...And what "might have been".
The original idea I had for the entire Vyrmn project itself was to create and record only EP's worth of material at any one time, thus, keeping the ideas fresh and "interesting". At least to me. By the time I had written and recorded the initial two songs for the 'Herald' project, and was at the half-way mark with 2 or 3 others, I decided that this particular collection of new songs ( "Herald", "Falling Blades...", "Millennial Serpents" ) the utter doom worship piece, "Conquered", that was finally completed after years (and I mean YEARS...) of being snippets and riffs only, and the inclusion of an entirely reworked version of one of my oldest songs, "This Abstracted Aeon" was, like it or not, AT LEAST an "Album's Worth" of material, by anyone's standards.
The recording process went very slowly as it was my 1st ever project using both 7 and 5 stringed instruments, as well as a new recording platform, Abelton Live 8, and utilizing the Line 6 Guitar Rig/KB37.
Upon completion and recording of the instrumental tracks, I spent some time considering my options for vocals, and the steps that would be necessary to complete this final part of the project. While the recording of the instrumental pieces were possible to do out of my home studio thanks to the magic of my Sennheiser studio headphones, screaming, barking, and gurgling (pretty much the extent and range of my "Vocal Capabilities" ) while sharing a very thin wall with my already very understanding, if not slightly amused/scared neighbors, was not. As in NOT. Like...NOT AT ALL. So, plans were made, schedules were "re-arranged", and I was to use my good friend and nearly life-long musical compatriot, Jack Aragon's private studio to vomit forth (but in an "artistic" manner, thank you...) and commit my voice and lyrics to the already recorded material. And then...
Nothing. As in nada. I had an almost impossible time with the lyrics, completing only snippets and one song, "Conquered", entirely before my opportunity to use the studio time quickly approached, and was then...gone.
I have been asked on occasion if I would ever re-visit and complete this particular project, and although I do still very, very much like and enjoy the bulk of this material, the answer would now and forever be, quite simply... "No". No one, myself included, can really have any idea what a new Vyrmn project would sound like. I would like to think that in writing and recording the "Herald" material, I have learned many things that will endure no matter what the future project itself my be. I learned so much during the entire "Herald"...process that any future endeavors, either under the Vyrmn banner, or something completely new and different, will no doubt benefit greatly, from the colossal failures and small successes of this particular project.
...And with this being said, I do hope that you will enjoy this material. Such as it is...
Robert Ashley III - Vyrmn
Track Listing - Vyrmn - "Herald"
1. Herald
2. Falling Blades From Poisoned Skies
3. Carrion*
4. Conquered
5. Millennial Serpents
6. This Abstracted Aeon
7. And Thus Defined
*Outro/Lead Guitar/ Rock-N-Roll Freak-out - Kirk J Schneider
Recorded 2009/2010 - Kommand Central - Albuquerque NM by R. Ashley III
All music/concepts RADII as Vyrmn
Monday, February 25, 2013
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Friday, August 13, 2010
Monday, September 21, 2009
Vyrmn [2012] EP Free Download
Vyrmn - [2012] EP - 2008
Tracklist:
01. Time/Space (Per)Version
02. Malignant Gravitational Presence
03. (Machinery Of The) Bleeding Platinum Vortex
04. Extinction Level Event
05. Other Colder Hells
Download Zip
Download .rar
Tracklist:
01. Time/Space (Per)Version
02. Malignant Gravitational Presence
03. (Machinery Of The) Bleeding Platinum Vortex
04. Extinction Level Event
05. Other Colder Hells
Download Zip
Download .rar
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Vyrmn [2012] review from avantgarde-metal.com
It's true that we're reviewing this disc a bit late - 2012 came out in 2008 as the first offering from Vyrmn, mostly a solo project by R. Ashley III. But the EP is a promising glimpse of a sound that will hopefully continue to develop in the studio, a cold space rendition of black metal with plenty of ambient elements, a handful of keyboard sounds and some riffs and chord progressions that lend the songwriting a searching quality, like the songs themselves are actively navigating a seamless mix of some disparate genres.As a solo project, you gain programmed drums, the opportunity for one person's vision in songwriting and sound to develop across several pieces; the downside is that the uniformity can be overbearing. This is hardly a problem with 2012 - the relatively short running time allows 5 songs the chance to expand between black metal passages and areas introducing industrial elements, proggy keyboards and ambient sound. Even the most straightforward of the black metal on this disc is slightly tweaked with some cold production, extended harmonies and warped vocal effects, and it gives each song some memorable moments. In some ways, you can hear traces of later Enslaved, but with that band's warmer psychedelia replaced by an ominous, more aggressive stunt double. Credit is given to Jack Aragon, who apparently provided help with production and ambient layering, and the production here, while not spectacular, maintains a focus on evoking a distance between the sound and the listener throughout the disc. The consistency is nice, and doesn't feel forced as an undercooked "conceptual" gimmick. The namesake of the album comes from the impending apocalypse in 2012 that the Mayan calendar foretold - and suitable to the concept of complete, violent destruction (possibly by giant Jaguars?), the music has a present aggression that propels the music skyward, and beyond.One hopes that Mr. Ashley can continue work on this project, if only to see where else it might go. The songwriting is strong, and the curious elements are well integrated, well mixed - even the drum programming is interesting. I hope to see a full length from Vyrmn that gives Ashley and his collaborator a chance to stretch out. - two of the five songs are over 5 minutes, and they demonstrate a capable desire for going epic. So we're a little late to post this review. Add us to the already positive tally of critics hoping to see more.Adam Matlock
http://avantgarde-metal.com
Reprinted with kind permission from Adam Matlock
http://avantgarde-metal.com
Reprinted with kind permission from Adam Matlock
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Vyrmn - [2012] Review
Vyrmn - "[2012]" Review
From Black Belle Music
http://www.freewebs.com/blackbellemusic/index.htm
Copywrite 2008 BlackMetalJim
Written By Jamie Goforth
___________________________________________
VYRMN-[2012]The one man New Mexico based black metal entity that is Vyrmn (formerly known under the moniker of Descending) could easily teach some of the young upstarts blundering blindly into the scene a few handy lessons on how to craft a memorable song.Where these newcomers fail is in their misguided attempts to come over supremely evil and as infinitely black as they think they can possibly be with only rudimentary knowledge of the genre they are toying with.
