Interview: Caveman Cult (2023)

The Florida band Caveman Cult plays barbaric black/death/war metal that will rip you to shreds. This interview was conducted with Alvar Antillón, founder, singer, and bassist.
 
How did you come up with the name Caveman Cult? It’s definitely compatible with the type of music you play. Is it meant to be tongue-in-cheek in any way?
 
Alvar: Our guitarist Harold came up with the name. To my understanding the name is definitely meant to match the nature of the music and the intent behind it. We definitely are set on being different and much rather have our own style. We are never concerned about what other artists in the genre are doing, we rather keep it our own thing.
 
How do you think your last album “Blood and Extinction” holds up compared to your previous recordings? How do you feel about the outcome and response from critics?
 
Alvar: In comparison to our prior efforts the production on Blood and Extinction is definitely the most clear so far, however it still has that raw quality that we need for this kind of music. Musically with this one we definitely wanted it to be the most relentless and cut-throat record so far. There are no slow parts, more guitar solos, and the songs are kept short and stripped down. We are very satisfied with how it came out and the response has definitely assisted us to progress as a band and getting good prospects for more sick shows.

When it comes to your music, does the word “evolution” have any significance? How would you define your sound and influences?
 
Alvar: I think evolution applies to any artist as one would always want to evolve and progress rather than remaining stagnant. We take the concept of evolution to our music in the way of how we can make the songs more stripped down and primal. Rather than making the caveman smarter we want to make him more ignorant, violent, and definitely a thicker forehead. We take influences from the classics of metal, but obviously much more in the vein of the barbaric and bestial. Picking up from the works of Bathory, Sarcofago, Venom, Bestial Warlust, Blasphemy, Repulsion, etc. Hardcore and punk also most definitely influences our approach to just making the filthiest metal possible.
 
What’s on your playlist most of the time? If I’m not mistaken, you are a maniac for old-school black, death, thrash and heavy metal? Do you have any favorite albums of the year so far?
 
Alvar: I mentioned classic bands in the previous question that I regularly listen to however I listen to all kinds of music that isn’t metal all the time. I feel you get a wider perspective as a music fan in general and it does get boring to me just listening to the same thing. Caveman Cult on tour is the same way we definitely dedicate moments to all kinds of music and even bad music on purpose just for the fuck of it. We can range from funk to industrial, to jazz to ignorant rap. We enjoy keeping it fresh. My favorite recent albums so far that remain relevant to the purposes of this interview would be Abysmal Lord "Bestiary of Immortal Hunger" (2022) and Shitstorm "Only in Dade" (2023)
 
 
I’ve noticed some pretty divisive reactions towards Caveman Cult in the past, with some people even sounding envious of the band for some reason. What do you think might be the cause of this?
 
Alvar: Some people don't like us simply because of our name, I speculate because we don't fit their satanic bestial war metal cookie cutter mold. Whether it be that or envy that people dislike us, we couldn't care less. We just do what we do and if people like it or not that’s not what drives us. It’s good to have haters, confirms we are doing something right.

 
Thanks for your time brother! To wrap up this interview, can you tell us about your future plans, projects, etc.? Good luck with the tour and cheers!
 
Alvar: Caveman Cult is working on a third full length album which we are striving to record this year, we will also be performing once again at Destroying Texas Fest in Houston this July coming up. I have a newer project called Ejecutadór in which I perform guitar and vocals. We play a blend of classic styles along the lines of death and thrash metal. We just recently released our first EP "Stalking the Kill" which can be found on YouTube and also physical copies soon through
 
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Album review: Caveman Cult - Blood and Extinction (2021)

 

Caveman Cult - Blood and Extinction

USA

Nuclear War Now!

Chaos reigns supreme on Caveman Cult's latest full-length, entitled "Blood and Extinction", released via Nuclear War Now!

On the band's latest album, we are presented with nine tracks of decidedly violent, bestial black/death informed by bands such as Bestial Warlust, Conqueror and Blasphemy, while also blending hardcore punk elements into their sound.

These cavemen manage to achieve a really abrasive sound, as they belch out a torrent of profoundly savage riffs, eminently harsh vocals, as well as chaotic and cavernous drumming that never lets up – all this combined will leave you with bleeding ears, including their penchant for fast and ripping solos, showing their adoration for this style.

The sound of Caveman Cult can easily be distinguished from other bands in this genre due to their rhythmic percussion and signature tempo changes. They also sound considerably more vitriolic than most bands who attempt this style, including the fact that the songs are rather direct, as they eschew anything remotely filler, which makes this a profoundly savage release reminiscent of a band like Conqueror. Moreover, they even employ Conqueror-esque riffs, which are done so well, and not to mention absolutely crushing and heavy as fuck. The production on this release is quite raw, but not in an unintelligible way. It’s actually perfect for this style and really brings out the best sound possible for the band.

As each track storms in and rages with unholy vengeance, the next track follows with a similar intensity. There's enough variety and depth to the music to warrant repeated listens. Anyone into vicious, bestial black/death, or war metal that's executed with absolute inexorable rage will fucking love this release. Recommended to fans of Abysmal Lord, Invultation, and Deiphago. (HT)