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D E L T A

Following the release of their outstanding sophomore 'Black n Cold', Chile's Delta warranted further investigation into what could be the next supergroup outta South America - Shan Siva spoke to keyboard virtuoso and founder Nicolás Quinteros about his band and the Chilean metal scene.

Hi there Nicolas! Firstly lemme say that ‘Black & Cold’ is an excellent album so well done for making this a success. So, how and when did you form Delta and what is the meaning behind the name?

Hey, thank you very much for your nice words about "Black & Cold"!!

I started with this project when I was... 16 or 17 years old I think. I was playing with my friend Rodrigo (guitar player), trying to create our own music. We used to play in some school concerts and developing our musical skills every time. So we played with a lot of friends and guys from other schools. Suddenly I met Santiago Kegevic, the bass player. He had what we need so we invited him to join us. Time after that, Jorge Sepúlveda (guitar player) joined to the band, but Rodrigo left it, so Benjamin Joined us with his friend Felipe. So with Felipe, Santiago, Benjamin and Jorge, we started the recording sessions for our first album "Apollyon is free". In that time we didn't have a drummer, so we hired a session drummer for the album. Right after that, Andrés Rojas entered to the band and we were completed. And in middle of the production of "Black & Cold", Jorge Sepúlveda left the band.

The meaning behind "Delta" is "variation", "difference", and all that stuff... you know... the mathematical meaning of Delta but applied to Rock. We want to make a difference with our music, so "Delta" is a good name for that goal.

What is the Chilean metal scene like these days - I remember it had a good death metal scene in the early 90s but I don’t know much more so please tell us.

Actually, Death Metal and Thrash Metal are the most popular styles in metal scene here in Chile. Here are a lot of bands playing those styles, and a lot of people like them. Now we have more Power-Metal, and a little bit of Heavy Metal, and less than a little bit of Prog-Metal. And we have a LOT of tribute bands.

Can you tell me what it was like to play metal or even be a musician during the years when General Pinochet was in power? Was there a lotta censorship and did the authorities view metal music as subversive?

During that time, there was only ONE metal music store in all Santiago. So, to expand your music horizons you had to trade LP’s. Believe me, it was the only way to listen more metal bands. There was not much censorship towards metal, but in two occasions, Iron Maiden’s shows were denied in Chile. One was by petition of the Catholic Church and the other one by Pinochet. But, besides that there was no censorship towards metal. It was only towards books and music of communist people, like Victor Jara for instance.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and influences as a keyboard player - what made you play metal instead of say, classical music?

Well, my most important influences are keyboard players like Jon Lord (Deep Purple), Rick Wakeman (Yes), Vitalij Kuprij (Artension), and the guitar player Yngwie Malmsteen. Also, J.S. Bach, L.V. Beethoven, C.P.E. Bach, Paganini and Vivaldi, are very important influences for me. But beyond them, my keyboard teacher and mentor, Jaime Vivanco (R.I.P), is a very strong reason for me to do what I do now.

I play metal because I like the energy that this music has. It helps me to develop my emotions. The sound, the loudness, the wildness etc... I think it's cool! But I need the other side to "bring the balance to the force" hahahaha. The Classical influence helps me to find the colors I need. I think metal it's like a Cataclysm with a bright light, with a lot of power, and the colors you'd find in the sky, if you could appreciate them in the middle of a natural disaster, would be astonishing.

How did you hook up with Benjamin and will he be permanent to Delta?

Hahaha, that's a funny story. Actually we asked Benjamin to join the band twice. The first time we asked him, his answer was "No thanks, I don't like the music and I have another band" jajaja something like that, near to "I hate you" hahaha. A few months later, Benjamín received a call of Jorge asking him to play in Delta. His band broke up one day before we call him for second time, so that time Benjamin gave a try and he is now the one and only guitar player we need and have. And of course, if he wants it, he will be permanent to Delta.

How different is your latest album ‘Black & Cold’ to your debut album and can you tell us a bit about that album.

It's absolutely different. "Apollyon is Free" was recorded with a really brand new band; we didn't know each other very well. It was like "Oh great!! Finally I have a singer!! Come on let's make the recording right now!!" But this time we made it like a band with a lot of rehearsals, time and patience. "Black & Cold" is Delta; "Apollyon is free" was an idea of what Delta would be. That's the big difference.

I haveta say that the production on ‘Black & Cold’ was excellent and given that you produced it, what other amazing skills do you possess Nicolas!?

Well, thanks again for your nice words about the album! ... I guess my other amazing skills are to eat a lot of Pizza and to play Guitar Hero! jajajajaja!!

I know that you’ve opened for both Stratovarius and Symphony X in your home country, so what are your plans to take Delta to the skies!

This year we opened for Vision Divine too!! That was a great show! I think the only plan I have... and we have... is always to make the things the best we can. With a lot of effort and responsibility, like Olaf Thorsen told us: "When the chance appear, you will be able to make it". I hope we have our chance one day.