Doomed Confessionary: Alexandre Canhetti (Gods & Punks)
Formed in the tropical city of Rio de Janeiro in 2013, Gods & Punks emerged as a beacon of sonic exploration, blending the heavy riffage of Black Sabbath with the intricate melodies of Rush. Founded by brothers Alexandre and Pedro Canhetti, their journey began with a shared passion for the cosmic resonance of stoner rock. Inspired by a Monster Magnet song, the band’s name became a testament to their love of psychedelic music.
Gods & Punks, the boundary-pushing Brazilian stoner outfit, is set to unveil their latest sonic opus, »Death«, on July 26th, 2024. Released digitally and on vinyl through Electric Valley Records, this album promises to be a cathartic journey through frontman Alexandre’s harrowing near-death experience in 2021.
Recorded across continents between Santos and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Paris, France, »Death« is a testament to the band’s resilience and artistic evolution. »Death« tells a narrative woven through seven tracks, spanning 40 minutes of intense musical exploration.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Gods & Punks is a stoner rock band from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, formed in 2013 by me (Alexandre) and my brother (Pedro). We released our debut EP in 2016, called The Sounds of Earth«, and then embarked in a 4-album prog journey which we labeled as “The Voyage Series”, which included our first album, »Into The Dunes Of Doom« (2017), our sophomore album, »Enter The Ceremony Of Damnation« (2018), »And The Celestial Ascension« (2019) and »The Sounds Of The Universe« (2021). Now, after a 3-year hiatus, we’ve reformed to release a new record, entitled »Death«, which is coming July 26th through Electric Valley Records.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
I think it was recording this last album, with a newly formed line-up, which live in different cities, and recorded everything in distance. Gabriel and Rodrigo live in Rio de Janeiro, and recorded together, but Pedro is now living in Santos and I’m living in Paris, so it was a challenge for us.
What can you be most proud of so far?
I guess it’s our modest success out of Brazil, despite not having not much of any label support in our first albums, and still charting the Doom Charts and the Bandcamp homepage.
What was your biggest regret?
It certainly was the rush in which we had to finish our second album. We released 2 EPs that same year, one per semester, and then had the brilliant idea of making an album that consisted of our favorite tracks from both + 4 new tracks. It wasn’t a really good idea. Lots of stress, and the final product, even having songs we really like, was damaged by the rush in which we had to mix and master the album. A shame, as it’s a great record, in my opinion.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
So far, it was the tour for our second album, in 2018, which I think had the best concerts. But our 2019 run also had great standouts.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
I guess the intensity and speed in which the psychedelic rock scene in Rio died because of Covid. It never really recovered from those years. A huge shame.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
I’ve been listening to a lot of Om and Sleep. It’s in constant rotation this year. I always loved the bands, though. I guess I spent a while away from them, and missed their sound.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Songwriting is priority number one. Making music. After all, it’s all about the music. Concerts and tours are great, and are really important as a way to promote your music, but making the music itself must always be the focus.
What are your guilty pleasures?
I love me some Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Britney Spears…. I probably listen to this type of music nowadays more frequently then huge bands like Metallica, AC/DC, etc…
Can you say something more about the music scene in Rio de Janeiro?
It’s got lots of great bands. But as the case in many places, many of these bands are just there for the social aspect of playing music. They play to be seen, and to hang out, and the music often gets left in second place.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We’ll be making one single concert this year, probably in São Paulo, but maybe in Rio. The tour to promote our new album, »Death«, will be next year (2025).
What are your plans for the future as a band?
For the foreseeable future, it’s to release the new album this year and focus on that, then to tour it next year, while probably releasing an EP or two, and then, in 2026, start thinking about our 6th album.
How can people best support your band?
By downloading our music through Bandcamp, purchasing our upcoming album on vinyl and going to the shows.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thank you for your support, and I hope you enjoy the next album! Hope too see you on stage in 2025!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well