Isten Fanzine Churches (2017)

 

Isten Fanzine Churches (2017)
100 pages, 21cs x 21cm, English, pro-printed

I couldn't find the reason of this publication is made. Some words written at the back cover mention "An ABC book for both builders and burners in all the glorious colours of rust and soot".

It is not in the interview/answer style like normal zine. It is a series of answers made or arranged into articles and divided into several chapters. No photo of the bands/individuals, just drawing of them with lots of pictures of buildings, structures which I think from around Finland. And no reviews either.

These chapters talk about music. I couldn't find the relation of the Chapter's title with the content inside the chapter (they didn't talk about Iron Maiden either).

Below are the individuals featured in this book. You may find them in several chapters talking on certain topics:

Mikko Aspa (Clandestine Blaze)
Ville Pirinen (Seremonia)
Werwolf (Satanic Warmaster)
Mikael Haavisto (Ranger)
Jori von Meriläinen (Gentry Lord)
Ulla Ahola (M.O.R.A.)
Yaki (M.O.R.A.)
Amel Khelif (M.O.R.A.)
Ville Valavuo (Speedtrap)
Jussi Lehtisalo (Circle)
Sami Harju (Pacto De Sangre)
Mat McNerney (Grave Pleasures/Hexvessel)
Sisli (Fosforos)
Jussi Pitkänen (Fosforos)
Jari Kelloniemi, Tenho Kareen, Vesa Säkkinen (A.R.G.)
Tommi Puurunen (Demon's Gate/Chevalier)
Jonatan Johansson (Vorum)
Maria Mattila (Mara Balls)
Kari Rajala (Warp Transmission)
Teemu Bergman (Myrkky-Käärme)
Kimmo Kuusniemi (Sarcofagus)

The chapters are:
Chapter One: Where Eagles Dare
Chapter Two: Revelations
Chapter Three: Flight of Icarus
Chapter Four: Die With Your Boots On
Chapter Five: The Trooper
Chapter Six: Still Life
Chapter Seven: Quest for Life
Chapter Eight: Sun And Steel
Chapter Nine: To Tame A Land

The contents are good. Interesting topics being discussed. This is Isten!
The layout is normal book layout. Can be boring at times looking at the same black & white layout (or brown). 

Let's break it down by chapters (who's in which chapter):

Chapter One: Where Eagles Dare
Mikko Aspa (Clandestine Blaze)
Ville Pirinen (Seremonia)
Werwolf (Satanic Warmaster)
Mikael Haavisto (Ranger)

Chapter Two: Revelations
Jori von Meriläinen (Gentry Lord)
Ulla Ahola (M.O.R.A.)
Yaki (M.O.R.A.)
Amel Khelif (M.O.R.A.)
Ville Valavuo (Speedtrap)
Jussi Lehtisalo (Circle)
Sami Harju (Pacto De Sangre)

Chapter Three: Flight of Icarus
Mikael Haavisto (Ranger)
Mat McNerney (Grave Pleasures/Hexvessel)
Sisli (Fosforos)
Jussi Pitkänen (Fosforos)

Chapter Four: Die With Your Boots On
Jari Kelloniemi, Tenho Kareen, Vesa Säkkinen (A.R.G.)
Mikko Aspa (Clandestine Blaze)
Jussi Pitkänen (Fosforos)
Amel Khelif (M.O.R.A.)
Ulla Ahola (M.O.R.A.)
Jonatan Johansson (Vorum)

Chapter Five: The Trooper
Mikael Haavisto (Ranger)
Maria Mattila (Mara Balls)
Kari Rajala (Warp Transmission)

Chapter Six: Still Life
Mat McNerney (Grave Pleasures/Hexvessel)
Tommi Puurunen (Demon's Gate/Chevalier)

Chapter Seven: Quest for Life
Jussi Lehtisalo (Circle)
Maria Mattila (Mara Balls)
Jori von Meriläinen (Gentry Lord)
Teemu Bergman (Myrkky-Käärme)

Chapter Eight: Sun And Steel
Ville Pirinen (Seremonia)
Mat McNerney (Grave Pleasures/Hexvessel)
Kimmo Kuusniemi (Sarcofagus)
Mikael Haavisto (Ranger)
Werwolf (Satanic Warmaster)

Chapter Nine: To Tame A Land
Sisli (Fosforos)
Jonatan Johansson (Vorum)

Wondering the drawings on the last page is intended that way. 

