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Mission Mormonary Zine (Erik Disorder/ 1911 Redondo Ave./ SLC, UT 84108) Dirty Pics. and Noize recording are represented in full strength inside this B & W sure to pleaser. There is a personal element included with a letter from Eric's parents to a residential treatment facility (Familiar ground for me.) Lots of neat-o crazy stuff, poetry, comics, news clippings, and big distro lists are tossed together like a random bulletin board in a loony bin. Highlights are EHI, Death, & "The Journalistic Adventures OF Ronaldo Gilvera." DIY Zines Rule!!!

Xenomorph Comp Tape 99 (BCA/ W. 125 6th AVE./ Apt 305/ Spokane, WA 99204) This comp reads like my address book, full of my favorite underground pen pals. Usually I only hit the highlights, but this time everybody gets props: Moth (trippy), The Earwigs (Space Rage), Dostah Shilailee (Rhythmic), Decimation OF Authority (poignant), Fartmonster (grotesque), Captain 3 Leg (blast/noise/grind), Ataxia (high tech), Sockeye (retarded), Earthwyrm (curious), HUH? (Quirky), Conflagration (Roaring), Amanda Parker Ford (YES!), Slicing Grandpa (Way Out), Fossil Fuel (improv), EHI (Powerful), Sonic Disorder (harsh), Hedgehog Orchestra (collage) , Naked Insects (spazmatic), & Flying Pooping Bug Shit (loopy)

Fuzzi Orange Toenail (See Xenomorph) This is a photocopy 1/4 size comic book of doodles by Mike Jerk. Its good & silly, very primitive, almost like art therapy. Won't make much sense to most people. Looks like something a small kid would do.

Never Was Comics #1 (Leigh Odom// Apt 3/ Richmond, VA 23220 navigator676@hotmail.com) Great heavy metal inspired graphic art featuring the "Demonic Bushman," who is an inter-dimensional planet cleaner, and the human race is the trash mopped up. Great super villain monologue and violent content make up the bulk of this B & W adventure. Leigh Odom also hires himself out for zines & demo covers if you're interested. Prices are inside.

Kratornas "The Onslaught Of Battledemons" demo (21 Emerald St./ San Eusebio Subdivision/ Gadiz City, Negros Occidental/ 6121 PHILIPPINES)

Here's a new term for you "Tribal Black Metal." I want to be part of the tribe (I wonder how difficult the initiation is?) This is tough stuff, with speed barriers broken by the piston pounding pulse, catchy changes , and sweeping hurricane vocal growls. The guitars don't quite race, but they do keep things peppy. Kratoras pull this off in a believably evil way. I find myself in a drastic demonic mindset on first listen to this underground offering.

Wild Rags Catalog "summer" (2207 w. Whittier Blvd./ POB 3302/ Montebello, CA 90640-8602 dickcee@webtv.net) One of the best mail orders in the biz. Their label inc. greats like Crucifer, Impetigo, Internal Bleeding, Vital Remains, Drogheda, Dying Fetus, Angelkill, Judecca, & Death Penalty. The catalog inc. CD’s, MCD's, CD5's , tapes, T's, posters, etc. They also sell lots of other people's stuff. Included for the fan is an "unclassified" section.

Descend "Demonstration cassette 95" (POB 770376/ Cleveland, OH 44107) Somebody wretched every shred of human likeness from the monstrous vocals produced on this pro-dub. The music is roaring and booming like a succession of destructive waves tearing its way through your stereo. It produces quite a pounding. Granted, all death metal albums are tough, but this one is a beastly war machine. Not a pile of diversity, but enough to hype you up for a killing.

Against "demo" (POB 163/ Switzer, WV 25647) Sauntering across the mellowest edge of power metal with whiney, sing song segments and perky guitar tricks, Against remind me of one of those bands that you take a chance on at the local "used tape" store, then say "Not bad, but I'm glad I didn't spend a lot of money." Some of the 8o's style thrash parts are a bit nostalgic for me, but they didn't really work them hard enough. Average power metal is the rule, not the exception.

Big City Orchestra & Expose Your Eyes "Butchered Fiend" CDR (Paul/ 18 Canal Rd./ Sowerby Br/ HXG 2AY / UK) The cover doesn't give much info, being plain yellow and labeled only on the spine. Its a nice even paced, misty little noise composition that sets the stage for a strategic deprogramming of your so called musical structure. I like the slightly disturbing monotone layered with paranoia inducing startles. It absolutely feeds the need for something mysterious, dangerous, and alien. Resonate to discovery. I could get lost in this.

Expose Your Eyes "Batley Welcomes Alvin Stardust" demo (see Big City O.) Don't ever think that you are starting to understand E.Y.E., because they'll throw a monkey wrench into the healthiest of faculties just as quickly as you think you can keep up. There is no denying their ability to fashion an entertaining and emotional recording, but they can just rake you over the cheese grater of wide-eyed lunacy. This is noize, but the noise leads you head over heels right down a well-laid plan of confusion. I feel sure that they know what's up, but the method to the madness is just out of reach for this listener. I'm intrigued.

Sonic Disorder/ Naked Insects "split demo" (see Mission Mormonary) I'm glad to be alive simply because this demo was made. SD & NI are 2 of my favorite projects ever. This is like Reese’s figuring out that chocolate & peanut butter taste great together. These freaks compliment each other in the oddest way. They will skitz you the fuck out. I'm getting flesh crawls. SD pushes over the edge of lucid symbolic nightmare, conjuring all too real and uneasy images. I'm pinching myself hoping to wake up. What a dredge. NI, in contrast, is a barrage of scrapes rivaling the famed "nails on chalkboard" effect and squelch made livid by the quirkiness of light keys or toyish drumming, like a hypnotic regression to troubled childhood. This is the origin of criminal insanity put to music (loosely termed.)

Khronyk Bitch Kontrol "demo" (Unhappyness Recs./ co R Hodz/ 24711 Tuscany/ Eastpointe, MI 48021) immediately I want to like this just because of the title, which has the earmark of rebellion that stirs my juices. As son as I dug into the tape, the face full of guitar fronted static and feedback left me a little for want of the real lewdness promised by the titles of the songs, but aside of the missed expectation I can still hype to the aggression and frustration communicated through this sticky fumbling on tape. I'd like to hear a little more flesh in the sound, but the basic skeletal structure showing through is a strong start.

Endemoniada Zine #10 (611 W. 152 St. #1D/ NY, NY 1003) At least 90 pgs., B&W except for the highlighter yellow cover. The zine focuses on La Vey Satanism, The feminine side of extreme music, anti-Xtianity, and some dark smarmy artwork. It gets to be a fairly random hodge-podge, with a piece meal of vaguely related material. It is clear enough that they take their time, print everything they get their hands on pertaining to their subject matter, and put together quite a volume. Some bands inc. Snap-Her, The Great Kat, Garden Of Shadows, Electric Hellfire Club, and Goatamentise. Some of the material will not be for everyone, but I guess this zine caters to a very specific crowd. I enjoyed it quite a bit. It’s thick enough to sit in the bathroom for quite a while before outliving its usefulness.

Beer Can Fanzine #3 (POB 14371/ Portland, OR 97293 beercanfanzine@juno.com) Its a nice little 1/2 size punk rokk zine. Bands inc. Randumbs, The Sinisters, Bulemics, Dwarves, and Mad 3. Also inside are reviews, a top 10, and a huge-almost impossible contest guessing 50 photos of new wave girls from bands. True to theme, most of the questions are about beer and getting drunk. Can't go wrong there.

