The Crusader Fanzine
(Scripture 3)
THE DAWN OF THE METAL AGE
17 April 1998
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LUNATIC
P.O.BOX 39550
GARSFONTEIN
PRETORIA
SOUTH AFRICA
0060
================================================== A CALL TO ARMS ============== All of us have heard the old saying, "if you ain't a Metalhead, you might as well be dead". The age we are approaching is the Metal age a time when "if you ain't a Metalhead, YOU WILL BE DEAD", Metal has weathered the betrayal of bands like Metallica, we were here when rave "rose up", we are still here after it has died. We have seen a thousand more fads come and go, the main thing is that they do go. METAL IS ETERNAL. Metal is the only way and as the final battle approaches more and more people will rise up and accept the gospel of Metal. Yes the time is close for the final battle. Metal will rule the earth. Dark Ages are back with the third issue of The CRUSADER, unfortunately it's not free any more, but we couldn't afford to bring it out for free. We are very proud of this issue and we hope that you will enjoy it just as much as we did. DARK AGES would like to encourage you to write to the bands and companies in this 'zine. They are committed to supporting Metal, and they need your support to do it. Together we stand for all that is True Metal. The Metal scene in SA and the world is definitely starting to grow again, the growth will be phenomenal. Since the last issue we have seen many changes in the Metal circle in this country. Proudly we had the chance to attend big shows like the "Brutality in Exile" show on Halloween '97, Route 59 with Metal bands from across the continent and of course THE AFRICAN SLAUGHTER TOUR which featured the great KRABATHOR from the Czech Republic. News for the month's ahead is that Groinchurn is entering the studio soon for their first release on Morbid Records in Germany, they are planning to releasing their new CD in June of 1998. Dark Ages and Happy Hamster Records are bringing out a re-release of the limited Krabathor EP "Rise of Brutality" with bonus demo tracks on CD. We would also like to encourage you to contact Gutted Remains, to encourage them to release their CD, We're all waiting. Until next time...... METAL VICTORY ================================================== Thank You list Cover Art: Chris Cooper Once again thanks goes out to all the Metalheads, bands and record companies that have supported Dark Ages over the past year and a half, as well as those who provided us with financial support HAIL. Special thanks to Mark (Groinchurn), Kristian (VOD Records), Black Label, Winfield, Bioplus and Jack Daniels (for making things more coherent). Lunatic would like to thank Nerina for all her support). Sorry for all the noise Mom. J.G. Mocke would like to thank J.J.J.Mocke (without you this 'zine would never got printed), Joe, Monique and Midnightman for all the support. THE CRUSADER IS A TOTALLY INDEPENDENT, INFORMAL EXPRESSION OF THE OPINIONS OF TWO ABSOLUTELY NARROW MINDED METALHEADS. IF YOU DISAGREE WITH THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THESE PAGES, WE DON'T GIVE A FUCK.... (If we all had the same opinions the world would be fucking boring) © Copyright Dark Ages 1998 Please write for permission to reproduce any material contained herein. This issue of The Crusader is dedicated to our fallen Brothers ELDON and JASON Rest Well TILL THE FINAL BATTLE ================================================== HAMMERFALL INTERVIEW ================================================== NILE INTERVIEW ================================================== CD REVIEWS ================================================== RETALIATION INTERVIEW ================================================== WICKED SCRIPTURES KRABATHOR INTERVIEW ================================================== DEMO REVIEWS MESSE NOIR THE THRONE OF NINNINHAGAL INDEPENDENT (10 BATTLE AXES) HAAAAIIIIILLL!!!!!!!!!!! Messe Noir with this excellent 4 track demo. The demo consist of "Excommunicated", "Heralds of Pestilence", both pre-release's, and two new songs "Passage to Tchort" and "Messe Noir". The band kicks straight into Metal Mayhem from the beginning of the demo. Their