Extinction released their latest album "The Apocalypse Mark" just few months ago and it gathered very positive reaction from fans and 'zines alike. It is hard not to wonder where the fame would take those guys if it wasn't for the Coronavirus pandemic. Danilo Bonuso was nice enough to answer few questions about the album, the band, the quarantine and also about some of his favorite things. We touched up on past, present and future and on the microchip of course. Read on!!

Tom

Thanks for doing this interview with MetalBite and for being so patient with me. Things got a little out of hand lately and everything got delayed. How are you doing today Danilo?

Hello and thank you for this interview. Today I am fine...despite this difficult period.

Covid 19 is on everyone's lips nowadays (hopefully not literally LOL) so it's hard not to ask the question knowing Italy's situation and you seeing everything firsthand. How is the situation over there right now?

The situation here is truly critical, in many ways. We have been in quarantine for almost a month and still do not know until. We have a very high number of deaths and sick people, and hopefully this curve will soon descend. The first social unrest due to the lack of money to buy food is beginning to be seen, this is due to the almost total closure of all work activities. Our situation persists after the Chinese one, and unfortunately now this will happen for other countries.

Considering the fact of what is going on around the globe right now, what is your opinion on how things got handled? What about Italy? You are from there and Italy is one of the countries that got hit the hardest?

Surely Italy, where I come from, if it was not understood, is currently the most affected country in the world in proportion to the inhabitants. This could certainly be managed better, acting immediately after the news from China. As always, our politicians have underestimated the problem.

People being controlled by technology, being manipulated and indoctrinated from every angle seem to be the subject which of most of the lyrics are talking about on "The Apocalypse Mark". Do you think there is still a chance for humanity or are we too dumb and its downhill from now on?

First of all, we need to talk as much as possible about these topics and make people understand that our lives are now in the hands of strong powers. This is due to the technology that has now entered our lives and that we can no longer do without. They offer us simplicity in actions through electronic devices or the web, and we do not consider the fact that thanks to this everything we do is traceable.

To stay on the subject a bit longer let me ask about the intro to the album. Microchips. Some people think that they are way of the future and will make everything easier and simpler, for others just it's just another way to gain control over population. What's your opinion?

You have already given my answer to the question! It is exactly like that. And we are not talking about conspiracies, as, for example in Sweden or experimentally in the USA, this is already a reality.

There is plenty of theories out there but here is one that I've read recently and it's kind of works with what we were just talking about. Here is what it is. Governments are trying to push the microchip technology and by releasing the virus are going to be able to insert the chip into anyone they want while vaccinating the population. 5G technology is going to be here to assist in control, manipulation and who knows what else when chips are going to be in. Sounds crazy or does it?

Wow, you're more informed than me, ha ha ha. Thinking about it, as crazy as it sounds, it might be possible. I now believe that events of this magnitude do not happen by accident. They create a problem and then justify a solution...that suits them for global control.

Ok. Enough about conspiracy theories, let's talk music. I want to congratulate you on your new album, it got 9 out of 10 on our site and I've listened to it numerous times in the last couple of months. How do you feel about it having some time to get used to it yourself and finding out how great it is from people everywhere?

I am very happy that you liked the album and thanks again for the wonderful review. This is our second album, and it was certainly a step forward, although I was very amazed by the many more than positive reviews. Even on a Brazilian site our album appears in fifth place in the ranking of the ten best thrash albums of 2019! For me it is the dream of a lifetime. 

Is the new album sound and visual side what you imagined it would be?

I am sincere! It is exactly what I expected. Compared to the first album, we have invested more both in the production and in the care of the cover and the booklet, where each song is represented with an image created by our singer Filippo.

What turned out to be the hardest part to overcome while composing and recording the new album?

Regarding the composition, except for some conflicting opinions on one track, everything went well. During the recording phase, however, there were some disagreements due to last minute changes and different opinions on the final sound. But in the end the result was rewarding.

In your opinion, which song from the new album is the best representation of Extinction and the new album?

Good question...as each track has its own character. Perhaps the title track, because of the theme of the lyrics. But the track that represents all of Extinction's musical style is 'Mad Jack'.

New album has been out for more than 5 months now. Response has been good from what I see - what is the best thing and the funniest you've heard about the album so far?

The best things I have read are the praises for the production, our melodic solos and for a style that is certainly not modern, as we refer to a thrash death of the 90s, but never banal and repetitive, even original in some solutions.
A singular review was that of a German site, where the writer continually contradicted himself. Before he said that production and execution was ok, but in the end he didn't like it very much. It was clear that he did not appreciate the proposed musical style.

How did you make your decision when choosing album cover, tell us about the process?

It is never easy to convey the meaning of a song in an image, let alone make it catchy and impactful. But I must say that thinking about it a little bit more, I had the right idea.

Whose work do we see on the album cover, how does it correspond to the lyrics and music?

The cover was designed by the internationally renowned Italian artist Roberto Toderico (Sinister, Sodom, Poltergeist, Tygers Of Pan Tang etc.). The demon represents the Beast described in the Apocalypse with the mark in the right hand, in this case the glow. All of this represents the similarity with the subcutaneous microchip, which makes so much discussion.

There is very little information about Extinction on the net, so I'd like to ask you some questions about the past. Your demo came out in 1996. How do you remember those times, the recording, the practices and why nothing happened after putting the demo out?

