Royy (Graven Image)

 Interview with Royy (Graven Image)

Hail Royy, you are very welcome to my small blog Archangel’s Lantern. How and when did you enjoy the underground movement back in the day? What were your very first releases you bought? Which band did you see live for the first time? 

~ Hi Georgius, nice to talk with you here. Well from family and environment I got infected with hardrock and metal in my childhood. I was so young that I didn’t even knew about genres yet, all I knew was that I liked it.  My first releases were early vinyl releases from Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Motörhead, which still are my favourite bands. The first bands of choice I’ve seen live were Iron Maiden, Obituary, Metallica, Sepultura. The first two have made a lasting impression. 

You are a very talented one, as in addition to growling and playing guitar, you also played bass and drums. Which musicians inspired you initially and what are your favourite ones nowadays? 

~ That’s nice of you to say, thank you. I’ve started as a drummer in 1991 and never wanted to be anything else than that. I still feel and think like a drummer, even though I’m mostly a vocalist, guitarist and bassist the last three decades. I have always liked multi-instrumentalists such as Chuck from Death and Quorthon from Bathory. The idea of not being pinned down to just one singular instrument always meant a great deal to me. My favourites nowadays are talented musicians who are down to earth and do not hide behind looks or use sexuality to gain more likes or attention. It should be about the music again.

I think, it was happened in Summer when Serge, the big boss of the facebook page called Dutch Brutal/Death/ Metal/Thrash recommended to me listen to Graven Image and I must say I liked a lot of your awesome music. Tell the readers the story of the Graven Image from the beginnings, please. 

~ Big thanks and shout out to Serge, again. I was one of the founding members of the band Raging Death from Doesburg, formed in 1991. We were a death-metal band at first but evolved into Autumnal Reaper, moving into black-metal in 1993, with me still being the drummer but adding vocals as we went. In that band I’ve transformed into the vocalist/bassist. Somewhere around the millennium, while still in Autumnal Reaper all these years, I just wanted to play drums again, so I re-forged Raging Death with Autumnal Reaper’s roadie Waltr. Both of us had played together in a project band in the early 2000’s, and kept in touch.  The idea was that the drums would have the leading position. To avoid being connected to Autumnal Reaper in a straight line, we decided to leave the name Raging Death behind and choose something new. Harro and Arno, friends of ours, joined us while we decided on the name Graven Image and completed the 2003 classic line-up. With myself as drummer we’ve released one demo with Waltr as the vocalist and guitarist, Arno on bass, and our only release with guitarist Harro, the “Death Metal Bastards” demo. We started doing a lot of shows, and things went really fast. Around 2006 I got in contact with Kampfar’s drummer Ask. He was moving to The Netherlands and needed a band to play in to stay in shape while still being in his Norwegian band Kampfar. It came at the same moment Graven Image was looking for a more death-metal stylish vocalist. We’ve searched for a suitable replacement for Waltr as vocalist, so he could focus on guitar, but we couldn’t find a suitable death-metal vocalist for our band. Eventually the obvious answer was Ask taking over my drum position because he was a better drummer than me, and myself taking over the vocal position because I sounded more death-metal than Waltr, and Waltr focussing on rhythm guitars because that was what he really enjoyed doing. We’ve gained a member and did a chair dance in active roles. Knowing at some point Ask had to return to Norway and leave us, we’ve found Tom, or Tom found us, as he was a Graven Image fan and followed us already. Adding Tom to our line-up as drummer was one the best decisions we’ve could have ever made. Our friend and guitarist Dave has played an impressive 9 years with us, he was previously with me in Autumnal Reaper as well. Nowadays Mike and Bauke are the lead guitarists in Graven Image, leaving me as the third guitarist, a position to be quite normal within GI for many years. My friend Kenny is the one responsible for doing all the Graven Image studio productions. Him and me work together a lot, so his role within Graven Image should not be underestimated, and he is therefore considered a full member of the band as well.

Who is the main song and lyric-writer in the horde? What should we know about your lyrics? 

~ The older songs it’s mostly Waltr and me writing the music and then everybody helps with the arrangements, with me doing the lyrics. On the newer songs I wrote everything. What you should know? We have two types of lyrical themes; World War II and the occult. The “Return Fire” CD was WWII themed; “Deus Bastardus” was occult themed. The first following release will be WWII again, yet the future material after that will be more cultural grounded themed. 

Graven Image last time released 2 excellent singles, namely Verzetsstormer in July 2024 and Return Fire Redux '25 this year. Share all the important information about these ones.

~ Don’t forget “Beast” from December 2023, that’s the one reigniting everything, with Jon Rubin from Malevolent Creation and Monstrosity as guest lead-guitarist. We never wanted to release singles actually, we just want to release actual physical hardcopies. On the other hand, we’re aware of being a band in current times, so sometimes you have to do something you’re not entirely comfortable with. We intent to compile the singles and make it a physical release anyway, as an EP/CD. Verzetsstormer was the first time we did a video without using black and white World War two footage, it turned out our best viewed video. Return Fire was fully remixed and remastered by Kenny and me from the original 2011 mastertapes. There was old studio footage never used, filmed by me back in 2011, finally put together in 2025 by a close friend who wants to be named online only as “AM”, who has also directed the videos for “Beast” and “Verzetsstormer”. My friend AM is enthusiastic about working along with us in the near future as well.

Is Graven Image working with a new material nowadays? What is your current line-up? Do you have some plans to play live in the near future? 

