Author: Adrian Borgia

Purveryor of black fuzz galore and perfectly acceptable pop ballads. Occassional scribe, full-time cultural critic. Bridesmusic.bandcamp.com

Interview: BESTIAL MOUTHS

on By

Bestial Mouths is the musical child of Lynette Cerezo. Originally created alongside her husband Bestial Mouths has been the place of purging for any and all of what may plague the mind and heart of Lynette wether it be the external world, the divorce from her husband and idea of continuing on by herself in a field she had little to no previous experience in, all wrapped up with tribal percussion, howling vocals reminiscent of the icon that is Diamanda Galas and the most wonderfully artistic, beautiful DIY music videos in this scene at the moment.

I recently took part in the online event The Dark Circus X where Bestial Mouths was also on the bill, this resulted in me rediscovering them and getting in touch with Lynette to inquire about music, spirituality, videography and anything else that fell into my mind

You make some really great looking videos, what`s the process like for that and do you collaborate with others on manifesting whatever vision you may have for a song?

It’s very important for me to present a visual that captures the spirit and meaning behind Bestial’s music. The process is different all the time. Some of my songs have a very strong visual concept from inception, an unbendable vision; sometimes I love to see what individual directors intuit from the music. The process can become a very collaborative project where we work off/ with each other, which I love. Creating a video is absolutely a variation on performing and I really enjoy it.

While writing, do you keep visuals in mind for future videos or artwork to accompany a song or even an album?

Oh yes, of course. I seem to always have ideas swimming around in my head. 

There`s a primal element to your music, the combination of the instrumental aspect and your voice can reach truly harrowing as well as beautiful planes, what did you envision when you decided to do this, especially so when doing it on your own?

I envisioned exactly this—reaching other souls, connecting and giving others these emotions and vibes.

Correct me if I`m wrong but you`re originally from Florida and currently live in Berlin? What is it about Berlin specifically that seems to have attracted artistic people for so long that can`t be found in other parts of the world?

I grew up mostly in Florida, but I’ve lived all over the USA. Bestial Mouths was originally formed in LA. 

Berlin attracts so many artists in all forms of media, even now in plague times. It’s really a wonder to be able to be among all this energy. Also the cheaper cost of living as well as Europe’s support of the arts is much greater than Americas. There’s just more opportunity in Berlin.

I believe I read somewhere that you struggle with anxiety and ad/hd ? How do you think that affects your work if at all?

I’ve dealt with long term depression most of my life, which breeds anxiety as well. I am certainly no stranger to panic attacks. Certainly having a short attention span has shaped the way I perform. I essentially mediate before each show to get into my zone. I never put breaks between the songs, or chat with the crowd. Honestly, even if I look at the audience I lose focus. I notice too many details, down to people’s earrings. It’s too much! This I’m sure is also what makes Bestial shows more ritualistic.

Unfortunately I do believe my depression has more of a negative effect on my output. For some artists it can be fuel, but not me. It stops me and breeds insecurity and self-doubt. A. lot of people would call my music ‘dark’—maybe it comes from all this. I think the goal is facing what we are afraid of.

You`re a self-proclaimed workaholic so it would be silly to not ask what you`re currently working on and when we might see the results of it?

I seem to be most at peace and ease when working and having something close on the horizon (as you might guess, stopping lets the anxiety creep in). I also love a challenge and moving forward to keep learning and developing. I’m excited to show the world our new remix album and video we did for the ADULT. remix. Bestial also has a new song that will be released on a limited 7” that comes with a zine and video, and I have a new collab song and video as well plus a few more collabs in the works. It’s a lot more challenging at the moment with the pandemic to know what’s next. So I try to flow as water and stay hopeful.

Bestial Mouth`s visual side is some of the most striking work out there right now, is there a specific message you try to convey with each album cover that relates to the music it represents?

Thank you for the compliment. It means a lot to know that this is noticed because I do put a lot into every visual for these releases. I believe in a full concept with the music, art, and videos; it would be impossible for me to create something without imbuing it with all of these attributes, fleshing it into something fully realized.

