ARTHEMIS
Questions asked by Jon Wilde, added to Rock Realms 14th April 2009.
Arthemis are a hard rocking Italian metal outfit. They've just released their 5th Album, Black Society.
Singer and guitarist, Alessio Garavello, and drummer, Paolo Perazzani, answer questions on behalf of the band.
Hi Guys, thanks for taking a moment to answer these questions for the Rock Realms Interrogation section. The new album, Black Society seems to be going down pretty well. Are you surprised at the level of good feedback?
Alessio: We're very happy about the feedback! Thank you so much!! We worked very hard for our new album. When we were writing the songs and recording in the studio, we already knew that this was going to be a different album from our previous releases. We've been receiving very positive reviews so far and are happy to know that many people have felt the way we want people to feel from this album.
This is your fifth full-length album. How do you think it compares in style and quality to the previous offerings?
Alessio: “Black Society” is heavier than any other recordings we've done before. We managed to create something totally different from our past style, such as the song called ‘Zombie Eater’. This is a heavy rock song with an indelible guitar riff and sticks in your head from the first hearing. We also maintained some memorable melodies in the vocals, such as ‘Angels In Black’. We wrote the songs for this album while we were playing in the rehearsal room and tried to create some great heavy music. We're proud of what we’ve done for the new album.
How would you actually describe the Arthemis style to someone who had never heard your work?
Alessio: Mmm… good question… I think I should say… our music is a mixture of the energy from the early Anthrax and some Malmsteen guitar flavour, and the clean vocals on top of it!
Who or what are the main influences of Arthemis, both lyrically and musically?
Alessio: The band was born under the sign of Megadeth, Anthrax and Malmsteen… big names in the heavy metal world! Now, we're just playing what we want to play. We are 4 musicians who listen to all sorts of music without boundaries. I think it is a great thing. In terms of lyrics, we’ve changed our focus from this new album. “Black Society” talks about how dark and corrupted our society is nowadays. We tried to describe situations happening in our ordinary life.
You are playing some dates in Japan in May. Are there plans to do a bigger tour... and maybe come to the UK?
Alessio: Yeah! We’re going to Japan to play 4 shows and several clinics. We will take our music to the other side of the world! UK appearance? Definitely!! We’re working on some dates later this year. As soon as they are finalized, we will let you know!
What is the rock music scene like in Italy?
Alessio: The rock scene in Italy is full of great musicians who have unbelievable talents and capabilities. But it is sad to see them giving up their potentials to create great new music and deciding to play in tribute bands to tour around the country. We should put high tax on covering big name music and leave original creation tax free. (lol)
Do you have plenty of rock clubs?
Alessio: Actually there are some good rock clubs around the country. Regarding Verona, where we live, we used to have 2 big rock clubs but unfortunately they are now closed. If I have to be honest, I think the professional level of the UK live venues is much higher than Italy so I prefer the British way.
Do you watch many live gigs yourselves or do you prefer being on the stage?
Paolo: Obviously I prefer being on stage but I really like to see live gigs too. I still consider myself as a fan and love to see some good bands playing. Moreover you can always learn something new from them!!!
If you were stuck on a remote Pacific a toll with a solar powered CD player, what 5 albums would you like there with you?
Paolo: Only 5? This is very challenging!!!! But ok, I can try, here we go...
Metallica - Master Of Puppets
Dream Theater - Images And Words
AC\DC - Live At Donington
Fates Warning - A Pleasant Shade Of Grey
Queensryche - Operation Mindcrime
Is there anyone in the music industry you’d really love to work with?
Alessio: Of course! I’d love to work with some big US rock/metal producers such as Bob Rock or Rick Rubin or to have my album mixed by Mike Fraser. I love the way they work in the productions. Some of my favourite albums came out from their hands. It must be absolutely amazing to have such stimulations from them by working side by side in a studio! I’d love to have that chance!
What’s the best/worst thing you’ve ever done when drunk?
Paolo: The worst thing I’ve done is… when I woke up in the middle of the night… I vomited all along the wall in my room, and went back to bed and slept like nothing happened. Haha!! I cannot tell you what’s the best thing I’ve done when I was drunk… better keep it for my self! Haha!!
Do you live the rock ‘n’ roll dream?
Paolo: Not in the classic way. I like to have fun but don’t like drugs. In my opinion it’s possible to have fun without risking your life!
Alessio: We love playing music… that is my personal drug! Haha!!
What are you up to once you’ve finished being interrogated?
Paolo: I think I’ll have a beer… really!!!
Thank you for your time, you are free to go...
Paolo: Thank you very much for your time too! Check out our new album “Black Society” available at Play.com in the UK and play it at maximum volume!! Don’t forget to visit our website and our Myspace page too! Check them out and leave your comments! See you in the UK later this year! Ciao!!
As the guys have said, the new Arthemis album is out now. Check out the review on Rock Realms here for further details...
