EMQ’s

EMQ’s With Exdestrier

EMQ’s With Exdestrier

Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with Scottish Sludge/ Black Metal band, Exdestrier. Huge thanks to their Vocalist/ Guitarist, Tommy, 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?

I’m Tommy I play guitar and sing in Exdestrier. We formed towards the end of 2021 when Didier moved from Seattle to Edinburgh and through a friend of a friend got introduced to Chris who he bugged out of musical retirement. They started jamming about with a Sleep sort of vibe and eventually convinced me to join in, but as I’ve predominantly played punk, hardcore and black metal for the last ten years or so we got considerably faster and developing our sludge / black metal sound.

How did you come up with your band name?

It’s a made-up word Chris came up with. Destrier is a battle war horse but loads of bands are called that, so he added EX at the beginning. Nobody can pronounce it which I like. It’s always good to sabotage yourself against ‘good marketing’ right from the off.

What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?

We are from Edinburgh Scotland and the scene is and always has been absolutely fantastic. Apart from big hitters like The Exploited, Bleed From Within and Man Must Die there is an insane list of incredible bands like Ashenspire, Tyrannus, Dog Tired, Iron Altar, Brainbath, Tempered, Disposable, King Witch, Order of The Wolf, Hand Of Kalliach and Hard Stare as my personal tips.

What is your latest release?

We have our debut EP out April 8th 2023 called Glorious Barbarism it’s a mix of horrible ‘dad sludge’ like Eyehategod, High On Fire, Entombed, Darkthrone etc., but without the paranoid conspiracy theories and ‘outdated attitudes’.

Who have been your greatest influences?

The presence of Motorhead is ever present but we made a rule for NO MOTORHEAD BITS as that’s the single greatest musical challenge possible. Dudes our age can just play like Motorhead in our sleep and it’s really tough to do that without sounding like it’s phoned in. For all three of us, ‘influenced by’ and ‘sounds like’ are completely different animals so bands that’s have been inspirational to the creation of Glorious Barbarism have been as varied as Deathspell Omega, Ozzy, Mogwai, Russian Circles, The Obsessed and groovy 90’s era Napalm Death.

What first got you into music?

I honestly think there hasn’t been a time when I wasn’t. My earliest memories are listening to music like Hawkwind, Status Quo, Budgie and Tangerine Dream when I was less than five, drawing pictures inspired by the music. Mostly space battles and massacres.

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?

It would have to be a vocalist so me and Chris can have a rest. None better and more suitable than Lee Dorian for some OOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH YEEEEEEAHHHH HUGGY BEAR!

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

Red Crust in Edinburgh because I could walk to it and sleep in my own bed once we’ve played.

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

The permission to act like an absolute fucking nutcase without any sort of consequence. Quite a popular gift back in the day.

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

Be excellent to each other. No better message.

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

LG Petrov from Entombed. Went too soon, absolute legend. He wasn’t a rock star though, but if he rose from the grave he would be.

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

The best thing is the creation of new music in the practice room and getting that flash realisation that it’s going to be a fucking belter live. Thing I hate the most is fake industry music biz scene wankers.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

To teleport all the fake industry music biz scene wankers into a hurricane of sulphuric acid somewhere in the upper atmosphere of Venus.

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

“City Baby Attacked by Rats” by GBH.

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?

I love physical media because stuff is good. But to be honest I’m going to have to say downloads, especially as FLAC downloading is an option on Bandcamp giving lossless quality. Downloads is the absolute best way for self-funding cool as fuck acts to get their music made and out without having to shell out money they don’t have on ‘making stuff’ that’ll all end up as fucking landfill anyway.

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

Best Exdestrier gig was the Edinburgh show we did with a short run with Goblinsmoker. When it’s a Saturday night in a capital city and the gigs sold out you just can’t complain. That’s what it’s all about. It’s even better when you go down well, which we did.

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

More kickboxing.

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

Jean Claude Van Damme, Scott Adkins, Cynthia Rothrock, Donnie Yen and Sammo Hung. We’d talk kung fu and it would rule.

What’s next for the band?

Get “Glorious Barbarism” out and promote it with some shows. We’ve got a long weekender with Battalions coming which will be awesome. Then it’ll be start on EP number two, we’ve already got one song for it.

What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?

https://www.instagram.com/exdestrier/
https://twitter.com/exdestrier
https://exdestrier.bandcamp.com/
https://m.facebook.com/Exdestrier/
https://www.exdestrier.com/

Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?

They’re a major food group aren’t they?

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Thanks for having me, buy our shit.

Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

EMQs with Spiral Meth

EMQs with Spiral Meth

Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with Greek Alternative Metal band, Spiral Meth. huge thanks to their Guitarist, Songwriter, and founding member, Stavros Papadakis, 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?

HELLO. MY NAME IS STAVROS PAPADAKIS AND I AM THE GUITARIST, SONGWRITER AND FOUNDING MEMBER OF SPIRAL METH. A DECADE AGO, I WAS JOINED BY BASS PLAYER TASSOS KAKOΥIANNIS AND LEAD SINGER KOSTAS EXARCHOS. YEARS OF EXPERIMENTATION, REHEARSING, COMPOSING, GIGGING AND ENDLESS DRUMMER ISSUES AT HAND, UNTIL A NOVEMBER AFTERNOON 3 YEARS AGO WHEN A NEW DRUMMER IN THE NAME OF PERIKLIS ROUSSIS WALKED IN. THEN, THERE WAS A JAM. AND IT WAS BREATHTAKING. COUPLE OF HOURS LATER HE JOINED THE BAND AND THE PUZZLE WAS COMPLETED. THOSE STRUGGLING YEARS OF SEEKING THE MISSING ELEMENT WERE LONG GONE. A NEW ERA OF MUSICAL PARTNERSHIP AROSE.

How did you come up with your band name?

