Medo - "Matéria Negra" (2011)

[Sanguessuga]

Não ouvi ainda o album, apenas aquele video do YT e até achei giro, mas o logo da banda é daquelas coisas que pronto...mesmo á tuga.

Não curtes uma espinha-dorsal/morcego/whatever?

Nem digas que gostas de metal...

Gostei da voz á portuga

[phbz]

A Portador das tormentas, pelos menos, é porreira. Se o nível do álbum for esse, pode ser um trabalho a ter em conta. A capa/logo... mau de mais.

[Sanguessuga]

Mete medo

[joaonuno2009]

Opening note:
This review appears now rewritten, because the original version had a flaw, which led to a misjudgement of the quality of the performance of the Portuguese band. In the download, provided by the label War productions, the first track was actually supposed to be the last one. This newly written piece deals with the correct version now. My advice to the band remains though: remove this track altogether.

Matéria Negra by the Portuguese band Medo would be their latest instalment of extreme music art and what to expect on it can be experienced in the opener already. After a short weird introduction track the ‘black metal’ is unleashed upon the listener. In some respect the way the album opens is quite ample, because the odd as well as intelligible way in which the words are expressed are somehow representative for the entire record: it is hard to get what the band actually wants.

You Will Never Burn All The Witches, the second track on Matéria Negra tries to lure the listener into the world of occult black metal and would the band concentrate on this aspect, then the whole matter would be much better. Yet, as t666r666v666e as they are, the album has to contain a certain level of artsy pretentiousness. The riffs are nice, the atmosphere is quite good and it is actually a good way to really open this album… guess what happens next … some pointless introduction and the band continues in the same way as before.

What makes everything even worse is ever-appearing homage to the X-Files, even though it is surprising somehow and adds a certain amount of charm to the performance. When it comes to the vocals though – especially the kind of growling –, then Medo are simply unable to leave a lasting impression; bands like Kult Ofenzivy or Unholy Kill are much more able to get this aspect done right. Or take Caro Maledicta and their 2009 Benediction album. These Irish musicians expressed the vocals in such an intense manner that it was actually possible to feel the disgust and the hatred. Medo are light-years away from this.

Aside from this, the music itself is driven by a drum-computer driven, but has actually some nice play with the guitar and motives. In terms of the arrangements and riffs, then Medo attempted to move outside of the black metal realm and towards something broader as well as with more facets. Nevertheless, on in Mistério Da Nau Da Morte this concept is only brought to some sort of full circle, because the shortness of the other tracks – considering the diversions created by the countless samples and stuff – prevent any atmosphere from occurring. From a minimalist Darkthrone worshipping over to ritualistic and slightly noisy music the approaches range, but the emphasis is rather on the former than on the latter. The aspect of minimalist needs to be emphasized. The overall complexity of the tracks is generally rather due to the amount of elements used and not due to the way elements appears at a given time.

Some words on the last track:
A rather pointless – as well as bloodless – recitation of a spiritual text, while an additional voice attempts to mimic an insane person – intelligible uttering, hysterical screaming and the like – and guitars play some loose chords in the background and create some sort of vague texture. How long is this ‘performance’? Nearly eight minutes! The best thing you can do is to skip and ignore it, because it is nothing but a waste of time.

The True Endless’ 1888 release comes to mind while listening to the album Matéria Negra. Both times a rather complex topic has been attempted to be dealt with, but in each instance the band was unable to provide something meaningful. In the case of Medo the album has become such a strain to listen to that it reaches the point in being impossible. What do they want to prove? Who do they think that the target audience is? According to the Metal Archives profile they do not consider playing live, but it should surprise if they should, because how do you want to keep up the atmosphere on stage with these constant pointless interruptions? It is a strain to listen to the music on disk already. Matéria Negra is a release that went horribly wrong. Arts of arts sake! Pretentiousness for its own pretentiousness! A hundred-fifty year old granny might be scared by this output … while the rest is rather bored and tired and would turn to something with more substance.

The non-metal tracks are:
1, 4, 6, 8, 11

http://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/M ... ra/300172/

[joaonuno2009]

Many will take a look at the cover and come to the conclusion that this must be some racist crap because they associate the capes they wear with KKK. Those who do that don’t know their southern European Christian history. To me, by wearing the black capes the band marks their stand against Christianity. Just by looking at the cover you know that this will be another black metal record. What you don’t know is what kind of black metal record it will be. If you make it through the first 2 tracks you find a band obsessed with old school semi-symphonic black metal. There is something to Medo’s black metal that I find appealing. The rawness and the directness. No messing about with big orchestral arrangements or elaborate arpeggios. Just raw and primitive black metal. To some it might seem tedious and repetitive but to me that is the charm of this type of black metal. Medo is another new acquaintance that made my day. Anders Ekdahl

http://battlehelm.com/?p=580

[joaonuno2009]

Once you can get past the silly screaming, gurgling and outright contrived “evil” sounds that filter in and out of this record, Materia Negra from Portugal’s Medo provides a decent satanic soundtrack…again, once past the very transparent obligatory devices.

