Total Darkness #2

Total Darkness Magazine, issue 2 (1995)
Interviews:
Zephyrous
Behemoth
Blessed In Sin
In the Woods...
Funeral Winds
Occult
Blasphemer
Tha-Norr
Manes
Primordial
Bethlehem
Morphosis
Kane
Summoning
December Moon
Misanthropy Records
Ashen Mortality
Deprived 'zine
Adversary
Thy Serpent
Hades
Articles:
"Oderint Dum Metuant" by Wiking Herske
Bestial Summoning/Occult bio
"A Blaze in the Northern Sky" by Wiking Herske
"Diabolism/Satanism" by Bard Nocturnus
"The Truth in Thy Blood" by Taoiseach O'Malley
"Up from the Ashes" by Svarte Sirkel
Ancient
Carnun
"Black Metal Holocaust" by Bard Nocturnus
+ editorial, reviews, gig reports

Mega

Alright, as promised here's something before Nummirock to where I will be departing Thursday morning. A 'zine post, which is actually exactly the same thing I did last midsummer! Damn it, patterns woven around me ensnaring me in a devious web of my own making! No time for paranoia, or very long introductions either to be frank so let's get to business; second issue of Irish Total Darkness "magazine" which is way too grandiose a monicker for a messy fanzine xeroxed in sloppy manner. But that makes it, despite being a bit hard to read, a good 'zine. Very large scans were done by and sent to me by comrade thenecromancer, thank you for your efforts and donation!

This was an A5 sized 'zine and counting the covers features 74 pages (one spread is included twice as the other page turned out unreadable on the first try) crammed quite full of stuff by its editors Bard Nocturnus (of Carnun and Abhor ...not exactly fame but some will recognize the names, later vox for Myrkr as Vordr), Damien Looney (also of Carnun) and a fellow known as Fitzy. By the way, assuming the Abhor is the same as M-A one, I'd like to hear the "Abyss" demo listed there. The line-up does not seem to include our editor though. Oh no I'm starting to digress yet again and I was supposed to keep this short! Right, black metal 'zine, some death, doom and a random industrial unit (Kane) featured and despite including a couple of VERY common names (Behemoth being the worst offender here, followed by Sigh, Burzum and In the Woods...) they have, as if to balance out, some rare appearances like my old favourite Tha-Norr and Israeli Adversary. Excellent. Note that the lads, or more like the Carnun pair, were Varg-cronies so "all Total Darkness issues are in respectful dedication to Varg Vikernes" and feature plenty of "Cymophane" propaganda and so on. This is obviously a strike against if you're an old Euronymous-Jugend like me. But the past is gone so let's not dwell on that and just enjoy it. And I'm ready to overlook a lot when I encounter another Tha-Norr enthusiast. Props for also being one of the rare places where I spot comrade Veiko's old band! Recommended reading but mind you, the scans are enormous so it's a sizeable package to download.

Nefandus #2

Nefandus 'zine, issue 2 (1996)
Interviews:
Liar of Golgotha
Countess
Infinite Black
Armageddon Holocaust
Drowned
Vorak
Vorphalack
Lord Kaos
Oracle of the Void
Gothi-Gydja A'A'I
Uncle Underground Distro
Svartsyn
Baalberith
+reviews, illustrations and all sorts of weirdness

Depositfiles

Time for another 'zine post. Remember the first Nefandus issue I posted in January '14? Of course you do, I even gave you a link to it. Anyways, I wrote there about how I'd wanted to read that second issue for years and years, not really expecting to run into it. Imagine my surprise then when The Unnamed contacted me and offered to send a copy! I took up his generous offer (extremely so, he sent it for free and included some music too), scanned the 'zine when it arrived and then kind of sat on it for a little while. Must let the contributions stew a while for maximum flavour, y'know?

Anyways, here it finally is and Jesse also informed me this was indeed the last issue; some stuff was ready for a third strike but it was not finished. The second issue was printed in very limited quantity, 40 copies, and the specimen he donated to the Coven once belonged to his comrade The Abhorred, former vocalist of Infinte Black and Chaotic Impurity, also known as ADY hence the name on the cover. Once again thanks for the contribution, very much appreciated!

If you enjoyed the first issue like I did, you will dig this one too. Similar feeling, slightly more refined and cleaner lay-out (which actually reminds me a bit of older Key of Alocer issues) but still not commercial glossy fancy pansy magazine bullshit! One of the things that makes this especially interesting is the strong domestic focus, it's good to see Australian bands who appear seldom in the 'zines we've featured so far get some spotlight. The other bands are less common names as well so what can I say but heartily recommend this. No Mortiis or Behemoth here! Please note that some of the content may be considered offensive (another selling point). I will post some of the music he sent in near future so stay tuned for more Aussie madness.

Key of Alocer #7

Key of Alocer 'zine, issue 7 (1996)
Features:
Queen of Zamagard
Helish Magick and Race
Martial Arts, Ethos and the West
Survival of the Fittest
Diamanda Galás (interview taken from The Greenwich Village Press)
...Memor...
Delusion and Homophobia
Gtum-Mo: A Dharmic Heresy
Into the Final Frontier
Transcendence
Spider
Prince of Darkness - A Heretical Topography
Music and the Satanic Aesthetic
In the Shadows of the Talmud
New Science, Old Soul
Hitler as Avatar
The Black Order - of Pan-Europa -
The Political and Racial Views of H.P. Lovecraft
The Metaphysics of the Discworld
+ reviews divided to literature & music

Mega

A 'zine contribution today, sent by a reader of ours whom we'll call here simply A. Thank you for supporting the cause! This is the seventh issue of the notorious Key of Alocer, you may remember I posted the fourth one roughly five years ago.