ACTUALLY IS ABOUT THE MERGER OF TWO PRIMAL CONCEPTS. THE SPIRAL. A VIVID, CHAOTIC, BUT STILL HARMONIOUS EQUATION. IT REALLY MATCHES OUR WAY OF THINKING AS INDIVIDUALS AND AS A BAND. THEN THERE IS ΜETH. THE HAZE, THE MYSTIFICATION, DIONYSIAN WANDERING, WICKED SENSATIONS…THERE YOU GO.

What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?

ALL OF US, ARE LIVING IN ATHENS GREECE. EVEN THOUGH THERE IS FLAWLESS TALENT, REAL PASSION, EXTREMELLY GOOD BANDS AND COLLABORATIONS, THE WHOLE SCENE IS STRUGGLING. IN MY OPINION THE HEART OF THIS MUSIC LIES IN THE SMALL LIVE STAGES WHICH SADDLY ARE FEW , OUTDATED AND POORLY ORGANIZED. PLUS THE OVERALL PROMOTION IS WEAK.

What is your latest release?

OUR LATEST RELEASE IS THE VIDEO CLIP OF THE TRACK ‘I, MERMAID’, TAKEN FROM THE ALBUM “BLUES FOR THE SUPERHUMAN”

Who have been your greatest influences?

KING CRIMSON, BLACK SABBATH, VAN HALEN, TOOL, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, LED ZEPELLIN

What first got you into music?

MUSIC ITSELF. I REMEMBER I FOUND A SHORT SCALE ACOUSTIC GUITAR WHICH BELONGS TO MY MOTHER. I STRAPPED IT AROUND MY NECK AND I STARTED DANCING AND MOVING IN FRONT OF THE MIRROR. THEN I HEARD ‘MADE IN JAPAN’ FROM DEEP PURPLE AND A BIT LATER ‘WE SOLD OUR SOUL FOR ROCK N ROLL’ A BLACK SABBATH COMPILATION. THAT WAS IT. MY WHOLE LIFE AND MY PERSEPTION OF THINGS CHANGED

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?

TOOL , TONY IOMMI

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

HELLFEST ‘COS IT’S IN THE HEART OF EUROPE, AND DESERT FESTIVAL IN LAS VEGAS ‘COS DEEP UNSIDE WE ALL ARE LITTLE COWBOYS EVEN THOUGH WE PREFER INDIANS. ACTUALLY I ENJOY MORE CLOSED VENUES.

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

A PROMISE OF SEXUAL ENCOUNTER RIGHT AFTER THE SHOW IN PUBLIC RESTROOM

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

A QUOTE FROM TIMOTHY LEARY: THINK FOR YOURSELF AND QUESTION AUTHORITY

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

OH! THERE ARE SO MANY…EDDIE VAN HALEN

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

THE FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION. IT TRULLY MAKES MY DAY. I HATE FEW THINGS, LIKE CARRYING HEAVY GEAR AND THE FEAR OF TECHNICAL BREAKDOWNS

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

TO FIND A WAY SO THAT THE ACTUALL CRAFTMEN – THE MUSICIANS – GET BIGGER PERCENTAGE OF THE INCOME. SOMEHOW TO BE ABLE TO BRING BACK THE VALUE OF THE ALBUM. MUSIC INDUSTRY NEED TO BE REBORN

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

I WILL NAME AT LEAST FIVE. ONE IS IMPOSSIBLE. 1. “SABBATH BLOODY SABBATH”, 2. “PHYSICAL GRAFFITI”, 3. “AENIMA”, 4. “RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE” , 5. “SUPERUNKNOWN”

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CDs or Downloads?

VINYL FIRST THEN CDS

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

LAST YEAR’S GIG IN OUR RELEASE PARTY

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

I WOULD BE AN ARCHITECT WHO I REALLY AM. SO I AM MORE THAN FINE.

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

OZZY, LIONEL MESSI, MONICA BELLUCCI, MARGOT ROBBIE, CHARLES BUKOWSKI

What’s next for the band?

THERE’S A LIVE COMING ON IN MAY 20^th IN A GREAT VENUE IN ATHENS (ILION PLUS), WE ARE UP TO SHOOT OUR THIRST VIDEO CLIP AND WE ALREADY BEGUN THE PREPRODUCTION OF OUR NEW ALBUM

What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?

FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, YOU TUBE, SPOTIFY, BANDCAMP, WEBSITE, APPLE MUSIC, TIK TOK, TWITTER

https://bit.ly/m/Spiral-Meth-links
https://www.instagram.com/spiralmethband
https://gr.pinterest.com/spiralmeth/
https://www.tiktok.com/@spiral.meth
https://twitter.com/SpiralMeth
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3auFK1R70VqPaL5L-qjLmw
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2YEVEFOrdPICf3NBy3ukNA

Time for a very British question now. As an alternative to the humble sandwich, is the correct name for a round piece of bread common in the UK either a Bap, a Barm (or Barm Cake), a Batch, a Bun, a Cob, a Muffin, a Roll or a Tea Cake?

I LOVE ME A CHOCO MUFFIN

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

DON’T EVER THINK TO FIRE JURGEN KLOPP

EMQ’s With Jaodae

EMQ’s With Jaodae

Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with Canadian Heavy Progressive Metal band, Jaodae. Huge thanks to their drummer, Spencer, 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?

My name is Spencer and I’m the drummer for Jaodae. Our guitarist Rob and I started the band in 2016, just meeting a couple times a month to jam without any intention of playing gigs or even recording. In 2019 we decided to self-produce, record and release our debut album, and after all those typical and relatable covid setbacks, we’re writing, gigging and recording more than ever. Recently paired with Black Throne Productions and brought on a full-time bassist. Things are finally running smoothly!

How did you come up with your band name?

It’s a Twin Peaks reference, Season 3. Judy (or Jowday) is “a mythological entity and powerful negative force studied by the Blue Rose Task Force.”

What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?