Older and wiser and with a far better grasp on the skill of song writing than those who sacrifice substance and depth for speed or a blatant attempt to mimic the rage of the forefather, Vyrmn AKA Robert Ashley III makes for compelling listening with the demo release [2012].Just short of half an hour long and composed of five tracks of diversity this foundational opus has the genre of black metal nestled deep within its core whilst surrounding this with layers of progressive and industrial.Futuristic, apocalyptic and curiously melodic and dissonant at the same time Vyrmns [2012] is a grand vision for a first up demo.
The odyssey begins with 'Time/Space (Per)version' and its assortment of chilly tremolo phrasings and vocal techniques.Thought provoking lyrics are dealt out in a style which though chiefly a prime recognisable black metal cadence often morph into deeper utterances occasionally booming eerily resonantly. And the music is delivered in long loping lines akin to Old Mans Child.Captivating lead breaks skitter over a platform of galloping percussion and some barbed riffs cycle in warped repetitions.
'Malignant Gravitational Presence' introduces some more melodic facets albeit in transitory passages, these gossamer threads of tune slithering among the colder feel of the main body of the track.USBM it may well be but this work seems to share more similarities with material created by Scandinavian and European acts than either of the main black metal styles currently holding court in the North American regions.The vocals here are sinister and sibilant and to me very pleasing for the type of music swirling hypnotically around them.Part way through the tracks mood undergoes a shift which sees a Celtic Frost like swagger come sauntering in, slower than the previous flash of wrath and one that borders on laidback thrash.
Industrial vibes puncture a mechanical spike through some of the other tracks, most prominently during the space age flurry of '(Machinery Of The) Bleeding Platinum Vortex'.Its one of the most melodic of all the songs this one, and subdues the aggressive elements somewhat in favour of mystical programming, weird ambience and cyber metal sounds, occasionally reminiscent of Red Harvest in a pensive state of mind.Again the voice sizzles with a blackened grate and though laden with demonic tones all lyrics are completely understandable and audible which makes a refreshing change from some of the garbled gibberish being passed off as vocals by an array of other talent stunted acts.
'Extinction Level Event' wanders into thrashy type territory, tossing out a handful of excellent riff patterns with squealing whammy bar plunges and tremolo frost battling against harsh vocals and wicked guitar speeds.Slower patches of deeper riffery instil a nice sense of menace and wailing leads struggle to push out and over the claustrophobic fat weight of the tracks motion.
The demos finale is eight and a half minute epic 'Other Colder Hells'.Hosting a variety of tempos it is at first thrash like and emphatic with an onslaught of percussive rattle and glowering vocals, spinning a weave of thin fragments of melody through its structures.These melodic inflections persist during the entire running time of the song, often stamping a stronger authority on the instrumentation when being flung out in long angular lines and at other times being appropriately pulled back to allow the cold raging freeze to flourish and expand.The mid section grinds out in a unhurried marching procession of sound where hellish vocals abound spitting out more of the intelligent and profound lyrics we've become accustomed to hearing from Vyrmn by this stage.
Theres none of the hollow posturing and Satanic imagery heavily relied upon by the grimmer than thou hordes located in these works, these are visions of vast universe sprawls and apocalyptic cyber futures delivered as potently as any hail to dark gods and the like.
More than a simple black metal act churning out raucous offerings just for the sake of it Vyrmn is extreme music for the thinking soul.[2012] is not a flawless creation, it is a debut recording after all but by that same token it is a pretty damn good one.Expanding these concepts and musical abilities into a full length album is something I fervently hope Vyrmn pursues.