AUTOreverse Zine #8 (POB 3488/ Dublin, OH 43016 http:www.AUTOreverse.net) Yet another zine that’s bigger than a bible. I'm going to be so well read by the end of this review period. Well, the focus of AUTO is on home tapers, self-releasers (easy gutter brain,) & microlabels. They are very open to all forms of music. One reviewer named Ian, when he gets a noise recording that stumps him, gets out a dictionary and picks words at random to fill in the lost descriptives. That's fun, and (I think) artful in itself. The zine is mostly reviews and mini interviews. Everyone's sure to find something interesting in here. Great place to get some exposure.

PUS/ SBITCH "Split demo" (YNN/ Sean/ 2835 Delaware Ave. Apt. #1/ Kenmore, NY 14217) This is a big time happy to hear experience for me. Nice split indeed. PUS had me rawkin beginning to end with their conscientious lyrics and unruly punk passion. I had to put all apathy aside and drum up some societal protest in my lazy head when I heard them bashing out their inspirational underground rant n' rolling. Kick ass mosh core. Much the same as far as ideology goes, SBITCH is also out to make some people think (or even change!) Musically they are a bit different, keeping more to a faster more HC (but less understandable) style, employing wild screeching vocals & frenzied fretwork. Good combo. The tape comes w. a 6 pg. B&W booklet containing lyrics & interviews. Thanks.

Futuristic Organ Harvest Comp tape (AWT/ POB 1245/ Stockton, CA 95201-1245) This is a big fat blob of a comp featuring some of my old favs. like: Napalmed, Diagram:A, Bete Noire, Static Insect, & Hermit...t also introduced me to some new mentionables like: Toil, Crush Hazard, & Ganjareah. These "bands" tend to lean toward the harsh side of the noize spectrum, which means lots of rumbling and machinery grinding, and the overall feeling of impending doom weighing heavily through the reverberation of suffering speakers.

Captain 3 Leg/ Homogenized Terrestrials "split demo" (Andy Koettel/ 713 Grace St./ Ottumwa, IA 52501) When C3L does a new demo, I always wanna be right on top of that! They are the long time masters of the grind/blast exclamation style. To the point shards are introduced by tidbits collected from various crazy sources. Never afraid to experiment, these guys toss in fresh ideas and experimental sources, making every second a pleasant surprise. H.T. slow it down a bit going for more of a seeping soundscape, languid and docile, but full of potential danger. It’s strange, yet not totally off the wall, painting a captivating extra-terrestrial picture. Call it a peek into the unknown. Very contrasting styles.

Descend "Hate For Your Blood" CS EP (See Descend) 2 songs here, good strong technical work, interesting and versatile music, crossing a lot of barriers, but staying really tough. This little teaser perked up my interest. Its heavy as hell, without conforming to the cliche', which is a difficult line to walk. Good (evil?) things will come from this band. Black/death metal.

Flatline Construct/ Pyroclastix "split CDR" (FC/ POB 57/ Keene, Ontario/ KOL 2G0, Canada) Nice clear, destructive, roaring harsh noize to rattle your teeth. Flatline Construct bring it on w. 4 tracks of blunt and aggressive attacks to your audio-sensory perception, let up only long enough for you to know that you are alive, and then let into you again. You'll need nerves of Steele to survive this electronic mental massacre, but survival will make you stronger. Pyroclastix pile on much of the same, in a way that will assure you that the world is definitely coming to an end, and you have the sound track. It is one wild and bumpy ride through some of the meanest audio roughage I've encountered. It totally wiped me out. I think I brush burned my brain.

Dank Zine (POB 1356/ Farmington, CT 06034 dankzine@juno.com
http://www.angelfire.com/ct/dankzine/index.html) The layout is nice and eye catching, cool borders for all of the articles, and good sizable print. That's a bonus in the zine world. A lot of the content dealt with is rather opinionated, but yet again nothing too unpleasing (another bonus in the zine world.) It’s not radical, cutting edge, in your face, or any of those things that spice up a review. Its just a nice, open, well done zine that may or may not present 1 or 2 ideas for the young punk rokker, but it will probably just as easily blend in with the rest if your DIY lit.

Rick Rose Rude "Have Faith" demo (Bleeding Rose/ 1806 NE 29th PL/ Ocala, FL 34479-3351) Every underground effort deserves some respect and credit, but some are very difficult to write about in a positive way. Rick does poppy little rock tunes which could be called punk (if by punk you mean sloppy & unprofessional,) employing a lot of worn out themes and phrases that drove most of us to the underground. I can't see this going into anyone's usual rotation. I find myself asking "who cares?" Oh, well. Its light, bubble gum, cookie cutter, girl chasing tunes. No harm done.

Uncle Jimmy/ Clown Puke/ Weevil "Split demo" (Mike/POB 221/ Pittsfield, NH 03263) One silly tape indeed. Uncle Jimmy plays at the shit noise/ harsh/ static in a way that doesn't seem forced or terribly imposing its almost light hearted harshness? In any event, it stood out among many of the harsh projects I've heard because of its kind of frivolous approach. Clown Puke sounded more like an electric fan accompanied by a leaky air tank. I'm laughing now, but how long can I hold out. Neat concept. It does warrant a listen. Weevil was my favorite of the triad. It combines sections of vacuous knocking and zany toy keyboard randomness and percussive chaos. Its pretty tongue in cheek, basement style stuffs. I'd call it all just for fun, in a switching on and off nitrous/helium sort of way.

Art Paul Schlosser "Reinventing Myself" CD (523 West Wilson # 203/ Madison, WI 53703 artpaul@mailcity.com) I'm fucking pissed now! Nobody should subject me to this kind of worthless, inexcusable dribble. Who would bother to waste a perfectly good CD on something so obviously inferior, uninspired, and thoroughly unentertaining. I was getting a laugh out of Art Paul's dim intros and child like electric keyboard ditties, but then he proved to annoy me by getting preachy. This is home made, sub-quality, sickness inducing garbage. I know that this review is scathing, and full of opinion rather than objectivity, but I think I'd have to really regress to properly cover the material. (Later I played this for a few friends and they loved it. I guess everything has it’s value.)

Mail Order Bride "The Dance of Death" demo (POB 281/ Paulsboro, NJ 08066 www.snj.quik.com/mobride) They advertise as "extreme power metal." I disagree. I throw them into the well traveled heavy metal category, and would totally de-emphasize "extreme." They do have a bit of a finger snapping jazzy influence, and the female vocalist sounds a bit like a night club torch singer. Something about this reminds me a bit of Sacrilege.

The Grimoire Of Exalted Deeds #16 (POB 1987/ CLinton, NJ 07015 Billzbub@wfmu.org thegrimoir.com) Always over the edge. If you like it raunchy, rude, and brutally opinionated (And I do) grab this up. It’s funny. People will bitch because of the choice words and harsh criticisms, but fuck it. For the price you get pornography, sarcasm, jibing interviews, and some really brutal metal. Not for the PC crowd. The neat thing is, every once in a while it even teaches me some cool trivia. (Yea, it has an intelligent side!)

Willow Wisp "Delusions of Grandeur" CD (Full Moon/ 2039 Roxburgh CT/ Lakeland, FL 33813) Having my mailbox graced by a CD this awesome makes doing reviews so worthwhile. Every single bit of this recording was a pleasure to listen to. They mix it up, including aspects of creepy goth, dancy tech, fiery black metal, and a bit of atmospheric/ ambient moodiness. There is a Pandora's box somewhere of ingeniously innovative blasphemy that's been thrust open wide and grasped tightly by this band. The lyrics will snuff out any inkling of divine grace that you might be hiding and replace it with worthy heretical poetry. The music will excite your fiery demons, impressing even the discriminating listener with a capable format that never stops improving. Nothing is stagnant here. Should be the first thing that you listen to when you raise from your coffin at night.

