IRISH SCENE REPORT JULY `94 The following is a look at the blossoming underground scene in Ireland. There`s been a lot of things happening since last time and so this update is long overdue. A few bands have sadly departed us but a handful of new bands have replaced them thankfully. Find out for yourself . . . . . . . APATHY : Oow man, this is one band I really like. Wait for it, they actually play original death metal!! This is so because they do what they want by adding sprinkles of thrash and indie. Their only demo, "Lack of Emotion", is now sold out but you can get it for a blank tape plus postage and in return you`ll get a free inlay card and lyric sheet. "Traditional Values" is the name of the 7" they`re set to release. It`ll cost about £3 or $5 at most. Get scribbling to :

Brian Reynolds, 19 Drumtara, Ballee, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, N. Ireland, BT42 3DG AFTERLIFE : Having studied this promising band they have come on an awful lot. They have released their debut demo, "Touch Of Reality", at last and it`s quite enjoyable. The 8 songs of impressive death are now available with pro-copied tapes and glossy covers. It costs IR£3.50 and elsewhere $6. Write now to : Niall Bergin, 20 Bellcamp Ave., Coolock, Dublin 17, Ireland. BEREAVED : Since they released the attractive "Signs of Death" demo in ¬92 I`ve been searching for their address and that was difficult as they don`t have a clue what the underground is!! Last year they released the impressive dose of death that is "Tortured Souls". Write for prices to : Alan Kelly, 19 St. Joesph`s Square, Off Vernon Ave., Clontarf, Dublin 3, Ireland. CORPSECANDLE : A new band on the scene who play a mixture of death and grind. They seem to be getting their act together as they already have a lot of merchandise. Their "Bob the Corpse" t-shirts are now available, write for prices. They recently had some line-up hassels so they`re back on course to record their debut demo. I think this guy has left again but he`ll let you know the truth. Send an IRC or SAE for info sheets and list of merchandise to : Alan Gill, 15 Antrim Road, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, N. Ireland, BT28 3AB. CRUACHAN : This Dublin 6-piece were previously known as Minas Tirith. They play traditional Celtic metal and find their inspiration through Irish and Celtic mythology. Due to their influences their live sets will incorporate kilts, tunics, swords, helmets, brooches, etc., which should be very interesting to see. I would expect to see a demo emerging in about 6 months time so be prepared. Contact : Keith Fay, 178 Killinarden Est., Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland. CURSED EARTH : Wicklow`s former thrash act. They have changed alot since forming in `88. Their first demo, "Ritual", is definetly no longer available. In `92 they released "Small Will for Survival" which was well accepted by those in the underground. It also received a lot of airplay on Irish radio. It`s no longer available. They have since changed their style of thrash to blend in some powerless elements. They have an LP called "Symbiosis" which costs IR£5 and e.w. $8. T-shirts are also available from : Turlough Kinane, Valleymount, Co.Wicklow, Ireland. DOMAIN : Fuck, another new band! This scene must be breeding like rats! I`m discovering new bands all the time and this is another I must check out. For some proper info contact : Mark Sullivan, "River View", Harbour Rd., Banagher, Co. Offaly, Ireland. DOOMSGAME : This death turned industrial outfit have released two unworthy demos and an average ep. A dodgy crowd who may deny that they received your letter. An lp should be released soon. Seeing this boring lot live it`s hard to imagine how a label could release such crap. Maybe somebody wants to write to : Colm Clohessy, 23 Casana View, Howth, Co. Dublin, Ireland. DREAMSFEAR : This outfit play deathrash which I haven`t heard yet. They`re playing a gig soon so a live tape should be available by the time you read this. This band have the basic line-up as the now dead Xenophobia. Write to : Cathal Rodgers, 3 Cuba Ave., Banagher, Co. Offaly, Ireland. DWELLER : A cool band from Kildare whose style I can`t put a finger on. Deathrashdoom? To find out for yourself inquire about their debut demo, "The Garden of Earthly Delights". I recommend that you write to : Barry Whyte, 1348 Pearse Tce., Castledermot, Co. Kildare, Ireland. EPHEMERA : From the ashes of Xenophobia this doom band was created. Let`s just hope that this band doesn`t live up to its name! Their immediate plans are to do some gigs and hence release a live tape. They incorporate uptempo vibes in their music so it shouldn`t be boring for people into faster stuff. Check them out at :