Contact
www.isten.net
www.svartrecords.com

Deadhead #7 (2017)

 

Deadhead #7 (2017)
180 pages, A4, English, pro-printed

Interviews
Mefisto, Abaddon, Mantas, Sadistik Exekution, Punisher, Sarcofago, Impaled Nazarene, Rator, Necrobutcher, G.I.S.M, Black Crucifixion, Vulga, Insulter, Liam Atkins, Shawn Mason, Deathcore, Crude S.S, Bali Burton, Bestial Summoning, Tales of The Macabre Mag., Assassin, Betrayer, Protector, Retrosatan, Infectious Maggots, Cirith Ungol, Destructor

Articles
The Extensive Heavy Metal Tutorial
Hell Awaits Appreciation
Lost 'n Found: Shah Jahan
First Mechandise
I.R.C: The Monthly Flying Ticket From Around The Underworld
Apache Tape: The Nostalgic Red Indian on The Cassette Cover
Ter Importance of Underground Correspondence
Utopia Banished Appreciation: The Campaign For Musical Destruction!
Lost 'n Found: Azmi Bahari
Social Infection: The Forgotten Local Underground Gem
Enemy of The Music Business (Part 1 & 2)
Glam Entities (Part 1 &2)
Lost 'n Found: Cyborg
Hipster Publication
Desecration of Virgin Mag
Black Metal Stupidities
Fagbook Kids
Backstabber
Mp3 Debate
Thrashing Shit

This issue continues in the style of issue #6 which is full pro-printed issue. I think this is type you will expect from Deadhead from now.

Issue #7 is 180 pages thick. The biggest ever so far. This is equivalent to like 8 issues of normal zine.

The layout, the interview styles are the same as previous issue. I will be repeating myself so better you guys read my previous reviews. In some pages, maybe as filler the editor some "The Essential Timeless Metaller's Digest" reviews which old classic releases.

Also consumed half page articles on Schattenmann Publishing, info on back issues, Black Mark Production.

The interviews are very in-depth and entertaining to read as usual. Rare old pictures are plenty as well including as pin-up poster or the back cover. You can see the articles are more this time. And the 'foreword' continues after the editorial columns end to another 2 separate sections. The editor really voices out his opinions in some of the articles and ofcourse great research done on the topics.

Issue #8 is in the making, taking longer time to be out it seems. Hope this will be available soon.

Ribut Dari Timur (2017)

 

Ribut Dari Timur (2017)
93 pages, 19.5cm x 22.5cm, Malay

This was first printed in 2017. In my hand now is the second print in 2019.

Abd Aziz Itar, the writer of this hardcover book is widely known in Malaysian scene as the fanzine editor of Vortex From The East. One of earliest and longest running zine in the underground scene. I first thought the book is his zine anthology or compilation of his zine in a book like many books available nowadays because the name of the book is Malay translation of the zine's name.

What you will read here is his personal experience in the Malaysian underground scene for more than 30 years since the 80's, being an editor, in bands or other projects.

There is no specific chapter, but we can tell if the first letter in page start with big size font, maybe it's a new chapter.

The first chapter talks about his experience during the early days in 80's vs today and what caused him to be in the scene and later editing his own fanzine and many more in these 28pages. Also, some pictures related with what he is writing there. Many old bands photos when he talks about Malaysian scene when he's about to start his second zine: Vortex From The East.

