic firth sticks. This is a picture from the Ep recording last year.
8) As far as your occupation, is Crimson Moonlight a full-time job for each member of the band? If it is not, what do you do for a living?
Gustav>>> Crimson is not a fulltime job for anyone in the band (unfortunately) This is still a small music style. Besides playing drums I study at the university to become a teacher in school. Per is a personal assistant and Johan is working in a post office, Pilgrim is studying theology, and our new guitarist Joakim are just about to start studying.
9) As far as your live shows, what is the red paint on each of you - what does it represent?
Gustav>>> We have theatre blood on stage and it’s a symbol of our band name, When the big day comes the moon will change to the crimson colour.
10) When playing or recording, do you use any electronic tools or equipment as a drum machine, triggers, programmed percussion, sampling?
Gustav>>> On the last recording the producer wanted to have trigger microphones to pick up the signal on each drum. But other than that, this was the first time. Nowadays I have a DDrum module and triggers on my bass drums when playing live. This is very good and one of my smartest buying. You can hear each hit of the bass drum but at the same time this is one reason why some drummers don’t like it. It’s more pressure on the drummer because you hear every single hit, and since I bought the triggers I have been faster and more precise in my playing.
11) and do you play in any other bands?
Gustav>>> I play drums and write all the lyrics in Exhale (death/grindcore, http://www.exhaleswe.com/) and I also play drums in a rock band that will be called Saffire. Besides this I write some own music and I also have some other Deathmetal projects.
12) How does Crimson Moonlight distinguish themselves from other bands - although many are good - how did Crimson Moonlight come to accomplish such a captivating sound?
Gustav>>> We have always wanted to do “our” music that we like and that makes us grow as a band. But at the same time I think it is really hard to not get compared to other bands in the scene. Pilgrim maybe gives us a little more space and originality as a front person with his swords and mask etc.
13) Does Crimson Moonlight have any plans on travelling outside of Scandinavia this year?
Gustav>>> Yes we are going to play at Cornerstone outside Chicago, and later also in Holland at the Flevo festival
14) Have you considered traveling yourself to do drum clinics? I think you should come to TEXAS! Seriously.
Gustav>>> Actually I have been offered to do some clinics/seminars at a music school but I don´t know. Texas…I’m not so often in Texas but if the opportunity comes maybe I can show some blast beat and double bass ha ha!
15) Do you have any tips or advise for aspiring musicians?
Gustav>>> My tips for drummers: try to play different music styles and practice. Do it together with others and by yourself and use a metronome to get tight. There are no shortcuts, but you get results pretty fast if you play the drums 30 min a day. Always try to have fun when playing and do not compare yourself with other drummers. Everybody has their own style and I think your own style is important to develop instead of copycat someone else.
16) What is your lifetime goal?
Gustav>>> Hard question with too many answers but I try respect every other person that I meet, and I try to have a heart full with love.
17) What steps are you taking to achieve your goal?
Gustav>>> Pass
18) Is Crimson Moonlight a christian band?
Gustav>>> Crimson Moonlight is a Christian band, but at the same time 5 individuals that have different views on life. We are in some ways against religion, and do not swallow everything that are said in a church. This is a big discussion that is easier too have in person, but we all have some sort of faith that is shown in different ways. And everybody in the band has different experiences of the church. That’s why it is hard too say that we are a Christian band, because it depends on what you put in the statement Christian.
19) For those interested in listening to/checking out your music, is there a site or link readers can go to to listen to Crimson Moonlight?
Gustav>>> Yes you can visit http://www.crimsonmoonlight.com/ or our myspace www.myspace.com/officialcrimsonmoonlight
20) Do you have any parting words for readers?
Gustav>>> Thanks for support through the years, and be more than welcome to our shows, we need you! /Gustav
Thank you very much for your time and interest in supporting
HisMajesty & TransAtlanticMetalAlliance.
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TRAMAtic Contest/CD Giveaway
The first contestant to Answer the two following questions correctly and you'll be the winner. Just send me an email with the answers and we'll get you set up.
Questions:
1) who sinned first?
2) what is Impending Doom's unique style/genre of music called?
