A few questions – interview with death metal band from Italy - HELLISH GOD.
Answered Stefano and Mattia.
Ave, can you introduce your band to our readers? – When was it founded and what style of music do you play , etc.?
Hi Jakub, thanks for the interview.
HELLISH GOD was formed in 2015 by Luigi Contenti (drums) and Michele di Ioia (guitars-backing vocals). Soon after, Mattia de Fazio from Antropofagus joined as main vocalist. The band recorded and released its first EP „IMPURE SPIRITUAL FORCES“ in 2016, then I (Stefano Malgaretti) filled the line up on bass. Together we entered the studio to give birth to our first full „THE EVIL EMANATIONS“, scheduled on January 8th 2018 by EVERLASTING SPEW RECORDS. Our style is pretty recognizable: fast strings, blasting drums and hellish vocals, in the vein of bands such as Krisiun, Morbid Angel, Rebaelliun, Abhorrence, Centvrian, Azarath and Internecine.
Where and under what conditions were you recording the new album? Who was in charge of sound, production and mastering?
As for the first EP, we recorded and mixed everything at TOXIC BASEMENT STUDIOS in Carate Brianza, Italy. Carlo Altobelli (the owner) has now become a friend of us. He's super professional and working with him is easy: you don't have to tell him much -he also listens to extreme music and has worked with many death metal bands and believe me, that's a blessing- and, despite being serious while working, Carlo is one of the funniest guys around. He and the band collaborated strictly on the final mix, and we are totally satisfied with the results. Concerning the master, this time (for „IMPURE“ everything was done by Altobelli) Fabio Palombi from BLACKWAVE STUDIO (Genova – Italy) has been our choice. He studied at the notorious HERTZ STUDIOS, you'll hear the outstanding results of his work once „THE EVIL EMANATIONS“ is out.
How many copies were released and which medium was used for this new edition (CD, digital, vinyl, cassette)?
Actually 1000 copies on CD format will be released by the label. Also digital downloads are available on both band's and ESR's bancamp platforms. No tapes for now, but as for the vinyl... we'll see.
Who is the author of the lyrics and how were they created and about what do the lyrics deal with?
Well I think Mattia (the author of the lyrics) is the one who can answer best to this:
Mattia: Basically it is a concept set on the Qliphoth and the Tree of Death.
Conceptually, they are a superior step compared to the classic topics dealt with and decidedly more complex.
I chose this theme because they blend well with our music.
Who created the logo of the band, and who took care of the graphics and the website? What about you and social networks? Do you consider these things important?
The logo was created by Roberto Toderico (as well as our debut Ep's cover). Our actual graphics, instead, were done by Raoul Mazzero from VIEW FROM THE COFFIN, and we are now using them for our „internetian stuff“. The cover art for „THE EVIL EMANATIONS“ has been unleashed by Adi from DECHRISTIANIZE ART. Also the guys from EVERLASTING SPEW are helping us a lot with social networks, as we are all very busy with our daily jobs, and cannot follow this aspect that much. But, anyways, in 2017, platforms such as Facebook and Bandcamp are necessary... going back to tape trading/dubbing would be cool, but you have to fit the era you are living in.
Which label did you choose for releasing your album and why this label? Are you satisfied by how your label represents you and takés care about you?
„THE EVIL EMANATIONS“ will be released by EVERLASTING SPEW RECORDS, and we could not ask for anyone better. It's been years since I know Giorgio (we are from the same town) and all in HG are aware of his capability and professionalism (Mattia already signed to ES whith his other bands MINDFUL OF PRIPYAT and ANTROPOFAGUS). The label is pounding hard on promoting everyone in the roster and Tito is a monster doing that. This is luck my friend, we didn't have to search abroad for a decent label, and we have the best around.
Which bands do you idolise and where do you get your inspiration?
As mentioned before, bands like Krisiun, Abhorrence (BRA), Rebaelliun (Fabiano Penna also did a guest solo on our first Ep), Angelcorpse, early Deicide are our main inspiration. To be honest, the list could go on like FOREVER -haha- just sum it up and say that all the blasting devilish death metal acts from Brazil, Poland, Florida and every act sounding like them is our main inspiration. Concerning personal tastes, me and Mattia have a FETICISM for everything that is Morbid Angel inspired/related, while Luigi is more „Poland oriented“.
Did you send your record to some Labels - which are the labels? How was the response?
To be honest no. The signing with EVERLASTING SPEW was so natural and immediate we didn't send anything to anyone else. Let's just say that we wanted them and they wanted us. And it was perfect from the start.
How many gigs have you played? Which type of gigs do you prefer, whether it's (clubs or festivals) and which of your performances would you consider as the best?
As for now, we only played live twice, so I can't really tell you wich gig I preferred. Our debut was in november 2016 at the „UNHOLY NIGHT PART 2“ with Demoniac and Into Darkness. Then we supported Angelcorpse in summer of 2017 along with our friends from Uncreation. The funny thing is that we only rehearsed all together twice. The members all live way far from the others (like 7 hrs by train), so it's difficult to find time and money for that. Anyway we played live and got in the studio 2 times, so I'd say everyone in HG is well aware of what he's doing and perfectly knows how to play death metal. Also, I don't think the venue is that important: open airs, small clubs... everything is good, just depending on the bands you are sharing the stage with and the crowd under it.
What about your plans for the future? What do you want to achieve with the band?
We have no specific targets for now, except playing satanic blasting death metal, and continuing the band as much as possible... but I cannot hide you that playing in the U.S.A. (expecially Florida) would be a dream come true. We are all into FL death metal acts since we were kids, so it would be amazing. Anyway the writing of new material started soon after finishing the recordings of „THE EVIL EMANATIONS“ and two other songs are nearly completed. The new stuff is always fast (maybe FASTER? Is it possible? YES IT IS) and we're also planning some gigs to promote the new album.
How and where can your fans contact you? Can you provide some contact information?
Sure:
Our FB page: facebook.com/HellishGod666
Bandcamp: hellishgod.bandcamp.com
Label: everlastingspew.com – facebook.com/everlastingspew
For management and booking, please contact Tito Vespasiani facebook.com/tito.vespasiani
Thanx for the interview.