This small piece of black metal tries to vocally capture the haunting and controversial Atilla Cshiar performance from Mayhem’s classic album, but it falls a bit short. That doesn’t negate the music’s worth; it does, however, smell of something not quite pure, which is par for the course these days in any black metal undertaking. When I first heard some of the music here I was reminded a little bit of Italian legends Schizo and their masterpiece Main Frame Collapse, but that comparison quickly dissipates when I come to realize the band seems more bent on providing a total showpiece instead of a resonating album at times. The music here is overly competent, even somewhat fresh in select spots, but eventually the tone gives way to ridiculous B-horror movie sounds and trite attempts at malevolence that fall well short.

“Trabalho De Magia Negra (Segundo S. Cipriano)” is a terrific track that could well blur the lines between a band like The Vision Bleak and, say, a less astute Schizo. Even the predictable spoken ‘sermon’ parts are entertaining amidst some seriously dark music, but then some silly rhetorical instrument (in this case distorted, backwards-sounding verbiage) comes in and upsets the apple cart. I understand the need to be different and illuminating in current black metal; I yell about it louder than most, but this isn’t the way to get it done. Trading in your musical vision for trickery and smoke and mirrors doesn’t bode well for the band, period. These guys have some serious talent and vision on the lower end of the blackened spectrum, and they shouldn’t focus so much on embellishing the music to garner momentary favor or shock value. It criminally overshadows the music before it even has a chance to sink or swim.

Some of the more primitive styles are represented here, though there is no Norwegian speed; in fact, I hear Morbid in “Mistério Da Nau Da Morte”, right down to a spot-on Pelle Ohlin vocalization in the breathy, almost sneering delivery. It’s quite good all around. This album goes to prove that you don’t really need a million-miles-an-hour of speed to get your sadistic point across; I only wish the band didn’t need to rely on mundane tricks to blacken the process when the music itself can provide a fine movement in and for itself.

For the music I give this some decent points, but the smaller vision keeps it just above the mid-level for me. We have here a solid band that won’t break your back bowing to them in total reverence, but does manage to set the gears accordingly, save for the use of unnecessary musical tools that break the wheel rather than fix it. I’d say grab it and try to block out the insipidity and focus on the music. It’s a little tough, but it can be done and the music is worth the effort. However, if it continues on this path the band will most likely fall the wayside into total and complete parody.

http://www.metalpsalter.com/review_medo ... negra.html

[joaonuno2009]

Como é que surgiram os Medo e o que significa esta banda?
Os Medo surgiram no inverno de 2006 num local secreto, onde são praticados regularmente, rituais negros. Medo significa para nós, a experimentação da essência mais pura do Black Metal, esta filosofia obscura é que nos guia através do nosso modo de vida, e da maneira de ver o mundo!


Porquê manter todo este mistério à volta banda? Não mostrar as caras, não dar concertos…
Assim que foi criada a banda, também foi necessário criar as duas novas entidades para nós, e assim se fez… Medo I e Medo II são agora os nossos alter egos. É assim que nos apresentamos ao mundo, trajados com as nossas vestes cerimoniais. O mistério faz parte da essência da banda… E não poderá ser revelado.


No futuro há a possibilidade dos Medo actuarem ao vivo? Se, sim, já têm uma ideia de como será?
É talvez das perguntas mais feitas nas entrevistas a Medo, mas devemos já esclarecer que dentro de um futuro próximo não seremos vistos num palco, e se alguma vez actuarmos ao vivo, irá ser um concerto inolvidável, com várias componentes cénicas e teatrais complementadas com uma grande produção e músicos convidados, isso serão as condições ideais para a nossa aparição ao vivo. Para já está fora de questão.


Recentemente lançaram “Matéria Negra”, o vosso segundo álbum. Houve uma grande evolução em relação ao primeiro. Quais foram as principais diferenças na produção e gravação dos dois?
Existiu um espaço de tempo entre o álbum “Fantasmasis” e o “Matéria Negra” suficiente para nós tiramos conclusões necessárias e tentamos melhorar corrigir alguns aspectos neste último trabalho, a nossa música amadureceu, e com isso a produção também, mas sem nunca perdermos a essência nem a identidade da banda.