The message of course varies per work. But with the last EP INSHROUDDSS I was in a cocoon stage, overcoming a divorce and taking the reigns of Bestial all by myself. I had a lot of pain and betrayals to overcome, and I really had to work to find the strength within me. The LP RESURRECTEDINBLACK is the next phase of the moth emerging— though nothing is ever 100% recovered or perfect. The scars and effects remain just as the realization that the moth’s life is very brief. Death is always close behind.

What`s the creative process like? How does a Bestial Mouth song begin?

Just like the videos, that can take many forms. We have created in numerous ways. Sometimes I have a strong message or lyrics I want to convey, so we write the music to fit that. Sometimes we may come up with some amazing synth parts, and build the meat of the song upon those bones. I also tend to write in cut-up or collage forms, and that can really shape how a song is built. 

Your logo is quite simplistic in being the B and M on top of each other, it brings to mind certain occult teachings specifically those of Peter J Caroll and Austin Osman Spare with their work regarding sigils, are you a spiritual person in any way?

The logo was actually hand drawn by James Livingston of Black Horizons. Years ago we did a tape release and he created it. I felt it reflected Bestial perfectly.

I do not prescribe to any true occult or dark magicks, but I believe in the beauty of the Earth and all that is living. One can never truly know if energy spirits and souls share this reality with us. All I know is the trees can speak if you listen closely.

Both yourself and an artist like Lingua Ignota carry elements of the iconic Diamanda Galas, do you remember how you first came across her work?

I am very fond of Kristin’s work for sure, she’s amazingly talented and insanely good live. I wish I could remember when Diamanda first came into my life; I truly can not imagine the absence of her energy.

Considering the intensity of all that is Bestial Mouths, do you ever feel as if you`re being too vulnerable, exposing yourself too much for comfort?

This is a great question because I do believe I bare it all. This does leave me feeing like my skin has been ripped off, especially after a live performance when reality slips back in after the show ends. I often get confused during interviews and on social media; like, how much do I say or show? But I have shown it all, so what more would people want to know? 

I do not mean this negatively at all. I just get confused. I love to connect to others and I am not trying to be mysteriously ‘cool’ or anything. Maybe because I do expose so much in my art, I’m left insecure as what else to give outside of that.

Without getting into the details I`m aware of you having to face several personal struggles on top of the ongoing pandemic, are things more stabilized now as opposed to at the beginning of all this? How do you think it might colour the next Bestial Mouth release?

I feel I have been truly lucky during this all because life has turned more positive for me overall, but there has been a lot of uncertainty as well. The struggle to stay afloat and maintain the hope to keep going is an uphill one. What is next for live art and music—will it return, and in what form?

Even at this moment I wait to see when I shall return to Berlin as most of my stuff (including my live gear) has been in boxes for a year now. I can not say at this moment what effect it will have on my music, but all comes from the heart and soul, all is colored by experience and life. We shall see.

You`re part of the label Rune & Ruin, what made you want to take on such a job, what do you think you can bring forth as part of it?

I wanted to bring strong hard-working women together and give them the opportunity and platform to do it. 

As for the future I am not sure of those cards; I will have to see how the world evolves.

You`ve shared the stage with the legendary Genesis P-Orridge, what was that experience like?

One I will never forget and feel so fortunate to have. It was Gen’s birthday actually. I felt so starstruck, yet quite relaxed due to Gen’s warm persona.

The space below is for you to use however you wish, recommend some music, books, movies or maybe share a favourite quote, shout outs, whatever you feel like!

It’s time to write your story and touch the Void.