~Yes, we have new material recorded into a far stadium; it only needs recording my vocals, and maybe a guitar solo here or there. Right now, Graven Image are: Tom(drums), Arno(bass), Mike(lead-guitars), Bauke(lead-guitars), Kenny(sound) and myself (vocals and rhythm-guitars). To be completely honest, we have no plans at all for any future shows, but we are not saying no to the idea. If something special comes along, we will seriously consider it. First priority however are our forthcoming CD releases. The first upcoming release will be a physical CD release set for spring 2026, and following will be a full-length album. There’s some things about to happen for sure!

You have done live-vocals for USA Death-Metal band Malevolent Creation during the Dutch shows of the "Domination Tour 2007" singing a duet with Bret Hoffmann (R.I.P.). How did happen that alliance?

~ These types of things usually aren’t planned far ahead and mostly exist spontaneously shortly before. We were talking some days before their first Dutch show that tour and the idea came up. After the first show we just went along extending it to more shows. It was only for that tour. We had fun doing those shows, and we made nice memories. I miss Bret every day. 

You were involved in a couple Dutch hordes as Autumnal Reaper, Drowned in Torment, Impalement and Pleurisy through the years. Would you be so kind to talk about it? 

~ I’ve started as the Raging Death drummer in ‘91. That band became Autumnal Reaper, in which I’ve played drums, guitars, bass, and vocals over the years from 1993 until we’ve disbanded some three decades after. In Pleurisy I was the singer from 2001 until 2002, and I remember we did a lot of shows in several countries in a really short time. A live videotape from a festival in Czech Republic was released from that era. In Drowned I was the session drummer for their live shows in 2006 and ‘07. I was never a member of Impalement; I was merely helping the original members forge what would later become that band. Lock&Load is a band I was in as drummer and co-founding member from 2007 until 2012, and I really enjoyed playing in that band.  My only focus nowadays musically is Graven Image.

Maybe you know that my small work is eternally dedicated to Jon of Dissection and Lars-Göran Petrov. Did you share with them the stages /met them live? Are you have any favourite songs/releases of their heritage? 

~ Sure, I know about that, and I like that you keep the memory of them alive. I’ve met them both and have seen them perform live as well. The Entombed debut and the first two Dissection records are absolute classics, these are albums that are untouchable from beginning to end and back again.

Apart from playing music do you have any special hobbies? 

~Collecting physical CD’s, LP’s, DVD’s and books. I own wall to wall full of physical releases. Obviously especially both Waltr and myself have a great interest in everything related to WWII. I love spending time away from people surrounded by nature and animals.

Are there any books and movies what you prefer most? 

~ If it comes to Graven Image, we seem to have a special bond with the Hellraiser franchise; which is funny because our lyrics are never about blood or classic horror themes. We have used quotes and samples from Doug Bradley, the original and only legitimate Pinhead, on almost all physical CD releases. On our album “Deus Bastardus” Dante’s Divine Comedy was a huge inspiration, especially the Inferno book. This influence will continue to remain. With the “Return Fire” CD it was all about World War II. Of course, the “Beast” and “Verzetsstormer” singles are WWII themed as well.

Dank je wel/Thanks a lot for the interview, Royy, my best wishes to you and Graven Image. To complete this conversation, send your message to the readers, please. 

~ Thank you Georgius. Stay safe, and keep in touch with us. For the readers, feel free to contact us and ask us anything at our channels.

Important links: 

facebook.com/gravenimageband

reverbnation.com/gravenimageband

youtube.com/@GravenImageBand

Charly Steinhauer (Paradox)

 Interview with Charly Steinhauer (Paradox)

Hello Charly, I’m so honoured to talk to you on my small blog again. First, my congratulations for your new amazing album called “Mysterium”, I really enjoyed every moment. How are the responses from fans and underground media so far? 

- Thank you and hello, I greet you and all the readers. The reaction to the new PARADOX album "MYSTERIUM" has been very good worldwide, and in some cases outstanding. Of course, you can always find fault if you want to, but I am extremely satisfied with the result. It has turned out to be a great album and shouldn't disappoint any PARADOX fan.

Enlighten us about song-writing and recording process, please. How long did it take you to compose the “Mysterium”?

- I started songwriting in January 2023. The process took about nine months to complete. The recordings for each instrument then lasted until March 2024, and the album was finished in July 2024. However, due to a change of record label, the release was delayed by almost a year.

“MYSTERIUM” was a huge challenge for me because I recorded all the instruments myself on this album. That wasn't the original plan. Axel was no longer able to record the drums due to depression. Christian was too busy with other projects, and Olly wanted to use the bass recordings I had already made while composing the songs. So, I ended up recording everything you hear on the album myself and also handled the mixing and production. Patrick W. Engels did the mastering, as I wanted an outside professional to confirm whether the quality of my mix was good enough. And it was.

I know, it is always a hard thing but would you be so kind to talk about each track of your new album?

- The album's opening track is called "KHOLAT". It begins calmly and sadly before practically exploding with a furious tempo. It's a very fast song. 

"Kholat Syakhl" translates as "Dead Mountain" in the northern Urals of Russia. In 1959, a still-unexplained tragedy occurred at the foot of the Kholat Pass, the Dyatlov Pass. Nine hikers met a gruesome death there, some of their bodies severely mutilated. It still unsolved who was responsible for their dead.

“ABYSS OF PAIN AND FEAR” is a song that contains all the trademarks that have distinguished Paradox over the years. Many tempo changes, fast and with a lot of power.

It`s about BILLY HAYES, who was arrested in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1970 and later sentenced to 30 years in prison for attempting to smuggle hashish from Turkey to the United States. After a long period of suffering, he finally managed to escape from the hell of prison. His experiences were made into a film called “Midnight Express.”

After two fast-paced songs, a short breather is needed in the form of "GRIEF," an acoustic instrumental piece dedicated to AXEL BLAHA (co-founder of PARADOX), who passed away in 2023.

