1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
We are a two-man project from Porto. Both of us have a strong connection with the ocean since our childhood, and that is a very affirmative cause to what Benthik Zone came to be. Also we both grew up listening to most types of metal and trance/techno music, and that had also a major role in the foundation of this this project. The project itself aims to transcend those who listen to it, into their deepest fears and demons, where you learn to face them head on.
2.In May you had released an album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?
The album has a strong underwater vibe, and to us, and others who listened to it, we can ascribe the feeling of taking a journey, mostly because we normally don't tend to repeat music segments that often, to give a sense of progression throughout the whole experience. The quality of the recordings it's not the best, and that is so in order to enhance the shivering feeling of one being crushed by the immense pressure of swimming in the ocean's depths.
3.On the album you had written the songs in a variety of many different languages, can you tell us a little bit more about this concept?
The concept came from the analogy of the way surface creatures communicate through sound, movement, smells,... (specifically humans, and their languages), with the way deep fish interact with one another, through the huge variety of bio-luminescence, and electrical impulses. And so, as each song passes, it's as like you're having a life lecture from each shark.
4.Also on the recording you cover the ocean with some demonic and alien concepts, can you tell us a little bit more about the songwriting?
Each song represents a shark, and each shark represents a "demon" derived from the gift of our consciousness, which according to some theories and scientific evidence, was bid to us by a superior alien race as a way to herd the human race. And so, we are trying to help the listener detach itself from those commandments in order to live a life based on free will. It's very similar to the message in early BM bands, against religions of sheep such as Catholicism, in fact we are against the same people behind the mess of this planet, but we go above the religious idea of god, since to us those religions were made by that alien superior race as a way to control the minds of the sheep. Since now they've recurred to other methods of sheep herding such as controlling the economy and politics, by giving a false sense of freedom of choice, we call out to everyone to open their eyes, and to make a change for the better of our planet.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Benthik Zone'?
The name came from the scientific designation given to the deepest parts of our ocean, and it's supposed to mean that we address and cut the problems of our planet and our race, by their deep roots, and not by the leaves in the branches.
6.Currently there is only 2 members in the band, are you planning on expanding the line up in the future or do you chose to remain a duo?
We plan on continuing to be a duo, but wont stop us from maybe inviting some friends to play in a song or a EP. We don't know, only time will tell.
7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
No to both of the questions, we don't plan to make this a huge project, and so we are in charge of every single aspect of it, from the recordings to the distribution.
8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of atmospheric black metal?
The best feedback we had came from a share in the YouTube channel "Atmospheric Black Metal Albums", which was a great help for our disclosure. Some people got impressed by the innovation the project aims to be, in both thematic and sound levels.
9.Are any of the band members also involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?
Bragadast had another project named "Afogado" which is in stand-by for now, and both of us played in a very raw and atmospheric project, named "Druser", which was a great and fulfilling experience.
10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
We hope to always be doing and playing stuff that we like, otherwise there is no point to continue.
11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Yes, such as Burzum, Darkthrone, Summoning, Coldworld, Battle Dagorath, The Ruins of Beverast, Blut Aus Nord... Nowadays we try to listen to every music that doesn't feel empty, which can go from underground hip-hop, psy-trance, deep jazz, trip-pop, indie rock, to the grimmest wonders of black metal.
12.What are some of your non musical interests?
We both like to paint and draw, photograph, read (Tolkien, Nietzsche, Dostoevsky), go on trips away from the main city, and hit the bong near the ocean, or wherever.
13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Don't let yourself be taken down by the problems that appear in your life, take them as challenges, and find the best path for a better enjoyment in sailing the ocean of life, not offending anyone who doesn't deserve it, and always use your comprehension and empathy to understand the problems of others, and help them understand those problems if you think you can, but if you can't don't be upset. You can't change the world, you can only change yourself, and maybe by doing that, others will look upon you and change themselves as well, and eventually changing the world. Be aware of your actions and their consequences. And above all respect mother earth, who gave you the gift of life, and is now being destroyed by the ego and greed of humanity. Still, have hope for the best, live and let live!
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