Sacred Sin Interview

Sacred Sin

When I got Sacred Sin’s previous album “Anguish… I Harvest” I had basically not heard of, and least of all not heard Sacred Sin. Portugal is not the greatest metal nation the World has seen. I challenge you to come up with more than five really big Portuguese metal bands. I know of Moonspell, Sacred Sin and Malevolence. If I really think hard I might come up with one or two more. Not that it matters where Sacred Sin come from. All that matters is if the music is good or not, and good it was on that album. With the new one “Translucid Dream Mirror” Sacred Sin have opted for a rawer, maybe more death metal-ish, sound. I got Jose Costa to answer my questions.
-Anders Ekdahl

To my ears there's been a slight change in the sound on this new album compared to the previous one, would you agree?
- Yes there are slight changes but if you listen carefully you will notice that this album is just as fast and brutal as our old songs. The main difference is that now we could have more time to produce the vocals so I could put on all my ideas, and also we gave more freedom to the keyboards to expand in our music. The overall result sounds much more dark and melodic but it still aggressive and extreme as before.

Having read your lyrics I sense that some are about ancient Egypt. With American Nile basing their lyrics entirely on ancient Egypt and with you having some lyrics on the same subject do you feel that you'll be criticised for writing about Egypt?
- I mention occasionally some deities of Egypt as I also mentioned others from other ancient cults as part of our southern European legacy from the old mythologies. The themes behind this album focus the matters of spiritual equilibrium, the paths of the soul, projections of the astral light and travelling through the different spheres of knowledge. It is all very personal, parts of my visions and thoughts about the world surrounding us and the other dimensions of existence beyond our world.

In addition to lyrics in English you've also got lyrics in German, French, Portuguese and some Latin. Is there something that could not be said with these lyrics in English that had to be done in a different language?
- I see the lyrics as part of the music and both should create the atmosphere of the song. Different words and accents are important to get a certain feeling in the song. That is the reason why I use different languages because sometimes I feel that need. I also don't have any compromise about singing in English. As well as our music, that is diverse because we are not attached to any particular label, the vocals reflect that attitude too on this album. For instance in "La clef des grands misteres" it's mostly in French because the inspiration came from there, with writer Elifas Lévi. In "Zukunft Kenntnis" it was a question of sound, and German language did suit perfectly in that part. But on "Malificent Genii" the part in Spanish came because the lyrics were inspired by a medieval Spanish tale. The Latin used in "Mei lacrimae in tenebrae" and "Transmutations (sphera lunae sepiternum...)" was a question of sound. And finally on "The shadow gate" the end is in Portuguese because it was written like that from the beginning and I though it would be better to keep it like that.

On the "Anguish, I Harvest" album I thought I could hear traces of Nocturnus. Are they the ones who influenced you to use the keyboard?
- Yes, since I listen to "The key" I was convinced that the keyboards could have a important role on this sort of extreme music, giving more atmosphere and depth to the final production of the songs. We use keys on all our albums since our first release in 1992 "The Shades Behind" EP, when only a limited number of bands were using it. It is important to notice that we use the keyboard sounds to fill the music and create a more intense atmosphere. It is always a question of taste and choice between the band when we are recording, if we use it there or not. Usually we use it as there are so many possibilities if you have a big memory bank on your keyboard, that is certain that you can find something at could fill that part or create more atmosphere.

Does it matter if you come from Southern Europe in terms of convincing the record buying public that you deserve attention too?
- I don't think so. The fact that we come from Portugal is important for us as individuals, and we feel very close to our Lusitanian roots. Yet I don't believe anyone would be interested in buying our record just because of that... and it's pointless because all Metal bands here sound like European or American bands. There's nothing different in our Metal scene here, even if some bands use our traditional instruments on some songs. The main difference of being a Metal band from Portugal is that you have to work harder than other European bands to get recognised. Also we have to win the distances that separate us from the European scene, note that we travel more than 2000 KMs almost every time there is a show in Central Europe. That is not for everyone!

