2010 marks the first year of Heavy Metal Tribune's existence. Being based in Singapore, it would be a shame to not have a top 5 or top 10 feature on the webzine, so here it is! (Thanks to Subash TBK for the suggestion!)

Top 5 releases

5. Meltgsnow - Black Penance [Gothic Metal]

Meltsgnow is back years after their debut album, Greed for Insanity. This time featuring a more mature and darker sound than before, with a heavy atmosphere present throughout the entire album. Having gained a sizable fan base not only in Singapore but also in many foreign countries through tours, they are definitely a force to look out for. (Read our full review for the album here.)


4. Truth Be Known - Asphyxihate EP [Death Metal/Grindcore]

Displaying the new direction of their music is Truth Be Known, with their new EP entitled Asphyxihate. Gone are the completely angry and religious lyrics and here are some new more fun tunes to get the crowd moving. Tunes like Rock N Roll Baby sees the band knowing how to enjoy themselves while making seriously kick-ass music.


3. Wormrot - Abuse [Grindcore]

While technically not a 2010 release, I am referring to their 2010 re-release under Earache Records. With their 30 minutes of grindcore madness on the first track comes a 2nd bonus CD including 34 extra bonus tracks from their Dead demo, previous splits and more! What more can you ask for?


2. Itnos - Thru the Collonades EP [Death Metal]

After a long hiatus, Itnos returns with their first release in 15 years and promises the listener for a technical ride. While the EP comes with only 2 tracks, it is a sneak preview of what is to come in their full length album (currently in production). Like tech-death? Then don't miss this.


1. Draconis Infernum - Proclamation of Encroachment single [Black Metal]

Yes, I know I've been raving about this single, so shut up already right? Wrong, not until you have decided to check this single out. With drummer Serberuz Hammerfrost now taking over vocal duties as well, it brings a fresh sound to Draconis Infernum's brand of blasphemy, so be warned! (You can read the full review of the single here.)

Best Performance (Local)

Rudra @ Baybeats 2010

The original lords of Vedic metal take the stage, this time performing at the headlining spot on the first night of Baybeats 2010, Singapore's biggest free alternative music festival. While most may scoff that it is no big deal, it is the first time an extreme metal band headlines on a prestigious local music festival. Show was good, sound was good, crowd was good. Read our review here and watch the videos here.

Best Performance (Foreign)

GxSxD at the Grindhouse

I was tempted to put either Exodus' or Marduk's live desecrations in Singapore, but then I decided that I will leave that for later. This leaves us with smaller gigs littered throughout the year, and GxSxD takes the spot for best foreign performance in Singapore. The small venue (Blackhole212) did nothing to deter them from putting up one hell of a show, complete with moshing and violent headbanging. Twin brothers Yosuke and Yusuke enchant the crowd with their chemistry, knowing when it's their turn on the mike. Read the review for the entire gig here.

Best Show (Local)

Mass Ritual by Jaarvis (Lights Out, Inc.) featured a whole host of bands that I was looking forward to, and crowd pullers throughout the night. Bands ranging from thrash metal to black metal are all featured and it was a great pleasure to be at the gig, indulging in the unholy dark arts lashed out by the bands. Nothing compares to last year's Resurrection gig (pardon my amateurish review), but hey, who's complaining right? Read the review to the gig here.

Best Show (Foreign)

Marduk Live in Singapore

It was a dilemma, picking between Marduk and Exodus. But being a bigger Marduk fan than an Exodus fan, Marduk gets the spot. Marduk stops over at Singapore for a one night only show, brought in once again by the mighty Cynical Sounds (who also brought in Exodus, Warbringer and Misery Index this year). The quick rate at which the tickets to the event got snapped up is testament to how hungry fans of metal were for class black metal acts in Singapore. Read the full review for the show here.

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Notable mentions:

Ministry of Rock's tribute to Ronnie James Dio: certainly an emotional moment as Ministry of Rock belts out hit after hit by the great Ronnie James Dio throughout the night, including hits from Rainbow (Catch the Rainbow, certainly a tearjerker), Black Sabbath (the very classic Heaven and Hell) and also from his self-titled band. R.I.P.

Meltgsnow and Cockpit at Baybeats 2010: 2 other hard rocking/heavy metalling bands that played on the Baybeats stage this year. Perhaps a sign of wider acceptance to this often ostracised genre?

