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

Interview by Angela Croudace
Project 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.


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