“THOSE WHO RESIST” is a relentless rhythmic powerhouse that once again pushes the pedal to the metal. It is dedicated to the victims who tried to resist the Nazi regime during World War II and lost their lives in the process.

“ONE WAY TICKET TO DIE” is probably the fastest song on the album. Similar in speed to Kholat, it's a top-notch thrash metal inferno, while “PILE OF SHAME” continues with a stomping rhythm. A track that, with its distinctive beat, encourages headbanging.

After the ultra-heavy and dark instrumental track "TUNGUSKA," comes "FRAGRANCE OF VIOLENCE," perhaps the most typical PARADOX song on "MYSTERIUM." It contains everything that characterizes the PARADOX style.

The fragrance of violence is the smell that hangs over the battlefield. Until World War I, battle and war itself were highly romanticized. Only when weapons became increasingly deadly and soldiers died by the millions did it gain the status it enjoys today among the population. Heads of state order wars with the blood of soldiers who are only acting on orders to avoid being killed themselves. Many of them cannot understand the actual reason for the war or perhaps don't even know exactly what it is about.

Now comes the title track "MYSTERIUM," which is about the meaning of dreams. Why do we dream? What is the background and what is the purpose of dreams? It's a very mystical track, and the sleepwalking woman on the front cover perfectly illustrates the mystique behind this topic. A great Song. A monument.

The closing track, "THE DEMON GOD," is incredibly fast-paced. It unleashes one riff after another and culminates fatally in an apocalyptic scenario. The ending is very melancholic, and at the very end, you hear a sad melody, similar to the piano intro of the opening track, KHOLAT. It's pure goosebumps! The album ends. The journey ends, and you immediately want to listen to the album again.

There's also a bonus track on the CD version of "WITHIN THE REALMS OF GRAY". This was originally planned for a project with EVILE guitarist Matt Drake. When that didn't work out, I decided to use the song as a bonus track because it also has a very mystical vibe, but is somewhat different from the typical PARADOX style.

The lyrics were written by Achim “Daxx” Hoemerlein (ex-Vendetta), with whom you have worked before. What should we know about the lyrics of the new LP? By the way, what is the current situation with Exorchrist? 

- Generally, mystical stories run like a common thread throughout the entire album, and they particularly moved me. They also encourage listeners to do their own research on these stories. Therefore, this album offers double the entertainment value. You can listen to the music and delve into the interesting and exciting topics, about which there is plenty to read and watch online.

Regarding EXORCHRIST, I would like to collaborate with DAXX on a few more songs, but he's recently become a father and is also busy with songwriting for VENDETTA. I can't promise whether DAXX is planning another EXORCHRIST release. I'll ask him. Right now, it`s on ice.

The marvellous cover art created for you Travis Smith again. Share some thoughts about his work, please.

- TRAVIS SMITH was already responsible for the artwork for “HERESY II – END OF A LEGEND (2021)” and has delivered outstanding work again. For the title track “MYSTERIUM,” I wanted to see a sleepwalking woman walking into the light of her dreams, unaware of what awaits her. Travis implemented it perfectly. He brings many ideas to the project. A fantastic artist. Incidentally, I admire his artwork for OPETH and NEVERMORE. His style is simply magnificent.

As your new album is a brilliant one, what do you think about the live Paradox-shows in the near future? 

- There are no live performances planned for this album because that would require a functioning band with whom we could regularly rehearse the setlist. That's not currently the case, but it's not meant to be a permanent situation. However, there will definitely be no concerts before 2027, even though I really miss being on stage.

”Mysterium” has been released via German High Roller Records. How did happen that alliance between you and them? 

- I requested a termination of my contract with AFM-RECORDS after they failed to release the album on time. After receiving the termination agreement, I received several offers from various labels. Among them was HIGH ROLLER RECORDS, who simply made me the best and most reasonable offer for "MYSTERIUM." I am very happy with their work because they are passionate about working with bands and because they are "old school." That suits PARADOX perfectly. I was also incredibly warmly welcomed into their family. PARADOX has finally found a new home.

Where do you get inspiration from when you create music? How many times do you play guitar per day/week?

- I actually play the guitar every day. Even if it's sometimes only 10 minutes, the guitar is always next to me in my studio so I can quickly record ideas. My inspiration comes from my favorite bands. I want to make music that I, as a fan, would expect from my favorite bands and that I like best. It has to sound like PARADOX, because I want to make the fans happy, who are responsible for the success of PARADOX.

Which live performances did you visit recently? Are there any metal albums from this year you prefer most? 

- I was recently at the KEEP IT TRUE RISING festival. There I met my friend SCHMIER from DESTRUCTION and brought him the new PARADOX album. I'm going to see METALLICA at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin after a long time. I also had the pleasure of seeing RAMMSTEIN live for the first time. What an amazing show! I'm planning to see CORONER or FORBIDDEN when they play here, and I'm also looking forward to an OPETH concert. The new CORONER album is probably my personal album of the year. I also really liked THE HAUNTED album. I had expected a bit more from TESTAMENT, and I'm curious about the latest MEGADETH album. The new FORBIDDEN and the next EXODUS album are also on my radar, but especially the new NEVERMORE album. I also dream for another VEKTOR album.

Do you have any new ideas for the next Paradox-album yet?

- In my archive, I have a folder with about 3 hours of riffs, but as a composer, you always want to create something completely new. I want to use some of these riffs from that folder because they fit the PARADOX style well. I would like to release one more final and 10th PARADOX studio album. I might also work on an additional live album, as I've found some interesting recordings. This is all just brainstorming, but another album should still be possible. I have a good label behind me that supports PARADOX in the best possible way. There are many fans out there who would be happy to hear more PARADOX music. I'm happy to oblige them.

