1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new ep?
Well currently project Caedeous is focusing on the release of Obscurus Perpetua, which will see the release of several official videos from most of the songs of the albums. But I am also currently composing and recording the successor album of Obscurus Perpetua which will be released somewhere during the first or second trimester of 2023, some several songs already finished in terms of instruments and orchestra. Maybe we might see or not some specific live events of Caedeous on stream events with the live performance of the songs which is currently under planning.
2.In March you have a new EP coming out, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
Well Obscurus Perpetua is much darker and also has a complete approach to its artistic direction in terms of composition, song structure, speed (BPM) and even on instrumental level. I would say the album is more black metal than the previous album was. The production is also very different from the first album Domini Tenebrarum which was made to resemble a garage sound, Obscurus Perpetua production was made to on modern industry standard levels.
3.This is also your first release since 2018, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?
Well in 2018 an era of project Caedeous came to an end. Back then I wanted to follow a typical live format with session musicians and session vocalists for the project which did not work out at all for me so I ended that phase. However, since i was already composing Obscurus Perpetua on Studio 7 and wanted to take a different management and artistic direction to the project, i knew that i needed extra time to be able to fulfill my vision for this album and since my Elementia Saga project (I,II,III and Grimoire of the Darklord) had a major success on streaming platforms and youtube with several nominations and awards, i stopped for a while to let Caedeous project mature like a good wine on a cellar until i had the time to finally pick it up again on my agenda and take it to another level in terms of production, vocalists and also instruments. At 2021 the official recordings took place and Tomas Blanc (DM) was hired for vocals and also Josephine WH to take the soprano role. The result of that work is now visible on Obscurus Perpetua. Currently Caedeous has become my main project and i have no intentions to make a stop to it never again, and it's on full steam ahead with another 2 studio albums already planned and probably much more with a cycle of release of 1.5 years apart, the follow up of Obscurus Perpetua is already underway.
4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer release and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?
All lyrics of the album speak about the corruption of mankind and its society by crimes unpunished, corruption in an eternal struggle between goodness and evil in a cycle of eternal torment as the souls of humans are corrupted by all 7 sins and go to hell to the nine circles to be judged upon. Every song is a chapter and I even go to the biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah where the city was so sinful and corrupted that God himself destroyed it. The album itself starts with a narration of what the story tells on all songs.
In terms of songwriting as a composer I have grown a lot, since the age of 13 that i have been playing instruments and composing stuff and even experimenting on new types of sounds. But it was when i first professionally started working for the musical industry on Hollywood and Atlanta movies soundtracks and trailers that i started to grown into a full fledged composer, that experience in management, musical composition, industry knowledge on how things work, brought me this point in time, Caedeous - Obscurus Perpetua much like Elementia II and In Noir are marks for me as evolution to me as a composer which has grown from a kid to adolescent and into a mature adult in what i do musically with no fears in experimenting new sounds and take it to a whole new level in avantgarde feelings. It's been a long road, and for sure it will be a long road as well ahead since like I usually say, I am always learning and mastering new stuff and getting new insights, knowledge takes no place and I am hungry to know more and be better in what I do.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Caedeous'?
Caedeous name idea came in 2013 on one of those crazy nights of myself in the studio for the project which is a nice conjugation of some Portuguese words turned into a latin like name. In English it would be Fall of God, in Portuguese is Cai (Fall) + Deus (God) which in turn becomes together in a original sounding name alike as Caedeous.
6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new release cover?
The artwork represents the entrance of nine layers of hell to an eternal obscurity to the souls where they will be judged upon, with "EVE" with the crown of the apples that corrupted the original sin to mankind. Most of the album speaks about this kind of obscurity and stories.
7.Has the band done any live shows or are open to the idea?
Not yet. The project itself is fully open to that idea, however since the current lineup is internationally of me (Paulo J. Mendes), Tomas Blanc (DM) and Josephine WH and some other session musicians for live format already contracted which live on different countries such as Portugal, France, Italy, Canada and USA the live format needs to be carefully planned and only done to specific venues such as festivals or other events due to the expenses of logistical etc... it needs to be economically viable that is. Since this project is fully financed and owned by myself with no label attached with an enormous money investment poured into it on paid studio, vocalists, video producers, PR, artwork, marketing campaigns, merchandising etc.. This really needs to be taken into consideration, but yes if the opportunity arises for Caedeous to go to live venues, i am most definitely open to that idea.
8.Currently the band is unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest ?
Yes. In order to Caedeous go further, i am looking for a label that can be my business partner and help me further from what i already can do. Like i said above currently all of Caedeous budget and investment is made solely by me, and if a label wants to pick it up and continue to develop and help project Caedeous with me with a good business offer, yes. Some labels have been in contact in the past, let's see what the future holds. But nevertheless I am determined to continue the investment on my own if needed if no good opportunity appears. The next two albums are already planned and being turned into a reality in the studio.
9.On a worldwide level, how has the reaction been to your newer music by fans of symphonic black and extreme metal?
So far the feedback that i am getting from metalheads has been great, I started promoting it with Symphonic Black Metal Promotion YTD channel and the feedback was very good, in terms of Caedeous YTD channel it has been growing and gaining momentum as well with now being promoted by The Metallist PR Agency. Also the review that you did was amazing, I loved it, thanks for the feedback since it was the first official review from a Webzine or Magazine. You rock \m/
10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Musically I can already give a clear future path, due to the next album already being composed. The next album will be darker and crazier than this one in terms of sound, heavier as well in tone due to the use of 9 string guitars and probably the vocals will be even more potent with Tomas Blanc (DM) again on the helm of work along with Josephine WH. In terms of orchestra it will be more visible, and in speed I am exploring which BPM much in the veins of Fleshgod Apocalypse.
11.What are you currently listening to nowadays?
Listen to a lot of Fleshgod Apocalypse, their sound and production is amazing. I also literally listen all day into Dimmu Borgir, Helioss, Sumo Cyco, Septic Flesh, Cradle of Filth, Emperor, Dark Funeral, Summoning, Therion and Burzum.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Yes, I would love to thank you A Different Shade of Black Metal Zine for having me here and project Caedeous, also for the excellent review. To all the readers of A Different Share of Black Metal Zine, also a big thank you if you are reading this interview and hoping to find you all one day in a live show near you and meet you all. \m/ a big thank you for all the support in my name and Caedoeus to you all \m/
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