EMQ’s with SCREAMING SHADOWS
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with Italian Heavy/Power/Prog Metallers, Screaming Shadows. Huge thanks to Guitarist and band leader, Francesco Marras, for taking part.
What is your name, what do you play, and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
Hi guys, I’m Francesco Marras, guitarist and band leader of Screaming Shadows. We play heavy metal with influences from Power and Progressive Metal. The band was born around 1998/1999 with a different name. After some demo tapes and a mini cd, “Behind the mask”, our first album, came out in 2003. In 2006 we released “In the name of God”, in 2009 “New era of shadows”, in 2011 “Night keeper”.
How did you come up with your band name?
We were looking for a cool name for the band and a friend of ours suggested Screaming Shadows. We liked it right away.
What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?
We are Italians and we come from Sardinia, the beautiful island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. There are many excellent musicians in Sardinia but few places where you can play.
What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)
We have just released 2 singles titled ‘Free Me’ and ‘Heaven or Hell’, which you can listen to on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon mp3, YouTube Music, and Deezer.
Who have been your greatest influences?
Our main influences are bands like Iron Maiden, Queensrÿche, Sonata Arctica, Judas Priest, Helloween …
What first got you into music?
The first album I listened to was “Piece of mind” by Iron Maiden, because my bigger brother was listening to it, I was only 6 years old, but it changes my life…
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
I would love to be the producer of the new Iron Maiden album…
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
I think it would be Donington’s Monsters of Rock, it’s a legend and a dream I’ve always had …
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
I have never received strange gifts from fans …
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Enjoy life, don’t waste your time, life is an amazing gift, but don’t forget to listen to Screaming Shadows’ music!!
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Ronnie James Dio!! I miss so much his voice…
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
To play live, meet new fans, and enjoy the stage, those are the things I love and I miss the most during this hard time.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
In my opinion it would be appropriate to sign more young bands … we need more fresh classic metal music.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
“Piece of Mind” by Iron Maiden
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CDs, or Downloads?
CD for the best quality sound, but I grow up with cassettes, but to listen to a vinyl is like a ritual I love… I don’t like download and listening to music with my mobile phone…
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
I think the best gig is yet to come… I played so many great shows but no one in particular that I want to mention…
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
I can’t imagine any other job … Music has always been a part of my life.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
I don’t know, five people is a lot for an antisocial guy like me… Can I invite five dogs?!
What’s next for the band?
Our new album “Legacy of Stone” was just released on November 12th this year, under the label From The Vaults. Then, if covid allows, live shows are on the way, so check out our website or Facebook page for news.
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
My favourite social network is Facebook, although I’m always afraid it could end up like MySpace … But we try to be present everywhere, we have our official website www.screamingshadows.com, we are on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Bandcamp, iTunes, Spotify, Soundcloud, Reverb Nation, etc.
Subscribe our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/screamingshadows
Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ScreamingShadowsBand
and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/screamingshadowsband/
Jaffa Cakes! Are they a cake or a biscuit?
Sorry but I have no idea what a Jaffa cake is…I’m Italian!
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Greetings to you readers and to all the metal heads out there, I hope to see you soon guys!
Thank you very much for your support! When you hear the Screams…The Shadows rule!!!
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of said party. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.