Interview Interrogation: Cecrops and Nirah from Reptilium (Ecuador)

 
Having only released their second EP "Adrenochromacy" via Slam World Wide on April 17th, Ecuadorian Brutal Death Meta trio Reptilium are on course to cause some buzz in the underground. They will need it given the fragility of the Ecuadorian Metal scene as they went on to explain. Here we chat to the guys about the EP itself, their metal scene and why life in general is uncertain in Ecuador right now, with socio-political factors playing a huge part. Stepping up to be interrogated is vocalist / guitarist Nirah and drummer / lyricist Cecrops.

For those who have not heard of Reptilium can you tell us how you formed and came up with the band name?

Nirah:-

     "When everything started we used to play together in our youth. Years ago a gig brought us together again, and the atmosphere created was so complete the obvious idea came: "Man, we got to do something new, far more extreme than all previous projects."

Cecrops:-

     "Regarding the name and concept, it is about being aware of the reality in this world, we felt the need to focus this new musical project on exposing all of what is really going on behind the global facade of materialism and consumerism, from the point of view of the superior race that can achieve to be."


What made you want to play Brutal Death Metal and who are your main influences?

Nirah:-

     "We are lifelong extreme music fans from the start, with far too many influences to name. In this case Brutal Death Metal merges all things in the right way."


You just released your 2nd EP 'Adrenochromacy', what have you done differently in comparison to your debut EP?

Nirah:-

     "'Adrenochromacy' comes from the same writing process as its predecessor, "Conspiranoic" (2019). We saved some of the strongest tracks for this second one. it's simply heavier and darker in all aspects."


Tell us about the Ecuadorian Metal scene, how long has it been going, the challenges bands face, festivals, venues, media, etc?

Nirah:-

     "Ecuador is a small "nation" with no established scene as such unlike in other places. This has forced us to send our music as far as possible around the world, wherever similar minds are."

Quito with Cotopaxi in background, Ecuador / Source: Trekearth

Given the standards of living and socio-political climate in Ecuador, do you feel this adds 'fuel to the fire' for more extreme metal bands to emerge?

Cecrops:-

   "Hard times, "plannedemics" and media lies will bring piss on the people, and therefore the resurface of pissed off music and arts is close. Global fear can also be handy as a wake up call for the masses."


What do your parents think of your music, do they understand metal music?

Cecrops:-    

     "Peoples from Orion and the artificial moon don't judge free will in the same way as human beings do, support is always present among our circles."


For metalheads visiting Quito, what sights / attractions could you recommend (under normal circumstances) and what should they be wary of?

Cecrops:-

     "There are many fine micro breweries all around the city, for those interested in evil temples there are many cool ancient churches and catacombs in Quito's old down town. Be weary of poisonous alcoholic drinks, apes love their booze down here."


What plans do you have for the rest of the year (COVID-19 depending) and has any plans altered?

Cecrops:-

     "The first step has been achieved in releasing this brand new EP a few days ago, there's also plans for a video for one of the songs, depending on the police state. We tend to work in a studio / internet way, so quarantine is no obstacle."


Do you have any thanks or greetings you wish to send out?

Cecrops:-

     "A big shout out to our partners at "The Undernetwork", to the Reptilium Sect growing all around the world, and everyone who researches conspiracies and digs deep for the truth, never give up. Harass the 1% on top!"


Bandcamp: reptiliumsect.bandcamp.com
Instagram: @reptiliumsect
Facebook: @reptiliumsect