Ranjau Metal #1

Ranjau Metal #1

50 pg, A4, xerox, Malay

Interview

Virus Zine, Krosot, Akal Sari, Nrocinu, Metallatria Distribution, Torch, Seraphim, Kalimfada Zine

I saw the new issue (#3) being sold at some metal music shop and I saw this issue there too. Probably they re-print this issue together with #3 (the xerox quality is the same, even the color of binding type is the same) to get cheaper price. I'm curious to see their past so bought this together. You must know that I do check zine (past or future issues) if I have the chance even though I have read their bad issue. About the content, layout is simple type done using computer and some are hand-written. They used this style in #2. Interviews are average. Reviews are OK but I saw 'Pikrama', 'BS' as the reviewer so probably those reviews are taken from Metal Terus webzine.  Some band bio available here: Paganfire, Rob Blitz, Embryotony, Inside, Seraphim. Most of this bio are the actual bio sheet made by the band (do bands still do this now?). Lots of pages are pasted with flyers. Since I don’t get a lot of paper flyer these days, I think it's OK having this issue at the price of RM6.

Necroscope #23

Necroscope #23

148 page, A5, xerox, English

Interview

Nefario, Neutron Hammer, Hail Of Bullets, Defamer, URT, Proclaimation, Exordium Mors, Bokrug, Embrional, Coldblood, Morbid Goat Fornicator, Anal Blasphemy

I thought I bought issue #22 but later (month after I bought it) I found that I have ordered #20 twice from few distros. Now I missed one issue. When Fauzi of Virus Zine informed me he have few copies of the latest issue at that time (I don’t even remember what was the last issue I have) I just ordered a copy. Enough crap from me. About this zine, the editor is a maniac, true dedicated metal zine editor even when he has family and kid but still produce an issue nearly 150 pages thick (every year?). There is some 'improvement' here although still no table of content (not really a problem for me though). Xerox quality are better, layout are bit properly arranged, small fonts (as usual) and this time Adam used page border. I didn't know the standard MS page frame can look good. The use of pictures is still minimal. As usual, the one I crave for here is the zine reviews that are always long and interesting. I wonder why there are so many Polish bands? (read that in "Polish Hell"). There are some articles including "Pearl Of Abyss". Hail of Bullet interviews is the funniest (for me, for the editor it is not) among all. As funny as the picture used on the front cover.

Necroscope #21

Necroscope #21

132 page, A5, xerox, English

Interview

Overoth, Force Of Darkness, Sanguineous, Deep Vein, Revenge, Autopsy, Swamp, Death Invoker, Dead Congregation, Paganfire, Unaussprechlichen Kulten

What else I should say about this zine? Adam makes it looks like it’s easy to make a zine! And a very thick one too! Anyway, if you are an avid zine reader or have read Necroscope previous issues, this one does not offer anything new. If you like the old one I'm definitely sure you will like this one too. I suggest you check my older reviews to get an idea of Necroscope. In the editorial he said "people are complaining about too many pages". Is that bad? I think it's not. Just manage your time fukker! Some articles written here; "Is it Metal or Business", "Atmosphere Has Not Gone" and also "Pearl of The Abyss" (again and a very long one). I like the way this planet have been divided in "Pearl of The Abyss"; South of Hell, East of Hell (for Malaysia, Silent Death and Euronymous is being mentioned), North of Hell and the most important (and the name is funny for me at the same time)... THE HEADQUARTER OF HELL (Europe). The music reviews as usual "Polish Hell" (Polish band reviews) and "Worldly Assault". Both are not rated. 'Underground Art' - paper zine review. As lengthy as usual and a lot of zine! There are some gig reports (Pure Fucking Darkness Festival, Barbatos). This issue is not stapled and I found out I miss out page #67 to #74. I couldn't remember from where I got this (reading this after buying them few month later) so can't get those missing pages. I have no idea whether this is still available or not. One funny story, I went to a printing shop to have this zine stapled but that shop said they don’t have the type of stapler that can staple in middle of the paper but they are selling that stapler! I see that on the shelf. Maybe I should buy one.