Cathal Rodgers, 3 Cuba Ave., Banagher, Co. Offaly, Ireland. ETHEREAL : This gothic doom outfit have at last found a stable line-up which should see them getting deserved attention. Their new material is a vast improvement and this is evident on the live tape they have available for a blank tape and postage. Their planned demo will be called "...And Then the Music Stopped" and is being recorded in two slots during the summer. Should be out by September hopefully as I`m sick shit of waiting!! Learn of the latest developments by writing to : John Ward, 2 Silverdale Drive, Ballinlough, Cork, Ireland. FIFTH DOMINION : This Dublin death group are one of the most popular bands in Ireland. Their first demo, "Bruised Opinion", was well received when released in `92. It`s still available for IR£2.50, EC $5 and elsewhere $6. In mid-`93 the free-range "Pain, Rage and Laughter" demo was released and wholly enjoyed by most people. Costs IR£3, EC $5 and elsewhere $6. There`s a special discount for those buying both demos, ie IR£5, EC $9 and elsewhere $10. T-shirts are also available for IR£6.50, EC$12 and e.w. $13. A new promo is planned to be recorded this month, which see`s them in a more technical approach. Money well spent through : David McKeever, 14 Tamarisk Ave., Kilnamanagh, Dublin 24, Ireland. GROTATION : A very new addition to the scene. The band comprises of people from established zines and bands. They play extreme grind stuff which I can`t wait to hear. If you want the ultimate in brutal noise write to : Stephen Norton, 158 Cherryfield Rd., Walkinstown, Dublin 12, Ireland. HEAVEN SENT : This is a doom band that recently popped up from Limerick. I haven`t heard any of their stuff yet but I Look forward to hearing their demo when it comes out shortly. For some definite information get in touch with : Mark Donohoe, Garraunkee, Lisnagary, Co. Limerick, Ireland. HEMLOCK : I only heard of this lot when I went to a gig in Waterford. They play powerful heavy metal verging on thrash. They`re good and I`d advise you to check out their demo, "Shellshocked", for IR£3 and elsewhere $5. Write to : Adrian Butler, Luggacurren, Stradbally, Co. Laois, Ireland. IMPALED : The good harvest yeilds another death band from Antrim. Formerly Descecrator and formerly thrash! They have recorded their debut demo which has 3 tracks and it costs £3 or $5. They`re now tilted towards the deathly side of things and a new 5 track demo should be out soon. I hear that they`re now called Legion? Get in touch with : Paul McClure, 29 Warren Park Drive, Lisburn, Co.Antrim, N.Ireland. INCISION : It`s great to see so many new bands coming from unknown areas and I guess Kerry is one of them. This group play thrash and their demo "Silence" is a good lash for the ears. They`re just waiting for the tapes to be duplicated so it should be out soon. Support : Malcolm Griffin, Ahabeg, Lixnaw, Co. Kerry, Ireland. IN MEMORIAM : Formerly this bunch from Cork were known as Erebus, who played great heavy slabs of death. Now they`ve a new name and style which they can only describe as "different", which blends folk and doom amongst other styles. They hope to get some rehearsals toghter soon for a tape. For some stories and laughter write to : Peter Lawlor, 25 Evergreen St., Cork, Ireland. LAMENTATIONS : Oh I do like to be beside the seaside. This band remind me of a few great Spanish bands who mix brutal music with some cool melodies. Last year they released a great promo called "Graveous Error". A new reh., studio and live tape is available for IR£2 and e.w. $4. A proper demo is hoped to be released soon. Write to : Peter Holtzman, Ard na Gaoithe, Westown, Tramore, Co.Waterford, Ireland. MASTICATOR : From Cork comes a fairly new band whose style I can`t put a finger on. It`s certainly different to the other bands on the scene. It`s brutal music tinged with some industrial influences I guess. This one man band has released 3 demos, "The Morticians Winter Song", "Mental Aggression Communicator" and the other I`ve no idea! For more info get scribbling to : Noel Lynch, 147 Beech Park, Ballincollig, Co. Cork, Ireland. MIND`S EYE : Formerly Last Breath, they play death metal. Not an excellent band by