Monday, September 2, 2013

Melle Noire - Feature model #26 9-2-2013

Happy to introduce all my readers to the feature model for September 2013 Melle Noire


                                                     Photo by Viola Odorata (marion-adam.magix.net 

1- What inspired you to do modeling? Was there a point early in your life that sparked your interest? 

I loved to be photographed ever since I was a child, but for a long time I thought would not get a chance to start modeling, then in the late summer of 2001 somebody approached me in a club and asked me if I would try to start an alternative model career,
I didn't even know that alternative amateur modeling even existed.


                                                                        Photo by Tobias K.

2- You have dark elements to your style, was there an event or moment that made you decide on your style? 

In my private life I am in the German gothic scene since 1998. I met somebody at school, who was always dressed in black, I was fascinated and a few weeks later I wore black clothes only, too and started listening to dark music. 



                                                       Photo by Catherine Lee Mason catleema.de

3- Name some of your favorite music or bands? 

Darkwave, Future Pop, Electro, EBM, Industrial / Noise, Angstpop ( Haus Arafna ), Gothic, Neue Deutsche Haerte, Neue Deutsche Todeskunst, Goth Rock, Metal, Middle Age Crossover, Folk, Post Punk, The Crüxhadows, Diorama, Wolfsheim, Blutengel, VNV Nation, In Strict Confidence, Covenant, Apoptygma Berzerk, Project Pitchfork, Absurd Minds, And One, Suicide Commando, Feindflug, Grendel, Nitzer Ebb, Front 242, Spetsnaz,
Leatherstrip, Front Line Assembly, Skinny Puppy, Combichrist, Dulce Liquido, SPK, DIVE, 

PAL, Haus Arafna, Predominant, Deine Lakaien, Lacrimosa, Das Ich, Janus, ASP, Rammstein, Megaherz, OOMPH!, Marilyn Manson, Alice Cooper, Type-0 Negative, The Sisters of Mercy, Nightwish, Within Temptation, Metallica, Blind Guardian, In Extremo, Subway to Sally, Faun, Schandmaul, Tanzwut, Corvus Corax, Mila Mar, Die verbannten Kinder Evas, Qntal, Fiddler's Green, Joy Divison.



                                                                Photo by DarkmoonRising

4- Name some of your accomplishments or highlights of your career so far? 

At first I have worked with so many wonderful photographers in Germany and in Switzerland,

Martin Black, Herr Buchta, Elisabeth Hackmann, Incarda DesEYEn, Stephan Sackmann, Viola Odorata, Andreas Lehrke, TOM BIXX, Fairytales-Art, Heile Mania, Nicolas Henri, Salix alba Tristis, Birgit Heidrich, Ulrich Grolla, Calvin Hollywood,
Unholy Beauty, Catherine Lee Mason, S.T.FotoArt, Art of Shadows, Von Sêl Photo, Don Ricchilino. thank you.

Publication highlights :
- Cover, FOTOHITS magazine
- Cover, Dark Vibe Magazine
- Book cover, Goodbye Teddy!

There were many more publications on flyers, in magazines, in books -
you can find all my references on my official website : www.melles-midnight.de 



                                                                       Photo by Tobias K

5- Do you enjoy regular photo-shoots? or ones where you get to play a character? 

Both and I enjoy to play several roles, I love to show 1000 different faces. Of course to play a character is always very interesting, so this year I was Mellum ( Gollum style ), I was an elf and in July my make up reminded on Alma Wade ( F.E.A.R. )
I was playing a horror kid, that was amazing! 
Generally I have a very black sense of humor and I also like "ugly" photo themes, I love striking pictures, I love weird pictures, if I model regular, I wear dark fashion because in my private life I am a gothic girl.


                                                    by Viola Odorata http://marion-adam.magix.net 

6- What other interest do you have besides modeling? 

My hobbies are : Watching TV, going to the movies, surfing the internet, meeting friends, celebrating the nights in clubs, listening to music, doing crossword puzzles, editing pictures, writing poems, drawing, and reading.

7- Are there any significant projects or events you are looking forward to in the coming months? 

I never plan projects for a few months in advance, I am planning more on the spur of the moment.
What will I do for example in Christmas time ? I don't know... We will see... :)

8- If someone is interested in hiring you (modeling agency, bands, producers, etc..) where is the best place to get a hold of you?

www.melles-midnight.de
www.facebook.com/mellenoire


Zebulon Kosted - The Corrupt Dictator Mobutu Sese Seko

The Corrupt Dictator Mobutu Sese Seko released through Hammerkrieg Productions April 5 2013. Rashid Abdel Ghafur plays all instruments on recordings, and uses a rotating lineup of session musicians to play live shows. Genre described as Experimental Black Metal with Dark Ambient, Avant Garde and Harsh Noise elements. Hails from Missoula, Montana.

