1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
Apokathilosis is a sonic weapon aimed to awake humans from the deepest slumber through vibration, erratic chants and a ferocious intent. We aim to deconstruct reality and empower humans to reclaim their birth right of self sovereignty and freedom, in line with nature and cosmic harmony; in which we despise any forms of authority or hierarchy, be it physical or spiritual.
The band was formed in 2013 in Dublin, Ireland with two members: Felipe Roquini (based in Dublin) and Marttjn Rvbjn (based in São Paulo, Brazil). “Where Angels Fear to Tread” is our first opus composed by six songs, released independently in October 2015.
2.In October you had released your first full length, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?
“Where Angels Fear to Tread” is a black metal album deeply rooted in the 90s’ magical era; where rage, beauty and innocence coexisted side by side. The album compiles a list majestic tunes made to incite even the most dormant of souls. The guitar melodies explore a mix of knife edged tremolo riffs and downtrodden melodic processions, followed by heavy bass lines and hypnotic snare driven drum blasts. The lacerated vocals bring a layer of unsettling angst on the top of the songs, switching occasionally from furious screams to grievous whispers.
No down tuning, no dissonant riffs: just harmony and fury side by side.
3.The band was formed in 2013 but waited 2 years to release any music, can you tell us a little bit more about this time period?
Apokathilosis was born when the title song’s main riff (“Where Angels Fear to Tread”) came to life. From then on wards, songs started to take shape slowly, arrangements falling into place, crowned by the lyrical concept at the end. I decided to record and produce this album entirely on my own which requires a steep learning curve: rehearse and record all instruments, mix and master the songs until I’m satisfied with the results. This of course took time.
But there was never any rush to speed up things, we released when it felt right. Now, with more experience, the path is clearer for any forthcoming work.
4.The lyrics cover Philosophy, Metaphysics and Spirituality, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these topics?
The lyrical concept rose from an unsettling realization that life on planet Earth is a prison, where humans are chained to a set of negative beliefs which in turn create a self perpetuating reality of pain and disorder. Humans give their power away to authority figures instead of realizing their true origins and purpose in life. My interest is twofold: to understand the true origins of the conscious self and empower other beings to do the same.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Apokathilosis'?
Apokathilosis is a Greek word that means ‘denailing’, which depicts the moment that Christ is taken down from the cross. The name came from a 7inch EP from the mighty Rotting Christ and I found it suitable to the concept I’m aiming for.
It represents a specific moment in time where an idol is killed and his followers are left behind the moment of despair when there’s a realization that one can’t be saved.
This moment is special as one can simply look for the next idol or realize that there is no salvation. What I imply, in my art, is that humans have nothing to be saved from. It is a path of empowerment.
6.Currently there are 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?
Apokathilosis remains a studio project at present as we both live in different continents. We won’t discard any chances of playing live in the future if people want to see us perform. We’lljust need to assemble a live line up.
7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
We’re not necessarily chasing labels but looking for more ways to distribute our art. It’s too soon to gauge interest as the CD has just been released independently, and I’m putting some efforts to make sure people know about its existence.
8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?
So far the feedback has been positive, but given the CD is only two months old and none heard of us before it’s too soon to tell.
9.Are any of the band members also involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?
I have a collection of riffs allocated to different projects songs are slowly taking shape and we might hear some news by the end of the year. Marttjn Rvbjn is the founder of Dismal Gale which he formed in 1995 but I’m pretty sure the band is not active at present.
10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
The musical aspects and lyrics have potential to be explored much further than the current CD, so I expect more songs on the same style for any forthcoming work.
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?
I grew up in the tape trading era so I have a deep respect for the pioneers (Bathory, Possessed, Sarcófago, Mystifier, Rotting Christ, Blasphemy, Burzum, Mayhem, Ulver, Morbid Angel, Entombed, Carcass, among many others). I always tend to listen to the older stuff but recent bands like Ascension, Genocide Shrines, Vallenfyre, Dead Congregation and Djevel really caught my ear.
Musically, Rotting Christ’s “Thy Mighty Contract” is a classic and a big influence in how we approach our sound.
12.What are some of your non musical interests?
I have little interests outside music besides my full time job and my family. As Nietzsche said, “Without music, life would be a mistake”.
13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Deny any form of authority. Any beings who call themselves ‘God’ are nothing but impostors.
Human beings are much bigger and more powerful than the vessels they travel in.
Thanks for the support.
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