We’re from Toronto, ON. The scene here, from our perspective anyway, is vast and hard to put a finger on, in a good way. There is definitely a boom in hardcore and doom metal, but the benefit of being a band that sounds like a smorgasbord of genres means we get to play with bands of all different subgenres of metal, hardcore and punk. We like that.

What is your latest release?

Our latest single PORCOCANE is from our upcoming EP CHIMAERA, out March 17th on Black Throne Productions

Who have been your greatest influences?

As a band, that’s tough to nail down, but in our Venn diagram of bands include Ihsahn, Intronaut, Gojira, Enslaved, Meshuggah, stuff like that. Proggy without being noodle-y, and always heavy. Those bands definitely influence our composition style.

As a drummer, I’d say my top 5 are Jamie St Murat, Navene Koperweis, Thomas Haake, Nick Yacyshyn and Kevin Boutot. Listen, I CANNOT play anything like Jamie or Navene or Thomas, but it’s kind of who I’m channelling when writing parts. Even if it’s just a vibe.

What first got you into music?

My Dad playing Zeppelin IV in the car when I was something like 4 years old. I asked him to play Stairway to Heaven about 4 times until he was like “… I think that’s enough”.

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?

It would be amazing to get some kind of industrial element into some future tracks, so I would say Drew McDowell or Tristan Shone from Author and Punisher. I always thought doing an album with a different singer on each track would be cool too. Nice to be instrumental, gives you that freedom.

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

ROADBURN. Easily the best curation of any heavy festival anywhere, I would kill to go to it let alone play it.

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

Bands get gifts from fans? Sounds nice!

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

Been digging into a lot of David Crosby recently, would have loved to see Crosby, Stills and Nash live. Even if they all fought each other on stage. What a show, ahmirite?

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

I’m also in film and television, and after working so many different jobs in the arts, I have to say that the pipeline from song idea, to song, to recording, to performing is all a lot easier as a musician. I didn’t say it’s EASY, but being DIY with your music is achievable without a crew of people. That’s fucking amazing.

I hate that musicians are priced out of music gear.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

That they should listen to our band, we’re sick.

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

Lots come to mind, but I feel like a “metal” answer would be appreciated, so I’ll say Meshuggah: Catch 33.

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CDs or Downloads?

I would have to say Vinyl because the band’s art – music and album art – can be experienced at its full potential while they can actually make a bit of coin off of it.

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

I wouldn’t say it’s the best, but our first gig was an opening slot in Windsor Ontario. People really come out to shows in Windsor, and it was amazing to look up after a nervous first few songs and actually see a full house of support. I remember being like “This is the best. I missed this”.

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

Writing TV, it rules.

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

Larnell Lewis, Gene Hogan, Matts Morgen, Bernard Purdie and Benny Greb. They’re all world class drummers and they all seem friendly and it’s a dinner party at my house for fuck’s sake, everyone be NICE.

What’s next for the band?

Lots. EP coming March 17th, and an even bigger release later this year. Hitting a lot of new places with some killer bands, and we have some special video / visual treats coming with us.

What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?

You can find our music on ALL streaming platforms, but we always point people towards Bandcamp for a download. We’re busy on Instagram (@jaodaemetal) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/jaodae), so if you want to keep up to date on new music, gigs, anything at all, gives a follow.

Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?

What? Jam and chocolate? I’m not a monster, thank you very much.

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Just reiterating that aside from our VERY exciting CHIMAERA EP release on March 17th, we have SO MUCH MORE coming out through Black Throne Productions in 2023, so we encourage you to give us a follow on our socials and get your ass to gig!

EMQ’s With Among These Ashes

EMQ’s With Among These Ashes

Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with USA Melodic Power/ Thrash Metal band, Among These Ashes. Huge thanks to their Guitarist, Rich Clark, 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?

My name is Rich Clark, and I am the lead/rhythm guitarist for Among These Ashes. We are a melodic power/thrash band from Detroit, MI. JP (also vocalist for Traveler) and I formed Among These Ashes during the peak of the COVID pandemic, and it has since expanded into a full live line-up. We released our debut album, Dominion Enthroned, in February 2022 and are actively recording for future release. The central focus of this band is to create highly-memorable songs that are heavy, aggressive, dynamic, and melodic.

How did you come up with your band name?

I have always been into apocalyptic themes, imagery, and landscapes especially when it is man-made. So, the name is inspired by those elements and was tweaked over a period of time until it was something I liked. We frequently get comments about how it is a hardcore name, but for me it is just a band name that I personally like, and I don’t spend time worrying about where or if we fit into the infinite categories of metal sub-genres.

What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?

We are based out of Detroit, MI in the United States. Locally, we have a very strong scene, and I think it very special because the bands in the Detroit scene are very supportive of each other. The quality of the song writing and musicianship is as good as anywhere I believe. Highly recommend checking out Finality, Salvation’s End, Theandric, and Nethergate from the Detroit metal scene.

What is your latest release?

We are releasing an original single named The Enemy in I on April 21^st this year. The song checks all of the boxes I mentioned above in terms of the sonic trademarks of Among These Ashes. Lyrically, the tune is about self-destruction. It’s just a heavy, aggressive song, and we can’t wait for people to hear it. We are huge fans of the bands that pioneered metal in the 80s, and the mighty Savatage is one of our favorites. So, we recorded a cover of Savatage’s classic track, Sirens. That track is being packaged as a B-side to The Enemy in I.

Who have been your greatest influences?

As big as they are, Metallica is my greatest influence and more specifically James Hetfield who I tend to think of as a deity. I have always steered myself towards bands that I feel have superior song writing, so my other huge influences are WASP, Rainbow, Fear Factory, Iced Earth, Symphony X, King Diamond, Iron Maiden, and Death to name a few. I also love outlaw country and southern rock as well as folk and acoustic music. I have a very eclectic taste in music, and I pull from that when writing songs. For me, sense for melody and memorable passages often times is inspired from genres other than metal.