Tormentula "Submit Your Unworthy Soul" CD (Speakeasy Recs./ POB 260188/ Madison, WI 53726 www.speakeasyrecords.com) We're unworthy! This is a 3 piece female black metal unit that plays a really sloppy, mean ass, demented assault of terror and ferocity. It sometimes gives you a feeling like the old style black stuff like Venom that is so down and dirty that it is almost punky (if it wasn't for the overwhelming hellish imagery.) At other times it gets really grindy, and even degenerates into a noisy mess of foul depravity. There is a sludgy overtone that is murky enough to bury the uninitiated listener. Toughness wise, these girls will kick any ass. It’s difficult to describe, because of glaring crossover mixtures. Just let it be said that nobody's gonna argue about the viciousness and pure evil of this recording.

Stonehenge "Shadows" CS (Sonic Wave Int./ 415 S. Maple, Suite #603/ Oak Park, IL 60302) An easy comparison to draw would be with the monumental band Solitude, though Stonehenge is a little more upbeat, and slightly less powerful (though they do have a good bit of power.) Not a knock off clone, yet I can't keep the nagging connection out of my head. I'll bet that those who like a little less doom and gloom plus more heads on metal styling will like this a lot. The vocals are pretty melodic, with a good strong high range, which gives off a mystical presence while the axe swinging, head-banging tunes drive on.

Hell Frost Zine VII (9933 W. Argonne Dr./ Milwaukee, WI 53222 headcrsh@execpc.com www.hellfrost.com) This is one of the better zines in the biz. Its thick as a Webster's Wanna Be, way full of important info, clear and open minded to various underground styles. The interviewer has a unique quality for bringing out the boldness of character in his subjects (And that is so often missing.) They are also technology friendly, and post articles to drag us dregs out of the dark ages. I was quite happy to find an entire review section dedicated to industrial/ambient/noise/neoclassical. A few artists from those styles are also interviewed, though it maintains the feel and format of a mostly metal (death/black/doom etc) zine. Some bands inc: Cryptopsy, Bolt Thrower, Bethlehem, Borknagar, Merzbow, and Front 242

Moz/ A Sonic Deterrent "Split 7 inch" (22 Malloy #1/ Hampton, VA 23663) Moz is a good guy, and an absolutely awesome audio dreamscaper. This particular offering is like a sparsely lit tunnel ride through the sporadic exchange of unconscious synapses, trying desperately to convey a message to the land of the awake. I like this. Good and relaxing. Great for experimentation. A sonic Deterrent plays a peek-a-boo with cruel distortion and reverb for a grueling exercise in sadistic mechanical overdriving. Often the short and startling crashes of harsh noize race in and out of this recording, so as not to offend by monotony. Entertaining.

Atmospheh-rhycxx vs. Dogged For Sympathy demo (wrk69@hotmail.com http://www.geocities.co,/SoHo/Museum/5892) Recorded live, but sounding just as crisp and fine as any studio dub, these 2 projects from Wreck Age build upon each other's strengths an plug out a dandy heavy beat/tech/rave/experimental dub. Much of it is very computer sounding, a little droning and repetitive, but ready enough for a laser light dance show. The funny thing is, I sometimes got a Miami Vice sort of feel. Probably unintentional. At other times they boot up an electronic emotion generator which runs throughout the programs at a steady pace. In all, there are 7 fairly long songs that are sly enough to create a mood and keep your attention, but might only be for a select crowd.

The Pervatrons / Last Remaining Pinnacle "Spit 7 inch" (Ammendment/ Dave/ 580 Nansemond Cres/ Portsmouth, Va 23707) The Pervatrons style consists of a persistent loop of revolving sounds and clips that sort of creates a numbing rhythm that might just make your eyes spin. It’s a pretty surreal sound. LRP do shorter tracks, containing some harsh noize and some experimentation. I think that the diversity and length of the LRP songs will really make it easier on the listener, and it was a pleasant turn for my throbbing head.

Traumatism "Traumatic Pieces" 7" (Spasmobarapsychotic/ 1720 Tallyrand/ Brossard, Qc/ JAW 2J2 Canada) Pure gore grind vomit pressed onto a little black platter to more conveniently spread its putrid virulent disease. It’s live, and it sounds pretty fun! I wish that I were there. Cool hack and slash shit.

Sludge/ Vita-Verbum-Lux "split 7" (see Traumatism) Sludge sounds like some rough edged, basement style DIY HC crust/ grind noise. I always like this kind of thing, which is aggressive, yet keeps you guessing. This stuff doesn't take itself too seriously, and that's great! The violence and anger are easily translated through the noize. I think that Sludge is a very apt name for this thick gritty sound. VVL ripple through one extended, gyrating nightmare lacerated with screeching as it dreamily floats through some edgy but trippy background. Fun enough.

A. T. M. "Untitled Laceration" (Ryan/ POB 527/ Jarretsville, MD 21084 NME@prodigy.net) Mega-long length-harshness straight from Noize City. It sounds like you can never actually tune into the correct frequency on your radio, but the tuning goes on and on. This is actually a good thing because it makes for great diversity, and some really nice surprises. It truly breaks the monotony of the continuous rumbling. Of course, there is nothing on here that is very gentle on the ear, but at least it doesn't just apathetically drag. Tough angry stuff.

Renaissance Catalog/ Magazine (Chivalry Sports/ POB 18904/ Tucson, AZ 85731-8904 www.renstore.com) Black metal fanatics, where do you get your armor and swords? Occultists, do you have a good place to buy black robes and daggers. Its all here. Other great items inc. books, CD-ROM’s, Videotapes, tankards, candleholders, cross pendants, t-shirts, and costuming.

The Church Bizarre "5 new songs" (POB 175/ Antioch, IL 60002-0175) What an unholy ugly fuck of a rotten degenerate, blasphemous hell spawned piece of maniacal insanity. The biggest chunk of their perverted sound comes from eerie synth and programmed sounding drums, but the demented, moany, tormented lyrics really sell the soul for me. (Is that a usable phrase?) They have some pretty obvious equipment deficiencies, but beyond that they could easily squash Marilyn Manson in the unnerving shock for the sake of shock department. Excellent stuff if you want to upset the uptight.

A Cosmic Noise Compilation Vol. 2: More Noise Byte Collective (See Atmospheh-Rhyxx) Includes such versatile projects as Archangel, Atmospheh-Rhyxx, Dogged For Sympathy, Holoskanks, Mindfuck, Static Insect, & Phycus. Quite a nice, even paced montage of electronic experimentalism, sure to make you feel like a kid in a candy store. The range covered on this tape inc. trance, noize, atmospheric ambience, electro wave, pornographic free verse, drone, and synthetic dance grooves. The compilation is set up quite well, to allow for free and smooth transition. Nothing here is very conventional. Actually, every turn is a pleasant surprise, and a welcome change. This would be a wonderful find for a director who was looking to score the sound track for his new sci-fi movie.

Praying For Oblivion / The Violet Grind "The Great Serpent" Split CD (PFO/ POB 22103/ Nashville, TN 37202-2103 PRAYING_FOR_OBLIVION@YAHOO.COM of TVG/ 2605 San Carlos Ave./ San Carlos, CA 94070 gransnoise@aol.com) The packaging got my eye right from the get-go. It has real snakeskin on it. Cool! I'm very familiar with both of these bands, so I knew what to expect, the harshest of the harsh. No disappointments here. PFO sound like they are absolutely sundering the entire planet for your listening pleasure. They have such a full, catastrophic, nerve wrenching sound that it'll have you running like mad for the emergency shelter. Pure planetary pain. TVG start like the simple hum of an engine, and then enlarge the spectrum to a vast array of menacing mechanical monsterisms. It is a highjacking through a factory line of destruction, making stops at all kinds of alien devices for dissection. This tape might be more than the novice can handle, as it just may be pushing the self-proclaimed expert over the edge.