Necroscope #20

Necroscope #20

156 page, A5, xerox, English

Interview

Ruins, Almighty Sathanas, Misgivings, Arson, Vomepotro, Putrefied Genetalia, Stench Of Virginity, Pathogen, Negathron, Pagana Usurpacion, Sacrificial Dagger, Necroholocaust, Chainsaw, Besatt, Septicopyemia

This is the 20th issue of this magnificent zine. There is a good article on 14 years of Necropscope written by Adam. I think most of underground metal maniacs should already know about this zine. Interviews and reviews are in kamikaze English style. And about the reviews, there are too many to read here, be it audio stuff or zine review. I like the zine review a lot and having special section "Polish Hell" is useful to. The tape trader section or "The Forgotten Race" feature a guy named Holger. I hope Adam can find another tape trader for the next issue. It’s no longer a forgotten race but more like "extinct race" now.

Uroboros #1 (2010)

Uroboros #1 (2010)

40pg, A5, xerox, Polish

This zine is available together with D.O.O.M #3 but at extra cost if you want this. It is not stapled which reminds me of Necroscope Zine. The pages are numbered but no table of content. The layout is totally different compared with D.O.O.M. This is made by computer and not cut n paste. There are some interviews, articles and reviews but all are in Polish. As mentioned in the editorial of D.O.O.M #3, this zine focussing on movies and books reviews. Although I don’t understand it but there are lots of artwork in the vein of the front cover so it's good for me. Get this if you don't know what to do with your money.

Demented Omen Of Masochism #2 (2008)

Demented Omen Of Masochism #2 (2008)

46pg, A4, xerox, English/Polish

Interview

Enforcer, Deceased, Sadomator, Voids Of Vomit, Kratornas, Sanguis Imperem, Black Witchery, Mandatory, Kingdom, Ironfist, Resurrection, Pyoveli, Riotor, Necroscope Zine, Rot, Pseudogod, Persecutor, Leichengott

I bought together with #3 but the xerox quality is not as good as #3. Unlike #3, this issue have page number and table of content. Layout is still in the great cut n paste style. Texts are all in the same font type (typewriter font). In #3, couple of font types are used. Live reports are written in Polish, just like issue #3. In addition to that the reviews (music & zine) are also in Polish, arranged in alphabetical order and not rated. Interviews are OK. The one with Adam of Necroscope is the highlight. Massive 40 questions! That's crazy amount of questions. I think Skalpel's wife don't approve his metal activities. Me too! My copy hand-numbered #171.

Demented Omen Of Masochism #3 (2010)

Demented Omen Of Masochism #3 (2010)

52pg, A4, xerox, English

Interview

Nordor, Heretic, Diabolical Demon Director, Domains, Sanguineous, Eroded, Nocturnal Vomit, Nominon, Cult Of Daath, Triforium Dawn, Cast Iron, Deception, Goat Tyrant, Kampf Records

My first encounter with D.O.O.M. The editor is quite active in NWN Forum. I got interested to have this zine since issue #2 which I also ordered together with this issue (and also the mini zine). Some pages are wrongly stapled which make the zine is not in the right page order. This problem has been rectified for the copies made after mine. Layout cut n paste style with good xerox quality. Interview questions are numbered. Good list of bands being interviewed. DDD interview is the longest because the same questions answered by all the members (Death Justice of DDD also write Australian Metal report for this issue). Reviews are in alphabetical order and not rated. The zine reviews are longer compared with audio stuff. The zine is not entirely in English though. The concert reports on the last pages are in Polish. My copy hand-numbered #027 in silver ink. This issue also comes with CD-R sampler. Check out the web if interested to have this. Label info & distro list also available from the same website.

E-mail

doomzine(a)gmail.com 

Web

www.doomzine.cjb.net

Bestial Noise #1

Bestial Noise #1

60 pg, F4, xerox, English

Interview

Almighty Sathanas, Black Vomit Records, Xibalba, Envenom, Slaughtbbath, Evil Angel, Miserycore, Obeisance, Satanachia Agliareth, Ejecutor, Temple Of Adoration Zine, Vociferian, Unholy Penetration, Bestial Raids, Kratherion, Embrace Of Thorn, Proselytism, Death Invoker

