Dear Maelstrom faithful,

Changes are in the air. You've noticed Maelstrom has been slowing down. This particular issue, #72, has been "in the works" for something like six months, with some work here, some there, and a lot of none in-between. Blame the scarcity of labels sending out physical promos anymore, but mostly my shift in priorities. Blame also that I'm starting to get tired of writing about music that isn't very interesting.

Because of that, I think at least a shift is in order. I used to believe that Maelstrom owed something to all the labels, PR people, and bands who sent us material to at least cover it, even if it was not positively. However, it's by seeing sites and publications shift from those that served as barometers to the quality of music to those that focused more on an art and culture perspective. They don't review 100 albums at a time, but rather a handful, but they are really into that handful.

Considering the time and energy I have to putting into running a zine, which I still have some attachment to, I don't believe Maelstrom will be running issues of dozens and dozens of articles. Maybe, but maybe not. We might just run some interesting conversations with artists we think are making something relevant. You all are free to send us your albums (we won't consider downloads for review, sorry. Anyone can download anything from the Internet at any time, for free, and don't have to take any time to write about it), but we feel we are no longer bound to write about every last one of them.

In the meantime, here's issue 72. Ninety reviews. In the spirit of taking a long-ass time to get things out, there's an interview done with Helloween's drummer Dani Löble from 2008 that I had thought was unusable but turned out to not be. Glad about that. Also a cool chat with Vader frontman Peter about his ever changing band and its place in the metal universe. Finally, an interesting philosophical discussion with Fyrnd from new band Fyrnask, whose Bluostar album was recently released on Temple of Torturous.

There will be an issue 73. I've got another couple interviews that need posting. When will the issue be posted? Who knows. But it will be.

be good,

Roberto Martinelli
Maelstrom.nu