Interview with Dondon Collado of Maticrust.

Would a band not be considered underground anymore since they are promoting their music through social media??

Visit MATICRUST here.

Suchu - What are you doing nowadays? 

Dondon - For now we’re busy doing new stuffs for new EP, hopefully it will come out soon later this year.

Suchu - Can i get the story of your band and biography? What is the meaning of Maticrust and what does it mean to the band?

Dondon - MATICRUST came from the Filipino – Tagalog word "MATIkas"which means: firm, strong and refined. Adding "CRUST"; to its name which is based from their influences - Anarcho Crust Punk // In Grind We Crust vista during their teenage years involvement in the underground scene / movement and the DIY Pinoy Punk Scene way back early 90's. MATICRUST are all expats in the U.A.E. hailing from Abu Dhabi (UAE Capital) Originally born and raise from the Third world hell hole Philippines. Nevertheless our foundation from the underground scene gave us the jolt to pursue once again our passion and interest in the so called counter culture of mankind.

Suchu - What are the lyrical themes you use in your song? Gore, Horror, Politics, Anti religion etc..

Dondon - Our music tackled socio-political mainly oppression, discrimination, equality and apathy for the greed.

Suchu - How it feels to be in an Underground band? And for how many years you are in this scene?

Dondon - Feels like no one is controlling you and we’re free to do what ever we want and we are supported by people who feel really passionate about our music. We’re in the scene since the mid-90’s.

Suchu - Which are the bands that have influenced your band most?

Dondon - Our influence are Insect Warfare, Extreme Noise Terror, Warsore ,Terrorizer, Disrupt, Masskontroll, and Doom.

Suchu - What are the future plans of Maticrust? any tours, releases, recordings etc.

Dondon - Our main plan is to do EP’s. Touring is second but limited due to individual priority. EP hopefully it will be finished by later this year as I said and for tour if everything's okay from both side we planning to play at asakusa deathfest in japan by October this year. For some tribute compilation is the Warsore Tribute Via Extreme Terror, Grindfather Production and Power-it-up Records are now in 10” EP limited to 500 copies only. 39 bands total.

Suchu - What is your opinion on sites posting Underground Materials?

Dondon - My opinion on that it helps a band or a scene be known easily and accessible without hassle.

Suchu - How do you feel about the classifications in metal? like Deathcore, Metalcore and other Subgenres..

Dondon - About new Music of what we called nowadays to this new genres for me it’s all the same. that depends how it’s delivered musically and lyrically. And as long you’re passionate to establish it I guess there’s no boundaries on that.

Suchu - In general term extreme metal isn't appreciated by Society what do you have to say on this?

Dondon - Ever since it is not appreciated that’s why it stays Underground means limited people who’ll understand and only those who are passionate only. That is why we’re lucky that we belong to this radical society.

Suchu - Ok, what do you want to tell those peoples who rips off the band hard work and illegally downloads their music?

Dondon - For me it’s not a big deal as far us underground is concern because it helps the bands exposure too, but the most important is the permission came from the band itself. It’s like respect.

Suchu - Beside Maticrust do you have any other projects too?

Dondon - Only Maticrust

Suchu - Is it hard surviving in underground Scene?

Dondon - We are all surviving in the UG scene as long as there are people who believes in the music or artistry of Maticrust!

Suchu - Metal has to be underground or metal has to go mainstream, what's your opinion?

Dondon - This is a topic which is hard to tackle; would a band not be considered underground anymore since they are promoting their music through social media?? or sharing it through spotify or soundcloud? Is that too mainstream already? If we believe in the UG old way, then shows should be promoted through flyers and spreading the news through verbal words and not on FB event page right?? So this is the part we ask ourselves on where is the borderline in defining if we are still UG or being a mainstream. If a band gets the recognition they deserved and unexpectedly, will they be at fault? Bash them and say you are becoming mainstream now. Is there a written 10 commandments on how to stay underground and not be noticed? Anyways, I hope you get my point, hahaha!

Suchu - What is your opinion on the current state of underground metal?

Dondon - That depends on where you live in or which country. If I am going to give the current situation of the Middle East UG, well, it’s hard sometimes to have shows especially if we need to ask permission from the authority to play at a certain place. Promoters can take the risk not be caught. So yeah, it’s a struggle worth doing!

Suchu - Which is the album you want to take to your grave?

Dondon - Disrupt ( Unrest Album ), Terrorizer ( World Down Fall Album ) and Brutal Truth ( Extreme, Condition Demand Extreme Response Album )

Suchu - Can you recommend us some good bands from your country for our readers?

Dondon - There’s a lot to mention but here are some kick-ass bands in the my hometown Giling-Anne, Coarse, Eradikatorr, Saipek, Repugnant and Absolute Truth.

Suchu - .”Support Underground Metal”, how much you agree on this quote?

Dondon - I believe in camaraderie, friendship, brotherhood, sisterhood, and so on! These are things that you can find when you support the UG scene. If you attend a show and you don’t really like the bands performing.. just show your ass-up! Give your support! Everyone will always have a good time. .

Suchu - Where do our readers can buy and listen Maticrust music and any other merchandise?

Dondon - On our FB page https://www.facebook.com/maticrustofficial/ , we’ll keep you posted.

Suchu - Do you remember your first show with Maticrust, How was it and how did the crowd reacted to your first show?

Dondon - Our first show was in Dubai, the crowd are stoked because we’re the first band played grind and crust core to that gig. They appreciate and enjoy it well.

Suchu - Metal Fans from Nepal doesn't have a proper way to reach your records and any other such bands, Is there an easy way so we can also get the hold of cds, shirts etc.

Dondon - It’s difficult mostly our merch came from the label itself especially ep’s for merch it will be limited because we only produced it if we have some tour for support on our expenses for travel only.

Suchu - Do you have any plans to come to Nepal in coming days?

Dondon - If given the opportunity and invite, of course that will be great! We heard a lot about the UG scene there. Would be interesting to experience it!

Suchu - What do you hate in Underground Metal? like, anything..

Dondon - Unfortunately, politics or controversy still happens. We just stop giving a sh*t about it

Suchu - Lastly, a space for you anything EUMSN have forgotten to ask you can tell us here?

Dondon - Thanks Suchitra of EUMSN for this warm interview on us, it means more to me!!! Keep the Passion Burning and Grind-On as always!!!

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