Danke schön/Thanks a lot Charly, my best wishes to you always. Send your message to the readers in the end, please.

- I appreciate all the support! I greet all the readers and hope they will take an hour to enjoy the new PARADOX album “MYSTERIUM”. It's worth it. It's definitely one of the best PARADOX albums in their 44-year career. Thank you all! Cheers!

facebook.com/paradoxthrash

In Memoriam Kate Szíjártó (07.V.1987-21.I.2010 R.I.P.)

Rock-Ness Dossier 
In Memory of Kate 'Outsider' Szíjártó
 (07.V.1987 - 21.I.2010 R.I.P.)

(I, Georgius asked Her in February, 2009)

When and where did you born? 

- I was on born on the 7-th of May, 1987 in Beregszász (Berehove) Transcarpathia (Ukraine).

As a kid who would you prefer to be?  

- It’s a rather difficult question for me as my wants and needs have been changing almost every single day. At first, as every kid I wanted to follow in my parents’ footsteps, thus I wanted to work in the police department. Luckily, I’ve changed my mind very quickly. I also wanted to become a singer, a scientist, a writer, a doctor, etc.

What has been realized from this?

- Nothing so far as I’m still studying. But I can say I’m a little bit of a singer and a bit of a writer.

my Dearest Sunshine Kate, 22.IX.2009

Your childhood's determinative album-experience?

- It’s hard to say now because my parents were rockers, they fed me with Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin stuff. I don’t remember lullabies, my mom and dad when putting me to bed turned on some of the above things. 

What was the first concert you have seen?

- I guess I’ll avoid mentioning some minor shows but for one, back in 2006 I was at a gig headlined by Castrum. But the first greatest show I saw was Satyricon. 

(Kate (R.I.P.), Cornelius of Castrum and Kat, around 2008)

If you could compile a band without any limitation, who would play there?

- A very exciting question, in fact. If not to pay attention to the style and some other nuances, the perfect band would look like this:

Frost (Satyricon) – drums

Trey Azagthoth (Morbid Angel) – guitar

Ivar Bjørnson (Enslaved) – guitar

Reyash (Vader) – bass

Dead (Mayhem) - vox

What inspiration led you to this path? 

- In my case the fact that I’m a small piece of the Underground movement is taken for granted. The only thing that can explain it is, to my mind, almost 22 years of constant development.

April, 2009, photo was taken by me - GF

Do you have any hobby? 

- Of corpse! First of all, it’s music. For me music embraces not only all branches of metal, I’m also fond of classical music, folk and sometimes some industrial tunes as well. I can’t imagine my life without books, travelling, photography and writing concert reports.

Ultimate albums of all time?

- Well, in my opinion, these are ”Blessed are the Sick” by Morbid Angel, “Necroticism - Descanting The Insalubrious” by Carcass, “Panzerfaust” by Darkthrone, “Storm Of The Light's Bane” by Dissection, “Frost” by Enslaved, “Epic (The Poetry Of War)” by Kataklysm, “Om” by Negură Bunget, “The Shadowthrone” by Satyricon, “Impressions in Blood” by Vader and “Forever Underground” by Vital Remains.

(Kate and Kat with Napalm Death-guys after their awesome show in Uzhhorod/Ungvár, I.23.2009)

Ultimate books of all time?

- First of all I would name the Poetic Edda, then go ”The Chronicles of Amber” written by Roger Zelazny, Goethe’s ”Faust”, all the fairy tales by the Grimm brothers, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”  by Ken Kesey and of course every masterpiece written by Edgar Poe. 

Ultimate movies of all time?

- I’m not really into films but here I’d like to distinguish all those masterly works of Alfred Hitchcock, these are “The Birds”, “Psycho” and others.

(our botanical garden, photo was taken by my Kate, 10.VI.2009)

Ultimate personalities of all time?

- Vlad Țepeș, Hammurapi, Alexander the Great, Egil Skallagrimmson.

Is there a life-philosophy or religion which stays close to you? 

- Actually there is no but on my way up I try to follow the words of Alexander the Great,

”There is nothing impossible for him who will try.”

Botanical Garden, 10.VI.2009, Castrum Ungh

What is your opinion on illegal music downloads?

- It causes no problems for bands like Metallica, but because of this a number of bands and phenomenal musicians are facing “extinction”. They have to give up playing music due to the lack of financing. Thus we’re losing talented people. This is simply a kick in the face of the Underground. 

Favorite food and drink? 

- Pizza and beer.

Favorite writer?

- Roger Zelazny, Oscar Wilde and John Fowles.

Favorite actor and actress?

- I have no as I’m not really interested in cinema and theatre. 

If you would be 16 years old with such experience, what would you start to do with your life?

- I think I’d try to be more organized and maybe started my own Metal Zine.

What future would you predict for humanity?

- The whole human race will be eradicated by itself. I don’t think the situation will improve in the future. The ancient Romans used to say, “Homo homini monstrum”, which means “People are beasts to each other”.

                                                     
If there would be a question to yourself (that in your opinion was missed from the questions), what would be that? (Please answer it!)

- In what century would you like to live?

Either in the 15-th or in the 16-th.

