Claustrofobia recently released the new single “AQUI NÃO” featuring João Gordo from Ratos de Porão . This is the band's first new work since the album Unleeched , released by the American label M-Theory Audio and available in Brazil through the Wikimetal Music label.
Founded and led by brothers Marcus and Caio D'Angelo , the band has been based in the United States since 2018, winning over international audiences through shows with big names in music.
In a conversation with Wikimetal , vocalist and guitarist Marcus D'Angelo talked about the new single, the American tour with Sepultura and Crypta , plans for the new album, and coming to Brazil .
Wikimetal: In “AQUI NÃO” there is a dialogue between hardcore, extreme metal and the alternative scene in this song. Does this reflect a path that the band intends to explore further?
Marcus D'Angelo: We've always done this. Since the first demo tapes, this dialogue has existed, some songs more explicit, others more discreet, perhaps with less experience, but it's always been there. We have many influences and are affected by everything: the environment, daily life, the radio, the news, different styles like rap, electronic and samba.
The roots in metal are strong, that doesn't change. But nothing is so planned. The idea never ends the way it begins. At some point, the music takes over and starts to reveal instinct and intuition. We just follow the path it opens up. With this range of influences, things emerge naturally. There will be more songs like this, just as there will be more direct and traditional metal.
WK: The new single with João Gordo has attracted attention for its symbolic and sonic power. How did this partnership come about?
MD: We'd had this idea of partnering with João since the Peste [2011 album] days, but it never worked out; something always came up that prevented it. But finally, it happened at the right time. And Gordo, he has an energy, he carries an energy that changes the atmosphere. Anyone who's seen a Ratos de Porão show knows what I'm talking about. He's always been a voice that provokes, that bothers people, without asking permission, ignoring them.
We already had the music, we'd already written the lyrics; it's a song about confrontation, resistance, a strong identity, kind of controversial. I sent him the song and invited him. He said, 'Send it to me so I can listen,' I sent him the music, I sent him the lyrics, he really liked it and said, 'I'm in.' His presence, his voice, kind of amplified that message, the strength of the song. His name alone also brings that immediate tension of opposing reactions. So that strengthened it. Ratos de Porão released absolute classics of Brazilian crossover; they are extremely important albums for the scene, not only Brazilian, but worldwide. They greatly influenced Claustrofobia at the beginning of their career, the albums Brasil , RDP Ao Vivo , Descanso em Paz , and all the recent ones as well.
It's always been a genuine band, and we were heavily influenced by the bands of that era. We clung to that style because it wasn't similar to American or European styles; it really had its own unique quality. And we've held onto that and maintained it to this day, though of course, with some changes. We adapt to how things are changing in the world, but we keep that root. So it was an honor to have Gordo; it's very symbolic to have that connection from that time with now. Gordo is also a great friend, with a huge heart… We were overjoyed with his presence. It finally happened.
The achievements with the latest album Unleeched
WK: The latest album, Unleeched, engages heavily with themes such as liberation, survival, and identity. Did these ideas stem from your experience of moving to the United States?
Marcus D'Angelo: Not exactly the move to the United States itself. Actually, we had been changing many things in our lives and in the band for several years. There were various issues that were holding us back: bad habits, wrong choices, company, thoughts, etc.
Moving to the United States ended up being an opportunity aligned with this desire for transformation. We were very stagnant, stuck in a difficult situation to get out of. When we managed to stabilize, things started to yield results almost immediately. Then the pandemic hit, which ended up being the trigger for a deeper reflection on values and what really matters in life.
All of this directly influenced the timing of the album's completion. It was a very important period, which was reflected in our music and our art, as well as in all our other albums, which have always been a parallel to our own lives. Unleeched is a very strong album in our career, one that I'm incredibly proud of. And the coolest thing is that today most of our live set comes from that album.
WK: Is there any show in the United States that you consider a turning point in this new phase of the band?
Marcus D'Angelo: I don't think there was one specific show that could be considered a turning point here in the United States. In fact, every step we take here ends up being a turning point. It's a very closed market, and every step achieved is a victory. We've already done memorable tours in the United States with bands like Exciter , Generation Kill , Exmortus, Hatriot , Sepultura, Obituary, Agnostic Front , and more recently, with Crypta. All this work has enormous weight for us, and every step taken here has great value.