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Anticipated releases and events for the year to come:

Absence of the Sacred - Come Hither O Herald Of Death
Age of Sinfonia - An End & A Beginning
Assault - The Exceptions of the Rebellions
Bhelliom - TBA
Cardiac Necropsy - TBA
Draconis Infernum - Rites of Desecration and Demise
Flesh Disgorged - TBA
Impiety - Worshippers of the Seventh Tyranny
ITNOS - TBA
Nafrat - TBA
Obliterhate - TBA
Rudra - Brahmavidya: Immortal I
Vrykolakas - Unleashing Vrykolakas Upon Mankind
Vulgate Dogmas - TBA
Wormrot - TBA

Note: TBA simply means that there are updates from the bands, but no title has been announced as of yet.

16th January: Impiety Asian Worshippers Tour 2011
15th February: Iron Maiden The Final Frontier World Tour

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What were your best metal moments in Singapore this year? Anticipations for 2011? Share them with us!

©2010 Heavy Metal Tribune

Our editors unveil their picks for the year 2010, hope you have enjoyed our top 10 picks of the year!

Ihsahn - After [Progressive Metal]

After 2008's angL, Ihsahn carries on with his path on the progressive metal route, releasing the follow up, After in January, also the final part of the trilogy which started off with 2006's Adversary. This time featuring Jorgen from Shining on saxophone and Asgeir on drums, it is highly recommended to fans of progressive metal and Emperor. - Clarence (OC ov Assault)

☠☠☠☠☠


Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier [Heavy Metal]

Iron Maiden is probably one of the few bands that can do whatever the hell they want and still be considered a heavy metal band. This year sees their return with The Final Frontier, one that largely divided the fan base. But ignore the "fan" reactions that discount this album as rubbish and you'll find the gem that is The Final Frontier. Not their most classic moment, but one of my favourite Maiden album still. Yes, I am biased. So what? - Hong Rui

☠☠☠☠☠


Periphery - Periphery [Progressive Metal]

Many people will wonder how “metal” Periphery should be considered as, but to me they are the natural progression Meshuggah’s complex poly-rhythms given a melodic twist which will prove to be highly influential in subsequent “Djent”-types of progressive metal and core genres alike. - JJ Yeo

☠☠☠☠☠


Burzum - Belus [Black Metal]

Varg '"Count Grishnackh" Vikernes' long awaited return opus Belus was initially met with a mixture of eagerness and skepticism due to his experimentation with the ambient genre. The eager was quickly sedated as Belus offered numerous moments of classic Burzum qualities; almost a "return to its former glory and ritz". And the skeptics instantaneously muted due to the above similar reason. However, Varg aptly infused new elements and created such a lush record worthy to be named the album of the year 2010. - LingNemesis

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That concludes our top 10 picks of the year. What are yours?

©2010 Heavy Metal Tribune

Here are the pick for the 2nd best album by our editors:

At The Gates - The Flames of the End [Melodic Death Metal]

Calling their final days as a band, At The Gates release a 3 DVD box set, containing a 2 hour long documentary and also featuring their 2008 Wacken Open Air concert. A must have for all hardcore ATG collectors out there! - Clarence (OC ov Assault)

☠☠☠☠☠


Perdition Temple - Edict of the Antichrist Elect [Black/Death Metal]

While the demise of most bands usually mean the end of all good things, the end of Angelcorpse fortunately wasn't a totally bad news. While Pete Helmkamp went on to play in Revenge (yet another awesome band), Gene Palubicki and Terry Eleftheriou have banded together to form Perdition Temple, continuing their aural onslaught with black/death metal in similar veins to - guess who - Angelcorpse. Fans of Angelcorpse should not miss this. - Hong Rui

☠☠☠☠☠


Shining - Blackjazz [Black Metal/Jazz]

This is one album that really defies classification. Some parts black metal, some parts free-flowing jazz, and all mad metal goodness. This remarkable fusion of sounds truly blew my mind when I first heard it. - JJ Yeo

☠☠☠☠☠


Agalloch - Marrow of the Spirit [Folk/Black Metal]

Pick by LingNemesis

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Stay tuned as we reveal each of the editors' album of the year tomorrow!

