Doomed Confessionary: Cristiano, Pedro, Rubens & Thiago (Black Feather Klan)
Black Feather Klan is a four-piece stoner/doom metal band hailing from Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Formed in 2011, Black Feather Klan was born of the desire to create and develop its own heavy sound, with influences from classic rock, stoner rock and metal in general.
Black Feather Klan are Cristiano Nibal (vocals), Pedro Barros (guitar), Rubens Grilão (bass) and Thiago Fernandes (drums).
Can you please say a few words about your band?
Formed in 2011, the band is currently composed of Cristiano Nibal (vocals), Pedro Barros (guitar), Rubens Grilão (bass) and Thiago Fernandes (drums). Black Feather Klan was born from the desire to create and develop a dirty sound, with a lot of fuzz, but with influences from all musical styles, especially Brazilian. BFK has three albums: »Vol. I«, from 2015; »Vol. II: Cracking The Shell«, from 2019; and, »Live at Demotape«, from 2023. In April 2025, the band released the single »Liar, Fire…«, which is a song from the EP that will be released in the second half of the year.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
There are many challenges to being an underground band in Brazil. We believe that the our biggest challenge was a gig with Red Fang in 2023. The current drummer had just joined at the time, but the gig exceeded expectations. This was the point of no return. We changed the way we performed on stage, embodying “Lodoso”, a green character from the Brazilian swamp.
What can you be most proud of so far?
We think the most proud of so far is seeing more and more teenagers at GIGs. The underground needs to be renewed, with “new blood”! It’s great to see the new generation enjoying doom/fuzz/sludge music.
What was your biggest regret?
Our regret is not having done some shows that we could have done, with guest musicians or substitutes, for example. We have canceled several shows because of scheduling. Last year we played with a substitute on guitar and it was fantastic. It really is a shame that we didn’t do it sooner.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Each gig is a unique experience! So, it’s hard to choose. But, we have three epic gig in the band’s history: Rock Generator in Ouro Preto-MG, which was an experience on top of a mountain with a gasoline-powered generator and crazy fans; The gig with the band Red Fang – better structure and tickets almost sold out; and, the DarkSun Festival in Arcos-MG, which was the first show with the current line-up and where we felt that from that moment on, great things would happen.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
It was a big surprise to see the rapid growth of doom and stoner fans in Brazil. Several bands are emerging and showing work with different musical styles. We have played at punk/hardcore, hard rock, death metal, black metal, grunge festivals… we believe that the idea that stoner/doom is the “sound of the moment” is diminishing and becoming more established in the heavy music scene.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Do what you like, not what society wants you to like! Do it yourself! If you think that being an underground musician is synonymous with fame and money: Don’t be an underground musician! Hahaha. It seems ironic, but it must have been the best advice that each member of the band has ever received. “If you like it, dedicate yourself. Dedicate yourself with love and fury and have more than one pair of drumsticks.”
What are your guilty pleasures?
Our pleasure is to be free from radicalism. We listen to everything, we hang out with everyone. We may be “guilty” of listening to samba, pagode, funk, electronic music, macumba (Afro-Brazilian songs), jazz, classical music and listening to black metal, crust, hard rock, doom… enjoying it all with the same pleasure! We listen to everything attentively, knowing that there are several musical multiverses beyond heavy music and that gives pleasure. I think understanding music involves understanding its power not only in its own environment.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Belo Horizonte?
Belo Horizonte is the birthplace of the gigantic Sepultura and Sarcófago and continues to have a wonderful scene, but Minas Gerais is full of fantastic bands. Many bands of different styles are there in the underground, working hard, growing, playing, and why not, having fun! Minas Gerais is fertile ground for underground and heavy music.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We are planning some gigs in Belo Horizonte and maybe Ouro Preto-MG to release the split with the band Roboto, although we are focused on recording the new EP. Just keep an eye on the band’s Instagram.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We are currently promoting the new single, planning the release of a split with the band Roboto and finalizing the other tracks that will be on the EP. After the release of the EP, we will play and promote Brazilian sludge/fuzz, and soon go on tour! We are also in the process of renewing our merchandising: shirts, buttons, stickers.
How can people best support your band?
Just like we support all underground bands! Listen to music, go to shows, buy t-shirts, albums, pins and songs on Bandcamp! We are sure that there will always be really good bands with amazing music that you never imagined or even knew you liked. The energy of the bands on stage is unmatched, an exchange of energy that creates a unique experience for musicians and fans.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Support the underground scene and local bands. Go to gigs. Buy merchandise. Share the bands’ music with your friends. Support the “new blood” fans in strengthening the underground. Stay Doom, Stay Fuzz!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well