Depois de várias audições bem atentas do álbum, mudariam alguma coisa nas músicas?
A obra foi concluída, se tivéssemos de mudar algo era porque o resultado final não nos satisfazia, o que não é o caso.


Apesar de ser superior ao primeiro álbum, acho que era um trabalho que merecia uma produção melhor. Nunca pensaram em pôr as músicas nas mãos de um produtor mas “a sério” ou acham que assim se iria perder a essência característica dos Medo?
A nível de produção o “Matéria Negra” está bastante satisfatório, denota-se uma evolução grande para o primeiro, é claro que o objectivo é sempre melhorar em todos os aspectos. Caso for necessário e haja condições para tal, não descuramos a hipótese de pôr as músicas na mão de um outro produtor ou estúdio. O mais importante é não perder a essência dos Medo e continuar a fazer a música que tanto nos caracteriza.


Um dos melhores temas do álbum é cantado em inglês. É algo a apostar num próximo lançamento?
“You Will Never Burn All The Witches” é um tema poderoso que resultou muito bem, mas uma coisa é certa, a base lírica da música dos Medo irá continuar a ser cantada e narrada em português, se teremos um ou mais temas em inglês no próximo álbum, ainda não está pensado nem decidido, as coisas em Medo surgem de uma forma natural e não forçada.


Se a parte lírica é importante numa banda, então nos Medo nem se fala. Onde é que vão buscar inspiração para escrever os temas?
Sim, de facto a parte lírica em Medo torna-se tão importante como a música. Muita da inspiração é baseada no desconhecido, na história, em crenças populares, nas lendas, no oculto, em rituais… A outra parte é inspirada em visões diabólicas, interpretadas por vezes de improviso durante a gravação, como é o caso da “Mistério Da Nau Da Morte”.


A narratividade é um factor bastante importante a realçar neste álbum, em que livros se baseiam?
A maioria das faixas é idealizada de acordo com um determinado tema que queremos abordar e é desenvolvido entre nós. No “Matéria Negra” usámos, no quarto tema, um dos rituais de magia negra do livro de S. Cipriano, e o último tema do álbum, foi transcrito do livro de exorcismos Católico “Rituale Romanum” o único ritual formal para exorcismo sancionado pela Igreja Católica Romana até finais do século XX.


Já se encontram a compor material para o próximo álbum? Se sim, o que podemos esperar dele?
Sim já existe algum material instrumental composto, e várias ideias na forja. Não vamos para já revelar muito mais, mas será algo bastante intenso e obscuro, e uma evolução em todos os sentidos sobre os anteriores trabalhos. Vamos continuar a exorcizar os mais profundos dos medos…


Por último querem deixar algumas palavras?
A todos os mortais que nos ouvem, procurem a mensagem subliminar por entre músicas do Medo!

http://joaonvno2009.blogspot.com/2011/0 ... -medo.html

[joaonuno2009]

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?

Medo is a Black Metal band committed to the growing of more obscure paths within this genre. We do not compromise in the name of tendencies or forced opinions. We only serve those who want to feel our power in the form of rituals unseen. We were spawned in the west-central region of old Lusitania (central region of the country now known as Portugal) in 2006 and we are here to stay and haunt you!


2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?

The album “Matéria Negra” is actually evolving the ideas presented on out first album “Fantasmasis”. Our sound was crafted in our first release and we intend to continue improving it, as we did in this second album. Medo’s sound is a mix of powerful black metal and obscurity in the form of tales untold. Your fears you shall confront in us! Our sound is varied, as the masters did, but with our own black soul and creativity in it.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores on the new release?

Fear. Everything that scares you, in the shape of all that is unknown, untold or hidden in your subconscious, in your soul. Medo is what your nightmares embody. We present the listener with paranormal dark tales, descriptions of executions and tortures, werewolf’s, spiritist doctrine secret reunions, exorcisms, true transcriptions of dark spells, etc…

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the band’s name?

Medo actually means fear in Portuguese language, so I think we have answered your question… The image, music and band name were created as a whole to reinforce our essence and the ideas we want to express.

5. I have read that the band has never played live, what was the decision behind that and is it only a temporary or permenat situation?

It is not a permanent decision. We will only play live when it is the right time, place and season. To watch Medo perform live shall be something soulripping and enthralling, where the spectator will be confronted with a powerfull blend of characters, sceneries, music and paranormal energies. To do that we need to put on an almost theatrical play in the form of music, something to be rememberd.


