Natal Cleft

Whats up Zeek, Hows Natal Cleft? Please introduce the band and tell us how it started.

Zeek - Horns up Cyril.Before answering your question,the band would like to thank you for always supporting us.You are a certified CLEFTomaniac indeed hehehehe.We really appreciate your kick ass support.Hahahah if we were gays or girls,we would suck your metal dick hahahahahah

We are doing good.One step at a time for the recording of our album.Natal Cleft was formed in 2003.Me and Atan Elias(guitarist and schoolmate in UP) were the founders.We recorded one track entitled "particles of hate" and Warner Music was interested but unfortunately our drummer left because of family matters.We were dormant for about 2 years but we continued searching for our kindred souls in music.Auditions here and there and right now I can say that this is the best line up we've got.We have Rex Bontuyan on bass,Darrs Diaz on guitars and Den2 Moga on drums.

We are planning to release the album early 2013 or earlier(hope so).We are doing our best to find time amidst our different schedules.Our sound engineer is Darrs Diaz(our guitarist) and we are recording our stuff in D'studio,a studio in his sala.DIY stuff. 

• 
  How would you describe "Particles of Hate"?
• Zeek - To those who are waiting for it and also to the ones that are not very familiar with your music and lyrics?From this album,one can expect dynamics in our sound.We want it to be creative and unpredictable.
• You are now getting a lot of recognition not only here but also outside the country, how does it feel?
Being recognized globally is better than sex hehehe.We are very passionate about our craft and appreciation from metalheads and musicians themselves are our payday.We just want to share our music for the love of metal.We made it to top 1 in metal charts at Signmeto with Roadrunner Records.And it seemed surreal that international radio stations and web radios are asking for our songs to have airplay.

Many of the foreign bands became our closest friends in its truest sense.They are genuine people.There is this band who have also worked with Dave Lombardo(Slayer) who appreciated our songwriting and wanted us to come to the US.There is this skilled guitarist named Julienne who bragged about us saying that if we will not be signed with Roadrunner,there is no chance for bands like them hahahah so funny.We dont care if we will get signed or not,what is important is the passion for music and yes to have an album so that we have something to be proud of before all of us will wither and rot hehehehe.

We were invited to have a European tour with NIGHTRAGE,DEADLOCK,DEVASTATING ENEMY and SCAR OF THE SUN.But unfortunately DEADLOCK could not do the tour.They told us to update the band on future tours.

Please tell something about the sound of Natal Cleft. 

Zeek - We call Natal Cleft's sound as cerebral metal.We want it to be something unique and we are happy coz somehow we have achieved it through the praises of our metal brothers and sisters.According to them,we have created our own unique sound and the songwriting is original.To each his own but its up to the listener how he perceives our songs

Your private music fascinations, what about it? How it influenced Natal Cleft's sounds?

Zeek - Personally,I listen to all kinds of genre.I look up to the creative songwriting of the band.Me and my sister are avid fans of Death.I also dig Artillery,Tool,A Perfect Circle,Toxik,Sadus,Demigod,Protector,Bathory,Judas Priest and Dissection.Hehehehe I also adore Coheed and Cambria,Smashing Pumpkins,Porcupine Tree and Foo Fighters heheh guilty pleasures.Oh include Adele,Xenia(from The Voice) and Skunk Anansie.

Our guitarist Atan Elias is also a fanatic of Death.Chuck is our man hehehehehe.Ask Atan about the Beatles and he knows everything aheheheeh.Atan also likes Frank Zappa,Jeff Buckley(he looks like him hahaha),Pink Floyd and other classic bands.Our bassist Rex is a Jason Newsted dude heheheeh.This guy took AB Music and also loves the band Onslaught.He also adores classic bands.Darrs Diaz(guitarist) digs John Petrucci,Steve Vai,Incubus and Paul Gilbert.

Our guitarist Atan Elias is also a fanatic of Death.Chuck is our man hehehehehe.Ask Atan about the Beatles and he knows everything aheheheeh.Atan also likes Frank Zappa,Jeff Buckley(he looks like him hahaha),Pink Floyd and other classic bands.

Our bassist Rex is a Jason Newsted dude heheheeh.This guy took AB Music and also loves the band Onslaught.He also adores classic bands.

Darrs Diaz(guitarist) digs John Petrucci,Steve Vai,Incubus and Paul Gilbert.

Where do you find the inspirations to Natal Cleft’s lyrics?

Zeek - Regarding Natal Cleft lyrics,each song has a theme.I dont stick to one subject.Paradise is political.Particles of Hate and Tortured Heaven is somewhat psychological.

Kamusta ang metal scene sa Cebu, and how do they respond to your music?

The metal scene in Cebu is alive and kicking hehehehe!The passion in metal is present in every horn of our metal brothers and sisters!The veterans are still supporting the new breed of musicians and thats fantastic!

Other Cebuano bands you wanna recommend?

Zeek - Shout out to the Cebuano hordes who kick ass like Sodom(they started it all) Agnas,Comatose,Demise,Cursed Loath,Fallen Angel,Stallions of the Burning Church,Astarus and Vercellum

Zeek thanks for the interview, any final comments for our readers and where can they reach you?
Wicked metal greetings from Cebu City to all the readers!666 horns up to Senyor Cyril Mendoza for this zine!
http://www.facebook.com/natalcleftmusic

Words of Todd Mendieta(USA/Costa Rica) on Natal Cleft music

 "Great guitar and drum work and sounds very different than the average death metal band around here. Vocals are very high pitched, but I like that only because it is different and I gather thats why A and R rating you so high for your originality. Your drummer fuckin kicks ass! Happy Holidays! You guys must be very tired at the end of you

r set!lol!You guys have pretty much made the rest of these types of bands look like they just stepped out of their diapers!lol!10/10 from me and a pick in my favorites!Your fuckin video is the shit!!! Love you guys! If A and R don't sign you, then there is no hope for any of us!"