2021.04.21
I'm just amazed at what some labels are thinking to release advance key tracks of an album or a full album before its physical release, sucking away ALL element of surprise. My best experiences were with bands before the internet, when I knew nothing of a band and hearing an album from start to finish was a real adventure. The least I can hope for is keeping that sense of mystery and surprise alive with Convivial Hermit, which will never go online, you can be certain of it...
And speaking of magazines that are not online, our trusted co-writer Bertrand is about to unleash his first independent printed venture. You can be sure more information will be posted about this in the days ahead!
2021.04.19
Really happy to read about declining birth rates in the United States: Brookings.edu. Let's bring it down to zero!
2021.04.17
My friend Patrick has just released a new album of his band: Melkor - Brandmale, which I recommend to all readers. I've been a big fan of the German metal scene for decades but Melkor stands apart with something different... a certain feeling and touch that's uniquely his. Artwork is also completely great. With so many bands nowadays it's almost funny to think how easy it is to stand apart - by just having the guts to do something of your own.
In other news I am about 80 pages in to the conversion of CH #9 to A4 format. Working slow as fuck, but it's coming along. If any advertiser is reading this let me know if you want me to make any changes, as I am generally including the same structure to the pages as before (with a few exceptions/improvements).
2021.04.09
Version 2.0 of Convivial Hermit #9 for Cult Never Dies, which will be formatted to A4 size, is in progress, slowly but surely. In the meantime, I just received an amazing new package from Jim at Cold Woods Productions . I cannot recommend Tyranny, Rerthro and Starving For Death enough. Support this label!
2021.03.23
Some interesting news to share to you all for today: a collaboration with Cult Never Dies and Convivial Hermit is in the works! Our first (and only?) project will be a special reprint of #9. More info to come!
2021.03.21
The world gallup poll has been released and Finland again is at the top. The most shocking thing of all is that the USA has even made the list! To celebrate I'm playing one of my top Finnish death metal albums, Funebre - Children of the Scorn. All hail the masters!
2021.03.13
Added a few more old drawings to the gallery. I love blastbeats.
2021.02.28
Last day of February and in typical fashion the dreaded warmth is creeping in quick followed by a parade of dirty and loud humans. This is exactly what I'm feeling right now: Springtime Depression.
On the positive end of the spectrum I have a new trade going with New Forces from Manhattan, NYC and I've made some great new discoveries including the demos of Euthanasia (Czechia), and the new Forhist.
2021.02.16
Convivial Hermit #9 is now in stock at Ominous Domain together with copies of issues 7 and 8. Thanks to Chris for his years of support and keeping up the great work with the distro.
2021.02.08
Iron Bonehead in Germany is now carrying some copies of TCH9. If you live in Germany or the EU, please check it out!
2021.02.03
Unearthed a considerably old interview with myself conducted by Thor Joakimsson of Sounds Under The Surface from around 2008 (or thereabouts!). For those interested check it out here: Convivial Hermit Interview, SUTS #5. Print it out, read it, and bask in this unimaginable virility.
2021.02.03
For the sad and pathetic businesses out there, stores and distros, who cannot be bothered to respond to a simple email inquiry, I find this trick always works. In the subject line, write: "Want to make a HUGE order". Observe how suddenly, usually in the span of a few hours to just a full day, these moles get out of their stinking burrows, feeling the smell of profit in the air! You, as a human being or staunch supporter of the underground? No interest, get lost, asshole. As a piece of cash? Let loose the flood gates! We're all at your disposal, kind sir!
2021.01.30
The temperature drops to -7 C tonight in Philadelphia. Over the years, particularly now with the changing climate worldwide, I've begun to adore and respect winter as I never had before: the fresh air, the dark (which is now sadly shortening here in the northern hemisphere), the snow, the silence, the deep sleep, the reduction of annoying biomass outdoors... I love it. And let's admit: what better time is there to quietly absorb a book or magazine (!) than bundled up warmly at home, in a frozen, snowy winter landscape? Simply great...