(Castrum Ungh (Uzhhorod/Ungvár), picture was taken by Her, 22.IX.2009)

Kate and me, 22.IX.2009, Castrum Ungh

Original Hungarian source: http://www.rockness.eu/Hirek/5751/

Rock-Ness Metal Shop in Debrecen/Hungary:
 facebook.com/rockness.hanglemezbolt/?ref=br_rs

Links from Castrum Ungh: 

Castrum:  facebook.com/castrum/?fref=ts

UzhGoreRot Festival: facebook.com/uzhgorerot/?fref=ts

Death Metal Assault: facebook.com/deathmetalassault/?fref=ts

Encomium: facebook.com/encomium.zine/?fref=ts

27.02.2010 .- Death Metal Assault XX @ Amphitheatre, Uzhhorod/Ungvár (Ukraine)

In Memory of Kate "Outsider" Szíjártó (07.V.1987 - 21.01.2010 R.I.P.) : 

Castrum:The Essence of the Past  

(Kate Odinsbarn June 15th, 2008)

CASTRUM’s “The Essence of the Past” DVD was compiled by Cornelius from old archive shows and released in December 2007. The DVD is divided into three parts, these are: Scenery, Visionary and Imagery.

Scenery contains 3 live shows: live @ Animation Fest '96 (Beregovo, Ukraine), two live gigs @ Kathedra, both took place in 1997 in Uzhgorod, Ukraine. There is also a bonus live show from Hust, Ukraine in 1998. These live gigs are a backward look at the Transcarpathian metal scene anno 1996-1998. A very good way to compare the band as well as their fans with today’s situation. Those who had no opportunity to check out Castrum live 10 years ago can at least get an idea about what the band sounded and looked like.

The Visionary part contains three official video clips: “Tears of Eternal Expiation”, “Gilles de Rais (Le bon Sire)”, “Calvary Grandier”. By the way, these tracks are taken from “Pleasure in the Deeds of Horror” demo tape which was released in 1996. Unfortunately, these tracks haven’t been played live lately so young fans haven’t got a slightest idea about these great creations of Castrum.

Imagery features a photo gallery slide show of archive photos dating 1995-1998. You can have a look at the former members of Castrum and see the way Cornelius has changed during the past decade. 

One can also find all the demos the band has released including “Burial of the Affection” (rehearsal 1996), “Flames by Impiety” (demo 1996), “Pleasure in the Deeds of Horror” (demo 1996) and two rehearsals of 1997 and 1999 respectively. 

Have you ever heard of Chamos? It’s Castrum’s side-project with the same line-up. The guys experimented with Black metal and this way the “Hellish Reveries” demo appeared in 1997. The demo consisting of two tracks can also be found here.

This self-released DVD with such a splendid design will attract everyone. And your PC will be grateful as well for the DVD contains wallpapers for your desktop. All in all, this is when the dream of every single Castrum fan comes true! It’s the history of Castrum, the band’s development step by step. Note, those who don’t know the past, won’t have the future. Get “The Essence of the Past” or die in ignorance! Long live Death metal!!!

Chamos:  Hellish Reveries (rehersal demo1997) 

Dependents of Lucifer : 

 World-Doppelgänger:    

Весна

И вот опять она пришла

Печаль и боль мне принесла...

И каждый новый день - тоска,

И это все ее рука...

Она приносит жизнь и цвет, 

Но для меня утехи нет.

Я помню друга, что любил весну,

Теперь и я в ее плену.

Она напоминает мне от том,

Что все уснем мы вечным сном,

А тот кто был любим, теперь

Закрыл уж за собою дверь.

(*Poem  has written by Her best friend Kat, 13.IV.2012)

Bob Bagchus (20.II.2013)

 Interview with Bob Bagchus (20.II.2013)

(Questions compiled by 

Cornelius of Encomium and Georgius)

Hail to thee Bob! In 2007 ASPHYX was re-united again and since that time you delivered a lot of awesome stuff to the real Death/Doom Metal maniacs. How do estimate this passed time after your reunion? 

 - Hail there! Well, things are going good for us since the reunion. We did lots of cool shows/festivals, did brutal releases and caught up with old scene friends, which is awesome too!

After the "Live Death Doom" DVD Alwin Zuur replaced Wannes Gubbels on bass. What happened to Wannes? Can you share with us some info about his actual musical activity?

- We had different opinions so we decided to part ways. That was better for ASPHYX and better for Wannes. It was not easy, but it has become a fact. But we still talk and there is no bad blood, luckily. Wannes is a great guy with a great heart for metal. He and PENTACLE just did a split EP.

Last year you crushed us with a brilliant album called "Deathhammer". This one had a lot of good reviews worldwide and you also made a killer video clip for the album's title track. Tell us please about the circumstances of the clip-making.

- Yes, "Deathhammer" really did hit the nail on the head for sure! Well, the videoclip, it was shot in our rehearsalplace and was filmed and edited by Maurice from LEGION OF THE DAMNED who is a long time friend of ours. The clip came out good although I hate making videoclips a lot! I prefer liveclips. But Maurice did a great job and that all in 2 days! 

(Asphyx-signatures with a kind dedication by Martin van Drunen, the signatures brought for me Andrey Misanthrope in June, this year-GF)  

It's really great to see, your good old mate, Eric Daniels' return to Death/Doom Metal again with the debut album of GRAND SUPREME BLOOD COURT and surely with an impressive line-up. As "Deathhammer" this album had and has a plenty of positive reviews as well. What do you think when will you continue to write new tracks for GRAND SUPREME BLOOD COURT?

- Yes, it's good to see my best buddy Eric returning to the metal again, for sure. Yes, we will be writing new material for GRAND SUPREME BLOOD COURT, but not now since the debut just came out. ASPHYX is the next band, we are focusing on for 2014. With GRAND SUPREME BLOOD COURT it was a matter of very short rehearsing and just go into the studio and record the stuff! It came out very good, spontaneous and brutal.

How was the reception of fans at your first live-show with GRAND SUPREME BLOOD COURT? Will you think about the release of a live DVD in the near future?