©2010 Heavy Metal Tribune

Here are the pick for the 3rd best album of the year by our editors:

Enthroned - Pentagrammaton [Black Metal]

Since the departure of the sole original member of the band, Lord Sabathan in 2005, there has been lots of debate about the directions that Enthroned will head towards. With this year's Pentagrammaton, the band proves that they are still constantly evolving and they will always be back with yet another album that tops their previous works. - Clarence (OC ov Assault)

☠☠☠☠☠


Satanic Warmaster - Nachzehrer [Black Metal]

Satanic Warmaster returns this year with Nachzehrer, the follow up to 2008's Carelian Satanist Madness. While I thought that Carelian Satanist Madness was a slight slowdown from their usual fare, Nachzehrer shows a return to their original style of black metal. Of course, while in between that and this release there was the mighty Behexen/SW split, this doesn't disappoint either. As Satanic Werwolf states in the album, "WARMASTER RETURNS!" - Hong Rui

☠☠☠☠☠


Blind Guardian - At the Edge of Time [Power Metal]

Blind Guardian are back to their epic goodness. After a somewhat disappointing Twist in the Myth, Blind Guardian returns to the kind of strident power metal last heard in A Night at the Opera. Truly a laudable album. - JJ Yeo

☠☠☠☠☠


Iron Maiden - The Final Frontier [Heavy Metal]

Maiden returns with their latest effort, The Final Frontier. - LingNemesis

©2010 Heavy Metal Tribune

Surrender of Divinity [Thailand]
Oriental Hell Rhythmics
2001
Full Length
Black Metal
8.5/10

The album title says it all. Oriental - hell yeah, hailing from Thailand. Hell - needless to say, this is about as evil as it gets. Put these elements together and the result is Oriental Hell Rhythmics, a perfect blend of traditional black metal and Surrender of Divinity's unique touch, and the band's debut full length output.

Thailand: the land of smiles? Not a chance with Surrender of Divinity as they prove you wrong with 50 minutes of hell on their debut full length effort. Opening with a rumbling thunder at the background, Surrender of Divinity spares no mercy in unleashing their version of hell and chaos onto the listener. Avaejee's impossibly tortured shrieks, combined with the chaotic rhythm backing of Whathayakorn's guitars and Paritat's blasting drums, further coupled with the harsh production, shows the listener how black metal is supposed to be played and presented - dirty, primitive, chaotic and simply reeking of pure evil.

While other Asian black metal bands such as ChthoniC choose to flaunt their Asian-ness explicitly through the usage of Asian instruments such as the er-hu, Surrender of Divinity chooses the subtle path. On first listen, one might question how the "oriental" label come into play. Songs like The Darkness Against Light feature riffs with an extremely "Asian" flavour to them, a nice fusion of traditional black metal with an oriental touch, bringing together the best of both worlds. Apart from that, there are also a lot of subtle hints of traditional non-metal (and Asian) influences littered throughout the album, you just have to listen carefully for them!

Although songs tend to last up to 11 minutes (such as the opening track, Conquerors of the Apocalypse), there is never a boring moment on the album as Surrender of Divinity proudly performs their blasphemous craft and hardly wastes any time with boring fillers whatsoever on this record.

If you are a fan of bands such as Singapore's Impiety, Philippines' Deiphago or Thailand's Zygoatsis, this release is highly recommended. The Japanese re-release version by Deaththrash Armageddon also comes with two exclusive bonus tracks, the rehearsal tracks of Possessed by the Night and Eternal Life.


Be sure to catch Surrender of Divinity, along with Impiety, Draconis Infernum and Humiliation this coming January 16th at the Impiety Asian Worshippers Tour 2011!

Surrender of Divinity on the internet:
MySpace

©2010 Heavy Metal Tribune | Hong Rui

Death metal horde Mutant Supremacy recently released their debut album, Infinite Suffering. Formed back in 2007 by Sam and Nelson, both of crossover band Atakke, it features another musical side of the duo. We manage to catch Sam and talk to him a bit more about Mutant Supremacy and their debut album, Infinite Suffering.

