#Interview with Gonzalo Civita (Heléh, Tribal)

Interview made by Sílvia

A few days ago I had the pleasure of interviewing a man with an impressive vocal range, who has duties in two bands from his country, Argentina: Tribal, playing Groove Metal with very good dynamics; and also Heléh, Doom Metal based in painfully slow tempos. Fun fact, I knew about Gonzalo because of his collaboration in another band, Tales of Mike. And as I really like his vocal skills, I thought it would be interesting having him in our zine, because as always I was curious about a lot of things…

Hi Gonzalo, thank you for doing this interview with Blessed Altar Zine. How are things with your bands? Are there any news related to them that you can share with us?

Gonzalo: Hello Sílvia, how are you? We have been working intensively. With Tribal, we are finishing the recording of the second album, and I’m truly excited about the results of this work. Regarding Heléh, we are waiting to find the right time, both on my side and Matías’s, to then enter the studio and begin recording our second material.

You have released an album with Heléh in 2022, and another album with Tribal in 2019 plus two new singles in the last two years. How proud are you of these works? And, for all the people who still don’t know your bands, how would you describe the music that each band plays?

Gonzalo: Tribal is the band of my life, a band that was born together with a group of friends who were passionate Heavy Metal fans. It is a very open-minded band, shaped by multiple influences. Its sound is rich in textures, with a lot of groove and Doom passages, yet always willing to explore new sonic territories.

Heléh is a project that emerged from the need to sing a handful of songs that didn’t fit either the sound or the context that Tribal was going through. I wanted to immerse myself in the depths of my favorite genre: Doom.

I’m curious if you are the lyricist in both bands, as the lyrics share an approach to dark themes related to human existence, and are poetic in an unsettling way…

Gonzalo: Yes, I am the lyricist in both bands. I’ve always been drawn to writing about the human condition and its darker aspects, because I feel that music is a space where you can explore those depths without restrictions. My lyrics tend to be poetic, even when they deal with unsettling subjects, because I’m interested in creating an atmosphere and leaving an impression that goes beyond the literal meaning.

In my lyrics, I aim for the listener to make the message their own. To me, songs are like a skeleton, and the audience adds the muscles and the skin based on their personal experiences. However, we also have songs with more direct messages.

How hard is it for you to combine your everyday life (job, family if so, other activities) with the music commitments: rehearsals, recording sessions, gigs…? ‘Cause I guess it’s very difficult to earn a living from music. And, personally, I think your bands deserve more recognition in the Metal scene, because your music has great quality. What do you think makes a band more known than others by the audience, within the underground?

Gonzalo: It’s not easy to balance everyday life with musical commitments, but I believe that when you are truly passionate about something, you always find a way to make it happen. Work, family, and music sometimes compete for the same time, and that requires discipline and organization. Regarding recognition, I agree that it’s very hard to make a living solely from music, especially within Metal. I think what makes a band stand out in the underground is a combination of consistency, authenticity, and connection with the audience. It’s not only about playing well, but about conveying something real that leaves a mark on those who listen.

Have you played a lot of concerts? Which is the gig you have the best memories of?

Gonzalo: With Tribal, we are performing live more and more often, while Heléh is, for now, only a studio project.

Each performance has something special, but I have very strong memories of a show with Tribal where the connection with the audience was total —the energy that night was unbelievable, I felt people were resonating with every note and every word.

How do you see the Metal scene in your country, Argentina? Is there a great basis for this kind of music? And how is the audience in the gigs there?

Gonzalo: I believe the Metal scene in Argentina is very rich and diverse. There is a solid foundation of musicians and bands who keep the passion for the genre alive, and it’s clear that there is an audience that truly enjoys and supports this type of music. Concerts, even when held in smaller venues, always have an incredible energy: people get fully involved, participate, and connect deeply with the music. I think that’s what keeps Argentine Metal alive and constantly evolving, despite the challenges of performing and producing within the underground scene.

What’s the best thing about performing live for you? Do you prepare your voice in some way before going on stage?

Gonzalo: The best thing about performing live is the immediate connection with the audience. Feeling the crowd’s energy, seeing their reactions, and experiencing how every note evokes emotion is something that can’t be replicated anywhere else. Regarding my voice, yes, I always prepare before going on stage: breathing exercises, vocal warm-ups, and overall care for my throat to make sure I can give my best throughout the entire show.

I must say, I’m an admirer of how versatile your voice is, because you can sing with a very melodic voice, and also shift from raspy/more-or-less-clean vocals to guttural in a moment, as you do in Heléh and in Tales of Mike. How difficult is it for you to do that, or you do it naturally?

Gonzalo: Thank you, I really appreciate that. The versatility of my voice has come from years of practice and experimenting with different styles. Some transitions, like going from a melodic register to guttural, require technique and breath control, but over time it becomes more natural. It’s not something that happens spontaneously at first; you need to train, take care of your voice, and know the limits of each register in order to switch safely during shows or recordings.

Can you play any instrument? If so, are you planning to incorporate this skill into any band/project in the near future?

Gonzalo: Yes, I can play guitar and bass, but I prefer to stay focused on vocals and give 100% to it. At first, I tried singing and playing guitar in a project that never even got a name, but I found it very difficult to sing or perform certain vocal maneuvers while playing guitar. The voice is already a complex enough instrument! Haha.

