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Metallica

From Vinyl Dreams to Metal Realities: A Conversation with IMMORTALIZER, the Master of One-Man Heavy Metal

Today, we have the privilege of sitting down with the musical powerhouse behind IMMORTALIZER, a one-man heavy metal force that has been turning heads with his classic heavy metal sound and relentless dedication. From early vinyl inspirations to a DIY recording journey, IMMORTALIZER’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and a steadfast commitment to the art of music, lets dive in!

You credit your father’s Rock & Metal vinyl collection as a catalyst for your musical journey. Could you share a few of those iconic artists that left a lasting impression on you as a musician?

When I heard Black Sabbath’s Paranoid for the first time at 7 years old it truly changed my life. I was immediately drawn in and learned a great deal from Black Sabbath records. Alice Cooper was another artist that greatly influenced me. Same with Van Halen. I was mesmerized by Eddie Van Halen’s guitar playing in particular. Some of the others early on were Deep Purple, Nazareth, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. I spent countless hours playing those records over and over. I knew without a doubt that music was going to be my path in life.

Your journey began with a modest drum kit, and now you handle guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and vocals. How did you master these diverse instruments, and what drove you to become a one-person powerhouse?

Immortalizer | I was very driven as a young kid and I wanted more than anything to become a professional musician and tour the world. I was determined to make it happen. I got my first drum kit for my 9th birthday and played that thing into the ground. I would play until my hands blistered and bled. I’d stop to bandage my hands up and then I’d continue playing haha. I just couldn’t get enough. I was so obsessed with music that I wanted to learn other instruments as well, so I started learning guitar on my father’s old acoustic guitar. My parents had an upright piano downstairs, so I would mess around on that as well. I learned to play everything by ear. I played along to my favourite records and started writing my own songs. Over the course of 28 years I slowly developed each instrument by practicing all of them as much as I could. I never took music lessons but I learned lots of tips and tricks from family and friends. A big shift was my journey into recording. Home recording started being more affordable when I was a teenager, so multi-track recording was a total game changer for me.

My solo career was a bit unexpected. My best friend Jay and I started our first band when I was 9 and we went on to form 13 bands together. We both loved music and practiced in his parents basement every single day after school and even more on weekends. They were so nice to let us jam full volume during our formative years. It was considerably raw at first and always very loud. A few years later we started performing all over our home city and outside it as well. It’s not an easy business however, and after years of effort Jay decided to return to school. I couldn’t picture myself doing anything other than music however, so I decided to continue solo. I had already begun recording full demos at that point, so I just dedicated all my time and energy to my new project Immortalizer. 

Creating a DIY recording setup in your basement is a testament to your determination. Could you elaborate on the challenges and rewards of producing your music independently?

 I have improvised quite a bit in my home studio. For example, my vocal booth is made of a foam mattress wrapped in moving blankets and propped up with fence posts. It doesn’t get much more DIY than that haha. Though funny enough it does work quite well. I couldn’t properly record acoustic drums with the gear and space I had, so I decided to go with electric drums instead. I’ve spent the last 28 years slowly beefing up my studio and equipment, trying to get a decent set up for each instrument.

I think the main advantage is creative control over my work. I can create exactly what I hear in my mind and what I envision for the song. I also feel you can’t rush creativity, so I enjoy being able to decide when an album or song is ready. However doing everything myself means a lot more pressure and a lot more time. The biggest disadvantage of all is not being able to perform, tour and write with other musicians. That’s why I’m planning to find full time band members to be able to bring Immortalizer to the stage and tour around the world.   

How did you develop your signature sound, and what were some of the influences that guided you?

When I started Immortalizer I envisioned fusing classic style Heavy Metal with contemporary Metal. I thought it would be fun to create something a little different. I only realized after my first tracks that I had pulled from other sources as well like Thrash, Prog Metal, Heavy Rock etc. I also realized that I wouldn’t really fit into any one category which complicated things a bit, but my focus has always been to just make the best music I can.

