Interview to Jairo “Tormentor” Guedz (THE TROOPS OF DOOM):»It’s not about copying the past; it’s about continuing what was started there»

On October 18th, THE TROOPS OF DOOM kicked off a marathon European tour that will last nearly 45 days. We spoke with Jairo “Tormentor” Guedz about getting back into action, the reception from fans, and the upcoming tour, which will include stops in Spain and the French festival Metal Fest 09.

TMF: Jairo, what inspired you to return to the forefront of metal with THE TROOPS OF DOOM after so many years since your early days with SEPULTURA? What musical voids or ideas were you hoping to explore with this project?

JAIRO (THE TROOPS OF DOOM): After so many years working behind the scenes in the metal scene, producing and collaborating with different bands, I felt that something was missing. I’ve always carried that old-school spirit inside me — the raw energy and feeling that first made me fall in love with heavy metal back in the ’80s. THE TROOPS OF DOOM was born from that need to reconnect with my roots. It wasn’t about nostalgia; it was about keeping that flame alive and doing it the way it deserves to be done — something honest, pure, and with no compromises at all.

TMF: What does leading THE TROOPS OF DOOM mean to you personally?

J-TTOD: It’s a very personal mission for me. It feels like coming full circle, but with much more experience and a clearer vision of what I want. Leading this band is not about ego or position — it’s about creating something that honors where we came from while giving something new to the fans who have supported us for decades. It’s deeply emotional, actually.

TMF: Looking back, how would you assess your journey from SEPULTURA to where you are now?

J-TTOD: It’s been a wild ride, man. SEPULTURA was the foundation of everything — those early years were full of dreams, chaos, and discovery. Then life took me through other paths and other bands. I played with THE MIST, which was one of the most important chapters in my career in Brazil, besides SEPULTURA. We recorded some important and relevant records back in the day. I also played with OVERDOSE, EMINENCE, and worked on other musical projects, productions, and collaborations — and sometimes stayed away from the spotlight here and there. But all of that shaped who I am today. I’m proud of every step, even the difficult ones, because they gave me the perspective and maturity I have now with THE TROOPS OF DOOM.

TMF: As we all know, the band’s name references one of SEPULTURA’s most iconic songs. What significance does choosing it as your banner hold for you?

J-TTOD: That song, Troops of Doom, represents the beginning of everything for me. It’s where I first started shaping the sound that would later influence an entire generation of extreme metal. I’m the co-writer of that song, and it’s unbelievable how fresh it still sounds today. So choosing it wasn’t just a reference — it was something symbolic, a way to connect THE TROOPS OF DOOM vibe with my past in SEPULTURA, so people would immediately understand what the band is all about, you know? It’s about paying respect to that legacy while reclaiming it as something that’s still alive and constantly evolving through this band.

TMF: How did you go about assembling the musicians who make up THE TROOPS OF DOOM today? Would you say this project is a natural continuation of your legacy or more of a personal reinvention?

J-TTOD: It all started very naturally. The initial idea came from me and Alex Kafer after a show with his other band, where they invited me to join them for a cover of Bestial Devastation. I was still playing with The Mist at the time. The chemistry was instant, and that moment kind of planted the seed for what would later become THE TROOPS OF DOOM. At the same time, Marcelo Vasco was already a friend of both mine and Alex’s for many years. He’s not only an incredible visual artist but also a great guitarist — and a huge fan of old-school thrash and death metal — so it felt natural to bring him into the fold. Alexandre Oliveira was already playing with me in another project, and he fit perfectly to complete the lineup. Everything just clicked. It wasn’t forced or planned; it just happened because we all shared the same vision and passion for this kind of music. I see it as both a continuation of our legacy and a reinvention of it. We honor our past, but we’re not stuck in it, you know?

TMF: How have fans and the metal press responded to your two releases so far?

J-TTOD: The response has been incredible — way beyond our expectations. The fans embraced the band as if we’d been around forever, and the press has been very supportive, recognizing the authenticity behind what we’re doing. People understand that this isn’t a “revival project”; it’s a living, breathing band with a soul of its own.

TMF: Was there any aspect of the audience’s reaction that particularly surprised you, whether positive or critical?

J-TTOD: I think the biggest surprise is how strong the connection has been with younger fans — people who weren’t even born when Bestial Devastation came out are now singing along to our songs. That’s something that really moves me: to see the old and new generations united through our music.

TMF: Your records have a sound deeply rooted in the old-school thrash and death metal tradition. Was that intentional from the start, or did it evolve naturally?

J-TTOD: It was completely intentional. We wanted to capture that classic vibe — the spirit of the late ’80s and early ’90s — but with a little more “modern”, [I hate this word, (laugh)], and powerful production. It’s not about copying the past; it’s about continuing what was started there. It’s like channeling that raw energy and giving it a new life with today’s tools and sensibility.