What first got you into music?

My uncle played the black album by Metallica for me when I was eight, and music was always very important in our household when I was growing up. I got really into the more obscure (at the time) bands in about 2001 when a friend showed me Iced Earth, Kamelot, Savatage, and Grave Digger. The impetus for me getting serious about guitar was hearing Zakk Wylde on Ozzy’s Live and Loud CD. I would have been about 16 years old. I was always very interested in writing my own songs instead of playing others’ songs, and the same is true today.

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?

Lately, I really admire Mark Tremonti as a musician and songwriter, so I would pick him.

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

I am sure this is almost a standard answer for everyone, but Wacken!!!

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

Unfortunately, I haven’t received gifts from fans. Maybe one day though.

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

Any contribution or acknowledgement that you enjoy our music is the most amazing, humbling compliment I can personally receive. I struggle to put into words the gratitude that I feel for anyone who has listened to and appreciated our music. Simply put, thank you.

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

Absolutely Ronnie James Dio.

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

Creating is my favorite part about being a musician both from the song writing as well as the production aspect. I don’t think there is anything I hate about being a musician. However, something I dislike about being in a band is that the Internet has created a platform for expression (this is not wholly a bad thing), and with that comes waves of negativity, and I don’t like seeing other artists as well as ourselves receiving negative commentary from strangers online. I definitely think no comment at all is a great alternative to a negative comment.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

I would make it easier to gain exposure resulting in increased listenership. I say this not because it corresponds to greater revenue, but because it means that more people are hearing our music, which is what is most important to me.

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

Metallica: “…And Justice For All”

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CDs, or Downloads?

I don’t (personally) think there is a best as long as the music is being listened to. That said, I have been heavily into vinyl as of late.

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

Our first show was definitely our best in July of 2022.

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

I would still be doing my same day job, but I would probably just be more into my other super expensive hobby, which is hunting.

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

My wife, my son, my dad, and my two dogs haha (even though dogs are not people).

What’s next for the band?

We have two live shows in May, so we are preparing for those. We’re also hard at work on our next studio album, which I want out in spring of 2024.

What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?

Bandcamp: https://amongtheseashes.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmongTheseAshesmetal
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amongtheseashes_official/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq3Tl1yuyACt_nSDRxb-hOg

A. I am not going to cheat by looking it up, so going with Bap. Let me know the correct answer!

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Thank you to Ever Metal for this great opportunity. This was a lot of fun, and I sincerely appreciate what you are doing with your platform and your willingness to support us.

EMQ’s With DICKS’ FALL

EMQ’s With DICKS’ FALL

Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with Italian Crossover Thrash band, Dicks’ Fall. Huge thanks to their Guitarist/ Vocalist/ Songwriter, Gabriele, 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?

My name is Gabriele, I’m guitarist, singer and composer of most of the band’s songs. Dicks’ Fall was formed in the late summer of 1991. In that moment we were four sixteen years old boy scouts, pissed off at the mountain, due to a horrible mountain camping experience, so we founded the band and wrote the song ‘Fuckin’ The Mountain’. A topical song as the mountain represents life’s difficulties. Over the years the line-up has changed: only Igor, the bass player, and I stayed there from the beginning. We were very influenced by Grunge that was raging in those years, but in the mid 90’s the band turned into thrash-metal. At the moment we have two albums (LOVE – Lips On Vulcan Eruption and HATE – Heaven After The Eruption) and the third will be out by May. We’ve always been more a stage band than a recording or a social media band, but that’s going to change soon… I think!!

How did you come up with your band name?

There is a double factor: a geographical one and a hormonal one! The first: we were physically on a mountain and we were descending into the valley. The second: we were young, and we thought sex was essential. Put the two together: a horde of excited young people tumbling down a mountain. It sounded better like a waterfall than an avalanche. And here came the “DICKS’ FALL”! We were brilliant, isn’t it?

What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?

We come from Piemonte, Northern Italy. The metal scene is mostly underground, sadly pop music and trap shit dominate the music scene in general. There is very little desire for rock music and even less for bands playing their own songs. By now pubs and clubs are looking for cover bands, rather than unreleased bands.

What is your latest release?

Our latest album was released in 2018: HATE (Heaven After The Eruption). In this album the songs are always full of different riffs, but with more technical work and attention to detail compared to the first album, due also to more time spent in the recording studio. The influence is clearly 90s thrash. The third, even more complete, will be out soon.

Who have been your greatest influences?

80s and 90s thrash bands, especially Pantera, Anthrax, Faith No More, Suicidal Tendencies, Metallica in the early years, Slayer, the Grunge scene and Rage Against The Machine.

What first got you into music?

Since I was a child I have always listened to music, as my father played saxophone and was passionate about blues and jazz, as well as a certain styles of Italian music – little known abroad, but of high quality (Pino Daniele, Franco Battiato, Mina, Nicola Arigliano). I have literally consumed vinyls such as Santana’s Abraxas. Then, around the age of 15, I started playing the alto saxophone and gained experience. But the passion for Metal music has always been latent and came from within. I didn’t have to listen to a particular band to fall in love with the genre, but I did have to look for a band that satisfied my quest for the right sound and impact…

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?

Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society), Jeff Waters (Annihilator) or Mike Muir (Suicidal Tendecies).

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

Wacken! For the high concentration of bands, to deal with and from which to take an example or lessons.

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

Our fans give us their presence and passion: that’s enough. Indeed, it is much more than we can hope for every time we go on stage. We literally put our soul into it. They feel it and fill us with emotional fuel. Trust me, it’s wonderful.

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

Wait for us, we’re coming!

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

Dimebag Darrel and Vinnie Paul.

