Brazilian brutal death metal veterans Ophiolatry have officially signed with WormHoleDeath Records, marking a powerful new chapter in the band’s legacy. Alongside the signing, they’ve announced the release of their long-awaited album, Serpent’s Verdict, set to drop on June 6, 2025.
Known for fusing technical precision with spiritual and cultural themes, Ophiolatry’s return after a 17-year silence promises an album that’s as intense as it is meaningful. With Serpent’s Verdict, the band channels ancestral rage, Indigenous resistance, and mythological depth into what they call a “sonic ritual”—a brutal yet purposeful force in today’s extreme metal landscape.We recently communicated with the band via email to discuss the powerful themes behind Serpent’s Verdict, their evolution over the years, and how real-world events in the Amazon have shaped the emotional core of their music. What emerged was a deeper understanding of Ophiolatry’s unique approach to extreme metal—where brutal sound meets spiritual ritual.
What do you think about the themes of spiritual revenge and Indigenous resistance explored in Serpent's Verdict? How do these themes resonate in today's world?
Revenge and Indigenous resistance are the spirit of Serpent's Verdict. I am not speaking of a superficial revenge here, but of an ancestral justice—of recovering the dignity of villages and cultures that have been silenced for generations. Indigenous resistance has a unique power because it is born from truth and survival. In Brazil, where the Amazon continues to be destroyed day by day and original communities continue to be marginalized, we felt it was necessary to channel this anger and strength through our music.
How might real events in the Amazon and ancient mythology influence the emotional intensity and message of a brutal death metal album?
Starting with the name Ophiolatry, it comes from a terrifying story that happened in the Amazon involving our drummer's family. Beyond that, everything that happens in reality—destruction, injustice, and the loss of identity—is transformed into emotional energy. Death metal is a powerful tool for expressing this rage and pain. Ancestral mythology helps us give symbolic language to what we feel. It connects us to something deeper and timeless, encompassing both history and the present.
Ophiolatry describes their new album as a "sonic ritual." What do you think that means in the context of extreme metal music?
A "sonic ritual" is more than a metaphor—it's an experience. When people listen to the album, we want them to feel like they're participating in a ritual, something ancient. Each song has its own purpose, as if each part invokes a different energy. Extreme metal already has a strong emotional charge; with Serpent's Verdict, we wanted to go further—to connect with transformation.
In what ways can a band evolve musically while still maintaining the essence of their original sound?
It's about growing without betraying yourself. We all evolve over time as musicians and as people, but the essence of Ophiolatry remains intact: intensity, technique, and message. With Serpent's Verdict, we added atmosphere and more depth, without losing the brutality or clarity. It's like sharpening a spear after years of war—the weapon is the same, but now it's more lethal.
Why do you think the 17-year gap between Transmutation and Serpent's Verdict might have been important for the band's growth and direction?
That silence was necessary. It allowed us to live, listen, and feel. We went through hard times, but we also found new perspectives. And when we came back, we weren't the same. We came back stronger, with something real to say. Serpent's Verdict is the rebirth of a vision that needed time to mature.
How does Ophiolatry's approach compare to other brutal death metal bands like Morbid Angel, Death, or Deicide in terms of theme and style?
We have deep respect for the aforementioned bands; each of them has left their legacy in the history of metal. In Ophiolatry, we channel the warrior spirit of our ancestors, and we bring the Serpent’s energy with us.
Stay heavy. Support the underground. Long live metal.
Want more? Follow Ophiolatry on their Website, Spotify, Facebook and catch them when they come to your town.
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