Sinister Realm Interview

Recently I had the pleasure of interviewing traditional heavy metal act Sinister Realm. I would like to thank the fine folks at Shadow Kingdom Records for making this possible. If you have not had a chance to read my review of their new album then please see the link at the bottom of this interview.

Andy-Introduce yourself for everyone. Whose who in Sinister Realm?

John Gaffney- My name's John Gaffney, I'm the founder of Sinister Realm, I play bass and write all the music and lyrics. Alex Kristof is our vocalist John Kantner is our guitarist whose been with us since our first CD and Chris Metzger on drums and John Risko on guitar came on board shortly after we recorded our first CD.


Andy-Could you tell us how the band was formed?

John Gaffney-I formed the band in late 2008 with drummer Darin McCloskey. We used to play in a band together called Pale Divine. When I left the band Darin asked me if I wanted to record some of the songs that I had brought down to Pale Divine but never used. As we started working on stuff we realised the stuff was sounding really good and that we should get a proper singer. I found Alex who was singing in a local metal cover band. The three of us recorded a 4 song demo and got a good response on some forums and a few labels showed interest in what we were doing. We added our guitar players and recorded a full length in 2009. Now we have just released our second album "The Crystal Eye".

Andy-That is one sweet ass name. Where did it come from?


John Gaffney-Well...anyone out there in a band knows how hard it is to come up with a band name as it seems every name in the English language has been used already. I really wanted a name that screamed classic 80's metal and had a dark vibe to it. I was reading a magazine that was talking about 80s metal bands and it said that they would often sing about dragons, castles and sinister realm's, I immediately thought it was a cool name and ran to my computer to check to see if anyone else had used it, to my surprise no one had so I claimed it as our own.


Andy-I hear a lot of Dio in your music. Who else was an influence?


John Gaffney-Classic early 80's metal bands like Judas Priest, Ozzy (first 5 albums), Black Sabbath, Savatage and I also like doom metal especially Candlemass.

Chris Metzger-I have been influenced by many bands. I carry over my influences from KISS, Iron Maiden and Judas Priest into Sinister Realm.

Alex Kristof-Dio changed my life! I'm honored that people are hearing the impact Dio's voice has had on me.

John Risko- Personally, my first rock influence was Ace Frehley (KISS Alive!), then Judas Priest...Tipton and Downing & the whole band had a big impact on me.

Andy-What is the metal scene like in Pennsylvania?

John Gaffney-I think it's pretty good actually, especially in our town there are a number of places for original bands to play and there are people who seem to like classic metal here. Of course it's a bit more money in being in a cover band but it's probably like that everywhere.

Chris Metzger-The metal scene is growing back to what it was. More people are starting support metal bands, but not just fans from the 70's and 80's. Fans in their 20's are also starting to come to shows.

John Risko- Alive and well...hell yeah!


Andy-How has the fan response been to the new album guys?

John Gaffney-So far it's been really great! people seem to like it.

Chris Metzger-So far, so good. You can see the progress the band has made and it shows in the second album. And from what I have heard, everyone who has listened to it would agree.

John Risko- Just about every comment I've gotten about it has called it a "step up" from the 1st one, whether it's in terms of the songs/songwriting, the playing and performances or even the "overall" sound of it.


Andy-Tour plans?


John Gaffney- Right now were playing a lot in our area but one of our long term goals is to do some small tours and go over to Europe.

John Risko- I love the road!!! bring it on \m/


Andy-Black Sabbath with Ozzy or Dio?


John Gaffney- Impossible for me to answer as I love them both equally but with Sinister Realm I would say Dio era is more of an influence.

Chris Metzger-Ozzy

Alex Kristof-Dio

John Risko- Depends on my mood, both are excellent eras for the band.


Andy-Judas Priest or Iron Maiden?

John Gaffney- Another impossible question..haha..but if you force me to answer I think I would say Maiden.

Chris Metzger-Priest

John Risko- Judas Priest got to me first so...Priest.


Andy-Any favorite young bands?


