Necrodeath – Still Hooked On Thrash
Germany may be best known for being Europe's capitol of thrash metal, but Italy has also given the world several of its best thrashers. Among the forefathers of European thrash are Italy's Necrodeth, created in 1985, the band went through a long hiatus during the 90's, making their comeback in 1999's Mater Of All Evil. The band has a new album out, 100% Hell, and we used that occasion to sit down with the band's bassist – John:
Hey John, I'd like to start with the current situation of the band?
We are currently getting ready for starting our European tour with black metal giants Marduk in support of our new album – 100% Hell.
Why such a long time since Tone(s) Of Hate?
After “Ton(e)s of Hate” we released an anthology (“20 Years of Noise”). Moreover Claudio left the band and we needed time to get the feeling of the guitarist that will record the next album, Andy.
You’ve released a new compilation, can you tell us what does it include, and why was it released?
The compilation includes two songs for each album, plus an unreleased track, and the first demo tape “The Shining Pentagram”. It was released to celebrate 20 years of Necrodeath’s life.
What Black Sabbath song do you cover there, and why did you cover it?
We covered “Black Sabbath” song, and we chose it because it’s an evil song of course! 😉
You've also released a home video at 2002, what does that include, and do you plan of releasing a live DVD sometime?
The Home Video “From Hate to Scorn” is a documentary of Necrodeath history, it’s sold out. It include interviews, live reports, studio reports and video clips. At now we don’t plan to release a DVD, now we’re concentrated on the new album releasing.
You've released several video clips, do you work with a regular team on them, and what do you try and include in a video?
Flegias, the singer, is the director of our video clips. He chooses what to include in the clips and usually he tries to bring on the screen the feelings that rose up from the songs.
The Flag video looks close to a black metal video, what is the idea behind it?
As I have just said, the video’s idea is to be as close as possible to the song lyrics and sound.
Your band is one of the last remnants of the Italian Thrash bands, is there still an active crowd for thrash in Italy?
There’s a very good audience for the Italian thrash, a lot of “ancient” metal heads and many younger guys. There are also many good bands like Vexed for example.
Why did the band disappear during the 90's?
In the ’80 the Italian Metal scene wasn’t so good and there was no support for the bands, because there weren’t labels nor magazines, so they decided to stop. After some year Claudio met Peso again and they decided to try to play together again, but Ingo and Paolo, the old singer and bass player, weren’t interested in it, that’s why Flegias and I are here!
A unique thing about the band, is that most of the material is written by its drummer, how is the material written?
Peso is the last original member of the band and Necrodeath’s sound is still the same because he’s the main composer. Usually he compose the songs at home and then he show us the riffings. In truth he can’t play a guitar but it is sufficient to let us understand the riffs because there’s a great feeling between us.
How did you join the band?
I’m a friend of Peso since the ’90 and we were used to play in a minor band together. When the previous bass player, Paolo, didn’t want to join the band he immediately asked me to join them and of course I was very happy and exited!
Do you feel your music has changed since its original thrash version of the 80's?
I think no. The only thing that changed is the sound because modern technologies used in the studios, and I think this is a great step forward for thrash metal!
Italy is known as a very religious country, did you encounter problems with your imagery or the lyrics to songs such as Mealy-Mouthed Hypocrisy?
No, never. Usually the problems are created by the media and they point to rock stars like Marilyn Manson and not to minor bands like us.
What kind of touring is currently planned for the band?
We are now getting ready for that European tour I told you about, we're very excited about it, the tour is going to include many European countries and its going to be great for us.
That's it, Thanks for taking the time answering my questions!
Thanks bro, and your readers for supporting us! Stay tuned on our website for the latest news about the band, we might come over to do a show in your country! Keep on thrashin’!!!
