Doomed Confessionary: Marlon Combat & Carlos Misanthropic (A Dead Poem)
Hailing from Brazil, A Dead Poem was formed in 2023 by Marlon Combat, with the aim of rescuing the essence and atmosphere of doom/black metal as practiced by Katatonia, October Tide, Finland’s Rapture, and especially Paradise Lost and Rotting Christ during the early ’90s. Starting the compositions for the first record, he invited the experienced multi-instrumentalist Carlos Misanthropic to take over the vocals and other instruments, thus forming a duo with the same goals and with extreme musical harmony.
With that, A Dead Poem gathered enough material to produce the funereal and macabre debut single »Until The Seventh Day«, which is part of their debut EP »Absence Of Life«, first released on digital platforms in November 2023 and then as a limited CD edition in early 2024 via Cold Art Industry Records. Thereafter, the band’s music gained interest from the eclectic Personal Records, who released their debut album, titled »Abstract Existence«, on December 13th, 2024.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Marlon: Dead Poem is a Brazilian doom/black metal band formed in mid-2023 by myself, Marlon Combat and Carlos Misanthropic. Our discography consists of an EP »Absence Of Life«, released in November 2023 and its successor and recently released »Abstract Existence«. We seek to rescue the essence and atmosphere practiced in the first albums of the bands Katatonia, Paradise Lost, Rotting Christ and October Tide.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Marlon: Honestly, none so far! I think the biggest challenges are yet to come lol
Carlos: There was a specific and particular episode around the middle of this year that left me a little worried and I thought the band was going to break up. But now everything is fine.
What are you most proud of so far?
Marlon: I’m proud of who I am. Lately, what I have been pursuing for my musical career with A Dead Poem has brought me a lot of satisfaction.
Carlos: I think all the effort and time I have invested, especially in A Dead Poem, has become increasingly clear. I can see the results more and more clearly and, in a way, my goal is being achieved little by little. That is something to be very proud of.
What was your biggest regret?
Marlon: For me, regrets are learning experiences. I also believe that everything has its time, but if I had to mention one, it would be “not having formed A Dead Poem sooner”. That said, maybe it wouldn’t be the way it is today and it probably would have ended lol
Carlos: Having associated myself with despicable people who have no motivation or true taste for what they do. People like that tarnish the entire scene with their repetitive bands, or simply a mere plagiarism.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Marlon: I haven’t had the opportunity to perform on stage yet, but that’s coming to an end.
Carlos: A few years ago (maybe 7 or 8) I played at a festival with a small band I had at a medium-sized festival. There must have been about 4,000 people. It was kind of memorable.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Marlon: I think post-black metal was one of the most surprising things that happened in the scene in recent years, and I mean that in a positive way.
Carlos: Oh, it depends! Saying that is kind of subjective. I could mention several. For example: I find it surprising how Lord Lokhraed (Nocturnal Depression) can play with his hands in the state he’s in. It’s a great achievement and an example. He’s become one of the biggest references in the genre. DSBM itself is a big surprise, and quite controversial.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Marlon: In the last few months, Harakiri For The Sky and their latest albums have been playing on my device. Dissection’s »Reinkaos«, I’ve been enjoying that album like never before. I loved getting to know Cemitery Skyline and their debut album »Nordic Gothic«, a lesson in how to make good music. I also recently bought a beautiful Brazilian edition of October Tide’s »Rain Without End«, a true classic and, as usual, I always revisit the classics of Katatonia, Paradise Lost and Rotting Christ.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Marlon: Study law and do it often, you son of a bitch. Hahahah
Carlos: “Music is not a race, so it’s not a competition”. Knowing this, I stopped worrying about many things and started making music with my soul, without worrying about anything.
Can you tell me more about the current music scene in Nova Friburgo?
Marlon: The music “scene” in my city is dead, unmotivated and futile, full of envious people with no attitude. Finding musicians here for A Dead Poem will be a torment. But, in our state and in the country in general, there are excellent bands, exporting material and touring all over the world!
Carlos: Hahahaha! It’s kind of complicated to talk about this. Unfortunately, we are the land of samba and soccer. With that, you, dear reader, might think: “Ah, so the few that are left are united by the cause and support each other”. Wrong! The vast majority of the Brazilian “scene”, both bands and listeners, love to spew their rules that rock/metal is dead, but they are the first to spit and stomp on this so-called scene. We live in a place where covers are much more valued than good original bands.
Where can we see you live soon (concerts/tours)?
Marlon: We are looking for musicians to join the band, start rehearsals and hit the road as soon as possible. After that, the world will be our backyard.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Marlon: Finding competent and committed musicians to do shows and tours with A Dead Poem.
Do you have any special plans for New Year’s Eve?
Marlon: Being around my friends and family, listening to good music and drinking a good beer.
Carlos: Restore my physical, mental and spiritual energy. I think this is a more introspective time (at least for me). Eat well, drink well and prepare for 2025, because it will be busy. Haha
How can people best support your band?
Marlon: By following us on social media, keeping up with the news, buying our merchandise T-shirts and CDs, listening to our music on digital platforms and recommending A Dead Poem to friends.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Marlon: Of course! First of all, I would like to thank you for the space provided in the Doomed Nation Zine, we wish you success. And to our listeners, fans and friends, we want to thank you for believing in A Dead Poem and what it represents. We know that the journey is hard, but with your support, everything becomes less bitter. See you on the road soon!!!
Carlos: If you have a dream or a goal, fight tirelessly as if you were going to die tomorrow! Things really won’t be solved until you’re dead. See you in life!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well