John Gaffney- There's a progressive metal band from our area that I really like called Necromance, their guitar player Jeff Teets is amazing.

Chris Metzger-Shinedown

John Risko-Avenged Sevenfold, Black Veil Brides, Buried At Dawn (local), Silhouette Lies (local).


Andy-What would a dream tour be like for Sinister Realm?

John Gaffney- I'd love to tour with Candlemass all over Europe and Scandinavia.

Chris Metzger-Touring with Kiss or Judas Priest

John Risko-Hmmm....big clubs/arenas? Playing with "big" name bands? Personally, just getting OUT THERE playing and bringing the music live to people who appreciate it....meeting new bands and cool people....that's livin' the dream, right there.


Andy-The new album shows growth and quite a bit of maturity. And yet it still sounds like Sinister Realm. How would you describe your sound to those who have never heard the band?

John Gaffney- I always describe us as a traditional metal band in the style of Priest, Maiden, Sabbath, Dio and Ozzy with some doom influences from Candlemass.

Chris Metzger-I think we sound like a melodic Judas Priest. The music has the heaviness and drive, but the vocals have more harmonies and hooks. John Gaffney is an incredible song-writer.



Andy-What does the future hold for Sinister Realm?

John Gaffney- Hopefully getting our music out to as many people as possible, keep growing and keep playing live, hopefully with a trip to Europe in our near future.

Chris Metzger-Things can only get better. We are all professionals and take this band very seriously. The sky is the limit.

Alex Kristof-Hopefully Sinister Realm becoming a house hold name, the future is Sinister Realm.

John Risko-More touring I hope and a 3rd CD.



Andy-Thanks for the time. Any last words? The stage is all yours.

John Gaffney- Thanks for the interview, please buy our CD and look for us on the road..and Long Live Heavy Metal!!

Chris Metzger-Thanks to Alex and John x 3 for bringing into the Sinister Realm world! Metal Forever!!


Alex Kristof-Thank you so much for supporting Sinister Realm. Thank you to our great friends and fans all over the world, we love you.


John Risko- Looking forward to the ShoD XI festival and meeting up with friends we made on our Midwest tour....and hearing some new bands, awesome music, and meeting a shit-ton of cool people!!! The road RULES!!!! \m/



http://metalmark.blogspot.com/search?q=sinister+realm-the+crystal+eye


(Review of Sinister Realm's latest album The Crystal Eye)

Sinister Realm-World Of Evil

Shadow Kingdom Records
2013

 
It was back in 2011 when we last heard from Pennsylvania-based Sinister Realm . It was the group's 2nd full-length release, "The Crystal Eye",  that drew me into their world and besides reviewing the disc, which you can link to below, I ended up interviewing the group. While I gave high marks to the album and it's retro metal style it ended up being hit or miss with fans and critics. One sticking point of contention was vocalist Alex Kristof. Many felt he was too one-dimensional for his own good. It's been awhile since I pulled out my CD copy of the album, but from what I'm hearing on "World Of Evil" he seems more then up to the challenge of leading this traditional heavy metal band. More to the point album number three, which still falls within the Black Sabbath/Dio meets Judas Priest/Iron Maiden landscape, actually shows a band that has only grown more confident in their skills as well as a group that has fine-tuned the craft of writing memorable metal. For fans of the aforementioned groups then this is an album that should be well-appreciated.  If you're worried though about another copy-cat retro metal outfit recycling well-known and even more well-loved riffs then put your mind at ease. Sinister Realm seems less like a carbon-copy on this 8-track album and more like a group that has come into it's own. From the vocals, which are really more then fine to these ears, to the guitars, which have all the markings of classic heavy metal and 80's metal,  it's all rather more original in nature and definitely more mature. There's not too much more to it then that. Simply put if you like classic heavy metal and/or traditional heavy metal (especially the big names like Black Sabbath and Judas Priest) then chances are pretty good that you'll find a lot to love about album number three from Sinister Realm.