Been reading too many zines with small fonts (and small in size) lately. Now having a zine like this is quite refreshing for the eyes. Different types of font use and size is quite big. Weird enough I didn't find it bad. The paper is longer than A4. Not sure the exact format, it can be E4, C4 or F4. Probably using big font and with big size paper will be better combination? That's a new theory. Good xerox quality. The layout is in cut n paste style. Some flyers pasted here and there to fill up the empty space. No table of content but the pages are numbered. I got this by trade. As usual I will flip through the zine page by page before start reading. Unless there's any Malaysian band, I read them first (in this zine it's Envenom) before continue reading from page 1. Very well-thought questions. I discovered that editor already been interviewing bands 9 years ago before doing this zine. With age comes wisdom as some people would say. Questions are not just on music but on ideology as well. The one with Temple of Adoration barely touch the zine. No introduction on the interview though. Reviews of zine and music stuff are not in alphabetical order and not rated. Some of them are put after the interview end to fill up the empty space. The zine featured an article on Thai Metal scene, "Origin Of The Black Seeds in Siamese Region" by Derajchan of BlackPlague666 zine. I think it is better to use pictures related to Thai band's instead putting cover of stuff from Profancer, Nebiras or Rator although they do relate with the title of article. My copy hand-numbered 148/500. Still a long way to go to 500 so better get this before it's sold out.

Contact

c/o Hector Hoffstetter

P.O.Box 508, San Bernardo,

Santiago,

Chile

E-mail

bestialmayhemicnoise(a)hotmail.com

Rape And Honey #3

Rape & Honey #3

12pg, letter, English

Color laser xerox zine, the first time I encounter this type of fanzine. Only one band, in this issue, Weapon. The interview are not in 'Q & A' type but made in an article form like the one you can read in magazine, where the editor also put his thoughts and views. Simple layout but yet looks professional. On the centerfold is full page of Michael Angelo's 'Temptation Of Adam & Eve' in color. Some color inserts included like a postcard size pictures of Hindu deity, an AJNA ad insert on linen paper and review in transparency. Some information I got from various online forums, Mr. Mincemoyer is the person behind a great magazine called Oaken Throne and this is a 'microzine' which consist of 1 interview per issue. Interesting concept. I'm curious to see the newer and older issues including Oaken Throne. This is the first 100 copy, mine handnumbered #39. I bought this from Crucial Blast E-bay store. They might have some copies for sale.

Contact

c/o John Mincemoyer

E-mail

rottingdaisies(a)hotmail.com

Api #3 (2005)

Api #3 (2005)

52 pg, A5, xerox, English

Interview

Toxicdeath, Bullet, Throneum, Antacid, Godus, Nocturnal V, Estuary, Volcano, Desaster, A Good Day For Killing, Witchburner, Atomizer, Hatework, Vacarme

Bio

Headlight, Deceiver

I got this zine by trade with Domain Zine's editor, Syaiful. Well-done issue. I heard there are few types of front cover available. Cut n paste style with frame artwork, small font size (more to read) and excellent zerox quality. No complaint on the layout although there is no page number and no table of content. Reviews not in alphabetical order and not rated. All audio format combined in one section with the front covers although it look small but due to excellent xerox quality you can still see some details on those tiny covers. From the editorial, the editor mentioned that this issue was made for A4 size but later changed to A5. Not sure whether that's a good decision or not but nowdays A5 is the preferred size but I think its not a good size. I'm not sure how many issues have been released after this. Mine are hand-numbered #167.

Contact

c/o Rosmalie Ahmad

E-mail

apifanzine(a)yahoo.com

Static #28 (2001)

Static #28 (2001)

44 pg, A5, xerox, English

Interview

Forlorn, Primal Dawn, Ciborium, Shadows Fall, All That Remains, Novembers Doom.

I think the editors just started using software like MS Word. Basic MS word layout 2 column perpage with huge font size. The use of box or border for every columns make it look strange. Interviews and answers are not separated made to look different. Its like reading a very long sentence. Only on the last interview, November Doom, they bolded the questions. And that's the best interview in this issue. A bit in-depth compare with the rest. Review covers music and zine. The reviews are not rated and they are better than interview though. Malaysian Seasonal Abyss managed to get a review here. The zine comes with Static CDR sampler #3 Vol. #2 (11 tracks). I google Static Zine but it gave url of another different zine from Toronto.