any means but well worth a listen. They have released 2 demos, the second of which is called "Tragic Circumstances" and its 8 tracks are still available, write for prices. This stuff is old and they are now hard at work writing new material. Check out : Vinnie White, (Flat 1) 69 Tullow St., Carlow, Ireland. MORPHOSIS : One of the better bands on the scene, they were previously called Asphyxia and released the "Conflagration" demo under this name back in 1990. Ask if it`s still available. With the new name the "Conflagration" promo hit the streets in `92. Again I`m not sure if it`s still available. One thing is sure and that is their newest demo, "Modus Operandi", is available for IR£3 and e.w. $5. Their very brutal sound with twin vocalists is excellent stuff. A lucious doomy track is also on the demo. T-shirts are also available. They`re getting some well-deserved lable attention at last. Further inquiries to : Vinnie O`Brien, 13 Kew Park, Lucan, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

MORNING STAR : A very recent addition to the scene. They have no material available yet and won`t have for a while I guess, but it`s said to be dark in sound with death and doom influences. However, they might have a live tape out soon. Find out for yourself lazy and write to : Paul Fennell, Dungaire, Coolgreany Road, Arklow, Co. Wicklow, Ireland. MORTAL AFFLICTION : Fuck this is one powerful death outfit. Their demo is well worth getting hold of but at the moment they`re having problems getting it out. A band to watch out for perhaps? Contact : Dominic Sloan, Stradbally North, Castle Connell, Co. Limerick, Ireland. NAZI CHRIST : A one man band from Kerry. I`m assured it`s not a racist band but that it`s about Charles Manson. The music is said to be a mixture of black metal and cyber punk. With the help of the guitarist from Incision, a demo is planned to be recorded in August. So find out more from : Tommy, 76 Connolly Park, Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland. NEMESIS : A good melodic thrash band from Dublin. Earlier in the year they released their first offering, "Vorsprung Durch Dirtbag". It costs IR£2, EC $3 and elsewhere $4. Recently they did a second demo but it`s not going to be released. They want a much heavier sound and so they`ve chucked out a repressive member and are about to change their name. I`m not so sure if they`re still going as I haven`t heard from them in ages. Find out the latest happenings from : Paul Horgan, 15 Croftwood Drive, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, Ireland. OGRE : No word of a lie, this is surely the world`s most brutal and extreme band. They have two demos out, "Sanatas" and "Haitus". "Sanatas", the first demo, is mostly shit with some good bits. "Haitus", however, is mostly good with some bad bits. It`s well worth your money as you get 14 songs, lyrics and lasts almost 30 minutes. The demos of the band that makes a hurricane sound peaceful are available for IR£2, EC$3 and elsewhere $4 each. A new demo is planned for release before the end of the summer. Contact the mad ones : Brian Bannon, 5 Texas Lane, Chalfont, Malahide, Co. Dublin, Ireland. PRIMORDIAL : This outfit like to indulge in dark atmospheric tunes. Last July the public were at last allowed to appreciate this black-doom group on the "Dark Romanticism" demo. It will shred you for sure and costs IR£2.50 and elsewhere $5. This emotional epic has attracted Candlelight Recs. with whom they`re to release an LP by the end of the year. Keep your eyes open for this promising outfit. This is also the address for Holy Recs. distro in Ireland and some zines, ep`s and demos so write to : Alan Averill, 22 Station Road, Sutton, Dublin 13, Ireland. PUTREFY : This lot play extremely brutal death metal. Their only demo, "Persumed Dead", is out now for £2.50 and e.w. $5. It`s very good if brutal death is on your menu but some orginality wouldn`t go astray. Oh yeah, public apology for fucking up last time with a spelling error in their name which threw a few people. Worthy of your ink : Jason, 53 Carnany Drive, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim, N. Ireland, BT53 7HR. RA-HOOR-KHUIT : A black metal outfit from Dublin. Last year they released a low budget rehearsal demo called "Sigillum dei Aemeth". The sound is ok however and the music is average. You can get it for IR£1.50 and elsewhere $3. It has 5 traacks and you can get from the person who hides behind the silly name. A