I mentioned the older issues on the write up there, to recapitulate they were essentially traditional metal fanzines with articles on occult and such themes on the side while the fourth one was the turning point; music (especially metal) was put to sidelines in favour of the other sorts of stuff. Master Fenrirsson discussed the later issues briefly in the comments section, writing: "...I have all 9 issues of Key of Alocer (last one was called "Koaxial"). They steadily went downhill in terms of content (eg more tedious and self indulgent on behalf of the editor), and became more of a mouthpiece for homosexuality and transgenderism... I knew the editor for quite a while, because he lived not far from me, but I moved away and severed contact..." F was also planning to scan the missing issues to me before handing them forward, but things happened and that did not come to pass. I can't say I'd be really heartbroken, I've since read scans of older issues (I have at least #2 at hand and am pretty sure I should have either #1 or #3 as well) and while they are clearly more interesting to me as well as quite entertaining they can't be called top-notch classics or anything. Which leads us finally to this, the seventh incarnation.

I think I've tried navigating through this three or four times by now, unsuccessfully. It really is quite tedious as Fenrirsson put it and I always seem to think of better uses for my time and stop reading. As you may notice from above, this issue does not feature a single interview made by Abaaner (or A°A°I apparently at that time) - the sole interview (Diamanda Galás) is taken from elsewhere. Originally I was going to list the contributors after the articles but skipped the idea as not all were credited and it would've been a pain anyways. Let's just settle with a mention there is a lot of contributed material on this issue and at least two of the articles were responses to another from a previous issue. Touchy one I suppose. The reviews which I eyed through were actually quite entertaining and pretty interesting. Right, if you liked/were intrigued (or offended) by KoA#4 be sure to check this out too. Even more so if the subjects of the articles and featurettes interest you.

Charontaphos #1

Charontaphos zine, issue 1 (early 1993)
Interviews:
Sentenced
Absu
Malefic Oath
Necropsy
Cartilage
Gorgon
Ceremonial Oath
Decayed
Burzum
Dark Tranquillity
Belphegor (Dutch)
Nembrionic Hammerdeath
Monumentum
Spina Bifida
Nuclear Death
Apator
Pyrexia
Katatonia
Nightfall
Gorement
Abigail
Mordor
Sigh
Witches
Sathanas
Inverted
Wombbath
Throne of Ahaz
Elbereth
Belial
D.A.B.
+ Norwegian scene report by Amnizu, reviews

Mediafire

Apologies for the unintended absence but I have been busy. Some of that will even be beneficial to the Coven so it was not in vain. Alright, it's already March and we start this month with another 'zine contribution by our comrade Pawel, thanks once again! He has scanned and merged to single .pdf the first issue of the Dutch classic Charontaphos 'zine, made in the late '92 / early '93 (when it was released as well) by a group of five people... in theory, in practice Mahakala, Ndizi Na Nyama and Al Daimonaero did most of the work while the duo of Asmodeus and Nemesis contributed only one interview due schedule issues. Sounds like typical school group work to me! I haven't seen later issues of Charontaphos so I don't know if the work was distributed more evenly on those or if they thinned the ranks a bit.

A lot of bands as you can see and I must say that for a first issue they did an outstanding job! The layout is simple and traditional, but very clear and easy to read. Just as I like. The interviews are also very good and mostly they've even received decent answers (well, Sathanas was pretty bad and Abigail barely knew English) so it worked out nicely. The roster is mostly death and black metal as the names may reveal and not too many seen-everywhere-staples. Well, Sigh does appear on a lot of 'zines even on this site and Burzum is always popular, but at least this one is a classic, filled with highly quotable pearls by Greven. "Dead did not have a life to take, only an existance to end" must be one of my favourites. Among top 3 Burzum interviews for sure! Overall a highly recommendable 'zine.

Sombre Eve #4

Sombre Eve 'zine, issue 4 (1994)
Interviews:
The 3rd and the Mortal
Sigh
Naked Eve
Bethlehem
Abyssic Hate
Dawn of Winter
As Serenity Fades
Dogmeat
Chorus of Ruin
Divine Eve
Key of Alocer 'zine
Deinonychus
Articles/Biographies:
Beyond Dawn
Opera IX
Discomposure
Bathory - Still in the Woods (a tribute article by Shane)
+review section, more reviews and quotes scattered around

Mega

Tonight's 'zine hails from Australia  and it is the fourth and either final or at least the last of this particular incarnation of Sombre Eve, made by Shane Transvaal D. (Gospel of the Horns, original vocalist) and Tracey A.H. (some chick, moved to UK). Tracey was supposed to take over S.E. and keep doing it in England but I've no idea if this came to be and Shane was going to start another 'zine. I'm equally clueless to what came out of that.

