Download - DeathRat Fanzine Issue 13
Dear Readers of DeathRat Fanzine,
Welcome to Lucky Issue 13!!!
On a less happy note, I think we are all stunned by
the shootings in Connecticut that happened this month.
So instead of a happy Christmas/New Year issue, I would
rather it be dedicated to the families celebrating the
holidays through pain and loss.
So this issue goes out to those families and the souls
lost that day.
As angry as we all are that the killer is labeled as a
goth, let’s remember that that is a small issue compared
to what he did. And instead of focusing on the murderer,
let us focus on the victims. Whatever you believe, we
can only hope they are in a better place now.
There is no justification, but maybe this small issue
of a small fanzine can at least make a difference through
remembrance.
Hannah
Cover Model- Leen Margoth
Photographer- Rebecca Raistrick
Artist Reviews
Leper- Nameless
Leper is back with another free album download of some of Skot’s favourite
tracks he has written between what we have and haven’t previously heard. It’s
basically all of Skot’s favourites and he is working on volume two. Nameless is
a great introduction to the band and, being that it’s free, you can’t go wrong in
downloading it.
Also from Grrr Records is a video featuring Skot that can be found on youtube
which is a beautiful story of how he found hope and what it means to be
different.
Lullaby & the Bats
I love any band that uses film tracks and you definitely get that with Lullaby &
the Bats. It’s funny actually, I once used the exact same moment from the
original “Dracula” in one of my songs as they use so that sold me immediately.
Deathrock? Most definitely. The Batcave influence is strong and there is no
doubt about the sound being fantastic and an amalgamation of the dark and
macabre that brings this genre to the beauty within it. “Conformist Bitch” is a
hit and will definitely stick in your head in a good way. They are the
antithesis of the mainstream and will keep your feet dancing in the dungeons
until Judgment Day.
Cheshire Cat (The Bouncing)
Minimalism at its very best, Cheshire Cat has a new sound that cannot be taken
for granted. Their vocal effects plus unique instrumentation leaves this band
to die for. If you are looking for something different you can count on this duo
to satisfy that need. These beautiful ladies combine to create beautiful music
that is lo-fi Gothic with a Patti twist. The punk influence is definitely there and
even a little bit rockabilly, but there is something truly individual about
Cheshire Cat (The Bouncing) that makes them irresistible.
Blak
Forceful guitars, dark vocals, post-modern drumming, and just enough bass makes up a
fantastic sound that we call “Blak”. My favourite Blak song is “Staring at the Sky” in which
we hear this amalgamation doing what it does best, entertaining the listener while sounding
true to themselves. Normally I am into bass and drums the most but in this act I have to say
it is the guitars that take the cake. I don’t know what that phrase means, but we are talking
about a pitch black, chocolatey vegan smothered in barbed wire kind of cake. Don’t’ get me
wrong, the vocals are amazing as well, and they cannot be denied as a hit in this band, but
the guitars seem to be the star.
Exit Strategy
The nine track album “Exit Strategy 1” is an industrial dream of matrices and guitars, metal
and goth intertwined. The nice thing about Exit Strategy is that there is something for
everyone. It has a nice hint of prog with a dark twist to create the post-metal sound. Hailing
from the UK, Exit Strategy is the brainchild of B. Waddon and his fantastic talents. If you
like something that appeals to multi-genres check him out on facebook and bandcamp.
Horror House
The Chilean project “Horror House” is a dark electronica surprise when out of the blue
comes this “ambient noise” as they describe it and I find that to be rather accurate. It is
experimental and includes all sorts of unheard of tricks and beats to make something totally
refreshing. The track “Inmobiliaria” sort of sounds like a fetal tape machine. I know,
another weird analogy but that’s what it reminds me of.
Sunset Down
The first song I heard by Sunset Down was “Crushed” which initially reminded me of A-ha…until
the vocals came in. Suddenly I was underground in a dimly lit cavern dancing with Bela in what
seemed to be a romance of beauty and death. So yes, Sunset Down definitely has my faith in their
future. They haven’t been writing and touring as much as other bands, but the songs they have out
are worth listening to. You will find something there that you may not find elsewhere in your music.
