Dear readers,

Sometimes I wonder if I haven’t turned into John Cusack’s character from the movie “High Fidelity.”

It’s been something to face more and more over the years. Sometimes I explain what it is I do with Maelstrom with people who “like everything” (read: they listen to the radio). They don’t really get my explanation, so to keep from feeling left out, they ask me if I’m “like that guy from that movie.”

Except instead of being a total geek about pop bands that no one could ever be a proper geek about, I’m a geek about bands with illegible logos.

And it’s just going to get worse...

We’ve got another whopper for you. Twelve interviews, 140 album reviews, some shows.

And just like a band, a revolving door of personnel. ~Eternus~ has decided that this will be the last issue that he will contribute his thoughts on black metal. Thanks for participating!

In his place, we’ve found a cool new writer, Nikita. She’s so cool we think we have a crush on her.

Also,

Abhishek Chatterjee’s Picks of the Issue:

1. Fuck...I’m Dead/ Engorged - split
2. Avulsed - Yearning for the Grotesque
3. Carnal Lust - Whore of Violence

As good as we think this issue is, be prepared for what’s going to happen next time.... It'll be earth shattering, we promise.

- Roberto Martinelli (right, with members of Morbosidad)

letters:

From: ogive brutaldeath <grindingsatanic@yahoo.com>
To: Maelstrom Zine <maelstromdescent@rediffmail.com>

Subject: Bloody humongous!

hail to..all at Maelstrom,

here ogive from Indonesia, I have read all your zine on website great review for album..I satisfied for it....but would you send me Free magazine for sample.i'm just a One Man Brutal Lover...I have group but dont release the album...

ok thanks for attention...

OGIVE Dishomofilia
JL.TLOGOMAS GG.VIII - RT.V/V-#22
MALANG - 65144
EAST JAVA - INDONESIA

Dear Ogive,

Thanks for your letter. Really.

- Roberto Martinelli