Doomed Confessionary: Felipe Dalam (Saturndust)
Saturndust is an experimental doom/sludge metal band from São Paulo, Brazil. Founded in 2010, Saturndust consists of Felipe Dalam (guitars, synths, vocals), Welder Rodrigues (bass) and Lucas Melo (drums, percussion, pads).
Saturndust have released their third full-length album »Geom« on March 26th, 2025. Mixed by Rodolfo Duarte at High Five Studios. Mastered by Fernando Sanchez at El Rocha.
Can you please say a few words about your band?
We are Saturndust, formed in 2010, a trio from South America. Our music contains a variety of elements, ranging from sludge/doom to ambient and electronic. However, with each release, we aim for more and more uniqueness, evolving our identity naturally. Formed by me, Felipe Dalam (guitars/synths/vocals), Welder Rodrigues (bass/synths) and Lucas Melo (drums/pads).
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Living in a country far from the scenes where festivals with relevant names in any musical subgenre take place, and where socio-economic and cultural conditions eventually lead people to forget about following their dreams. It took years and years to be making music with people with both basic personal and musical maturity.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Starting at 17 and writing every song for a band that took me to places I never imagined – including my favorite festival in the world, one I couldn’t even afford to attend not long ago. On top of that, my music reached the ears of artists I used to listen to. And of course, releasing work I’m proud of, each in its own time.
What was your biggest regret?
Not having tried to build a life outside my current country.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
When we played at Psycho Las Vegas, in 2017. Many dreams came true that day.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
JMSN.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Bones. VSN7/Assensia.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Listen to the best in order to reproduce the best, because that’s what will represent you. And go live where the real scenes are happening.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Speeding across the Autobahn at an abyssal velocity in a car of my choice.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in São Paulo?
There have always been good examples, but very few compared to the size of the country – and they tend to vanish over time. It’s always been an arid place for subgenres here, even if a band or two appears trying to ride trends already played out abroad or trying to make original music. Including regional or national elements in your music might attract attention from foreign critics, but only because they want to see someone from this specific country embodying that same specific identity.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We have more shows at the end of the year around the country, likely around September/October.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We’re organizing a tour for 2026, but we’ll share more details as soon as the plans are finalized.
How can people best support your band?
By listening to our latest album »Geom« on Spotify or wherever you prefer – even better if it’s on Bandcamp. And if you enjoy it, send it to a friend. Come see us live if we’re playing near you.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thank you for everything, always. For the support, the love for our music, and the patience.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well