Doomed Confessionary: Alexandre & Michael (Bleak Transcendence)
Bleak Transcendence is an atmospheric doom metal band from Curitiba, Brazil. Formed in 2023, the trio consists of Alexandre Antunes (vocals, guitar), Michael Siegwarth (drums) and Wagner Müller (bass).
Bleak Transcendence is currently gearing up to release their debut album »Mortuanima«, which will see the light in 2025.
The title is a philosophical reference in which existential thoughts and motivations are represented, enabling an experience of internalization in deep aspects of life. Thus, in a transformative perspective, the individual is elevated to an understanding of the reality of his own life and his choices.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Alexandre: Greetings! Bleak Transcendence began its musical expression in 2023 in Brazil. We are a doom metal trio with elements of atmospheric doom and funeral doom. Our lineup includes guttural vocals alternating with clean vocals, as well as instruments forming the musical base (keyboard, guitar, bass and drums). The themes of the lyrics are about existential thoughts and philosophical ideas related to the various human experiences. Our debut album entitled »Mortuanima« will be released in 2025 in partnership with the Eclipsys Lunarys Productions label, and will have an initial print run of 300 copies on CD.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Alexandre: Without a doubt, the biggest challenge for the band so far was performing the songs created with keyboard lines in rehearsals and live shows, without having a musician recruited to play this instrument. There is currently an internal consensus that the lineup is just the three of us. In the future, we may count on the participation of one or another guest musician for sporadic performances or occasional studio recordings. I believe that the participation of other musicians always increases the knowledge of everyone within a group and this ends up expanding the visibility of a band in one way or another.
Michael: I agree. We are playing live using VS (Virtual Sound) keyboards, which is quite challenging to play along with. But it has worked out well so far.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Alexandre: I am proud of being able to create authentic art, expressing myself naturally and purely from a personal perspective on how I see the world.
What was your biggest regret?
Alexandre: I have few or no regrets about the past.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Alexandre: We have had few experiences playing live so far. But I consider the first one to be the best show we have done. This is because we had some challenges, such as the logistics of traveling, and playing in another city (about 500 km away) for an audience that was present at a festival where more than 10 bands from different metal genres performed. We were able to represent doom metal as the only band playing this genre. We were able to synthesize our repertoire of songs in a “fast-paced” format, according to the event’s dynamics/schedule. The audience’s reception was the best and far exceeded our expectations, giving us the feeling that what was planned in advance during rehearsals worked out.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Alexandre: One positive surprise is that many international bands that had not yet performed here in Brazil are coming here this year, among others that are announcing shows for 2025. This is very important for all fans in general. One (unexpected) surprise was the recent information that vocalist Aaron Stainthorpe is apparently out of My Dying Bride and another vocalist has already been selected to take his place.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Alexandre: My preferences are for extreme music within metal. Outside of metal, I try to listen to music that inspires me and brings back good times and nostalgic memories.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Alexandre: “Nothing lasts forever.”
What are your guilty pleasures?
Alexandre: I don’t know if it’s really a “guilty pleasure”, but I usually spend time with myself, even though I know I have to pay attention to some other very important commitment that needs to be fulfilled in the short term.
Michael: Heavy amounts of caffeine and sweets.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Curitiba / Paraná?
Alexandre: The local scene is full of opportunities, I would say. Both for original music and for those who play cover music from established bands. Our music (I call it musical expression) is made for whoever wants to listen to it, but we know that not everyone will listen to it. We try to do what we like without caring too much about what people think. Since there are few doom metal bands in our city, we seek our place within this cultural movement called metal.
Where can we see you live soon (concerts/tours)?
Alexandre: The goals for the next seasons of live performances will preferably be local shows or shows close to the city where we are based. Of course, invitations to other distant locations will always be welcome, and we will consider every proposal.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Alexandre: Promote the new album, compose new songs, perform in places I haven’t played yet and discover what the future holds for us. The further my art can go, the more satisfied and fulfilled I will certainly be.
Michael: Improve the album’s production until the release date, and start working on new material.
Do you have any special plans for New Year’s Eve?
Alexandre: Being with my family on New Year’s Eve is something very important and special to me.
Michael: I’ll spend some days on a remote island by the coast.
How can people best support your band?
Alexandre: I believe the best way to support us is by following our work on social media and sharing it with your close contacts. This helps us a lot!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Alexandre: Well, first of all, I would like to thank Doomed Nation for this well-written interview conducted by Bojan. And for those who have come this far, I invite you to follow our work on our social media, search for Bleak Transcendence. The debut album »Mortuanima« is our first step and will be available on physical and digital media in the coming days. Doom ON!
Michael: Also check out our website at bleaktranscendence.com. Over there you can find the links to social media, YouTube, Spotify, etc.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well