Fernando Ribeiro, vocalist of Portuguese gothic metal pioneers Moonspell, has a new venture. Beside touring the world, releasing records with his band Moonspell, as well as his recent dark poetry book released in English for the very first time ever, Ribeiro has started his own label imprint Alma Mater Books & Records. They will support the finest music talents the Portuguese scene has to offer, and Alma Mater Books & Records will also release some exciting book editions and combining the art of heavy music and books under one label.

Says Ribeiro: "Even tough I love what I do with Moonspell I always found myself attracted by the doing of other things. Many of my idols like Quorthon (Ace Thomas Forsberg) from Bathory and Tom Gabriel Fischer have always other duties, revolving around the band but not limited to the band, that I found inspiring.

"I like to think about things in my own time and I have learned than making a fuzz about it, it's wrong. Me and my partner Pedro Vindeirinho took our time to present something that is up there with our and Moonspell's struggle for quality and pertinence and we are trying our best to make Alma Mater Books & Records a solid, lasting label, looking into the future by signing Portuguese talent (Desire + Okkultist), provide them with the investment and knowledge they need; but also to pick and choose from our repertoire and create top of the chain editions while also looking into bands that have inspired us as musicians and spread that legacy through the release of limited editions like the inimitable Clouds from Tiamat or the early, superbly raw materials of Paradise Lost.

"Putting the two things I like the most: great, meaningful music and excellent literature/poetry together is my plan with Alma Mater. This would be nothing without the great support and belief from our former label Century Media Records and from our present label Napalm Records which have trusted us with their amazing catalogues and Moonspell's exclusive distribution in Portugal, which is resulting in having happier fans and more of Moonspell in their hands.

"Without your support it will be impossible to pull this rabbit out of the hat, so just look at the flyers and make your mind, hope all is of your liking and that you'll be Alma Mater's 'client' as well and we start with a bang bringing you a gold Wolfheart, a much-awaited I Will See You In My Dreams, the death metal bomb Okkultist, Tiamat's Clouds and many more to come. I will speak about the book releases on the label very soon. It's not a big deal I know, but I feel proud at this very moment."

Source:	facebook.com
Band profile:	Moonspell