Hi Jacobo, how are you doing? At first I have to admit that the Mexican respectively the Latin American Doom/Metal scene is a relatively new ground I recently have encovered for myself. I think there is a huge affinity towards Metal at all, right? Please describe the scene from your point of view just to give the reader an impression.
Jacobo: That is right. Latin America and México are huge Metal countries. We live it and breathe it 24/7. This may have to do with the fact that some of the Latin countries are so brutal and full of corruption, that a good way to take it all out is through music, and what better way than with Metal.
Where I live, there are amazing Metal bands as well as in other states of the country, but to say that there is really a scene, I wouldn't know what to tell you. We still need to support each other more to really make something important. We can't step on each other, and that happens a lot.
Please tell us about your musical/artistic history. When did you start making music and what were/are your influences?
Jacobo: I started making music when I was 13 years old. I played bass in a Thrascore band called Sátrapas which then evolved to Antiqua, a Dark Metal project that lasted more than 10 years and where I grew up as a musician. Then I left the band and while living by myself and having no band, i decided to form bands that where influenced by my 2 fave genres. Doom Metal, Majestic Downfall, and Thrash Metal, Ticket To Hell.
Bands that have really influenced me would have to be old Anatema, My Dying Bride, Saturnus, Mournful Congregation, Slayer, The Crown, At The Gates, A Canorous Quintet and the whole Swedish Death Metal invasion.
You have been making Metal music for more than a decade now. Before MAJESTIC DOWNFALL you were involved in several projects. Tell us about those and which one was the most inspiring for your creativity so far?
Jacobo: As I mentioned before, Antiqua was where I could finally get all my ideas out. I also played in a Progressive Metal band called Project Firestart, but that lasted little time. And the funny thing is that today I am somehow in a fight with progressive Metal. I feel it has become to stale and doesn't have much feeling.
With MAJESTIC DOWNFALL you chose to go soloing paths. Please tell us about the reasons for this decision. Don’t you miss the feeling of being a member of that band thing, making music together, drinking lots of beer, just having party and more?
Jacobo: Of course I miss being in a band, but only on the live side. I really dig live gigs, but unfortunately I am not doing it right now. Hopefully in the future I wiIl have a live band, I am actually planning on doing it in the near future. Will keep you posted. On the other hand, having total control of the music and the creativity is the best thing that has ever happened to me as a composer. I think I have always had a clear vision of how my music should be, and I have been able to have this output of my own, without being involved in fights or arguments with band members, which as you know is more like a marriage.
“Temple of Guilt” is MAJESTIC DOWNFALL’s debut album released on April 6th this year. For this you got superior reviews at several underground/online magazines. You describe your style to be an homage towards European Death Doom bands of the early 90ies. I find that your sound is fairly mixed up with Thrash riffs and up-beat drums, some Gothic style and clear hints towards classic Heavy Metal. Guess you are digging the old Peaceville Records stuff, aren’t you?
Jacobo: Jejeje, I have been a fan of the English Movement since Paradise Lost's magical Gothic CD. The old Peaceville sound has always been in my blood and I guess will forever be. On your view of my sound you seem to have nailed it pretty much bro. It is mostly 90's Doom/Death, but at the same time I also hear some Depressive Black Metal influences and hints of Heavy Metal. You really did your homework bro jeje, and that is appreciated.
What can be told about the album tracks' backgrounds, the evolutionary process, the inspirations?
Jacobo: The inspiration is my everyday life and emotions. Now I have 3 daughters that have completely changed my life and they have been a big part of my music lyrically and musically.
The process of composing is pretty simple. I wake up every morning at 5:30 and from then till 7:30 I compose and get an idea of where I want my music to go. Then when music is ready, lyrics take place and then I am hitting the studio to leave a musical testament.
I imagine you sitting alone in a room while creating songs. Is this the way you write?
Jacobo: Exactly bro, nothing more. I have a place at home that is called my Metal Room and there is where all the magic happens. When I am creating no one is allowed in there. It is a very personal moment and feeling that I like to only share with myself.
What are the lyrics about, mainly of dark and depressive themes I guess? Do they have anything to do with real life experiences?
Jacobo: You got the real life experiences part right bro. On the other hand, I don't really like to talk about my lyrics. They are too personal. Each can make of them what they want.
Who is responsible for the realization of the songs when composing is done? Don’t you play all instrumental and vocal parts yourself?
Jacobo: I do all of the composing including the drums, which I do on a computer software. This includes bass, guitars, keyboards, vocals and anything else. Then when I enter the studio I have musicians that help me with the interpretation. This time I used Porncho on drums, Pastas on the keyboards, who also happens to be my producer and Migueliro on 2 guitar solos, but as I said, it has all been written previously by me.
Where was “Temple of Guilt” recorded, mixed and mastered? Who was responsible for that work? Tell us about the recording process?
Jacobo: The recording was done at Inzonic Music Lab in Querétaro, Mexico. My City. I recordead it in 1 month. Pastas was in charge of all the knobs, mixing and final mastering. He is a great producer and has worked with some of Mexico's finest like Hacavitz, Disgorge, Piraña, Strike Master and many more.
I guess you’re still satisfied with the release, what is your favourite song(s) on it and why?
Jacobo: That is a good question bro. I don't really know which of these songs is really my favorite, cause they all hit me in a different way. I am really pleased with them all.
Was it difficult to get a deal with a label? How did you manage it?
Jacobo: Label communication has been really great and the album is getting a good response, so I can't complain. I just wish things where better and I could reach more people. But all in all, it has been great.
If you could choose to tour Europe with any existing (or maybe split-up) band, which would you like to share the van and stages with?
Jacobo: Jejeje, this is a very easy question bro. I would choose old Celestial Season, old Anathema, old Paradise Lost, Shining, Forgotten Tomb and Doom:VS.
What are your musical plans for the near and far future?
Jacobo: Right now I am finishing the recording of my new band Zombiefication which shall have it's release by the end of the year. It is an old school Death Metal Project I am making with a friend. I will start recording Ticket To Hell's sophomore release in 3 weeks and then I will start writing the new Majestic Downfall Cd, which could be recordead by the end of the year.
Thanx again for answering my questions. Any last words?
Jacobo: Thanks a lot for the support. You can buy the Cds directly from me and official merchandise. Also please visit my bands websites:
Support the underground!!!