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

The adrenaline of the stage is pure pleasure; dismantle the stage after a concert is devastating.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

The gigs organisers don’t want to take risks anymore bringing musicians who, by playing original and quality music, could conquer the public, but their goal is bringing musicians who are already known, so they have a guaranteed public. If it had been like this in past years, today we wouldn’t have Zappa, Bowie, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Jamiroquai, Kravitz, The Queen, and I could go on for hours. It’s a dog chasing its tail , because the radios always play the same music and people get used to it, without looking for anything else. If, on the other hand, they would bet a little, and they give a chance to really underground musicians and bands , the public could appreciate new music and, thus, “remember” that the world is huge and different. I think they would draw also benefiting the coffers of the music industry. I’m afraid , however, that it is only utopia…

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

“Vulgar Display of Power” by Pantera.

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CDs, or Downloads?

Vinyl … culture and style.

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

Last November. In the club house of a biker club: very large and energetic crowd. We only played for an hour, but there was a total ruckus.

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

An alcoholic man! Just kidding… My life would have been emptier.

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

Ozzy Osbourne, Mike Muir, Mike Patton, Mark Wahlberg and an interpreter to help me with my bad English!

What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?

We use Instagram, Youtube and we just started again the Facebook band page after somebody hacked the original one… Follow us!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dicks_fall/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dicksfallofficial
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgBagGySOJJ0vpBJBY7OsLg

It’s a bun for me! Did I win?

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

I thank you for the opportunity. I hope to come and play in your area!!

EMQ’s With Nachtmuse

EMQ’s With Nachtmuse

Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with Canadian Symphonic Metal Project, Nachtmuse. Huge thanks to main main, Geoff Hodsman, 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, I’m Geoff Hodsman. I play guitar, bass and drums as well as performing harsh vocals. Nachtmuse is my project, which I started as an outlet for my more melodic musical ideas that weren’t possible to pursue with my Death Metal bands. I started with a demo in 2017, which was very rewarding so from there Nachtmuse has been my main interest. With help from some talented vocalists (Maude Theberge and Jeff Mott) there’s since been a full-length album (‘Solemn Songs of Nightsky & Sea’) along with a music video (‘Under the Yoke’). Currently we are on the cusp of releasing the follow up EP, ‘Darker Skies’.

How did you come up with your band name?

Well, let’s divide it into two parts:

Nacht, as in the night, and darkness. I tend to identify with both, a quirk of my personality I suppose, and if left to my own devices (a thing that doesn’t happen anymore) I’d probably spend most of my waking hours after sundown. My songs are usually sorrowful or look at concepts that are not bright and cheerful, so it is a suitable side of our day-to-day to identify with. Why did I go with the Germanic ‘nacht’? Well, there is ‘nachtmusik’ (as in the great composer Mozart), which I suppose my music is, and that also brings in a classical aspect that makes a lot of sense when you hear the symphonic elements we’re bringing. But also because German things sound brutal.

Muse, as in creativity. Nachtmuse is my main creative outlet.

What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?

I’m from Toronto, Canada. Toronto is the largest city in Canada, but interestingly that doesn’t make for the best rock / music scene. I’d say Montreal (where our vocalists Jeff and Maude hail from) does a lot better in this regard, that city has always flourished with creativity as far as I can witness. In Toronto people seem to have everything they could ever need and can’t really be bothered to leave their homes unless it’s for a big artist. Our smaller venues can barely stay open.

What is your latest release?

That would be the single ‘The Sunken’. Kindly have a listen to it!

Who have been your greatest influences?

In terms of direct influences for Nachtmuse, the biggest one is Therion. There is a sweet spot of albums in their long career that is by far my favourite music ever, and that’s why I’m writing Symphonic Metal of my own. Then we have some other bands like Lacrimosa, The Gathering, Dreams of Sanity and All About Eve. I also just really like riffs… chuggy ones, snarly ones, etc..

What first got you into music?

Probably my dad and big sister. My music exposure in my childhood was mainly what my dad was listening to in the car. Then as I got a little older my sister got me to attend my first concert and I picked up on a lot of her Rock music tastes. In terms of playing it, well, in my pre-teens I was attending a school downtown for two years (before they recommended that I don’t come back) and they had this sweet vintage P-Bass. I think playing around on it and toying with the idea of being like the rockstars I was listening to got me started with playing.

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?

Christofer Johnsson (Therion). It would be very cool to get to work alongside such a huge influence.

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

70,000 Tons of Metal! It’s like a metal festival except instead of being in the mud, rain and burning sun, you are on a cruise ship! It probably can’t get any better than that!

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

It feels weird to me still when people actually exchange their money for my work. We do after all live in this paradigm where music is for all intents and purposes free to consume. Call it imposter syndrome but I do regard it as a gift every time. So, thanks to all who have supported me!

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

Nachtmuse is not just some cute metal-rock thing with violins. It’s serious music that actually speaks to what’s in my heart and mind. I hope and am grateful for anyone that listens to my work. Oh, and please do so in their entirety (an entire album or EP) in the intended track order. 😉

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

I think Chris Cornell. I don’t really feel much when a celebrity passes but that one I did. I’ve always respected his singing and song writing a lot.

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

I enjoy the satisfaction of creating something of my own. It’s kind of what I live for. There are aspects though that I wouldn’t say I ‘hate’, but I do find them annoying, such as maintaining a social media presence and sourcing visual material to go with the music.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

I could think for a while and come up with some really granular things that are particular to the specific type of music I work with, but right off the bat I’ll just say that musicians are getting fleeced for their work. I mean we all know Spotify alone is not going to pay our bills. Music has become extremely undervalued, so I think it’d be great if we all embraced a way for us to be better compensated.

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

Therion – “Lemuria”.

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?

I don’t care for vinyl at all. I mean it’s nice that the cover art is so big but otherwise, you have this very limited audio quality, and the discs wear out. I’m sure I’d feel different if I were raised on it though, after all, I like cassettes purely because I’m nostalgic for how they sound. I like CD’s the best, those have always been a part of my world and I will stubbornly cling to them as we delve deeper into our digital future.

