Interview with JA - 3 August 2003

So what's the future for Decayed now that it became a one-member band? Do you plan on getting new members? Or going on alone? Or using session musicians? Or what? The future only the Gods know and I am not a God, so... I guess that things will move slower now, but I don't see an end soon. I'm used to working alone (with some of my other projects) so it's nothing new for me. I'm looking for musicians, but it isn't easy cause... DECAYED is a band with its own sound and ideals and I need the right people. We'll see what the future holds.

How is the response to your latest CD 'The Beast Has Risen' being? I personally think it's a very strong release, with tracks like 'Open the Gates of Hell'( \m/ )! Are you pleased with the result, distribution and so on? What is your label's opinion on it? I have no idea of the response cause I haven't sold that many and I haven't seen any reviews. The few people who bothered to buy the album and to give their opinion said that it is a good album, one of our best, so I am pleased with these reviews. The result is what I wanted, that's the good thing when recording at home. As for distribution I have no idea, Drakkar is handling that, I was supposed to do it here in Portugal with Hiberica, but... things are not working as I expected. Drakkar were pleased with the album, otherwise I don't think that they would have released it. They are always pleased with the stuff I send (LOL) it sounds like they expect it. Decayed have been releasing a lot of music in the last few years. What's up-and-coming? Any surprises? I don't think that we release that much music, each album takes more or less 2 years to come out. But new projects are a few compilations and a few split CDs. I'm also working on a new single with 2 old songs. No surprises, just the usual Black Fucking Metal, although I'm now working with a female singer in some songs. So what else has been up with Decayed? Any news you might like to share with the readers? In March I went to Germany to record 3 songs with Tormentor (DESASTER) on drums. I also recorded a new song for a portuguese BM compilation, so as you can see I have been busy with the band. Soon I'll start recording the 2 old songs for the single and towards the end of the year I'm thinking of starting to write the new album 'Hexagram (Tales of Old)'.

You've been in the scene for a long time now. What are your views on the current Black Metal scene in Portugal? How do you compare it to the old days here and how have you been viewing its evolution? There are a lot more bands now, but unfortunately the originality is almost gone. Everybody just wants to sound norwegian and evil and all that crap. Looking back, what were the greatest times you had with Decayed? What do you think were the band's greatest moments? Tough answer, there were a few good moments. Probably the tour was great, but... I don't know. I've had some great moments with this band, meeting cool people, playing with some great bands/musicians. The debut album was also a good feeling, it felt that we could actually go somewhere. the first LP was also a good thing, but at that time... maybe it was too late... I don't know, nostalgic shit brings me down... What is the Decayed release you like best? Why? It's not easy cause each release has a special meaning to me, all the albums were recorded and or composed in important periods of my life, so there are several feelings attached to them. Probably 'Nockthurnaal' is one of my faves cause it has some great songs and I have good memories from some of those times. When we were recording that album I felt that it was indeed a good album and I was very proud of it. What has been on your CD-player, turntable, etc. lately? Lots of stuff. Right now I'm listening to BOLT THROWER's fourth album, ANDREW W. K. is the only thing that keeps on being played. Thanks for the interview dude. I wish Decayed to go on killer for a long time!! Thank you for the support towards DECAYED. Stay Metal!

J. A. (DECAYED) and Tormentor (DESASTER)