6. I have read that one of the band members previously played in a death metal band before joining this project, what made you decide to create a original and hard to classify black metal band after having experience with a different genre?

To play Black Metal does not mean to ignore other music styles or experiences. One shall seek all knowledge, so say your natural learning instincts. The musicians involved in this band are not narrow-minded by diminishing beliefs as many hopeless people do. We are not influenced by other forces than extreme music itself.

7. On a worldwide level how has your music been recieved by black metal/dark ambient fans and occultists worldwide?

We are receiving good feedback, but it is very early to tell yet. This is the first time Medo is presented to the world, the first album was a limited series and it did not have so much exposure, to us is always a good way to meditate in our work by reading different opinions about it, good or bad.




8. What direction do you see the music heading into on future releases?

We will naturally improve our sound as we did in Matéria Negra, mixing dark ambient and black metal tracks, and exploring all types of experimentations. One thing I can tell you: We will continue to play extreme music!

9. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

We are fortunate to have known this music style in their best years, the first half of the 90’s. It is obvious the bands we listened to in that time: Abigor, Absu, Emperor, Mayhem, Burzum, Dark Throne, Endura, Equimathorn, and all the rest you probably have guessed by now… Nowadays we are still connected to Black Metal, but we try to listen to good new stuff, which is unfortunately very scarce these days…

10. What role does Satanism or Occultism play in the music and how would you describe your views on these subjects?

It has a main role in our music, occultism in all its dark forms, we practice and study occult magic rituals for years, it is a part of us.

11. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Literature, Theatre, Ancient History.


12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

We acknowledge your interest in this band, it is an honor to answer your interview, may the shadows walk with you and everyone who reads this document… Medo is here to stay and haunt you all!

http://occultblackmetalzine.blogspot.co ... rview.html

[joaonuno2009]

Once you can get past the silly screaming, gurgling and outright contrived “evil” sounds that filter in and out of this record, Materia Negra from Portugal’s Medo provides a decent satanic soundtrack…again, once past the very transparent obligatory devices.

This small piece of black metal tries to vocally capture the haunting and controversial Atilla Cshiar performance from Mayhem’s classic album, but it falls a bit short. That doesn’t negate the music’s worth; it does, however, smell of something not quite pure, which is par for the course these days in any black metal undertaking. When I first heard some of the music here I was reminded a little bit of Italian legends Schizo and their masterpiece Main Frame Collapse, but that comparison quickly dissipates when I come to realize the band seems more bent on providing a total showpiece instead of a resonating album at times. The music here is overly competent, even somewhat fresh in select spots, but eventually the tone gives way to ridiculous B-horror movie sounds and trite attempts at malevolence that fall well short.

“Trabalho De Magia Negra (Segundo S. Cipriano)” is a terrific track that could well blur the lines between a band like The Vision Bleak and, say, a less astute Schizo. Even the predictable spoken ‘sermon’ parts are entertaining amidst some seriously dark music, but then some silly rhetorical instrument (in this case distorted, backwards-sounding verbiage) comes in and upsets the apple cart. I understand the need to be different and illuminating in current black metal; I yell about it louder than most, but this isn’t the way to get it done. Trading in your musical vision for trickery and smoke and mirrors doesn’t bode well for the band, period. These guys have some serious talent and vision on the lower end of the blackened spectrum, and they shouldn’t focus so much on embellishing the music to garner momentary favor or shock value. It criminally overshadows the music before it even has a chance to sink or swim.

Some of the more primitive styles are represented here, though there is no Norwegian speed; in fact, I hear Morbid in “Mistério Da Nau Da Morte”, right down to a spot-on Pelle Ohlin vocalization in the breathy, almost sneering delivery. It’s quite good all around. This album goes to prove that you don’t really need a million-miles-an-hour of speed to get your sadistic point across; I only wish the band didn’t need to rely on mundane tricks to blacken the process when the music itself can provide a fine movement in and for itself.

For the music I give this some decent points, but the smaller vision keeps it just above the mid-level for me. We have here a solid band that won’t break your back bowing to them in total reverence, but does manage to set the gears accordingly, save for the use of unnecessary musical tools that break the wheel rather than fix it. I’d say grab it and try to block out the insipidity and focus on the music. It’s a little tough, but it can be done and the music is worth the effort. However, if it continues on this path the band will most likely fall the wayside into total and complete parody.

(Originally written for www.MetalPsalter.com)

http://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/M ... ra/300172/