non repetitive playing gives their sound that extra aggression above the rest. With vocals that goes from Death to wicked screams gives you only one thing to SCREAM HAAAIIILL!!!!! The bands lyrics tell the stories of the Ancient Samaritan Gods. A must for all extreme brutal Metalheads. Band Contact: Messe Noir, P.O.Box 4059, Meriden, CT 06450, U.S.A. (J.M) -------------------------------------------------- SOLSTICE NEW DARK AGE (DRUNKEN DUNGEON SESSIONS) BLACK TEARS DISTRIBUTION (9,5 BATTLE AXES) My introduction to Solstice only occurred a few months ago when I purchased their previous release "Halcyon", much to my disgrace. This band have been producing Metal masterpieces since 1991. This rehearsal tape contains three tracks The Sleeping Tyrant, Blackthorne (unfinished version) and Hammer of Damnation. Each track a masterpiece of doomy HEAVY METAL. Pounding, powerful with marching drumbeats and rhythmic guitar playing, incorporating elements of a Celtic heritage. Enough to bring out the warrior spirit in any soldier of Metal. The quality of the recording is lacking but that is to be expected with a rehearsal tape recorded on a four-track. A worthy introduction to an amazing band. If this tape is any indication of future material, then Solstice deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as Solitude Aeturnus and Candlemass. This is certainly worth the effort to track down. Available from Black Tears Distribution, 6 Elderfield Road, Stoke Poges, Slough, Berkshire, SL2 4DE, England. (Lunatic) -------------------------------------------------- FLESHGRIND SORROW BREEDS HATRED (BLEED ON ME) INDEPENDENT (9 BATTLE AXES) AAAAARRRGGGHHH!!!! Fleshgrind are back. And they are NOT happy campers. Four, perversion and hatred glorifying, tracks of insane Death Metal. This is what Death Metal was intended to be. Perfect production combined with a professional packaging make this demo indispensable for any fan of extreme Metal. To create and maintain a voice like vocalist "Rich Lipscomb", you would have to start your day with a wholesome meal of barbed wire and raver foetuses, followed by gargling with bloodstained gravel and glass. The guitar sound is out of this world, perhaps due to the balanced diet? Each track is a pillar of monumental proportions. In a few years time, the future generation of Deathbangers will refer to the tracks on this demo with the same reverence as we refer to tracks like "Sepulchural Voice" and "The Anti-Christ". Demo available for $5.00 from Steve Murray, P.O.Box 7142, Grayslake, Illinois 60030, U.S.A. (Lunatic) -------------------------------------------------- DISMEMBERED FETUS / DROGHEDA MUTILATED GOD (SPLIT TAPE '97) EXTREMIST RECORDS (8 BATTLE AXES) Did you ever see what a 44 Magnum pistol can do to a Woman's face? If you buy this split tape you will find out. Two of the most extreme grindcore acts in existence combine their talents to unleash this piece of absolute hatred. There is absolutely NO LOVE here. Each band is given approximately ten minutes to rape your ears. Dismembered Fetus plough forth their Whore hating screaming hate torture through 13 tracks with titles like "Whore in the Dumpster", "Suck my Cock and get out" and "Masturbation with a crowbar". Please note these are not Christmas carols. You have been warned. Drogheda once again deliver their brand of Fucking Terror with five tracks like "Godgrinder" and "Hate is my only reason to live". I can only hint at how brutal this Metal is. NOT for those who like Dancing. Once again, You have been warned. Tape available from: Extremist Records, 2221 13th ST., Akron, Ohio 44314, U.S.A. (Lunatic) -------------------------------------------------- OMEN PRACTICE DEMO INDEPENDENT (7,5 BATTLE AXES) Hail Omen with this Practice demo of pure Thrash Metal. Speed isn't what this band live for. This demo isn't that wonderful quality, but when you consider the way it was recorded, it's pretty good. The demo consist of a few instrumental songs and a few songs with their old vocalist. The style is real 80's Thrash Metal and it Fucking rules!!!! Guitars that scream in terror, drums of Thunder and galloping bass makes this demo thrashing, moshing, headbanging music. My