Nordvargr

Hendrik Nordvargr Bjorkk

Nordvargr - Interseller

Pyrrhula by Nordvargr, 2008

Nordvargr x Beyond Sensory Experience (BSE) x Kenji Siratori -
Hypergenome666

Hendrik with Naer Mataron

Henrik Nordvargr Björk has to be one of the most well-known and prolific names in the post-industrial music scene. Recording under various guises (Folkstorm, Toroidh, Mz.412, Nordvargr, to name but a few), Henrik has been a long-time friend and ally of Cold Spring. They have released the final Folkstorm recordings and the magnificent Merzbow collaboration 'Partikel' in 2004. Work is in progress for the third part of this trilogy, 'Partikel III'.
Cold Spring released the full-length Nordvargr album 'Pyrrhula' in June 2008.2009 sees the much-requested re-issue of Folkstorm 'Victory Or Death' and 'Sweden'.

Collabolaration

Nordvargr and Beyond Sensory Experience (both of MZ.412 fame, yet acknowledged on their own) make an excursion into the dark, violent, psychedelic world of the Japanese cyberpunk writer Kenji Siratori. Siratori's work was acclaimed by David Bowie and can be described as a surprise meeting of William S. Burroughs and Tetsuo the Iron Man. The collaboration of three unique parties formed a box set called Hypergenome666. This is a magnificent box-set containing 2 CDs with 80-pages booklet and a box set designed by Paul McCarroll (see http://www.unhinged.me.uk/

Naer Mataron
Formed at the end of 1994 by guitarist/vocalist Morpheas, Greece's Naer Mataron is committed to perpetrating the most extreme brand of black metal imaginable while glorifying their Hellenic heritage with their historically minded lyrics. 1997's "The Great God Pan" demo tape landed the group a deal with Black Lotus Records

Nordvargr - Interseller

Inspired by the power of space, infinite distances and emptiness. Nordvargr himself speaks of his release: "To me there is no greater evil than the emptiness of space, totally hostile and unfriendly to all life - an opposite to existence, at the same time the mother of all we know.” The album is marked out by heavy and meaty sounds, strong dark ambient exhaust for creation of whom Nordvargr used only field recordings and sounds made by space objects transmitted by satellites. Very dark, black ambient.This release was limited to 444 pieces.

Damage Digital

Damage Digital is a chaotic grindcore band with hardcore influenced from Japan. Masayoshi Ichinose met Irman Hilmi from Malaysia in late 1996. In 1997, they decided to add male and female vocalist. Misa Moronaga and Makoto Kusano have been added to take incharge on vocals. This is the first line-up of Damage Digital, they have recorded 10 songs and released 1st demo tape in 1997 and joined some compilation CD, EP, Tape.

Irman contacted to his friend of Malaysia and Damage Digital toured 5 times in Malaysia and Singapore from 1997 to 2000. In 2000, guitarist Irman Hilmi left Damage Digital and was replaced by Yasuhiro Kawachi. In 2003, Yasuhiro Kawachi's friend Kuniyuki Yokoo wanted to play bass for the show and later joined Damage Digital. Misa Moronaga, Makoto Kusano, Yasuhiro Kawachi and Masayoshi Ichinose are the current line-up. Mikeal VanCleave from USA found Damage Digital and released 500 vinyl of Moss LP in 2005.

Damage Digital :

Misa Moronaga: vocals
Makoto Kusano: vocals
Yasuhiro Kawachi: guitars
Masayoshi Ichinose: drums
Kuniyuki Yoko: bass

Below:Old interview done by Core-Distro.Com

a) Firstly,who’s answer this session?

Masayoshi Ichinose (drummer)

b) Tell me when does DAMAGE DIGITAL history and what the meaning personally by the name?

I played some HC bands in 1996 like DRI.Original guitarist Irman and me want to do a pure grindcore band such as Napalm Death and Discordance Axis, not Gore or Metal. Irman was a foreign student from Malaysia. We need to add vocalist. Then we invited Misa and Makoto at the Saga University. He has many friends in Malaysia. So we did tour in Malaysia 5 times. 1997-2002. It was good memory and experience for us. We planed tour in Malaysia in Sep. 2006. But this month was a fast month. So we changed to Australia. It was also good tour.Irman brings name Damage Digital. This idea was from Jon Chang /Discordance axis.Irman often mailed with Jon in those days. I didn’t know that meaning but agreed.I used double bass drum pedals before DxDx. But I realized single bass drum is groovier when I saw Dave Witte/ Discordance Axis in Osaka for their Japan tour. Then I use single bass drum pedal.

c) Current line-up 2008,any changed before?