Here are the pick for the 4th album of the year for 2010 by our editors:

Solution.45 - For Aeons Past [Melodic Death Metal]

Yet another supergroup formed by Jani Stefanovic of Miseration and ex-Scar Symmetry vocalist Christian Alvestam. Fans of Christian may think that this will be another Scar Symmetry-sounding album, but listening to this album proves the listener wrong. One other notable thing was that lyrics were contributed by Dark Tranquillity's Mikael Stanne. - Clarence (OC ov Assault)


☠☠☠☠☠



The Order of Apollyon - The Flesh [Black/Death Metal]

France/UK’s The Order of Apollyon is certainly no newcomer to extreme music. Featuring members of Balrog, Akercocke and Cradle of Filth, this certainly is deserving of a superband status, and the music doesn’t fail in cementing that status. The Flesh is the band’s debut album, and the crushing riffs and BST’s trademark vocals will definitely convert any fan of bands such as Balrog and Order of Ennead into theirs instantly. Satanic/anti-Christian fanatics take note though, The Order of Apollyon takes an interesting take on religions, it will not hurt to sit down and take a good read through their lyrics and perhaps gain some… enlightenment? - Hong Rui


☠☠☠☠☠



1349 - Demonoir [Black Metal]

Black metal is a highly caged-in genre where homage and pastiche are abound. But 1349 attempts to break that mould with an atmospheric and yet brutal effort that fans will see as a clear rebound from the disappointment of Revelations of the Black Flame. - JJ Yeo

☠☠☠☠☠


Atheist - Jupiter [Death Metal]

Technical death metal madness! - LingNemesis

©2010 Heavy Metal Tribune

Draconis Infernum [Singapore]
Proclamation of Encroachment
2010
Single
Black Metal
8.3/10

Draconis Infernum returns this year with their new single, Proclamation of Encroachment. Since 2008's debut full length Death In My Veins, there has been a shift in the lineup, with drummer Serberuz Hammerfrost assuming vocals and bass duties as well, replacing previous vocalist Kount Cider.

Many bands in history have a marked change in their sound after a change in the vocalist, often being known and seen as the face/frontman of the band. Bands such as Marduk, Gorgoroth and Ragnarok have all seen changes in their performance style with each change in the vocalist. Similarly, the first thing that one notices is the markedly changed vocal execution. Compared to Cider's high pitch shrieks, Hammerfrost presents here a lower pitched vocal style. Whether this is a good thing or not is up to the listener to decide, but one thing is certain, that is the change in vocal styling is certainly brings something fresh to the listener.

The title track of the single displays the direction of Draconis Infernum's music writing, in the similar veins of what was on 2008's DIMV. Niloc's blues infused guitar solo, Xepher's furiously trem-picked riffs and Hammerfrost's drumming are all unmistakable and recognisable. The other track on the single, Vengeance Unto Thee is a rehearsal track, a sneak preview of what is to come for those who are about to catch one of their live performances. The single also comes with 2 extra hidden tracks, the rehearsal tracks of Proclamation of Encroachment and Grand Conjuration. Syroth (Warsaw) is featured as guest drummer on the live rehearsal tracks, bringing a different edge to the songs with his own style of drumming.

The production quality is also different from what was on DIMV. While DIMV was mixed with lots of highs, the songs on the single have a slightly muddier/bass-y mix (especially for the rehearsal tracks), fitting for the desecration and chaos brought about by the band's tunes. This of course does not affect the quality of the tracks as the members Draconis Infernum masterfully executes each of their respective roles on the songs. Also unlike some bands that intentionally mix their releases to the point of hearing nothing but noise, this isn't compromised by the band and it certainly adds to the enjoyment of the single.

Hearing these four preview tracks has certainly gotten me waiting anxiously for the release of their upcoming full length album, Rites of Desecration and Demise, which is to be released in the coming year.

Related articles:
Guttered Down the Gutters: Draconis Infernum

Draconis Infernum on the internet:
MySpace
Facebook

©2010 Heavy Metal Tribune | Hong Rui

As the year draws to a close, the editors at Heavy Metal Tribune bring you the top 10 picks of the year. Feel free to debate about the albums posted, and stay tuned for the rest of the week as we reveal the top album of the year on 31st December 2010!

Clarence's picks

10. Exodus - Exhibit B: The Human Condition [Thrash Metal]
Having performed in Singapore recently, the addiction is still there for Exodus. With concepts revolving war, death and politics, this is one of the best albums Exodus has put out in recent years.

9. Sargeist - Let the Devil In [Black Metal]
A truly impressive album from the dark side of Finnish black metal. Featuring members of Behexen and Horna.