proper demo is planned for in the near future. Contact : "Naphae", 7 Dunamor Ave., Killinarden, Tallaght, Dublin 24. REPENTANCE : This Waterford based band has been having some line-up problems lately. Hence I`m not sure when their debut demo, "Silenced by the Sands of Time", will be out. Dark sludgy death is their style and the demo should make interesting listening. Meanwhile you can obtain a 2 track reh. tape for a blank tape plus a SAE or IRC. Check out : Jamie Grimes, "Skerries", John`s Hill, Waterford, Ireland. RICHARD III : I`m only including this lot to tell you to stay clear as they are the biggest rip offs that ever crawled out from under the slurry-pit. Pure scum-bags that don`t deserve your wasted time and energy. I suggest you give your stamp money to charity cause at least this way you have more chance of a 'Thank You' letter from an illiterate old man dying in some back street. SATURNINE : Put toghter by ex-members of Condemned, they describe their sound as doom disco, as they`re heavily influenced by 70`s music. A 5 track e.p. is hoped to be released in the winter called "Funeral Disco". All hippies should write to : David Foster, 19 Enniskeen Ave., Rathcoole, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, N. Ireland, BT37 9HN. SKINGRIP :Only heard of this lot when Igot a copy of their demo through trading. They play decent death metal. Last year they released "The Dark Side Of Paradise" which contains 5 songs. Write for prices to : Eamon McGeehan, 1 John Field Place, Ballymagroarty, Derry City, N. Ireland. SLEEPING VILLAGE : A very good thrash outfit from Kildare. Their powerful rhythms have been released through two demos. "Eternal Darkness" was the first one and is still available for IR£2.50/ $5. Highly recommended. Last year a self-titled demo was released for the same price, containing 3 great tracks. Worthy of your attention : Ger Wall, 2489 Conroy Park, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare, Ireland.

SYNAPSE : A powerful outfit who unfortunatly tend to concentrate more on demo covers than on the music or production. Last year "The Awakening" was released containing 5 mediocre tracks. The full coloured cover comes with a free tape for IR£3.50, EC $5 and elsewhere $6. This year "Cries of the Unborn" was released with another great cover but with 8 improved songs. Despite claims of great production it has to be said that it sounds mucky. Same prices apply to this one also. Contact : Justin Wilson, 47 Clarence Mangan RD., Off S-C-Road, Dublin 8, Ireland. THY SINISTER BLOOM : Ultra doom for doom freaks. They`re still without a demo but a live and rehearsal tape is available in the meantime to those that send a blank tape plus postage. Watch out as they`ve already raised the interest of some lables. Share your sorrows with : Jeff O`Reilly, 31 Glentow Rd., Whitehall, Dublin 9, Ireland. TRAUMATIZED : Released two demos, the second one being ill-fated and they split up soon after the release, due to the infamous "Mr. Musical Differences"!! Keith has started a new band whose style he describes as "total fucking doom"! Write now to : Keith Parker, 197 Pollerton Road, Carlow, Ireland. TRICIFIX : No! Sadly I reveal that this great band are now split up. However for those that never got to hear the wonderful third demo, "Demonic", can now get their hands on it by sending a tape plus postage to Brian. He`s now got a new band going called Catharsis. So hopefully this`ll work out much better. Sure reply from : Brian Cane, 27 O`Maolchonaire Ave., Donegal Town, Co. Donegal, Ireland. T.V.P. : A very promising grind outfit from up north. One demo is available titled "Face of a Thousand Spanxters". It costs st.£1.50/ $3. Two ep`s were due to be released, one for Slam a Ham recs and the other for some label in Japan. I haven`t heard from them in ages but I hear that they`re now called Scald and have changed which is a bummer. Anyway, try to get these 10 crunching tracks from : Plant Thing, 19 Oranmore St., Belfast, BT13 2RU, N. Ireland. UNEARTHLY : Hailing from Donegal they play technical death metal. They`ve just released a rehearsal tape on Silence Tapes (see Repentance address). It`s yours for only IR£1.50 and elsewhere $3. Soon they`ll be recording their debut demo for Northern Ireland`s new lable, Euthanasia. Do check out this promising group : Paul Lynch, Churchtown, Carndonagh, Co. Donegal, Ireland. Other bands to look out for are Condemned, Inquisition, Lucifire and Sufferage.

