ADifferentShadeOfBlackMetalZine: Tephros Interview

Monday, June 6, 2016

Tephros Interview

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the solo project?

Tephros is a Venezuelan symphonic black metal band formed in 2007 by Jose M Perez, Deivis Guedez and Luis Manuel Guedez. Currently Tephros is active by the hand of Jose M. Perez (main composer and instrumentist). In "Between Angels & Demons" counted with the collaboration of Deivis Guedez (founder and first singer on the band) in the main voices and some ideas and arrangements.

2.Recently you have released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the demo you had released in 2011?

There's a huge difference between both releases, principally due to the musical growth and maturity acquired. "Abismo" was inclined to a classic black metal with some symphonic elements, but with an already marked melodic presence. The sound of Tephros now is a mix of various genres: you can hear influences from death metal, thrash metal, gothic, even doom metal, all mixed with both classic and modern black metal immersed in a melodic and symphonic ambience. However, the two songs included in the 2011 demo were rewritten and rearranged to be included in this new album.

3.The project has been around since 2007 but so far had only released one demo and one full length, can you tell us a little bit more about the gap in between releases?

After the demo released in 2011, the band suffered many lineup changes until we finally splitted at 2014. Then, in mid-2015, I started to rewrite and rearrange all the material done before, adding new melodies and influences to the mix, which resulted in "Between Angels & Demons".

4.The lyrics on the new album have a concept to them, can you tell us a little bit more about it?

The lyrics are about the history and life of Tephros. There was an extensive research about the character, that allowed to develop the story in 8 important events that defined her life.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Tephros'?

Based in the Solomon's Testament, Tephros is a half angel / half demon, daughter of the archangel Gabriel and a imperial demon called Odasalia. Tephros is represented as a female angel with a black wing and a white wing. For the band, Tephros represents an image of the aptitude of the people to be able to decide and choose, whatever the roots.

6.With this project you record mostly everything by yourself with some other person helping with the vocals, are you open to turning this project into a full time band?

Well, Tephros started as a full band in 2007 and worked about 7 years this way. The idea when I started to rearrange the songs for the new album was just to record and close this long period and see what happens, and I really enjoyed working solo with this album. At the moment, I'm busy with my other bands with recordings and tours, but I don't close the doors to that option.

7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

I'm looking for a label to work in matters of distribution inside and outside Venezuela. I'm starting to contact some and hope to receive feedback soon.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of symphonic black metal?

It's been awesome.! I've received satisfying comments even outside Venezuela, thanks to some friends who live in other countries and have shared the album.

9.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that you are a part of?

I'm in two more bands right now: Dose (Experimental Death Metal) released its first album "Engineered Devotion" last April; and Pedobear (Slamming Gore Grind) released its first album on August 2015, we are still on tour and we have received offers to play outside Venezuela, and recently started the preproduction of new tracks for the next album.

10.Where do you see yourself heading into musically during the future?

As an artist, I'm totally focused right now with my bands and the albums to come. Last December, I started a recording studio at home called dbStudio, where I've already released 4 productions (Including Tephros), and currently there are 3 more productions in progress, so, as a producer, I have a lot of work to do.

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

It's hard to say, I listen to many styles, metal and non-metal, and my influences are a mix of all of them. A lot of influence for Between Angels & Demons comes from bands like Cradle of Filth, Vesania, Behemoth, Summoning, Immortal, Dark Funeral, among many others.

12.What are some of your non musical interests?

Technology and comics. I'm an Engineer and work a lot with technology everyday, and I'm also a fervant comic reader.

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Thanks for listening to the album and take time for the review and the interview. And thanks to everyone for the support and great comments.