Mass Ritual III at Blackhole 212 (31/07/10)

(Click on poster to view and RSVP to the event)

Presented to you by the showstopping Jaarvis from Lights Out Inc, the third installment of the Mass Ritual series is being held at Blackhole 212 on Saturday 31st July from 5pm onwards and the line up alone is worth the ticket price! Featuring the terrorisers known to the metal community as Humonguos C, Zaganoth, Chaosinfernos, Abyssal, Xanadoo, Thy Fallen Kingdom and Wormrot, it is the last event to send July off into orbit until the next year. In light of the recent dark skies that has befallen the island nation with torrential rain, those seeking to get a tan will definitely get roasted in the pits of Blackhole 212 in the presence of the metalocalypse and they will not just bring the thunder, it will be ground breaking lightning served up by the best in Singapore!

Chronicles Of Reverence: Max Schreck

This dapper European gentleman is one Max Schreck: An accomplished actor with the Munich theater and has a speciality for a certain genre. To find out more, simply click on the photo to access this month's Chronicles Of Reverence at sdam.sg

Absinthe Heart double feature: Chateau Of Grotesque

Its dark, gory and nothing is spared: It is the Absinthe Heart double feature special with the Chateau Of Grotesque Volume 1 and you can read all about it by clicking on the picture to access sdam.sg

Meteoor: Wishblaster (Age Of Sinfonia)

It has been undoubtedly a productive year for local symphonic goth metal band Age Of Sinfonia as the year 2010 kicks off with a change of personnel, constant gig appearances and most importantly, adding the final touches to their upcoming EP album Capriccio. In an interview conducted by Metal Horde Singapore, I had the opportunity to interview Age Of Sinfonia days after their performance at the Singapore Street Festival and present the questions that local listeners wanted to know about via email and social networking sites with the band eagerly giving their responses in return
Age Of Sinfonia

(From Left: Elfie, Dr Jackyll Hyde, JC, Savvia Lenore, Andy Swift & Rasen John)
Metal Horde Singpapore (MH): Congratulations on your recent performance at *Scape (as part of the Singapore Street Festival) What were the emotions that were running through your mind before going onstage?
Elfie: It was an emotional roller coaster ride. Though every gig makes us more confident and more prepared, I guess all of us have an added responsibility of not wanting to disappoint. For me personally, it’s more of getting all the co ordinations right. To ensure that all the parts we play and the delivery of the songs is right. Most of us are perfectionist and we do want to give our best with minimal mistakes on stage. All the co ordinations and running through the whole image with showmanship and interactions, it’s a daunting task. But when the whole set is over, I guess all of us were glad that we gave 100%. Playing at an open air event, its comfortable performing in front of friends and families, but its the task of performing in front of unknown people is where we find most challenging. It’s how we deliver to the audience and getting them feels our music that is difficult.

MH: It is heartening to note that fellow symphonic metal band Abyssal had the chance to perform at the Victoria Concert Hall and Meltingsnow slated to perform at this year's Baybeats festival. Is it time for Singaporeans to sit up and notice their local talents?
Andy: Definitely! Our local musicians have the potential to go further but the fact is that our country is small and resources are limited. It would have been different if we were all in Europe and America. Most bands would have made a living playing music. But there’s a remarkable support now as compared to a decade ago and Singaporeans are beginning to appreciate local talent. There are more gigs and enthusiast like yourself and Metal Horde trying to do things for local music. That itself is very forthcoming.

MH: Going back to basics: What is the history behind Age of Sinfonia?
Rasen/Jack: Jack and I were very into symphonic metal/power metal bands like Nightwish, Epica, Dragonland, Adagio and etc. We decided to form a band, play music that we like and write our own originals. Things weren’t smooth sailing as we had a lot of line up changes due to direction and commitment issues and that was until we found the best candidate for drums (Elfie). Andy (Bass) was the next addition when Elfie strongly recommended his brother to us. Jack had the idea of having a violinist so as to enhance our music. That’s where we roped in JC (Violins). We had Savvia as the latest addition with her stunning sopranos. That made us complete. The current line up has been playing together for four months.