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

That would bring us into the realm of my Death Metal bands. Envenomation was a short-lived Slam band from maybe twelve years ago, we only played two gigs and it was weird but those two gigs were unexpectedly packed and wild. I think if we’d kept it together that band could have done great things. I’ve also had some very nice experiences with a current band, Human Compost, such as the success of our album release party (for ‘From the Grave They Crawl’) and more recently the incredible death metal fans of the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge area.

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

It would have to be some sort of other artistic creation then. That’s always been my nature – as a kid I was into visual art. So, it could have remained that, or perhaps I’d be an author of low-quality fiction.

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

I’d have Graham Hancock, Randall Carlson, Jimmy Corsetti, Ben van Kerkwyk and Joe Rogan over. I wouldn’t have to say a thing, and the conversation would be incredible.

What’s next for the band?

I’m currently intending to do another full length. I have themes I’ve been toying with, not going to disclose what they are yet but it would involve an epic prog-metal four-parter making up 50% of the release. In the meantime, we’re going to see what can be done to keep the train for this new EP rolling with potential music videos and other visual stimulation.

What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?

You can find Nachtmuse on Instagram, Facebook, Bandcamp and all popular music streaming services!

Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?

What’s a Jaffa Cake? I don’t think we have those here. Going on the name I’d say it’s a cake, but as far as I’m concerned Jaffa are the slave race of the Goa’uld.

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Nachtmuse is Symphonic Metal with an extra dose of heaviness and creativity. Enjoy!

EMQ’s With Lotus Thrones

EMQ’s With Lotus Thrones

Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview with USA based one man Post-punk/ Industrial project, Lotus Thrones. Huge thanks to main man, Heath Rave, 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?

My name is Heath Rave. I play almost everything on my recordings (drums, guitars, synth, vocals) outside of the frequent saxaphone additions by Bruce Lamont (Yakuza, Bloodiest) and the occasional guest. Like a lot of newer projects, this one started during the pandemic. I had been away from music for quite some time due to mental health and I finally reached a place where I could make music again. I started learning how to record with help of a ton of great friends and connections and here we are at album 2!

How did you come up with your band name?

I’ve always been drawn to southeast Asian philosophy and found their deities incredibly beautiful, fascinating and powerful. Many sit upon a lotus throne when being presented in artistic forms and the two words together invoke the power of the delicate.

What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?

I’m currently located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the United States. Everything up down the East Coast is incredible and there’s a vibrant scene of multifaceted music artists from hardcore, to hip-hop, industrial and death and black metal.

What is your latest release?

The Heretic Souvenir – album.

Who have been your greatest influences?

Hands down for this project Killing Joke, Justin Broadrick from Godflesh / Jesu, Ministry and Trent Reznor / Nine Inch Nails. For me they define what is experimental and boundary pushing with no fear of stepping into any sounds they see fit.

What first got you into music?

My older sister and I cut our teeth on 80’s thrash and glam metal along with some new wave stuff. Skateboarding introduced me to punk rock in 80’s as well. We loved everything from Slayer to The Cure to The Misfits to Motley Crue. It was all fun and a little naughtier back then.

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?

I would love to work with Chris Connelly of Revolting Cocks /M inistry or the rapper Backxwash. It would be a dream to work with Youth from Killing Joke and the ultimate would have to be Peter Gabriel.

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

Roadburn. The most all-encompassing and quality fest on the planet. Its highly curated and not overblown, and I would see a ton of friends.

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

I’ve never received a weird gift from a fan. The greatest gift I every received was Toby Verhines messaging me about my music and discovering an incredible artist that helped make the vision happen for the new record.

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

Whatever is good to you is good and you owe no one explanation of your feelings and tastes in art. Please purchase the vinyl!

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

David Bowie.

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

These days, I really enjoy the fact that with technology I can create whenever I have time and however I see fit. I have so many sounds and ideas in my mind and there are no limits now. I try not to hate, there are things that are frustrating for sure, they are the same things make modern society difficult like social media and promotion. Adaptation is the key to survival and do want my music to be available to those who would enjoy it.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

Monetary compensation for streaming.

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

Peter Gabriel – 3 (Melt)

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?

See, are we speaking science or preference? Because at the end of the day, the sonic quality of the Compact Disc is scientifically proven to be the best sounding format regardless of feelings, taste and societal expectations. I have them all though. I love my records, I love that I still have CD’s in my car. Tapes are cool to look at and downloads and streaming keep the soundtrack flowing all day.

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

We’ve only played a few now as I’ve just gotten a live band together so they’ve all been special and learning experiences.

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

I’m also a tattoo artist and a father so I’m usually doing a lot!

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

Jaz Coleman, Crispin Glover, David Lynch, Chuck D, Sun Ra.

What’s next for the band?

Getting this record out and some shows this year. I’m currently finishing up recording record 3 as well as a couple EP’s and an ambient project I’ve been working on. Tons of stuff.

What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?

https://lotusthrones.bandcamp.com/album/the-heretic-souvenir
IG: @lotusthrones
FB https://www.facebook.com/lotusthrones/

A Bap. Admittedly I had help as my friend from Yorkshire who lives in New Jersey stopped by today.

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Buy the record if you have a record player and thank you for all your support!

EMQ’s With Inherently Lost

EMQ’s With Inherently Lost

Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with USA Melodic Black Metal band, Inherently Lost. Huge thanks to Joe, their Guitarist, 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, I’m Joe and I’m the guitarist. We started as a band between 2017- 18. Had a couple member changes since then, but we have our solid line up now.

How did you come up with your band name?

Our vocalist Mark was inspired by a book he was reading about how there is something in people and animals that are not learned behaviour, instinctual almost. Combined with the Lost state of humanity you get Inherently Lost

What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?

We are from Youngstown, Ohio in the U.S. and the scene is consistently growing here.