Send Answers to hismajesty_trama@sbcglobal.net
Thanks to Facedown Records for the support! www.FACEDOWNRECORDS.com
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CD Reviews:
We want introduce this section of Episode 4 for CD reviews; where we review discs and give you honest feedback you can use.CD Review Rating System:
7 strings - one of a kind, a favorite amongst hundreds
6 strings - intensely strong recording, continuous replay
5 strings - magnetic songs that squeeze the ear drums
4 strings - good overall soundif it's not good, we won't review it!
Protest
Dallas, Texas, USA
http://www.protestband.com/
"The Truth Enslaves Us"
Unlike most of the reviews, we have one from outside the christian realm we cover. The age range I would think can listen, 13 and over, PG-13.
This CD is just the right size for intense thrash/straight up metal. Each song is individualized by it's caustic vocals, eardrum numbing percussion and blistery riffs, runs and chord progressions. Among the highlights of the EP are Blood and Sand, and Killian. You can hear certain influences in the sound, so no need to throw names around, these guys deserve their own names in here... Chance Lehman (bass), Jason Burris (vocals), Jason French (guitar), Ronnie Sterling (guitar), and Jimmy Tabor (drums).
blood and sand - the first time I heard this song was visiting the protest website, it was their showcase video of highly energetic live footage. On the official recording Ronnie on rhythm guitar introduces the song with blaring speed of sound and riffage. Jason and Jimmy do a nice job of jumping in after the introduction and deliver the message of what I would consider Texas size metal; the message of "here it is,and take it!" Chance's bass adds the low end texture and sound that melds well with Jason's shrapnel beating and tongue lashing. If this were the 60s, Jason would be on a documentary of historical protests.
killian - this one leaves hook marks. Jason takes the listener into the lowerrange of his vocals. Jimmy's bass drum pedals keeps your mindspace occupied and captivated as Ronnie and Jason take the serious road in muted grinding rhythms that NYC hardcore masters would stage dive to.
CD Rating 5.7 strings
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Imperial
Pluto Records
http://www.plutorecords.com/
"We Sail At Dawn"
This approach to the CD review is different than my usual style, it will be more of a cliffs notes version, an abstract, a synopsis of sorts.
last sunrise- great teaming dual vocalists soundcatchy change ups-some of the guitar work is reminiscent of Geordie of Killing Joke and Bill Steer of Carcass. If you would like a heavy handed The Juliana Theory, then you will like this track
remember hell-captivating-raw yet clean edge to the track-the drumming reminds of of the drumwork on the Freaks release by Rigor Mortis (best release by RM)
the painter-broad chording/barre chord sounds are lined with melodies-the strings are well done, with a "rondo" influence, where the guitars are chasing each other, but stop at the same time and pick up again at the same instant-the left channel guitar infuses emotion by the notes he plays, melodic yet emotionally eruptive; let's not detract from the solid performance in the right channel
with blood comes cleansing-alternating channel guitar riffing intro reminds me of Exodus' Gary Holt-middle of the song like unto Mike Patton with vocals and guitar crafting echoing Jim Martin, both of Faith No More
In ashes I leave-string skipping adds a new layer of sound that many metalcore bands don't use, which is refreshing.
Drinking wine...-good piano introduction into the harmonies section-produces an erie feel like in the 70s' when The Eagles recorded Hotel California
Allura-this is a piano song-entails classical/symphonic high end piano notes-brings to mind the romantic tragedy of "Romeo and Juliet"
In Ashes I leave-this is a picker upper of sorts-long lasting bass notes add weight to the song, nice melodic vocals
CD Rating 6.2 strings
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Review of Episode 4 songs that have been graciously provided by bands and the labels.