Misa Moronaga (vo), Makoto Kusano (vo), Yasuhiro Kawachi (G), Kuniyuki Yokoo(B) and Masayoshi Ichinose(Ds). It is same till 2000.For a mental cause, vocalist Misa was not performed live show very much 2003-2006 DxDx had a show with other members for a while. Sometimes it was 3 pieces (Vo, G, and Ds).As a member marries and has a child, the dxdx show decreases. DxDx are active at our own pace.Ysuhiro formed project band “The pushing”. I join “Carcass Grinder” in 2005. But Damage Digital is the most important band for us.I think guitar sound is changed very much. Irman made low tones guitar sound. Yasuhiro Kawachi likes metallic chaotic sound.

d) People know that energy Grindcore is your music, describe us the different style Damage Digital compare to others?

I think…male and female vocals style and discord sound are the different. I want to seek experimental sound without depending on machine such as the trigger.

e) In Japan,how’s the Underground d.i.y music scene for today?

any development such as gig and new tight band?I don’t know many of scenes in Japan because my city is local. I hear Osaka, Aichi and Tokyo have some great scene. I think Osaka has many experimental bands and Aichi has a tendency towards metal. I think that Mortalized from Kyoto and 324 from Tokyo are almost our style.There are many Gore, Death metal bands in Japan. Grindcore is minority.

f) List of your discography,any latest?

DxDx released some Demo tape/CDR till 2002,3.(check our website). Some was released in Malaysia and around. Delete (1999) I think it is known in Malaysia. Irman plays guitars.Kabe demo CDR(2000) New guitarist Yasuhiro plays guitars.MOSS LP(2005) Full length LP.DxDx will release two stuffs in this year. Split EP with KURSK and split MCD with Abortion.They ware recorded in 2006-7 when Misa revived.

g) Lyrically,who’s write the songs and what’s the main moral story for the listeners can get through your grind lyric?

I don’t know vocalist sings. I think there is no story. It is just a anger for the society.They change for the voice.

h) Any planning latest tour/show around Japan and Asia?

We have just some show in Kyusyu island Japan. I hope we can do the tour in Malaysia again?next year.

i) If we have a chance to visit Japan,which place that you recommend for a vacation?

Kyoto and Nara. You can see many traditional buildings and cultures. There are many temple..There seems to be a genuine ninja somewhere. They wear common clothes.If you want to visit cool place, Hokkaido is good. You can see ton of snow and Nature.

IMPIETY

Early Years

The Ancient Years
IMPIETY's diabolical birth began in Jan 1990 a formation of 2 namely Shyaithan (guitar/bass/vocals) and Necro-Angelfornicator (drums) under the heavy influence of BATHORY, SARCOFAGO, POSSESSED, old MORBID ANGEL. A rehearsal demo/promo tape was recorded in early ‘91 with this line-up and released in limited quantity.. The band underwent a few line-up changes finding the right maniacs and thus recorded their first demo entitled ‘Ceremonial Necrochrist Redesecration’ which was positively received by the underworld. IMPIETY signed to Shivardashana Records, and its first diabolical release with this label was the ‘Salve the Goat ... Iblis Exelsi’, 2 song 7” single in 94'.

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In mid 1996, ‘Asateerul Awaleen’, the debut CD album was recorded & released in mid 96’.
IMPIETY also recorded a 5-song MCD entitled ‘Funeralight…’ due for release early 1997, once again by Shivardarshana. But Shivadarshana shut down, and so the MCD was never pressed. Only recently in 2007 did Agonia Records officially unveil 'Funeralight…' as limited Digi MCD. The band started delivering live carnage beginning of 1997.

Armageddon 1999
IMPIETY recorded 'Skullfucking Armageddon'. 8 songs of uncompromising apocalyptic speed, bestial metal brutality and savagery. Both Dies Irae Productions and Drakkar Productions released this album with Iron Pegasus Records releasing the vinyl version officially. Samhain Recs. (USA) released a cult IMPIETY/PROFANATICA split 7 EP the same year.