MH: Savvia, did you have any experience performing onstage prior to joining Age of Sinfonia?
Savvia: I have been performing since I was young, throughout my schooling and non school-related life. I’ve been on stage as an emcee, an actor, a singer and a musician. It’s been quite while since I’ve stepped foot on stage though, so I must admit I’m quite rusty.

MH: Something that I have highlighted in my recent review of the band was the fact that the band only has one guitarist as opposed to two that is being employed by most bands to handle lead and rhythm duties respectively. How does guitarist Rasen John cope with doing both parts?
Rasen: When recording, I had the solo played over my rhythm layers. When playing live, some of the solos I had to improvise a little because I have to play the rhythm right after the solos. I have few patches on my effect to change between lead, rhythm, clean sounds and definitely as the only guitarist I would have to do more switching between my pickups and zoom effects pedals. Thank zoom for the fast switching between patches so I can conveniently handle the rhythm and lead.


MH: How does violinist JC bring her talents into the foray and at the same time bring balance between symphony and metal for Age of Sinfonia?
JC: The beauty of the Violin is that it can be either a support or lead instrument. In symphonic metal, we tend to hear a lot of strings in the background which can be created with the keyboards. Imagine an Orchestra - the violin creates a fuller sound to complement the layers of strings from the keyboards during verses, and adds to the build up at the chorus. Sometimes, Jack composes more structured classical styles, and other times we go crazy improvising with distortion effects using “Metal Zone” guitar pedals! I guess it really is up to us to create a sound befitting for Symphonic Metal.


MH: Tell us about your upcoming EP that was being played in its entirety at *Scape on Friday
JC: I won’t reveal too much for now but we hope it’s something different for local music in general.

MH: Is there a story or a subliminal message that runs through the upcoming EP?
Savvia: Well, the lyrics I write are inspired by things around and within me. Every song I write either tells a story or has a message behind them, but I wouldn’t consider them subliminal, that sounds too sneaky, haha. But I don’t think I want to reveal too much about what my message or stories are before the EP is out as that may alter the perspective of a first person listener. You guys enjoy it for yourself first and perceive it your own way. Besides, every song holds different meanings for different people. =)

MH: How do you deal with criticism, especially with the inevitable comparisons that are being made with your Western counterparts?
Jack: It’s nice to be compared to other Western bands but we do prefer to have our own identity and originality. Though we have influences from symphonic metal bands, we do hope that we don’t sound like any one of them. It’s for the audience to relate and appreciate. We will always do our best to improve on our shortcomings. I’m also glad that the boys and girls from AOS are one dedicated and disciplined bunch. We do practice hard to improve ourselves constantly.

MH: Juggling a day job and a passion is an uphill task, how do you guys find the time to play together as a band?
Savvia: Our sessions are usually at night to accommodate to our work and schooling schedules. But, I guess for us music is our sanctuary and so juggling the band is not really an “uphill task”. It’s more of a joy and a wonderful stress reliever; it’s what all of us look forward to at the end of our work and schooling day.
Elfie: Definitely stress relievers for all of us, because it’s escapism from the real world.

MH: What plans does Age of Sinfonia have in store for the future?
Elfie: For now, to release our EP, entitled Capriccio. We’re in the production process and we are working towards releasing it in July/August. Then maybe play a couple of promo gigs. Tentatively we have received an offer from Malaysia and Greece to release the EP, but we are keeping our options open. If things go well, we might do a short tour to Malaysia as well. Then it’s back to the drawing board, write new stuff and head back to the studios by the end of the year to complete our LP.

MH: Before wrapping things up, when is the next Age of Sinfonia performance going to take place?
Jack: Our next performance to date will the Youth Olympic Games at *Scape on August 21. Will keep everyone posted our on Facebook and Myspace accounts.
AOS: We would like to take this opportunity to thank you and the people from Metal Horde for interviewing us. It’s such a pleasure.