www.facebook.com/sinisterrealm

http://metalmark.blogspot.com/search?q=sinister+realm 

Sinister Realm-The Crystal Eye

Shadow Kingdom Records
2011


Allentown, Pennsylvania band Sinister Realm are another band looking to ride the rails of the New Wave Of Traditional Heavy Metal train. Formed in 2008 by bassist John Gaffney (formerly of Pale Divine) and drummer Darin McCloskey (also Pale Divine and Falcon) Sinister Realm began with a mission to play heavy metal straight out the early 80’s (think acts like Dio, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and of course Iron Maiden). Joined by vocalist Alex Kristof, lead guitarist Keith Patrick and rhythm guitarist Keith Patrick they quickly found a loyal following. The band would gain well deserved recognition thanks in no small part to their self-titled debut album. Released in 2009 the album had all the hallmarks of classic heavy metal but with a nice twist of doom added on for that special touch. With The Crystal Eye the group has returned with a new drummer, Chris Metzger, and a new lead guitarist, John Risko. The sound and mission remain the same though. Classic heavy metal first and foremost is what Sinister Realm is all about. Listening to The Crystal Eye brings in thoughts of Dio at first. This is finely crafted heavy metal and a real reminder that there are still bands playing straight ahead hard rock/heavy metal despite the fact this style still takes the back seat to thrash and black death these days. As with their first album doom also makes a guest appearance on several cuts and while it is most likely to be thought of as a Black Sabbath look I thought I detected some Witchfinder General. The fact is Sinister Realm should be looked at as being among the best of the new crop of NWOTHM bands. Hopefully The Crystal Eye opens up new doors for the band as they rightfully deserve it.

Pale Divine-Cemetery Earth

Shadow Kingdom Records
2014

Pennsylvania's Pale Divine originally released "Cemetery Earth" back in 2007. Now, seven years after the fact, Shadow Kingdom Records has done the band (and frankly all of their fans as this sounds downright dynamite!) right with this remastered, jam-packed double-CD reissue. Active since 1995 (and sporting a cool sound that is equal parts proto-doom and 70's psychedelic rock/hard rock!) the band first hit the scene two years later with their demo, "Crimson Tears". From there came the group's debut full-length album, "Thunder Perfect Mind" (2001), with "Eternity Revealed" following in 2004 and then finally "Cemetery Earth" landed in 2007. The group's latest release (2012's "Painted Windows Black") is their forth full-length album overall with a 2011 split with Spiritus Mortis having appeared in-between album number three and album number four. For a more thorough history of the band though be sure to head on over to the group's Facebook page linked below. Meanwhile let's turn our attention back to the subject at hand. With regards to "Cemetery Earth" (which was recorded between June and September of 2006 interestingly enough) the band members themselves consider it to be their "best sounding and most metallic effort to date". As I haven't heard the rest of Pale Divine's catalog for myself I can't exactly vouch for that, but it would be hard to imagine that any of it could have surged with the kind of power that this one did! I would also be rather amazed if any of the group's previous (or even later day) material hit the kind of highs that this 2007 album did as "Cemetery Earth", all ten original tracks of it, is masterful psych-doom! With bass guitarist John Gaffney (now in Sinister Realm) joining in for this one sole album the band (guitarist/vocalist/keyboardist Greg Diener and drummer Darin McCloskey who are both founding members) hit all the right moves with their sound (drawn from influences such as Black Sabbath, Trouble, Pentagram, Candlemass, Witchfinder General, Angel Witch, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden) perfectly reflecting everything there is to love about proto-doom to begin with! Having snagged engineer Chris Kozlowski for the album (a decision that proved to be more then a little bit beneficial for the group I must say!) and with bass guitarist John Gaffney (at the time of course) bringing his own ability (incl. songwriting!) to the party "Cemetery Earth" proved to be quite the success with more then a few (highly applicable) rave reviews! Now, I could cut my own path through this album, even track by track. But really there are LOADS in of great reviews already out there of the original release. Other then saying that the re-mastered sound is fantastic on this re-release (and man alive but is it ever!) I'll just leave that part (incidentally disc one of this two CD set) as homework should you really need to know. I way say that it is killer doom metal/psychedelic rock along the lines of bands like Black Sabbath, Pentagram and (to a lesser extent) Trouble. Only with  Pale Divine there are heaping handfuls of traditional heavy metal riffs and some tasty N.W.O.B.H.M. tidbits to beyond! Now, as for the second disc? Well, seeing as it's made up the group's "Demo 2006", rehearsal and live tracks and I do realize that might none of that really sounds all that exciting on paper right? But, there is a bright spot my friends! I'd say it's worth it just for the band's live cover of  "I’ve Been Around Too Long"! Originally written and performed by the Scottish band Marmalade (a rather diverse band in their own right as their music ranged from pop rock to psychedelic/blues such as the surprisingly heavy "I’ve Been Around Too Long"!) it works SO WELL for Pale Divine that one has to wonder why they haven't attempted a studio rendition of it? It's not as if the group is immune to cover songs (seeing as they have covered Pentagram, Candelmass and Deep Purple in the past and all that jazz!) so I do have to wonder why not cover this rocker for real? Otherwise disc two, which features the track list posted below, is fine in it's own right. It's true that having the demo versions of a couple of these tracks is rather sweet as they are different enough to prove interesting, but I'll be honest here here and just state for the record that I would buy this set just for that choice cover (and of course disc one's much improved sound!). That's just me though. Anyway, disc two features the following tracks and yes, I'm marking this set down as sure-fire winner!
Disc two track list:

1. Eyes of Destiny
2. Broken Wings
3. Cemetery Earth
4. (I Alone) The Traveller
5. Fire and Ice
Live from Howlers Coyote Café; Pittsburgh, PA 6-21-2011:
6. (I Alone) The Traveller
7. Soul Searching
8. I’ve Been Around Too Long (Marmalade cover)

What's coming up?

This next week we hope to have reviews of from R.U.S.T., Thin Lizzy, Pro-Pain, Iron Claw,Pop Evil, Buzzcocks, Dead Iron, Brainoil,Sinister Realm, Einvera and Grizzly II: The Concert. Plus Clash of the album covers and maybe more. Keep cool!

Free Metal Monday: The Metal Madman Radio Show/Online Metal Promo-The Root of All Madness Compilation

Here's a nice new free 27 track compilation album to get you through this Metal Monday and the rest of the week. The Metal Madman Radio Show (USA) has teamed up with Online Metal Promo to release "The Root of All Madness", a free download compilation featuring a mix of "27 current, deep cuts and unreleased songs from up and coming as well as established hard rock and heavy metal artists from around the world"! And boy oh boy there are some real crunchers scattered throughout this compilation my friends! This one is a real treat! I've covered more then a few of these bands and I'm stoked to see them all present here on this killer comp! Here's the actual track list and you can find the link to download this compilation at the bottom of this page:


1 - Stu Marshall - The Hammer 
2 - Death Dealer - Curse Of The Heretic 
3 - Tren Loco - Vieja Escuela
4 - Skinner - Orphans Of Liberty
5 - Witchcross - The Eyes of Lucifer 
6 - Station - Don't Take Heaven Away From Me
7 - Zephaniah - Blackbeard's Revenge
8 - Diamond Lane - Kiss The Ring 
9 - Metralla - Sotanas de Satanas
10 - Cage - Final Solution
11 - Mindmaze - Mask of Lies
12 - Maxxxwell Carlisle - The Power of Metal Compels Me
13 - Lords of the Trident - Face Of The Enemy
14 - Ignitor - The Kaiser
15 - Archetype - The Dark Mirror 
16 - Patan - A Golpe Te Haces
17 - Hessler - Never Lost My Way
18 - Hellscream - VII (Seven Sins)o 
19 - Lady Beast - Hot Pursuit 
20 - Maligno - Shine
21 - Renacer - Espiritu inmortal 
22 - Ravensthorn - Lost in Darkness 
23 - Dire Peril - Astronomical Minds 
24 - Serpentor - Privacion Ilegitima de la Libertad
25 - Enceladus - Darkened Aura 
26 - Sinister Realm - World Of Evilo 
27 - Tales of Pain - Black Wings


https://www.dropbox.com/sh/mqsfdocmkyrfu4a/AABixmhR-XZsRaCnNYCudlx4a

What's coming up?