(PS thank you for taking this time with me~ xoxo Lynette)
Bestial Mouths
www.bestialmouths.com
Facebook • Instagram • Soundcloud • Bandcamp • Twitter
RESURRECTEDINBLACK LP (‘RUNE & RUIN’)Out NowBandcamp

INSHROUDSS EP (‘RUNE & RUIN’)
OUT NOW in Vinyl & DigitalBandcamp
https://smarturl.it/BINSHROUDSS

(Still) HEARTLESS EP (Cleopatra Records) Bandcamp • iTunes • Google Play
HEARTLESS LP (Cleopatra Records) iTunes • Amazon • Google Play • Bandcamp
Down To The Bones 7″ (Cleopatra Records)
Cleopatra • Bandcamp • Amazon

Nicole Marxen – Tether

on By

Just the other day as I was checking out a few bands on Bandcanp I scrolled down to the section with recommandations from the artists and/or recommandations based on fans of who evers page youre currently on when for whatever reason, this image caught my attention. Despite its dark colouring it stuck out somehow and gave off a certain intriguing aura which combined with its title drove me to click on it and be taken onto the page of Nicole Marxen for her debut solo EP Tether released in February of 2021. Not knowing what to expect I hit play and waited. What I heard within these four tracks was amazing, haunting, dark electronic music which after having listened to the EP a couple more times over the past few days I still cant truly compare it to anything else, that said Im also not exactly known to be the biggest fan of what I`d call dance oriented music but I digress…

The titular opening track builds up in a crescendo and as the voice of Nicole Marxen begins her “Meditation on the grieving process” along with gentle swirls of noise before the beat kicks in with hypnotic, seductive rhythms, yes this release may be based on grief however you can dance as you grieve. Not to make light of the subject matter but as the saying goes we could be crying in the club.

As the track progresses new, intresting elements and sound design appear, some more int the forefront than others. Its truly taking you on a journey into its own dark world as Nicole howls..or weeps along before a sudden ending and were given "Moonflower". Ambient sonic textures with a single kick drum hitting the rate of a slow heart beat accompanied by what one might interpret as a rapid ticking clock untill it breaks into a funereal dance complete with wonderfully layered yet seemingly simplistic synthesis , a steady beat, a pulsing bass line..If the opener track didnt cause you to immediatly fall into a state inbetween love and melancholy this one certainly will. Yes this could be heard as part of a DJ set at any Goth night but this is the type of song that just has that indescribable aspect that hits you straight your heart, guts, nuts, whatever you got going on. Its a slow, almost gentle punch that leaves the mark of sorrow burned onto your flesh.

“Bone/Dust” opens up with dark, filthy bass lines and Nicoles stunning voice, luring you into the dark like the Siren of myths. A manic repetetive kick drags you deeper down untill youre surrounded by a choir of countless dark beings of an unknown species. This is minimalism done right, I think…Untill about half-way through when what I immediatly want to refer to as rock based drumwork kicks in along with melodic, dramatic synth lines, rising and falling like waves appear and vanish just as quickly.

The final track, “Wild Again” begins, at this point you can feel the sorrow setting in, the slow, deep, crushing feeling is perfectly mirrored by the music which creates the feeling of dropping from deadly heights. Aural doom is the term that manifests from my unconcsious throughout this closing track, truly, it feels like an ending but perhaps it could also hold a sense of hope? As I currently do not have access to the lyrical content Im not able to analyze them and am left to judge by the feelings the music creates in me, how my body, mind and soul respons to the frequencies continually being fired towards me before all of a sudden its over. The end has arrived and though it was harrowing at times you`re left with the morbid wish of it continuing for just a little more.

I absoloutely urge you to check out this release, it is also available on cassette via Bandcamp and we all know how important it is to support the arts so if you can spare the cash, do consider grabbing the tape, even if you don`t own a tape player and just want to support Nicole Marxen in her exploration of grief.

https://nicolemarxen.bandcamp.com/album/tether

Lingua Ignota – Agnus Dei

on By

Lingua Ignota is moniker under which Kristin Hayter releases haunting, intense, crushing and soul destroying music accompanied with what must be one of the most frightening live presences of the current times. I first became aware of Lingua Ignota through stumbling upon the 2018 release “All Bitches Die” and from the first millisecond that holy cacophony hit my ears I`ve been obsessed. I hope by now, our readers have converted to Lingua Ignotaism or at the very least are aware of their presence.