What is your latest release?

Our latest single was just released early Febuary titled ‘Unraveling Sanity’, off our new full-length album titled “Art Of Corruption” which we’re shooting for an early June release on.

Who have been your greatest influences?

Oh, so so many personally. A few off the top of my head would be Black Sabbath, Tool, Godflesh, Gojira and Meshuggah.

What first got you into music?

Basically, just growing up with so much great rock / metal. Also, I always felt I had a knack for it. You can say music has always been in my blood, so to speak.

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?

Justin K. Broadwick, from Godflesh /Jesu and so many other great projects. He’s just a brilliant musician.

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

I would say Hellfest in France. I’ve never been, but have seem some killer videos of bands playing there.

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

Well, nothing weird that I can think of. But, give it time ha ha!

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

Stay true to yourself and follow your passions.

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

Jimi Hendrix. Would love to see what more he could have done musically, especially with all the cool gear we have available to us today.

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

I enjoy creating the most. I don’t think there is anything I hate about it. Although, recording can sometimes get a bit tedious ha ha!

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

That it would be more like it used to be. Where bands actually had support from labels. Also, with music being so easily accessible today, the market is over saturated with music. Which can also be a good thing. So, it’s a really tough thing to gauge.

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

Ohh so tough to choose just one. I’ll go with Tool- AEnema.

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CDs, or Downloads?

Vinyl I feel captures the warmth and soul. Whereas CD’s are more cold, but yet more dynamic. So, somewhere between those two would be perfect actually.

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

Our last gig at The Vortex in Cleveland, Ohio was great, and the line-up was killer.

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

Probably still making art, but in a different form.

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

If past or present, I would say John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Syd Barrett and Elvis.

What’s next for the band?

Finishing up our new album and booking more shows.

What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?

We’re on all the socials. We’re not hard to find ha ha.

I’ll go with Barm.

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Keep an eye out for our new album and check out our newest single Unraveling Sanity available on all platforms!

EMQ’s With Sorrow Enthroned

EMQ’s With Sorrow Enthroned

Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with USA 1 man Extreme/ Brutal Death Metal project, Sorrow Enthroned. Huge thanks to him 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?

Sorrow Enthroned is a one man band, I play guitar and bass, program drums and do vocals. When I started the band I was very depressed and listened to a lot of black metal, so that translated into the music. People enjoyed it so I continued to practice and hone the sound.

How did you come up with your band name?

In my everyday life I came to the realization that life is inherently full of pain and misery, so instead of trying to avoid it, it’s best to embrace those events and subsequent feelings. This is echoed in the first noble truth of Buddhism, that all is suffering, and that is the path towards understanding the universe, the self, and beyond.

What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?

I am from Connecticut, USA. I and most people I know travel to New York or Massachusetts for shows, but there’s some really good bands from Connecticut like Vomit Forth, Boundaries and Venomspreader. There’s lots of deathcore and metalcore bands, less death metal and not much slam.

What is your latest release?

I just released a single, ‘Constricted Upon the Throat of the Lamb’ at the end of January. It is from a bunch of songs I am working on for the third full-length to come out this year. It’s more technical than the rest of the songs, but I like it because it has a very sinister feel to it and it is a challenge for me to play which I enjoy.

Who have been your greatest influences?

Some of my all time favorite bands are the Black Dahlia Murder, Morbid Angel, Carnifex, Behemoth and Dark Funeral. I love brutal death metal and slam like Analepsy, Devourment, Dying Fetus. I also draw inspiration from new releases and bands that are coming out, the scene is doing well and rebounding despite the COVID nightmare.

What first got you into music?

I was fascinated by Jimmy Page and started learning their songs early on. I also learned a lot of Metallica, and once I started listening to deathcore and death metal it was like re-learning the instrument. Extreme metal has always fascinated me and I wanted to create it as much as I enjoyed listening to it.

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?

It would be cool to do a guest solo or vocal on a Carnal Desecration song. They seem to be a new band that no one is talking about, but their last album is so good I can’t stop listening. It’s some super evil sounding death metal from Belgium.

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

I remember some festival in New York featuring mostly underground brutal death metal bands but I can’t remember what it was called so I guess I can’t give a great answer there. Something heavy.

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

I haven’t received anything.

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

Enjoy life to the fullest. What we do in life really doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. Our solar system will perish along with all memory of humanity, so it’s up to us to create our own happiness in the short amount of time we are incarnated in this human form. Life is inherently lifeless unless we give it life, and death is just as much of a gift as life is.

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

Death may very well be the end of suffering. If this was not the case I’d say Trevor Strnad.

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

I enjoy losing myself in songwriting or playing guitar or listening to music. The music takes you to a different place, it is the realm of imagination where anything is possible, you can fantasize about sawing someone’s head off and turn that into a guitar riff. I hate writer’s block and not feeling inspired, sometimes weeks go by without coming up with a single note I am passionate about.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

I wish death metal musicians got paid more, not myself necessarily but touring bands especially should be able to live comfortably. This music takes more effort and dedication than most mainstream pop and they need to stop hogging all the money so underground death metal bands can afford more weed, food, and private jets.

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

“Nadir” by Black Tongue is one of my favorite albums, from the opening riff to the end it is one of the bleakest, angriest, and pained albums ive had the pleasure of listening to. I judge great albums by if I am able to sit through the entire 40 plus minute experience and be engaged in each song, and Nadir is a masterpiece in my opinion. I also love Ritual by The Black Dahlia Murder and Gateways to Annihilation by Morbid Angel.

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CDs, or Downloads?

I have always owned CDs and like supporting bands directly that way. The downside obviously is them getting scratched. The other downside is that I know streams do count for money for artists and also lots of first week streams look good, and I know there were some bands where I bought the CD and listened to that instead of streaming the album hundreds of times over the months like I would do if I hadn’t bought the CD. Maybe it all balances out I don’t know. One day I may get a record player to play vinyl, the artwork on those makes it a whole extra experience.