Acidfuck/ Expose Your Eyes "Collab" (See Big City Orch.) Acidfuck is trippy enough to merit the name. It has a strobe effect of unrelated droning beats, newscaster monotones, cut up crazy noize, lengthy hypnotic meditations, & quick slip and slides through time and space. I get the feeling that someone completely unfamiliar but learning about the human culture created this very numbing recording. I can never quite get a handle on EYE. They're downright weird: but not a "run away" weird, more like a "Wooo! I have to hear more" type of weird. This outing takes you way out there, pokes and prods a bit, then abandons you with doubtful questions. (like some UFO abductions.) Really interesting, but maybe beyond my conception.

A Brief Guide To Running Your Own Publication (Small Publishers Co-Op/ 2579 Clematis St./ Sarasota, FL 34239) Don't need to say much here, because the title says it all. 32 pgs, comprehensive guide of suggestions for doing it the Co-Op way. It’s a formula for success that has worked for many zines.

Horror Obscura (Shawn Green/ 114 New Turnpike RD/ Troy, NY 12182-1412) Horror O. carries a full stock of obscure gore, horror, exploitation, splatter, sleaze, and more. All of the greats like Fulci, Argento, Troma, D'Amato, etc. ZOMBIE FLICKS GALORE. Many movies in original languages or translated. Fill in the holes in your collection, or start from here. I feel like a kid in a candy store. The guy who runs it seems really cool too. This is not a zine-only a list w. descriptions and some pics.

Khalfani X Khaldun (YNN/ Sean/ 2835 Delaware Ave. Apt. #1/ Kenmore, NY 14217) This might be a hard pill for some to swallow. It’s a six pg. pamphlet about political prisoners in AmeriKKKa. The politics involved are very extreme, racially tense, and radical. It’s free for prisoners, everybody else better send some stamps or something. If nothing else, this will get little parks jumping in your brain.

Endura "Elder Signs" (Red Stream/ POB 342/ Camp Hill, PA 17001-0542 www.redstream.com RedStream@aol.com.) This is a 2 CD collection of the bands prior work, and these solemn meditative soundscapes blend as if they were intended to be in this format. Some of the recordings, like their seminal track "Dreams Of Dark Waters" are very minimalist and whispery, while others are lush enigmatic orchestrations of ambient darkwave, vocal collage, or ritualistic traditional craft. It had both archaic and exotic fresh components breathing colorful vibrant new life into dusty forgotten wisdom. A serious person could really get sucked into this electronic spell work, but the casual listener should probably beware. Perfect for a candle lit listen, and if you open up, it is easy to let Endura effect your spirit and stimulate your energies. You noize junkies might also dig this, so give it a spin. 110 mins. 16$

Mason Jones "Midnight In The Factory" (Monotremata Recs./ 815-a Brazos st. #515/ Austin, TX 78701 monorecs@monotremata.com http://lonestar.texas.net/~monorecs) CD Four tracks here that run close to an hour (one track is 27 mins.) It takes you on a peaceful trip through a warm, easygoing relaxation with very thick and fluid ambience. I feel compelled to recline, and enjoy the moment as it washes over me like a scented breeze from an unknown but friendly source. It opens doors and provides soft light for an inward peek at revealing subconscious. Two of these tracks are recorded live at shows, and the other two are recorded direct to DAT, but you can't tell them apart, which is a major accomplishment considering the professional sound and great quality. Very subtle, accommodating, and ethereal.

Sargatanas "The Enlightenment" (Conquistador/ 27 Fortis Green/ East Fichley/ London nz 9JL/ UK mail@supernal.demon.co.UK) Full of the drive that makes satanic death metal the mightiest monster on earth. These 3 guys rampage through 12 raspy pounding tracks of destruction. This CD is a murderer, and it shows no mercy at any point-so expect none! Just grit your teeth and enjoy the carnage. They have a good range of speed, a great grinding rhythm, and a flare for intimidation. Included in the CD is a cover of Possessed's "Satan's Curse" (Excellent band to cover!) Nothing but pure, basic, devil worshiping death here.

Wendy Y Los Huevos Rancheros "As Blasphemy Reigns" (NWS/ Francisco Pulido/ 143 E Bernard/ Clute, TX 77531) This vomit noize/blast/grind acts like a kidney punch, utilizing short clips of echo augmented chaos with rapid fire electro percussion and sickening distorted vocals. It’s pretty stripped down. The whole thing went bye very quickly for 17 tracks. Hard to believe. They have a really nasty, putrid sound, not unlike thrashing drowning in diarrhea. Fucked up.

Netenyahoo/ A Sonic Deterrent "Split demo" (see MOZ/ ASD) I'll say this for Netenyahoo, I laughed a lot. It sounds like a scattered mess of bedroom recorded wacko improv that makes no apologies, or much sense. They abuse squeaky toys and rave on like lunatics, pounding on stuff, attempting comedy, and sound like they're having a great time. I want whatever they're having. According to the cover, A Sonic Deterrent recorded with the same tape deck and stop pedals as the Netenyahoo session on the same day etc... The difference is night & day. ASD drive on with a harsh as hell rumble and squeal noize, backed by barely discernable vocals, but mostly roaring. They're fairly lengthy and abrasive, so you might want to keep the Tylenol close. A good DIY find to trip your friends out. The way the recording is set up, its like Netenyahoo (I think I like typing that name) degenerates into ASD. Neat heh?

Theoadore Muddfoot "The Beauty Of The Swamp" (Darkgore Mgnt/ 215 Bentbough Dr./ Leesburg, Fl 34748 (352) 314-0765) This is a groovin, swamp themed, hard rockin band with a bit of the feel you might get from old Black Sabbath and Rainbow type bands. The singer has a voice that conveys a beautiful range both in octaves and emotions. Not to take anything away from the rest of the band, but she really gets things off so expressively that I feel I must harp on it. What a great job articulating each story so passionately. No complaints whatsoever about this CD. This band has a lot of personality, and I'm interested in hearing anything that they do.
Westworld "S/T" (Spitfire Records/ 19 Hanover Pl #240/ Hicksville, Ny 11801

riffraff@sprintmail.comwww.SpitfireRecords.com also zines contact Chipster Entertainment/ 1976 E. High St., Suite 101/ Pottstown, PA 19464 CHIPSTERN@aol.com) Remember MTV in the late 80's, this is the same kind of hard rock/ pretty boy cliche, power ballad stuff that made the Bon Jovi's of the world. By the numbers, this band followed the exact recipe that brought about the downfall of stadium rock, with more emphasis on chicks and charts that keep the "hard" in their rock. Unfortunate. Dee Snyder will like this.

Metalcore Fanzine #27 (Chris Forbes/ POB 622/ Marlton, NJ 08053-1109 METALCZINE@AOL.COM) Newsprint. This issue gleans more focus on fanzine personalities than musicians (inc., Wormgear, 3 interviews with the staff of Metal Mafia, and Felicia the Grimoir Girl) There was one small chat with Ceremonium. The print is a little scrunched and hard to read. The reviews were especially short, run together, and crammed. This zine will appeal more to those who are fixed members of the scene, who'll understand casual references to obscure people, acts, and zines. Maybe not for the beginner. It advertises as the longest running metal fanzine in America. Maybe they could use a fresh outlook. Good place to advertise.