When you're about to record can you freely chose where to go or are you limited to only record in Portugal?
- We had absolutely all freedom of choice about everything concerning the production of this album at all levels... it was the first time we decided for ourselves what to do, how and when. As we wanted to have lots of time for producing the album, we decided to record here in Portugal, so we could use all our free time on that. We had made a pre-production in October that went very well and left us very confident about our work. So we decided to do it all here at our studio, the 13th Cave, we had to rent some equipment that we needed, and we also used the Overhead Studio for recording all the drums parts. We had all work under our control and we set our own timings, so it is all our full responsibility for better and for worse. But we are happy with the final result as we think this is the best way to put out our ideas and reveal our music.

Would you have wanted to go abroad for this new album, and if so where?
- No we never intended to go abroad to make this album. I enjoy the work of some producers like Andy La Roque, Dan Swano, Stephane Buriez, Andy Sneap, ... as they are also a great musicians, and that is very important for me when producing an album. On the other hand, we got our own ideas about our music and the way it should sound. I prefer a good studio and engineer on the desk that knows how to record our music than having some stranger saying what I should or not do with my songs.

Can you compare your success in Portugal with the one you've experienced in Europe/The World?
- It's difficult to compare. Here in Portugal we are considered one of the top national bands, but outside we are an underground band amongst hundred others. There's a big difference concerning the shows, as in Portugal we get always good conditions, but outside it's not like that. The other difference is that our albums get always better reviews in foreign countries than here!!

You've changed labels from DreamCatcher to Demolition. From my point of view that's more like moving sideways than it is moving upwards. Why the change?
- Our previous album was licensed for DreamCatcher, and the deal was only for that album. So actually we were free to deal with any label and as we were already in contact with some for the release of the new album it was just a question of finding the one who gave us the best conditions and support. We signed with Demolition Records in November, and started the recordings of the new album right away in order to have it out in the lesser amount of time possible, that was on the 9 of April. Also I know that the people working at Demolition will be doing their best to promote our releases and to spread our music, that was the reason we signed with them.

What is the advantage of having an English label instead of a Portuguese?
- We already passed by 3 different Portuguese labels, some small but devoted, others big and careless. It ended up the same anyway. Got good distribution and promotion in Portugal and only very small outside. So we decided we had to get a foreign label to have better distribution and promotion outside.

At the end of the album there's a cover of Slayer's "Evil Has No Boundaries". Was this recorded for this album only?
- Yes we did it just for this album. It's a great song, from the old days of the mighty SLAYER. I think they are still the best around, and their live show kicks everybody's ass, but those influences that they have been picking now on their latest records I don't like it that much. Our version shows how that song sounds in the Sacred Sin style, we use it as if it was one of our compositions so it has our personal touch on it all the way. We are also making some other versions, for the TARANTULA tribute we did «Freedom Call», for a VENOM tribute we did «The Chanting Of The Priest» and also for a DARK ANGEL tribute we did «The Death Of Innocence».

Why is the song not mentioned in the track list?
- Well... it's a hidden track! A surprise for those who get the album.

With three albums released do you still see yourself as a small band?
- This new album is actually our forth release! I see your question in terms of ambition. We want to grow as musicians of course getting better every time, and it would be great if our musical work would start paying the bills. Anyway, what is important is if the Metal fans enjoy our songs or if they understand our music. That gives a feeling better than any status you can get.

Where do you see Sacred Sin in the future, what do you want to achieve?
- We intend always to keep playing extreme Metal music. That is the objective that got us together in this band in the first place. We are addicted to this music. We love everything about it: making songs, rehearsing, performing, recording, producing... we love it all. Our ambition with the band is doing all this things. Of course we would love to live our life from this music, but we are perfectly aware that it is far too difficult to get that status playing extreme Metal music. Anyway, we are very happy to be able to live for that. We have our jobs to pay the bills, and we got Metal to keep us alive.

When you come from a smaller music country like Portugal do you ever think of relocating to f x USA or England just to get a better chance at making it?
- Yes we considered that possibly a lot of times. Relocating to England or other country closer to the big scene in Central Europe would be great. So far it's just a dream but the future will tell. If we got the chance we will go for sure.