Following up the 2020 singles “Jolene” and “Wicked Game”, both absoloutely beauitful, haunting covers drenched in melancholy, Hayter has returned with the EP “Agnus Dei” and took me by complete surprise as I was not aware of anything being in the works as I have not been able to keep up as much as I`d like to.

The opening track “IN TOUNGES” starts off with what sounds like church organs playing to a sample of a child speaking of God and religion, so far all we love about Lingua Ignota is present and things seem very fucking promising. At one point the child is heard describing having prayed for a miracle which was granted the next day, at this point a flood of distorted noise crawls up and seemingly devoursthe hopeful tone of the child and brings us into the second track “SEXLESS//NO SEX” , a cover of the Iron Lungs track, where we hear the familiar voice of Hayter as they play slow organ melody becoming increasingly enveloped by a swarm of noise that builds and builds and then drops…We`re left with the voice, the organ and we slowly fade out. A short but sweet experience.

“WHER`ER YOU WALK" , a rendition of the musical drama from composer G.F Handel, introduces itself as a distant apocalypse creeping and crawling, inching towards you as a disembodied voice speaks from the eye of the storm that seems to come closer and closer, Hayters voice fades in and out, gracing or teasing us, who knows for sure, with the voice of a thousand seraphim.

The final and titular track “AGNUS DEI” a cover of the Johan Sebastian Bach composition, is the longest track , clocking it at 7 minutes and one second. Operatic, dramatic, controlled chaos with the aura of a combination of slowly falling to your death or ascending to the heavens ends this short but quite beautiful journey, using the word beautiful in terms of Lingua Ignota may seem odd at ties considering the gravely serious lyrical topics Kristin Hayter brings but regardless of that fact, beautiful is the word that keeps popping up in my head when listening to any of their work.

https://linguaignota.bandcamp.com/album/agnus-dei

New Blood [Act I]

on By

I recently requested suggestions for bands and artists our readers would like to see covered, my only original cathc was that you could not suggest yourself as Im sure many would have done if not for my specific insruction not to. While I understand that as smaller artists we might want to grab any and all opportunities to get some press going I feel like for this scene to be truly functional and to progress we do at times have to put our money where our mouths are and truly uplight and shine a light on others, I`ve often gone on rants regarding the rampant hypocrisy of sharing social media posts featuring some sort of slogan expressing the importance of supporting local and underground scenes and seeing the same people sharing such posts do very little if anything at all to take their own advice, that was the basis of my request and my specifications.

As it went on and submissions came in however it became increasingly necessary to add a second term; To suggest bands that we, as a scene, are not more or less all aware of at this point, while I have nothing against the more known acts that were suggested they do already have a fair foundation within our scene and often label backing and receive a decent amount of press from other sources and so I`d rather use my position within the scene to lift up those who are not at that level quite yet.

Here is but a fraction of the submissions, these are presented in no particular order and if it should turn out that any of these doesnt fit my specifications then feel free to alert me though I doubt any edits will happen as I obviously wouldnt include acts that do not meet my requirements if I was aware of that.

Luin – Undead

Luin is an electronic solo project by the Washington based artist Luin Loeffelbein, Undead is a 5 track single EP released March 5th 2021. Right off the bat its catchy, melodic and overall fresh sounding. The EP also includes a cover of the Green Day song "Boulevard Of Broken Dreams" which is done so well that I had to listen to it twice before catching on to it even being a cover! Then again, it could also be due to me not being an especially big fan of Green Day but I digress...The Sawtooth Spirolation Mix takes the EPs title track into a far more club oriented musical territory which can often sound bland and uninspired , however, the massive difference it makes on the track is what my attention goes to instead which is why I`d say this is a job well done.

https://luin.bandcamp.com/

DoppelgängeR – Mercy And Eternity

Out of over 400 suggestions this release really stuck to my mind for whatever reason, which might be slightly ironic considering it is many ways quite typical post punk, as in, baritone voice, clear Sisters Of Mercy vibes and such. DopperlgängeR is however not a new band. Having been around since 1994 Im surprised I havent heard this untill now and with their age in mind I may be able to forgive the previously mentioned Sisters vibes a little. Mercy And Eternity is a 10 track album and is the bands 10th album, filled with all you`re probably looking for within this partiuclar style of music, the songs are short and sweet as it were, danceable and dark just the way we like it around these parts.