Black Funeral "Moon of Characith" CD (Full Moon/ 2039 Roxburgh CT/ Lakeland, Fl 33813 FMP@FMP666.com www.FMP666.com) Somebody set up a microphone on the alter of an evil necromancer and is now circulating the choicest, most conjuring moments under the name Black Funeral. This is dark atmosphere/wave done to its most magical and unsettling extreme. Literally, parts of this are just noise loops and back masking with a thin but convincing sound, but not music in any conventional sense. It presents itself as very malevolent, sometimes enticing, other times chilling, but always mystical spells and experimentation of sound. Its pretty interesting to hear some one else’s craft, but the repetitive nature of this recording may lull some folks and charm others.

Snajper/ All Girl Mosh Pit "Split tape" (See Wendy) Snajper is DIY basement grind, fast as fuck, and with little or no care for structure. It sounds a bit like a demon getting flushed down the toilet. All I can really make out is hyper drumbeat and guttural guerilla grunts, very fierce, with primordial, regressive fury in its simplest sense. AGMP, in vast contrast, play a dark noize/grind, laid back, very distorted, and quite unique. It has a terribly, hellishness about it, smeared in smarmy keyboardish music, and oozing some black sound that couldn't be mistaken fo anything but insanity.

Core "Through Chaos And Disharmony" (POB 2040 CEP 86023-970/ Londrina-PR-Brazil/ South America Conflict@Sercomtel.com.BR www.promweb.com.BR/Core/Core.html) Brazilian death/core, power metal much in the same vein as old Sepultura with a scrap of old Fear Factory. Most of the material has been covered extensively by other bands. This will pump you up for a bit of the Ol' Ultraviolence, bashing about like mob aggression, and fueling the adrenaline laden fire of force. It lacks nothing in intensity, but perhaps a bit in innovation. Nothing too new, but plenty to get worked up over. Great lyrics.

Midwest Metal #21 (PMB 406/ 120 Broadview Voll. Sq./ Broadview, IL 60153 TVader666@aol.com) This is their final issue, and that's too bad. MM made reading their zine no problem, with nice-easy to read print, sizable font, clear pics, and most of all (and get this) their interviews and reviews are a reasonable size to digest. (not too long or short.) Most interviews are one or two pages. Most zines could learn a lesson in layout from this B&W newsprint rag. The issue in front of me features interviews from past issues as well as the present one. Past: Black Sabbath/Dio, Merciful Fate, Jungle Rot, etc, Present: SOD, Necrophagia, Internal Bleeding, etc. I'm sorry to see this one go.

Intellektual Spew #5 (Bart/ POB 785/ Cookeville, TN 38503 bart@tnaccess.com or Jeff/ 1604 Lilian St./ Nashville, TN 37206 http://members.xoom.com/intspew) I love the cover-Great art. Inside you'll find plenty of interviews with bands like Deaden, Assuck, Morticite, Scepter, etc. and a ton of reviews. (very accepting of underground demos and noise) Its pretty much everything you need in a metal fanzine, goodn' thick-contact addresses easily accessible, writing seems knowledgeable, so no bitches here. Oh yea, it’s free, but toughen up and send some postage you tight wads.

Poets Of The Plague "S/T" (14402 Hawthorne Blvd #319/ Lawndale, CA 90260 poet666@pacbell.net http://home.pacbell.net/poet666) Rip your lungs out groove death that expands the territory to all kinds of proportions. Very interesting, including a 4 song concept that blows me away. to say that this band is versatile is an understatement. They have a unique talent for getting a story across in a powerful, entertaining, and evoking fashion. These poets will eat you alive, then spin a head-banging tale about it to lure other victims. You've gotta see the "Suicidal Priest" cove pic. This CD is worth it for that alone.

Sloth #6 (POB 248144/ Coral Gables, Fl 33124 slothmag@hotmail.com) Another fine zine. Small script, probably because its packed full of stuff. That’s also probably why they only include "the best" of the demo reviews. I couldn't read it all in one sitting. Bands inc. Borknagar, Amorphis, Solitude Aeturnus, Forty Days Longing, etc.) The reviews are pretty honest. A good metal mag for the bangers.

Autodidact "Welcome to the Dissonance Engine" (See Mason Jones) They seem happy setting dream paced, above ground, sunny day mood, and accenting it with exaggerated and distorted guitar strums, but not fussing over structure. OK fine, let em. Reach for the sky dudes. I'm not going. Its like a guitar solo the whole way through, with a drum machine and a dramatic picking to flesh it out (or drag it out.) These songs are very long, and on top of that they blend together, just droning on, scale after scale to a numbing effect. On the bright side, it doesn't kill me, so hopefully I'm stronger. I really wanted to like this. It looks so cool, and the titles are neat-o weird. Damn! Gotta face the music. The last song is about the only one at all provoking.

Devilord/ The Student Back To School Special "Split Demo" (You'll have to get Scientist's address tomorrow) I started out with the Student, which is an alter ego of my buddy The Scientist, who does Ataxia. Let me tell you, it weirded me out like a geek freak from afar. To describe it as shit noize might give you the wrong impression. It is not shitty! Shit noize may however be the best generalized description of this spacey, ranty, radical, ape shit, fuckery that is way outside the acceptable norm (and well inside mine.) The Student sure blew off some steam, and he did it in a dramatic, original, and anticipation generating way. You'll never find anything else quite like this. Devilord has some real issues, and hopefully this recording was like therapy, or LOOK OUT! I sense danger. Call it "hate noize" venting. The noize is painful, with a machine like plodding and semi-harshness, but the real focus is the off color raving that would make G G Allin happy. Together, these two projects compile some stuff that would offend all but the sickest of us, and may just get a laugh from some of us with inspired depravity. So extreme, it’s hard to believe.

Roots IV: Zoso Comp CD (Root Of All Evil/ 693 N. Snelling Ave/ St Paul, MN 55104 root@rootofallevil.com http://www.rootofallevil.com) Lots to consider here. The styles range from Brutal Death to piano composition and noise experimentation. I guess Impaler (being their usual sloppy but entertaining selves) are the big draw, although Fleshgrind will get its big crowd. Some good bands to mention inc: Cold Colors, Nothing, 612 Crew, American Headcharge, Bobby E., & November's Doom. A few that could have been cut inc: Maelstrom, Piecemeal, Plan E, Janytor, & Boiled In Lead. The high point for me was a band called Le' Rue Delashay, who kick ass with 3 short, dark symphonic compositions.

Sakarutul Maut "S/T" (Sonic Wave Int./ 415 S. Maple, Suite #603/ Oak Park, Il 60302 sonicwave@apexmail.com http://angelfire.com/biz2/sonicwaveamerica
This seems to be a one-man project that makes its mark on a gimmick vocal style that sounds like the most intense & horrifying stages of an exorcism, but suffers a bit from the drum programming. This kind of thing goes over really well on comps because it is bizarre, but it wears a little thin on a full length CD. When you first hit play, the thing will sweep you off of your feet in a hell storm of death and chaos. Then after a while it might just turn into background music. I recommend it in small doses, just like cyanide. I want to like this, and in time I bet I will. (editor's note: Yea, it grew on me)

Brutal Fear "Fatallurcical" CD (See Sakarutal) AA few things stand out on this CD, like the morbidly strangled vocal styling and the occasional spirited gallop. There is also when some points where things just get crazy with riotously pained choruses of screaming torment. To say the least, somebody in this band is unhappy. Much of the CD has an old 80's Euro-speed metal/black metal feel to it that us older guys will really bang our heads to, but I'll bet it translates well enough to the new kids through unbridled aggression (if nothing else.) A good recording for severing ties with the world.