I’ve been greatly influenced by those first bands like Black Sabbath and Alice Cooper and many others along the way. Ozzy’s solo records were incredibly impactful on me since childhood. Another life altering band for me was Megadeth. I found out about them when I was about 12. I bought Countdown To Extinction and it completely blew my mind. Metallica, Pantera, Kiss, Symphony X and Black Label Society were all big influences as well. A year or so later I learned of bands from the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal like Motörhead, Judas Priest, Saxon and Iron Maiden and once again my life was forever changed! German Metal was an equally impactful influence on my evolution as an artist. Specifically Primal Fear and Helloween. I was blown away by their talent, powerful melodies, incredible performances and production quality. I began digging into more German and European Metal bands and found so many new favourites like Yngwie Malmsteen, Accept and Michael Schenker.     

Collaborating with Ralf Scheepers of Primal Fear sounds like a dream come true. Could you share how this partnership came about and what it meant to have his involvement?

Absolutely! I’ve been a huge fan of Ralf’s and Primal Fear since I was a teenager. I consider Ralf to be one of the greatest Metal vocalists out there. I first reached out to him for help to further develop my vocal abilities and recording knowledge. I’d been singing for over 20 years but had no formal training of any kind. I felt I had hit a wall and wanted to expand my vocal range and learn from someone I greatly admire. We both live for music and got along really well, so we started becoming friends. Ralf has been very supportive and helped me in so many ways. He graciously created my new vocal sound, helped me with gear and shared all kinds of info and advice. Ralf kindly offered to mix and master one of my first singles (I’m Gone) and afterwards we began working on the entire album together. When I showed him We Were Born For Metal he really liked the song and volunteered to do some guest vocals on it. I was beyond thrilled! He did such an incredible job on the single and the album production. It’s especially impressive when you consider that he was working from home recordings. It’s been such an honour to become friends and work directly with one of my heroes. I’ll forever be grateful to him.

As an indie artist, gaining recognition and building a fan base can be a challenge. How has the response been to your music, and how do you feel about the support you’ve received from your fans?

The response from critics and fans so far has been incredibly positive! It’s been very encouraging and humbling to see so many people enjoying my music. I’ve received a lot of kind messages from fans. Their support has been really great as well, people from all over the world have reached out for CD’s, vinyls and merchandise. Digital downloads and streams being the most significant. I’m extremely grateful to all Immortalizer fans for their support! It’s definitely a challenge for indie artists though. I’ve tried to keep costs as low as possible for fans but the manufacturing and shipping costs have gotten so high that it’s hard to get albums pressed and released independently. 

Finally, your dedication to music for nearly three decades is truly remarkable. If you could send a message to your younger self, just starting out on this journey, what advice would you give based on your experiences?

That’s a very good question. I think I’d say: never give up on yourself or your dream. Incredible things can happen when you work hard and stay true to yourself. Don’t let other people’s negativity discourage you and never stop reaching beyond your grasp.

Check out this fine new single on YouTube.

See more of this journey on IG.

Interviewed by Stefan Toren

Give me fuel, give me DeadFire’s latest single, Pro[Pain]

It was over a year ago when we last heard the premier sleaze rock raconteurs, DeadFire, with their on the pulse hit, Anxiety Society; they’ve worn their societal consciousness on their sleeves once more with their latest single, Pro[Pain]. As democracy dies, no one will be able to hear the cries from the disenfranchised masses over their juggernautical stormer of heavy-hitting rock.

DeadFire picked up all the slack left behind by other UK rock and metal acts that are still letting their egos write their songs. Pro[Pain] is the ultimate slice of sonically monolithic vindication for anyone left reeling by a reality that is quickly becoming defined by greed and exploitation. The next time you feel like checking out of political protest, join the riff-heavy powerhouse at the helm of rebellion by tearing up your speakers with Pro[Pain]. It is enough to make you wonder what Metallica tracks would sound like if Hetfield had an ounce of relatability about him.

Pro[Pain] will be available to stream on Spotify from April 28.

Follow DeadFire via Facebook and Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Strange Authority stretched their wounds in their hard-rock heavy-hitter, L’Appel Du Vide

Amplifying the anticipation amassing around their debut LP as much as the high gain guitars, the New Jersey powerhouse Strange Authority delivered us from hard-rock monotony with the unveiling of the third single, L’Appel Du Vide, from their upcoming album, Aftershock.

