The following interview was conducted with Daniel Desecrator from Chilean bestial black death menace, Slaughtbbath.
Hails. Can you give us an update on the current status of the band?
Everything has been on hold for us since the beginning of last year due to the virus. We had our last album's release national tour and some other dates in Brazil and the States but all had to be canceled. However, we are working on new stuff and some releases. There's a 4 way split CD coming out soon.
Slaughtbbath have been active since 2002 – how do you stay inspired to write and record material on such a consistent basis?
Me and the guitarist began the band in 2002 but we have been really active recording demos and playing live since 2005 by the time our drummer joined and we got a stable line up. We were very young when we started so having this band is something quite natural for us. We don't have any obligation with it so when there's no more energy or inspiration the band will just cease to exist.
What can you tell us about your last full-length "Alchemical Warfare" and the inspiration behind the title? Are you happy with the final result?
Well the inspiration for the title, as a lot of our music, comes from the mighty Slayer but of course you can find a lot of symbolic meaning of Alchemy and Warfare within the lyrics of most of the tracks. There are always a lot of details that could be improved but for what's done we are satisfied.
Slaughtbbath's music radiates pure destructive fury – what are some of the factors resulting in such an harsh sound?
Being actually angry and furious instead of faking it!
How did you initially come up with the name Slaughtbbath and what does it mean?
It's a combination of the words 'Slaughter' and 'Sabbath'.
Musically, what are some of your biggest influences?
Slayer, Sepultura, Sarcófago, Kreator, Mayhem, Darkthrone, Morbid Angel, etc.
Do you agree with the philosophical sentiment of life being inherently meaningless? What gives you purpose?
Each individual gives existence it's own meaning. Before philosophers we are animals of survival and instinct. Instead of asking yourself what's the purpose ask yourself what keeps you enslaved of not doing what you desire.
What is your stance on progression in black/death – should the genre be pushed forward or do you prefer stagnation as opposed to bands stepping outside the usual confines of what has already been established?
I couldn't care less to be honest, politics, ethics and morals in music and art in general is not my thing. To each his own.
Can you tell us something about your artwork and profession as a tattoo artist? Are there any artists that had an influence on the development of your style?
For sure there's a lot of artists that have influenced me and helped me to develop my technique and style. I can name Doré, Bosch, Goya, Giger, etc. At the moment I'm working with many bands on their artwork, some of them are Druid Lord, Perversion, Profanatica, Nihilo, Qrixkuor, Perdition Temple, Varathron, Ruinous, etc. Regarding tattooing, that's my main job and I have been doing it for many years. It has also given me the chance to visit many countries.
Does sentiments like "the underground is dead" have any relevance to you? What is the true underground in your opinion?
No, and I must say I haven't even heard something like that. Underground just means doing stuff as you want and as you can first and not for the masses in my opinion.
Lastly, what's next for Slaughtbbath and when can we see some new material manifest? Thanks for your time!