metal - Hessian Firm

Riff Analysis: Malevolent Creation – Eve of the Apocalypse

The haunting synth intro is a staple of Extreme metal, a short track consisting of some background ambience and a few simple melodies that sets the tone for what's to…

By Nicholas Mkhl November 22, 2021Analysis

Review

Obtest – Tūkstantmetis (1997)

“This album is dedicated to one of the noblest Baltic (Haestian) nations - Prussians. They where the first to face messengers of the void bearing Slavs, and christian ticks bringing…

By Guest Writer November 12, 2021Review

Review

Ad Nauseam – Imperative Imperceptible Impulse (2021)

Gorguts set out to discard the most abused aesthetic tools in Death metal on their seminal record Obscura, instead of opening up divergent pathways for exploration, the band had established…

By Nicholas Mkhl October 25, 2021Review

Podcast

Hessian Scrum 8: Solemn Lament

Nick interviews up and coming Doom metal band Solemn Lament on the newest episode of the Hessian Scrum. The discussion revolves around the necessary notions for composing simple music, the…

By hessianfirm October 23, 2021Podcast

Podcast

Hessian Scrum 6: Kim Gosselin (MetalGuitarscales, Blackguard, Profugus Mortis)

Nick interviews Kim Gosselin, the founder of metalguitarscales.com. A series of books designed to help the metal guitarist break out of their limits in regards to composition. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrhEpICB0u4&ab_channel=HessianFirm

By hessianfirm October 15, 2021Podcast

Analysis

The Evolution of Chuck Schuldiner’s Vocals

Most metal vocalists ten to experiment with various methods until sticking to a select set that will define their careers. Occasionally some vocalists will abandon harsh vocals in an attempt…

By Nicholas Mkhl October 3, 2021Analysis

Analysis

Some Brief Thoughts on Burzum – Filosofem and the weltanschauung of heavy metal

The text above, the lyrics for the most iconic song from Filosofem, and perhaps Burzum’s whole career, has likewise become emblematic for black metal as a whole. I’ve always felt…

By Raphael Alecto August 6, 2020Analysis

Analysis

The Book of the Worm Motif Analysis: Adramelech and the Art of Flirting with Finality

Adramelech's Psychostasia deals with the notion that death is not the end but rather an intermediary state that involves various ceremonies and challenges before crossing over onto the afterlife. The…

By Nicholas Mkhl July 6, 2020Analysis