Track Listing
1. Time/Space (Per)version
2. Malignant Gravitational Presence
3. (Machinery Of The) Bleeding Platinum Vortex
4. Extinction Level Event
5. Other Colder Hells
Robert Ashley III-All music, lyrics, artwork and concepts
Written By Jamie Goforth©2008 BlackMetalJim
Reprinted with the kind permission of Mr. J. Goforth
From Black Belle Music
http://www.freewebs.com/blackbellemusic/index.htm
Copywrite 2008 BlackMetalJim
Written By Jamie Goforth
___________________________________________
VYRMN-[2012]The one man New Mexico based black metal entity that is Vyrmn (formerly known under the moniker of Descending) could easily teach some of the young upstarts blundering blindly into the scene a few handy lessons on how to craft a memorable song.Where these newcomers fail is in their misguided attempts to come over supremely evil and as infinitely black as they think they can possibly be with only rudimentary knowledge of the genre they are toying with.
Older and wiser and with a far better grasp on the skill of song writing than those who sacrifice substance and depth for speed or a blatant attempt to mimic the rage of the forefather, Vyrmn AKA Robert Ashley III makes for compelling listening with the demo release [2012].Just short of half an hour long and composed of five tracks of diversity this foundational opus has the genre of black metal nestled deep within its core whilst surrounding this with layers of progressive and industrial.Futuristic, apocalyptic and curiously melodic and dissonant at the same time Vyrmns [2012] is a grand vision for a first up demo.
The odyssey begins with 'Time/Space (Per)version' and its assortment of chilly tremolo phrasings and vocal techniques.Thought provoking lyrics are dealt out in a style which though chiefly a prime recognisable black metal cadence often morph into deeper utterances occasionally booming eerily resonantly. And the music is delivered in long loping lines akin to Old Mans Child.Captivating lead breaks skitter over a platform of galloping percussion and some barbed riffs cycle in warped repetitions.
'Malignant Gravitational Presence' introduces some more melodic facets albeit in transitory passages, these gossamer threads of tune slithering among the colder feel of the main body of the track.USBM it may well be but this work seems to share more similarities with material created by Scandinavian and European acts than either of the main black metal styles currently holding court in the North American regions.The vocals here are sinister and sibilant and to me very pleasing for the type of music swirling hypnotically around them.Part way through the tracks mood undergoes a shift which sees a Celtic Frost like swagger come sauntering in, slower than the previous flash of wrath and one that borders on laidback thrash.
Industrial vibes puncture a mechanical spike through some of the other tracks, most prominently during the space age flurry of '(Machinery Of The) Bleeding Platinum Vortex'.Its one of the most melodic of all the songs this one, and subdues the aggressive elements somewhat in favour of mystical programming, weird ambience and cyber metal sounds, occasionally reminiscent of Red Harvest in a pensive state of mind.Again the voice sizzles with a blackened grate and though laden with demonic tones all lyrics are completely understandable and audible which makes a refreshing change from some of the garbled gibberish being passed off as vocals by an array of other talent stunted acts.
'Extinction Level Event' wanders into thrashy type territory, tossing out a handful of excellent riff patterns with squealing whammy bar plunges and tremolo frost battling against harsh vocals and wicked guitar speeds.Slower patches of deeper riffery instil a nice sense of menace and wailing leads struggle to push out and over the claustrophobic fat weight of the tracks motion.
The demos finale is eight and a half minute epic 'Other Colder Hells'.Hosting a variety of tempos it is at first thrash like and emphatic with an onslaught of percussive rattle and glowering vocals, spinning a weave of thin fragments of melody through its structures.These melodic inflections persist during the entire running time of the song, often stamping a stronger authority on the instrumentation when being flung out in long angular lines and at other times being appropriately pulled back to allow the cold raging freeze to flourish and expand.The mid section grinds out in a unhurried marching procession of sound where hellish vocals abound spitting out more of the intelligent and profound lyrics we've become accustomed to hearing from Vyrmn by this stage.
Theres none of the hollow posturing and Satanic imagery heavily relied upon by the grimmer than thou hordes located in these works, these are visions of vast universe sprawls and apocalyptic cyber futures delivered as potently as any hail to dark gods and the like.
More than a simple black metal act churning out raucous offerings just for the sake of it Vyrmn is extreme music for the thinking soul.[2012] is not a flawless creation, it is a debut recording after all but by that same token it is a pretty damn good one.Expanding these concepts and musical abilities into a full length album is something I fervently hope Vyrmn pursues.
Track Listing
1. Time/Space (Per)version
2. Malignant Gravitational Presence
3. (Machinery Of The) Bleeding Platinum Vortex
4. Extinction Level Event
5. Other Colder Hells
Robert Ashley III-All music, lyrics, artwork and concepts
Written By Jamie Goforth©2008 BlackMetalJim
Reprinted with the kind permission of Mr. J. Goforth
Monday, October 20, 2008
Vyrmn - "[2012]" EP complete
[2012] EP is finally finished and streaming from the post below. The 1st official review can be viewed by clicking the link below...
http://www.blackbellereviews.tk/
http://www.blackbellereviews.tk/
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Nearing Completion
The fifth and final track "Other Colder Hells" from the forthcoming Vyrmn "[2012]" EP is now available for streaming. Complete EP details to follow shortly...
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