Hemophilia
In 2006, Hemophilia began making music as one unit. If Cinema Strange were from Quito, I
imagine this is what they would sound like; a Bauhaus blend of vocals and guitars with a
hint of electronics. “Happy House” is an amazing cover with an electronica twist to the post-
punk hit. I absolutely love what they’ve done with the song. And their originals are not to be
taken lightly either. Each song has its own personality and rhythm. I would be proud to be
a member of Hemophilia.
Muse Kassandra
How to describe the sound? Doom punk, perhaps? Whatever you catagorise Muse
Kassandra as, there is no doubt that they are phenomenal. The talents and musicianship
are not lost and the sound is purely awesome. Baritone vocals with metal guitars and
double bass pedals gives a description that would make you think metal, but there is a
strong flavor of post-punk creating a wonderful sound that no one can imitate.
Last Dusk
Atmospheric guitars and synths allow for a deathrock sound tilting less towards the punk
and closer to the gothic element. The lyrics are challenging and raw and the vocal dubbing
is a great way to create the sound they are driving towards. I’m very impressed by Last
Dusk and surprised I haven’t heard of them before this. Their skills are Cure-esque and as I
am always in love with a good bass-line, the track “V” is a dream come true for me. The
nationality flavor gives a hint of the roots of Last Dusk and it really sounds like they are
reaching toward the night ‘keeping alive the secret flame’.
Shriek
Young punks from Cincinnati continue into adulthood with their bad-ass
attitude and horror ridden lyrics. None of the Green Day shit of today,
Shriek reminds you of when Punk was good and “Dance with a Corpse”
really does make you wanna dance with other dead things like yourself.
There is nothing negative to say about this little band of horrors and
ghouls as their talent proceeds them in name and reputation. Their
success within the punk genre should be far beyond others and I’d like to
see them get noticed by more than just the few. “The Cthulu Song” starts
with some sort of chanting which strikes the intrigue and then the guitars
and powerful drumming kicks in. The vocals are that perfect blend of
harmonics and not caring. And “Lycanthrope” (obviously another horror
topic which brings me bliss) is a speedy kick into the world of punk rock
as it was meant to be.
Signo XIII
Signo XIII is an experimental Goth group with coldwave aspects and a
refreshing darkness that keeps them entertaining and interesting. They
are intriguing and unusual I must admit, but that is never a bad thing.
There is something very creative about them that you don’t get much
anymore.
Maria Loves Me
Electronica at its most interesting, Maria Loves Me gives us an insight into
the world of space and water, it’s very elemental actually. You almost
feel like you are listening to dolphins trying to communicate with bats. It’s
warm and comforting like a nice swig of rum. When the claps come in,
you are ready to take off in flight and find your freedom. Maria Loves Me
is the next band to lookout for in 2013.
Cauda Pavonis
The depth of their lyrics is enough to consider Cauda Pavonis a great band, but it is the
sound that captivates the listener. They lie somewhere between The Clash and The
Damned with an Adam Ant twist. I don’t know if that makes sense but it sure does create a
wonderful atmosphere of sound. The guitars aren’t your typical deathrock guitars but have
a Dream Theater technique while keeping with the goth sound. The synths are perfection
and the vocals true to form. My favourite is the bass line. The harmony of the drums and
bass blend beautifully to create the rhythm that holds together this incredible sound that
will leave you salivating. No, really, you’ll be amazed.
salvation AMP
Cinema Strange instrumentation and Bauhaus vocals make up the sound of salvation AMP,
not the new kid on the scene, but one of the originals who happen to be coming up in a big
way. Most recently heard on the new Sombrati release (free to download), salvation AMP
hit off their sounds with a Sisters of Mercy influence to create this post-punk child. Much of
their music can be heard via soundcloud or reverbnation and is downloadable for free.
However, I encourage you all to support the scene and buy some music from these hard-
working guys who artistically procreate what we’ve seen before in a whole new way.
Opium Tea
Chilled gothrock feel, easy relaxing darkness. The mix between Txarly Usher and Piebol is
Opium Tea which is simply a break from the routine of sameness and has its own sound. I
say a lot of music is unique, but in the world of goth and deathrock, this really is different.
