Interviews About Albums: Bardos De Amergin - Hinos Alcoólicos (2025)
In this new interview, we sat down with the Portuguese Metal project Bardos De Amergin to ask questions about his album, "Hinos Alcoólicos".
1. What can you say about this new CD?
For this new CD, Hinos Alcoólicos, I’ve created a concept album that revolves around the
chaotic yet poetic tales told by drunken bards. The music blends elements of folk with
heavy metal, capturing the raw energy and unpredictable nature of storytelling under the
influence of alcohol. Each song is essentially an anthem to a different drink, beer, whiskey,
wine, and more, celebrating the intoxicated state and the wild stories that come with it.
I chose this theme because it’s a playful yet profound reflection of the role alcohol has
played in ancient storytelling traditions. In Celtic culture, feasts, celebrations, and rituals
often involved drinking, and it was during these moments that the bards would sing their
tales and recite their poetry, sometimes more incoherently, but always with passion.
Through this theme, I want to express the joyous, carefree, and sometimes rebellious side
of life.
The music reflects both the highs and lows of a night fueled by alcohol, told through the
eyes of these bards, whose tales are both humorous and tragic. It’s a mix of
lightheartedness and darkness, where the melodies capture the essence of tavern songs
yet still embody the heaviness of metal. The album creates an atmosphere that’s both
playful and intense, reflecting how alcohol blurs the boundaries between reality and myth,
and fuels the fire of creativity and storytelling. The lyrics mirror this concept, celebrating
the chaotic beauty of drunken tales and the wild, exaggerated myths spun in those
moments of revelry.
2. What is the meaning of the CD name?
The name Hinos Alcoólicos captures the core of the album's concept. It's about embracing
the wild, unpredictable nature of alcohol, with bards as the storytellers, sharing tales of
revelry, chaos, and mischief. The "hymns" refer to the songs sung in celebration of alcohol,
each one a tribute to drunken tales and the adventures that come with them. It represents
a raw and carefree exploration of intoxication, both as a personal experience and as a
cultural phenomenon in the context of music and storytelling.
3. Which one is the composer of the CD/?
The composer of Hinos Alcoólicos is myself, Melkor. I wrote the music, lyrics, and crafted
the arrangements for the album, shaping its overall vision. The album, much like my other
projects, remains a reflection of my passion for blending heavy, powerful sounds with rich
storytelling. While the core of the album is my creation, I truly value collaboration, which is
why I was fortunate to have Pedro Raimundo as a special guest on keyboards. Pedro, an
extraordinary Portuguese musician, added a unique depth to the music with his impressive
skill and vision.
The project is a journey into celebration, combining epic tales of battles, revelry, and the
connections we forge through these shared experiences. It blends elements of folk, metal,
and atmospheric sounds, evoking both ancient traditions and the timeless nature of
storytelling. It’s a celebration of music as a sacred art — a bridge between worlds — with
roots in the spirit of revelry and ancient tales.
4. If you had to pick one song, which one would you pick?
If I had to pick one, I would probably go with “Hino das Canecas”. The imagery of warriors,
taverns, and mythical creatures, all while celebrating the bond formed over shared drinks,
gives it a great, classic anthem vibe. It's a perfect mix of power and tradition, with a rhythm
that feels like it would resonate well in a live setting too. Plus, the repetitive, chant-like
sections make it easy for the audience to get involved.
5. Is there a special message in this CD? If there is what it is?
Yes, the special message of Hinos Alcoólicos is one of celebration and storytelling. The
album centers around the idea of commemorating battles, victories, and the traditions
passed down through the ages. It uses alcohol as a symbol of camaraderie, reflection, and
the joy of sharing stories of glory and struggles. The music invites listeners to immerse
themselves in epic tales, emphasizing pride, strength, and the bond that forms when
people come together to celebrate their past and their accomplishments. Ultimately, the
album carries a message of embracing life, remembering battles fought, and honoring the
heroes and legacies that define us.
6. Are there some lyrics that you'd love to share?
Yes, I’d love to share the lyrics of Hino das Canecas. I will translate it into English so that
everyone can understand the message behind it. Here’s the translation:
In the crackling fire, warriors warm themselves,
Golden beer, like gold, strengthens them.
In the carved mugs, stories intertwine,
Dragons and wizards, legends that never fade.
Forged iron, swords in hand and sharp steel,
Bards sing verses beneath the silver moonlight.
In wooden mugs, whispered secrets,
Lost memories, battles and marked destinies.
In the dark taverns, raised mugs,
Heroes toast to courage, to battles won.
The metal resonates, thunder in the sky echoing,
Anthems of bravery and faith, swords flying.
Under the starry sky, the bodies burn,
Toasting to life and death, the eternal battle that devastates.
In the carved mugs, ancient runes,
Guarding ancient secrets, immortal guardians.
7. Which inspirations have been important for this album? Like musically or
friends, family, someone you'd love to thank specially?
The sound of Hinos Alcoólicos is shaped by a rich blend of influences, particularly from
bands that merge epic metal with folk traditions. The power and storytelling elements
found in the music of bands like Finntroll, Eluveitie, and Ensiferum were key to shaping the
energy of the album. These groups have a way of mixing heavy metal riffs with catchy folk
melodies, and I wanted to do something similar, but with my own spin on it, focusing not
just on epic tales of battle, but also on the celebratory, almost mythical aspects of life, like
the joy of comradeship and the bond formed over shared stories and drinks.
Additionally, I’ve always been inspired by the music of Gwydion, a Portuguese band that
does an incredible job of blending folk and metal. Their ability to maintain the authenticity
of folk traditions while integrating the heaviness of metal is something I truly admire, and
it’s influenced the way I approach blending genres in Hinos Alcoólicos.
Beyond that, I also draw inspiration from a wider range of genres. Classic rock, doom, and
even more atmospheric sounds have played a part in this album. But what ties everything
together for me is the focus on melody. It’s the melody that carries the emotion and tells
the story. No matter how heavy or light, it’s always about finding the right balance to
connect the listener to the world being painted in the music.
8. Something to add?
For Hinos Alcoólicos, I would say that the album is really a celebration of life, death, and
everything in between. It's an invitation to join the revelry, raise your mug, and dive into the
stories of warriors and mythical creatures. The themes of battle, camaraderie, and joy
were intentionally woven together to create something that resonates with the listener on a
deeper level, it’s not just about the epic conflicts, but also about the triumphs and the
bonds we form through those moments.
A special thanks goes to everyone who’s been part of the journey, whether it’s been
through their support, inspiration, or just sharing a laugh over a drink. And of course, I
can’t forget to mention the fans. Without them, this would all be just music in a vacuum.
So, here's to everyone who's ever raised a glass to life, to the stories we tell, and to the
music that keeps us connected.
This album is for all of you. Cheers!
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