Having a long history of releases for over one decade now, this musician has a tremendous library of content most of which were limited releases and are sold out. This particular album provided to me by AEA zine is one continues song that is one of the longest I had ever heard in my life. The length of the track is 49:32, this is a huge journey of investigation of sounds of all sorts. Going on the info of the inlay this is the story of Mobutu Sese Seko, a political person who held many roles, a head of the military of Congo was just one of the experience within his life. The story is told from his childhood through his death from a musical aspect that is encompassed within. Production is raw in quality. Guitars has very little distortion. Vocals are done in BM style but go clean from time to time as well as high agony screams like in pain or torture. Wondering how this music would be performed live as one continues performance must be a great undertaking and would be interesting to see how that would go off with a live audience. The experience is a good one, never before had I listen to a concept album such as this. If you are open minded and can listen to an entire 49 minutes worth of music, then this album is worth investigating.
~Artemortifica
Physical publication AEA zine #23 

facebook.com-Zebulon-Kosted





   

Valkynaz -Valkynaz

A one man BM project. S. Stormhammer: All screams ov agony, instruments, and genocide. Genre described as Raw Black Metal, Ambient and True Tamrielic Black Metal. Roots from Henderson, NV

This album is part of several provided to me by AEA zine for inclusion in issue #23. There are a total of 23 songs with a combined total of 45 minutes. As raw as it gets as far as production quality. Sometimes there are real drums and sometimes drum machine. To quote directly from the insert "Crafted in unbridled disgust and revulsion for all things, living or dead, between the months of Morning Star and Second Seed, 2012". A couple of tracks feature interesting intro with a dark atmosphere. Guitars are recorded in their purest form without any type of processing except for slight distortion and sound like they were captured straight to recording. The riffs are interesting but do fall of timing with the drums on occasions. Vocals are in true BM style just like he describes "screams of agony" is what you will hear. Further into the disc bass lines become apparent but do not match up at times with either the guitar or drums. As an art form I keep an open mind to it as much as possible, but I do feel people will probably not get it or like it. Capturing despair, aggression and hate sometimes requires it to be expelled right onto a track without much thought other than heading into as its been felt. Most of the songs finish with a slide on the guitar giving me the impression its completely live production with only few adjustments if any. Some tracks are purely instrumental. The layout for the album is good B/W in true BM form. I like the logo, its sharp and stands out. If you like totally underground obscure raw to the bone sounds this will surely be part of your collection.
~Artemortifica
Physical publication upcoming AEA zine #23 

facebook.com/Valkynazblackmetal
metal-archives.com-Valkynaz 




 



Caladmor - recent news

CALADMOR - releasing the new album ,Of Stones And Stars' 8-30-2013,
featuring Chrigel Glanzmann, vocalist of ELUVEITIE!




 Chrigel of ELUVEITIE quotes for "Of Stones And Stars", the upcoming full-length of CALADMOR:
,I’m really excited about the upcoming album of my Swiss friends CALADMOR! Not only because of the indisputable improvement compared to their debut ,Midwinter' but also because ,Of Stones and Stars' is in my opinion simply a very originally arranged Epic Folk Metal-Opus with clean (mainly female) vocals coming along with harsh vocals.
Sounding very simple so far, there is much more about ,Of Stones and Stars'! For I think CALADMOR’s true strength lies within their skills in creating a sound with stunning diversity still preserving the typical CALADMOR-Style within all their songs. On ,Of Stones and Stars' CALADMOR coquette with every imaginable genre.
There are for example tracks in true Amon Amarth manner, fine melodies reminding of good old AMORPHIS ’ ,Tales From The Thousand Lakes', songs in pure Epicness like those of MOONSORROW as well as Songs in typical ,Central Europe Pagan Metal tradition' of the brand EQULIBRIUM & Co. – CALADMOR succeeds in bringing all those styles in without being self-denying or forgetting about the typical CALADMOR trademarks. Really an interesting album!'

,Of Stones and Stars' can get ordered at:
caladmor/cd-ofstonesandstars-

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Serpent Crown - Serpent Crown

Serpent Crown released June 4 2013 through Horror Pain Gore Death Productions. The band is described as Metal- Sludge, Thrash and hail from San Francisco USA. Members are: Dara Santhai- guitar, vocals. Dave Dinsmore- bass. Mike Jochimsen-drums.

