Interview with BASTIEL
!!!BLACK/DEATH METAL FROM BRAZIL!!!
We had a conversation with Thanatuz. Enjoy!
Welcome to the FILTHY DOGS OF METAL Webzine.
Tell us a few things about BASTIEL (Members, Starting Year etc).
Bastiel was founded in 2022 by myself and Siffus, initially as a garage band with no defined aesthetic direction, simply driven by the desire to compose music influenced by the First Wave of Black Metal, such as Hellhammer, Bathory, Mefisto, and Celtic Frost. Over time, Leandro Frost, a mutual friend, joined the project and helped us shape its structure. Between 2022 and 2023, we composed tracks like Descendant of Moloch and The First Sin. Still in 2023, Valefar took over on drums, completing the band’s lineup. Recognizing our own potential, we decided to abandon the Black/Thrash style and adopt Death/Black Metal as our primary musical language, also defining occultism and existential esotericism as our central thematic pillars. At the end of 2024, Leandro Frost and Siffus left the project, being replaced by Astaroth. Since then, Bastiel’s lineup has remained composed of myself, Astaroth, and Valefar.
You have recently released your EP ''Descendant of Moloch ''. What is the feedback from your audience as well as from the press?
The return has been discreet, but overall, it has been positive. People who truly understood the concept have highlighted the atmosphere and the sincerity of the compositions. We are still carving out our space, so every piece of feedback carries significant weight for us. The release hasn’t yet reached the specialized press, but it’s something we are actively working toward.
Label or DIY and why?
So far, everything has been done independently. This has given us complete freedom over the project’s identity. However, we are open to partnerships with labels that understand our purpose.
Is there any funny or weird story from the recordings or from your live shows that you would like to share with us?
Due to the rush, Dionysian Shadows was composed during the recording process itself. The result didn’t turn out as we expected, and the final version ended up being different from the one that appears on the EP. Still, we chose to release it as a tribute to that chaotic period.
Do you prefer Vinyl, Tape, CD or Digital Format and why is that?
Although we collect CDs for their accessibility, there’s no doubt that vinyl records are the most admirable works to own.
Your music style is Black/Death Metal. Which are your main influences (Favourite Artists / Bands etc.)
Our influences come mainly from the more profane and chaotic side of Black/Death Metal. Beherit, Archgoat, Mefisto, and Blasphemy are pillars of our sound. Bands that knew how to channel primitivism and blasphemy in an authentic way. In the Brazilian scene, we are heavily influenced by Sarcófago, Mystifier, Grave Desecrator, and In Memorian. Ritualistic elements, rawness, and disdain for melodic conventions are traits we seek to incorporate into our own sonic language.
Which things do you think a band should sacrifice in order to succeed? Have you ever sacrificed anything in your life for a better future for your band?
Success, from our perspective, should be one of the least desired goals. What we seek through this project is to bear witness to the abyss of inexistence that awaits us in the end. That is not something we are willing to sacrifice in the name of success.
Describe your ideal live show as a performance band. Have you already experienced that?
We hadn’t thought about this before, but if we were to imagine an ideal show, it would have a ritualistic atmosphere, with smoke on stage and ancient symbols as part of the decoration. Ceremonial clothing would be essential, as well as creating moments of tension between songs. We’ve experienced something similar at a local gig, with some of these elements, and the audience responded very well.
What attributes do you think that a new Black/Death Metal Band should have in order to gain identity and be unique?
Black/Death Metal was not made to please. On the contrary, its virtue lies precisely in reclaiming what humanity refuses to confront: chaos, blasphemy, lust, instinct, war, madness, primitivism, and the drama of inexistence. Following this principle is essential for any band in the genre.
Do you believe that Digital Platforms help the new Black/Death Metal Bands? Which, do you think, is the ideal way for a band to promote its work?
We believe so, although it's optional. Many still value traditional customs, and despite the easy access provided by digital platforms, those principles deserve to be preserved.
Do you see any differences between the Brazilian Metal Market & the EU Metal Market (Labels, Bands, Fans etc)?
Yes, there are significant differences. The European market is more structured, with greater support from labels, more professionalism, and a public that consistently consumes and supports the scene. In Brazil, despite the dedication of bands and supporters, the support is limited. The scene often survives through its own effort, driven by sheer resilience. This, however, creates a kind of essence that also defines the character of Brazilian bands.
Tell us a few things about the New Underground Metal Scene in Brazil (Bands, Fanzines, Webzines, Metal Clubs etc.)
The underground scene in Brazil endures, even in the face of hardships. New bands continue to emerge with extreme and sincere proposals, keeping the spirit alive. Independent fanzines and webzines play an essential role in spreading the word, as do the small labels and clubs that still organize shows and keep the scene moving. Despite the limitations, what we see is a continuous effort to remain alive, which is very important.
Do you know anything about the Hellenic Metal Scene?
Yes. The Greek scene has always caught our attention due to its strong identity and the occultism surrounding its bands. Groups like Rotting Christ, Varathron, Necromantia, Thou Art Lord, Caedes Cruenta, among others, were fundamental in establishing a unique style within Black Metal. One with ritualistic atmospheres and a distinct approach compared to the Scandinavian school. Greece has built a solid and respectable scene that has managed to preserve its character over time.
What are your future plans?
Our focus now is to consolidate our identity within the style. The current EP served as an experimental stage. A reflection of difficult times and influences we’ve never denied. Tracks like Descendant of Moloch and The First Sin strongly carry the mark of bands like Mefisto, Archgoat, Hellhammer, Beherit, and Sarcófago, and also represent our phase more aligned with Black/Thrash Metal. Bastiel is not seeking fleeting relevance, but rather to build a body of work that translates conflict, introspection, and our vision of dark human existence in an increasingly raw and honest way.
Thank you very much for your time & keep up the good work! The closure is yours.
We thank Filthy Dogs of Metal for the space and for supporting the underground. Your work is essential. It’s what keeps this scene alive. Bastiel exists to manifest what many avoid reclaiming: the desire that contradicts the ego itself, the pleasure and madness sacrificed by morality, by inexistence, and by the hidden weight of the Real. To those who understand this language, we offer our respect. To the rest... indifference.
By Steve the Filthy Dog.
BASTIEL CONTACT:
https://www.instagram.com/bastielofficial/