Much Love
Age of Sinfonia
Savvia-JC-Jack-Rasen-Andy-Elfie

Their upcoming performance will be at *Scape on 21 August 2010 as part of the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) celebration which will begin at 4.30pm. Their upcoming EP Capriccio will be released on the same month and vocalist Savvia Lenore will be performing at the Stand Up And Shout Dio tribute gig on 24 July 2010 held in Blackhole 212. To find out more about Age Of Sinfonia, visit them at http://www.myspace.com/ageofsymphony

Forhekset: Stage Smoke And Inferno Mirrors

After talking about corpse paint and death for the previous editions of Forhekset, it acted as a precursor on what to expect here and to put it succinctly: Unorthodox pleasantries. Giving my 2 cents worth on what my ears and occasionally the eyes pick up from the grapevine, this month takes a look into the seemingly huge issue of stage theatrics and how it has destroyed the reputation of extreme music



It all started with a performance from death metal band Zaganoth during Now Suffer and the mixed reactions from the crowd and internet anonytrolls alike when vocalist Jaar Vis decided to go onstage with his briefs and a stocking adorning his head throughout their setlist. While some were appalled by the shock antics and derided it as a tactic to climb up the metal hierarchy, others applauded the said vocalist for his ability to get the attention of the crowd while backing up with an impressive performance to complement the rest of the line up for the night. It definitely caught my eye no doubt but never did it raise an eyebrow since the likes of scum rockers The Dwarves and G.G Ailin have gone that route before so it is not unusual to see a performer onstage in his innerwear and showcasing his inner Manowar tendencies. What I could not comprehend however, was the blind negativity directed towards Jaar Vis and his band that had nothing to do with the quality of the music churned out but for the minor fact that his theatrics left a sour taste in their mouths. An irony of sorts given that part of the reason why these critics probably got into metal is due to the fact that their favourite band was appealing to their and to a subliminal extent, the image portrayed by them



From Eddie to pyromania at concerts, theatrics and image have become part and parcel of a band aside from their music which fundamentally forms the basis of their varied career lifespans. Metal purists will attempt to put down the notion and quickly insist that image is nothing more but a minor criteria in order to make it in the music industry and forming a fanbase but even the likes of Slayer resorted to corpse paint in the early years of their music career back when Kerry King had hair to rival Dave Mustaine. The black metal genre made the two tone death mask an iconic feature with the likes of Immortal and 1349 wearing the corpse paint until today whereas death metal prefers to say it with blood as evidenced in Carcass' album artworks and the regalia of Polish knights Behemoth. Let us not forget the pioneers of extreme metal as well, for it was the head of a goat featured prominently on Venom's Black Metal album (which also attributed to giving the grim genre its name)that pushed the envelope and gave bands the opportunity to use gimmicks as a tool to launch their material instead of being confined to watching Stryper delivering gifts of goodwill. Since then, masked men in overalls (Slipknot) Vic Rattlesnake (Megadeth) and skinned pigs onstage (Mayhem) are just one of the many ways bands are trying to get the attention of the download generation to skip the mouse and head to the record store instead

Back to the context of the local metal scene, the idea of having stage theatrics are being frowned upon by certain sections of the crowd who wholly reckons that it should be all about the music and nothing else. I beg to differ, having the element of surprise has become a powerful tool that does not exist online in order for a band to get ahead to the rest. The music should never be compromised but it doesn't hurt to make an impression on the crowd visually as well

Dalsix Joins Madness Magazine - Dalsix Visser's MySpace Blog |

Dalsix has recently joined the ranks of Madness Magazine as their music columnist and giving readers a glimpse of what to expect from releases both new and the yesteryear and to break the ice, the Danzing album was put under scrutiny. Read more about it at the link provided below:

Dalsix Joins Madness Magazine - Dalsix Visser's MySpace Blog |

The Misfit Ramones Playing In Toxic Toy

Its a non stop rampage from the Proost! featured artiste The Misfit Ramones as they are part of the line up for Malaysian punk rockers Toxic Toy at J3 Studios on 31 July 2010 along with Dropbeat Heartbeat, Frostymug (who also played at The Misfit Ramones showcase), Random Arrival, Morphrunt, Murder By Ska and Shoe Size Nine. Located at Jalan Sultan, tickets for Toxic Toy are going for just $3 and merchandise will be sold on that day as punk music is in revolt and The Misfit Ramones will not be bothered to go to work the next day. More updates to appear on The Misfit Ramones right here including a new track for your listening pleasure on Soundcloud this week after Your Breasts Are Big (I'm Gonna Sue You)

For more information about the gig, go to: http://www.myspace.com/toxictoypiyol

Thambi K Seaow at The Strip Show

Southern style Singapore rockers Thambi K Seaow will be performing at The Strip Show held on 31 July 2010 at the open field located in Merchant Loop just opposite Clarke Quay. Despite the initial postponement of the event, it looks set to go ahead as planned as promises to give both artistes and revellers alike the ability to express their emotions and passion with the likes of stand up comedian Kumar, Mark Bonafide and Wicked Aura making an appearance onstage. Tickets are available at www.tdc.sg and tickets.com outlets at all NTUC Malls for only $15 (inclusive of one free drink) and let the articles of restriction be removed by the madcap Thambi K Seaow!

Stillborn & Zaganoth To Perform At Causeway Chaos

Its a full on war at Blackhole as 4 bands from Malaysia go head to head with 4 bands to defend local shores as Causeway Chaos prepares for a royal rumble unlike no other! Alongside Deus Ex Machina and Metalgunz are the meteoric death metal band Stillborn and the sadistic ballsy act Zaganoth as they pit their horns against Wynken Delirium, Controlled Issues, Predicate Not Defined and Maddame from Malaysia in a no holds barred contest and a crowd baying for metal ferocity. Organised by Jaar Vis from Lights Out, tickets are available at $10 (presale) and $12 (at the door) so do not hesitate and get your ringside tickets to see the main event before its sold out

(Contact Jaar Vis at 91443884 for details / ticket bookings)

Savvia Lenore (Age Of Sinfonia) Performing At Stand Up And Shout!

With Age Of Sinfonia preparing the finishing touches to their upcoming EP, vocalist Savvia Lenore has taken some time off to lend her sultry pipes for the Stand Up And Shout! tribute gig for the late Ronnie James Dio (Black Sabbath, Rainbow) on 24th July 2010 at Blackhole 212. Starting at 5pm, the line up consists of Steel Damage, Maelstrom, Rocket Kingz, Aural Vibes, The Burning Shield, Greensleeves, Endless and Merrapes with Savvia slated to perform at 7pm with tickets going for $6 (presale) and $9 (at the door) For more information and RSVP, click on the poster above and get a glimpse of the steel lunged chateuse

Asphyxihate EP Launch (24/07/10 at *Scape)

Local death metal quartet Truth Be Known will be releasing their debut EP album this month at *Scape, 24th July 2010. Starting at 7pm (with tickets on sale from 6pm onwards), the price of $16 not only entitles you to a free copy of their EP (while stocks last) but also a full metal assault from the likes of Solemn (Taiwan), Bhelliom, Assault and rising death metal rangers Stillborn who will bring Orchard Road to their knees as they deliver the shots down your throat and burn up those veins! Performing both locally and overseas, Truth Be Known has won over plaudits with their full on brutality without the frills that pollute the subculture while wearing their old school death metal patches without any compromise. If you had missed their earlier shows at Blackhole this year, here is a great opportunity to experience the insanity of Subash and his crew onstage! To RSVP for the event, simply click on the banner and be part of the gag

For more information:
www.fullbattleorder.com
www.myspace.com/fullbattleorder

SchmerZ delays the release of Navegante!