This week we hope to have reviews of albums by Untimely Demise, Electric Earth,Mordbrand,Sigh, Mr. Death, Jorn, Wolves in the throne room. Plus interviews with Sinister Realm and Stefan Kaufmann, NWOBHM Wednesday, Forgotten Gems and Clash of the album covers.

Clash of the album covers

Here you go.


Sinister Realm-The Crystal Eye

vs.


Twisted Tower Dire-Make it dark


***Which cover do you prefer?

The Devil-The Devil

Candlelight Records
2012


When you name your band/project "The Devil" then right off the bat one has to assume a dark and sinister edge is in order. That most certainly does seem to be the case with this album. At least in a way it is and, bizarrely, not the way one might expect. Following in the footsteps of pair on singles this 13-track album (The Devil's full-length debut-release) was recorded at six different recording studios. Is there a significance in that exact number-6? Are we to read more into it then is there? The answer it seems is not so easy to come by. The band, as it is, is made up of six members and their roots (at least judging by this album) lie in traditional/classic heavy meta. In keeping with the overall theme of their name and album cover the group that the same path that was laid out by Ghost. The six "anonymous masked and cloaked musicians" present their music with "select historical, political and conspiracy-laden oracles" in order to create "a cinematic sound-scape that is sure to strike the fancy of the curious." You can take that however you want it, but it is true that the end product is dark and sinister in it's own way. Listening to The Devil is like listening to the soundtrack of some sick documentary on death and damnation. It's little wonder then that The Devil has been looked upon fondly as choice material for movie soundtracks. Two of the band's "songs" are slated to appear in the realm of cinema so there should be little doubt left as to the direction this band is heading. The promo let's us know that the excellent number “Extinction Level Event” is being licensed to the upcoming film E.S.P. (expected late 2012) and that the other worthy number, "Divinorum", is "due for inclusion in the upcoming film The Fury. The Fury is being directed by James Colmer (Superman Returns, House of Wax, See No Evil) will feature Erica Leerhsen (The Blair Witch Project, Texas Chainsaw Massacre) and is expected early 2013." What makes The Devil work really, in not only that setting but as a casual listening experience, is the way in which the band easily merges the "select historical, political and conspiracy-laden oracles" with classic heavy metal. The connection is smooth even if the end result is music that attempts to send shivers down your spine with it's a dark and eerie nature. This is certainly an interesting "heavy metal" release and one that fans of dark metal would do well to track down

Interview with Characula

"The desire of a woman... mixed with the blood of a she-demon...". That is Characula, a divine rock goddess that is neither a vampire, nor a werewolf, mummy or any other creature known from myth and folklore. No, she is more...so much more. A supreme priestess for a world which is undeserving, she is a gorgeous goddess of the underworld, one filled with darkness and delight. Characula, having already blessed us once before by gracing these pages ( http://metalmark.blogspot.com/search?q=Characula ), could have left it at that. And yet not only did she allow this mere mortal (one of nothing but flesh and bones!) to come before her in humble servitude, which was as scary as it was sensational(!), but Characula was gracious enough to answer questions from me, a pitiful slave to her awe inspiring power! Read on and have your eyes opened. Be forewarned though. Characula will have you as her own. No one escapes her seductive gaze. No one...

Andy-Who, or better yet what, is Characula? Are you really a rock goddess or something more...sinister?


Characula-I am a transcendental being spawned by evil and mothered by death. I also have a great personality and am a lot of fun to be with!

  
Andy-Let's be honest, You're not of this realm are you?


