Interviews1-50

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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!!

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