Halfway demons

Photographs and Interview by Rhyan Paul

Spanish death punk band Deaf Devils open up about loving danger, performing like they’re possessed , and finally releasing their long awaited EP.

Valencia, Spain

“Deaf Devils are a Death punk - Action rock band led by a 'She-Devil' that arrived from Spain to prove that new blood is here and that Punk is not dead.”

It’s always great to catch up with Pipe, Eric, Cuba and Lucyfer – AKA the Deaf Devils, a band who’s insane 30 minute full on sensory assault performances leave their fans in a state of dizzying delirium and begging for more.

Having taken their hometown of Valencia by storm, they are in regular demand in UK venues and across Europe. From humble beginnings at 16 Toneladas, the Deaf Devils are on the verge of making it big time and yet they remain grounded, relaxed and always up for a few beers and a chat.

It has been an amazing start to 2024 for you, touring the UK and Spain, playing here in your hometown of Valencia and you have been back in the studio recording new material. Is there a release due this year?

We are hoping to release an EP on vinyl – we have re-recorded it 3 times and it’s hard to say when it’s coming out. We have been saying this for two years now but now feels like the right time. So, before the summer, maybe in May we will release 3 songs. It’s going to include a song that will only be released on vinyl, not for digital. It’s a cover version of a song, we are keeping it secret – you will have to wait and see when we release it!

Where did the name “Deaf Devils” come from?

We really like all the Satanic stuff and all the symbols associated with it. We love playing loud music and as a result we are kind of deaf! So, we may not be demons yet, but we are halfway there. Sorry, what did you say?

Who are your biggest influences?

We all have our individual influences which we bring together, all of them from Rock & Roll of course. Eric and Lucyfer were bought up around the punk rock scene, Pipe was more into the 90’s Scandinavian punk bands and Cuba is more of metal guy.

You have the chance to perform with anyone (dead or alive) – who is it going to be?

What a question – that’s so difficult. We don’t want to shoot ourselves in the foot with this! Defiantly the opening band for the Dead Boys at CBGB’s in 1997 – that would be incredible or the Sex Pistols last show at the Winterland Ballroom. There are so many, it’s an impossible question! It’s like saying do you prefer your Mom or dad!

If I say the word “Rebellion” to you – does it have any meaning?

Of course – We cannot believe it! We are playing at Rebellion Festival in the UK – its incredible! We were talking about playing here in the future and suddenly its happening this year. It will not seem real until we are actually there!

I discovered “Deaf Devils” on YouTube and them came to photograph you at 16 Toneladas, here in Valencia. For the people out there who haven’t heard you play, how would you describe your sound?

Loud music, Satanic with an attitude. It’s like taking a blender and adding some Dead Boys, Sex Pistols, Damned, Pantera, Kiss, mix it up and this is what comes out! We are about danger, we fucking love danger! When you see us play, you don’t know what is going to happen – then it fucking happens.

You have teased us with news on the vinyl release, any plans to get back in the studio again this year?

Yeah, we will try and get back in there as fast as possible. We have some new ideas and are writing new material. You will have to wait and see.

What are your favourite venues to play?

16 Toneladas, it’s our home! Outside of Spain Don’t Panic in Germany and The Dev in Camden - that place is incredible! But 16 Toneladas is special, nowhere is like it.

A few words for your fans.

We perform at 666% for you, non-stop, jumping, screaming, bleeding, we play like we are fucking possessed. Please buy our merchandise and fucking support us. We love you and are here for you, but we have an album to pay for. So many bands are struggling right now and without fans support bands cannot go on.