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

I haven’t played live yet at all.

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

If I could choose one other job instead I would be a high profile hitman, or something that sounds cool.

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

Jesus Christ, Aleister Crowley, Satan, Santa Claus and Conor Mcgregor. I wouldn’t be a part of it, I’d film it remotely from a safe distance!

What’s next for the band?

I am working on the third full-length, it is a transition into death metal. I am very proud of what it sounds like so far, it’s still a little ways off but the songs are progressing nicely. I am incorporating slam elements as well as old school death metal and some deathcore. It is the album I would make for myself to listen to, and the whole process has been much less stressful than previous albums and EP releases.

What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?

Bandcamp – https://sorrowenthroned.bandcamp.com/track/constricted-upon-the-throat-of-the-lamb

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/50tFmEsSpIvoP7fzdCRrPC?si=cZtZbEgETrahe03RLG5QDQ

Apple Music – https://music.apple.com/us/album/constricted-upon-the-throat-of-the-lamb/1667336825

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/sorrowenthroned666/

Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGtHOZKJz6k

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sorrow_enthroned/

Oh man, I’m too high, I don’t know what any of that means. I like eating muffins sometimes, they’re fluffy.

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Thank you, hail tea cakes!

EMQ’s With Euthymia

EMQ’s With Euthymia

Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview with European Alternative Prog band, Euthymia. Huge thanks to them 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?

Michael: Hi I’m Veneri Michael, I play guitar and synth guitar in the group.

Vito: Here, Vito Tambasco! Singer and guitarist.

Matteo: Matteo De Marco, guitarist.

Vito: The band was founded in 2022, after 1 full year of concerts and after having played important stages such as Rock Castle in the Czech Republic, Meeting Del Mare in Italy, and various clubs between Germany and Italy.

Euthymia found its origin in another band: Men in the Box, where some of our members had been playing. Given the changes that were made, with new members and a new sound, it made sense to us to create a new entity instead of pursuing Men In the Box.

How did you come up with your band name?

Michael: It was a compromise between all members of the group. Euthymia’s name comes from the concept of aponia and ataraxia. This representation is nourished by esoteric lyrics, Jungian psychology, psychoanalysis, and astronomy. We thought that the concept was perfectly fitting with the name.

What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?

Michael: Part of the group comes from Italy, while our bassist is French. In Italy and France, metal and rock don’t have a very specific scene, especially as it is not the type of music that has the greatest popularity unfortunately.

What is your latest release?

Michael: Our latest release is the EP, “Θeοs”, which contains the two main ”faces” of the album which will be released by the end of the year. The EP contains ‘I Am Past’, a song with sounds very similar to the alternative old school and Eunoya. It’s a purely Progressive song with very biting and dynamic riffs.

Who have been your greatest influences?

Michael: My influences are mainly bands like Korn, Periphery, Alice in Chains, Pink Floyd and Polyphia.

Vito: My music concept comes mostly from the sound of the 90’s, so I would say Tool and Nirvana.

What first got you into music?

Michael: I was introduced to music at a young age after a personal journey: it all stems from my need to let off steam through aggressive music to balance all my pure energy.

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?

Vito: Personally, the only artist I would collaborate with is Maynard from Tool: drawing inspiration and understanding the basics by working on a song with him would be the best!

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

Matteo: Unfortunately, there isn’t just one festival we’d like to attend because, fortunately, the world music scene offers so many beautiful realities. But if you really must choose one, let’s say that due to its importance and history, the WACKEN could give a lot of satisfaction.

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

Michael: I would say, the singing lessons from one of our fans from the Czech Republic.

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

Vito: If even just a word or a note derived from one of our songs has left something inside you, spread empathy, listen: not just music.

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

Michael: I would love to bring Chester Bennington and his amazing voice back to life. Hey Chester, thanks for everything!

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

Michael: The most beautiful part remains playing our songs that allow me to experience my energy and share it with people. Unfortunately, the difficult thing is to have a balance between adult life and music: living music full-time today is unfortunately impossible.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

Michael: A fair remuneration for the artist. Making music as a hobby can already be expensive but trying to make a living out of it is getting more and more difficult as time goes.

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

Vito: My favorite album? “Lateralus”, by Tool. It is absolutely the only album that opened the doors to musical transcendence for me, making me understand the indissoluble bond towards it.

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CDs, or Downloads?

Michael: I choose the 5th: listen to live music. Going to concerts and really experiencing music is the only way to get the artist’s message 100%.

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

Michael: Rock Castle 2022, Feuerschwanz and Guano Apes played after us: it was like winning the lottery!

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

Michael: It would be nice for me to be a scientist or a science communicator.

Vito: I would probably be bored to death. We currently all have day jobs aside from music, as lawyers, key account managers or sales representatives…

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

Michael: The first diner would be Mark Tremonti: a fantastic person who, luckily for me, I had the pleasure of meeting at an Alter Bridge concert. Elon Musk would be an interesting person to talk to.

Vito: I would invite Maynard from Tool (of course) and Junji Ito – I need a drawing to use as an album cover!

Matteo: Jesus. I want to talk to Jesus.

What’s next for the band?

Vito: We are planning a small tour in France this summer, as well as some festivals. We are also hoping to release an EP before the summer, as well as a full LP by the end of this year.

Q. What social media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?

You can find us on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/euthymia_music/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt3XimoU_d8XYmd_evyvAAA
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/euthymia_band
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/14wqeKHtV4jqmZ2H9esJD
Official Site: https://www.euthymiaband.com/

Vito: Do you have any questions about pizza? No? Nooo?

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Michael: Thank you for your time. I hope you enjoyed this interview.

Matteo: Thanks Guys! We hope to hear from you in a few years with new stories to tell. We remind everyone to follow us on our social networks and if you want to support us with ratings, likes and shares.

Vito: Bye guys!