	..........

		Sacred Sin When I got Sacred Sin’s previous album “Anguish… I Harvest” I had basically not heard of, and least of all not heard Sacred Sin. Portugal is not the greatest metal nation the World has seen. I challenge you to come up with more than five really big Portuguese metal bands. I know of Moonspell, Sacred Sin and Malevolence. If I really think hard I might come up with one or two more. Not that it matters where Sacred Sin come from. All that matters is if the music is good or not, and good it was on that album. With the new one “Translucid Dream Mirror” Sacred Sin have opted for a rawer, maybe more death metal-ish, sound. I got Jose Costa to answer my questions. -Anders Ekdahl To my ears there's been a slight change in the sound on this new album compared to the previous one, would you agree? - Yes there are slight changes but if you listen carefully you will notice that this album is just as fast and brutal as our old songs. The main difference is that now we could have more time to produce the vocals so I could put on all my ideas, and also we gave more freedom to the keyboards to expand in our music. The overall result sounds much more dark and melodic but it still aggressive and extreme as before. Having read your lyrics I sense that some are about ancient Egypt. With American Nile basing their lyrics entirely on ancient Egypt and with you having some lyrics on the same subject do you feel that you'll be criticised for writing about Egypt? - I mention occasionally some deities of Egypt as I also mentioned others from other ancient cults as part of our southern European legacy from the old mythologies. The themes behind this album focus the matters of spiritual equilibrium, the paths of the soul, projections of the astral light and travelling through the different spheres of knowledge. It is all very personal, parts of my visions and thoughts about the world surrounding us and the other dimensions of existence beyond our world. In addition to lyrics in English you've also got lyrics in German, French, Portuguese and some Latin. Is there something that could not be said with these lyrics in English that had to be done in a different language? - I see the lyrics as part of the music and both should create the atmosphere of the song. Different words and accents are important to get a certain feeling in the song. That is the reason why I use different languages because sometimes I feel that need. I also don't have any compromise about singing in English. As well as our music, that is diverse because we are not attached to any particular label, the vocals reflect that attitude too on this album. For instance in "La clef des grands misteres" it's mostly in French because the inspiration came from there, with writer Elifas Lévi. In "Zukunft Kenntnis" it was a question of sound, and German language did suit perfectly in that part. But on "Malificent Genii" the part in Spanish came because the lyrics were inspired by a medieval Spanish tale. The Latin used in "Mei lacrimae in tenebrae" and "Transmutations (sphera lunae sepiternum...)" was a question of sound. And finally on "The shadow gate" the end is in Portuguese because it was written like that from the beginning and I though it would be better to keep it like that. On the "Anguish, I Harvest" album I thought I could hear traces of Nocturnus. Are they the ones who influenced you to use the keyboard? - Yes, since I listen to "The key" I was convinced that the keyboards could have a important role on this sort of extreme music, giving more atmosphere and depth to the final production of the songs. We use keys on all our albums since our first release in 1992 "The Shades Behind" EP, when only a limited number of bands were using it. It is important to notice that we use the keyboard sounds to fill the music and create a more intense atmosphere. It is always a question of taste and choice between the band when we are recording, if we use it there or not. Usually we use it as there are so many possibilities if you have a big memory bank on your keyboard, that is certain that you can find something at could fill that part or create more atmosphere. Does it matter if you come from Southern Europe in terms of convincing the record buying public that you deserve attention too? - I don't think so. The fact that we come from Portugal is important for us as individuals, and we feel very close to our Lusitanian roots. Yet I don't believe anyone would be interested in buying our record just because of that... and it's pointless because all Metal bands here sound like European or American bands. There's nothing different in our Metal scene here, even if some bands use our traditional instruments on some songs. The main difference of being a Metal band from Portugal is that you have to work harder than other European bands to get recognised. Also we have to win the distances that separate us from the European scene, note that we travel more than 2000 KMs almost every time there is a show in Central Europe. That is not for everyone! When you're about to record can you freely chose where to go or are you limited to only record in Portugal? - We had absolutely all freedom of choice about everything concerning the production of this album at all levels... it was the first time we decided for