With a touch of James Hetfield to the vocals before they descend into Still Remains-Esque guttural furore and instrumentals that push their hard-rock sound far from classic territory, the exploratively volatile release embraces the future of post-hardcore while keeping familiarly heavy riffs at its core.

If it has been a while since you’ve heard lyrics as impactful as the instrumentals, strap yourselves in for the high-octane multi-faceted resonance.

L’Appel Du Vide is now available to stream on Spotify. Stay tuned for the release of the LP, Aftershock, which is in the pipeline and ready to drop in late Spring 2023.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

It’s the end of the world as we know it, and The Star Prairie Project refuse to let it go quietly in their classic rock lament, Visions of War

The last time we heard The Star Prairie Project, they were serenading us through their rock ballad, Queen Isabella. Today, they are here with their aptly dark classic rock forewarning of a bomb-blistered destitute future, Visions of War.

With testaments of how visions of war pierce through the subconscious veil and perturb our dreams, it is a striking account of how plagued by the weight of the world we are. No matter how much we try to cast our gaze away from the screens which burn fear into our psyches.

It almost felt sacrilegious to appreciate the sheer ingenuity on offer here. But in the same breath, it is a stunning reminder that no matter how disparate the world gets as it amps up the chaos with every turn, humans are just as capable of fucking BEAUTIFUL things. And the tragedies falling like dominoes all around us are a crying shame of potential.

Here’s what The Star Prairie Project had to say on their latest album:

“Fight or Flight trumpets the fact that the world order as we know it is teetering and crumbling before our eyes. While too many remain oblivious to this fact, there is no denying that human civilization is facing its gravest challenges since World War II. To make matters worse, these challenges are hitting us from all possible directions.

As if we weren’t busy enough dealing with the accelerating climate change, environmental degradation, flora and fauna extinction, we’re also batting political and social discord unforeseen in many western nations … until recently. As the prices of consumer goods and gas are soaring due to the war in Ukraine, the poor become poorer, and the rich become richer. It’s unintentional, but we’re creating a fertile recruiting ground for street gangs and organized crime – the riot squads have never been busier.”

Visions of War is now available to stream on Spotify. Delve in and prepare to be arrested.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

‘Judgement Day’ is upon us in Danny Vash’s seminal rock hit.

Danny Vash

With enough filth in his guitar licks and enough vitriol in his vocal lines, the US rock artist, Danny Vash has exactly what it takes to draw in fans of Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Metallica with his standout single, Judgement Day.

The multi-award-winning single delivers exactly the kind of life-affirming vindication that rock and metal fans can only ascertain through sonic means. Yet, this is no average vintage rock revival. Danny Vash’s signature intellectual lyrics instantly broadside you with their resonance as they reflect on the inescapable nature of our mortal coil, which will inevitably lead us all to judgement day. We may scrutinise ourselves every day, giving little thought to our capacity for redemption, but if any track can empower you through your own free will while you still have sand to spare, it’s Judgement Day.

Judgement Day is now available to stream via Reverb Nation.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Unwanted Guest morbidly went for baroque in their debut album, Grave Metallum

With an intro consisting of news broadcasters announcing the deaths Cobain and Winehouse, Unwanted Guest certainly knew how to make an instant impression with the title single to their debut album, Grave Metallum.

The morbidly carnivalesque hard rock hit puts a baroque spin on grunge while carrying reminiscences to Fable Cry and Abney Park around percussion that would make Mudhoney dizzy, the frenetic bounce of the basslines and doom-harbingering guitars.

Yet, the true beauty in the title lies in the nuanced way Unwanted Guest present our ‘icons’ as the line-up in a freakshow that we voyeuristically watch in the hope we see their rise AND fall. With the media frenzy that whipped around Taylor Hawkins this month, Unwanted Guest was definitely onto something.

Grave Metallum was officially released on March 21st. It is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Mainline introduce us to ‘The Unholy Idol’ through the barbarous furore in their debut album.