- That was very cool. The show was in the South of Germany. Unfortunately, MOTÖRHEAD was playing in the area with ANTHRAX, so there were only 250 people at our show, haha! But it was great nevertheless! Great response there and loud as hell. I don't know if GSBC will release a live DVD, but it should be cool anyway. Time will tell.

You played drums in EVOKER together with Theo Loomans (R.I.P.) and also in THRONE in the 90s. Tell us shortly about this period!

- Yes indeed. EVOKER was a total HELLHAMMER/BATHORY tribute, were we also covered "Massacra" from HELLHAMMER on that reh/demo. We also did BATHORY's "Born For Burning", but that was not recorded. Both Theo (RIP) and me were very serious with it, but ASPHYX was the main band, of course. THRONE was a project from A.J. van Drenth (BEYOND BELIEF) and me. We did "The Ultimate Blasphemy" demo in 1995. THRONE was inspired by old MESSIAH/BATHORY/CELTIC FROST. It was cool to do. We still have contact.

What releases were your favorites out of the 2012 year?

- Hmmm, DESASTER - "The Arts of Destruction" and the SERPENTINE PATH debut.

What is your opinion about the Dutch Death/Doom Metal scene nowadays? Any recommendations?

- Our scene is very strong yet again with great new bands such as BODYFARM, NAILGUN MASSACRE, ENTRAPMENT, FUNERAL WHORE, EXTREME COLD WINTER, GRAND SUPREME BLOOD COURT, HAIL OF BULLETS, and the oldies such as SINISTER, ACROSTICHON and of course ASPHYX. It is a healthy scene.

Do you like to watch Formula-1? If yes which racing-driver(s) do you prefer?

- Yes, I am addicted to Formula 1. I also go to races with my wife as well and take my kids to the free practice on Friday. I love the enormous speeds and the ultra brutal sound from the cars. Louder than anything else! I used to prefer Mika Häkkinnen (my youngest son is named after him), also because he drove for McLaren-Mercedes, then after him it was Kimi Raikkönen and now it is Lewis Hamilton. But I am a teamman and not a driverman. I always was fan of McLaren-Mercedes, but since Mercedes has its own team now I support them since I am a fan of their streetcars.

Do you have any favorite movies? Tell us a little bit about your hobbies.

- Yes, I'm a huge horrorfan and with horror I mean the late 70's and 80's kind of horror. My favorite movies are Evil Dead, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre part 1, Zombie Flesheaters, Phenomena, House by the Cemetary, The Beyond, Tenebrae, Dawn of the Dead, Day of the Dead, New York Ripper, City of the Living Dead, Intruder, all Friday the 13th 'til part 8, Last House on the Left, etc. My hobbies are Formula 1 and horror movies and take a long walk in the woods with my 2 sons, enjoy the nature and do some fishing in the rivers here with them.

Do you plan some extensive European tour with ASPHYX for the near future? Would be really great to witness live the obscure Death/Doom power for example in Ukraine!

- No, ASPHYX does not do any tours anymore. We did 2 great tours in the past, 1991 with ENTOMBED and in 1992 with BOLT THROWER and BENEDICTION. Today the day we only do single shows and sometimes 2 in a row, or 3 like Extreme Fest last year with EXODUS and SUFFOCATION, but that's about it. But as a matter of fact, our booker from TMR Promotion was talking about a possible ASPHYX show in the Ukraine indeed. So we might do there a show in the future. I really hope so!!

Bedankt Bob, wishing you all the best with ASPHYX and GRAND SUPREME BLOOD COURT! As Grand Magistrate Bagchus please send a message to the readers of Encomium...

Ah, you know a little bit Dutch, eh? Great! So I say "Geen dank,graag gedaan". To all readers of Encomium, thanx for support, keep supporting and hopefully see you in the Ukraine sometime!  

(Bob's letter his 'Godlist'  and signature 06.XII.1996 -GF)

Jonas Kjellgren (Nekrodawn)

 Interview with Jonas Kjellgren

(Nekrodawn, Ironmaster, Bourbon Boys,

Roadhouse Diet)

Johan Jansson – bass & backup vocals, Jonas Kjellgren - vocals & guitar

Mika Lagreen - guitar, Henrik Axelsson – Drums

(Band photo by Paula Hirseland)

Band logo by Nectrium Art

Hail Jonas welcome to my own hell, Archangel’s Lantern! Introduce Nekrodawn-line up first, please (we saw Henrik, Mika and Johan live in Košice/Slovakia on 16th October 2014 as with Castrum bass-player Victor we had a trip to see unforgettable for us Implode/Grave/Entombed A.D.-show 😊) 

JK: Hello Georgius, thanks for the invite, it's a real honor to do this interview with you. I bet that show with Entombed A.D., Grave and Implode was a killer one. About the band lineup I do the vocals and play guitar, I'm mostly a guitarist but I also can do some vocals and this is really the first time for me that I do proper Death metal vocals or whatever. It would have been nice to have another vocalist but I don't know of that many that are available so I figured I will just give a shot and it works kind of . And then we have the drummer, killer drummer Henrik Axelsson that you might know from the band Implode that you saw there on that concert and he also played drums for The Crown for quite a few years and then now he's drummer of Hypocrisy and also Nekrodawn as you might know.

my ticket, and plectrums from:

Victor Danling (Implode), Tobias Crstiansson (Grave) and Johan Jansson (Interment/Entombed A.D.-live -GF

And then on bass Johan Jansson also an old friend of mine we played  in many bands together over the years. We met in the early 90s we are from the same town Avesta. So he plays bass also he does some killer old school backing vocals. I really like his voice he is  like yeah really good. 