Life in the United States and shows with Sepultura and Crypta
WK: How has living and working in such a competitive music market influenced Claustrofobia's professional and artistic approach?
Marcus D'Angelo: Living and working here forced us to become fully professional. In the United States, a band only works if it has a minimum structure: record label, management, and booking. That's the game. Since we always wanted to maintain an official base here, we had to find the right people to walk with us. That took a lot of time and patience.
At the same time, we've always been a band used to doing everything ourselves. We never expect anything from anyone. If nobody does it for us, we do it. And that caught the attention of a lot of people around here, who didn't understand how we managed to get to certain places without a machine behind us.
This is the true weight of the "do it yourself" ethic that comes from Brazil. Today we are balancing structure with independence, and this only strengthens the band. We know what we are capable of and we make it happen. We don't live off hype. We live off hard work, consistency, and devotion to the art, and the fans notice that.
WK: Sharing the stage with Sepultura on American soil carries enormous symbolic weight. What did this experience represent for you?
Marcus D'Angelo: There's no denying it, it was a dream come true, deservedly so. Being in the right place, at the right time, with everything in order. A tour of this magnitude only happens when many things, on different levels, truly align.
Many people think we paid to be on this tour, as well as others, but the reality is the opposite. We were paid to participate in all of them and had decent support on each one. Claustrofobia and Sepultura together on American soil carry enormous weight for the Brazilian headbanger, and we approached it with the utmost responsibility, attitude, and professionalism.
Without a doubt, it was the most intense and exciting tour we've ever done. An unforgettable experience that brought us even more experience, confidence, knowledge, and maturity.
WK: You also opened for Crypta, a band from a more recent generation but already with a strong international presence. What did this encounter between generations of Brazilian metal teach you?
MD: We're always learning, but this tour made something very clear: the world turns and nobody knows what tomorrow will bring. Therefore, belittling or attacking someone's work is always ignorance.
Many people criticize bands without having the slightest idea what it's like to be in a real band, facing the road, pressure, risks, and responsibilities. I saw these girls start from scratch, back in the Nervosa , and today they're all headliners wherever they go. Tomorrow it might be a different scenario, with other bands occupying that space, and the cycle continues. What doesn't change is the need for respect, proper conduct, and awareness of one's own worth, without stepping on anyone.
The tour with Crypta was intense and extremely professional: sold-out shows, a relaxed atmosphere, and total focus on the work. Brazilian metal showing its strength and making us proud.
New album and shows in Brazil
WK: Is Claustrofobia currently composing new material? Is there already a clear idea for the next album?
MD: We already have about 11 songs in a very advanced stage, which should make up the next album. I can say in advance that it will be a work rooted in Claustrofobia and Brazilian metal. Therefore, we ourselves will direct the production.
The idea is to seek something increasingly organic, with a more traditional approach, miking everything and just playing. We tried this on the single “AQUI NÃO” and were very pleased with the result, so the trend is to continue down this path.
It will be an album with songs in English and some tracks in Portuguese, maintaining the band's tradition and identity, since we have fans who enjoy both sides. We will also have surprising special guests and an experiment that should make an impact.
After decades on the road and revisiting our own history, we're going to deliver exactly what everyone expects from Claustrofobia. Now is the time to definitively establish the band's style.
WK: In terms of shows, what are your next goals: more US tours, a return to Brazil, or new territories?
MD: Our base here is becoming increasingly solid. Right now, we're finalizing all the bureaucratic aspects so we can travel again. The pandemic ended up delaying our plans by at least three years and forced us to rethink many things. That's why we were away from Brazil for quite some time, but we're close to having everything 100% resolved and starting to plan the next steps.
The idea is to travel more and play live, which is our passion, but in a safer, more professional, and healthier way. We want to continue expanding in the United States, return to Brazil at the right time, and also explore new territories, without fantasy, with our feet on the ground, and side by side with our fans and followers.
READ ALSO: Claustrofobia releases single “AQUI NÃO” featuring João Gordo
