Doomed Confessionary: Eduardo Slayer (The Cross)
The Cross is recognized as the first doom metal band in Brazil, founded in Salvador, Bahia by Eduardo “Slayer” Mota in 1990 with the band’s sound and style inspired by bands such as Black Sabbath, Candlemass, and Trouble. Three years later they released their legendary »The Fall« demo tape, which sold roughly 5,000 copies. The band ended in January 1998 due to line-up difficulties.
After a 17-year hiatus the band returned with a new EP, »Flames Through Priests«. In February 2017, The Cross released their self-titled debut album, garnering nothing but praise. Following a series of EPs, a live album, a single, a split (with 3 other bands), and some line-up changes, 2021 found the band recording its second album, »Act II: Walls Of The Forgotten«, released in 2022 via Pitch Black Records.
The Cross are currently gearing up to release a new official DVD »Ruins Of Lamentations« in the 4K format with lots of interviews, new songs from the studio, behind-the-scenes footages, etc.
Can you say a few words about your band?
First or all, it’s an honor to be here with you, thank you very much, The Cross started its activities in 1990, we always thought about Doom Metal music, after a long 8 years we decided to end our activities for several reasons, mainly because Brazil is a complicated country for the Doom Metal style.
What was the biggest challenge for the band this year?
This year the biggest challenge was to keep the band together after the passing of our drummer Louis, our purpose is to move forward overcoming new challenges always.
What can you be most proud of this year?
We’ve released our new EP an album that pays tribute to our former drummer Louis, we did a lot of work with other bands, we released two music videos and a lyric video, 2023 was a productive year.
What was your biggest regret?
We had no regrets, we had a lot of maturation, we became more professional and much more inspired to be in Doom Metal.
What was the best concert/tour this year and why?
We did a great show this year, for an audience of more than 3 thousand people in a great Brazilian Festival, yes, it really is a great audience and we like it.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
We like a lot of things, I think a lot of bands have released excellent work, maybe it’s not a surprise but a confirmation with a really sensational new Candlemass album.
Where can we see you live next year (concerts/tours)?
We are organizing a European tour after the release of our new album planned for the first quarter of 2025.
What are your plans for the next year as a band? What do you personally want the most?
In 2024 we will be working on our new Full Length, which will have some very special guests, such as Paul Kuhr (Novembers Doom), Thomas (Saturnus), David Shankle (ex-Manowar), and many others. So this is the focus for 2024, we are also preparing the new video »Ruins of Lamentations’, and also, we have several dates scheduled for shows.
How can people best support your band?
It is important to support us by following us on our social networks and buying our merchandising, this always strengthens a band and motivates us to continue working.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
I want to thank Doomed Nation, the fans and other bands for the support, for being with us for more than 30 years, always believing in our music and in this lifestyle called Doom Metal. We’ll see you soon, Stay Doom!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well