Matriarch interview

(Originally from 2/06/05)

Matriarch is an all-female Puerto Rican black metal band thats out to prove that women can be just as good at the music in the extreme metal scene. Our interview is with the band's drummer, Shamara, so join us as she tells us what it's like to be playing music in a genre so often dominated by men.

First off, can you tell us a little about the band and how Matriarch began? 

Shamara: Matriarch began in June 2002. Formed by Shamara-Drums and Ara Vocals-Guitars, we started the band with our metal and non metal influences to create what we called at the time "The Black Apples". Later Michelle-keyboards was added to the line up followed by Vanessa-soprano and guitars. This line up walked together the line of sin and wrote some material. After tried a couple of bass players we finally found Isabel. Isabel not only came as a bass player, also she brought an evil high pitch kind of vocals that made the band instead of having 2 front women have 3, what could be described as the perfect combination. Then with the addition of Isabel the band started a new beginning as Matriarch.

Describe what its like to be in an all-female black metal band. What kind of reactions does the band usually get? 

Being in an all female metal band is like being in any other band, is just that people make it a big deal. The people like Matriarch a lot and usually we get a good reaction because they like the concept of the melodies and the mix of the vocals.

You have a demo out titled "Black Apples". Are there any plans for a follow-up release? 

We are working on new material so we can record our first album. In the summer of 2004 we recorded our first single “Sinful Decadence”.

How do you normally write a song for Matriarch, and what kind of planning goes into it? 

The songs are written either by individual members as well as the whole band mixes up ideas.

What type of equipment do you use? Live rig? 

In the states we usually use the equipment that other bands lend us because we came all across Puerto Rico and we can’t be with a lot of equipment. We just carry our instruments.

For those of us who are unfamiliar with your homeland of Puerto Rico, what's the extreme metal scene like over there? Is it "female friendly"? 

Here in Puerto Rico there’s a lot of criticism and “machismo”, but we are proving them wrong little by little.

Who are some of your favorite musicians/bands that inspire your music? 

I love black, power, doom, death, and thrash metal. Some bands that had inspired me are: Moonspell, Borknagar, Dimmu Borgir, Vader, Kreator, Decapitated, Old Mans Child, and many more more more…

If you could form a dream band of any musicians, live or dead, who would be included and why? 

Chuck Schoulinder and Mustis, both are some of my favorite’s musician, I love how they play, and how they make their music.

Can you give us any idea what we could expect to see in the future for Matriarch? 

Matriarch is now working on new material, planning on macking our first album, a dvd, and the most important thing to make better music each and every day.

And lastly, what advice would you give to other metal babes or female bands? 

We as women can have the same talent as men, and maybe better, so don’t be shy to express your art.

A special thanks to Shamara and all the girls of Matriarch for allowing this interview to happen. You can visit the official Matriarch website at www.matriarchpr.com.