It has a feel that everything is going to be alright even though things are hard right now.
However, I am saying this is how the music sounds. Lyrically, I have no idea what they are
talking about except for the word “Diablo” which means my interpretation of the tune
“Juala Sin Reglas” to be null and void. But I’m just telling you how it sounds to me, a dumb
American who speaks…American.
Muuy Biien
Preparing for their new album, Muuy Biien has made a name for themselves with the
multiple shows they have played and have coming up. They aren’t your stay-at-home-
wishing-you-were-touring kind of band. They actually get out there and get it done. And
they do it well. Muuy Biien reminds me of Joy Division on speed. They capture deathrock
but they aren’t limited to it. Do yourself a favour, look up Muuy Biien.
Knutz
While I have no idea how to pronounce their name, The Knutz are a phenomenal act,
brilliantly producing songs like “Ghost Dance Party” with elegance, taking you back to Max
Fleischer and dancing with Betty Boop in that dark forest. I haven’t seen them live, but I
have no doubt they would be fun to watch. The vocals are jus what I personally listen for
when searching for new music and the guitars, synths, bass and drums each have their own
voice but still work together in perfect harmony, dissonance, and dischord as it may be. I
have no complaints. Just listen.
Amoniaco
There are meant to be some punctuation marks in the name, but I am not that great with
Microsoft Word to find them. So I would first like to apologise to the band for not spelling
the name correctly!
However, Amoniaco is the epitome of Deathrock. CAER is a great video to introduce
yourself to the band and their sound. The vocals are very modern and clear but the
instrumentation gives it the flavor of the dark. You are swimming with them with beautiful
piano and fantastic sounds created by this awesome band.
The Article of Random Drunken Thoughts
This is so not professional…but it’s DeathRock
1.) Doesn’t’ it suck when your eyebrows melt?
2.) Doesn’t a spinal outline look like a penis?
3.) Hot guys can be shallow
4.) So can bitches
5.) This isn’t a blog…just a ranticle
6.) I think I’m done
7.) But maybe not
8.) Spiced rum and vodka are a nice mix
9.) Captain Morgan and Smirnoff are friends
10.) Am I shallow because I first noticed a guy by his looks?
11.) Yes, it has been that kind of a day.
12.) Tell me your secrets and I will do this anonymously for
you.
13.) Kind of a Dear Abby thing.
14.) Have you had enough? Are you bored?
15.) I am good at typing whilst under the influence.
16.) She’s a bitch.
17.) I love my job.
Best Songs of 2012
1.)You. Me. Intercourse
Les Modules Etranges
2.)Take the Pill
Emilie Autumn (hate me if you must)
3.)Grandma Got Half Eaten by a Zombie
Grave Robber
4.)Beautiful Grey Day
Leper
5.)The Early Years of Dr. Lindsay
The Deadfly Ensemble
6.)Transylvania Mania
Monster A Go-Go
7.)I Have Changed
Anne Marie Hurst
8.)When I was Dead
DrunKen C
9.)My Sad Wishlist
KatzKab
10.)Religious Cold
Madame B
11.)Bat Whispers
Lullaby & the Bats
12.)Epic Conflict
Vexing Souls
Video Reviews
Blak- Thrill Killer
Beginning down a dark corridor, Gypsy Blak and the Elegant Bastards take us through what
seems to be a murder soon to take place. The video is mostly black and white, which I love, and
showcases the song “Thrill Killer” with Gypsy’s wonderful vocals. Made on a low budget, the
crew did not sacrifice professionalism in making this video. It manages to be a spectacle to
behold and I would love to have one of my videos done by the guys who did this. The song is
great as well and goes with the video rather than being overshadowed by it.
Adam Ant- Cool Zombie
……..Um……….
The Devil’s Carnival Episode 2- Trailer
The war between Heaven and Hell seems to be getting a little bit more interesting in the
continuation of the short film inspired by Aesop’s Fables. In Episode 1, we saw three different
stories told by Lucifer to a young boy and (not to spoil the ending) when we reach Heaven, Hell
is trying to fracture the mind of the doll creator there. (Perhaps this is a representation of God?
