Riddle of Steel Zine

Issue #4

Self Financed 2007

I read very few print mags anymore so it takes a something unique to catch my eye because to me there are only a handful of worthy mags out there.  Which brings us to Riddle of Steel zine (formerly Gothic and Machines).  A professionally printed, English language zine, that remains underground with its monochrome scheme, Riddle of Steel manages to get some killer interviews with some bands I myself find it a little hard to approach.  Some of the interviews in this issue include; Nifelheim, Endstille, Forgotten Woods, Satanic Warmaster, Bal Sagoth, Alcest, Arckanum, and Trelldom.  The focus is on black metal but the scope of the bands covered is still diverse enough to keep the mag from pigeonholing itself.  One aspect that I think helps separate Riddle of Steel from other zines is Cem's look at historical aspect, this time about the Jihad against the Pagan Turks which provides the reader with a brief look back at the struggle of Anatolians against Islamic invaders throughout the history of Turkey.  I find it refreshing to get a little of the editors cultural heritage interspersed with the normal interviews and reviews.  Riddle of Steel is filled with a love for underground metal and a genuine adherence to the attitude that makes extreme metal a separate and worthy art form.  Support this zine.

For more info check out : http://www.myspace.com/despisethesun 

or email at : riddleofsteel_mag@yahoo.com