Chapter Two is about his mail writing to his penpal, bands and labels around the world, zine editing, and memorable gig attended. Many of them was not famous or just release their first demo like Sakis of Rotting Christ, or even Euronymous of Mayhem at the time. Many more band pictures. This is until page 39.

The Third Chapter talked about the scene in Kuala Lumpur, CM (Central Market), Brickfields.

The fourth and fifth Chapter resume back on pen-pals during the BI era which mean Before Internet ;-) elaborated further and with their pictures as well.

Sixth Chapter talked about international labels and Popkomm Music Festival.

Chapter Seven is on local labels namely Valentine Sound Production, Dark Journey Records, Ultra Hingax Productions and Nebiula Productions.

Chapter Eight is on variety of music styles by Malaysian old & new underground bands and towards the end a bit on other South East Asian countries and ofcourse more pictures.

Chapter Nine talked about open mindedness of the BI Era where fans of different genre can mix around and can have influence on each other in music making while fans or bands in current era confined to only specific genre.

In the last chapter, he asked whether true underground scene still exist in Malaysia or any part of the world. He then answers this. The book ends with his all-time favourite albums.

This is my first book on a person experience in metal scene so I can't compare with other books. Just glad somebody in the Malaysian scene came up with this.

I hope to see more books of Malaysian and South East Asian scene.

Contact
from_arash at yahoo dot com (editor)

Publisher
Penerbitan Langit
B7 Seksyen 10, Wangsa Maju,
53300 Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia

penerbitanlangit at gmail dot com
https://www.instagram.com/terbitanlangit

Arcula Mystica #1 (2017)

 

Arcula Mystica #1 (2017)
12 pages, A4 size, English, pro-printed

Interview
Altar Of Perversion

Articles
Gracing The Emptiness (David "Necrovore")
Why Are You Still Into Black Metal (by Northwind of The Sinister Flame Magazine)

This is like reading a educational textbook. 3 columns per page with no picture or graphic at all and big size font. The interview with Altar of Perversion only has the band logo. There are 2 music reviews that are not rated. These are advance material from Communion (Chile) and Vánargandr (New Zealand).

The interviews are 10 questions long, but the answers are very long.

The articles from David and Northwind are deep into BM ideology. Quite enlightening and though-provoking.

The print-run is 500 copies. The website is not working now. schattenmanns.wordpress.com might have some copies.

Some info can be found here (in French):
https://hachermenu.wordpress.com/2018/07/23/arcula-mystica-issue-one/

Contact
Arcula Mystica
P.O.Box 21,
22500 Binefar, HU
Spain
magazine at arculamystica dot com

Bangkit! #3 (2017)

Bangkit! #3 (2017)

60 pg, A5, xerox, Malay

Interviews

Atomic Death, XtolakkX, Acid Distortion, Weot Skam, Explicit, Losst, Not Things!, Warfear, Tikamxlari

Articles

Pogo via 1995/1996 - The Year Punk Broke by Tun Farul Azri

Otai Makan Petai by Apaisan

The editor missed the dateline and had to release this issue a bit late due to some personal issues. Fukking hell! He already release few issues in span of few months. That is already an achievement.

Comic strip on Kibota was fun, the character used as the icon for this zine as well in his blog. The origin of this characterstarted in #2.5.

The rest, as good as always.