Kaos 2002
The band recorded their long awaited 3rd full length album 3weeks in July 2002 at Berno Studios - Sweden. This album was called 'Kaos Kommand 696'. IMPIETY delivered extensive a number of Live infernos and earthquakes across the South East Asian region. Highlights were the stage holocausts in Bangkok at the Annual God Beheading Live Ritual - Thailand, Formoz Open Air Festival - Taiwan and also the Under the Black Sun Festival in Germany! Towards the end of the year, IMPIETY decided to give boot to Osmose Productions since it saw little prospect working with this label.

Mexican Maldad 2004-2006
IMPIETY signs to Agonia Records for 2 album releases early 2004. Shyaithan establishes a new Mexican line-up! With the new line-up IMPIETY recorded 3 songs at Ambox Studio, Mexico in February, released what is better known as ‘Two Majesties’ an infernal Split EP with SURRENDER OF DIVINITY courtesy of Unholy Horde Records.
The band recorded their 4th full-length album of 8 songs 'Paramount Evil' at Ambox Studios once again, that was release late 2005. The band successfully crushed a 9 date Mexican Assault Tour early August and 5 date Asian Desecration Tour between December - January 05.

Formidonis Nex Cultus 2007

A diehard limited Live LP entitled ‘Tormentors of Tijuana’ was released in 120copies by cult Japanese HMSS Records. This recording comes from a live assault launched by IMPIETY in Tijuana, Mexico late 2004. The band records another lethal album: ‘Formidonis Nex Cultus’, released in August 2008. In October 2007 IMPIETY embarks on the ‘Storm of the Antichrist’ European Tour of 18 dates with WATAIN.

Dominator 2008
IMPIETY unleashes ’18 ATOMIC YEARS – Satanniversary’ Double CD exclusively by Pulverised Records and Double LP released by Agonia Records. And it gets more hellish with the upcoming split 7” EP, IMPIETY / ABHORRENCE – Two Barbarians! Once again all new exclusive tracks. And later part of the year a new 5 track MCD entitled: ‘Dominator’ is released. The band headlines it’s own European tour of 23 dates soon after.

IMPIETY present line-up
Shyaithan – Guitars / Vomit
Rangel Arroyo – Guitars
Tremor – Drums
Oscar Garcia – Drums (Tour)

Impiety Europe Tour - Live in Dublin 30/8/08

The return of Mighty Impiety has been along wait for Irish fans. If you notice, Impiety are the most sucessful South-east Asian Band. They are much well known compare to their famous "Dictator" Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew.

There were 3 supporting bands playing that night , Nephridium (Irish Death Metal), Eternal Helcaraxe (Irish Black Metal) and Spearhead(English death Metal).

Nephridium
Gone is the unsure stance of the vocalist and slight stiffness around the stage exhibited by band members when they played this same venue a year ago, as a proper air of professionalism is evident, none more so then when the group shred on in confidence despite one guitar going silent due to a broken string.

Eternal Helcaraxe are an entirely different proposition. Being a name that’s been bandied about as a new Irish Black Metal band in the more orthodox sense for a few months now, it’s at least obvious that they’re not taking the visual aspect for granted, with a grand backdrop, and an array of banners, corpse paint, swords and axes being brandished as the group troop out of the wings.

While reflecting on the distance groups have come, it shouldn’t be forgotten that Invictus signees Spearhead have done very well themselves. Now pretty much completely removed from their own more Black Metal beginnings, the all out war that the British band’s latest effort, ‘Decrowning The Irenarch’ offers is a veritable avalanche of militaristic aggression.
The simple, direct bark of the vocals and on-the-button, martial sounding drum rolls help to generate a strong and commanding presence, which is fleshed out by some lead guitar acrobatics of impressive taste and skill.

Impiety are the true draw for many here tonight. It’s not every day a renowned Black Thrash band from Singapore hits Irish shores, but curiosity the draw aside, groups of this underground calibre and longevity are a rare enough occurrence anyway to draw out the old guard in good numbers. Their style is a simple, but extremely effective one, drawing strongly on a fucking mighty drummer to deliver riff after riff of simplistic, even catchy violent thrash, but laced with the unholy roars and blasts of speed that place it on the fringes of war metal territory.