https://doppelganger-ru.bandcamp.com/?fbclid=IwAR3PVbZEPOaUN3NYCJ5lPbzGdCO40embUTP4VAiRo1TbYjdQ5JLjQbrxEhc

Varsovie – Magnitizdat

Starting in France in 2005, Varsovia is a duo creating a type of post punk that emphasises the punk. With just two tracks on this particular release its a quick ride but it`s wonderfully refreshing to hear a more raw take in an era of polished to perfection music, this feels live, the spirit of rock n roll is quite present all topped with French lyrical content which turns out to suit this type of music quite well!

https://varsovie.bandcamp.com/

5RVLN5 – The Black Mark

Next up we`ve got some dark, noisy industrial soundscapes. While this is not the most recent release it was one of several by this artist that were reccomended. The Black Mark is a 5 track EP from March of 2020 and marries industrial and post punk into one cohesive sound, pulling from both and stirring it all together creating a wonderfully dark, agressive and at times even beautifully melodic mixture.

https://5rvln5.bandcamp.com/album/the-black-mark

Sølve – Never+Enough

This may be the most known artist to be featured on this list but it`s just too good to not include it.

Sølve is one of the several monikers under which Brant Showers [AAIMON; Bestial Mouths] releases his music, this EP contains his latest single “Never Enough” along with 9 remixes by artists such as Sine, Sidewalks & Skeletons, Bara Hari and many more so it is quite literally alot of bang for your buck. This is a great exercise in bringing a sense of individuality to a genre that can often be quite repetetive and seemingly lacking of originality, if we end up making an end of year list for 2021 Im fairly sure this one will be included. While I could certainly delve into each of the EPs tracks and dissect them, tell you why they`re great and the usual debacle you really need to simply experience this for yourself as my words could not do them justice.

https://remissionentertainment.bandcamp.com/album/never-enough

3+Dead – S/T

Released i November of 2019 on the Switzerland based indie label Swiss Dark Nights, the self titled 9 track release from 3+Dead is straight forward, melodic and layered post punk done right. While their label offers little information regarding the band or the release the muisc speaks for itself with songs like “Ghost Generator” and “Kebabtraume” bringing a more electronic flavour to the otherwise guitar based release

https://swissdarknights.bandcamp.com/album/3-dead

Confrontational – Temptation/Black Glasses

This one is far more dance oriented than what my tatse usually allows, however it is done quite well and the vocal delivery as well as catchy guitar riffs and not to mention the fabulous artwork makes it all a-okay! This is another short but sweet one, just two track, released in June of 2020 I`m dissapointed that I have not seen any talk of this untill now as it is quite good and worthy of attention.

https://confrontational.bandcamp.com/

The Cult Sounds – Death Of A Star

on By

The St.Louis goth rock band The Cult Sounds have quickly become one of my favourite discoveries during my journeys searching through the latest release of Bandcamp. Starting out on Halloween of 2018 with their cover of the goth classic Bela Lugosi Is Dead` by Bauhaus, The Cult Sounds has so far released a self-titled EP, a couple more cover tracks and more recently a reissue of the self-titled release fully remixed and remastered.

With their gloomy punk sensibilites with just enough of a pop element to get stuck in your head after only one listen, the band has begun carving out a name for themselves and leaving their mark on the underground alternative music scene and is sure to go far beyond those borders in the next few years if their upcoming album is anything to go by.

From the moment you hit play the drama begins in the form of a bell, perhaps a funeral bell? Choirs and luscious synth pads build up slowly as a melody reminiscent of the theme song of The Exorcist appears as if to playfully tease you before a piano, increasingly fast paced drumbeats and guitars smack you over your head and before you know it we`re off.