These are my typically haphazard scans from a copy I bought used, solely based on seeing it was an old 'zine I had not read before. I've also downloaded a scan of the first issue, dating to '92 with the same editors and reading that one we discover they initially planned to do an all doom 'zine but branched out right from the start. This trend is evident still on the fourth issue, which features a couple of very familiar names as well as some surprises too (Dogmeat in particular). Layout is simple, old schoolish and much to my liking, clear to read and without fancy stuff. The only issue I really have is the way they tend to split words to two lines in places, like this:

Excerpt from Abyssic Hate interview

That's really an eyesore, but a minor issue looking at the big picture. The interviews are generally interesting, as they should it being their fourth issue already, and reviews are quite good too. Some of them being very enthusiastic shall we say. The quotes sprinkled around the 'zine are a nice personal touch and not an overused idea so points from that even if some of them are a bit cliché. Having reviews both gathered in a section of several pages and also spread around amongst the other text feels a bit disorganized but again it's not much of a sin. Actually it's kinda fun having them like this instead of boring alphabetical meticulous sorted-by-media version of "professional magazines" don't you agree?

Color Climax

Another peculiar thing is how they've the cover sort of upside down as you might notice from the main image. See above for a tilted shot and marvel at the wear and stain of the copy in my possession. That should be enough for now, recommended for browsing even if the bands did not tickle your fancy, it's a good read. Oh, and I'm curious about Shane's old band Aetiology mentioned in the first S.E. issue, wonder if they ever recorded anything? At least they performed live and apparently had been formed by members of Pyuria and Demoniac which most likely did not have releases out. Anyone know? Wehrwolf? Fenrirsson?

Genocide #2

Genocide (Productions) Magazine, volume II (winter 1996)
Interviews:
Empyrium
Abruptum
Covenant
Burzum
Moonspell
Incense
Articles:
A bit on Storm's "Nordavind" controversy
"When Knowledge Is Not Gnosis" by Abaaner
Faust article/interview (the German band)
"Symbols of Peace"
"Liber Secretvm" - Endura Newsletter winter 1994 - 1995
"Necronomicon Info" by Ryan Parker
"About the Necronomicon" by Jake Schwartz
"The Political and Racial Views of H.P. Lovecraft"
"Helter Skelter"
+ comics, flyers, reviews

Depositfiles

I thought it was time for another 'zine post and it is again a fruit borne of conspiracy between brother Kurgan who donated this 'zine and me who scanned it. That came out a bit less grandiose than I intended. You probably recall I posted the scans of Genocide #3 sent by brother Wehrwolf in October '13? You don't?! Well, go have a look, I'll wait.

Done? Good, so this is the previous issue in the time-honoured Coven tradition of posting things in wrong order. Also made by Beastus Rex, or Karsten Hamre if you prefer, with a few things taken elsewhere and some items contributed. Only six usual interviews here, though the one with Varg saying Varg things is very long and the feature on the German band Faust (vintage avantgarde krautrock) which is probably taken from another unmentioned source probably counts as an interview too. Very scarce review segment in the end of the 'zine. Some of the articles are (surprisingly) long while others are more typical roughly one page (or less) featurettes. I was supposed to give the 'zine a quick glance-over before this writeup but ended up reading for way longer than intended so I guess that means this is an interesting and even absorbing read. Among highlights is more HPL for the old HPL fanboy, aforementioned Varg-talk, Nagash's white pride declaration and Karsten's shameless fanboying on the Moonspell intie. I don't know if it's the phase of the moon or what but I enjoyed this more than the third issue so it's recommended good times to be had reading.

I must mention that the text quality and readability is not consistent throughout, at times you have to squint a few Clints extra to be able to decipher the letters. Of course part of it is due my lazy, quick and dirty scancraft but much is due the item itself.

Daemonium Aeturnus #...4? ...6?

Daemonium Aeturnus 'zine, probably issue 4 (1993) - could be even issue 6
Interviews:
Lullaby
Necromantia
Berserk
Thou Art Lord
In the Woods...
Beherit
Necromass
Absurd
Algol
Gorgoroth
(The) Ancients Rebirth
Dark Heresy
Lacerated Gods
Morningstar
Mütiilation
Anubi
Mock
Satanskin
Key of Alocer 'zine
Deinonychus
Demoncy
Two Witches
Inquisitor
Goatwinter
Xaztur
Sylvester's Death (Death SS)
Brotherhood of Balder
The Luciferian Light Group
Temple of the Vampire
Articles:
Asmodeus by Abaaner/KoA
Lilith Abaaner again
"Barbarian tale" by Absurd
Aleister Crowley
Loosening the Soul more Abaaner
Smell of Magick pretty sure Abaaner
De Bokkerijders by Gunther Theys
Eliphas Levi I can't believe it's not Abaaner
+reviews, special on Balder including the interview, another (Inside the Brotherhood of Balder) by Eric Fletcher, Sports Magick - an introduction, Runic Body Work, Coxland Press catalogue, Man-hunt - a training exercise on our expediton and Sleepwalkers Versus the Übermenchen (looong article)

Mediafire

It is time to post a 'zine again and this is another issue of the legendary Daemonium Aeturnus and as before, it's a (half-assed) scan I made of a xeroxed copy brother Kurgan sent me. Thanks for contributing as always! Unfortunately a grim spectre of uncertainity looms above us as we're not really sure which issue this is! The damned cover, originally red I presume, is almost completely illegible and master Unsane didn't see fit to mention such details inside. Well, the border made by Conscicide at least has year, which on the other hand is easy enough to deduce from the contents. I'm making a bold, educated guess and declare this as the 4th issue. It's much, much larger in content, slightly in staff (The Unsane is joined by Count Ildjarn/Gylvarheim which I presume different aliases of the same person and the rather special Rimmon the 4th Antichrist who is enthusiastic if nothing else) and obviously on page count compared to the second issue we earlier featured. Plenty of guest content too, as you may notice from the articles bit up there, many being courtesy of Abaaner Incendium of Key of Alocer fame. Another major clue was the mention of Demoncy having been featured before (Wicked interviewed by Rimmon) and that sure wasn't the 2nd issue so I'm assuming it was on the unseen third issue.

