Casting Shadows: The Mystical Spells And Dark Rituals Behind PROJECT ULTIMATE SATAN's 'Opus Satanas'

Interview by Angela CroudaceProject Ultimate Satan, the brutal death metal band from Canberra, has been shaking up the metal scene with their unique blend of symphonic elements and raw aggression. The band's latest album, The Opus Satanas, released under their label, StudioDecay, is a testament to the band's resilience and innovation, as it has undergone a tumultuous yet creative journey. We sat down with the guitarist, backup vocalist, and the founder of the band, JDecay, to talk about the band's origins, the making of the album, and their bold vision."Project Ultimate Satan was born from a few different musical journeys," Decay explains. "It all started in 2019 when I was working with the band Inhuman Remnants. I was trying out guitarists and eventually brought in Darryl as a pianist. We hit it off, but the other members weren't keen on shifting from Deathgrind to a more symphonic sound. That's when the seed for Project Ultimate Satan was planted."The band's evolution wasn't easy. After a line-up change and the disruptive impact of COVID-19, The Opus Satanas was delayed multiple times, but the result is worth the wait. "We started recording in 2019 and finished in 2021," JDecay reflects. "Lockdowns and other personal challenges made it tough, but in the end, we were able to refine it. Now, we're ready to push it out and tour."The album is divided into two movements: Malefus Malefacaram and Lex Talionis. The first movement is a deep dive into themes of persecution, inspired by the Hammer of Witches (a 15th-century guide to witch-hunting). The second movement (the Latin phrase referencing the legal principle of exact retaliation) explores the concept of "an eye for an eye," drawing on the story of duality. JDecay elaborates, "The first movement is about persecution, while the second is about retribution. We really wanted to split the album into two halves that represent a journey. It's a raw, brutal exploration of human struggle."A standout feature of The Opus Satanas is its unique sound, blending symphonic elements with death metal intensity. "I wanted to bring in more melody to death metal, adding piano and orchestration. We were experimenting with these larger ideas that, for me, just felt right."As for the band name, Decay said that Project Ultimate Satan came about after an episode of Futurama and thought that it was the perfect name for a band that wasn't already taken."It's all about pushing boundaries," says JDecay with a chuckle. "We wanted something provocative and strong—something that would make people stop and think."With a dedicated fanbase and a fresh sound, Project Ultimate Satan is ready to make their mark. "We've learned a lot through trial and error," JDecay says. "But now, we're tighter than ever, and we're ready to bring The Opus Satanas to life."JDecay is deeply committed to supporting smaller bands and musicians in the metal community. Through his work with StudioDecay, he focuses on artist development, helping emerging acts build their identity, sound, and presence. "We try to give back by focusing on artist development," he says, emphasizing the importance of assisting bands with the business side of music—something many new musicians are unaware of. From helping craft professional PR packages to guiding bands on networking with PR reps, JDecay ensures these smaller acts are equipped with the tools they need to succeed. His approach goes beyond just music; it's about empowering artists to navigate the complexities of the music industry, helping them understand how to get on shows, work with labels, and build a sustainable career. Despite being a smaller label with limited funds, JDecay's dedication to nurturing talent and creating a supportive community reflects his commitment to helping others succeed in a challenging industry. Not bad at all for a few guys from the ACT!Watch for their upcoming Australian tour, and prepare for a death metal experience like no other.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heavy-music-interviews--2687660/support.