Disaffected Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

Hi! We have just finished our first release party gigs and are now still considering more shows and rehearsing for them. This phase should go on until September/October. By that time Disaffected will be back to composing. 

2. How would you describe your musical sound of the new album and how it differs from the older recording?

Disaffected is normally regarded as a progressive death metal act. This is a label we are quite comfortable with, yet there is still a bit more to our music than “just” progressive death metal. We also include jazzy, tribal and industrial elements. All this was of course already present on the “Vast” album, but in “Rebirth” we took it all a step further. As such, the new record picks up in the same atmosphere as the previous, but it is a lot more complex. It is a record that takes its time to understand.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

“Rebirth” is a concept album. It metaphorically tells the story of the long road the band has travelled since 1997 till 2012: its hardships, its death, its hopes and, finally, its rebirth. Lyrically you are taken on a long journey, from the worst of feelings to the best of them.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

Back in the early nineties it was all about not conceding to mainstream music and culture. There was a certain rebellion about it. Nowadays we still believe we are sort of “non aligned” musically. It is still very hard to catalogue our music, so there is something disaffected about us as a band. 

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

The release party gig in Lisbon was really a blast! We played in an old cinema and made use of the old projection material by means of a VJ. The result was very exquisite. A very strange trip. Everybody loved it! So did we.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?

We have a few other shows booked it Portugal and Spain, but that is about it. We are really very eager to play central and northern Europe. Hopefully it won’t take to long to achieve!

7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your newer music by extreme metal fans?

Almost all reviews from webzines, magazines and radio stations have been fantastic. As for the fans, so far we have received only compliments. Many people were a bit skeptical about a band coming back after 15 years of silence, but after they heard “Rebirth” they really seem to appreciate our effort. Even considering the patience it takes to understand the record everyone has been really generous.

8. Are there any other projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?

Disaffected is the full time line up of all its elements. We have other jobs, but musically we are 100% committed to this band.

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

We trust we have our own formula and our very own particular sound and we are really very pleased with it. As such, we should be taking more steps down that road but always experimenting with different stuff. Our motto has always been and forever shall be: “innovate and complicate or just don’t bother to create”.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Ouch! That is a hard one! There is so much good music out there that it is almost impossible not to make an immense list! A wide range of styles and bands influences us. Anything from “Obscura” to “Dead Can Dance”, from “Atheist” to “My Dying Bride”.

11.Outside of music what are some of your interests?

We are all quite different outside music. Sergio, for example, is a biker and is very much into his own bike club. Gião on the other hand is more of a cinema guy and knows all about movies (porn included! lol). I myself (Octávio) am more of bookworm and devour books by the dozens every year. 

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Yes! Thank-you very much for your time and your interest in Disaffected. It really means a lot to us! Keep up your great work on your publication. Hope your readers find the chance to check our album out. Cheers!