Hi! Tell me about Abhorrent. Why did you decide to name the band with such title? What kind of ideas do you explore?
R.I.: Hi. Well, we explored ideas about our vision of the world, society, and the role that humanity has in all of this and started looking for names that would express that ugly image that is reflected in the mirror. You know, metaphorically speaking.
“Katabasis" was released couple months ago. How does that make you feel? Do you feel you have put album into masses without any wishes to change something now?
R.I.: Katabasis is an album that has given us a lot of satisfaction from the moment of songs composition. It is always an achievement to be able to materialize the ideas that arise for our music. Musicians always think that something better could be done. By natural self-criticism. But doing an objective analysis, Katabasis is a tremendous and beautiful album.
Tell me more about "Katabasis"? Album ideas etc...
R.I.: As Greek mythology relates, it is a descent into the underworld, which serves as a reference for situations when life confronts us with very low states. Around the central idea, Katabasis conceptually unites the theme of each of the songs, which somehow reflects a state of decline or descent. Then we focus on cover art, there the most representative icon of western civilization is seen in the foreground, rotten, sinking into a swamp that represents the accumulation of bad decisions of humanity.
Where do you take all inspiration from?
R.I.: Inspiration comes from many sources. Reading books on various topics, documentaries, music, personal reflections, news, political decisions and conversations with friends.
In your opinion, what is the best way to define Abhorrent's sound?
R.I.: Uff, it is not easy to answer that, because you have on the one hand the inevitable influence of the music we listen to and on the other hand the desire to do something new and fresh. To classify, we have always said that our style is Death Thrash metal, with progressive ingredients, a little fusion with other styles and some crazy ideas that come to mind.
Another thing is to say if Abhorrent has its own style and sound, which we certainly have and characterize us, without being able to define it yet.
So, are you on hiatus now, just relaxed and looking for album feedbacks, or did you started to compose new stuff immediately?
R.I.: In our country, things are quite hard with the pandemic and the confinement. We have taken the time to start exploring new ideas and composing for a new album. At the same time, we promote as much as possible Katabasis.
What are your main musical influences? How huge is their influence in your sound?
R.I.: That list is long, but to summarize I will mention the styles, of them the best exponents would be a good reference: Blues, Jazz, Progressive Rock, Metal, some electronic music of the 20th century, Chilean music and folklore. We think Metal and Progressive Rock are the most obvious influences, but if you listen well you can see elements from other styles.
Is there some well-known musician in particular that you would like to use in one of your upcoming albums?
R.I.: We have never considered that possibility, we mean working with a known musician, but if someone out there wants to, we will have no problem. We have always allowed collaborations, in a previous album "HERIDAS", several musicians from other Chilean bands participated in some passages of songs.
What is your personal strategy for making your music heard by a larger audience?
R.I.: For now, spread to the maximum on social networks, participate with some song in compilations. When possible, we will play live again.
Do you have any other hobbies beside music?
R.I.: There is not much time left for hobbies, between work, study, the music of Abhorrent, the family of each member, musical participation in other projects and bands. Hobbies for now nothing.
Are you all supported by your relatives towards your devotion to music?
R.I.: Our families have always supported us and from our partners we also receive the support
How's the metal scene in Chile right now? Is it easy to play gigs, to buy records etc there these days?
R.I.: The scene is now badly affected by the pandemic and the confinement, but before there were concerts constantly. Now the bands are releasing new productions, they are preparing new material and it is seen on social networks that there is a lot of movement.
Thank you for answering my questions, see ya on the road!
R.I.: Thank you very much for the interview, we took advantage of the space to tell everyone that strength is about standing up, preserving freedom and dignity. A hug for everyone and take care of your health, we are all necessary. See you on the road.