Infected Brain

Present yourself to the readers

We want to say Hello to all Metal music listeners in Europe. We are Orvin Gonzalez (Drums & Keyboards), Rimond Slaathaug (Vocals & Bass), Hector Cruz (Rhythm Guitars) and Ziggy Arroyo (Lead Guitar) It’s an honor to be conducting this interview and sharing our story with of all of our friends across the world.

What’s the story for THE EDIBLE MARCH ?

The story behind The Edible March is very unique. Before any lyrics were written or any composition was made, this name was already living. It’s the first component of the meaning of the band. This name states the uncomfortable issues the human race faces on a daily basis. Even though people in this world don’t accept where we are heading as a human race, a majority of them are not willing to fight for a better life or to change what they don’t want. We forget about our inner self, where we came from and what our ancestors left for us in this world for us to learn. Old teachings are forgotten basically.

The Edible March to me is The realization that we live in a highly disposable world. We're conditioned to consume and keep the detrimental cycle we've been taught, our whole lives. We may not have grown up in a war zone, but we are all still cannon fodder in our own circles. Breaking free from this mentality and becoming aware of our own divinity and mortality, the work and worth we put into our existence comes from us as individuals, experiencing this "Ride".

Who composes ?...How does it work in the band ?

In the early stages of the band starting in 2014 all content was created by me and Hector Cruz (Rhythm Guitars). This album was not recorded in a professional studio. All content was created in a personal computer at my house. With a lack of equipment, utilizing only a handful of equipment available at the moment. Dedication was truly the key, to make the project a reality. Learning every day, as content was created, and utilizing every tool effectively. To make it sound good was always the product of determination. This learning process made me confident in creating my studio name “Subconscious Sounds”. It took us a long time fighting adversities of life but musically, Animus Invicta already had a shape and a direction of how we wanted to sound for our friend listeners. By early 2015 two more members were on board- Rimond Slaathaug (Vocals & Bass) and Ziggy Arroyo (Lead Guitar) completing the final accent of the band. Rimond and myself immediately started adjusting and re-arranging the lyrical composition while Ziggy started incorporating his lead guitars completing what is now the final product and first album of the band. This adventure opened a huge door for us knowing that the writing process for the next album will be something exciting to experience.

Who writes the texts ?..What are they talking about ?..How does inspiration come ?

I wrote the lyrics during initial composition and then later Rimond and I sat down to readjust them grammatically and also some of the meanings for Rimond’s style of singing and interpretation to better fit the message of the band with the exception of “Equal Wars”. That is a song where Rimond fully shares his experiences living in Panama during the US invasion called “Operation Just Cause” in 1989. That is a song that really puts a picture in your mind as “what if I was there feeling”.

Our lyrics are geared towards Self-Awareness, Socio-Political, Pachamama (Earth Mother), inclined words to bring consciousness of who controls and directs our way of life. There is also the historical aspect of them, giving us the perspective our ancestors left us, in an ocean of ancient teachings passed on through song, dance and written word. Naming all those concepts and going deep into them is where we find the inspiration and will to keep writing for future albums.

Why the name ANIMUS INVICTA ?

The band name Animus Invicta was developed by me and Rimond Slaathaug after we were forced to change the old name that we were trying to use to avoid legal consequences. We spent quite some time on the phone finding alternatives that described our intention and we agreed to Animus Invicta meaning “Soul Unconquered" bringing forward the meaning that many of us live in this world.

Basically, no matter how much negative information is injected into our humanity to break us down, we know where it comes from and we will not accept it. As my solo projects namesake “On Soulwings”, that is my inspiration. On the wings of soul, we humans, will never be conquered!

What are your personal musical tastes and your influences ?

As Hispanics we all share almost the same musical background in which we co-relate but at this time inside of the Metal style we have a different taste and approach making things very interesting and diverse. Rimond is more inclined into Doom metal with bands like Pyogenesis, Paramaecium and Empyrium, Ziggy is more into Power Metal inspired by bands like Iron Maiden, Helloween and Symphony X.

Hector, you find him in a thrash style with Iron Maiden, Machine Head and Pantera among his favorites and Orvin is all in with Death Metal bands like Kataklysm, Septicflesh including Iron Maiden in his inspiration, but we have all explored different metal styles no doubt. At the end of the day we have the perfect variation of musical tastes that brings us together as one.

In studio, what was the atmosphere for your album ?...etc.…

Our chemistry in the studio is very open. Every member of the band expresses what they think is accurate for the meaning of AI. Aside from having fun as friends we give each other the inputs to cheer us up and to make things better. We never stop finding better ways to make things work the way we want. This is the reason why we make music. It's to release everything we have inside of us, to make a visual, musical revelation in which others can join and identify themselves with our material. That is what we in the band as an inside “joke”, call a “Tribe”.

The atmosphere for recording this album was very relaxing. It was nice to be able to work little intricacies out with Orvin and not be rushed or pressed for time. Depending on the time of day, it was well lit or later on, very pleasantly dim. Recording this album was an absolute dream. Smooth and refreshing as spring water.

How does it work for the design of the CD ? and why this title ?

The design of the album it’s just another aspect that we all share. I started creating all the graphic design along with my son Matthew who is starting to develop his knowledge in graphic design as well. We started by incorporating many symbolical elements which represent the true beliefs of the band. All work was performed as we recorded the album, and as the other members brought ideas, to fullfil the completion. As mentioned earlier, the title is an interpretation of negative things impacting our lives but at the same time, we are not willing to give up with the fight in giving life a better meaning. This is just a very personal way in which our eyes perceive it.

Did you find a label ? If yes, how do you made the research?

At the present time we haven’t been able to be part of a label. That is something we never discard because we know opportunities are there to work along great companies and people.

With Management and booking, how do you work ? And with whom ?

At the moment we have been partially assisted by local promotion companies that invite us to do live performance. We are very appreciated by those who are starting to trust us. At the same time, we are positive to work a good company in the future.

What are your projects ?

As Animus Invicta we are focused on promoting our album “The Edible March” but other projects are always present. At the moment, I'm part of another band called Armor of God and my personal project On Soulwings which will be out here pretty soon. Orvin besides AI is involved in creating graphic design and 3D modeling and preparing himself to record future albums.

What do you expect from the future ?

We want to start by keep making more music for our friends around the world. We want our music be to heard by as many good people around the world and be able to spread our message and share with all. We really want to see AI heading to Europe and play in many venues and meet all the great people over there.

Seeing that time can be linear, cyclical and fractal all at once, "the future" is always an interesting subject. Since we've started working on this project, we've seen an awakening happening as time keeps moving forward. We expect more people to awaken and spread the seeds of rebirth we have overlooked for so long.

What's your motto ?

“Believe nothing that you hear and only half of what you see”. These are words that my dad taught me and they are embedded here.

Website to remember

We can be reached at animusinvicta.com. Their you will find tour dates images and of course our merch site. Also you can find us on facebook , Instagram as @animusinvicta_band and youtube you can search us as Animus Invicta and subscribe to our page. Thanks to technology there are many ways to stay in touch with all of you.

What would you like to say to the readers ?

I'd like to say that we're grateful for all the support we've recieved from all corners of the earth. We are all connected in this life experience and hope to connect with more of you as the days, months and years flow by.

I want to say that we will like to thank you Bernard Hugues for this interview and giving us the chance to share our world with more friends and also to those that are giving us the support makes me say the truth that we do what we do for the friends that we have and the ones that we will meet in the future.