Doomed Confessionary: Danilo Sousa (Lord Of Confusion)
Lord Of Confusion from Leiria, Portugal is a doom metal band with psychadelic rock influences, resulting in a hypnotic and colossal sound, led by two desolate voices that scream to be heard amidst dark riffs and rhythms that hit like a punch in the chest, allowing themselves to be haunted by a dark aura. Formed in mid 2018, the band consists of Carlota Sousa on vocals & keyboards, Danilo Sousa on guitar, Nelson Figueiredo on drums and João Fonseca on bass & vocals.
Inspired by horror movies and old classics, Lord Of Confusion approaches themes of occult and mystery. Lord Of Confusion has been influenced by bands from the 70s to nowdays, from experimental genres to black metal: Black Widow, Sleep, Saint Vitus, Black Sabbath, Windhand, Conan, Melvins, Electric Wizard, among others.
Lord Of Confusion’s debut album »Evil Mystery« was released on September 30th, 2022 via Gruesome Records / Morbid and Miserable Records.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Well, Lord Of Confusion is a band that, over time, has gotten darker and heavier. If you are into traditional doom with outside influences, dual vocals, and keyboards, you are in the right place.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Right now, the fact that some band members live far away makes it a big challenge to rehearse and create new songs. Nothing we cannot overcome, but it’s not as easy as it was in past records.
What can you be most proud of so far?
We are really happy with our last shows. We played some cool festivals like Woodrock and Hardmetal Fest with great bands! We also got to support our friends S.I.D on their tour, which was great. The fact that our band is still going, writing new music, and trying new things is really what matters.
What was your biggest regret?
No regrets. Ah!
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Playing at Woodrock last year just felt right, and we recorded it on VHS, which was cool too. Now, knowing that it was the last edition of that festival makes it even more special. Last year’s Bunker Fest was also great – people were just having a blast. Overall, I think it was a good gig; we covered Pentagram’s All Your Sins, and people kinda lost it. I’ll never forget that.
The first tour we did with Manferior, which is the only European tour we’ve done (yet!), was special too. It was simply eight friends stuck in a van having a great time. We got to play in some cool places and see some cool stuff.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Doom is getting bigger, and that’s great. I’m not just talking about our country; overall, I see more people doing the Sabbath worship. Bobby Liebling is now trending on reels because of the same facial expressions he’s been making for the last 50 years – that came as a surprise to me!
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Just a blend of classic and new stuff. Pentagram, The Obsessed, Saint Vitus, Roky Erickson, Trouble… I’ve been listening to newer bands or records like The Death Wheelers, Satan’s Satyrs, Asphalt, Hell & Mizmor, La Casa Fantom, Conan, Uncle Acid… The list goes on and on. I tend to go back to the classic records all the time, but I also check out newer bands and releases just to see what’s going on. But that was my list from last week, anyway.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Don’t overthink your mistakes on stage, they are part of the performance and feeling.
What are your guilty pleasures?
I spend too much time watching cat videos on Instagram!
Can you say something more about current music scene in Leiria?
Our local music scene is finally coming back together, stronger than ever. We can say that it’s slowly being reborn. There are also some new bands, which just proves that the kids are alright. Many of us have been organizing local shows, and honestly, it’s been great – you see the old crowd but also new faces. If we happen to make an impact on the new crowd, maybe they will continue this type of thing in the future while also giving hope to the older audience.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We will be supporting La Casa Fantom from Norway across Portugal, we will be playing Ovar, Lisbon, Montes and Porto.
We will also be playing For Doom the Bell Tolls Fest at Figueira da Foz and that’s all I can say for now.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Right now we are working on a new record, so, our plan is to release it, get some good promotion, tour with it and continue to grow our audience and spread our riffs.
How can people best support your band?
Go to our shows, buy our merch and follow us on social media!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Do what drives you and feels right. Listen to yourself, not others, if you do that, you’re on the right path.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well