No Beacon of Light, is the first track on the album. "Raw pure metal sound" is my first impression. One of the bands that come to my mind is Nuclear Assault in the style of vocals. Good bass sound, punchy tone. The song builds into a fast thrashy riff that gets my head moving. "Prelude to the Netherworld", great title, this song does not waste any time setting the intensity and kicks into a solo from the first measure, well executed. All the roots of the early days of thrash metal are evident. bands like Vio-lence, Wrath and D.R.I. can be noted as an influence. "To Leave This Land", drums do some interesting fills and rolls at the start of this composition, as well as doing solid footwork on the kicks. memorable and catchy verses - vocals are strong and have their own distinction. "The Trickster", I can easily see many circle pits to this particular song, this track will have you punching things and headbanging. "Doomsayer", reminiscent of Sacred Reich early days. The bass is holding down an excellent tone and brings forth the heaviness. The solos are well thought out and are very fitting for the style involved. "Children Of The Night", is the final track, open chords set a dark eerie atmosphere, like walking through a dark forest. Vocals achieve high octaves here that are captivating and pleasing to my ears. 

Overall I enjoyed the album and its early metal roots are captured perfectly. I recommend for fans of Wrath, Overkill, D.R.I. Anthrax and Sacred Reich. The band has their own vibe to each song and metal fans will find something enjoyable in each composition.
~Artemortifica

facebook.com/SerpentCrown
serpentcrown.bandcamp 






    

Odetosun - Gods Forgotten Orbit

Gods Forgotten Orbit is a self released album, August 1, 2013. Members consist of Luke Stuchly-Vocals. Benny Stuchly - guitars, bass, synth. Gunther Rehme - Drums. Based out of Augsburg, Germany. The band is described as progressive metal.

Cracking Shell of Calypso, is the opening track. Clean strumming riff captures my interest immediately, short and gets right into the heaviness. Really digging the vocal style - its mid growl but easy to discern lyrical content. We are led into a bass line that has impressive tone and clarity. A solo comes in, fluid and well written, blending perfectly with the rhythm section."Veil of Leviathan", great title. Catchy and captivating bass line leads the journey into this composition. Drums sound powerful and well executed.
"Eclipse Chaser", this track builds many layers of harmony, from the open chords and progressive bass arrangements. It's a composition that makes your brain inspect all aspects of the riffs being projected. Journey to Gilese, (instrumental), two of the bands that come to my mind as I listen are Ozric Tentacles and Cynic. A strong rhythm section creates an immersed landscape, sort of a cosmic trip into unknown territories, I hear a Pink Floyd influence in the transitions, an amazing song indeed and probably one of my favorites."The Swarming Infinity", intensity comes roaring through my speakers, excellent vocals just dominate with power and brutality."Gods Forgotten Orbit", title track and last song on the album, a perfect way to encapsulate all the elements of cosmic trance. A great way to close the experience and found myself listening to it several times. 

Honestly, I was not expecting a vast journey such as the one I encountered here. Definitely an album I will be listening to for a long time to come and sharing it with my friends. This band deserves much more recognition and attention. Creating soundscapes that are both pleasing to your ears and mind. Recommend it for fans of Gojira, Ozric Tentacles, Cynic, and Tool. The band has their own vibe going on for sure and I feel people of many genres can find something to enjoy in each composition.
~Artemortifica

odetosun.bandcamp.com



        


Toxic Waltz - Looking for label support

Thrash metal act Toxic Waltz from Germany seeks label:

" TOXIC WALTZ
Thrash Metal; Germany
Searching for label
Debut full-length 2013 "tba"



In the beginning of 2009, TOXIC WALTZ were founded by lead guitarist Jimi and ex-drummer Tim.
Bass guitar player Rahman, vocalist Angelo and rhythm guitarist Alex joined the band soon to form a THRASH METAL ensemble that is clearly affected by the US BAY AREA style (e.g. EXODUS, HEATHEN, DARK ANGEL), neither leaving out influences from other genres nor lacking recognition value.

TOXIC WALTZ are delivering aggressive, but artistically demanding THRASH, characterized by diversified songwriting.
The band's unique style and live experience, originated with many smaller gigs, earned them bigger venues soon.

TOXIC WALTZ shared the stage with well-known bands like SIX FEET UNDER, ALPHA TIGER and DEBAUCHERY.
In near future the debut full-length record “tba” is ready to be released through a record company.
The band is fully ambitioned to reach the maximum success for them and the label!"

Contact:
https://www.facebook.com/ToxicWaltzofficial
http://www.youtube.com/user/toxicwaltzofficial
https://twitter.com/toxicwaltzband
http://www.reverbnation.com/toxicwaltz