1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?
Hi, Pedro Fontecilla here, guitar player of the band. Nice to greet you and answer the questions.
After the release of the album we have been focused on 2 points, which we consider important for the band in aspects of dissemination and planning.
The first point is to spread, we have been channeling the time to play live strongly in Chile with the aim of spreading our work in the local Underground scene, where we have managed to generate participation in the media and in the metal circuit in Chile. The result has been quite positive so far, and we hope to expand our dissemination spectrum further. On the other hand, we have had strong support from our Les acteurs de l'ombre productions, who have spread our work through networks in Europe and the world, which for us is of high importance since it is a market that is difficult to access for a band from the extreme south. from Southamerica.
The second point is the compositional planning, which basically points to the development and creation of our next album, which we are already working on.
2. Recently you have released your first full length, musically how does it differ from your previous demo, ep and single?
The music of DECEM MALEFICUM conceptually has always gone in search of something new, without losing the essence of the roots of the metal, and in general our lyrics are rather invitations to deep and intimate reflections, where we try that the lyric can be assimilated and interpreted freely by the listener. They could be closer to an "existentialism" in front of the world.
Under this context, all our works are linked and follow this conductive line. Now, there has been clearly a musical evolution since our first work «Nox Decima» Which has a more DOOM-BLACK inclination, the EP «MOTIVATIO INTRINSECA» is more BLACK-DOOM AVANGARDE and LA FIN DE SATAN we could already define it as Black metal avantgarde with progressive dyes, taking as reference the school of the bands of the late 90s.
3.The band was broken up for 9 years, what was the cause of the split and also the decision to reform?
The reason for the separation was not related to musical aspects or personal problems, it was a complicated date due to the professional studies of each of the members, which generated a temporary break so that each of the members could finish their processes. While the initial idea was a break, this was prolonged involuntarily. The decision to reform the band 9 years later was at the request of a national label, which contacted us to propose a reissue of the previous works, which caused us to all meet looking at each other after years and decided to regroup to get the album "LA FIN DE SATAN."
4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored over the years with the music?
In general our lyrics are rather invitations to deep and intimate reflections, where we try that the lyric can be assimilated and interpreted freely by the listener.
The choice of “LA FIN DE SATAN” is because the work of Victor Hugo, which basically raises the issue of duality associated with freedom, which has always been present in our music.
Decem Maleficivm is characterized by aggressive moments complemented by more atmospheric and emotional passages. "LA FIN DE SATAN”" refers to the fact that the human being, without the existence of evil, cannot become aware of himself, of his freedom and the power to create and destroy, which would be a consequence of freedom. Our record is a statement to the double nature of things, day and night, male and female, ying and yang, etc.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name ;Decem Maleficium'?
The band's name is based on the concept of duality and contrasts, this is based on the number ten, which is the first number of our system that is composed of two elements.
The ten is for many doctrines a sacred number, symbol of the perfection of the manifested universe, of the culmination of a journey. It is the first two-digit number, the one that closes the cycle of the first nine returning to the beginning, to one and zero, now united in the ten, to begin a new cycle. For traditional wisdom everything is cyclic maintaining a balance of things ... even Pitagoras call it the "number of perfection."
6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
The art is in charge of Melek Rsh Nvth IX, a dark multidisciplinary artist from Southern Chile, who immediately captured what we wanted to convey on the cover.
The underlying concept was the Liberation within a whole, I admire those who manage to channel their ideas, thoughts, sorrows, joys or rages through art, I think it is one of the few beautiful things we have as a species, and Melek Rsh Nvth IX does it perfectly ...
7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
While all of our live performances have a special value for us, I think it would rescue an Underground event held in Maipu (Santiago- Chile) and another in Osorno-Chile, the audience was incredible. And clearly this 2019 the honors are for the show with Rotting christ, and the release of the album the “LA FIN DE SATAN”.
The performance of DECEM MALEFICIVM is aggressive and of high interaction with the public, achieving a good critique in the visual aspects, without neglecting the musical interpretation, which for a band must be the main thing.
8.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?
We have several plans for this year 2020 and several events already confirmed in Chile, however we are quite careful about the conditions. DECEM MALEFICIVM is a band of 6 people, therefore we need a space that allows us to sit comfortably on stage. We have invested in top quality equipment to deliver a sound that allows it to be fully appreciated, since the compositions have enough details and arrangements, which leads us to not play in all events. We prefer to play little but with the minimum conditions, to play a lot and risk bad times.
We are open to invitations from abroad, and we are evaluating possible tour of Europe ... As soon as we have news we will communicate them to you !!!
9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black, doom and avant garde metal?
In general it has been quite positive, and we have perceived an understanding of the concept and ideas with which “LA FIN DE SATAN” was composed… we understand that Black Metal is clearly structured and with a clear background philosophy, and we as followers of the We always understand that style, and we respect it. But as musicians we believe in our free vision and will continue our path.
10.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?
Daniel (Synthesizers and backing vocal) and David (Guitar) are the only ones that have parallel projects, FAVNA ABISAL and MADKIND respectively.
FAVNA ABISAL is a band focused on a Metal Avant-garde style, and they are currently recording their new EP “Argonautas”. And on the other hand MADKIND, is an experimental Rock-Metal band, who have just released their Debut album "Insomnia". Both bands are planning live presentations for 2020. Where we do not rule out a possible event of these bands together with DECEM MALEFICIVM.
11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
We like the direction that “LA FIN DE SATAN” took in the compositional and I think we are going to follow that path, obviously there will always be news and changes in music, since our concept has always been to feel free in the composition. But there will always be something that will not change ... and that is to maintain the blasphemous essence of Black Metal.
12.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?
Although, we all have a common thread that is Black Metal, each member has other musical aspects that have forged their characteristics as musicians, and I think that strongly enriches the musical spectrum of DECEM MALEFICIVM.
In short, the band's musical tastes move among the most classic Black Metal such as Emperor, Satyricon, Mayhem, Marduk, Arcturus, etc. going through rock of king crimson, genesis, camel, jetheo tull and new Wave 80tero. We also have influences lately from soundtracks like Ben Frost, Thom Yorke, Colin Stetson, and so on. Personally these last weeks I am listening to the new work of 1349 "The infernal Pathway" and Ragnarok "Non Debellicata".
13.How would you describe your views on Satanism?
I consider Satanism as a form of freedom of man, where self-rejoicing is sought, free from the chains of the current dogmas of the world ... if you look at it this way ... we have taken fire from the gods to give it to men, something very Prometheus..
14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
We leave the invitation open to metal fans to listen to "LA FIN DE SATAN", we consider it a work developed sincerely and exploration ... we will have news in the short term about the band, so stay tuned !!!
... We thank you Occult Black Metal Webzine for the interest in the band and we hope to keep in touch. Greetings from the remote lands of Chile!!!
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