favourite songs featured on the demo are "The Beauty of Thrash" and "Death wants You" The Beauty of Thrash The Power of Metal Band Contact: Omen C/O Charles Conradie, 121 Bouvardia Avenue, Lynnwood Ridge, 0081, South Africa. (J.M) -------------------------------------------------- WICKED WAYS TIME BANDITS INDEPENDENT (8 BATTLE AXES) HEAVY METAL, what else do you need to know. The first thing that attracted me to this demo was the fact that it was produced by Chuck Schuldiner (Death), that of course gives no hint as to the direction of the music. Their bio states "reaching from the past and soaring into the future", which is a highly apt description. "Evil" Chuck's influence can be heard in the bottom heavy guitar sound while vocalist B.C. Richards sounds decidedly like Rob Halford when he screams, and scream he does! You almost get the impression of two vocalists. Not very fast, not brutal at all but there is no way you can deny the inherent heaviness of their sound, Metal doesn't necessarily have to have no melody, if fact melody was an integral part of the founding masters' sound. Buy this and you will get a three track, 16 minute tape EP of HEAVY METAL. I can't give a band a greater compliment and Wicked Ways deserve it all. Band contact: P.O.Box 162492, Altamonte Springs, FL 32716-2492, U.S.A. (Lunatic) -------------------------------------------------- UNHOLY DEATH DEMO 1994 INDEPENDENT (7 BATTLE AXES) Raw as fucking hell. Not the music for nestling round the fire! This is the updated for '97 version of Unholy Death's classic demo '94. Side 1 contains three studio tracks Evil Unholiness, Blood Bag and Rising Curse along with a newer bonus track. Side 2 contains a 1/2 hour of live recordings. The sound is raw, but definitely listenable. The inlay is photocopied, but the message shines through. This is death in the style of the old masters like Deicide. The tracks are structured around a very guitar orientated sound with consistently pounding drums and absolutely insane vocals. Not for the faint hearted. Tapes available for $1.00 from Unholy Death. Write to: Tim Schlict, 421 Ball, Ortonville, MI 48462, U.S.A. Support this band, they deserve it. (Lunatic) -------------------------------------------------- EUPHORIC EVISCERATION IN THE MIND OF PERVERSION INDEPENDENT (7 BATTLE AXES) Mid-Paced gurgling Death Metal. Guitars with a definite "bite". A few flaws in the production, but nothing too serious. The overall sound is surprisingly good. Four songs two intro's, 23 minutes long. Personally the second intro "sovereign" does a lot to bringing down the quality of this demo, shitty electronic sounds have never been big with me, unfortunately this idea creeps into the next track "Fractured", causing a little confusion. The song however soon recovers from this temporary setback and evolves into a song with interesting riffing and frequent tempo changes. The title track further showcases the bands versatility in tempo, making it a focal point and obvious choice in the bands live show. E.E have recently opened for Deicide, Broken Hope and Vader, which should give you some idea of their musical direction. Band contact: C/O Tony K., 129 E. Dennis St., Wheeling, IL 60090, U.S.A. (Lunatic) -------------------------------------------------- ARCHITECTURE OF AGGRESSION UNDER DESTRUCTION INDEPENDENT (7 BATTLE AXES) Interesting offering from Pretoria, South Africa's, Architecture of aggression. As I have made very obvious before I am not a fan of nineties/new style/hardcore or whatever the hell you call it Metal. I do however not detest it. This demo has a couple of songs that got me singing along with after a few listens. I especially like the drumming, the demo quality is very low but it is after all a first attempt (coupled with almost no budget), but the drums could definitely make the difference for A of A. What the fuck! I've just reached track 3 "Intense" and it definitely is that, combining death and "hardcore" amazingly well. Watch out for this band they will definitely go somewhere. That is of course if they ever start playing gigs again. One of the advantages of reviewing SA bands is that you get to know their live shows as well which certainly