TMF: What would you say are the main differences between your first and second albums in terms of songwriting, production, and the band’s overall maturity?

J-TTOD: The first album was pure instinct! We were just excited to bring those ideas to life, and that’s exactly what we did. It was still during the pandemic years, and since we all live in different cities — and Brazil has these giant, continental proportions — it wasn’t easy for us to get together. So everything was done remotely, which is not ideal, I know, but it was the only way to move forward at that time. Still, we love Antichrist Reborn! It’s very special to us.

With the second album, though, we were much more aware of what THE TROOPS OF DOOM truly was as a band. The songwriting became more focused, and this time we had the chance to enter the studio together — like a real band, you know? The arrangements became way more dynamic, and the production reached another level. I think you can really feel the band growing.

TMF: You’re embarking on a new European tour this fall. What are your expectations for this leg?

J-TTOD: Hell yeah! I’m actually answering you from a hotel room in Germany right now, by the way. Europe has always been very special to us — the fans here really live and breathe metal! This tour has been really intense… almost two months of pure energy, connecting with people face-to-face again. This is what we love to do. Our goal is always to deliver the most powerful shows we’ve ever done.

TMF: How have you put together the setlist to balance the new material with the old-school spirit that defines you?

J-TTOD: The setlist is designed to tell our story, from the early influences to the present day. Of course, we play songs from our albums and EPs, but we also include a few SEPULTURA classics that remind people where we come from. It’s all about balance: brutal energy, dark atmosphere, and a strong emotional connection.

TMF: Are there any countries or cities where you feel a particularly strong connection with the audience and are especially excited to return?

J-TTOD: Spain and France have always treated us incredibly well. Germany is awesome too! The crowd there is wild and passionate. But honestly, every show has its own magic. Sometimes a small club in the middle of nowhere ends up being the most unforgettable night of the tour. That’s crazy (laugh).

TMF: We’ll catch you in France at Metal Fest 09, as well as on several dates in Spain. What can fans expect from the band live in terms of production, stage setup, or overall performance?

J-TTOD: They can expect intensity! We don’t rely on big, fancy productions. What you get from THE TROOPS OF DOOM is pure, raw energy. No bullshit! The stage setup is dark and loud, matching the concept of our music.

TMF: After this European tour, do you already have plans for dates in Latin America or other regions?

J-TTOD: Yes, definitely. We’re already planning shows in Latin America for 2026. We’ll also do some European summer festivals [shhhiii (laugh)] and hopefully North America soon too. Touring is the best way to connect with fans and keep this fire burning. We love it!

TMF: Can you give us any hints about a possible new album or upcoming material? What musical direction do you see the band taking in future releases?

J-TTOD: It’s a little early to tell, but we’ll definitely start working on new material in 2026 — we’re already talking about it, in the early stages. I believe a new album can be expected by 2027. Our next record will go even deeper into the morbid and dark side — fast, dense, and probably heavier — but still very true to our essence. We don’t want to repeat ourselves, but we also don’t want to lose what makes THE TROOPS OF DOOM unique. So expect something evil, organic, and honest!

TMF: Looking ahead, how do you envision THE TROOPS OF DOOM evolving over the next few years?

J-TTOD: We’ll keep doing what we love — writing, recording, touring. I see the band growing stronger with every step, building a legacy that stands on its own. I don’t want to rush anything; I just want it to be real and be proud of what we’re doing.

TMF: Is there a message you’d like to share with European fans who are eagerly waiting to see THE TROOPS OF DOOM live in 2025?

J-TTOD: Yeah! Thank you all for the incredible support! You guys are the reason we do this. Come to the shows, raise your horns, and let’s celebrate this passion together. We promise to give you everything we’ve got on stage.

TMF: Is there a question you wish you’d been asked in an interview but never are?

J-TTOD: Maybe, “What keeps you going after all these years?” And the answer is kind of simple… it’s the love for this music, for the fans, and for the brotherhood we’ve built. It’s in my blood, in my DNA. I just can’t run away from that shit, man. It’s unbelievable! (laugh)

TMF: To wrap up, this space is yours. What would you like to say directly to THE TROOPS OF DOOM fans and to everyone who has followed your career?

J-TTOD: I just want to thank every single one of you who has supported me from the early SEPULTURA days until now. THE TROOPS OF DOOM exists because of that passion we share. Keep supporting real metal, keep the underground alive, and never forget where this all started. See you on the road — loud and proud! Cheers!

III METAL FEST 09

21 y 22 de noviembre 2025

Saverdun (Francia)

Entradas aquí

THE TROOPS OF DOOM

Iberian Tour 2025

+ SACRED SIN

25/11/25 – Groove – Portugalete

26/11/25 – Utopía – Zaragoza

27/11/25 – Revi Live – Madrid

28/11/25 – La2 – Sevilla

29/11/25 – RCA Club – Lisboa

30/11/25 – Woodstock 69 – Oporto