I tried red-ifying the cover but that didn't help at all.

There is a shitload of reading here, seventy pages and as U mentions on the editorial he had to reduce the size of printing on the interviews to cut the page count which means they're kind of hard on the eyes to squint through. This is where digital scans really come in handy, I'm not going to hunch over a text with a magnifying glass, no thank you! The reduced lettering is a bit messy but nothing you couldn't decipher with a little patience. Simple, gloriously lo-tech yet clear layout. I'm not going to write much longer about this, it's essential read but special mentions must go to having interesting, rather obscure and good interviews such as the Belgian Berserk as well as somewhat silly but equally clandestine and curious ones like Goatwinter who very eagerly agree with almost any topic dropped at them. Oh yeah, Rimmon's reviews are pretty atrocious ("This finish band is absolutely one of the better bands from Finland but there aren't many bands like this in Finland..." it's like he dictated whatever came to his mind to a robot) and his roughly 30 question interviews... well let's say that so many shots fired means some will hit the target. Unsane is more restrained, vastly better writer and notably calmer while the count is somewhere in the middle ground. But enough nagging, once again recommended and someone please verify if this actually is the fourth issue or not!

UPDATE: An anonymous commentor told me the 2nd Key of Alocer issue mentions an interview in the 6th (!) DA which would most likely be this then. Unless Abaaner featured in several issues which isn't totally improbable but seems less likely. Thanks for the clue, further confirmation would still be welcome!

Holocaust #8

Holocaust 'zine, issue 8 (1995)
Interviews:
Ancient Rites
Moonspell
Gorgoroth
Absu / Equimanthorn
Hades
Behemoth
Altar
Trelldom
Mortiis / Vond
Misanthrope
Bård Faust
Accursed
Immortal
Sabbat
Amon
Grand Belial's Key
Alastis
Esoteric
Chris Moyen
Nightfall
Isengard ('89)
Necromantia
Graveland
Sadistic Intent
Sephiroth
Ancient
The Whores of Babylon
Black Funeral
Mortuary Drape
Unpure
Vlad Tepes
Infernum
Bethlehem
Different State
Marduk
+ reviews, articles on Balder, Mastiphal and B.R.S.A., art pages with illustrations by Dark Arts, "poems" by Nethor and... things by Wicca Graphics

Depositfiles

Here is the 8th Holocaust issue, as hinted at in the post of the seventh coming and much if not most of what was written there applies here as well. Though I must say first thing that came to my mind when I saw the cover for this was "why is Blackie Lawless hiding under a trio of sixes?" which might not be the original intent. Let's not that distract us from the fact that this is a very good 'zine. A great selection of interviewees, even with slight repeat from previous issue and a couple of "usual suspects" inevitably pop up (Behemoth fitting both categories, arguably Graveland too and then there's Mortiis). Tomasz has a bit more contributors this time around (which explains certain repeats) and the characteristic article/reviews hybrids are this time replaced by more typical reviews.

Highlights include the Gorgoroth interview by Nethor with an enthusiastic if not outright gushing introduction that is longer than the interview itself, Rob Darken & Capricornus writing about topics Tomasz gave them and Trelldom interview with Gaahl, again by Nethor. Does not feel fair to pick out just a few though, as this is full of great reading and interesting statements.

I should also mention that I botched up the scan a bit and as a result there's an extra single page of the aforementione Trelldom interview which I was supposed to remove before packing up and uploading. Oops. Well, you can delete it yourselves. Definitely recommended.

Holocaust #7

Holocaust 'zine, issue 7 (1994)
Interviews:
Acheron
Emperor
Godsend
Schizo
Mutilated
Graveland
Mass Psychosis
Mayhem
Ceremonial Oath
Supuration
Beherit
Funeral Winds
Crucifier
Asphyx
Nun Slaughter
Behemoth
Thou Art Lord
Dark Tranquillity
Pitch Shifter
Malediction
Burzum
As Serenity Fades
Exmortis
+ articles "Speak with the Tongue of Serpents" & "Magick" by Anubis Press, South African scene report and a ton (88 by a quick tally) of short article/bio/review hybrids as well as a separate Polish section and an album/EP review section

Mega

We return with what we departed with; another 'zine post. This one though is a request by our comrade Kurgan and in essence a repost as raf-sempai had already posted scans of almost all issues of Poland's classic Holocaust 'zine in his RAF666underground blog. I had somehow managed to miss the more recent ones and ended up requesting two of the issues (this one and the following) among the 'zines I borrowed from comrade passetiermes the other year, scanned 'em, noticed they were already up for grabs and there was much lamentation. Seeing how raf's blog seems to be dead and abandoned I thought it'd be fine to make the issues available to interested parties again. Not to mention scanning 'zines is a pain in the ass so I'd really not prefer my time and efforts to go waste.