Victor of Castrum, Johan Jansson and me, Košice, 16.10.2014)

 Plectrums of Tobias Cristiansson (Grave) and Johan Jansson (Interment/

Entombed A.D.-live) + Ola Lindgren signature -GF

Victor, bass-player of Castrum and Ola

And then we have Mika Lagrén also an old friend I met him in the late 90s maybe since I recorded his old band Facebreaker. I think I did three albums with them or four and then we have stayed in contact over the years just as friends you know and then I figured we need another guitar player as well you can't just have one guitar player in our kind of music, especially for live work but also in studio much fuller sounding with two guitars, so he was our first pick and he wanted to be in this band because I think he also felt that it is basically just a band of brothers or whatever, so that's that.

Grave - Christi(ns)anity (Live in Košice, 16.10.2014)

How do you describe style of Nekrodawn? (Because your horde sounds a bit differently than old school SweDeath)

JK: Well about the style of Nekrodawn it's not supposed to be old school Swedish Death metal but since we are quite not young guys when we try to do something I think it will be kind of old school because of our influences and stuff like that but when starting to make 

this album it never crossed my mind that it should be old school or anything like that I mean basically it's like a mix between maybe Bolt Thrower and I don't know Death, Unleashed..  a bunch o bands.. Mortician is a favorite.. yeah Demilich from Finland I think they were like the spark for this band I wanted to have something a bit more in that way and also a bunch other Finnish bands but yeah so it doesn't sound like Entombed or stuff like that. They are great bands, of course I like old school Swedish Death metal but Nekrodawn is not sounding so much like that. But we don't sound like more than Death metal at all: it will not be possible, we are too old 😀

Grave - Deformed (Live in Košice, 16.10.2014)

I’m so thankful for your awesome promo-package you sent me, (I really enjoyed every track, every moment of that very massive, brutal debut) and of course I gave it a 10 in my Hungarian review. Tell me in short about songwriting and lyrical concept and some thought about album-cover.

Album cover by Nun Ehf

JK: huge thanks for that 10 out of 10 in the review it's quite insane it's very very nice, I'm so happy that you like the album and it's quite unreal I don't know it's for me for me nothing special it's .. but I'm happy you enjoy it, thank you so much. 

Let's see about the lyrics: well it's just basically regular Death metal lyrics you know it's about dark stuff  and I don't know if you read the lyrics I'm sure you can find your own interpretation of the meaning behind the lyrics. Yeah, something like that other than the songwriting process is just the regular you know: you do some riffs and you throw it together and if it sounds too nice you redo it: you should not to be circus music. But yeah I think that's it and about the album cover: I tried a few ones, there were okay but it did not fit the title perfect then I looked online and searched for some covers and I found the one we have now: it was made by a guy called Nun Ehf and he has a website with different covers that are already done you could just look at them and choose one and we show this one we have now. I think it's killer.

You unleashed two brilliant singles in January (‘Origin of Terror’) and in March (‘Sacred Termination’)  I must say both of them are killer releases! Share some thoughts about the creation of these singles. Do you plan to release a new one(s)? 

JK: Yes 'Origin of Terror' was the first single, it's a bit faster song so thought that could be a good introduction to the band but it's we do a mix of fast and the heavier songs, so the second single 'Sacred Termination' I think those two songs represent the band  quite well. And I don't think we will release any more singles from this album but we have already started  to work on our next album so we will probably release some singles from that album this Autumn hopefully. 

Nekrodawn: ‘Sculpted By Torture’ will be unleashed via Swedish label ‘Legions of Bane on 30th of May. How did happen your hellish alliance with them? 

JK: Yeah it sounds fancy as hell with the Legions Of Bane but it's just me: I have a registered music company that can release music  and it has been called Mojoholic Records I mostly released some Rock 'n Roll on that label but the first Ironmaster I released on Mojoholic Records also but I thought I needed a cooler name so I changed the name to Legions Of Bane so basically no one to sign us 😀 so we had to release it ourselves we see how it goes with the next album but I think it's quite fun also to release albums yourself: it's a lot of work of course but yeah I don't know it's okay. 

Do you have any plans for any live shows this year? 

JK: Yes we do have some plans for live shows this Autumn: we have one gig booked only so far but  hopefully there will be more: only in Sweden so far but it will be great to go around Europe and do some shows hopefully we can come and do a show nearby you sometime soon. 

Grave - Now and Forever (Live in Košice,, 16.10.2014)

 You are the owner of Black Lounge Studios where you recorded, mixed and mastered your debut. When did you start with your own studio? Name me some bands you worked with there.

JK: Yes, yes, I am. I have been doing it professionally or whatever, it has been my job since 1999 but I started recording other bands in 1994 and some bands I have worked with I don't know what to say about that: a lot of bands and they are all my favorites so I cannot choose like this is my favorite bands but some bigger names I mean it would be like Overkill, Immortal, Possessed, Discharged but that was just me mastering their albums, I did not mix them Peter Tägtgren did. But I produced albums with One man Army, cool band, I mixed I don't know you can look it up on the internet if you are very interested 😀

You are playing in another excellent Death metal horde, called Ironmaster. Enlighten your activity in that band as well, please.

JK: Yeah well, Ironmaster was just like the first metal I did in years I've had a break from metal and Death metal for maybe almost 10 years then I just felt like doing something different and I started writing some songs and I sent to Janne the drummer and Robert the vocalist and they agreed to join the band and now we have released two albums and we have a third one that's almost finished: we just need some vocals on it. just some vocals yeah, but it will be done at least this year, hopefully in a couple of months. 