Let me ask you about Tales of Mike, a German band you are collaborating with. How was it that Mike Heß contacted you and it ended up in you doing vocals for his project? And, how do you feel people are receiving Tales of Mike music?

Gonzalo: Mike Heß listened to the Heléh album and reached out to me. He told me his story and about the tribute he wanted to make to his beloved brother; I found it to be a beautiful gesture of love and brotherhood. I didn’t hesitate and accepted the offer. I did my best to adjust to the timing, but it was worth it. Now I have a new German friend.

Are you doing collaborations with any other bands?

Gonzalo: For now, my main collaboration has been with Tales of Mike. I’m not actively working with other bands at the moment, but I’m always open to interesting projects that may arise in the future. I enjoy exploring new musical experiences and contributing my voice where I feel it can fit and enrich the concept.

Is there any vocalist(s) that have inspired you in your singing styles?

Gonzalo: Yes, there are several vocalists who have inspired me over the years. Among my main influences are Dio, Rob Halford, Ripper Owens, Eric Adams, and many more. I’m interested in studying how they convey emotions and adapt their voice to different styles, and I try to incorporate those lessons in a personal way into my singing, without losing my own identity.

Well, now some questions about the past… At what age did you start singing? And when did you know you wanted to do it in a professional way?

Gonzalo: I started singing at a very young age, around my teenage years, when I discovered that the voice could be a channel to express everything I had inside. At first, it was just a game and a way to imitate my idols, but over time it became something much deeper. I realized I wanted to do it professionally when I felt that singing wasn’t just a hobby, but a vital need —a way of life that would always stay with me.

Which was your entrance door to Metal? What band was the one that immediately hit you hard as soon as you heard it, and made you think “this is my music”?

Gonzalo: My entrance door to Metal was Judas Priest and Black Sabbath. I remember the first time I heard them, it immediately struck me like a revelation. That mix of power, darkness, and strength made me think: “this is my thing, this is my music.” From that moment on, I started exploring more bands and subgenres, but that first impact with Priest and Sabbath marked a turning point in my musical life.

Did you use to hang out with other metal guys when you were a teenager and go to pubs, gigs, and listen to loud metal music coming out from the speakers? And nowadays, do you enjoy attending gigs as part of the audience?

Gonzalo: Yes, during my teenage years I used to hang out with other metal friends, we went to pubs, gigs, and spent hours listening to loud music blasting from the speakers. It was a way of living and feeling Metal as a community. Nowadays, even though time is more limited, I still really enjoy attending shows as part of the audience. It’s a different experience being on the other side of the stage, but just as enriching: it inspires me, motivates me, and reminds me why I love this music so much.

Do you remember the first time you sang in front of the public? Was it easy for you to focus, or were you nervous?

Gonzalo: Yes, I clearly remember the first time I sang in front of an audience. To my surprise, I didn’t feel nervous but rather a great sense of calm, as if I had found my natural place. As soon as I started singing, I felt a sense of confidence and connection with the people there. I also remember people telling me how amazed they were by the shifts in vocal styles I was able to perform. It was a revealing moment, because I realized that being on stage and using my voice to convey emotions was what I wanted to do in my life.

Is there a special album or song that speaks to you in a deep and emotional way, maybe that moves you like no other?

Gonzalo: Yes, there are several songs that move me deeply, but if I had to choose one it would be “Beyond the Realms of Death” from Judas Priest’s Stained Class album. It’s a song full of emotion, with a vocal performance by Halford that still gives me chills every time I hear it. I was also heavily impacted by “Painkiller”, because of the intensity, the aggression, and the perfection behind it — it feels like a true manifesto of power and technique. And I can’t forget “For All Eternity” by Fight, the band Halford formed in the 90s. That song carries an epic strength that connects me directly with the purest essence of Metal. All of these works inspire me and remind me why I love this genre so much; they move me like very few other things in life.

If you could do a cover of a song and sing it as a duet with another vocalist, what song would you choose and who would be your partner?

Gonzalo: There are many songs I would like to perform, but right now I would look for something more Doom, due to the atmosphere and depth that appeal to me. As for duets, I would love to share the stage with Matt Leven, Ripper Owens, and, as a serious dream, Rob Halford. It would be an incredible experience to learn from them and contribute my voice to songs I deeply admire.

What does Metal music mean to you in your life?

Gonzalo: Metal is much more than just a musical genre for me; it’s a way of life. It connects me with deep emotions, allows me to express myself as I am, and gives me a sense of identity and belonging. Every song, every riff, and every vocal performance is a way to channel feelings, experiences, and thoughts that sometimes couldn’t come out any other way. It’s my refuge, my inspiration, and the force that drives me to keep creating and sharing my music with others.

Thank you so much for your time doing this, Gonzalo, is there anything more you want to add?

Gonzalo: Thank you for the opportunity and for taking an interest in my music. I just want to add that both Tribal and Heléh are very personal projects for me, where I try to pour all my passion and energy. Also, the first album of Tales of Mike, called Human, will be released on October 31st this year, so stay tuned. I invite everyone who listens to dive into our songs, enjoy the music, and, if they like it, support the underground scene. Every listen, comment, or share means a lot and helps keep the music alive.

Interview by Sílvia

Check Tribal and Heléh and let yourself be seduced by Gonzalo’s voice, while enjoying some great Metal made in Argentina. Also, you can listen to him in Tales of Mike. And if you enjoy what he does, spread it around, it’s a good way to support the underground.