Friday, March 21, 2014

Atentado Interview

 1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

Quite busy right now! We have just released our second album “Antagonist”, been playing live and we are focused now on composing music for a new release later this year.

2.Recently you have put out a new album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical direction you have taken with your new recording and also how does it differ from the release you had put out 3 years ago?

Well the musical direction is more or less the same as the previous record “Paradox”, but we changed two members, drummer and one of the guitarists, between records. The two new guys obviously brought their identity in terms of composing and performance. Also, half of “Paradox” was made of new versions of old Atentado tracks. “Antagonist” took a bit more time to write and I belive it to be a more intense/interesting record. Also, I am happier with the production, we recorded in the same place “Pentagon” with our friend Fernando Matias, but we got it mastered at “Audiosiege” by Brad Boatright and it made a difference!

3.The band was originally formed in 1991 then broke up for 20 years, what was the cause of the split and also the decision to reform?

At the time, the band broke up in the studio when they were going to record for a split Lp with Finish friends “Selfish”, fight between two members over a girl!
Punk Rock love ahahahahahah
20 years after, our bass player Pedro “Pitchi” decided he wanted to reform the band, just to do that recording that never happened, initially he talked with the original singer (Xico) to do it and got two other guys to play, but Xico just wasn´t into it anymore and after a couple of rehearsals left, that´s when Pedro asked me to join in.
We ended up not sticking to the original plan, just to record those old tracks and play one or two shows, and became a “real” band.

4.Can you tell us a little bit more about the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the new release?

My main intention when writing lyrics, no matter what is the subject i am writing about, is to transcend the dualistic mind. We are schizophrenic and infested with dogmas and preconceptions; this is the way of the system to keep us in line. People with low judgment and fragmented minds are good consumers and easy to control. 
We need to relearn to use our instinct, to develop a unifying vision of reality, learning to relate apparently paradoxical information and behavior.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Atentado'?

There isn’t an exact translation to English, but the closest I belive to be “Attack”
It can be used like an “Attack on morals” or “Terrorist attack”. I guess it´s easy to see where inspiration comes from!

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?

Well not sure what were the best shows…but recently we played two shows with great bands we love for many years, Doom and Hellshock.
Our stage performance is not planned or anything, but we love what we do and I guess the best word to describe it would be “intense”.

7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new release?

Yes, we have planned to play quite some shows this year but mainly in Portugal, touring will be impossible, we are five guys between 34 and 41 years old, most of us are married with kids and we all have jobs. On top of this we are from Portugal, so to get to anywhere in Europe there´s a lot of road to make…. Not an easy task to tour for us…but probably we will do a small Spanish tour and maybe play some fest in central Europe.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of punk and crust?

Until now, it has been small feedback, most punks outside Portugal never heard of us, but really good.
“Paradox” was only released on Cd by a Portuguese label from our friend Daniel (Raging Planet) and, for several reasons, was hardly promoted at all…. but, the new record “Antagonist” was released on Cd and vinyl by a cooperation of labels (Raging Planet/ Ruins / Monolith/ Grita o Muere/ Agipunk) Grita o Muere being from Spain and Agipunk from Italy being a “bigger” DIY label will, obviously, help on people around the world to hear our noise!

9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

Well we intend to keep on doing the same we do now, playing Punk/Crust with some Black/Death Metal influences, with a meaningful message, which is what we love to do.

10.What are some bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Well there´s quite a mix here, but to keep things simple I would say Punk/Crust  is our home with some Black/ Death/ Thrash decoration! You know you can´t beat the 80´s classics Discharge/ Motorhead/ Anti-cimex/ Doom/ Bathory/ Celtic Frost/ Kuro/ Venom/ E.N.T.and a shitload of other names in the same league can be cited as influences.
Lately I have been on a Poison Idea overdose, years go by and I just can´t get enough!!! 
But well, good records weren´t just made over 20 years ago and  Martyrdöd “Paranoia” as been spinning quite a lot around here!

11.What are some of your non musical interests?

I give counselling on macrobiotics and run a vegan food company with my wife. I also been practicing Kung-Fu for 17 years and will restart to give classes soon.
I am also in the process of opening a bar/ vegan café/ gig place with some friends, we are remodeling the place now.




12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Develop critical thinking, especially on yourself. The system and all outside influences have their weight but the main thing is always you. Reality isn’t black and white.
Assume more responsibility over your life, be more independent on all aspects of it.
Thanks a lot for this interview and your interest and support!!!
Cheers!!!!!!!!

http://atentado666.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/atentado666



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