ZINES

Bands and zines should get their stuff to the following for reviews and promotion : DEPRIVED : Primarily a death zine as can be seen in the two issues available. Issue one has a fair few interviews plus scene reports from Ireland, England and Portugal. Gigs and the like are also reviewed and costs IR£1.50, EC$4 and elsewhere $5. Issue 2 costs the same but it`s a great improvement in quality, definetly worth buying. There`s a special offer for those buying both issues. Write cause I`m not sure of the exact prices : Brian Taube, St.Patricks, Mainstreet, Roundwood, Co.Wicklow, Ireland. HIGH SPEED DEATH : Cathal from Ephemera has come out of retirment after an 18 month rest and has released issue 6, 7 and 8! And about time too! Each issue has about 28 pages containing interviews, reviews, biographies and addresses. Easily worth IR£1 and e.w.$3. You can save money if you buy a combination of issues. Seeking your money is : Cathal Rodgers, 3 Cuba Ave., Banagher, Co.Offaly, Ireland. OBSCENE : Crammed with 36 of every style. Issue 1 was said to be very good and is still available for st£1 and $3 overseas. Issue 2 is due soon I would believe. Haven`t heard from him in ages so maybe it`d be better to write : Bertie, 29 Ashely Park, Ballymoney, Co.Antrim, N.Ireland, BT53 7HG. PROTOTYPE : A nice little zine that costs you nothing due to the ed. gwetting a bang on the head. Praise the insane! A bit different as it`s mostly punk but there is metal. Also some articles on various topics. Please donate a sae or IRC which won`t kill ya. Scribble to : Ed, 79 Waterloo Rd., Dublin 4, Ireland. SEVERANCE : Mmm... What more can be said? Just brilliant stuff. A glossy cover with very clear pictures. Every aspect of the DM scene is covered. You should definetly get issue 1 for IR£1, EC$2 and e.w. $2 + IRC. Issue 2 soon from : Ian Lawless, Trinity, Ashford, Co.Wicklow, Ireland. SILENT IRELAND : Issue 1 is hoped for release in September. Will feature all forms of underground metal. Four people have input for it so it should cover all tastes. Write soon to : Darragh O`Leary, Limerick Rd., Mitchelstown, Co. Cork, Ireland. SORROW : Another new zine starting up. Issue 1 should be out by now but I`m unsure as Ihaven`t heard from Jay in a while. Features a lot of brutal shit, write for prices to : Jason McNeice, 132 Sliabh Breagh, Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland. THE OATH : Mostly a dark read with black and mystical bands. There are some death bands as is evident on the Irish and Danish scene reports. #1 costs IR£1, EC$4 and e.w. $5. #2 is just out with the same prices. Write to : Alan Averill, 22 Station Road, Sutton, Dublin 13, Ireland. THROUGH IRELAND`S EYE : Two lads from Fifth Dominion have been working on this for ages and it`s almost complete. Full of death and doom I guess and you can get it soon from : Paul Kearns, 8 Tymon Close, Old Bawn, Dublin 24, Ireland. TOTAL DARKNESS : Fuck, yet another zine working on issue one. Despite the name, it actually covers all forms of metal. It`s just about to be released and costs IR£1.50, EC$3 and elsewhere $4. Get it from : Marc Ryan, Rockvale Hse., Coolroe, Ballincollig, Co. Cork, Ireland. VIRGINS TEARS : Issue 1 is being worked on right now with interviews from top bands. That`s about all I know! So for more precise info write to : Paul Fennell, Dungaire, Coolgreany Rd., Arklow, Co. Wicklow, Ireland.

