This is an interview that I’m genuinely happy to conduct. It’s always super gratifying when you support a project during the recording of an album — the anticipation is always great!

Back in May 2025, I was contacted by the main man himself, Flávio, to review the song “My Trapped Soul.” Unfortunately, I only review full albums, so I promised that once it was released, I’d do him a solid. Today marks the day I honor my word — like any real man should.

When I first heard My Trapped Soul, I was genuinely taken back, to be honest. I love when projects submit material that truly impresses you — and this was 100% the case when I received this song.

After hearing the album in full, I’m genuinely amazed at how well this one turned out. Seriously, I’d have to say this is up there with some of the best material I’ve ever been sent. Going back to my point earlier — yes, it really was a nice surprise to hear how good it sounded after following the early stages of the recording process.

Each track is crafted with top-tier emotion. The mix is dense and full of layers, allowing you to close your eyes and paint vivid pictures in your mind based on what you’re hearing.

The vocals are once again very impressive — the low growls are deep, and the high-pitched screams are elite. This album has arrived in the closing months of the year like a flaming asteroid. THIS ALBUM IS H.O.T. STUFF and will probably appear on my Top 10 Albums of the Year post.

I’d give this album a very well-deserved 9/10. I’m a massive fan of atmospheric black metal — in fact, it’s probably my favorite subgenre of black metal — and I can safely say this will be a great addition to my music collection, that’s for sure!

To start off, could you share what inspired the name “Solivagus”? What does it mean literally, and what personal significance does it hold for you?

I wanted something that felt ancestral, ancient, yet easily understood by anyone, regardless of their language. And for that, nothing fits better than Latin. Solivagus means “lonely wanderer,” reflecting both the fact that it’s a solo project and the feeling I want to convey through my music.

How did you first find your way into the black metal landscape? Have you been involved in any other musical projects before Solivagus, and what led you to where you are now?

I’ve always loved listening to black metal, especially the atmospheric subgenre. But two releases sparked something in my mind that compelled me to start this project: Nightside by Grima, and Lonely People With Power by Deafheaven. I was also part of a thrash/death metal band called Carnívoro for almost nine years, but I left in August this year to dedicate myself entirely to Solivagus.

It’s quite uncommon to find black metal emerging from the Amazon region. Could you tell readers what the local scene is like there? Are there any other bands or artists from your area you admire or stay in contact with?

The metal scene in my city (Manaus, capital of Amazonas) is quite active, but mostly focused on old-school extreme metal. Speed metal bands, in particular, have been standing out lately. Everything’s very underground, of course—no support from major venues. I know a lot of people from the scene, but it’s worth checking out Escafism (slam death), Platoon (thrash), and Silent Oblivion (avant-garde black).

The artwork for Tropical Anguish is incredibly striking. As someone who values album covers as a listener’s first impression, I’d love to hear more about it—who created the piece, how you collaborated with them, and what message or emotion you wanted the artwork to convey.

The amazing illustration was created by the German artist Azoth (@sacredazoth). The concept itself was mine. It’s basically the synthesis of the entire EP: a dark melancholy, blending the beauty of nature with social isolation.

Being a one-man project must come with its fair share of challenges. What was the most difficult song for you to record or bring to life during the making of Tropical Anguish?

Although it’s considered a solo project, since I’m the only member, I should say that I collaborate with a session musician from the Sri Lankan black metal scene, who records guitars and bass. I act as the lyricist, vocalist, and creator of the whole thing. I didn’t have much difficulty writing, but Boatman’s Loneliness was the one that took me the longest, as I wrote it during a river voyage.

On the flip side, which track ended up being your personal favorite—**either to record or in terms of how it turned out on the final release?

I’d say The Severed Pillar is my favorite, because of its lyrical references to Amazonian mysticism. It was also really fun to record.

“My Trapped Soul” really stood out to me as one of the strongest songs on the album. The instrumentals and the way your vocals cut through the mix felt powerful and expressive. Could you share the story or message behind that track?

My Trapped Soul speaks about a deeply personal experience. My mother raised me with complete freedom of thought, so I never had a religion. That allowed me to form a solid sense of atheism from a very young age. The song deals with an existential reflection I had during my maternal grandfather’s funeral—about the finiteness of life and the void that awaits us after it ends.

Do you have plans to bring Solivagus live (play shows / tours) or collaborate with other musicians for live or future studio work?

Before starting live performances, I intend to consolidate my project within the scene—at least gain some regional recognition. After that, I’ll definitely look for the right musicians to perform the songs live. As for collaborations, I already have a few ideas for my full album, especially involving a lyrical female vocalist on one track to bring a stronger atmospheric impact.

How do you hope listeners experience Tropical Anguish — is it an album to be consumed in one sitting, or track-by-track? What state of mind do you hope they bring?

I’d recommend listening to the entire EP from start to finish for full immersion. I want people to reflect on their place in the world, on the state of their own existence, and how small we are when compared to nature.

Finally, I’d like to ask what’s next for Solivganus? Are you currently writing new material? Or do you plan to take a break after working so hard on “Tropical Anguish”?

Honestly, I don’t think I can afford to take a break. I’ve already started writing the lyrics for the full album I plan to release next year. I intend to keep the overall sound of Tropical Anguish, because people have connected with it—and it defines the identity I’ve chosen.

Any words you’d like to add for the people reading this interview, please type below!

I invite everyone who appreciates atmospheric black metal to listen to Solivagus—a still-small project from the north of Brazil, but one that, I assure you, has much to offer in the future. Stay tuned to my social media (@solivagus_official) and expect an incredible album next year.