Interview With Michelle From Perpetual Legacy | “Teodrama” Was A Long And Challenging Process”
These days, it’s rare for a band to take the plunge and release a double album. Especially when you consider that, with the rise of digital music, albums no longer seem to hold the value they once did. But while some bands only release individual tracks on digital platforms, the Brazilian band Perpetual Legacy is going in the opposite direction, taking an old-school approach to create a tremendous work: a double album titled “Teodrama.”
Such a work caught our attention. Not only because of the boldness of releasing something like this, but also because of the album itself, which falls under a kind of symphonic power metal—a genre we’ve already had the chance to discuss—and on top of that, it’s a massive conceptual work.
With all that in mind, we decided to dig a little deeper into the matter, and thanks to the folks at En Hakkore Records, we had the chance to interview Michelle Braglia Rodovalho, the vocalist for Perpetual Legacy, who answered our persistent questions…
How did Perpetual Legacy form and what was your initial idea for the band?
“I formed the band together with Matheus (bass player) around 2013. Shortly after that, I invited Rafael (keyboard player) to join the project. Initially, Perpetual Legacy was meant yo be only a studio project, where we would record and release a few songs. However, the songwriting started flowing very naturally, and the band simply came to life…”
As far as I know, you have two albums and an EP. Could you describe each of them for us?
“A New Symphony for Him” is our debut album. It is a non-conceptual album in which we explore some of mankind’s dilemmas and conflicts in the search for God. It was very well received by the audience, although it also represents all of our first steps into the symphonic metal universe.
The EP is a collection of classic Christian hymns reinterpreted with our own musical identity. In fact, God willing, it will be re-released later this year.
“Teodrama”, on the other hand, reflects a more mature band, both as composers and musicians. It came after a long period without new releases and represents a very special moment in our journey.”
“Teodrama” is crazy in every sense of the word. How did you come up with such a conceptual work? How did you bring each piece together thematically and musically?
“After we decided we were going to release a new album, we started looking for a theme. We considered doing something inspired by the works of Tolkien or C.S. Lewis, or perhaps something related to the Apocalypse. Then the idea came to me: why not sing about the grand biblical narrative divided into four pillars: Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Consummation?
I started composing and, very quickly, realized there was so much to be said. That was when we embarked on the “madness” of creating a double album.
Matheus and Rafael would send me the instrumental parts of their compositions, while I was responsible for the vocal lines and lyrics. I would listen to each song and imagine which part of the narrative it belonged to. From there, I built the vocal melodies and lyrics according to the atmosphere and emotion each composition conveyed.”
From what we know, “Teodrama” took a long time to record and produce. What was that process like?
“Teodrama took around three years to be completed. At the time, I was living in another country and recording the vocals in my home studio, then sending everything to the producer in charge, while the guys recorded their parts in his studio. “Teodrama” was a long and challenging process, but also a very rewarding one.”
Perpetual Legacy moves musically between Power Metal and Symphonic Metal. How would you define the band’s style, and what are your influences?
“We are a Symphonic Metal band, and our main influences are Epica, Within Temptation, and Nightwish. In addition, each member brings individual influences that help shape the band’s identity in a very unique way.”
Is it difficult to perform the material from “Teodrama” live, considering the arrangements and orchestrations of the songs? Did you ever think about playing the entire album live, even though it’s a double album?
“We never really thought about performing the entire album live, but we did consider recording a DVD. Without a doubt, performing the songs from Teodrama live is challenging. Currently, we have two guitar players, we make use of samplers, and we need a solid stage structure in order to deliver an experience that stays faithful to what was recorded on the album.”
Given the increase in digital releases at the expense of physical formats, isn’t it risky to release a double album these days? What are your thoughts on digital vs. physical releases?
“Yes, during the process we became fully aware of the risks involved in releasing a double album nowadays, but we decided to move forward anyway.
I still believe it is worth releasing some physical copies, because there are people who truly value having the material in their collection. However, we understand that the vast majority of people consume music digitally today, and we do not intend to fight against that reality.”
You recently released a new video for the song “Grace,” showing the band in a kind of bonfire. Tell us about the idea and concept behind the video…
“Grace” is a song about the beauty and delight we find in the simple things of everyday life, whether in nature, relationships, flavors, or many other details of life.
The song’s message is to show that, through these seemingly ordinary experiences, we encounter something extraordinary: traces of God’s glory revealed in creation and in everyday life.
At first, we had different plans for the music video, with different landscapes and scenes, but unfortunately some unexpected setbacks forced us to change the direction of the production. Even so, by God’s grace, we were able to create a beautiful video that ended up surpassing our expectations.”
Are there plans for new music videos? Or are you already thinking about the successor to Teodrama?
“We do have plans for new music videos and new releases as well. We still do not have a specific timeline because all the band members are currently very involved with professional and family responsibilities. Even so, we believe we will have news to share later this year.”
In the case of a new album, would you try again with a concept album in the style of “Teodrama” or would you go for something more traditional? In that case, what theme or story would you like to portray with your music?
“I cannot speak for the entire band, but I honestly believe that this time we would probably choose to release singles or, at most, an EP.
I do not think we would make a second Teodrama, although I cannot say that with complete certainty either. As for a new theme, there are many possibilities, but at the moment I cannot think of anything specific.”
Some bands resist being labeled as White Metal or Christian Metal. What do you think about this, and what is your position as a band?
“We are not very fond of labels that further divide a scene that is already quite niche. We understand that God is the Creator and Sovereign over all things, including art, music, and metal itself. It is not a label such as “Christian Metal” or “White Metal” that will make a work sacred.
Obviously, because we are an explicitly confessional band, we naturally end up being placed in the Christian band category. However, we do not depend on that label in order to express ourselves artistically and glorify God through our music.”
Thank you for your time. We’ll leave the last question for whatever you want to say…
“I would like to thank you for the space and the opportunity to share a little about our message.
We truly hope people will listen especially to the message behind Teodrama. We live in a world that desperately seeks someone to save it from suffering while moving farther and farther away from its only Savior.
Teodrama tells the true story about God and about ourselves. It is the Gospel presented in a way that connects with today’s reality: the one and only true message of salvation, Christ.
Once again, thank you very much!”
It might sound like an exaggeration, but we can honestly say that “Teodrama” is a great conceptual work and one of the few double albums released in recent years. What’s more, its production, conception, and everything surrounding “Teodrama” is of such excellence that it stands shoulder-to-shoulder with any European or North American production—because, ladies and gentlemen, Perpetual Legacy is from Brazil and just as Latin and South American as this webzine!!!
The band already has two official music videos out for tracks from “Teodrama,” “No Innocents Here” and “Grace,” which we’re sharing below, along with the band’s official social media accounts, so you can follow them and stay updated on their latest news…
https://www.facebook.com/PerpetualLegacy
https://www.instagram.com/perpetuallegacyband