OTHER INTERESTING THINGS... Recently two metal shows hit the air-waves and more comp. tapes have been released. Read on . . . . 2FM, Ireland`s national radio station, runs "The Metal Show" every Sunday night from 8-10pm on 92.2FM. There`s a demo section but it`s only for Irish bands unfortunately. DAT is preferred but reel-to-reel or cassettes will do. I suppose labels would get their promos aired but ask first. Write to : The Metal Show, c/o Marcus Connaughton, 2FM, Donnybrook, Dublin 4, Ireland. Don`t despair folks, for I`m sure Daire from Radioactive 101FM will play all demos. It`s a pirate radio station in Dublin and kills the airwaves every Wednesday night from 9-11pm. So post off now to : Daire Lennon, 7 Bentley Villas, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland.

A COMP. OF NURSERY RHYMES IN A MINOR : Features Tricifix (R.I.P.), Misantrophy (now Fifth Dominion), Predator, Septic Snails (R.I.P.), Blue Babies, Crypt (R.I.P.), Sleeping Village, Dismal Abysmals, Afterlife, Forsaken (now Primordial) and Doomsgame. Has a colour cover and a pro-copied tape and lasts almost 50 minutes which costs IR£4 and e.w. $8 from: Paddy Harnedy, 53 Milmount Ave., Drumcondra, Dublin 9, Ireland. FORLORN EXISTENCE : Released by Brian of Deprived zine this comp. tape features 19 bands from 8 countries. It lasts 90 minutes and costs IR£2, EC$4 and e.w. $5. Bands interested in appearing on the next release should write now. Also ask about his distro service which has a number of goods for sale. See Deprived address. IN GOD`S OWN IMAGE : A fairly recent release that shows the talents that have developed in this country. It has tracks from demos, lives and rehearsals of Fifth Dominion, Afterlife, Synapse, Putrefy, Morphosis, Lamentations, Ethereal and Septic Snails. Comes with a free mini-scene report for IR£1.50, EC$3 and e.w. $5. The follow-up is now out so write for prices. Also ask about Souled zine. Contact : Daniel Behan, 18 Woodford Meadow, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, Ireland. THE LAND OF FILTH AND MONEY : A bit old at this stage but worth checking out I guess. It has 4 alternative bands along with Richard III, Cursed Earth, Crisistianity, D.F.A., Ogre, Judgement, Widow, Tricifix and Doomsgame. Free booklet included for IR£2.50 and e.w. $6. Bands should inquire about the follow up. Write to : Sonicide Tapes, c/o 21 Arthur Griffith Park, Lucan, Co.Dublin, Ireland. I`m sure that one thing that interests us all is free gifts. Am I wrong? Well our insane friend Jeff from Severance zine has free interview sheets available from Gorefest, Anathema, Mourn, Acrimony and The Eternal. More to follow. Just send an IRC to : Jeff O`Reilly, 31 Glentow Rd., Whitehall, Dublin 9, Ireland. DEPRIVED DISTRO. : Selling zines, demos, cd`s and empty bottles of cider. If you want to have your stuff sold fast write to: Brian Taube, St. Patricks, Main Street, Roundwood, Co. Wicklow, Ireland. EUTHANASIA DISTRO. : A new distro that already has a huge list. Send an IRC for the list and you`ll get regular updates. They`ve also just started a tape lable with the first release coming from Unearthly. Write to : Paul McClure, 29 Warren Park Drive, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, N. Ireland, BT28 1HF. FRIENDLY SNARE DISTRO. : Set up with the intention to promote Irish bands on a world wide basis whilst spreading flyers for all bands and zines (so get your flyers in). Bands and zines who are interested in distro should get in contact. Others should write for a distro list. Contact : Brian Quirke, Avondale, 52 Meadow Park Lawn, Ballyvolane, Cork, Ireland. REJECTED DISTRO : Write for a list of live tapes and zines. Tapes are IR£1.50 or you can send a blank tape +50p. Contact: Rejected, 9 Woodlands aveune, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland. And so my friends we have come to the end. Thanks to everyone who has written, helped or supported me in any way. All zines please feel free to reproduce this report. Thanks to all bands and zines who have given me so much enjoyment. More info is more than welcome so I hope you can help me out. This report was late so I'm giving ye no set date for the next one. Take care and write to me at the Friendly Snare address.

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