8. Krieg - The Isolationist [Black Meta]
You will not get tired from listening to this, no matter how many times you listen to this. Another impressive album from Krieg.

7. Amorphis - Forging the Land of Thousand Lakes [Death/Progressive Metal]
A 3 disc set, featuring a 20 year documentary of Amorphis. Essential for all serious Amorphis collectors!

6. Setherial - Ekpyrosis [Black Metal]
Relentless blast beats and hellish guitar riffs, with chilling atmosphere. Second album to feature vocalist Infaustus.

5. Watain - Lawless Darkness [Black Metal]
Lawless Darkness carries on with Watain's streak as one of the top black metal bands around. Though Sworn to the Dark was a better album, this is highly recommended for fans of Watain. - Clarence (OC ov Assault)

☠☠☠☠☠

Hong Rui's picks

10. Prosanctus Inferi - Pandemonic Ululations of Vesperic Palpitation [Black/Death Metal]
Dirty black/death metal in the veins of death metal legends Incantation, injected with influences from old school black metal. Featuring J. Kohn of Father Befouled, so you know what to expect.

9. The Royal Arch Blaspheme - The Royal Arch Blaspheme [Black Metal]
Punishing drumming, primitive riffs and torturous, guttural vocals blend together to give you the right mix of dirty and sick black metal. In the best possible way.

8. Atheist - Jupiter [Death Metal]
Cynics and sceptics can now shut up as Atheist presents yet another masterpiece, filled with insane technical riffs, showing Kelly Shaefer still has his chops.

7. Cemetery Urn - The Conquered are Burned [Death Metal]
Australian death metal horde reminding the masses again what it means to be "old school".

6. Woe - Quietly, Undramatically [Black Metal]
Black metal with influences from all over the music spectrum. Nothing new, but well-executed nonetheless. Featuring Chris Grigg, current drummer for Krieg.

5. Jorn - Dio [Heavy/Power Metal]
Say what you want, but I'm a sucker for Jorn's vocals. He does slaughter Dio's vocals here but the instrumentals on this album more than makes up for it. RIP RJD. - Hong Rui

☠☠☠☠☠

10. Nevermore - The Obsidian Conspiracy [Progressive Metal]
Nevermore has never released a bad album, not even a mediocre one. Period.

9. Rhapsody of Fire - The Frozen Tears of Angels [Power Metal]
This album continues the good ol’ fantasy power metal that Rhapsody, and subsequently Rhapsody in Fire, became famous for, and it just doesn’t stop.

8. Kamelot - Poetry for the Poisoned [Power Metal]
This album really shines for the incredible production effort put in. Lots of orchestral sounds with multi-vocals, guitars, and everything else chumming in, I need to give kudos to the engineers who made everything sound clear and sparkly.

7. Immolation - Majesty and Decay [Death Metal]
Immolation has a funny way of making progressive death sound remarkable simple and normal. Even though the complexity is evident, every song flows very well.

6. Watain - Lawless Darkness [Black Metal]
Continuing the tradition of releasing good black metal, this album will definitely not miss for fans of Watain.

5. Atheist - Jupiter [Death Metal]
18 years in the making, members of Atheist shows they have not lost a single shimmy in their music. Kelly Shaefer’s vocals does sound a little off but the guitar mastery of him and Chris baker more than makes up for it. Combining the insane complexity of Steve Flynn’s drumming, it is truly a legendary album. - JJ Yeo

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10. Cradle of Filth – Darkly Darkly Venus Aversa [Gothic Metal]

9. Ihsahn – After [Progressive Metal]

8. Enslaved – Axioma Ethica Odini [Viking Metal]

7. Aborym – Psychogrotesque [Black/Industrial Metal]

6. Alcest - Écailles de Lune [Black Metal/Shoegaze]

5. Watain – Lawless Darkness [Black Metal]

- LingNemesis

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Stay tuned to Heavy Metal Tribune over the next few days as we reveal the top 4 albums of the year!

©2010 Heavy Metal Tribune

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©2010 Heavy Metal Tribune

The world of metal places strong emphasis on the instruments that are involved in the creation of the music - be it guitars, bass, drums or keyboards. In this series, we talk to a number of drummers to have them share with us their experiences and their views on matters pertaining to their craft.