Morbid Abominations #1 (2010)

Morbid Abominations #1 (2010)

34pg, A4, xerox, English

Interview

Black Witchery, Acrimonious, Horna, Woods Of Infinity, Cultes Des Ghoules, Watain, Purification Kommando, Thorns Of Hate, Contaigeon

Bio

Bestial Summoning, Crux, Treblinka, Abruptum, Darkwoods My Betrothed, Goat Vomit, Bloodline

Pages are numbered and have table of content. Good computer layout and still look old school. Layout is 2 columns per page using computer so having a tone down frame artwork  (less dark than original) can prevent the text become unreadable if it being printed on the frame. Printer setting can be a bitch some time. Several font types are used at right size which is not too small, the way I like it. Xerox quality is excellent but the printing quality of the pictures is a bit too dark. Interviews are 10 to 15 questions but good questions were asked. The zine is consist of several contributors, the main men for this zine is PB & DALIHROB which I think the person responsible managing the label/distro Hexencave. I got contacted by the guy doing the interview with Thorns of Hate, Lucas, and quickly ordered this zine. For the reviews only cover audio stuff in few sections; album, vinyl and demo which consist of few reviewers and the review are not rated. They have this section called "Forgotten Jewels of Ancient Black Plague" where they put biography of old bands. Good readers will know which bands belong in this section even though I listed probably all bios up there. Good debut issue I must say and I encourage you all to check this one out.

E-mail

hexencave(a)gmail(.)com

Web

http://www.hexencave.wz.cz/moab.htm

Legion Of Torture #1 (2009)

Legion Of Torture #1 (2009)

40 pg, A5, xerox, English

Interview

Infernal Conjuration, Evil Damn, Pathogen, Lantern, Recrucify, Necrofucker

Bio

Incisor, Bastardator, Non Serviam, Goat Tyrant, Afflictis Lentare

I'm reading this zine backward. I mean I started with issue #2 (latest issue) first. I noticed the changes of size from A5 to A4 for the new issue which a good. I also noticed the editor, JC, already made his own trademark since the debut issue, that 'rrroooarrrgggg' word without the 'h' at the end of the word, which he keep on writing on every interviews and some reviews. Different name used for some column such as "Necronometal" for the zine review. Reviews are not rated. No page number and no table of content. Small fonts, 1 column per page, simple hand-drawn frame art. Spaces are very well used so again the size of this zine will be more than 40 if made the normal way. Some pages are full of flyers. Good questions being asked, considering this is a debut issue. The xerox quality is just OK. The best of this issue is the review of the first Iron Maiden concert in Peru. I really like the reviews which describe the atmosphere of the gig, etc beside the usual report on band's performance on stage. JC even interviewed the first person to enter the venue. Now I know, you have to be fit if you want to enter such big concert if you want to get a good spot. You need to run for it! Although only 6 questions asked but they are very long one. Mine hand-numbered #66/80.

Legion Of Torture #2 (2010)

Legion Of Torture #2 (2010)

32 pg, A4, xerox, English

Interview

Non Serviam, Insacred, Bestial Rape, Goat Tyrant, R.I.P, Demoniac Slaughter, *Demona, *Morbid Tales Zine, Warlock Voice, Slaughter Messiah, Persecutor, Anarkhon, *Circle Of Destruction Zine

Looks like a thin zine but to due reduced font size (at a readable size ofcourse) and no space waste with nicely done computer layout, there are a lot to read in this 'Nearer The Death' Chapter. Probably double the size if using the normal size font. There are also cut n paste style but not in a chaotic arrangement. The zine is mostly in 2 or 3 columns per page while gig report is one straight line (very long line since the font is small which I don’t really like this style). Postage is the reason for making this issue as thin as they can but at the same time also giving a lot of stuff to read. It took quite some time to finish reading this issue. Good xerox quality. Full version of Slaughter Messiah will be a good read. The pages are numbered but no table of content.  On the last page the are some info on zines. The editor is also good in 'playing' with words. You can see that from the title of every column. "Live Torture" is gig reports section. Some 6 gigs being reviewed with good to read stories happening during the event. And also the reviews, "Die By Legion Of Torture" (audio review), "Metal Meleficarum (The Scrolls Of Torture & Death)" (zine review). These reviews are not in alphabetical order and not rated. There's also "Tortures From Old East", a reviews of old Eastern Europe metal by Holger Fleck from Germany. If you wondering what are those asterisk marks on the interviews above, they are from a section called "Ladies of The Underground". No need for me to elaborate that because I know what that means. The zine might be costly to order I think. Mine hand-numbered 29/100. By the time of this review, I still have few copies for trade. Contact me if interested. The rest you can contact JC, the editor.

