Hi, since the recording it is all about planning tour gigs, interviews, preparing new merchandise, all that at the same time, big effort but it has been worthy.
2.You have a new album coming out in June, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
In my twenties i was into some black metal bands with keyboards, in my thirties I hated the keyboards and got into a more fast and raw (yet well executed, not the most part of the raw dumbness), in my forties I am into the extremes, old school sound with dynamic fast aggressive rhythms combined with slow and mid tempo more introspective parts, who knows what it will be like when I reach the fifties…
3.The band has been around since 1998 but so far has only released 2 demos, an ep and 2 full lengths, can you tell us a little bit more about the gaps in between releases?
Normally we record something every four years, we see no need of running to studio more often as everything in the Portuguese scene runs so slowly and strange. Another reason is the in and out of members every time we are preparing a new release, as it involves significant financial and personal investment there is always someone jumping out of the boat, that with the difficulty of gathering members nearby leads to a bit delay and some gaps, even though the core of the band has been the same for a long, long time.
4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?
We dive into occultism themes and also into our roots and History, as you may know Portugal has an “infinite” source of material in that subjects.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Humanart"?
We got a name that hails the most pure and honest form of Human intervention in this world, art, other than that we consider Humanity a plague to this planet and sing mostly about the negative aspects.
6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance"
Our stage performance is honest and intense combining smoke, fire, leather, spikes, bullets and furious head-banging, sometimes with mosh, we don`t care how people want to express and enjoy our show, we respect all the forms of being a part of our communion, just be yourself. We had some great shows like the ones with Moonspell, Ramp, Bal-Sagoth, Inquisition, Psychonaut4, Nocturnal Depression, and many more.
7.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?
Yes, INTO THE DEPTHS TOUR will be happening during 2019/2020 in some selected periods. We may give 3 or 4 shows in a row, go home for some days and get back on the road again for another pack of gigs, it is the best way for us not to miss our jobs and play mostly during weekends when the public is more present at shows.
8.The band has been around for more than 20 years, what is it that motivates you to keep going after 2 decades?
This all about being a die-hard fan of metal, especially black metal, when you have got the passion and the tools you might want to express yourself in your favorite form of art.
9.The new album is coming out on 'Dark Age Works', can you tell us a little bit more about the label?
It is an extension of some fans of dark and extreme music, I have been into and seen a lot of good and bad things while being active in the last 25 years in the underground (playing and putting up some small events) and some friends kept pushing me into this other branch of the music industry. It is a way of spitting on the lobbies and fake greedy individuals that pollute the scene. The structure is being built and we hope to have some good news in the recent future.
10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?
We are finally getting more attention than the usual reviews and interviews, now we are shipping our discography and merchandise to places like USA, Germany, UK, etc… We have been playing only in Portugal and Spain but now we have some booked shows across Europe and hope to extend them to other parts of the world.
11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Keeping our path and getting better in all forms. Don`t expect a drastic turn in Humanart as our tastes and roots will forever go on firm and loyal to what we are, what you see is what you get, old school black metal with inspiration from the 90`s with our unique touch.
12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
We listen mostly to black metal and some old school death and thrash, bands like: Dissection, Gorgoroth, Urgehal, Mayhem, Funeral Mist, Marduk, Mgla, Carpathian Forest, Armagedda, Watain, Dark Funeral, Morbid Angel, Lord Belial, Eternity, Deicide, Infernal War, etc…
13.How would you describe your views on Satanism and Occultism?
It is the hunt for spiritual knowledge apart of the social influence of all religions witch we despise.
14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
We salute Occult Black Metal Zine and all the readers and hope to keep delivering quality black metal into your hearts. Stay strong!
JJ – Founder and Lead Guitar of HUMANART.
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