Necrophagia "Holocausto De La Morte" (See Endura) Freaks, take note of this monumental zombie gore grind. It doesn't get much better than Necrophagia. They are the news in this field. They never did it like anyone else, they never will. Holocausto has a get down, way down, dirty, rotten, festering attack that will have you fearing for your flesh. An A album in the tradition of B movies, chuck full of the violence and inhumanity that you crave. They take their time, setting the stage with undead carnal voracity, stalking and riffing toward a pinnacle of fury. Sometimes the tension is nerve wracking as they build to the inevitable death and destruction. The acid-rancid screams and driving music paint a near perfect picture of Fulci style horror. One sick CD! Eat it up.

Sedona Training Associates "Freedom Now/ Introduction To Releasing" CS (80 N. Hummingbird LN/ Sedona, AZ 86336 release@sedona.net) How about that? one of those "self help" tapes in my mailbox. I'm already a self-helper (and self-publisher.) This is for those who don't already know that they are important people, and have to be reminded that they are special. Any takers? The gist of this is to put the past behind you and focus on creating good and lasting relationships through control of your own thought process. I guess that's valid enough. The catch? The first tape was free (although I have no idea why it was sent to me-guess they're Neo-Fans.) The rest of the package costs 189$ Hope there's a lot of help in those tapes.

Merauder "Five Deadly Demons" CD (Century Media/ 1453-A 14th St. #324/ Santa Monica, CA 90404) These guys really have a groove on, while still keeping it as tough as nails. Anyone familiar with the hybrid HC/Metal styling of Pro-Pain will probably relate to how this is done well. These guys have a definite edge to them, that has me bobbing up and down and chanting along with their simple refrains, even on first listen. I imagine this will really grow on me in just a very short time, and find a place in my usual rotation. It’s catchy, yet powerful and strong enough to get the blood pumping.

Algo Malo Comic #1 "Black Blood Red" (1712 Riverside Dr. #250/ Austin, TX 78741 cccamp@bga.com) I'll say it once, and if necessary I'll repeat myself. I love brutal gory underground comix. In this issue, J. M. Gonzalez pens the adventures of Cuerpo & Insecto who are the crass and super-violent alien anti-hero brothers who run out of beer and end up brawling with the pervert scumbag monster baddies. Fans of Lobo or Bloodwolf will totally eat this up. The art is dark and thick, lots of movement, and fairly unique. It’s a cool new alien world, so join in on the carnage. Humor, cussing, gore, fights, drugs and alcohol-You know, FUN.

Ryker's "Life's a gamble...So is Death" CD (See Merauder) Much like Blood For Blood, Ryker's take a rough and tumble approach to HC/Metal, mosh pit free for all. They flex musically, intimidating with crushing energy. This showing features 18 tracks, including a few covers (inc: Hirax, Gerry & The Peacemakers, and Alone In The Crowd) If you are looking for something to whip you into a frenzy and snap some necks, I'd say this is a winner. Their lyrics are audible, and pretty damn good. They don't sacrifice a bit for commercial viability, cussing and pissing off the conformity with their verbal abuse, rowdy music, and mob chants.

Testament "The Gathering" (See Westworld) Every time I try to write off these thrash icons, as I have so many other sold out or worn out contemporaries, they come out of nowhere and just whack the shit out of me for the blasphemy. It really seems like they have the stay power in that niche'. They change a bit with every album, sometimes it works a little better than others. This time it works. This CD pounds like there is no tomorrow. You'll know who you are listening to immediately, but then you'll wonder what the hell got them so tight and fierce. These boys have been in the business forever, and they're still paving the way. The drums on this thing are some of the best I've laid ears on, and the vocals have found a working balance between clean and roaring-with everything in-between. There is nothing that copies their prior work. Its fresh, a little sweet, a little tough, and all a testament to their superior ever changing musicianship.

Canadian Assault Zine #3 (Dale Roy/ Apt #1/ 6318 Bingham St./ Phila., PA 10111 metaldale@hotmail.com) Glossy cover-B&W. This is a big, good looking piece of work. I'd better get some glasses, because though the author sincerely wants to give us as much info as he can on one pg. without attracting criticism from ol' folks like me, it tires my eyes to read this small font. (I meant to write this review without mentioning it, but the author brings it up on the first pg so...) Not only do they cover metal bands, but also a new feature has been added to highlight porn actresses. Nice. Everything's here, inc: interviews, reviews, play lists, etc. Some of the great bands inside are: Skinless, Drogheda, Fleshgrind, and Absu. My favorite section is the "Ancient Album Reviews" where some of the 80's metal albums are unearthed and re-explored. It’s a jam packed, hard working, dedicated zine for the metal community.

Disarray "A lesson In Respect" (POB 975/ Dickson, TN 37056-0975 scarred@aol.com or Eclipse/ 23 Ward Ave./ Butler, NJ 07405 http://www.eclipserecords.com) The second I popped it in, I knew that I liked it. I've reviewed Disarray a few times before, because they are some hard working self-promoters. Until now, they didn't quite seemed to cut their own corner of the scene. They were good, but they didn't quite have their own custom sound. Put that to rest. Now their blend of thrash/HC =Aggro is dead on, and quite unique to their own. Way to go guys!!! This CD is a strong argument for the inclusion of Disarray into metal's elite. Cheers to Eclipse for signing them. You won't be sorry. They do a cover of Skynyrd's "Free Bird" that is sure to make you smile. Prepare to bark your head off and jam like crazy when you get this.

Forest Of Impaled "Demonvoid" CD (See Endura) Fast and sloppy black metal, with compensational keyboards to thicken up the sound. The frog-in-throat vocals, sounding much like a simpering lesser demon, are at least convincingly evil. Musically they're a bit like a coyote-road runner chase scene; racing fast pace, a little dangerous, violent, but in the same respect comedic and headed for an inevitable crash. By the time you're half way through this, some of the initial doubt disappears, and the CD either grows on you or actually gets better. I'm not sure. I did eventually start to jam.

Under The Bridge or Weird scenes Inside The Sewer Pipe Zine (Nervecenter/ POB 40358/ Redford, MI 48240-0358) Just a little 8 pg. personal zine about the size of an index card filled with photography and poetry, with the feel of vandalism and childhood reflection. Where'd you hang out when you were young, and what feelings and memories does the place dredge up.

Depresy "Sighting" CD (Shindy Prod./ Martin Brzobohaty/ Sadova 17/ 679 04 Adamov/ Czech Republic shindy@telecom.cz) When I opened it up, I immediately noticed the nicely put together booklet cover. Very nice, professional job with interesting art and photography. Lyrically they seem very into magic and folklore. Each song is very poetic and flowing like spell work, but they are done in a harsh manner that kind of disguises the fact. Musically they are pretty diverse-sticking mostly to a black metal style, but stretching their roots a good bit to keep things evolving at all times. They're a lot tighter than most black metal, and their use of keys actually plays an important role in the composition of the music (rather than in the compensating for the music.) They're good and thick, plenty to learn from, mean enough to scare the neighbors, and quickly discernable from other similar bands.

Skepticism "aes" (See Endura) This is my fourth Skepticism CD, so know from the start that I AM A FAN. There is no other band that can drag you down to the tombs and start the grieving process quite like them. Skepticism plays a slow procession, much like a funeral durge of sorrowful doom metal. This CD is only one song, and it lasts forever. Those of you familiar with the band will recognize their signature sound, which is not far removed from sinister warped church music for grieving sorcerers. I can just imagine seeing these guys live. There wouldn't be a dry eye in the place.

Centurion "Choronzonic Chaos Gods" (See Black Funeral) Before anything else, I have to mention that the cover art is done "in a pool of the band's own blood." That give you any idea how tough this is? About as satanic as you can get, and balls to the walls, with completely understandable lyrics that would make a priest weep, and a pounding barrage of sound that relentlessly keeps at you with torturous persistence. Cruel and blasphemous music! This is the CD your mother always warned you about.

