Interview with VETUS SANGUIS - FILTHY DOGS OF METAL

11 Aug

Welcome to the FILTHY DOGS OF METAL Webzine.

Tell us a few things about VETUS SANGUIS (Members, Starting Year etc).
Hey! Thanks for your input! VS started in 2021 as a solo project of my own (Perversus). The demo "Sangue Velho" was released by helldprod in 2022, and in 2025, by Murder Rec. and Helldprod, the first album "Capitulo 1 - Dimensão Horrenda" was released on CD and tape. It has no other members besides Perversus and some demons...

You have recently released your album ''Capítulo I - Dimensão Horrenda''. What is the feedback from your audience as well as from the press?
Yes, it's not that it matters to me, but I've gotten excellent feedback from all over the world, which is great to know it's made it out there! Some were surprised by some differences between the demo and the album, but they stuck with it and liked the work that was done.

The cover artwork has a killer atmosphere! Tell us a few things about it.
Without a doubt! It's perfect for what we intended! It maintains the deep and dangerous atmosphere without using the classic tones (black and white), and above all, the synergy between it and the music couldn't be better. Blaspher and I did a fantastic job with the cover!

And what about the lyrics?
The lyrics are, at their core, a personal representation of one's state of mind and mood, unfiltered. Some may identify with them, others not so much, but each person will certainly have different emotions than mine, and others will have none at all! Which is fine, I never had any concern about who would hear or read the lyrics; they were cruelly crafted without any bullshit.

How did your cooperation with Murder Records & Helldprod Records occur? What do you prefer, Label or DIY and why?
It all started with an exchange of ideas with the brains behind helldprod (Blaspher) during the demo era. We hit it off perfectly, and he showed himself available and very interested in releasing the demo, and so it was. Murder Rec also showed up for the album, interested in participating in the release. I really enjoy and feel comfortable working alone when it comes to songwriting, mixing, and mastering, but for releases, I like labels because it ends up being good for both the band and the label—a win-win.

Is there any funny or weird story from the recordings or from your live shows that you would like to share with us?
No fun shit! Just darkness and weird things happening that shouldn't be shared. Live shows don't exist, and shouldn't exist in the near future.

Do you prefer Vinyl, Tape, CD or Digital Format and why is that?
I prefer vinyl and tape because they’re classic formats and bring a different kind of enjoyment through their ritualistic nature. I also really like CDs — probably the most practical format. I accept digital formats, but I don’t think it makes sense to commercialize digital releases, because who doesn’t enjoy listening while appreciating the lyrics, the photos in the booklet, and the overall layout?

Your music style is Black Metal. Which are your main influences (Favourite Artists / Bands etc.)
I didn’t base myself on any band or even on specific styles. The Discharge cover — a band I really like — was chosen by me because it reflects part of the vibe I was in during the creation of the album. I really enjoy King Diamond / Mercyful Fate, Sacrifice, Arckanum, Abigor among others, but I didn’t base the project on any band — only on what’s screaming inside me, on the demons and the darkness. I know people might pick up on some influences, but personally, I never tried to be like anyone or any specific band.

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?
Well, success can vary from person to person... for me, success is being able to be myself in what I do! I’m not looking for popularity or
recognition — none of this was made to please X or Y. I don’t think I sacrificed anything! I would’ve sacrificed something if I hadn’t done any of this! Well... maybe my liver took a bit of a hit!

Describe your ideal live show as a performance band. Have you already experienced that?
No, this has never been performed live and won’t be anytime soon, at least for now.

What do you think about the rise of AI in music production?
Well, that topic... the problem isn’t AI itself, but rather the mindset of each individual. I think if it’s used as a tool — to explain something about frequencies, EQ, or an effect the artist wants to understand better — that’s fine, it can save some time. But using AI to do the actual work... I’m against that.

What attributes do you think that a new Black Metal Band should have in order to gain identity and be unique?
Clearly, not giving a damn about anything or anyone, and doing exactly what your guts, your void, and your own darkness command! Always stay true to yourself! Don’t follow models, artists, or bands as influences.

Do you believe that Digital Platforms help the new Black Metal Bands? Which, do you think, is the ideal way for a band to promote its work?
I won’t be hypocritical and say that digital platforms don’t help bands — they absolutely do, and they’re a great way to get the work out to a lot of people. However, it all depends on the goals the band has with its audience. If you want your music to reach far, yes, digital platforms are the most effective way. Black metal ends up being part of that world, while also belonging to another... If you want to promote the band, I have no doubt that digital platforms are the best tool.

From your experience in the music industry, what would you tell to a new Black Metal band to avoid or what to do?
To not give a damn about the world and stay true to themselves...

Tell us a few things about the New Underground Metal Scene in Portugal (Bands, Fanzines, Webzines, Metal Clubs etc.)
Empalamento, IRAE, Via Sinistra.... They’re some of the bands I’ve been listening to around here. The Portuguese underground is a bit dormant — most people are chasing popularity and recognition...

What does Black Metal means to you? And give us 10 metal albums that run in your veins.
It is a manifestation of spirit, rebellion, and transcendence.
• Leviathan – The Tenth Sub Level of Suicide
• Samael – Worship Him
• Bathory – Under the Sign of the Black Mark
• King Diamond – Voodoo
• Mercyful fate – Dont Break the Oath
• Arckanum – antikosmos
• Archgoat - The Luciferian Crown
• Nubivagant - The Wheel and the Universe
• Darvaza - ASCENDING INTO PERDITION
• Krolok - FLYING ABOVE ANCIENT RUINS

Do you know anything about the Hellenic Metal Scene?
It’s excellent — I enjoy many bands from the early days like Rotting Christ, Thou Art Lord, Necromantia, Varathron... and also the more recent ones like Yoth Iria, Katavasia, Macabre Omen... they’re equally incredible! I have great respect for the scene and I don’t place it below the Norwegian, French, or Swedish ones. I think it stands out thanks to its mid-tempos, melodic heavy metal riffs, and that unmistakable Mediterranean atmosphere... it’s without a doubt one of the greatest scenes that ever existed — and still exists — in this realm. They never fail!

What are your future plans?
Working on Chapter II of VS — maybe it will come to light in 2026!

Thank you very much for your time & keep up the good work! The closure is yours.
Thank you for the opportunity! Stay dirty and genuine, don’t run from the darkness!

By Steve the Filthy Dog.