On October 1st, 2021, the New York-hailing four-piece Mainline delivered the psyched up classic rock revival album of the year, The Unholy Idol. Right from the first single, Sanctum, the vintage tones pull you into the grip of their unassimilated anthemic rock prowess.

You will soon see how they came about their moniker with their ability to make you feel like you’ve just mainlined adrenaline through track two, Out of the Shadows. The 10-track album is almost wall to wall with anthems, but they still found space to exhibit their dynamism as alt-rock alchemists. Standout singles include the grunge influenced title-single, The Unholy Idol, and the bitter-sweet serenade, A Distant Memory. The concluding single, No Warnings, No Signs, is where Mainline prove that they can rip through solos just as well as any of the accoladed guitar heroes and seal a place in your memory.

Any fans of Metallica, Iron Maiden, White Snake and Black Sabbath won’t want to sleep on this release. Classic rock revivals are in no short supply on either side of the pond, but when we say that Mainline are reminiscent of Metallica, that extends beyond sonic appeal and runs through to their ability to leave you enlivened. With Mainline, you get the sense that creating energising anthems that can easily become party rock hits comes naturally.

The Unholy Idol is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Noise Blossom – Louderage: The Sophomore Grunge Album No Alt-90s Fan Should Ignore

The popularity of alt-rock may have been in decline since the 90s, but the level of talent runs parallel through artists such as Noise Blossom. Ahead of the release of their sophomore album, Louderage, we’ve delved into the standout single, SAD.

Right from the prelude the echo of the grunge era grips you. Amidst the nods to Alice in Chains, Soundgarden and Nirvana, Noise Blossom diversifies their sonic palette with Metallica-reminiscent instrumental tones and doomy vocals that will undoubtedly resonate with anyone whose mentality errs on the side of melancholy. In 2021, I am assuming that is everyone.

The official video for SAD premiered on September 17th; you can check it out for yourselves via YouTube.

Check out Noise Blossom on their official website.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Mysterious ‘Ortaka’ simmers the pot with moody & masterful Electronic ‘’Last City Of England’’

https://soundcloud.com/ortaka/last-city-of-england/s-kLoLr67GRWt?in=ortaka/sets/tinku/s-ZaGfJBuEOtX

Love the leader, love the leader. Buckets of blood. You get the idea. This is a moody masterpiece really, with it’s dark undertones and badass beat. I feel like I’m in a video game, somehow trapped but finding ways out. This music is so trippy but I like it.

‘’Last City Of England’’ is the lead single off the new 2nd album by Ortaka, continuing to explore an eclectic range of influences and techniques, songs and instrumentals. He describes his music as Indie Rock/ Electronic and I feel like it should be called Ortaka music. 

This is really fascinating music and the full album is set for release on 29th May 2020. Instrumentals, drum and bass to noise rock influences are a plenty here. I would love to jam out with good friends like my buddy Dan to this as he’s such a huge drum & bass fan. 

I like the ruggedness of the ‘Orteka’ creations and I can’t quite work it all out. Perhaps that is the point, you aren’t supposed to. Just enjoy it and listen at a very high volume. 

This is an artist not to be ignored so click here on the SoundCloud link and be amazed.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

TANTRIC CYCLE releases Corona (It’s a long, long story)

TANTRIC CYCLE has dropped the latest release ‘Corona (It’s a long, long story)’. A song based on the way we’re all living at the moment and it’s safe to say it sums it up well.

A rather long piece of music, at a solid seven minutes, with lyrics that portray the truths of the world at hand. Besides the meaning of it, the instrumentation that goes through it is a lot more lively and catchy. Having the fast pace riffs on the guitar and the tap on the drums adding in the electric guitar shreds towards the end.

The vocals are filled with energy and have a rather quiet volume to them, with a soft texture. Halfway through the style changes a little and becomes more of a rock song, as the volume is heightened and the instrumentation becomes slightly heavier.

Listen to TANTRIC CYCLE’s single Corona (It’s a long, long story) by heading over to YouTube now.

Review by Karley Myall