Riddle of Steel Zine

Issue #5

Self Financed 2008

Another year and another issue of the unholy metal tome known as Riddle of Steel creeps from out of the dark recesses a pagan wasteland in all its pro-printed and monochrome ugliness.  This issue features some excellent interviews with Rob Darken of Graveland, Svartsyn, Negura Bunget, and of course Primordial.  I think though I was most pleased by the interview with controversial artists, Arghoslent.  They are not ones to shy away from telling it like they see it.  An in Depth interview with Deicide's Steve Asheim illustrates why these guys are still reigning near the top of the American Death metal scene.  A highlight for me though is how lesser known acts are also given ample room to breath in Riddle of Steel.  Some of these bands are Cryfemal, Nocturnal Graves, Tyrant's Blood, Sodomizer, Satan's Host and one of my recent faves, Slavia.  Tons of reviews are also a main feature of this staff and I think I counted 106 of them in total.  It is interesting to see contrasting views on the same band and I think they could also utilize alternating views from the different members of their own staff towards reviewing the same album.  One thing I would like to see is another essay on unknown cultural and historical events like they did in the previous issue, tackling the little known aspects of Turkish paganism and its influence on modern Turkey.  Riddle of Steel, despite its glossy cover is still one of the underground's best and most cult worthy print zines.  Respect is well deserved. 

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