The frontman is an eloquent giant who shreds away like a demon, the band are nothing but patches, sweat and extremely ugly guitars and it’s all seriously enjoyable. The group are genuinely appreciate of the reaction and with some final panted banter (“Dublin…you have no fucking mercy..at all!”) they lash out a new song and wrap it all up. A fine night of extremity ends in style.

Mass Extinction

Formed in 2003, Mass Extinction play intense, intricate Thrash Metal. Since starting on the gigging circuit Mass Extinction have been fortunate enough to support some of their major influences: Exodus, Destruction, Sodom, Onslaught and Nuclear Assault as well as sharing the stage with international acts such as Pungent Stench, G.B.H., Screamin Daemon and Slough Feg.

In 2007 they played alongside numerous well known International acts at the prestigious Way of Darkness festival in Germany, the undisputed home of metal. In August 2007 the band also headlined one of Ireland’s biggest Metal Festivals “Whiplash” in Sligo

Their first EP "Creation Undoing" was hailed as one finest thrash metal band post-millenium.
"Best Ireland trash metal band"- Metal Ireland.com
"This is one amazing band, the kind of band that i'd love to work with someday" - Gary Holt (Exodus)
"Brilliant!!" - Metal-Daze.com

The Datsuns - NZ New Rockers

By 2000 the band had renamed themselves 'The Datsuns'. In August 2000 they released their first single, "Super Gyration!," on 7 inch vinyl only. In July 2002, after featuring several times on John Peel's programme on the UK's BBC Radio 1 and being hailed as "the future of rock" by the British music press, the band signed with the V2 record label. Their self-titled debut album made a strong impression in the UK, as well as in Australia and New Zealand. The Datsuns toured Australia in 2002 with seminal Melbourne band The Specimens & The Casanovas as well as playing a live to air on PBS radio.

The Datsuns won numerous awards over this period, including NME's 'Best Live Band' and New Zealand Music Awards for 'Best Album', 'Best Group' and 'Breakthrough Artist'.
They played Ozzfest in 2003 on the mainstage alongside the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Marilyn Manson, Korn and Disturbed. They also played the main stage of the 2004 and 2009 Big Day Out festival and opened for Metallica in their Australian tour in 2004. Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich had previously praised The Datsuns on the revival debut of Headbangers Ball before playing their video for "In Love." Their second album, Outta Sight, Outta Mind, was produced by Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones. It didn't receive the same praise as the first, as critics gave it only a lukewarm response.

In October 2006, the Datsuns came back with Smoke & Mirrors, heralded as a return to form in Australia and New Zealand. The album was met with generally positive reviews, although it was not reviewed as widely as the band's first two efforts. After the release of the third album, drummer Matt Osment was replaced by Ben Cole.

The Datsuns went on a New Zealand tour with Shihad during the Christmas/New Year's period 2006/07.The band then completed a tour of Europe to promote Smoke & Mirrors. Although playing mostly locations the band had not previously visited, The Datsuns still managed to sell out the majority of the European dates.
The band's fourth album, Head Stunts, was released on 6 October 2008. The band recently toured New Zealand, Australia and America to try out new songs such as 'Eye Of The Needle', 'Human Error', 'So Long', 'Hey Paranoid People What's In Your Head', 'Your Bones' and the limited edition single 'Highschool Hoodlums'.

To coincide with the release of their latest album, the quartet embarked on a tour of the UK and Europe.


**2 Pictures were taken during their Head Stunt's Tour 2009 in Dublin**

Small gig was taken in place at Think Tank, Temple Bar, Dublin. On the same night, Soulfly were playing in other venue in Dublin. I thought that it would be much fun to see The Datsuns. I bought their first album when it was in small place underground club. I fall in love straight away and i believe this band is the "future for Rock music", this band is much better than The Jet. The tickets were sold out and the venue was packed. I couldn't believe why they play in small place such Think Tank. Why not Button Factory? Why not Ambassador?.

I think they probably try to be close to the fans, more intimate, the more excitement you get. The gig last about 2 hours, covered with Sitting Pretty for 1st opening, MF from Hell, Blackened My Thumb, In Love, Generator, couple other more from their new album. I have couple of recorded videos if you like me to post it in Fashion Is Dead.

I would recommend anyone The Datsuns is worth to listen, if you like Black Sabbath blend with AC/DC add a bit of Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple.... this is the band with energy and make you head bang all night long.