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Name: Jeremy Swist Email address: jeremys (at) metal-observer (dot) com Function: Reviewer Compatible styles: Black Metal/Death Metal/Doom Metal/Thrash Metal Incompatible styles: Power Metal/Metalcore/Modern Metal/Rock Thoughts on the main Metal genres: Black Metal: The most versatile genre. It’s my favorite by far. Its basic formula allows itself to incorporate so many different styles, from symphonic to minimalistic, from Industrial to Folk. It combines aggression with atmosphere. It also meshes well when hybridized with other genres, like Blackened Death Metal. Death Metal: Technicality isn’t a priority for things I get from music, but Death Metal still has the extreme aggression and dark melodicism that keeps my blood pumping. The old school bands are by far the best. Thrash Metal: I’m not a fan of the modern representatives of this genre, but the 80’s classics are abundant. Extreme Metal owes its existence to the likes of SLAYER, KREATOR and CELTIC FROST. Power Metal: I’m not a fan of this genre at all. I respect its legitimacy and influence, but it does not convey the dark mood I expect from Metal. Progressive Metal: I have limited experience with this genre. OPETH is one of my favorite bands, but their Death Metal elements are integral to that appeal. Doom Metal: I got into this genre as a balance to my overindulgence in Black Metal. I’m mainly a fan of the traditional style, with bands like BLACK SABBATH, PENTAGRAM, CATHEDRAL and REVEREND BIZARRE. Gothic Metal: I haven’t explored this genre really at all, but I like the Gothic elements thrown in to other genres from time to time. Melodic/Heavy Metal: Stick to the classics, here. I like my occasional JUDAS PRIEST listen, and Nicknames: Zephyrus, my universal alias. Time at TMO: May 2008 to the present. How came to TMO: I was contacted by Alex because he liked the reviews I wrote for my blog. The best thing as a TMO writer: Well besides getting free stuff I keep up to date on the latest releases in Metal and I derive a sense of fulfilment by contributing to the underground. The worst thing as a TMO writer: Hopefully nothing yet. Reviews 20 Underground 10 Interviews 0 Live reviews 0 Articles 0 Specials 0 Reviewing methods: I listen to the album and take notes whilst listening. I try to assess all the important aspects, such as production, mood, instrumentation and songwriting. I try to make comparisons of styles to familiarize and appeal the reader. I listen to the album once more on its own and then a third time while I’m writing the review for it. I try to provide a subjective account through my impressions of the music, but I also describe some objective elements. Honesty is key. If I am advertising this album, it’s because I personally find it a worthwhile listen. If I don’t like it, I make my opinion clear. Birthday: 3/20, 1989 Birth town: Present location: Job: Student Languages: English, but literate in Latin and some French Hobbies: Philosophy, Ancient History, Exotic Cuisine, Nautical Nonsense Pet peeves: The existence of small children. Phobia(s): The Describe yourself in 5 words: erudite, adventurous, honest, self-conscious, self-sacrificing. Funny childhood story: I once was fishing for striped bass when I reeled in a clod of seaweed. As I was removing the clod from my hook, I nearly got my finger cut off by a giant claw. I apparently caught a lobster on rod and reel. I cooked and ate it. How I came into Heavy Metal: Two ways. I was on the wrestling team in high school, and during practices the captains played METALLICA, RAMMSTEIN et al. on the stereo. RAMMSTEIN led me to Metal, mainly through THE KOVENANT, then to ARCTURUS, then BORKNAGAR, and the rest of Black Metal. The second way was through my friend Nick. He introduced me to HYPOCRISY and SLAYER, and through those bands I discovered the rest of Metal. First Metal CD ever bought: Borknagar – Quintessence. It’s still in my top 5 favorites. Most embarrassing CD in your collection: I sold them all by now. First Metal concert: HYPOCRISY and DECAPITATED at the Worcester Palladium, February 2006. What did Metal teach me about life: The power of music upon the soul. Favourite music listening place and why? On my dock, under the stars. Darkness, solitude, and a view toward a transcendent realm. Most prized Metal possession? Original copy of Mysticum – In The Streams Of Inferno. Band & previous band experiences: Instrumental talents: Bass/Vocals/Programming Favourite bands: Limbonic Art, Borknagar, Emperor, Aborym, Samael, Behemoth, Deathspell Omega and many others. Least favourite bands: any Power Metal or Metalcore bands, mainly. Sound you’d like to have banned: Metalcore. Most overrated bands: See above. Most underrated bands: Aborym, Mysticum, Blacklodge and the rest of Industrial Black Metal. Most influential band: Limbonic Art, Blacklodge and Emperor. Favourite musician: ICS Vortex Favourite album cover: Aborym – Generator, Limbonic Art – In Abhorrence Dementia, or Summoning – Minas Morgul. 10 favourite albums: Emperor – Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk Possibly the greatest album ever written in music entirely Limbonic Art – In Abhorrence Dementia The epitome of symphonic Black Metal Borknagar – Quintessence My first Metal album and the band’s best work Aborym – Generator Cold, mechanical, and intense. This is the anthem to the post-apocalyptic world. Mysticum – In The Streams Of Inferno The genesis of Industrial Black Metal. Emperor – In The Nightside Eclipse My favorite album that’s considered by all a 2nd-wave Black Metal classic. Samael – Eternal This is one of the most unique albums I’ve heard. Nachtmystium – Instinct:Decay Psychedelic Black Metal! Enough said. Enslaved – Blodhemn Epic riffs and creative drumming, truly inspiring. Deathspell Omega – Si Monumentum Requires, Circumspice Best thing (besides BLACKLODGE) out of Favourite films: 300, Monty Python & the Holy Grail, Airplane, Spaceballs, The Guns of Navarone. Favourite books: Vergil’s Aeneid, Dante’s Inferno, Paradise Lost Favourite food: Favourite drink: Amaretto Favourite smokes: I don’t smoke. Which song should be played at your funeral? Emperor – “Ye Entrancemperium” transcribed to the pipe organ. Idol (s): ICS Vortex, Ihsahn, my high school Latin teacher. Person you‘d like to meet: ICS Vortex Catchphrase: n/a Biggest thrill in life (so far): discovering classical literature. Goal in life: to become the head Latin professor at Harvard. Secret: I still like The Kovenant 5 favourite links:  |
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