ALKATEYA
HEAVY METAL
FROM
PORTUGAL
Band Questions
answer by
JOÃO PINTO
Please introduce yourself and the band members briefly?
My name is João; presently we are 5 wolves: me, vocals, Pedro Mendes,
bass; Pedro Pita, lead guitar; Pedro Mateus, lead guitar and Victor Silver,
drums
What does the band name mean and how do you get it?
It means wolfpack, it was named by a former member, I think inspired by the
tight bond that wolves have
Where and how was the band founded?
Back in 1986, the founder had just left another band and started rearsing
with a former bass player
Have you played in other bands before?
No
Was it hard to find suitable band members who fit musically and humanely
with the band?
Through out these 32 years we are in formatio n º 12, which answers for
itself!
What are the lyrics about and who of you is writing them ?
They’re about all kinds of subjects (past, present world issues, human stuff
in general and some fantasy stuff also); I’m the lyricist.
Which bands inspired you and how would you describe your music to
someone who has never heard a sound from you?
We’re inspired by seminal hard rock bands, such as Free, Mountain, Deep
Purple, Thin Lizzy, Led Zeppellin, Black Sabbath, Triumph, Rush, Bad
Company, Uriah Heep, BOC, Rainbow (early years) etc; and NWBHM
bands, like Priest, Maiden, Manowar, Motorhead, Saxon, Riot, Van Halen,
etc, etc.
We’re a classical oldschool HM band, with a mixture of the 80´s HM sound
and some actual metal touch
Why should people listen to our music?
Because it’s good and has a real fingerprint! We do not imitate anyother
band
Alkateya was active for the first time in the period from 1986 to 1991. Why
was the band put on ice? And why did you try a new start in 2003?
Back in 1990 we had a label proposal that droped down without explanation,
this blurred expectation was devastated.In 2003 a buddy of mine remixed
the old 3 demo tapes and I’ve made a selffunded edition which led to
rejoining the band
Alkateya was again active from 2003 to 2007 and published a compilation
2003 and the debut album Lycantrophy 2007 in order to put the band back
on ice. What were the reasons this time?
A former band disrupted with us and since I wanted no quarrel about
keeping the band’s name, I join with the others to a new project, named
Gargula which always played live Alkateya’s most notorius songs, betwwen
2007 and mid 2013.
In 2013 the band became active again. Do you think that this time it will be
for a longer time?
We just got back the name, since we kept on beeing the only ones to play
Alkateya’s songs through that interregnum
In 2016 you release the split ep last.you will hear five pieces of you and five
cover versions of five songs of you from different portuguischen bands. How
do you come up with this idea? (I think that's awesome I also like the bands
from the splitt. can you immediately put in a good word for me for an
interview lol.)
We released „Hail“ to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the band foundation.
Most glad you like it, that’s a sign of your fine HM taste!!
In 2017, the single Souls on Fire appeared. Why only one song? Do not you
have any more songs right now?
That song „Souls On Fire/Solta o Grito“ was an attempt to collect funds to a
stray pets institution; we manage to join a great pack of relevant portuguese
har’n’heavy musicians to sing and play along – being the most know,
Fernando Ribeiro, Moonsplell’s singer and lyricist. It was a great experience
and the proof that metal guys are always ready to help good causes!
When can we expect a new album?
We are now preparing a new full lenght album
You have been active in the metal scene for a long time as a musician and
fan What has changed your opinion in the last 30 years?
Both digital and specially the internet became a boost for bands to multiply
and spread out. Unfortunately, most of them are just clones to the original
ones!
What was your first concert as a fan? And what memory do you have of it?
Back in the 80’s, Nazareth
Would you like to play live in Europe?
Off course, specially in the countries where the 80’s sound have a true
legion, like Germany, Greece
What were your live highlights and with which bands did you play?
Opening to Judas Priest in Lisbon, 13.04.2006
Have already resulted in friendship ?
Noooo (sadly)!
Who would you like to play live with and why?
Priest again, Maiden and Saxon – Deep Purple, for me , because its my
main influence...
With what do you earn your money except with the music?
I’m a real estate lawyer; we have a PhD chemist investigator, a TV editor, a
software programer and a technical assistant
How important are social media for you as a band?
Should be, but in Portugal it’s very scarce
What would you (her) want to achieve with the band?
At the present stage, maybe a bit more recognition and some good
international gigs will suffise
What do you think about the Portugal metal scene in general?
Very active and with really good bands!
Maybe you can recommend some bands from your area?
Tarantula, Ironsword, Iberia, Midnight Priest, Ravensire, Mindfeeder, Attick
Demons, Heavenhood, Web, Rasgo, just to name a few
PERSONAL QUESTIONS !
Where did you grow up and how was your childhood?
Lisbon
How was your school time you were rather the good student or the break
clown ?
Average student
How did your parents react when you started making metal music? did they
support you and how do you feel about your music today?
They were ok with that.
Would you be successful in making music as a musician?
Rather hard in this country
Are you someone who loves the hustle and bustle of the big city? or rather
looking for peace and relaxation in nature?
When I was 20,30, 40, I really enjoyed the mess of the big cities; now, I’m a
bit tired of people running over and full of stress.
Do you actively practice sports or are you more of a passive spectator?
I’ve being pumping iron for most time than making metal music! I’m a true
Iron Warrior!!
When it comes to your physical well you can cook or let you cook for you ?
Depends
What does your environment tell you about your passion for metal (friends /
family / colleagues) ?
They got use to it!
How do you see the problem with the haters on the internet who have to
announce their mental garbage in anonymity always and everywhere?
Mentaly retarded and frustrated
What do you think about the internet in general? a blessing or a curse?
Both at the same time; like all human tools, it depends how you use it!
What would you personally like to do in your life?
Retire in a worldwide tour!
Which question would you like to have answered and why?
Would come to play in the main stage at the 2019 Wacken Open Air
Festival?
Portugal
Best country to live if your rich
Austria
Beautiful and expensive
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
A main discovery mark
Bacalhau
You can eat it in any you imaginable
Pastéis de bacalhau
One of the 1000 ways to enjoy codfish
Vinho Verde
Good but treacherous
Cristiano Ronaldo
Best soccer player...at the moment (Im more into rugby though...)
Moonspell or Ironsword
Ironsword
Iron Maiden or Judas Priest
Judas Priest
Soccer
Was good 30 years ago...now it’s more of a big business; rugby is still
mostly a straight sport
Movie or Series
Movie
Beer
Belgium above all
Cola
Good with ice and lemon
Your top 10 Album all time faves -
Deep Purple – Made in Japan
Thin Lizzy – Live & Dangerous
Uriah Heep – Live (1973)
Judas Priest – Unleashed in the East
AC/DC – If you want blood...You Got It
Genesis – The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway
Pink Floyd – Dark Side of The Moon
Queen – A Night At The Opera
Triumph – Just a Game
Rainbow - Rising
The closing word is yours?
Discover the poprtuguese underground and keep on support underground
bands!!
© 2019 by Haschi`s Metal Corner