This week’s featured Meet The Band artist is the one-man black/death metal project El Muerto, whose debut EP is Lost And Amsterdamned. Multi-instrumentalist Ricardo Botello introduces us to El Muerto.
Chad Bowar: Give us a brief history of El Muerto.
Ricardo Botello: El Muerto began as my personal outlet for dark and aggressive music. After being part of projects in Mexico and Australia, I wanted a place where I could fully express my vision without compromise. When I moved to the Netherlands, the project truly took shape as I focused on creating black and death metal with a strong atmosphere. El Muerto was born in the depths of personal crisis, a raw and unflinching document of depression, trauma, and the desire to disappear. Conceived as a final message from an artist who had lost the will to live, each track captures a chapter of that darkness. But this record is no longer a goodbye. It’s proof that even in the shadows, something can still survive.
Describe the songwriting process for Lost In Amsterdamned.
The songs started with riffs that set a very specific mood. I built the structures around tension, aggression, and shadowy melodies. I handled most of the composition and recording myself, then invited guest musicians to bring in unique elements where it made sense. Everything is written to feel like a descent through a darker side of the city.
What will be your strongest memory of the recording of the album?
The first time I recorded “Ghosts of Torment,” all was made in one take with the vocals, I really liked how the frustration, anger and thoughts manifested through the growls.
What was the biggest challenge in its creation?
Doing everything independently means you are the only judge of when something is finished. It required discipline to keep the raw power intact and not overwork the music. You never know how good or bad things are when you have been listening to it for so many times and know all the weak and strong spots.
How would you characterize its style and sound?
Blackened death metal with melodic and atmospheric layers. It is intense, aggressive and focused on building darkness and drive throughout the songs.
What lyrical topics do you cover?
Psychological decay, existential shadows, and the darker aspects of identity. It is about getting lost and transformed by the environment around you. Also some mythological aspects.
What led you to go the independent route for the EP release?
As a debut EP it’s easier to have it listened to and bring awareness.
What are your goals and expectations for the album?
I hope it connects with people who appreciate extreme metal with depth and atmosphere. If the EP builds a strong foundation for future releases and live shows, that is exactly what I want. Also, that they understand the message behind the songs.
Do you have plans to play live?
I am always open to the idea, if I find the correct group of people. It is harder if you are a solo artist.
Discuss your musical journey as you have moved all over the world to play in different projects.
Mexico gave me intensity and passion. Australia taught me experimentation and collaboration. The Netherlands has allowed me to develop the darker and more focused style that defines El Muerto today. Every step added something essential.
What bands influenced you when you started in music?
Immortal, Darkthrone and Emperor were important early influences for rawness and atmosphere. Later, Opeth and Mgla taught me how aggression and emotion can combine in a powerful way.
What was the first concert you attended?
The memory I have was a goodbye Kiss tour from 94 or something like that. I was really shocked by the theatrical aspects of Kiss.
What are some of your non-musical interests and hobbies?
I like woodworking, magic gathering and anything horror related.
What is currently in your musical heavy rotation?
Dawn, Kannonenfieber, Mgla.
Anything else you would like to mention or promote?
The debut EP, Lost in Amsterdamned, is available at Bandcamp. And for anyone struggling there is always strength in asking for help.
(interview published November 22, 2025)
