172 pages; A4
colour; black/white cover
Interviews and reviews
October 2026
Following the solid foundation laid by its maiden issue, issue #2 of The Metal Grimoire is now available, within a very short timeframe. For those not aware, The Metal Grimoire zine is commendably run and led by editor Sascha Hennenberger from Baden-Württemberg, Germany. While the debut issue assuredly captivated readers with its definitive regional focus on the Hellenic Black Metal movements and other alluring features with some striking bands, this second issue further expands into an even more massive 172-page effort that solidifies this zine as a far-reaching work to read and follow in the current era of underground journalism. Staying faithful to the ethos and uncompromising style established in issue #1, issue #2 remains free to get, entirely devoid of advertising, and without any blatant promotion. With this pure underground idealism, editor Sascha continues to reject personal profit entirely, keeping up with his aspiration of convincing readers to read, share, and stay bonded-by-blood committed to the spirit. This is no doubt an exceptionally wise and inspiring mindset in an era dominated by fleeting digital algorithms and disposable clickbait. Such strict adherence to zero commercialism and devotion to reinforcing the essence of upholding community beyond uncompromising music is assuredly a hostile and magnificent act of defiance against all odds.
Opening this issue with that alluring cover artwork, like its predecessor, issue #2’s inner words speak again about its preferred style of crafting deep-dive conversations, which is unquestionably intriguing to read and can hook you for many re-reads. In this issue, all the featured bands will lead a curious reader into the philosophy, psychology, and harsh realities of the Extreme Metal underground. Despair shares their thoughts while celebrating their jaw-dropping, career-spanning 40th anniversary, and Waldemar Sorychta recounts the utterly bizarre but true story of how the band was literally formed inside a German hospital room after a street scuffle involving a broken bottle! Then there is the noteworthy feature interview with mighty Master, where forever warrior-turned-veteran Paul Speckmann delivers words that can be taken as a masterclass in survival, detailing his ways of maintaining decades of relentless independence, their Combat Records frustrations, and his permanent move to Europe. Further features with Revel in Flesh and Endseeker offer a fascinating emotional spectrum: from frontman Ralf Hauber’s fierce relaunch of Revel in Flesh with a new lineup, to a poignant farewell interview with Hamburg’s Endseeker as they intentionally call it a career at their peak, complete with reflections on their unexpected David Hasselhoff cover. Also, from the German Black Metal act Nocturnis feature, one can read how they combine atmospheric intensity with historically informed concept albums, an exploration of human tribulation, and their latest concept album ‘Drangsal’, where European witch trials and three centuries of fear, faith, and persecution are told through cold Black Metal. Beyond these major features, issue #2 leaves no stone unturned in guiding the reader through a meticulously organized landscape of diverse subgenres, as seen in the explorative discussions on atmospheric and Black/Folk Metal entities like Wandar, Duir, and As the Sun Falls. Besides, traditional Heavy Metal and Speed/Thrash Metal tributes, like France’s Iron Slaught, will surely put a smirk on many curious readers’ faces. Then, obviously, a very comprehensive and highly interesting review section appears that acts as a merciless gatekeeper against overproduced modern garbage (keeping the tradition alive from ’80s and ’90s era zines), and with all the expert and heartfelt opinions, thirsty onlookers and readers will find some genuine subterranean gold.
Regarding the visual and inner layout design of this issue, the evocative cover art should entice any reader right from the start, as it gives off an inquisitive feeling of looking at an ancient druid approaching through a perilous path. This sets the atmosphere for the inner illustrations in issue #2, alongside its ragged Extreme Metal logotypes that bleed into the margins and headers. These should keep readers hooked and coming back from time to time to the earlier pages for another look. An obvious element that will grow on readers (especially those who already read issue #1) is that in issue #2, the layout design remains meticulously envisioned to mirror the dark and unyielding atmosphere and ethos of underground Extreme Metal. Deep into the pages, although the border and frame designs are very straightforward, they combinedly set a very satisfying yet immersive reading experience. Across the pages, one can admire its rejection of modern minimalist sterility in favor of high-contrast aesthetics and visuals. Furthermore, atmospheric live shots with some very intriguing band inserts and photos are seamlessly embedded, which visually make the overall reading more enthralling. Maintaining such an authentic and unpolished yet highly professional fanzine should awe-inspire any onlooker.
In the end, with two issues of The Metal Grimoire now surfaced, one can reflect on their fundamental focus and thematic capacity. That being said, whereas issue #1 anchored its core identity around a definitive historical regional movement special along with other intriguing features, issue #2 expands into an even more extensive volume, this time turning its focus toward deep conceptual explorations and historical dives with each featured band. With all this, The Metal Grimoire: Issue #2 (considering it remains a free-to-download-and-read Metal magazine) establishes more solidly that Sascha’s vision remains what it was meant to be: a free Metal magazine by fans, for fans, made with a lot of passion for Death Metal, Black Metal, Thrash Metal, and everything in between. Surely, exposed readers will again wonder where Sascha finds the energy and time to compile such exhaustive work (with a closing page announcement of issue #3 incoming in early 2027!), a massive and beautifully structured monument to the living underground that is dense with history, unflinching honesty, and total devoutness! To find that answer, choose your own way to experience this journey: read it from start to finish while playing some classics, and get enthused by the grimoire.
To get the zine and for more information, visit the The Metal Grimoire’s Facebook page.