helps to really understand the music. I have never seen these guys play, and they are from my home town; not a good thing. Band contact: Van Zyl, 344 Grusstreet, Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria, South Africa, 0181. (Lunatic) -------------------------------------------------- RITUAL IN NOMINE... INDEPENDENT (7 BATTLE AXES) Originally recorded in 1995, this is a demo of mid paced Death Metal incorporating acoustic guitars. Included with this tape are further more recent recordings of Ritual, which show them as evolving into a straight Black Metal band including the aforementioned acoustic guitars and now with added female vocals. Ignoring the trend following ideas that immediately spring to mind, you will see that Ritual do have something to offer the Metal world. Well constructed songs with diverse influences making for interesting listening. Hailing from the Czech Republic this musical proficient quintet is sure to find a willing market for their version of the Metallic gospel. band contact: Jan Vala, Zizkova 16, Novy Jicin, 741 01, Czech Republic, Europe. (Lunatic) -------------------------------------------------- ARCANA XXII DEMONFLOWER INDEPENDENT (7 BATTLE AXES) A very weird offering from Namibia. I can't really decide whether I like this or not, actually I do like it, I'm just not sure about follow up releases. I feel that this demo "demonstrates" a considerable talent that will either evolve into a second release of legendary Doom/Heavy Metal or something that will be avidly snatched up by those who enjoy the "new" Metallica shit. The music is amazing, featuring Johan de Jager (ex V.O.D), very powerful Groovy styled Metal including blues bits. Parts are reminiscent of Pink Floyd. Vocals wise, I prefer a bit more aggression, but I suppose lyrics about Women in all their forms don't warrant extreme vocals. Professional packaging, recording quality needs work but is adequate. 4 tracks, 23 minutes. Band contact: 111 Independence Ave., Windhoek, Namibia or dylan@nit.com.na (Lunatic) -------------------------------------------------- NECROPOLIS RISING THE EVERLASTING INDEPENDENT (6,5 BATTLE AXES) A very interesting offering from New York's "Necropolis Rising". I personally don't know what the fuck to think. 7 tracks in 22 minutes. Very big Hardcore influence with the music being closest to Death Metal, a lot of new and older style Heavy Metal creeps in especially with the lead breaks as well as a Metallic styled "rapping". Horror movie samples from Stephen King and Clive Barker add a further dimension to the music. Certainly not for trendy ears, unless they want those ears blown off, but unfortunately a bit cluttered for me. I don't really know what I'm listening to. Any new style Metalhead with an open mind would prize this demo as groundbreaking in the sense of breaking down the stereotypes that Metal is full off. Unfortunately/fortunately for me, the saying "You can't teach an old dog new tricks", rings true. Look out for a forthcoming full length release. Band contact: 1128 Gleason Circle, East Rochester, N.Y. 14445, U.S.A. (Lunatic) -------------------------------------------------- TERTIUM QUIDS DEMO 1 INDEPENDENT (6 BATTLE AXES) Does anyone remember "Gang Green", actually who could forget their Beer and Skateboards attitude on life. Tertium Quids sound exactly like "Gang Green" to me, minus of course the fun attitudes. You still have the large doses of noisy punk rock mixed with healthy doses of Metal for a very 'core attitude. I just hear a late eighties/early nineties garage band sound. I would enjoy this a lot more if it wasn't for the serious lyrics. I only enjoy this if it's party music: Beer, Chicks and Metal. If your tastes lie with more Hardcore and possibly punk, then this would appeal a lot more to you. Not a bad effort but I would suggest a lighter lyrical approach. Nine tracks, 30 minutes. Band contact: Gary Rosas, 822-A Ken St., Austin, TX 78758, U.S.A. (Lunatic) -------------------------------------------------- SUBLIME CADAVERIC DECOMPOSITION / INFECTED PUSSY SPLIT TAPE 1997 NECROPHIL PRODUCTIONS (5 BATTLE AXES) Sublime Cadaveric Decomposition supply 14 tracks, five studio and nine live, of "fun