Ok so in case you don't know yet, Holocaust was a famous Polish black/death metal 'zine - though the editor, Pagan Records mainman Tomasz Krajewski, did not exclude other styles those were clearly most dominant. 60 pages and over 110 bands covered within the 23 interviews and 88 article/review hybrids is a lot to read and while either the interviews or the articlettes might not be epic length they're generally well written, informative and entertaining enough to read even if you might not be too much into band in question. The unlisted 88 bands range from the well known (Gorgoroth, The 3rd and the Mortal, Grand Belial's Key) to very obscure (Naephragorious, The Cross, Mototronko). Clearly well above average 'zine, classic status fairly deserved in my opinion and mandatory reading recommended to all ages. Maybe not children. Most ages then.

Dark Summoning #1

Dark Summoning 'zine, issue 1 (1994)
Interviews:
Ancient
Decortication
Rotting Christ
Sorhin
Necromancy
Dragon Rouge / Therion
In the Woods...
Beherit
Entity
Deinonychus
Articles:
Manitou
"The Discovery of the Pentagram"
Denial of God
Dion Fortune
Moaning Wind
Discorge
Order of the Evil Eye
+ reviews, drawings, flyers...

Mega

Back to golden oldies again, bet you thought it'd be ambient or something like that today? Too bad, it's finally time for another 'zine post! Let's get it said right away, I've a hopelessly soft, squishy spot for Dark Summoning 'zine of Sweden, nostalgia being a major component as this was one of the first 'zines me and my comrade (who got this and earlier this summer contributed it to me, thanks again!) ordered for ourselves in 1994. It's also a very sympathetic DIY-effort with clear enthusiasm poured into the making. Sure, many... well most to be honest, of the interviews are on the short side, errors dot the text and layout is mostly primitive but it still should be a pretty good read for even people who might approach it more critically than me. I don't think the editor Sara completed another issue but I've been wrong before so if such exists I'd love to see it. Ride the time machine once again, for a fleeting moment.

Exstinctio Sensus #2

Exstinctio Sensus fanzine, issue 2 (1996)
Interviews:
Solistitium Records
Ildfrost
Nattvindens Gråt
Penitent
Einherjum magazine
Funerary Call
Wintergods
Windir
Inherit
Perunwit
Fimbul
Melek Taus
Dimmu Borgir
Kampfar
Gehenna
Dead Christ Commune
Covenant
Helheim
Near Dark mag & prod.
Hefeystos
December's Fire
Empyrium
Skogen magazine
Forgotten Woods
Articles/Bios/Featurettes:
Silence
Blazing Eternity
The Lord
Dagor
Theatres des Vampires
Apolokia
Prophecy
Beseech
Vladimir
+ lyric/poem "Lethalspell" and a page of reviews, English translations for Nattvindens Gråt lyrics

Mega

I'm going to travel to Nummirock for usual midsummer hijinks already tomorrow morning so I thought I'd leave you with some reading. Remember Exstinctio Sensus issue 1? Well, here is the second issue! Thanks to our comrade Kurgan for contributing this to me, much appreciated. Scan quality can be blamed again on me.

The second issue features a bigger number of interviews as seen above, despite being a solo effort this time, except for some art contributions. I must say with regret that the 'zine follows the typical patters of the time; where the first issue was clearly a black metal fanzine made with certain enthusiasm and drive the second one goes on to expand onto non-metal music (not a bad thing itself, good to see someone other than Mortiis represented) and the editor is all jaded and fed up with the commercial and trendy scene. It's amusing how the editor explains his idea to include non-band interviews (which I think is a bad idea as most are not at all interesting) to do "a more interesting range" and "not counting typical inties with Metalion, Osmose..." and then he has Solistitium which appeared in every other 'zine at the time (nothing against Carsten but enough is enough), possibly more than Herve & Osmose did, and Odinn of Einherjum. I'm rolling my eyes so hard it takes effort to remain seated. And he also goes on about commercialism, popularization of black metal and money-hungry bands (avoiding name dropping though) and then has both Dimmu Borgir and Covenant, how ironic is that?

Despite all my kvetching this is still well above average 'zine, nice and clear (non-computer) layout, actually interesting bands featured among the usual publicity hunters (for example Wintergods and Funerary Call make a "proper" appearance here after being featured with articles in the previous issue). Of the non-band interviews D.C.C. and Sascha of Skogen are most interesting. The band articles are a bit on the short side but at least not just copied bios. Wintergods interview made me want to hear the three tracks that were supposed to be on the EP, apparently they sent it out as advance tape/promo. But enough from me, I must resume packing.

From Beyond #6

From Beyond 'zine, issue 6 (winter 2000/2001)
Interviews:
Necrophagia
Diabolic
Decayed
Darkthrone (with Nocturno Culto)
Immolation
Morbid Angel
Asphyx
Vomitory
Nifelheim
Holocausto Canibal
Machetazo
Macabre
Rebaelliun
+ article about Jeffrey Dahmer, reviews, editorial

Re-reuploaded

Time for another 'zine. This is the third item sent me by Pawel recently, thank you for the scans and we have here already the sixth issue of Norwegian From Beyond whom I was not familiar with before this sending. Mostly due it being a death metal 'zine (cover says extreme metal fanzine but vast majority is death) and generally those 'zines I've read haven't simply been very interesting. Combined with the era it was released it's no wonder I'd never picked up a copy.