Revolution Calling Zine #12 (Propaganda Press/ POB 304/ Mason, MI 48854) I love teen angst, but this goes even further with very well done calls for boycotts on unfair businesses and media (plus stickers for support) also a plea for help by a young man innocently imprisoned. Great job! Also included is a "knowledge busters" section of difficult questions that the writer encountered in high school. Cool enough. I passed the science section. Plenty to read, very informative, plus you might learn something.

Bewitched "Dragonflight" CD (See Sargatanas) The band hails from Chili, and they play a satanic/black/doom style incorporating elements from both modern and traditional metal + classical music. You can understand all of the songs, because the vocals are mainly clean, with slashing ripped up pipes backing them. The music is slow and melodic, very nicely mapped out with multiple changes and guitar solos. The CD creates the feel of a very high borne, well bred aristocracy of evil; used to finer things in life, cruelty for entertainment, and hell as their empire. The nice thing is that it doesn't sound forced or campy. The songs all flow freely like a dark river of despair. Included is a fantastic interpretation of Merciful Fate's "Black Funeral," which actually ads a new dimension to the song without taking anything away from it. Often during other songs, the band has a M. Fate feel to it, so they're in familiar territory.

Prophecy "Foretold...Foreseen" CD (Corpse Gristle/ 3521 Oak Lawn Ave. Suite 666/ Dallas, TX 75219 www.corpsegristle.com hound@corpsegristle.com) There are some rather lengthy pieces included (Track 8 is 10:05) So you know that they cover each of their brutal death metal topics inside and out, top to bottom, and to the extreme. The hacking vocalist, spewing fourth the sickness, seem as if they'll give out at any moment after finishing the appalling death throws wracking him with pain. It never happens. The music accents both the intensity and the disparity of the situation by flinging itself in seizure like fashion, with quick changes in direction and violent outbursts. It is a very demented recording. Certainly for those with a strong stomach and lethal tendencies.

Vastion "Cold Stares Of The Dead" CD or CS (80 Foster Trace Dr./ Lawrenceville, GA 30043 Vastiondth@aol.com http://listen.to/vastion) Sadly we only get 3 songs here. The songs that we do get kick a lot of ass!!! I love the lyrics. They are abstract reflections into sorrow, and intelligent glimpses into long ignored realties. Very nice. They're style is a sort of speed/grind/death mixture, very fast-face smashing intensity, with slower interludes, and zephyrous vocals. I look for bigger things from Vastion. They're an outfit that could pull of some fine material with just a little more attention to diversity. What we have now is a thrill and a half, I can only imagine what the future will hold for the band. I'll say it again, Vastion kicks ass!

Sintury "Disgorging The Dead" (See Prophecy) Grindy death metal with a groove just catchy enough to make the difference, but also guttural and raunchy mean. These songs leave a lasting impression, retching up a head full of nasty revolting trauma with sludgy sections entwined with faster metallic slicing. The artwork on the cover is one sickly inspiration, and it fits the music quite well. It’s a pretty easy album to get through. All of the songs are recognizable, and readily discernable from each other. I'm missing the words, but the intended message is quite clear ..."DANGER!"

Seirim Empire Of The Dead" (Cudel/ POB 100147/ 06871 Luth. Witttenberg http://www.cudgel.de office@cudgel.de) Digging in somewhere between black metal, speed, and death, I like the fact that they advertise as being against every form of religion. It’s good to be thorough. Singed throat vocals are the front forever changing fast paced tempos of ferocious but smart sounding metal. They communicate quite well as musicians, and come over as a very dark, cold, mighty band, poised for attack and showing no fear.

Fresh Cow Pie Zine #4 (Farmer P/ 5112 77th Ave SE/ Montpelier, ND 58472 farmerp@daktel.com) Way out in the countryside resides a young punk rock farm guy named "Farmer P." He wants you to know the trappings of the farm biz, and maybe to know that punk and farming aren't antonyms. Farmer P has fallen on tough times and may loose the farm, but he still finds time to do some interviews and reviews. It’s not a bad zine, pretty personal, full of plight, yet fun.

Metal Nightmare Zine #3 (Tom Wren/ POB 420195/ San Diego, CA 92142 deadmetal@aol.com) This is a nice skinny little read, not hard on the eyes in any way. Bands interviewed: Scepter, Destructor & Maze Of Torment (Good choices) The reviews are also with it, longer only when needed, and brief when it can be (There is no time when you won't get the point.) You'll finish it on one trip to the toilet.

The Alchemical Wedding Zine (David Aronson/ 3330 Dogwood Dr./ Willow Grove, PA 19090 JAron98449@aol.com) If I just tell you that this is a short book of art and poetry, then some of you might just skip ahead, so I'm going to have to give this the hard sell because owning this is a must if you are at all into blasphemous, unnatural, warped, insane, mutant brain ravings set to paper in a way that keeps me peeking nervously back inside with morbid curiosity, but totally unable to withstand the shock of the whole thing in one sitting. This thing is done very professionally, and I have no doubt that if it wasn't for the underground content it would be in your local bookstores. As is, it is way too extreme for anyone but the most open minded-but I can't stress enough how important it is for you to get a look at it if you think you can handle it. Something other than total gore or overt sex makes every damnable page a glorious wall hanging. Very high on my very exclusive endorsement list. Free 9Send postage tough guy.)

Abhorrence "Ascension" CD (Wild Rags/ 2207 W. Whittier Blvd/ POB 3302/ Montebello, CA 90640-8602 dickcee@webtv.net) 3 songs of extreme metal, closer to death than anything else, with vocals exhaled like a bellows steeped in smooth slime and powerful slicing strings backed by clear and divergent drum work. Tough fucking CD. It puts me in mind of a big ogre gobbling by the handful, a scattering town full of little folk. Run For Your Lives! Hateful and malicious metal art.

Zero Zine #4 (See Under the Bridge) This is DIY underground press straight from home, with no big $ printing deals or gloss on the front. Just a manual typewriter, a Xerox machine, and a dedication to the scene. Hats off to Jon. Bands inc. are Dahmer, Idiom, Agathocles, and Violent Headache. Also inside you'll find reactions to Columbine, reviews, sketches, and poems from the hardest working underground author that I know (His name: Dan Buck) The cover is lime green with some nice alien art by Leigh Odom. This zine is just the way I like it, sloppy but less distanced from the reader.

The Dragon's Flight Zine #1 (788 Reservoir Ave PMB 294/ Cranston, RI 02910) They try to expose you to the world of neoclassical, dark ambient, dark metal, doom/death and underground sounds. The interviews include Bethlehem, Grey Skies Fallen, Amber Asylum, etc. It is a 30 pager on standard paper. The print is good for reading, and the format is quite nice. They seem particularly interested in bands from Cold Meat Industry. The zine reflects its subject, sort of retaining a very dark and ancient look about it. Every review includes a picture of the album cover-which is awesome. Very good zine, excellent coverage of a very specific music form.

Wonka Vision #5 (Homebase/ 206 Twining Ford rd./ Richboro, PA 18954 0247476@storm.bucks.edu) Glossy cover-66pg.-B&W Didn't want to like it. The zine features Rancid, Everlast, and Anti Flag. The thing is, its funny, well written, and the interviews are too entertaining to bash. I could have done without countless pages of advertising, but even that didn't ruin the happy surprise I got when the rag made me smile in page after page of awkward but fun journalism. Also inc: mini interviews, dating advice, a few short stories, an 80's TV test, reviews, etc.