Industrial dark ambient band SchmerZ has delayed the release of the album Navegante!. Scheduled to be released on July 15, personal issues affecting DerWolf (the brainchild and sole member of SchmerZ)have pushed back the release of what could be a a fabulous album judging from the tracks that are being heard online on their page. To read more about it:

News from "Navegante!" - SchmerZ's MySpace Blog |

Dalsix on Carbonmade

(Click on image to visit the site)


While I am usually accustomed to typing away at the computer and waxing lyrical on paper, there are times where I go behind the lens either to capture certain moments of a concert or bring back a piece of a country that I have visited. After being relegated to the hard disk or a bit part player on social networking sites, Beauty Through Broken Glass (aneyesettokill.carbonmade.com) showcases selected photos that I feel are capture at the right time and while the selection for now seems haphazardly, there will be updates every now and then whenever a wonderful photo has been captured on my digital camera. It might not be up to professional standard but it definitely tells a story behind those pixels

Pissing On The Ignition: Meza Virs

The skies were hovering aroud in darkness and drops of rain were beginning to turn lush greenery into sludge as the crowd began to gather around to prepare for an experience unlike no other. If you think that it was going to be a hands on the shoulders and chiming choruses in Woodstock fashion then you were in for a huge jolt. Irregardles of genre and ancient folk, the storm has arrived and with thunder came the act everyone was anticipating in contrast to the dull monotomy earlier in the day as Meza Virs made their appearance onstage as the band brought out the chains and facecages to dominate and destroy to full effect. Taking some time off from working on their upcoming EP, Meza Virs did not look lethargic at the very least as they continue to set the benchmark for what a live performance should be all about: Stage presence, stunning visuals and the element of unpredictability and they definitely maanaged to do all of that while not compromising their crafted sound. Combining the snarling diabolical growls of Cedric and sweet comforting sounds of Jasmine along with the cohesive rhythm section that holds the fort with nary a gap in between, Meza Virs propelled through their 35 minute set with a medley of their original songs, a cover of The Cure in the form of Love Song and indication of how the upcoming EP will sound like. A special appearance in the form of Abyssal's Chien as Cedric's doppelganger had everyone seeing double momentarily but the Gemini effect definitely gave an element of surprise, much to the joy of the audience and also fans of Abyssal as well. Unfortunately, their set was cut abruptly by the organisers midway through Tragic Vendetta but disputes aside, the deserved credit to the band should not be compromised at all as it is always about the music first, above anything else. Meza Vir's appearance alone sparked a resurgence into the crowd and it was mission accomplished for the band for they have successfully set the stage alight and showed them how to ignite it right

For more information on the band:
http://www.myspace.com/mezavirs

Meza Virs- Love Song.mp4

Metal lords Meza Virs took to the stage at the IGNITE! Music Festival with great aplomb and this is their rendition of Love Song by The Cure. Note that prior to this, Meza Virs used to do a cover of Du Hast by Rammstein but they definitely know how to give things a huge dose of metal injection!

Proost!: The Misfit Ramones

Formed in 2008 by the trio of Syam41 (Guitar/Vocals), Justin Ramone (Bass/Vocals) and Mizar "The Miz" Ramone (Drums), the Singaporean bred punk band are not just your typical covers band despite the nature of their name that is a combination of horror punks The Misfits and brotherhood bonded The Ramones although renditions of their songs have been sung in The Misfit Ramones gigs as a form of tribute to their main influences. Sounding like a clash between an upbeat cousin of Turbonegro and early NOFX other than their main idols, The Misfit Ramones combine catchy hooks with tongue in cheek lyrics such as Your Breasts Are Big (I'm Gonna Sue You), local matters (Saikang Warrior) and personal misfortunes (Bird Shit) to a vocal and loyal band of followers in every gig that they have performed. This year alone, they have made appearances at Home Club, the Fade Of Blackhole tribute to Metallica and their very own standalone showcase at Chapter 6 with an upcoming performance at J3 Studios on 31st July together with Malaysian punk band Toxic Toy. A laidback candour, easy to sing songs that will hit you faster than a sugar rush and a mission to have fun irregardless of the occasion, The Misfit Ramones will definitely be singing Hey Ho Lets Go until its Saturday Night!

To find out more about The Misfit Ramones:

http://www.myspace.com/themisfitramones
http://www.reverbnation.com/themisfitramones
http://www.soundclick.com/themisfitramones