Now that I actually bothered to read it instead of just skimming through the content (and the Darkthrone interview) I was slightly surprised by how good a read it is! I'm still not quite finished so I'll just settle to recommend this, especially if you're into death metal. Oh, I should probably mention that Pawel sent it in .pdf format, in case it matters to anyone and that the layout is mostly clear but the editor does experiment with different fonts which I find very annoying. But still, give From Beyond a shot.

Exstinctio Sensus #1

Exstinctio Sensus fanzine, issue 1 (1995)
Interviews:
Nåstrond
Sorhin
Obtained Enslavement
Mortiis
Forgotten Woods
Einherjer
Manes
Demonic
Satariel
Hades
Setherial
Funeral Winds
Articles:
Gehenna
Graveland
Lord of Evil
Tha-Norr
Osculum Infame
Arckanum
Nauthis
Incitatus
Vergelmer
Sabbathan
Cacophonous Records
Ancient
Liar of Golgotha
Darkwoods My Betrothed
Mastiphal (Katowice)
Ulver
Megiddo (UK)
Vlad
Dark Funeral
Impurity
Illska
Troll (Aafjord)
"From Xmas to Solar Rites..." by Darkarts
Zephyrous
Wintergods
"The Church of Satan or the Pure Evil Swindle" by Se Irim Abrahel
Funerary Call
Prophanity
Aeternus
Murder Rape
Dies Irae (nor)
Abigail
Necromicon
The Helheim Society
Veles
+ "advances" section, "In the Mist of My Grief" poem, Darkthrone press statement, Bathory lyrics, English translations of Varg's lyrics for Darkthrone & Burzum...

Mega

How about some reading? Here's another classic-era 'zine, first issue of the Spanish black metal fanzine Exstinctio Sensus who, like was the somewhat unfortunate style of the times, were extremely Norge-centric. Or more fairly Scandinavian-focused since out of the twelve interviews six are Norwegian, four Swedish, one Dutch and then there's Mortiis. My scans, made last summer when I borrowed this 'zine from comrade Kurgan or more specific from his mate. Thanks, gents!

Besides the dozen interviews there are several, usually short, articles/bios of bands and unfortunately once again many of the most interesting names are in this section. How unfortunate but not surprising. And again no support for their local scene in any form, then again there was not much to talk about at that time, in the black metal field. If you don't mind the Norway-worship it is a good 'zine with a pleasant, clear old school lay-out and above average content in general. Notably they have no separate reviews here, but they go over most bands' (most recent) release either in the introduction of the interview or in the article. The interviews range from very good (Nåstrond, Sorhin, Setherial) to usual, okay stuff to underwhelming and really bad (Demonic being once again the worst). Generally you'll notice the usual pattern here how Norwegian bands used to give quite poor answers in interviews, especially with foreign 'zines. Enough talk, read for yourself, despite my usual bitching it's extremely recommendable!

Eternal Darkness #13 / Canadian Assault #4

Eternal Darkness, issue 13 / Canadian Assault, issue 4 split fanzine (November 1999)
Interviews - Eternal Darkness:
Unpure
Vulpecula / Ares Kingdom
Incubus (old interview)
Nunslaughter
Lust
Order From Chaos (old interview)
+ reviews & Sadistik Exekution live pics
Interviews - Canadian Assault:
Shane's World (porn)
Kaamos
Pagan Records
Immolation
Rites of Thy Degringolade
Damnation Records
+ reviews (including movies & old albums) and assorted filler (rant column, playlists, zine excerpts etc...)

Ulož.to

Here's another scan sent by Pawel, thanks a lot! It's another split 'zine, featuring the 13th issue of the long-runner Eternal Darkness by Keith Dempe and 4th of Canadian Assault made by Dale Roy who had moved to the States circa his 3rd issue. I haven't read that many US 'zines myself, just some black metal ones and a couple of pretty shitty ones I wouldn't really call 'zines the way I understand them, like Grimoire of Exalted Deeds who get a bashing on these pages too. Both editors are old school-enthusiasts and it shows. There aren't that many bands interviewed here if you look at the content above, ED has two re-runs and Chuck Keller is interviewed twice (the second old intie) which sort of makes this feel more like a Order From Chaos / Vulpecula / Ares Kingdom fan club magazine. Well, the editor did run such and released assorted tapes by the bands. Great if you're a fan of the acts. The other interviews are reasonably long too though the Incubus one dating to late 80's wasn't at all my cup of poison. Life metallers to boot. The review section is separate and neat, easy to read like the rest of this side of the 'zine but the high amount of scores over 90 out of 100 really catches my eye. Slightly jarring considering how he writes about other 'zines and the state of the scene in general. From what I gather, his previous issue had been a HUGE two parter which apparently drained him pretty much fully and wasn't that successful in the end.

Canadian Assault side is slightly less tidy and features content I dismiss as filler; playlists taking up a page, rant I didn't bother reading as it was a chunky block of text, a picture collage of Venom, two pages of quotes from 'zines he'd read (though some very quite amusing or interesting, I'll give 'em that!) and so on. There are also loads of reviews which some people don't care about at all and some enjoy, spotting new (well, obviously old) bands to check out so the mileage varies for this content. What irks me is that out of the six interviews here one is the pornstar Shane of "Shane's World" (kids can google it) and two are label interviews which I'm not so keen on. Better still than having other 'zines or distro or such taking the space. Though the Pagan Records one is actually very good and interesting, Tomas being a veteran and relevant. The Damnation Recs one I didn't read. I feel like neither of the editors actually had enough stuff to put up a full issue even together but had agreed on certain amount of pages or something. Despite my bitching, the whole is still above the average and recommendable as 'zines always are to the time travellers, archaeologists and grave-robbers.

