Originally from Brazil and now based in Sweden, Ignited are out to set the world on fire with their take on electrifying heavy metal. TheNwothm.com caught up with the band to find out more about their history and there newest release!

THE NWOTHM: Starting off can you please tell us the name of the band, which country you are from and who is in the band?

I: The band is called Ignited, and it is originally from the south of Brazil. Currently, I live in Stockholm, Sweden, conducting and organising everything from this new location. The lineup that recorded the album consists of Denis Lima (vocals), Martin Bellucci (bass),Mauricio Velasco (drums), and Dalton Castro (guitars).

THE NWOTHM: Going back to the start. Do you remember how the band formed?

I: In late 2016, I began writing some riffs alongside the drummer, albeit remotely, as we lived in different towns in Brazil. After that, I relocated closer in 2017, and we started the rehearsals with the complete crew. Before this, we had played together in a band named Herege, with the exception of the bass player.

THE NWOTHM: What is the story behind the band name Ignited?

I: I would say the name is intended to be a strong hook, evoking positive and energetic thoughts, possibly to inject a bit of a boost into life.

THE NWOTHM: You guys are from Brazil so what would you say the metal scene is like there? Would you say classic heavy metal has a big place or do you think other genres are more prominent?

I: Brazil is a prominent hub for various metal subgenres, yet we face cultural challenges that hinder a more widespread presence across the country. One of the main dilemmas is the difficulty in self-financing and growing on a large scale. It is as complex as a few people concentrating the power to determine who is going to be great or not in a certain way. There are quite complicated political relations to get things done and to secure your space easily without hassles, solely focusing on good music and not on how many influential people you know or how influential you would be, following the same logic.

THE NWOTHM: Does the Brazilian culture have an influence on the lyrics and music that you create?

I: I’d say that, in a certain way, it is a source of inspiration.

THE NWOTHM: Your first release was the song “Ignition” back in 2019! Tell us about the song and what it means to you!

I: This song is about seizing the opportunity when it comes your way, being ready to dive in and claim what is rightfully yours. Just as the lyrics say, “both feet on pedal,” it’s about delivering heavy metal straight to the aorta vein.

THE NWOTHM: When you are not making music what do you all do as a job?

I: I’ve been working in the software development industry for many years, simultaneously managing and organizing Ignited’s releases. The other band members work in other areas such as management, sales, and logistics.

THE NWOTHM: And kicking back what do you like to do in your spare time?

I:I believe that exploring nature with my wife has become my new favorite activity, alongside playing video games, cooking and writing music. I’ve taken many long walks, exploring the surroundings and the astonishing Swedish landscapes during this summer and fall.

THE NWOTHM: “Steelbound” was your first full length release in 2019! How did the writing and recording process go for the album? Do you have any fond memories from that period?

I: I remember arriving home after work and heading straight to my computer to make progress on the demos. I’d organize the song structures and present them to the band, rehearse, and see how they evolved in the real world. Then, I’d return to refine them multiple times; I’d say the songs went through at least 5 or 6 versions before reaching the definitive one. Additionally, I have the habit of quickly recording everything that comes to mind on my phone to capture the genuine feeling and avoid losing any ideas. Regarding the
Steelbound recording, I believe we could have had more time to polish and analyze certain things throughout the album. Sometimes, it felt a bit rushed in the studio. Nevertheless, we always learn something valuable from these experiences.

THE NWOTHM: What is your opinion on the music scene today? Do you think is better or worse and do you think the resurgence or vinyl and cassette helped in any way?

I: Looking at historical records, the rockstar character isn’t as prevalent anymore, and I believe that’s a positive shift. It’s better to promote a more evolved idea of what heavy metal represents. It’s also essential to take charge of and safeguard your own work rather than relying on others. In some cases, metal music has been sold as a product on demand and not a handcrafted piece of unique work. Maybe some labels currently think that it is the way but I don’t think so. I’d recommend not to follow this way and unleash what is yours genuinely instead. The resurgence of vinyl is fantastic, but it needs to be more easy for bands to independently handle and press their records. Currently, For example, I’m facing challenges in finding a suitable deal to distribute copies in Europe and America.

THE NWOTHM: Apart from some more singles, you decided to create a live album called “Steelive” last year! What made you decided to do a live album?

I: It was an opportunity to release the band’s first-ever live performance, which might gain more value in the future in my opinion. Additionally, due to the constraints imposed by the pandemic, we aimed not to waste any material. The live album, singles, acoustic versions—all of it held significance in forming a bridge to the second album.

THE NWOTHM: 2023 has been a busy year for you guys and you are about to release your second full length album “ Cradle of the Wicked.” We already know it is awesome as we had the opportunity to review it with it scoring a 9/10! What can you tell fans about the new album, its background and how the songs came about?

I: I’m really glad you dig the new album! The songs came together in different places. After our first album, some riffs just popped up, and when I moved to Sweden, I started adding and recording new ones. The lyrics came at different times, but I wanted to make them flow like chapters in the same book, not just bits and pieces. They mostly reflect my real thoughts, sometimes diving into more philosophical stuff. But what really matters to me is the hardcore energy of heavy metal mixed with the messages in the songs, aiming to
connect with the listeners on a real level.

THE NWOTHM: Who was the team behind the album?

I: Fredrik Nordström is the producer, responsible for delivering the heavy metal sound that I’ve always aimed for in a record, as you can hear in the first song. After that, I took charge of organizing all the songs and lyrics. I consider myself a sort of co-producer of the album because I was constantly present in the control room, involved in discussions and decisions.

THE NWOTHM: And where did the idea for the album art come from?

I: It is an art that Gustavo Sazes has drawn inspired by the anonymity of figures and creatures drifting through the digital world, particularly on social media, displaying chaotic behavior. Something that causes social panic and aims to maintain high levels of hatred. That’s one of the most significant issues of the moment, and art, in general, must portray it.

THE NWOTHM: What are your touring plans for the rest of 2023 and 2024?

I: So far, we’re only focusing on building an online audience. But it’s in the band’s goals – playing live is where things happen for real.

THE NWOTHM: Where can fans buy your music and merch?

I: Right now, we’ve got the high-quality digital download on our Bandcamp, go there and check it out! That’s what we’ve got while I’m trying to sort out a deal for CD/LP production. Unfortunately, we couldn’t make a physical merch with the album’s budget. But I’m working on it and hope to have it ready soon!

THE NWOTHM: Anything else you would like to mention?

I: When you listen to our new album, please don’t hesitate to drop us a message on Ignited’s social media and YouTube. We’d love to hear what you think! Thanks a lot for the awesome review and for this cool interview, Rob!
And for those of you reading this without knowing the band, go check us out right now. Cheers!