ALBUM REVIEW: Northlane – Obsidian


Northlane reinvented themselves threw years ago with their fifth album, Alien. Pulling on their previously established metalcore sound and adding heavy synths, they creating a dark rave, almost Matrix vibe. The quartet continue on this unique sound in their latest project Obsidian (Believe)

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Devin Townsend Shares Episode Ten of His Podcast – “Ziltoid The Omniscient”


Devin Townsend who launched his own podcast series during the pandemic has released its tenth episode. Check out Episode #10, featuring Devy’s take on “Ziltoid The Omniscient” Continue reading


Devin Townsend Shares Episode Nine of His Podcast – “The New Black” by Strapping Young Lad


Devin Townsend who launched his own podcast series during the pandemic has released the ninth episode. Check out Episode #9, featuring Devy’s take on The New Black by Strapping Young Lad!Continue reading


Northlane Release New Single “Enemy Of The Night”, Deluxe Edition of “Alien” Coming Soon


Northlane has released a new single for their track ‘Enemy Of The Night’ from their album Alien, out now via the UNFD label. The band will release Alien Deluxe, a strictly limited edition 2xLP neon pink set, featuring the original version of the album plus Enemy Of The Night as well as the full record as instrumentals, on July 31st! Check out the track and a visualizer below: Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Northlane – Alien


Australian artists, Northlane, has blasted beyond expectations with their sixth album, Alien (UNFD). The record would be the third for frontman Marcus Bridge, and the first in which he chose to open up about his troubled childhood. The best songwriting comes from the heart, and it definitely shows in the Alien’s quality.Continue reading


Origin – Unparalleled Universe


I’ll preface this review by informing listeners that there’s nothing wrong with their ears or how their brain processes sound and information; upon first impression, you’re not going to catch-all of the riffs and bits that Origin will throw your way on Unparalleled Universe (Nuclear Blast/Agonia). And that’s totally fine. Origin clearly wanted it to be this way. That or they’ve tapped into the musical sensibilities of a far more advanced alien race.Continue reading


Vincent Castiglia Talks About Sanguine Spring, H.R. Giger, Slayer, And More


World-renowned artist and tattooist Vincent Castiglia has carved out a reputation as one of the most creative and fascinating figures in the world. His new exhibition Sanguine Spring is currently running at the Salem Art Gallery at the Satanic Temple in Salem Mass through the end of the month. Combining sculture, paintings, and other works, this exhibit represents some of his most varied and forward-thinking collections yet. We caught up with Vincent in his studio to discuss the exhibit, his creative process, the lasting influence of H.R. Giger, working with artists like Thomas Gabriel Fischer (Celtic Frost, Tryptykon) and Gary Holt (Slayer) and much more. Video production and gallery photos by Lisa Schuchmann for Ghost Cult.

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The Darkness Within Part II- Thomas Gabriel Fischer of Triptykon


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Outside of all his musical achievements, Triptykon’s Thomas Gabriel Fischer has managed to forge a more stable life for himself. Following a tricky divorce in 2004 the front man has formed a new group, got engaged to girlfriend Corinne Kühne and seems more at peace with himself than ever. The calm yet driven figure is certainly a world away from the demon with the kohl smeared eyes and rasping vocals which is unleashed upon the stage. In spite of all this positivity, Fischer experienced a tragedy in the death of his mentor, the great artist H.R. Giger, famed for his work inspiring the Alien movies. Visibly moved by the mention of Giger’s name, he recounts the influence the artist had upon him. “I am now assisting his widow who is managing his estate. I am still working for the museum, his sculptures are being manufactured and there was a documentary film which was released about him recently. His death was a great tragedy and I miss him very much. I am close to his circle of friends and I was honoured when they asked me to stay on after his passing. His absence is felt every day and I feel his presence even though I know he is gone. A lot of people know him for Alien, but that was just a fraction of his personality. He was a very generous and warm hearted person and you could talk about him about any topic. He was a very inspiring person. He was very shy and uncomfortable with the honours people bestowed upon him. I had to tell him what he meant to me and what he did for Celtic Frost and Triptykon.”

Looking to the future, while Fischer seems very comfortable with his own mortality, he intends to forge ahead with Triptykon’s work. “I see us all as perishing goods. I don’t feel it is so important that I make my mark on the world before I go. Should I live long enough I will make many more albums. I am writing the new material now and have a very definite idea of how I want it to sound. I started writing it six months ago and H.R. Giger and I worked on the album cover when he was still alive. I am honoured that this album will be the last to feature a cover by H.R. Giger! The new album will be more straightforward than Melana…. more raw and crunchy. I have always wanted to make the album that Hellhammer have never done. I am not sure if that is possible with Triptykon but let’s see what we can do!”

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Tom is often portrayed by the media as being a shadowy, bleak figure yet behind this façade lurks a sense of black humour which has clearly seen him through the dark times. When describing his future plans, Fischer is keen to point out he has achieved all he could dream of in music but it is clear that the dark riff lord’s work is far from over. “Spring will be spent rehearsing in earnest. If I die before the next albums are released then my fellow young musicians will get rich beyond their wildest dreams! Century Media are always asking me to promote the record but my death would be perfect! We could put out a boxset with my ashes inside! We could pulverize the remainder of my diabetes medicine and include that too. Sooner or later it will end but if I am here we will do more albums. I detest the capitalist culture and greed that has harmed this planet. I am grateful I have got to make thirteen albums and tour the world. To want more would be egotistical.”

 

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WORDS BY ROSS BAKER


The Darkness Within – Thomas Gabriel Fischer of Triptykon


Triptykon 04It was an extremely difficult album to make. Melana Chasmata (Century Media) is a much more personal, sombre and intimate album than our debut. Several drastic changes in our private lives all happened during its conception.” Thomas Gabriel Fischer is a polite and charming gentleman with no air of pretention. Countless musicians have waxed lyrical on their personal demons, yet when Thomas does so; it is with disarming sincerity and conviction. Continue reading