 

UPDATE: New upload provided by gratsim, thank you for the assist!

Zines in Finnish

The Nocturnal 'zine, issue 2 (April 1994)
Interviews:
Soulgrind
Misery
Curse
Mehazaer
Decoryah
Denial of God
M.M.I. Records
Black Dawn
Slayer 'zine / Head Not Found
Pax Mortis
Sceptical Schizo
Mystification
Hammer of Damnation
Articles:
Necrospiritual
Cerebrum
Salome
Morningstar
+ reviews, gig report

Mediafire

Apocryphal 'zine, issue 1 (1998)
Interviews:
Thyrane
Warloghe
Alghazanth
Unhola
+ Helwetti article, live review Easter Holocaust '98, demo reviews and news

Mega

Today is again Finnish independence day and this year I decided to use it as an excuse to post a pair of 'zines I've scanned written in Finnish so my apologies to our foreign friends. But at least both have pictures to look at if you are still curious enough to download them!

I was wondering if I should write the blog entry in Finnish too but since I've used English this far let's stick to that. Ok, so first one is the second and last issue of The Nocturnal 'zine made by messieurs Poskiparta (of Necrobiosis fame) and Rouhiainen, featuring cover art by Juha Vuorma and contributions by Ari "Sinister Satyr" Honkonen (Metalion interview & Morningstar article/bio) and Oliver Kraupa (live review of Impaled Nazarene / Ancient Rites gig). I borrowed this one from comrade passetiermes, thanks again! Dating to early '94 it is a more nostalgic and pleasant time capsule of the two for me personally, plus it features some more seldom seen bands. The professionalism and informative level might not be the highest though, but like I always say, amateurish 'zines are the best. Browsing through this reminds me I should get a hold of more Mystification (FF) material.

Second 'zine is the first issue of Apocryphal, also made by two gentlemen Jääskeläinen & Kaakkolahti from Leppävesi and in conspiracy with Volante's Artwork Prod. which explains the much fancier look this one has. I have no idea whether more issues were made as by the end of the century I bought less and less 'zines (and more and more booze - wonder if there's a connection?) but they do claim to have plans made for a second issue in the editorial. Right, this is a black metal 'zine, long interviews all of them which explains the smallish number and it was also released in A5 format which would be the other reason. Plus they botched something with the layout so there's a blank page (both sides even) which I faithfully scanned. Several pages of demo reviews as well. Where The Nocturnal 'zine editors joked and fooled around these lads are very serious all around. Trivia: I attended the '98 Easter Holocaust tour at Kuopio (I'm sure they did it at least twice, if not three times?) where it was held at the much smaller venue Valhalla metal bar. I wonder where else the tour went, I think it was like 3-4 places? As I seem to be starting to digress rather badly I suppose I should quit here. Recommended for the Finnish readers and to those who are learning the language. Not for the grammar though.

Putrefaction #5

Putrefaction 'zine, issue 5 (August 1991)
Interviews:
Bolt Thrower
Torturer
Demigod
Therion
Atomic Aggressor
Carbonized
Morbid Angel
Malaphar
Traumatic
Salem
At the Gates
Interment
Sentenced
Merciless
Shub-Niggurath
Misery
Infested Incarnation (guys who made stickers!?)
Infamy (Florida)
Obscure (Spain)
Dark Tranquillity
Baphomet
Agressor
Sadist
Macabre End
Samael
Sadus
Immortal
Death Courier
Impaler
Unleashed
Articles:
Dissection
Repugnance
Marduk
+ 'zine reviews

Depositfiles

Today's offering is an old 'zine again, a classic from the death metal underground, this is the 5th issue of Sweden's Putrefaction made by Tomas known later for No Fashion records. Thanks to Pawel for scanning this! Pdf-format and very clean & clear work, would be easy to read if not for the slightly messy archaic lay out. Which is naturally 110% cooler than late 90's posh computer stuff.

As you can see, there are loads and loads of interviews and no reviews (apparently Putrefaction didn't do these, this is the only issue I've seen so not sure) except for a page with couple of 'zines plus as exceptions he does review tapes of Sentenced and Shub-Niggurath after their interviews. Speaking of which, there are plenty of them but most are quite short and several are just plain bad and uninteresting or uninformative. Worst offenders here hailing from the States, with absolutely shit interview with Trey of Morbid Angel, short and boring one with Baphomet and much better than the previous but still lackluster Sadus. Misery from Switzerland takes the cake for Euro interviewees. Most interesting ones are probably the ones featuring new and upcoming bands At the Gates, Immortal and Dark Tranquillity. Merciless one is among the longest ones but almost completely gets out of hand with nonsense. Well, at least they had fun. Despite the minor complaining there is a lot to read, especially if you're into old death metal scene but personally most value here is nostalgic.