Characula-I am from a place Dante describes in his journey through Hell: the Circle of Lust. But even he doesn’t quite get it right. Could you imagine being at any point in the space-time continuum at will? For example, I can simultaneously inhabit the 3rd, 69th, and 666th dimensions, all in one blow ;)


Andy-Have you come to serve mankind of enslave us? If it's the second part might I offer up my services willingly!


Characula-I have come to gorge myself on the carnal bounties of man… and play a few shows in the process. It’s the perfect way to entrap my victims. Like the tarantula in my mummy video, they will come willingly. :) When are you available?


Andy-I am at your beck and call! Now tell me, if I am not being too forward in asking a high goddess or your stature, when it comes to your music-is it meant to entrap mankind? There is something mesmerizing about it. When I listen to it I lose all track of time and my surroundings....


Characula-I see you’ve already fallen victim. The songs are written to render you senseless in all but your basest proclivities; a soul tenderizer for impending… adventure. 

Andy-"Headstone" is just the latest feast of the senses. Could you tell us more about what came before that track and what we have in store coming up?


Characula-"Headstone" is a song dedicated to my last ten boyfriends - may they all rest in peace - and the future ones I’ll have during my Circle of Lust tour in the U.K. later this summer! Preceding "Headstone" were "Deadlight District Dolls" – a shout out to my gurlz back home, "Mummy Dance" and "Ready for Love", all of which made it to the national airwaves and placed in the top 50 of the U.S. Mediabase Activator charts.

There are an additional six or seven equally spellbinding original Characula hits that will be included on my album, due out toward the end of the year. I never play all my cards at once.


Andy-You're working with the mortal Dito Godwin if I'm correct right?


Characula-Yes. I chose Dito because he is an accomplished musician and has a track record [pun intended] of working with classic rock acts, many of which are known worldwide. Though I am everlasting, my patience is not! I align myself with success. 

Andy-For anyone else who wishes to be a willing subservient where should I direct them?

Characula-I've adopted the ways of the 21st century and have gotten my own webpage, Facebook and twitter accounts!

http://www.characula.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Characula

https://twitter.com/characula

Andy-As we part what message would you like to leav for mankind?

Characula-Eat well. You taste better that way. And come to me shows. I would love to taste...I mean...see you!

Hate-Solarflesh

Napalm Records
2012

Observant readers will no doubt have made note of the fact that this is my second (Or is it my 3rd?) go round with this review. If I didn't know any better I'd almost swear as if the very essence of what Hate is all about, the evil and vile blackened filth, had made it's way into my computer and corrupted files with it's toxic take on black/death metal. How else to explain what has now taken me over two hours, between two computers mind you, a fairly straight-forward and simple review to post? Despite the odd nature of my day this new album by Polish extreme metal act Hate is nothing to joke about. This is pretty brutal material we are talking about from a band that is well-known for creating brutal metal to begin with. Lead very effectively by the chilling Adam The Last Sinner (I wonder if that's his "Christian" name?) these extreme metal merchants have been making their own mark on the scene since 1990. While the band may have started off as a death metal act, and an evil and vile one at that, they have evolved into an even more twisted and grotesque blackened death metal band. With an unholy outlook and a desire to play nothing but the most extreme metal they possibly could this group has released another dark and dastardly LP. Firmly camped out in the anti-Christian,satanic side of the movement (Which I guess would be the case with the bulk of black metal acts these days) these mavericks of mayhem might be unleashing a sinister racket, but at least their technically sound in doing so. No one can deny the talent here and the album has been written/performed in such a way that the Behemoth worship isn't as obvious. While it's not due until January of 2013 this 9-track release should be on the radar of all those who like to live over on the dark side of existence and for those who simply adore extreme metal that is loving wrapped up in as much evil as possible. As stated this is some sick and twisted stuff and a lot of that vibe hinges on the production of this album as it perfectly reflects the very nature of Hate. 2013 looks to be a good (Depending on your point of view that is) year for extreme metal and black/death metal fans as Hate looks to lead the faithful into the dark realm that is sin's cold and damning embrace. You've been properly warned and/or encouraged about the savage, nightmare-inducing music that is Hate so the next move is all yours...