Nascido sob o signo incivilizatório

Kaatayra

2019

Cover of Nascido sob o signo incivilizatório
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Why This Album Matters

Nascido sob o signo incivilizatório, released in 2019 by Kaatayra, the solo project of musician Caio Lemos, represents a milestone in the fusion of atmospheric black metal and elements of rich Brazilian folk tradition. The album stands out for reinterpreting the intensity of metal with a unique approach, incorporating acoustic instrumentation, tribal percussions, and ethereal vocals. Its sound is simultaneously introspective and powerful, creating soundscapes that transition between delicacy and oppressive force. This work solidifies Kaatayra's proposal to weave a musical tapestry where the rawness of metal intertwines with typically Brazilian melodies and rhythms, resulting in an auditory experience that is both familiar and innovative.

Context

The Kaatayra project is the embodiment of Caio Lemos's artistic vision, considered by many to be his most authentic and visceral expression. The name Kaatayra itself, which can be interpreted as "Son/Daughter of the Forest", reflects the artist's deep connection to Brazilian folk music and the legends of his childhood. Released in 2019, the album emerged during a period when environmental themes and humanity's relationship with nature were gaining increasing prominence. The work, in fact, explicitly addresses humanity's apathetic approach to climate change, using music as a vehicle for this urgent reflection.

Recording

As a one-man project, the conception of Nascido sob o signo incivilizatório fell entirely to Caio Lemos, who likely orchestrated and executed most, if not all, of the recording stages. The production process prioritised a notable balance, where complex metal arrangements were balanced with the simplicity and cadence of acoustic beats. The sound is enriched by the use of acoustic instruments, tribal percussions, and field recordings, recurring elements in Kaatayra's discography, which contribute to the album's naturalist and immersive atmosphere.

Songs

The album is composed of five extensive and immersive tracks: "Horizonte, Abismo", "Fogo! Na Babilônia", "Unhas de Bode Ecoam versus o Macaco Nu e sua Agricultura", "Chama, Pólvora e Esperança" and "Preciso me Encontrar (Tributo ao Candeia)". The track "Unhas de Bode Ecoam versus o Macaco Nu e sua Agricultura" distinguishes itself by being the only entirely acoustic one, offering a respite and a point of contrast within the work. Songs like "Horizonte, Abismo" and "Chama, Pólvora e Esperança" feature explosions of chaos and dynamic energy, with the drums rapidly alternating between blast beat drumming and more melancholic Latin folk passages. The album's lyrics address Lemos's concerns about climate change, while "Preciso me Encontrar (Tributo ao Candeia)" honours the sambista Candeia, evidencing the Brazilian cultural roots incorporated into the musical proposal.

Legacy

Nascido sob o signo incivilizatório was widely praised by critics, being considered an evolution of Kaatayra's previous work and reaching new heights of artistic achievement. The album was quickly pointed out as a strong contender for best-of-year lists in 2019, being described as immensely pleasurable and impeccable in both its technique and arrangement. Kaatayra's style, which combines black metal with Brazilian folk elements, has consolidated itself as a reference in progressive metal and contemporary music that seeks influences beyond the traditional boundaries of the genre. The album's inclusion among the 100 best Brazilian music albums attests to its recognition and lasting impact on the national music scene.

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