Homesick Abortion Zine (Homicidal Enterprises/ AMB #19/ 7793 Burnet Rd./ Austin, TX 78757) Now that’s an extreme, DIY, half size, sick0's wet dream. Inside you get paper clippings of deaths, Columbine High stuff (not the wimpy version) an interview w. Chuck of I Hate You Mother Fucker Zine, and reviews of some older favorites. The format is a very full, cut-and-paste style, yellow on black with violent imagery wallpapering the print. Beautiful zine. You rarely see one with an eye for format quite this good. It’s a serial killer's mag.

The Flyer Times #2 Vol. 4 (See a Brief Guide) This is their biggest issue ever. The small Publisher's CO-OP now has 730 members, and this issue of "The times" features 300 of the zines, comics and catalogs inside. The Co-Op provides low prices for small publishers. This is contact heaven for the zinesters.

Goreworm #3 Comic (PJ Scroggins/ 153 Roberts/ Jerseyville, IL 62052) Goreworm puts out absolutely essential DIY gore/violence/horror comics. This is a 16 pg., B&W orgy of ugly, black, scary madness including eye gouges, axes to the forehead, meals made of eviscerated corpses, and insanely bizarre creatures. Comic collections are not complete without all of the Goreworms. This makes any commercial comic book "kiddy reading."

Sperm Oil Zine #1 (Armantas/ Geciauskas/ Zalioji 9-7/ Janava 500/ Lithuania) Yes, there is a Lithuanian punk/HC scene. This issue features Sperm Donors, The anti-Grey Alien maniac called V2, Ani, Biokorozija, etc. Also inc. cartoons, articles, reviews, and a fold out of "A Family Tree Of Anarchist Nihilism In The Western World." It’s a decent little 1/2 sizer, with anti-fascist, anti-racist, anarchist ideals. I'd like to see the next one. Keep this on file for possible chaos.

Little Bouncing Bunnies Zine #4 (c/o Fluffy/ POB 347/ Brigantine, NJ 08203) Offensive? Yes! Sloppy? Yes! DIY as hell? You bet! Don't let the name fool you, its what we call sarcasm. Fluffy pulls no punches in his cocky, outspoken, defiant, little 1/2 size thorn in the foot of conformity. PC people will have to fuck off. No choice given. He doesn't do a poetry section-its a poetry slam. Interviews inc: Unholy Death, Fleshtized, $ Spasmopaarapsychotic Recs. Much of the humor is cheap and capricious, but I like it.

Slug & Lettuce #57 (Christine Boarts/ POB 26632/ Richmond, VA 23261-6632) If you are not familiar with this zine already, I can't imagine that you are doing your punk rock homework. This newspaper style free zine (For postage, tight pockets) is a staple for the community. No need to bother with a review. If you don't have it, get it.

Satan's Sweet Slavery Zine #7 (Lady Synn/ POB 28914/ Columbus, OH 43228-0914 SynnSatana@hotmail.com) Gotta be the best anti-Xtian fanzine put together to date. The articles are really well done, and full of controversy and malice. The review section isn't totally open, but not horrible. Artwork included is pretty neat. Classifieds section makes correspondence easy. Everything is spaced out and reader friendly. Excellent stuff. I was personally moved by some content, especially an article about a poor Wiccan boy who was accused of murder & human sacrifice because everyone confused his craft with Satanism. Some of the stuff can be offensive, so don't open these pages if you are touchy.

Disarmament Zine #1 (POB 33326/ Seattle, WA 98133-0326 disarmament@hotmail.com) This is a zine for the promotion of tolerance for homosexuality in the punk & metal scene, education, awareness, and abolishment of homophobia. It is a 20 pg, B&W standard size, cut and paste fanzine. Bands inc. Krigshot, Callowed, Decrepit, and a big Aus Rotten center fold. Also included are pretty open and fair reviews + a crossword puzzle. I was surprised that there wasn't much as far as articles and rants go, with such a lofty goal in mind. More radical and shocking content might serve the purpose better, or even well researched and documented rants. Good DIY ethic and underground unity attempt.

Toxic Flyer Fanzine #27 (Billy Whitfield/ POB 39158/ Baltimore, MD 21212) I'm not gonna lie to you. I skimmed it. The print is so microscopic on some pages. Other pages are better. My favorite part of TF is always in the back. They print pictures of old live punk shows and old show flyers. Those are always cool. They're also really cool about ad trading, reviews, self released material, and the whole do-it-yourself thing. Bands inc. Suicide Machines, Final Conflict, The Unseen, etc. Please increase your print size. T.F. is an important source. I need to be able to read it without getting a migraine.

Queer Zine #2(POB 52812/ New Orleans, LA 70152-2812) Didn't know how I'd handle this, so I procrastinates. So, with a nervous lump in my throat, here it goes...You know what? They didn't bug me out too bad. The writing is pretty good, and I think maybe classy enough to keep the uneducated person from getting too uncomfortable. Inside are a word puzzle,video, and zine reviews cut out dolls, recipes, comics, rants, and the band Impotent Sea Snakes. A few of the pages have smudgy print, but otherwise it’s pretty readable. Of course, this isn't gonna fly with a lot of people, but they're gonna have to deal.

Satan's Candy Basket Zine #4 (POB 1236/ Pottstown, PA 19464 Beowolfco@aol.com) This is the last issue that will be called Satan's Candy Basket. They're changing the name to "Treats from the underground." because they felt that the old name was misleading and limiting. (This sounds a bit lame to me. SCB was a cool name, TFTU is very bland.) The zine looks great. They'll give you 50 pgs. newsprint with a glossy cover. A ton of bands are covered inc. Cryptopsy, Great Kat, Nile, Malevolent Creation, Sepultura, and many more. Some of the same questions creep up in every interview, but a few of them are downright hilarious. (The Exhumed interview kicks) The reviews are very open, clinical, to the point, no bridges burned. It is a great source for underground contacts, and Burt (editor) has a very active finger on the pulse of the underground. Always good to have on hand.

Nuclear Blast America Catalog Spring/Summer (POB 43618/ Phila., PA 19106) Looks like they spent the $ and went all out with the glossy cover and full color. Very nice on the eyes. Its just as much a zine as a catalog, with features on SOD, Hypocracy, Pro-Pain, and Primal Fear + reviews news and more. Of course, merchandise is the primary reason for this. Some stuff to get inc CD's, MCD's, T-shirts, Videos, spikes, and pins. The list of bands available is endless-but maybe a few to perk up your ears: In Flames, Metal Church, Therion, Dimmu Borgir, etc. Order by mail, phone, or email-domestic & foreign releases available.

Bizarre Leprous Productions (Roman Polacek/ Palackeho 647, Lanskroun 563 01/ Czech Republic) These guys sent me a recording containing a whole pile of stuff that they have for sale. Everything on the tape: Malignant Tumor/ Vomito split ep, Meat Paunch Mafia/ Anal Massaker split ep, Disgorge/ Squash Bowels split ep, The Australian Grindcore Comp, The Grinding Madness Comp, & Mucupurulent/ Cabal split ep. Needless to say, all of these bands are grind like nobody's business. Their prices are really fair, and some of this material is rare but really fun and interesting. Everything that I heard was well worth my time.

Crimson Glory “Astronomica” (See Westworld) Everything about this CD tells me that it is going to be considered a classic. It is the kind of recording that people compare other recordings to. This is true metal, done in a tight, professional, masterful, and catchy way that lights up a very distinct personality shared with nobody else. It opens up with an inspiring march, and then blasts away into the explosive song “War Of The Worlds.” From there, every song makes the grade. From front to back, this whole CD is awesome. They display skill for the power ballad with the Cooper sounding “Other Side Of Midnight,” and then thrash and speed it up in other sections with just as much proficiency. This CD will get worn out with the amount of use I plan to give it.