Ichor #2

Ichor 'zine, issue 2 (summer 1997)
Interviews:
Malign
Abigor
Graveland
Faerghail
Horna
Cradle Of Filth
Gates Of Ishtar
Kyprian's Circle
Agathodaimon
Articles:
Mundanus Imperium
Evemaster
Arthame
Warloghe
Alghazanth
Poles Apart
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Mega

Zinezeit, here's a Finnish one I scanned already in June and was actually going to post earlier but then I didn't. Again courtesy of brother passetiermes' generosity in lending these to me for scanning, we salute you! Ichor 'zine was made by Striga of Arthame and co-editor, who for this issue was a mysterious Juha, and at least two issues were made (obviously). The guys also ran a distro/productions of same name with, according to this issue, three other guys and were planning on releasing some demo tapes. Not sure what happened to those plans, perhaps someone more versed in the Vantaa-lore might enlighten us?

Yeah, so it's a Finnish black (mostly) metal fanzine made by a guy with a synth-project. With a memorable backcover art. Is this worth my time? you ask, disinterested look on your face while you sip absinthe, lying vacant-eyed on a divan, surrounded by swirling smoke of burning incence and the faint light of flickering candles. Yes, it is. As seen above, the band roster is interesting and not filled with the most predictable household names of the day. No Behemoth, Marduk or Mortiis this time. It's neat and clear in regards to lay-out, no overtly fancy computer-shenanigans... well ok, it actually looks quite a bit like Kill Yourself!!! now that I think about it. Not as much as Amortization did, though. The look is not the only similarity, the editor gets occasionally agitated and "argues" with the interviewees, as much as you obviously can in an interview made by letter that is. See Graveland for an example, or the Gates Of Ishtar one. I've always found this a bit unfair for the interviewee but understandable enough, the editors are of course entitled to their opinions but it's a bit one-sided when the other part won't have a chance to respond anymore. I'm digressing again, am I not? Right, it's an entertaining read, despite or because of the editors' attitudes (they are more of the booze'n'metal school rather than artsy intellectual-wannabes). Standout interviews include Malign, Graveland and Kyprian's Circle (mainly since I haven't read any before). Horna interview was made over phone which makes it a bit different from the others. Recommended reading.