Monday Metal Bulletin 14/08/23
Hail, Citadelians! Chort and Chern here bringing you the latest metal news via carrier pigeon and NOW, the intra-net! Here’s are some of the latest updates in METAL!
Fenriz and Nocturno Culto of Darkthrone
Darkthrone: Celebrating a Legacy
Darkthrone, the iconic Norwegian black metal band, has always been a subject of intrigue and admiration. Their third studio record, "Under a Funeral Moon," followed the legendary 1992 album and overused meme backdrop, "A Blaze in the Northern Sky." This latter album marked Darkthrone's initiation into the black metal domain and is hailed as one of the genre's defining records.
In a 2002 interview, Darkthrone's vocalist Nocturno Culto shed light on his perception of black metal. Contrary to popular belief, for Culto, black metal isn't about Satan or religion. It's about connecting with the "dark side of nature," acknowledging that we all harbour a dark side deep within our psyche. This perspective is evident in "Under a Funeral Moon" which is celebrated as a foundational black metal recording.
The term "Unholy Trinity" is often associated with Darkthrone, referring to their three seminal albums: "A Blaze in the Northern Sky," "Under a Funeral Moon," and "Transilvanian Hunger" While Darkthrone is often credited as pioneers of the black metal sound, Fenriz, the band's drummer, emphasises the contributions of bands like Bathory, Hellhammer, Venom, and others as the true architects of black metal. Hails to you Darkthrone you lords of darkness and thank you for brining us these gems throughout the years!
Bloodstock Festival 2023: A Gathering of Shadows
Abbath - Bloodstock Festival 2023. Photo: John Inglis/MetalTalk
Bloodstock Festival 2023 was a spectacle, especially with the electrifying performance by Abbath. Olve Eikemo, better known as Abbath, had not graced the Ronnie James Dio stage since his days with Immortal in 2011. With three albums under the Abbath banner, his set at Bloodstock was nothing short of mesmerising.
Abbath also seems to be sticking to his sober guns for good after his drunken escapade in Buenos Aires, back in 2019. We’re glad to see him healthy, strong, and determined! Drawing heavily from his latest album, "Dread Reaver" and sprinkling in some classics from his earlier works, Abbath showcased why he's often dubbed the "Lemmy of Black Metal". His performance squished quite a few skulls at Bloodstock and left many fans wanting more.
The Fate of Jon Schaffer: Judgement Looms
Jon Schaffer asking for directions in the Capital during the insurrection.
In more somber news, Iced Earth guitarist Jon Schaffer is set to be sentenced on February 20, 2024, for his involvement in the January 6 United States Capitol attack - that wacky character! Schaffer entered a plea deal in April 2021, which played a role in the sentencing of Stewart Rhodes, leader of the extremist group Oath Keepers.
Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes
Oath Keepers are a goofy, American far-right, anti-government militia whose leaders have been convicted of violently opposing the government of the United States, including the transfer of presidential power as prescribed by the United States constitution. The leader also has a kooky little eye-patch, so you know he’s serious. Schaffer's cooperation with the authorities might result in a more lenient sentence for him. I guess Jon will probably need to take off that “Oath Keepers: Lifetime Members” cap now…yikes…
Behemoth's Offering Damned by UNICEF
Behemoth, the Polish extreme metal band, recently made headlines for their charitable efforts. They sold black teddy bears to raise funds for the Polish arm of UNICEF. However, in a surprising turn of events, UNICEF declined the donation due to disagreements with Behemoth's message and imagery. Shocking that a charity that has had scandals of stolen funds and sexual assault have such ridged theological standards.
Adam Darski stated the following:
“Sooo about our charity action and giving the income form the teddies to [UNICEF Poland] … I wanted to do so and participate in their ‘company with a heart’ action. Attached is the answer which I just got. Translated: ‘Thank you very much for your interest in our organization and your willingness to join the ‘Company with Heart’ program.
“‘According to its regulations, each entity applying for participation in the program is subject to verification in terms of potential risks related to establishing cooperation. Unfortunately, we would like to inform you that due to the nature of the messages accompanying the products you sell, we cannot qualify you for participation in this particular Program.”
Shame on you, [UNICEF Poland]. I am totally speechless. Do you REALLY want to help the kids out there? Thankfully, there are some other foundations which will accept the money for children. Legions, can you suggest any?”
Undeterred, Behemoth redirected their donation of 10,000 złoty (approximately $2,485.80 USD) to Szpital Dziecięcy Polanki, a children's hospital in Gdańsk. The hospital, which has been instrumental in saving countless young lives, graciously accepted the donation. This is probably for the best, after all if you want to help someone why not start with your own hometown.
"Welcome to Hell": A Cinematic Descent
For those who love a blend of heavy metal and horror, the upcoming Argentinian horror film "Welcome to Hell" is one to check out. Directed by Jimena Monteoliva, the movie revolves around Lucia, a pregnant woman fleeing from the child's father, a Satanic cult leader and black metal band member - we’ve all been there hey. The film promises a thrilling ride through a nightmarish landscape. We at the Citadel are excited to check it out, it can’t be worse that Lords of Chaos.
"Welcome to Hell" is set to be available digitally on Screambox from July 12.
That’s it for this week Citadelians, stay tuned for more future updates!
