Interviews: Patria

This is a new interview with the Black Metal band Patria from Brazil. Check out the interview and follow the artist on his FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you plan it or came out just like that?

Mantus: Patria is a Latin word that means something like “fatherland”, where we belong to or a place where we feel part of. And the concept behind the name Patria is exactly that, but there’s no relation with our country as a place, it's way more subjective and philosophical, straightly related to Black Metal, as we are part of this scene, this kind of cult and passion. Is where we feel at home, surrounded by darkness, and the way we better express ourselves.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Mantus: Black Metal has something very unique in his sound, especially the Black Metal forged in Scandinavia, where the aesthetic of that anti-market sound production, minimalist and pure evil approach is mixed in a very genuine way. Black Metal in its essence has this power of seduction and it was one of the selling points of the genre that drove me to have a Black Metal band. I really like this theatrical and mysterious atmosphere around this Metal style.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Mantus: Well, I formed Patria when I moved from Rio de Janeiro to the mountains of the extreme south of Brazil, here in a small city where I live now. I didn’t know many people here and I didn’t have any close friends at that time. We came because of my wife, that was born here. I had another Black Metal band called Mysteriis, since 1998, when I was still living in Rio, that we had to stop the activities for some years. Then when I came to the south of Brazil I kindly decided to start a completely new Black Metal project. I started Patria as a one-man project, but after some months I met some good guys in the city, we became friends and I recruited them to the band.

4. Each band member favourite band?

Mantus: Slayer

Tsword: Ancient Rites

Vulkan: Darkthrone

Ristow: Emperor

Abyssius: Enslaved

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Mantus: I’m very inspired by dark and natural landscapes, horror movies, and books… and musically influenced especially by the Scandinavian Black Metal from the 80/the 90s, like Bathory, Mayhem, Darkthrone, Burzum, Satyricon, Dissection, Ulver, Enslaved, Borknagar among many many others.

6. Where was your last gig?

Mantus: I can’t remember well, to be honest, but it was probably here in Brazil. We had to cancel the one that was supposed to be the "last one", in December of 2019, just a few months before the pandemic. We would be the special guest band for Abbath show in Porto Alegre, but since Abbath wasn't doing well with his health and did some crazy shit, they had to cancel the rest of the tour, including the show we would do together. What a shame.

7. Where would you like to act?

Mantus: Norway is basically where Black Metal was forged and in 2015 we had the opportunity to play in Oslo at the infame Inferno Festival. It was an amazing experience. So, we kind of already did it. But of course, we would love to have the chance to play in other countries and festivals, especially touring in Europe and Americas. We already played in Chile with Borknagar and tons of shows in Brazil along with bands like Satyricon and Tsjuder. It was great!

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Mantus: Luckily we already had the chance to play with many bands that we love, but a Tour along with bands like Emperor, Watain, Mayhem among others, wouldn’t be bad at all.

9. Whom not?

Mantus: Rockstar bands in general. I can’t think of a particular name now. I'm grateful for being a person who knows how to separate the artistic work from the individual person, otherwise, I wouldn't listen to music anymore, because there are some good people, I know, but 90% are stupid assholes (lol).

10. Have any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Mantus: Hit the stage is always energetic and intense and we're never 100% ready, I could say. Each experience is different and all shit can happen. We got anxious to have it all under control and do the best show possible. I couldn't say it's a stage fright at all, on contrary. It's something that can feed us. And this feeling probably never goes away. The energy and crowd feedback is incredible. For beginners, my tip is to be prepared, and confident with your gear, your steps, and your movements. A lot of practice is needed too.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Mantus: Thinking on the music style we do with Patria I would say the classics Bathory, Darkthrone, Burzum, Emperor, Satyricon, Dissection, Immortal, Ulver, Borknagar, Marduk, and Venom, Hellhammer, Samael, Ragnarok, Ancient and tons of others.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Mantus: My boots after a show. A guitar pick or setlist paper is acceptable, but my boots or my guitar is a really weird request, right? (lol)

13. What do you think of your fans?

Mantus: They’re the best, sometimes a little crazy yeah, but definitely an important gear that makes the band to move forward. We’re grateful for all your support!

14. What do you think of our site?

Mantus: Pretty cool! Congrats and thanks for posting about us and helping us to spread Patria’s work.

15. Something add?

Mantus: Thanks for the space here and interest in Patria. We’re looking forward to the album's release on July 15th. Stay tuned for the exclusive premiere on July 12th on Black Metal Promotion youtube channel. And please, follow us on our social media which you’ll easily find here: www.patriaofficial.com Cheers, and I hope to see you on the road!