We don’t know yet). The full trailer won’t be out until January so I shall update this wee article
upon the appearance of that.
Love in Cage
Love in Cage is a fantastic band that I have reviewed in the past. Male fronted French coldwave
at its best, they are back with a new music video. Since “The Trees” in 2009, this video from
2012 is new and inventive. “Minimal Sound” from the album “Position” is a great song with
speedy beats and post-punk guitars. The video, shot in black and white, shows the full band
during a live performance of the song. Simple though it may be, the video keeps you hooked.
It sort of reminds me of “California Dreamin’” from the ‘60s with their first ever video.
Escarlatina Obsessiva- Lightning Bug
As with all of their videos, Lightning Bug features a great band with great music. If you’ve read
all issues of DeathRat you will know that these guys were the first band I ever reviewed. You
know a band is dedicated when they not only allow, but welcome insects to crawl on them.
Shots of the band throughout the video are a great addition, especially the Siouxsie/Rosie looks
given by our beautiful and wonderful bassist and singer. The eerie darkness glows in the light
of a flashlight and makes for a truly Gothic video.
Benthic
On a simple DeviantArt profile lies “Benthic” the graphic novel about sea turtles. Well, not exactly about
sea turtles, but that is the analogy used to describe the inescapable fate of a young lady who goes
through torment but survives. It is short but not sweet. It is beautiful but not ‘entertaining’ in the
typical sense of the word. It is something that goes beyond that and it left me near tears at the depth of
meaning behind the simple concept of the life of a sea turtle. But like I said, it’s not really about sea
turtles. You will have to read this for yourself.
I’m not just reviewing this because I know the graphic artist, I’m reviewing this because we have all been
through the trauma that we simplify as ‘hard times’ and we have all had the disturbance of ‘troubles’.
So please, read “Benthic” for comfort, for love of art, for facts of sea turtle babies.
Interview with Johnny of the Killhouettes
> How long have you been interested in art?
I'd say I became interested in art the age of 3. My mom once told me a story about her waking up from a nap when I was 3 years old and discovering her legs, the walls of the home we lived in and many other things that I drew all over with tubes of lipstick she got for Christmas.
> Who have been some of your artistic inspirations?
The artist I am most influenced by is Honore Daumier. I actually own 14 original Daumier lithographs that date back to no later than 1845.
> When did you decide the style of art you wanted to create?
My whole life I have mainly been a cartoonist. In fact, I was labeled as one by Grad students when I was a Fine Art major at Arizona State University. As far as Killhouettes go, I try to be as anatomically accurate as possible.
> Have you always been into the macabre?
I'm into macabre things that involve a sense of humor or have something cute about them. For instance, I really like the art of Queenie (Pocket Full of Posiez) and Eric Pigors.
> What medium do you work with to create these images?
I make a sketch first, then I scan it. After that, I build the images via both vector and raster art programs.
> What has been the response to Killhouettes?
The general response to Killhouettes (since the first one I posted on Facebook in 2010) has been very positive.
> Why did you choose the Victorian era as the theme of your work?
I chose the Victorian era for Killhouettes because silhouettes were very popular in the 19th century.
> What (or who) is your favourite Killhouette?
At present, my favorite Killhouette is "Prudence Never liked My Smoking."
Every Day a Goth Day
gothic name: rebecca raistrick
what is your routine for choosing an outfit?: Black is the new black! I choose many different textures and
combine them so that it looks "grunge" but not "slothlike", scruffing them up too helps like cutting and
ripping them
How do you dress on a day you have to look professional?: dark trousers, rolled up blazer, messy hair,
statement shoes and a skull scarf make me look stylish and professional, whilst staying true to who I am.
What are your eating habits like?: Life is for living...you only live once! so eat what you want, when you
want (but still in moderation )
If you had a 2GB mp3 player to take on an abandoned island, what music would you load on it?:
Definitely a bit of Motionless in White for when I'm angry at being stuck on the island, Black veil brides
for when I feel low and miss home, and murderdolls and slipknot just because!
Is there anything you would like to say to our Goths out there?: Stay true to who you are! Don't let any
narrow minded people put you down for dressing different because who would want a world where we
are all the same?