1.) To kick things off: Tell our audience a bit about the origin story of your Band.
For us it is sensitive topic. The band was formed as a live act, founded by vocalist Lenina, drummer Ivo and bassist Andrea Bossi, who later passed away. Close friends that played together in other projects long before this band came to life. The band kept playing in memory of Andrea. During the live interviews we ask if we can start with a different question, or not talk about it at all, but somehow it’s ineluctable.
2.) If you had to describe the sound of your Band to someone who hasn’t heard you yet: What would you say?
It took us a lot of time to came up with the alt-prog definition and still we are not 100% sure about it. How would you define the music we play? For us it stands in between the aggressiveness of Godsmack and System of a Down and the prog influences of Dream Theater or Fates Warning. But with a female voice. Anyway, it’s a photorealistic sonic portait of who we are, what we love, and the blend of all our influences and passions. We tried to do something else but we can’t help but being ourselves. We can say that “we are” the music we play.
3.) How has the songwriting evolved with the band over the years? What does that process look like for you lately?
It’s as predictable as hell. Really. Someone, usually Gabriele (bass) or Daniel (guitar), brings a core riff generally inspired by personal emotions or episodes. We “FEEL” the vibes of the instrumental parts. Then we shape it all together into a full instrumental story, with its own flow. Then comes Lenina with the vocals. Sometimes she writes the lyrics by herself, sometimes she starts with a text from Marco (drummer) or Gabriele (bassist). Then we merge it until we are all satisfied (except Gabriele, he is never satisfied of the bass parts)
4.) What was the inspiration for your band name? What meaning does it have behind it?
Honestly? It was completely random. Literally the “least terrible” option out of a long list of bad ideas we were throwing around! During an interview on the national broadcasting radio (Radio RAI) the interviewer came up with an amazing metaphor about the ability to decode the new trends in music, like a sonar that turns on whenever something cool is about to happen. But no, that’s not how it came up. We chose to always be honest to our fans and friends so, yeah, the name is easy to remember and grabbed attention immediately. Then we made it our signature by running all our visuals and videos through bold red filters!
5.) What are some of the recurring themes or messages you find yourself exploring in your lyrics?
Inner discomfort. Everything that causes anxiety, frustration, mental burnout, or the claustrophobic feeling of modern life gets funneled straight into our lyrics. It’s a cathartic outlet for us—and hopefully a mirror for the listener. Our music explores dark themes of identity, inner struggle, and the human need for control in a chaotic world. Inspiration for the lyrics came often from personal experiences, episodes we directly lived or something we’ve seen/read that made up reflect on. However, we are very careful to match the sensations coming from lyrics and instrumental section to match as both side of the same medal, because this is the way we feel.
6.) What is one song you’ve written that you feel captures the absolute core identity of the band?
It’s not easy to choose. Definitely “Quarantine” shows our hard side: it’s visceral, modern, heavy, and carries that blend of aggressive and alternative punch that defines our sound today. But “Toxic Karma” adds the complexity and the prog influences that brings an extra reading layer… I don’t know
7.) Do you find your energy translates better in an intimate club style venue or a massive festival setting?
Lenina: For me, size doesn’t matter as much as connection. Whether it’s a massive open-air festival packed with thousands or a sweaty, packed club, any stage where the crowd is genuinely listening with passion is where the magic happens. Gabriele (Bass): Both have their high! At the very beginning, someone even asked us to play at a poultry farm. I genuinely loved the chaotic idea of chickens running around the stage (the local authorities… not so much!). But anywhere there’s a crowd ready to throw down, we’re in.
8.) Which show performance stands out as your all time favorite? is there a specific reason?
Opening for Cristina Scabbia from Lacuna Coil in our hometown of Trieste (Italy). Sharing the bill with an icon who inspired us was a major full-circle moment. But also our last set in Croatia! Playing an open-air festival on a huge stage surrounded by thousands of bikers and metalheads was an incredible rush.
9.) Which Artists or Band inspired you to be in a Band?
Lenina (Vocals): Jinjer, Gojira, Lacuna Coil, Guano Apes, System Of A Down, Children of Bodom, and atmospheric black metal bands. Daniel (Guitar): Dream Theater, Symphony X, Rush, Gojira… Marco (Drums): …and Megadeth! Daniel (Guitar): …DEFINITELY Megadeth! Gabriele (Bass): I’m the silly one, but I’m living the dream. I liked all the bands we played with before even dreaming to play with them. I mean, I’m in love with Break Me Down, Underwaves, Lacuna Coil, CowboyZ, Logical Terror, Tystnaden, Darkpools, Mal di Luna, Siksided and all the old Exilia songs from the 90ies. That’s why I play!
10.) If you could sit down and collaborate with any Artist or Band right now, who would be at the top of your list and Why?
Lenina: Working with true professionals is always an incredible learning experience, but my dream collaborations would be Lacuna Coil or Guano Apes. Both bands played a massive role in shaping my vocal style and songwriting perspective. Gabriele (bass): we have been so lucky to share the stage with most of the people we dreamt to play with. If I can continue to dream I would say Jinjer, In Flames, Halo Effect.
11.) What’s the current Pulse of the Metal Scene from your perspective?
It’s alive and hungry. The best part of the scene right now is the community bands supporting bands, underground festivals pushing heavy music, and dedicated fans who show up for live shows.
12.) Are there any endorsements or gear brands you’re currently working with that you’d like to shout out?
Huge shoutout to our label Epictronic for believing in our music, S@NGIORGIO 2020 for production support, and all the bands, local sound engineers and crew who keep our live scene crushing show after show!
13.) What does your tour calendar look like? Any big shows or festivals we should be made aware of?
We’re actively touring behind our debut release, Traces of Unease and Discomfort (Episode 1). Right now in August we are going to open for Inner Vitriol and than play at a biker festival here in Italy were Blaze Bayley is headlining! In September we will be at Rock Camp with Deathless Legacy and Hell in the Club and in autumn we are going to explore a new experiment: metal at the teather! We will also be playing in small clubs so keep an eye on our socials for upcoming tour drops!
14.) What is your very first Metal album you ever bought?
Lenina: Proud like a god – Guano Apes Daniel: A cd from Queensrÿche, but I can’t remeber which one Marco: Scorpions – Crazy World. Gabriele: Antichrist Superstar by Marilyn Manson. Not sure if I should say it. Next one was The Gallery by Dark Tranquillity, oh what a collection of amazing bass riffs!
15.) What was the very first metal concert you ever went to?
Lenina: Iron Maiden with Blaze Bayley and Helloween Daniel: Iron Maiden Marco: Iron Maiden Gabriele: a local underground show in a small, loud squatted social center in my mother’s hometown. I was maybe 14 but I still remember the sweat and my first crowdfunder hitting my back. They were from Rome and played the raw hardcore from the early 90ies.
16.) Where’s the best place for fans to keep up with you and dive into your community online?
Mainly instagram and facebook (but we are also on TikTok, Youtube, …)