This week, we talk to Shiva, drummer of the original lords of Vedic metal, Rudra.

Deus Otiosus is one of the newer death/thrash metal bands rising in the Denmark metal scene. We manage to catch Henrik, guitarist of the band to talk more about their debut album, Murderer, and also their promotional effort through using a live "mini-album".

Read our 2nd article contribution to Metalunderground.com's column, Unearthing the Metal Underground. This time we talk about three Singaporean death metal bands of varying sub-genres, namely Assault, Vrykolakas and Itnos.

Read the full article here!

Note: Hope we did not butcher this one as badly as we did on the first article!

©2010 Heavy Metal Tribune | Hong Rui

The Royal Arch Blaspheme [USA]
The Royal Arch Blaspheme
2010
Full Length
Black Metal

With already a whole host of bands in his resume (including Krieg, Judas Iscariot, Twilight), Imperial once again joins forces with another black metal force, J. Gelso from Profanatica to bring you 39 minutes of ear-raping dirty black metal. Having each of their individual bands already releasing an album this year (Krieg's The Isolationist and Profanatica's Disgusting Blasphemies Against God), this had me wondering what RAB were going to add to the whole host of black metal masterpieces already released in 2010.

Well, to put it in a single sentence, this is nothing like each of the individual releases mentioned above, there are no cold riffs and atmosphere that The Isolationist gives us, and neither is it a clone of Disgusting Blasphemies Against God, but I sure am glad chancing upon this record. What we have here is a sped up version of Profanatica, combined with Imperial's tortured, gruff vocals, though in a somewhat similar vein of Ledney's (Profanatica), but deeper, and in a way, more punishing.

The album starts off with a death/doom feel with heavy crushing and painfully slow (in a good way of course) riffs, however, do not be deceived by this as the main riff of the song kicks in. Wave after wave of blasphemous riffs are sent crushing to the listener, leaving little time to breathe (and neither would the listener want any time to breathe at all with music as evil as such).

Of course, the album is not a complete monotone or entirely a speed-fest as the duo displays their brilliance in making use of pauses to create sort of an anticipatory effect on the listener, yet jumping in when least expected, leaving the weak-hearted shitting their pants. Songs like Jahbulon gives a false sense of serenity at the beginning with soft peaceful background music before properly punishing the inattentive listener. Then again, you might have been an idiot if you hadn't expected something like this.

The album also provides an avenue where Gelso gets to display his ability to create an atmosphere with his musical ingenuity. For example, on Denial of the Holy Spirit, the riffs and the seemingly simple solo towards the end of the song lashed out by Gelso feels as if you are watching the world come to an end yet are unable to do anything about it, almost causing panic to strike in the heart. The bass also takes the role of lead instruments in some instances, for example the bass intro of Isaiah 14:12, which succeeds in providing a sinister prelude to the song proper.

Production of the album, as expected from anyone who is familiar with their (Imperial's and Gelso's) brand of black metal, is raw, yet not to the extent where all instruments are blurred out and nothing can be made out. Instead, this adds an overall nice (or should i say, dirty?) touch to the music, further adding to the evil that is already present in the music itself. I especially liked the prominent bass lines throughout the album, enhancing the entire experience and providing with an extremely rounded sound.

Whoever says that simple riffs and beats doesn't equate to good music simply has to listen to RAB's self-titled album to be shut up.

The Royal Arch Blaspheme is certainly one band to look out for, and is definitely recommended for fans of bands that play music in the veins of Profanatica.

The Royal Arch Blaspheme on the internet:
RAB @ Hell's Headbangers

©2010 Heavy Metal Tribune | Hong Rui

The world of metal places strong emphasis on the instruments that are involved in the creation of the music - be it guitars, bass, drums or keyboards. In this series, we talk to a number of drummers to have them share with us their experiences and their views on matters pertaining to their craft.

This week, we talk to Fitri, drummer of Singapore grindcore stalwarts Wormrot.

I've never really fancied Japanese fusion and always was a purist until decent chains of affordable Japanese family restaurants became prevalent in our sunny island. There is no-place else that sells Jap food cheaper than Singapore.

I'm cool with a little fusion, but I felt that it was blasphemous to go to a Jap restaurant to have Italian or French cuisine that is 'bastardised' by Jap culture...until I tried Ma Maison...