slam grind gore" running in at around 25 min. S.C.D are extremely brutal in your face porno grind. Very interesting to check out for absolute intensity at which the Metal is delivered, the live tracks add a different dimension as well. Infected Pussy deliver 31 tracks in 16 minutes of their usual intro dominated "Encartelated Vaginal Explosion"(???). Infected Pussy would be a lot more fun if I understood French, well judging by the song title, "I've got a cool sense of humour (along with a working chainsaw)". I still unfortunately can't recommend Infected Pussy as their music bores me to tears. Tape Available from: Y Bruitos de la Vocce, 18 rue de la Presse, 78500 Sartrouville, France. (Lunatic) -------------------------------------------------- CARDIOVASCULAR SUB-HYPOTHERMIA PULMONARY DESCENT INDEPENDENT (4 BATTLE AXES) Very much straight forward grind, what sets this tape apart though are the fucking irritating industrial like "banging on pots". I am very militant when it comes to the mixing of genre's, especially when one of the genre's mixed with Metal, is of a techno nature. Dance music sucks, whether it is played in an alternative club or whether its played at a rave, it all sounds the same to me - weak. Grind fans who don't feel this strongly about Metal, would enjoy this for the sheer brutality of which this tape has plenty. I don't recommend this tape for Metalheads! Band contact: CS-H, C/O Glenn Sykes, 2526 Heatherly Oaks Lane., Jacksonville, FL 32226, U.S.A. (Lunatic) -------------------------------------------------- LITHIUM NEWSTAPE 2 INDEPENDENT (1 BATTLE AXE) Are you bored with hearing an incessant barrage of good music? Does the power of Metal leave you quivering in your shoes? Are you the type who can't handle criticism of any kind, do you really have to be liked by all you meet? Do you believe in sacrificing your integrity and self worth just to get laid? Well then I have the perfect music form for you "Alternative Music". As it plainly states, "alternative music" provides an alternative to music. Lithium, a band who's only call to fame is that they supported "Iron Maiden" on their South African tour, release the second in their subjectively informative news tapes. Featured on this tape is the band talking shit and a few sound samples that sound just as shit as always; space is given to upcoming bands (very noble), including a techno band (god as if Alternative wasn't bad enough) and a pop-punk band that make Green Day sound like Deicide, as well as Pothole (earning them one battle axe). A very good idea for a promo item. Contact: P.O.Box 43817, Fish Hoek, 7974, South Africa. (Lunatic) -------------------------------------------------- CASTRATI WHO'S BAND INDEPENDENT (0 BATTLE AXES) Castrati is definitely not what I would call a Metal band. This three piece female band, that don't even have a guitarist, don't have the slightest idea what the word Metal means. The demo starts off with two bass guitars playing the shittiest riffs (and this went on for hours it seemed) I have ever heard in my life. The vocals I don't even want to talk about. In some parts of the demo I actually thought the band forgot to switch off the TV, or then again maybe it could be one of those sound effects. The demo was very boring especially after hearing the all female band November Grief. Band Contact: Do you really want to know? (J.M) -------------------------------------------------- LABYRINTH DEMO INDEPENDENT (0 BATTLE AXES) What is this, please help me!!!! This demo is not for any Metalhead. At least these people play some instruments and not like the above mentioned band. This demo almost put me to sleep while trying to review it. This is all Girly music for me and I didn't like it at all. "There is something you've got that you need". Yeah you guys need METAL!!!!! No contact address supplied. (J.M) ================================================== CRADLE OF FILTH INTERVIEW ================================================== METAL ORISON INTERVIEW ================================================== OMEN INTERVIEW ================================================== IN THE NAME OF METAL DARK AGES
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