Ophiolatry's re-recorded track "Abyss of Alienation" delves into the courage of indigenous tribes facing invaders. In this interview, the band shares insights on their music, visuals, and future plans.
1-The
re-recording of "Abyss of Alienation" from your 2008 album,
Transmutation, carries a powerful narrative about the impact of invaders on an
indigenous tribe practicing Ophiolatry. Can you elaborate on the inspiration
behind this track and the message you aim to convey through its lyrics?
The
inspiration behind this song is the courage that the indigenous peoples had in
putting themselves in front, without lowering their heads that they were
willing to die first before accepting orders from the invaders who cowardly
came only to wreak havoc and loot the indigenous peoples.
The message
we want to convey is the spirit of our ancestors runs through our veins and is
more alive than ever.
2- The
song's video is described as visually impactful, highlighting the plight of
indigenous peoples. How did you approach the visual representation of such a
profound and heavy subject matter?
It is an
idea that we have been thinking about for a long time and apart from that
Ophiolatry has indigenous cultural roots which facilitated the visual
presentation.
3-The
term "Ophiolatry" refers to the worship or attribution of divine
nature to snakes. How did you come up with the band name, and what significance
does it hold for you as musicians?
To explain
the origin of this name, I will have to tell you a story:
“In my
childhood I went through a traumatic experience, I was a witness to the rape of
my sister when we lived near Amazonas, the act did not end due to the
intervention of a neighbor and the rapist was chased by the residents of the
fishing colony where he ended up being caught and There on the banks of the
River Machado he was beheaded and quartered, days later his remains were found
miles away regurgitated next to a skin abandoned by an enormous serpent.
Everyone in the band had empathy for my story and felt the meaning of the snake
to me, an animal that brought the necessary revenge to all the fears in the
world. That's how the name Ophiolatry was born.
4-Your
music is often described as having hypnotic riffs, brutal vocals, and
crushing rhythms reminiscent of bands like Hate Eternal, Nile, and Steve
Tucker-era Morbid Angel. How do these influences shape your sound, and how do
you strive to make it uniquely Ophiolatry?
Everything
is an influence for us, especially the aforementioned bands, which greatly
influenced our formation as a musician. Since the formation of Ophiolatry, each
musician contributed their own style and that, over time, made Ophiolatry a
unique sound.
5-You
mention the Amazon and a warlike indigenous tribe in the narrative of
"Abyss of Alienation." How does the cultural and geographical context
influence your music and lyrics as a band from Brazil?
As for
geography, it is something that has been going on for many years, our drummer
had spent his childhood in the Amazon where many things happened. In the
cultural part, the indigenous peoples are very strong, there are even tribes
that have not yet known any civilization. The lyrics of the music were created
in 2008 in the form of rejection of the manipulations of religions and the
narrative of the video was created especially for the video.
6-Having shared the stage with you in Belgium in 2004 with my band Litham, I have a personal connection to your live performance. How has your approach to live shows evolved over the years, and what can fans expect from an Ophiolatry live experience?
It was an
incredible experience to have been able to share the stage in Belgium
in 2004, Ophiolatry has fond memories of that time.
After a
long break Ophiolatry is coming back with a new lineup, we can't wait to
present the evolution of Ophiolatry to the public.
7-The
narrative of the song touches on the indoctrination of Christian religions
leading to alienation and subservience. How does your music address or reflect
on societal and religious themes, and what role does it play in your artistic
expression?
From the
beginning Ophiolatry positioned itself against all political manipulations and
religions. It is a topic that covers a lot in Brazil where many innocent people
lost their lives due to the atrocities committed by religion.
We make
clear that the blood shed by our ancestors was not in vain.
8-The
re-recorded version of "Abyss of Alienation" features hypnotic riffs,
brutal vocals, and crushing rhythms. How did you approach the process of
re-recording, and what elements did you aim to enhance or bring out differently
in this rendition?
We decided
to re-record it for the presentation of the new members. Where it demonstrates
a new era of Ophiolatry.
We're also
slowing down tempo a bit to appreciate Abyss of Alienation crushing riffs much
more.
9- The
serpent spirits of warriors reincarnated in a multitude of new warriors seeking
revenge is a compelling theme in your narrative. How does this concept tie into
your broader musical and philosophical approach as a band?
All the
roots come together. From the philosophical and musical training of Ophiolatry
the concept is very clear of leaving an impactful message.
10- With
the current state of the world, how do you see your music contributing to or
commenting on the societal and political challenges we face today?
In this
modern world that we live in, the same story repeats itself. Human beings seem
to have never learned anything from the past. And as artists for us it is like
a duty to face and transmit our feelings in the form of art.
11-Being
a death metal band, the genre often explores dark and intense themes. How do
you balance the heaviness of your music with the emotional and artistic
aspects, ensuring a cohesive and engaging listening experience?
We put all
our emotions and energy into the art we make and we let it flow naturally.
12-
Looking ahead, what can fans anticipate from Ophiolatry in terms offuture
releases, collaborations, or any other exciting projects on the horizon?
We have
many releases and surprises that we are planning for this year. One of the
highlights is the launch of the new studio album.
Gradually
we will be releasing more information about the projects and launches for this
year.
(8) Ophiolatry official - YouTube
Ophiolatry (@ophiolatry) • Photos et vidéos Instagram
Post a Comment