13 Candles , straight off the bat [no pun intended] serves you exactly what The Cult Sounds is about. Dark, goth rock n roll with vocal melodies I`m sure one day will be sung by a black clad crowd accepting the band as their new lords and saviours. Immediatly one can pick up on influences ranging from AFI all the way to Tribulation and whatever may lie between the two, which is quite alot indeed.

Ritual Scars starts off with a simple allurring bassline and explodes into an orgy of guitar, drums , wailing synths and dives back down again for vocalist Bennet Huntley to deliver the cults gospel with a voice that`s both commanding and melodic as the siren like synths dance along the guitars in the background. I reccomend listening to this twice just to catch some of the details of the drums on this one

Afterlight`s guitar work is simple yet effective, 70s punk influenced bringing to mind bands like New York Dolls and The Runaways paired with slower sections reminiscent of a more punk rock doom metal accompanied by organs and the exact right amount of attitude.

Next up is the single What Gets Done In The Night starting off with a classic deathrock riff before Bennet verbally punchess you in the heart, but in a good sense, like those times where you hear an old favourite song you havent heard in years and a very particular nostalgia hits you. Thats not to say the single sounds dated or too alike anything from the past, quite the contrary actually, it simply has the quality of becoming one of the songs you hear in X amount of years from now and you get to live in a hopefully blissful past for a minute, although considering the era this album is born into that might not be the most likely scenario.

The Avalanche begins as if melancholy itself embraced you with its soft acoustic sounding guitar, slow almost apatethic sounding tom drum hits and vocals repeating the line "A few more days untill the end" leaving you wondering if this is a celebratory or sad occassion for a moment. The song evolves into its namesake, an avalanche indeed as it grows continually until …Well you`ll just have to buy the album and hear for yourself I suppose.

The Seventh Seal, possibly a reference to the Ingmar Bergmann movie, starts off with a guitar melody that reminds me of old Norwegian folk music with its almost blissful adventorous feeling, like a fairytale with woodland sprites and empty churches. Towards the middle the song slows itself down entering trance inducing areas that give rise to visions of serpents speaking in incense smoke and candle light before it all stops for just a second and the bass nudges you back into this feral dance one more time before letting you go and sending you into the tribal drums of Death Has Name which may just be one of my top three tracks with its fresh breath of a simple synth line, catchy, sing along worthy chorus. Theres so much going on throughout this albums soundscape you just have to listen to it several times in order to catch each element of the oh so cleverly constructed, seemingly simple and straightforwards songs. There`s a wealth of atmosphere just waiting for you within the crooks ans crannies.

Were slowly moving towards the end of our journey and appropriatly enough were greeted by Pale White Horses , a melancholic ballad-esque song, a shift in pace from the gloom and doom punk rock but once again complete with a chorus worthy to sing along to one day when we can all spill beer on each other as were pressed up together in a tiny smoke filled club where going to the bathroom seems like entering an alternate dimension as you hear the whistling melody of the song calling you to come back out and join the band in their prayer.

Verbis Diablo snaps you out of your mournful state, grabs your hands and nearly forces you into this firey, serpentine dance, swirling with the guitars and thunderous drums as Bennet, from the eye of the storm, tells you whats what. We get a little taste of the guys black metal influences in the shape of a quick little blast beat section that blends seamlessly into the rest of the song. Oh how I wish the youth of today will stumble upon this album and allow it to devour them completely.

Were at the end of our journey my friends and it feels a bit sad as you never want it to end, when you hear an album of this quality you want it to keep going forever, the closing track Relinquishd, does however serve you a worthy adieu with its layers of acoustic guitars, orchestral gloom pulling on your heart strings one last time, leaving a black little mark that stains you with the mark of the cult for all eternity

Choosing favourites is never easy when an album is “All killer, No filler” as it were but I`ll pick Death Has A Name and Pale White Horses, though having to choose between Verbis Diablo and the masterpiece of a closing track might be too much of a struggle.

Ive championed The Cult Sounds from the first day I heard them and I will keep doing so till the day I die, I hope to see them reach the same success their many influences has and possibly even go beyond that.