Ultimate Darkness #3 (2017)

Ultimate Darkness #3 (2017)

126 pg, A4, xerox, English

Interviews

Venom Inc., Blasphemy, Sadistik Exekution, Mutilator, Merciless, Tormentor, Treblinka, Black Witchery, Pentacle, Belphegor, Master's Hammer, Opprobrium / Incubus, Infernal Majesty, Pan Thy Monium, DVC, Funeral Nation, Protector, Checker Patrol, Brain Dead, Eurynomos, Whipstriker, Venefixion, Cruciamentum, Obliteration, Vampire, Humiliation, Temple Nightside, Undergang, Farasu, Gorephilia, Skelethal, Battlestorm, Kryptos, Pathogen, Dead Congregation, Grave Miasma, Vulture, Englufed, Soulrot, Putrefied Remains, Necromorbid, Nuclear Warfare, Deathhammer, Panic Disorder, Suffocated, Pulverised Records, Necromorbus Studio

The second issue was released in 1998. And now they are back with the third. That is a long sleep. I remember having those issues. I also remember, if not mistaken, bought a demo from them, a band called Armageddish which the band refused to be known (not even an address or their country of origin). Maybe I am mistaken. Thats was a long time ago.

Anyway, back to this zine. It is still Ason and Karl (or now known as Hy-Karl) behind Ultimate Darkness. It is printed using laser printer so the quality is excellent. They layout is normal 3 columns per page with simple MS Word page border. The same style they did in the previous issue, I mean on the layout. The pages are numbered and have table of content. I think they wasted the page. There is 1.5 inches of blank space on top and bottom on the page. Definitely will cut down the number of page and look nicer too if can maximize the use of the page.

Interviews are vary. Most of it 17 questions or more. And that times the number of bands. That's a lot to read.

Reviews @ "Sepulchral Voice", only covers music reviews. Not rated, not alphabetically arranged.

Another section, "Old Funeral" are reviews of stuffs from the 90's (there is also a zine review there. Probably as filler).

And wait... another review section called "Pure Fucking Metal", the 'essential stuffs' that should be in your collection. Not a review actually. This question is asked to some bands and they replied what are the most important to them and why. 

The interview with Suffocated is interesting. They replied in Chinese and the band probably translated them to English too.

One page on gig report. It is Fleshgod Apocalypse show in Singapore contributed by Al Fahmy of Abysmal Scripture zine (the only zine review in 'Old Funeral') and plays in Beast Petrify.  

I hope Karl & Ason will keep continue with Ultimate Darkness.

Contact

Hy-Karl,

No.2, Jalan AU 2A/12,

Taman Keramat,

54200 Kuala Lumpur,

Malaysia

E-mail

Ason: draugaldrahn@gmail.com

Hy-Karl: karl_udz@yahoo.com

Tough Riffs #5 (December 2017)

Tough Riffs #5 (December 2017)

English, pro-printed, A4, 52pgs

Interviews

Suffocation, Agoraphobic Nosebleed, Protector, Blood Incantation, Brutality, Internal Bleeding, TON, Dead Infection, Deranged, Pungent Stench, Gorguts, Cardiac Arrest, 

And 5 months later out issue #5. That is fast! 5 pages of news, the same style like #4. The bands & zine write about their latest projects and shown here in their own words.

No comment on the interviews. Just OK for me. Those are quite well-known names in the scene.

This issue might still be available from Schattenmanns Publishing.

Web

https://web.facebook.com/toughriffs

To order

schattenmanns.wordpress.com

Tough Riffs #4 (July 2017)

Tough Riffs #4 (July 2017)

English, pro-printed, A4, 52pgs

Interviews

Autopsy, Immolation, Wombbath, Ceremony,  Putrid Pile, Undergang, Carnal Tomb, Obituary, Rude, Corinne Van Den Brand, Brodequin, Deicide, Skeletal Remains, Beheaded, Church Disgust

This issue presented some changes in the layout. Instead of the normal MS Word columns, now they used cut n paste format with that classic font type. Font size still big to my liking. This issue is also thicker, gluebind type. The pages are not numbered but have table of content.

At the top of the page, they only put the name person interviewed. No band names anymore like issue #3.

News section is at the last page. The bands here give updates about their latest projects. This is original. First time seeing this.

That Beheaded logo looks like Langsuir old logo.

The artwork they used for the front cover is great. Actually, if you look at all the issues, they are all great.

Web

https://web.facebook.com/toughriffs