ourselves what to do, how and when. As we wanted to have lots of time for producing the album, we decided to record here in Portugal, so we could use all our free time on that. We had made a pre-production in October that went very well and left us very confident about our work. So we decided to do it all here at our studio, the 13th Cave, we had to rent some equipment that we needed, and we also used the Overhead Studio for recording all the drums parts. We had all work under our control and we set our own timings, so it is all our full responsibility for better and for worse. But we are happy with the final result as we think this is the best way to put out our ideas and reveal our music. Would you have wanted to go abroad for this new album, and if so where? - No we never intended to go abroad to make this album. I enjoy the work of some producers like Andy La Roque, Dan Swano, Stephane Buriez, Andy Sneap, ... as they are also a great musicians, and that is very important for me when producing an album. On the other hand, we got our own ideas about our music and the way it should sound. I prefer a good studio and engineer on the desk that knows how to record our music than having some stranger saying what I should or not do with my songs. Can you compare your success in Portugal with the one you've experienced in Europe/The World? - It's difficult to compare. Here in Portugal we are considered one of the top national bands, but outside we are an underground band amongst hundred others. There's a big difference concerning the shows, as in Portugal we get always good conditions, but outside it's not like that. The other difference is that our albums get always better reviews in foreign countries than here!! You've changed labels from DreamCatcher to Demolition. From my point of view that's more like moving sideways than it is moving upwards. Why the change? - Our previous album was licensed for DreamCatcher, and the deal was only for that album. So actually we were free to deal with any label and as we were already in contact with some for the release of the new album it was just a question of finding the one who gave us the best conditions and support. We signed with Demolition Records in November, and started the recordings of the new album right away in order to have it out in the lesser amount of time possible, that was on the 9 of April. Also I know that the people working at Demolition will be doing their best to promote our releases and to spread our music, that was the reason we signed with them. What is the advantage of having an English label instead of a Portuguese? - We already passed by 3 different Portuguese labels, some small but devoted, others big and careless. It ended up the same anyway. Got good distribution and promotion in Portugal and only very small outside. So we decided we had to get a foreign label to have better distribution and promotion outside. At the end of the album there's a cover of Slayer's "Evil Has No Boundaries". Was this recorded for this album only? - Yes we did it just for this album. It's a great song, from the old days of the mighty SLAYER. I think they are still the best around, and their live show kicks everybody's ass, but those influences that they have been picking now on their latest records I don't like it that much. Our version shows how that song sounds in the Sacred Sin style, we use it as if it was one of our compositions so it has our personal touch on it all the way. We are also making some other versions, for the TARANTULA tribute we did «Freedom Call», for a VENOM tribute we did «The Chanting Of The Priest» and also for a DARK ANGEL tribute we did «The Death Of Innocence». Why is the song not mentioned in the track list? - Well... it's a hidden track! A surprise for those who get the album. With three albums released do you still see yourself as a small band? - This new album is actually our forth release! I see your question in terms of ambition. We want to grow as musicians of course getting better every time, and it would be great if our musical work would start paying the bills. Anyway, what is important is if the Metal fans enjoy our songs or if they understand our music. That gives a feeling better than any status you can get. Where do you see Sacred Sin in the future, what do you want to achieve? - We intend always to keep playing extreme Metal music. That is the objective that got us together in this band in the first place. We are addicted to this music. We love everything about it: making songs, rehearsing, performing, recording, producing... we love it all. Our ambition with the band is doing all this things. Of course we would love to live our life from this music, but we are perfectly aware that it is far too difficult to get that status playing extreme Metal music. Anyway, we are very happy to be able to live for that. We have our jobs to pay the bills, and we got Metal to keep us alive. When you come from a smaller music country like Portugal do you ever think of relocating to f x USA or England just to get a better chance at making it? - Yes we considered that possibly a lot of times. Relocating to England or other country closer to the big scene in Central Europe would be great. So far it's just a dream but the future will tell. If we got the chance we will go for sure.