Devil's Horns Zine

  Botch and Conjurer gig review Melbourne 18/5/24-An absolute classic banger of a gig. I was looking forward to this so much as Botch is one of those classic bands you always wanted to see and never thought you would. All their releases are solid and crushing. Having Conjurer join the Melbourne leg was also a dream come true as these blackened post-metal/hardcore modern wizards are at the forefront of their genre. Let's do this. Conjurer is at the cutting edge of current British extreme metal with their sublime mix of sludgy doom meets death metal/hardcore with some atmospheric black metal edges also. It Dwells was the perfect opener as it showcases the wide range of the band's skills. Dual vocals of different tones, acidic riffs and a bombastic rhythm section all create an emotive armageddon. The set draws from their two banging albums, Mire and Pathos. Both are different, but super essential beasts. The key for this band is each album utterly drips in raw, unhinged and catha...

  Cerebral Scar interview with CJ and Mike. Quality long-form chat!. This UK-based Thrashcore band recently dropped a sensational EP on 1054 Records that was an incredible mix of hardcore, thrash and death metal. I was stoked to chat with these quality lads from the band. It is a complete understatement to say the guys were chilled and genuine about their craft. This was a wonderful and engaging chat that was fun and one of the most enjoyable interviews with one of the UK's finest current bands. We chatted about: -the history of the band -the current release Follow the Liar -how it came about, the lyrics, the artwork etc -what inspires the band musically and lyrically -how the music scene has changed both post-covid and with the high cost of living -fair prices for punters to see bands -live shows -merch and music videos -other non-band activities the guys do -beer -remaining positive and being open to people -anti trends -plans for the future -thanks and praise for the mighty Pete...

  Cerebral Scar-Follow The Liar EP. Heavy, crushing UK Thrashcore. You have to give it to 1054 Records, they consistently find these gems out of the woodwork. Cerebral Scar is another one of these hectic and aggressive as-hell bands that ticks all the right boxes. Metallic riffs, searing vocals, military-like drums and bass that sound like an SAS kill force, and big old-school influences make this EP a masterpiece. Forget the very AI-looking cover art(though it does tie in with the lyrics to the related track), this is awesome and intense stuff. The band sounds very influenced by old-school death metal, especially Bolt Thrower, Hellbastard, Lawnmower Death, Cerebral Fix, Acid Reign, or the hardcore of Voorhees, Ripcord, Heresy etc. Even the more metallic moments of greats such as English Dogs and Broken Bones. Every track has incredible moments that make you reminisce about the key bands, whilst the band is remarkably original. Strap yourself in, because this is a nasty classic rel...

  Witchgrinder-Nothing Stays Buried album review: Insanely great Industrial Rock/Metal. What a surprise of a release and always got my love as a huge Industrial Metal fan. I mean how big has this year been for that genre, All this Filth, and Our Last Enemy all dropping some of the best releases of the year and joined by these greats, the overpowering throat-slashing beauty that is Witchgrinder. If you dig raging metal with razor-sharp riffs, insane samples and dynamically hectic programming in the vein of Ministry, White Zombie, Murder Dolls and Marilyn Manson etc you are in for a fucking treat. There hasn't been a similar band of that style in Melbourne since the mighty Discordia, a perfect band from the 90's. Nothing Stays Buried is a bloat and filler-free gem of an album that is as good as the masters of the genre. If you don't mosh instantly to My Exorcist or Dead By Dawn , you better check your pulse. Both of these early tracks are stunning ways to open an album and n...

  Conjurer interview with Brady- don't miss this tour in a few weeks time. Both Mire and Pathos are stunning albums and deeply resonating gems whilst fiercely aggressive. I missed their last tour despite being at Dark Mofo but feel ill the day this killer band made their Australian Debut.  I have previously interviewed Dan from the band, so was stoked to have the opportunity to chat to the super friendly and sharp-witted legend that is Brady. We discussed: -the critical acclaim of both albums -how the sound is a mix of many genres-be it hardcore, doom or death metal -the unique aspects of the music, particularly the balance of melodic/atmospheric vs crushing soundscapes -how important it is to naturally evolve and also the punishing live aspects of the band -the strong connection with listeners and the joy of the music resonating with the fans -what inspires Brady and the creative process -highlights and lowlights of their career so far excitement of returning to Australia and...

  Flaming Wrekage-Terra Firma Album review. FFO; Searing and dynamic thrashy death metal. Album number four and the band are definitely on this release and the previous, producing albums that echo their killer and fierce live performances. Terra Firma is nine tracks of relentless death metal influenced thrash or thrash-influenced death metal. Whatever you wish to label this, it is solid and engaging. You need a bath after the sheer filth of the four opening bangers, Witch Hunt, Nightmare Architect, Hell on Earth and No Gods -we are talking 20 cans of Redbull paced psychotic and intense death thrash combined with brilliant vocals(backing vocals are wild also), insanely aggressive riffs and bombastic drums and bass. Blood and Bone is more moody in a Swedish melodic death metal way, but has more space than the crazed first four tracks, that space works to their benefit. Ghosts was one of the first singles and rightly so, a violent and gripping track that is an album highlight and t...