Einherjum #1

Einherjum, issue 1 (1995)
Interviews:
Satyricon
Isvind
In the Woods...
Sverd Storm / Skogsposten
Ornament 'zine
Manes
Perished
Nattvindens Gråt
Black Funeral
Ragnarok
Esoteric
Ancient
Mortiis
Obtained Enslavement
Bifrost
Zephyrous
Unpure
Theatre of Tragedy
The Helheim Society
Dies Irae
Fleurety
Behemoth
Fenriz
+ a bunch of articles, scribbles and reviews and yet another Irish scene report

Depositfiles

Let's do a 'zine post today. Not too long ago comrade Kurgan sent me the first and only issue of the (in-)famous Norwegian 'zine Einherjum made in 1995 by Aasmund & Oðinn and I scanned it, like I tend to do. And yeah, the 'zine has been mentioned in the blog a few times before and you might've gathered I'm not too fond of it. I actually traded away my own copy back in '96 as I was quite dissappointed with how it turned out to be. Has time healed wounds and put enough water under the bridge to give me a different impression of the magazine? Not really, I still feel pretty salty whenever I leaf through this. Don't get me wrong, there are some interesting interviews too (like Esoteric, The Helheim Society, Black Funeral), though as you see it is a pretty standard list of names for a 'zine of the era, even including the omni-present Mortiis and yet another goddamn Irish scene report! I swear every third 'zine I read seemed to have one of those things, each more half-assed than the previous one!!! Ok, but more than those I was and am bothered by the editors' (well, it's mostly Oðinn really) attempts at humour and being witty. The interviews vary wildly in length, depth and quality and the "articles" tend to be either rants, stupid, or like written doodles. Well, variety is the spice of life? At least they put their personalities on display so it's very bold. Reviews are generally poor, with some exceptions giving a bit better impression of their object. I'm actually getting annoyed writing about this so have a read for yourself, I'm going out for some fresh air.

Hellflame #6

Hellflame magazine, issue 6 (1999)
Interviews:
Spear of Longinus
Obtest
Nunslaughter
Moria
Suicidal Winds
Mustan Kuun Lapset
Pagan Winter
Moondance Magazine & Equilibrium Publishings
Thornspawn
Black Witchery
Drakkar Productions
Articles:
Qliphotic Necromancy & 27th Pestilence (by Mezzadurus)
Satanism - the History of the Devil and His Worshippers (by Sadorass)
+ editorial, reviews

Mediafire

I'm going off to Nummirock once again for some midsummer madness after a year's pause, but I thought I'd leave you with something to read for the weekend. Sent by comrade Kurgan (thanks!) and scanned fast and sloppy as usual by me, here is the 6th issue of the Italian 'zine Hellflame, made by Nicola Solieri (of Goatfire & some other projects). Concentrating on this issue, and past ones as well I presume, on black and death metal bands this is a well made, good looking without being too fancy and at least with the brief browse through I've managed yet, also interesting and rather well written. Despite being released right smack middle in the less than stellar period of time I keep dissing. Not very many interviews but most are longer than average and more interesting too, reviews better than average too so I'd recommend this. I must hurry to work and pack my shit in the morning before leaving so farewell and the Coven (hopefully) returns next week.

Daemonium Aeturnus #2

Daemonium Aeturnus 'zine, issue 2 (1992)
Interviews:
Mortuary Drape
Immortal
Barathrum
Nocturan Demanto
Goatpenis
Thorns
Impaled Nazarene
Lullaby
+ some pictures and three (3) reviews

Reuploaded

It's been already a few months since I last posted something to read so let's do a quick fix to that with this generous donation to the Coven by comrade Kurgan, thanks! This is the second issue of the Dutch cult 'zine Daemonium Aeturnus, made by The Unsane of Bestial Summoning fame. Please note that these are scans of photocopies so the quality of images et al. might be somewhat worse than expected. Not that the issue was professionally printed in the first place. I suppose it had a red cover like the images of other issues I've seen.

This is an unprofessional, xeroxed early 90's 'zine with a simple layout, unclear photos and short, often chaotic interviews, at this point still a black metal fanzine instead of the more occult/Satanic/heretic leanings of the later issues and it is absolutely great! Honest old school 'zines are always a pleasure to read. Just don't expect very deep and informative interviews. I'd really love to see the other issues of D.A. so get in touch if you have any to offer, copies are fine too. That's enough, this is obviously recommended.

UPDATE: Fixed the typo, I can't seem to wrap my head around the name being Daemonium Aeturnus and not ...Aeternus!

Cerberus #6

Cerberus 'zine, issue 6 (summer 2000)
Interviews:
Exhumation
Love History
Nightly Gale
Mental Home
Necromicon
Insanity Reigns Supreme
Opeth
Lethal Prayer
Evemaster
+ reviews

Mediafire

Haven't posted a 'zine for a while now so let's fix this with another sending by comrade Kurgan, thanks for the donation! Cerberus was a long-running Finnish 'zine started in '92 and centered mostly on death metal with some nods to doom(/death) and black metal as well. All issues were rather compact in size, ranging between 20 and 40 pages, this episode being 36. Not sure how much longer they carried on after this, two more perhaps? I've never owned the past issues myself, I just vaguely remember browsing through someone else's copy of issue... uh, it was probably three?

Ok, so I'm not going to dwell in their past but looking at this issue the editors' experience is obvious and their English is also very good. Unfortunately the content just isn't very interesting. Well, the reviews are quite long and written with more than average effort so they do count. The band roster just isn't my chalice of venom, but perhaps the readers of the blog might find something intriguing among the lot. I might later get some of the back issues which look to be more to my liking, of course their era helps in this regard. The turn of the millennium just doesn't have the appeal of the early and mid-90's. Still, it's well made and worth a shot if you read 'zines at all.