BreaKdowN, formed in São Paulo and now based in Germany, discusses their musical evolution, recent EP Divide and Konquer, and the journey behind their enduring metal legacy.
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1.
BreaKdowN has had quite a journey, starting in Sao Paulo, then moving to
Ireland, and now being based in Germany. How have these different locations
influenced your music and the band’s evolution over the years?
Hey that is
a great question, your mind changes quite a lot if you are able to live in
different places, everybody is different and somehow similar, specially when
comes to the metal people, our musical inspiration did not change much in
reality…but lyrically yes, I can say lyrics has a broader approach now.
2. Your
first full-length album, Time to Kill, gained a lot of attention in the global
underground scene. How does your new EP Divide and Konquer compare to your
earlier work in terms of sound and songwriting?
Well, it adds over 15 years of thinking haha,
we like to think we are somehow better and the sound in our minds can flow
easier, but the spirit is the same, yeah, it is just easier to get things out,
the band won’t change…so in sumamry better sound, better song writing.
3. After
years of silence, what inspired you to return with Divide and Konquer? What was
the creative process like after such a long break?
I never
stopped actually, I have been always writing here and there and collecting
ideas and riffs…these started to accumulate, and since life allowed, we decided
to record and release.
4. The
new EP blends influences from death metal, thrash metal, and NWOBHM. How do you
balance these different styles while maintaining BreaKdowN’s signature sound?
To be
honest I don’t think much, we try to let it flow, and work hard on making
something I listen and enjoy, takes time for us and we are happy so far.
5. You
worked with Andy Classen at Stage One Studio for the production of Divide and
Konquer. What was it like collaborating with him, and how did his involvement
shape the final sound of the EP?
Andy is a
guide, a teacher and helped us making decisions, and avoided some non-sense in
the studio, he is a professional, it is like you come with a lot of ideas and
sounds and he put you on track and remove the excesses ….plus he pushes you to
play hard! The recording is so faithful, we were not allowed so use a lot of
distortions and effects, basically simple amps and play hard, it was
incredible, I am looking forward to get back!
6. The
EP was recorded in multiple locations, including drums in Brazil and some
guitar and bass parts with Euge Valovirta. How did this international
collaboration come together, and what challenges did you face during the
recording process?
Yes the
whole thing got help from some people, Our original drummer is in Brazil,
recording with him was a lot easier, he knows what to do once he hears my
riffs, I tried other guys but no success.
Euge is not far from me actually, and he has a nice collection of old amps, we wanted to add an extra spice on the already good sounds we got, so I went there and basically turned some knobs and I brought the sounds to Andy…then we spent a few days on the mixing process to reach the sound that was in my head, all these guys are pros, the collaboration was just great.
7. Can
you tell us about the significance of the title Divide and Konquer? What
message are you trying to convey with this EP?
Divide and
Konquer is self-explanatory, it is about the age we are living right now. It is
about the powers that keep pushing people against people to obtain control..it does not let humanity see the control we leave
in, we can rise, break the walls, the world could be better, it is utopic of course, but this is the message.
8. The
artwork for Divide and Konquer was created by Alcides Burn, and the music video
was produced by Ingo Spörl. How did you collaborate with these artists to
visually represent the music on the EP?
Alcides is
a great artist and the right one for this job, you know typical situation, we
made some drafts on paper, talked about the lyrics and few weeks later the
comes with the entire thing ready, real artist. No comments!
Ingo the
wizard of videos, same thing, send the music the lyrics, one or two ideas and
then he comes with something great, fantastic video, and we almost got censored
on YouTube…that is not the message corporations want to promote….anyways…
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9.
BreaKdowN has been around since 1998. How has the metal scene changed since you
first started, and where do you see it heading in the future?
I believe
you may have the same feeling, some things are exactly the same, you go to a
local show or a larger one, very similar to the past… well we don’t trade tapes
anymore…and all happens on the internet…it is faster! …regarding the music ,
you know every couple of years we got something new…but the underground scene
is pretty much the same and will be in my opinion, the mainstream changes every
couple f years with the genres of preference and so on, but pure metal will be
here forever.
10.
You’ve shared the stage with some major bands over the years. What have been
some of your most memorable live experiences, and are there any upcoming live
performances you’re particularly excited about?
Funny, most
of my good memories and from local pubs and concerts, my great memories comes
from small stages, when you have real people expecting real music then you have
the spark and the gasoline…then it blows!!!
Actually, opening for major bands is cool, open doors and all… but needs
to be done properly …I prefer small gigs and we debate a lot internally about
that.
11. With
Divide and Konquer out now, what are your plans for the rest of 2024 and
beyond? Should we expect a full-length album soon?
We are
writing, and preparing for live concerts , preparing a nice structure and
elarning a bit here and there, I hope you hear about us soon…but yeah new music
coming soon!
12. For
fans who have been with you since the beginning and those just discovering
BreaKdowN, what can they expect from this new chapter of the band?
If you are
with us since the beginning, you are old! Haha, thanks for the support! Oh I
have so many names in my mind….For the newcomers, you are welcome, we are just
normal people that love metal, welcome to the pit. Get in touch!
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