Lihi Laszlo, Author at Doomnation Radio 🤘

Q&A: Rosary

Polish doom trio Rosary bring a lot more than just heavy riffs to the table. Rooted in faith and driven by a deep love for traditional doom metal, they’ve carved out their own unique path since forming in 2017. Doomnation Radio caught up with frontman Misha to talk about the meaning behind the band’s name, the evolution from Telestai to The Broken Sacrament, and what makes the Polish doom scene such a vibrant, diverse force. There’s talk of ghostly ponds, dream festivals in forest graveyards, and a whole lot of doom – the kind that still carries a flicker of hope beneath the gloom…

* Answers by Misha (vocals, guitars, synthesizers).

CineDoom: The Lingering Terror of Hour of the Wolf (Vargtimmen, 1968)

Ingmar Bergman’s Hour of the Wolf (Vargtimmen, 1968) is a chaotic descent into paranoia and existential horror, a film that erases the boundaries between reality and nightmare. Starring the brilliant Max von Sydow as Johan Borg and Liv Ullmann as his devoted wife Alma, the film follows a tormented artist retreating to an isolated island in search of solitude. But solitude soon turns to suffocation as Johan becomes haunted by disturbing visions and strange, elusive figures who may or may not be real. As Alma watches helplessly, Johan spirals further into madness, confronting demons – both personal and possibly supernatural – that threaten to consume him entirely.

Doom Library: Thomas Ligotti – The Conspiracy Against the Human Race

Thomas Ligotti’s The Conspiracy Against the Human Race is a troubling unraveling of the self, a meticulous dissection of consciousness as a terminal affliction. Ligotti makes a grim but compelling case: consciousness is an evolutionary error, a cruel joke played upon humanity, trapping us in a perpetual cycle of suffering and self-awareness.

Doom Cinema: The Elephant Man (1980)

The Elephant Man is a bleak exploration of suffering, dignity, and society’s unforgiving treatment of those who do not conform. As a tribute to the late David Lynch, this review revisits one of his most emotionally devastating works, a film that rejects sentimentality in favor of an unflinching look at human nature. With stark black-and-white cinematography, an oppressive industrial soundscape, and a powerful portrayal of disability, The Elephant Man is a biographical drama that mediates on how we define humanity and whether true acceptance is ever possible….

🛑 Note: This review may contain spoilers.

Q&A: Faustian Slip

Faustian Slip is the doom metal project of Jason Sullivan, a solo artist from Florida whose music blends classic doom influences with personal convictions, creating a sound that captures the essence of the genre. In this interview, he discusses the origins of Faustian Slip, the creative process behind reworking tracks for his latest EP, and the distinct challenges and freedoms of being a solo musician. With steadfast dedication to his craft and a focused vision for the future, Jason reveals what’s next for Faustian Slip and the music that defines his path.

Doom Cinema: The Wicker Man (1973)

A chilling blend of folk horror and psychological drama, The Wicker Man is a tale that explores the clash between ancient pagan traditions and rigid Christian beliefs, all set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of the Scottish Isles.

Q&A: Void Sinker

Void Sinker, the one-man project of Italian musician Guglielmo Allegro, crafts instrumental doom and drone metal that explores themes of isolation and transformation, weaving through evocative soundscapes that defy boundaries. In this interview, he offers a fascinating insight into the recording process from a solo artist’s perspective, focusing on his latest 2024 album, Stuck, while discussing the evolution of Void Sinker. He also shares his thoughts on the current Italian doom, sludge, and drone metal scene, reflecting on its vibrancy and influence, and the challenges and rewards of being an independent artist.

24 of ’24: A Year in Doom

As the heavy clouds of 2024 roll to a close, Doomnation Radio proudly presents the Top 24 Albums of the Year. From soul-crushing riffs to melancholic melodies, these albums capture the essence of doom for us, weaving through doom-death, gothic, stoner, sludge, epic, atmospheric doom, and – not surprisingly, mind you – so much more. Come join Doomnation Radio in its humble reflection on the most incredible music that shaped our sonic journey this year.

Q&A: Ze Stoner

Stoner rock thrives on heavy riffs, hypnotic rhythms, and a touch of spiritual exploration – and Ze Stoner delivers all this with their unique twist. Formed in Israel, the duo draws clear inspiration from genre legends like OM and Sleep, channeling their influence into a blend of meditative psychedelia and inspiring heaviness. In this Q&A, Alexander and Dor share their journey, from their first impromptu performance in the woods to crafting their didgeridoo-laden, desert-inspired soundscapes. Dive into their story to discover the heart of their music and their vision for stoner rock’s future in Israel and beyond.

In Pictures: De Mortem et Diabolum X, 6-7.12.2024

Last week, I had the absolute pleasure of attending the De Mortem et Diabolum X festival in Berlin, an event that has become a December staple for extreme metal enthusiasts. Berlin’s ORWOhaus provided, yet again, the perfect venue, with its intimate yet commanding atmosphere setting the stage for some truly great performances.