Bombworks Records presents:::...Lo-Ruhamah, Angel7, HopeHasFailedUs, Comment Yet Forbidden, Dagon, and Holy Blood
Lo-Ruhamah
"The Birthright of Cain"
-quaint and melodic introduction
-the blurry black metal scream descends as the distorted guitar and bass lay into the track
-the feel of the song in general reminds me of RUSH "Fly By Night" era
-2.28 into the song, the music depicts a sorrowful reunion between melody and downtrodden
escape
-three piece band, all instruments are in equal doses without an overplaying or burden of
too much of one kind of sound
-6.00 minutes into the song the diminuendo arrives, with a blistering guitar riff/solo type
arrangement, to add the drums pound out the end of the song to a marching offset by
approximately 1/2 second
>>>>"As we Walk"
-as this work commences, the music is temperamental
-if Lord of the Rings movie series were a metal movie, this would be the sound track and
resounding theme for the movies
-in classical terms this would be the Andante movement, a walking song
-an intelligent design in song, the Black Renassaince Metal band
Holy Blood
"Vesna"
-Holy Blood is what I would call this unique blend of folk, metal, and black sounding
ambience
- Cyrillic Metal, native only to the former Russian states and Russian Republic
-from what I understand about this song it depicts the onset of the Spring season
-and for the believer, this means the constant forgiveness of sins, and at first most
importantly the salvation from God through the Holy Blood of Jesus Christ.
>>>>"WellTriedFaith"
-I love the vocals on this song
-they are almost a capella choir
-esque in presentation, but in the range of baritone and
bass singers
-again we have keys and the flute, but used with discretion and finesse
-the guitar work and drumming carry themselves as syphonic pieces outside the national music
hall
-the bass guitar serves as an accompaniment intrument, not so much as a rhythm guitar
Common Yet Forbidden
"Lake of Fire, Wake of Souls"
-I would describe this song as producing a hypersonic hook implanting feel.
-the tone of the guitars sounds early 80s thrash but arranged around a futuristic
black/technical death metal sound
-the vocals scream the truth of the Second Death, the lake of fire and brimstone, the smell
of sulfur, the truth many in power don't want you to know, that the only way of escape from
this Lake of Fire
- is indeed the Commen Yet Forbidden name of Jesus Christ
-His name is not to be taken lightly, for it carries the sin of the world and seeks the soul
to save from a burning un-ending hell
HopeHasFailedUs
"cutthroat"
-this is a short brutal thrashy piece of work
-clocking in at barely 1minute 43seconds the song plays long enough to embed it's chorus
into your long term memory
The Famine
"Fading Glory"
-this three piece machine is unstoppable and unquenchable
-riding the fine line between noise and vehement orchestration the guitar, bass, and drums
just drill the highly
-spirited rhythms into the mental registrar
-Mark Garza creates the phenominal sounscape and bounds with his percussive work
-Andrew Godwin carefully engages his guitar to consume the empty space of air-noise while
doing double duty the bass guitar
-Godwin uses slides very well on the bass guitar from high to low notes
-Kris McKaddon's vocal upheaval gives hope to the new generation of metal, a standout
blister inducing ear drum shattering roars
Angel7
"new heaven above the new land"
-the first minute or so the notes appear vapory and airy
-then you hear the seriousness of the orchestra pings while the flute
-sounds like the battle for Har Megiddo
-the second minute lights up with what is resembling the highly used and influential
balalaika playing an introductory solo
-the keyboards add a good feel to the song and carry on the tune of the song without
detracting from the overall aggression
-should I attempt to describe and applaud this effort, I will be tempted to cal it Black
Cyrillic Metal
-vocal delivery gives you the feeling of hungering for the meat of The Word, the fight for
victory, the claim of victory
Dagon
"PirateHunter"
-This song is a good metal thrash song, blarring fast drums
-guitars present a good feel and rhythm
Ugly Records presents:::...Space In Your Face
Space In Your Face
"Elements Essentials"
-nice metal song-clean strong vocals, cross between Tim The Ripper Owens and Bruce Dickinson
-guitars are tight and highly in tune with the bass guitar
-unusually unique, original and top notch
-best metal out of France in many years
>>>>"Prier Le Ciel"
-prayer unto Heaven, nice title
-you hear some electro rhythms in the back that make you want boogie down
-you can possibly hear some Korn influence, but more so, influence of psychadelic band as
Pink Floyd (with left channel guitar)
-the bass guitar is punchy and aggressive, something you can actually hear
-the interlude of the song is gothic/industrial feel like Ministry's "Burning Inside",
almost the sense of a london fog horn alerting oncoming metal
-the drums are tighter than a tight-wire and extremely precise
Be sure to download the songs, located on right side of page. They will only be available a few weeks.
Stay tuned and thanks for reading.
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