You Swedes are the masters in Europe if I’m talking about your tons of bands where you are involved 😊 Let’s talk about Bourbon Boys, I liked a lot what I listened to from you today 😊 

JK: Well Bourbon Boys is actually Pär Hulkoff from Raubtier, it's basically his band  he started it all by himself along time before I joined and I joined in 2011 I think and then we recorded we recorded two albums that were both albums were released  at least in 2012 I think and we did some live shows and stuff like that. Yeah what kind of music is it: Sorry, it's a Country Rock  or something Outlaw Country, it's quite brutal for being Country he has a really great brutal voice, it's really special and we did a new album this year I think, yes, and we will do some shows with that it: it's quite fun, you should check it out! 

What should I know about Roadhouse Diet band? 

JK: Roadhouse Diet I started in 2013 maybe, like some ZZ Top Rock 'n' Roll band, it was me and Peter Tägtgren, we did one album together, and the we did two more albums with Kudden, another great drummer, and Kennet and Johan and the later it was Martin who played guitar but we have had break  since the Covid-shit cos then we just released an album and we were thinking we will go on tour and what not then that whole shit-show happened and then our bass-player quit and we haven't recovered ever since so it's on a hiatus but we will be back! 

Which LPs are your favorite ones so far this year? And which ones are you wait eagerly in 2024? 

-JK: Well I must say I really enjoy the new Vltimas album and also the new New Deicide and Necrophobic has just released a new album which, I think is killer. I have listen to a lot of new albums this year also but  I don't want to tell more than that  because they were not my favorites but these three were my favorites. 

a kind letter from Anders Strokirk of Necrophic 

I started my blog in 2013 by the inspiration of a Dear friend of mine, who gave me the bane and logo concept. At first, I dedicated to Eternal Memory of Jon Andreas Nödtveidt (R.I.C.) and my Dear bride Kate (1987-2010 R.I.P.) but when I was informed about departure of Lars-Göran Petrov (R.I.P.) I dedicated to him as well. 

signature of Lars-Göran Petrov (R.I.P.) 

Entombed A.D. - I For An Eye  (Live in Košice, 16.10.2014)

Entombed A.D. - Living Dead, (Live in Košice, 16.10.2014)

Did you share stages with Dissection and Entombed with your past bands back in the day? 

Entombed A.D. - Eyemaster  (Live in Košice, 16.10.2014)

What are your most preferred tracks and albums from heritage of Jon and Lars-Göran? 

JK: L-G's death was a huge blow to the metal community I think. He was like the Lemmy of Death metal or I would say he was really nice guy I met him  a few times and I think we did not some shows but we played on the same festivals a lot of times and he was always super nice and real funny guy.

Lars-Göran (R.I.P.), Victor of Castrum and me 

after the Entombed A.D.-show

Lars-Göran (R.I.P.) and Victor of Castrum

Lars-Göran (R.I.P.)  and me

our humble gift to Lars-Göran 

source: facebook.com/EntombedAD

JK: I must say my favorite Entombed album I think it's they are all my favorite albums they all very good albums but I have to say the 'Left Hand Path' because it's such a milestone in the history of Death metal.

signature of Lars Göran (R.I.P.) and a kind letter of Tomas Skogsberg 

and my old tape -GF

Entombed A.D. - Wolverine Blues (Live in Košice, 16.10.2014)

Lars-Göran-G (R.I.P.)  in Košice, 16.10.2014

photo credit: Pavel Bondar' 

Entombed A.D. - Out Of Hand, (Live in Košice, 16.10.2014)

JK: Dissection: I have not shared stage with them. I have listen a little bit to Dissection, not that much I don't know it's more Black metal but I really like the 'Storm of the Light's Bane' and Jon was such a great musician and vocalist and lyric-writer and like I would say a total genius but I never met him so I don't know... it's really sorry such a loss also that he is gone I think he would have accomplished a lot more with his music and released many albums good ones so that sad. 

Cornelius of Castrum/Encomium, Jon Andreas Nödtveidt (R.I.C.) and me.

Budapest A38-ship, 10.VI.2005.

I’ve never been in Sweden so far unfortunately. What interesting places could you recommend me to visit? 

JK: You better come to Sweden soon! It's one of the best countries is in the world I think cos I don't know what to see.. it depends I mean you can just go to Stockholm and visit the old town and the Royal Castle and stuff otherwise I think every part of Sweden have its special little nuggets you can go and look at go anywhere it would be my best bet. You will always see some cool stuff but yeah around where I live there's a lot of old copper mines and stuff like that: It could be cool to visit and I don't know maybe some train museum if you're into trains that could be cool 😀

What kind of food and local Swedish drinks would you recommend  or me to try ? 

JK: Typical Swedish foods SURSTRÖMMING: it's basically rotten fish you could  try that it's quite tasty  and Swedish drinks recommendations: PRIPPS BLÅ,  it's the best beer in the world !  PRIPPS BLÅ: it's a blue can it's classy as hell: 

And also if you drink some vodka maybe what is it called the one with a ship on Explorer that's a classic! 

Tack så mycket Jonas, I’m so honored to have had you in my humble blog, my best wishes to you and your activity in music. Send your message please to the readers of Archangel’s Lantern in the end.

JK: Thank you Georgius it was really nice interview to do and if I have a message for the readers of  Archangel's Lantern yeah please follow his blog and his other pages and stuff like that. If you have a time over in your busy schedule you can listen to some Nekrodawn.

Thank you, Goodbye, Cheers! 

Important links: 

facebook.com/Nekrodawn666 

facebook.com/ironmaster666

facebook.com/bourbonboys

facebook.com/roadhousediet

youtube.com/@Nekrodawn/videos

Bandcamp: /nekrodawn.bandcamp.com/

Instagram: instagram.com/nekrodawn/