Web

http://legionoftorturezine.blogspot.com/

Unbound #4 (1999)

Unbound #4 (1999)

64 pg, A4, xerox, English

Interview

Pearly Penile Papules, Nasum, Spazz, Dissociated, Romantic Gorilla

Another old issue I got for review. Weird selection of bands but the reviews have black and death metal releases. Some pages are numbered and have table of content. Layout are 2 columns per page, some page have big size fonts. Good interviews although I'm not into the bands but some manage to get my attention in reading them. Reviews are rated but not in alphabetical order and separated to demo section and album section. Lots of article. The zine ended with 2 pages of label/band address and some review on mail-order he used to shop.

Web

http://www.myspace.com/unboundzine

Under The Baphomet #1 (2000)

Under The Baphomet #1 (2000)

20 pg, A4, xerox, English

Interview

Cenotaph, Deeds of Flesh, Divine Rupture, Immolation, Pathology Stench, Cryogenic, Kabak.

Named as "magazine" but looks like a newsletter for me. Table of content available but no page number. The layout are simple MS Word type. Not much I can say here. These are the shortest interview I've ever seen in a zine. I was influenced by the front cover in making the purchase. There's no regret though. At least I got some information about this zine. But I couldn’t find their contact address. Searching the web also does not give any result except being mentioned in Pyaemia's interview in laermbelaestigung.net.

Contact

Under The Baphomet

HC-67, Box 16297

Bayamon

PR00956 USA

E-mail

underthebaphomet@hotmail.com

Necrosick #2 (2000)

Necrosick #2 (2000)

50 pg, A4, xerox, English

Interview

Soils Of Fate, Bloody Gore, Gorerotted, Unborn, Obliteration, Excarnated, Atavism, Sepsism, Pathology Stench, Encabulos, Cock And Ball Torture, Malignancy, Intense Human Rage

Dede Suhita is talented artist. Lots of sick artwork all over the zine and that is the selling point for this issue. The interviews are quite average though. It will be better if more in-depth interviews especially with Indonesian bands. Some questions need some imagination to get a good answer but some bands fail in answering them. I don’t understand why didn't they use frame artwork (since the editor is good in art!) instead of doing a basic/simple MS Word layout. There are some flyers as filler and some are not arrange nicely. Reviews available too and they are short and not rated. This is an old zine. Not sure whether the editors, Budi & Dede still making it since I couldn't find any info in the internet. However I found Dede's facebook. Contact them there if you are interested.

Web

http://www.facebook.com/pages/DEDE-SUHITA-INHUMAN-ART/241226983169

Spawn Rebirth #6

Spawn Rebirth #6

120pg, A5, xerox, Czech

Interview

Crusher, Houwitser, Feeble Minded, Lividity, Unblemished Zine, Pandemia, Ahumado Granujo, Testament, Godless Truth, Prophecy, Scabbard, Cannible Corpse, Sepsism, Katharsis, Severe Torture, Scenery, Damnable, Krabathor, Erytrosy, Sarcom

A foreign language zine that I bought in bulk from Ebay. Very thick zine and this is first time I saw this kind of paper binding type. The pages are numbered and have table of content. Neat MS Word layout with that standard frame. The zine starts with gig report. The interviews and reviews are very long. Looks like an interesting read. Reviews are rated, the editor even make a table (summary) with points of the stuff being reviewed. Some with cover and some with logo but there are no zine review. I saw some articles and some filler like flyers and drawings from the medieval age. This issue also featured a very long 'Obscene Extreme Festival'.

Contact

c/o Milan "Sotous" Duchacek

Na Krecku 345

109 00 Praha 15

Czech Republic

E-mail

srzine(a)volny.cz