The band was originally active in Puglia, my region of origin, from 1995 (or 1994 ...) to 1997. We were totally inexperienced, and often bands of friends lent us the equipment. Those were other times, in which one arranged in the best way; both in the rehearsal room and for the live shows, also for lack of money. It was a bit the general situation of the south Italian scene in those years.
But despite so much naivety, there was an unbridled desire to compose and play in the rehearsal room (a house in the countryside), even three times a week. Then in November 1996 we recorded our Progress Regress demo. The amazement was so great when we read the nice reviews in the metal music magazines, praising at the time our originality in proposing hard music with very melodic elements. At the same time the Swedish scene was moving in this direction, but the style was obviously different. At the end of 1997 I had to leave for business reasons in northern Italy, exactly in Turin where I still live, therefore the band broke up. After several musical experiences, I decided in January 2014 to reform the band, gradually finding the musicians through announcements. After two albums, here we are.

First album came out in 2017 which begs the questions of why and what happened there? Can you tell us about the process of getting back and composing of the new material? Were you content with the material?

The band restarted by playing and rearranging four tracks of the demo. Subsequently, using some riffs written immediately after the 1996 demo, I started composing the music for the remaining songs that made up our debut album "The Monarch Slaves", with Alice Darkpeace on vocals. Very interesting the death metal version of the Nirvana classic "Smells like Teen Spirit". I am still very proud of that record!

Ok. We are at current times, new album rakes all the good ratings, so all I need is to know about how "The Apocalypse Mark" came to what it is?

After the release of the debut album and some concerts, Alice decided to go to live for ten months in Sweden, during which we didn't do any live. Therefore, we closed ourselves in the rehearsal room to compose the tracks then included in "The Apocalypse Mark".
The difference compared to the previous album is that the whole band was involved in the composition of both the lyrics and the music. And then after just two years we returned with the new album, with the new singer Filippo "Howling Star" Collaro (Alice for job reasons left the band) and with the new bassist Lorenzo Catolla, who entered in the band immediately after the recording of the album. In addition, a few months ago we also have a new drummer, Diego Sorg Krig!

What about the new music, is it in the works?

Due to the various line-up changes and the many live shows at the end of 2019, we have not yet managed to compose anything. Before this damned virus exploded, we had started studying a new track.

I would like to ask something different, are you satisfied with what you have done throughout the years? What do you think could have done better?

I've been playing guitar since the age of 16 and I have played in several bands, instead of continuing with a single project, doing everything to carry it forward. Unfortunately, with the people I dealt with, I never managed to make the big leap into the world of music with record releases produced and distributed by a label. My regret is to have waited too long before taking the situation totally in hand, as it has been since 2014 when I decided to start again with Extinction. Only now can I enjoy the results of the great passion for metal music, and thanks to the current line-up (a second valid guitarist will be announced shortly) an interesting future awaits.

And something on a lighter note. What was the best album you've heard lately, what was the best book you've read, movie you've seen and best beer you've tasted?

A new album that surprised me and came out recently is the Quadra by Sepultura! A hyper-produced record with technical tracks like never before. A band that looks forward. 

I mostly read counter-information books of writers who are against the mainstream news. Here's where I get inspiration for the lyrics. I don't know if you find in America the books of Adam Kadmon (pseudonym of this uncomfortable character and known in America, so much so that the bad character The Winter Soldier in the Captain America film perfectly reflects the appearance and clothing of this masked character) who carefully analyzes the occult world of strong powers, such as the Illuminati; or the books of inquiry by Enrica Perucchietti. 

I love different types of beer, but the first that comes to mind and is fantastic, is the Belgian Grimbergen.

Well, that's all I got. Last words?

I invite readers to follow us on our social pages (Facebook & Instagram) and to procure our new album "The Apocalypse Mark", available on CD and digital format on all major platforms in the world. You will not regret it! Stay tuned! Thanks again for this interview.

After releasing 3 albums (2 LPs and 1 EP) in little more than 12 months there should not be many of you that haven’t heard of this band yet. With their 3^rd full-length, "Symphony For The Devil", Witchery continues its rock/thrash path and once again prove that ‘retro-metal’ can sound fresh, innovative and entertaining. While so many bands try to turn and twist their songs in any possible way Witchery takes completely different approach and drives its music on clarity and simplicity. Bass player, Sharlee D’Angelo shares his view on the ‘retro’ tag, their music, lyrics and problems with release date of new Arch Enemy "Wages of Sin".

Chris


After releasing your first 3 albums in little more than 12 months, the fourth one comes after almost 2 years; what took you so long?

It was actually a combination of a lot of different things... between the first few albums we haven’t done that much touring and we decided to be more a real band and start playing live rather than spending all the time in the studio. Also, since everybody is involved in different things and bands it took us a lot of time to get everyone together in one place at this same time. We were also looking for a new record deal in Europe and all negotiations took like eternity... On top of that our old drummer quit and it took a while until we found a replacement. So, all those things put together made for this long break but I also think it was a good thing and created a little bit of anticipation right there. When we released all those albums in this short period of time it was basically to prove the point that people take way way way too long in between their albums. 3-4 years between the albums??? You wonder why? What are they doing? So, we just wanted to prove that you can write and record albums in fairly short intervals. Look at the bands in the past, they could release two albums during a year and they were touring constantly also. It can be done and we just wanted to try that out. Then we thought maybe it was too much too soon and decided to let the people wait a little for a new one.

Why did Mique leave the band?

It was just a personal thing. The thing is that he’s always been very much into the music side of things like recording and creating music but when it come to touring he wasn’t very comfortable with it because he didn’t like being away from home for very long period of time. He also got a new job, he’s new baby daughter was born and he decided to concentrate more on the family and his new job and I respect that. We could see that he wasn’t comfortable with being on the tour and I’m just grateful for the years we had, he’s still a very good friend.

Does heavy involvement in other projects cause any problems in keeping Witchery together as a regular band?

Yeah, sometimes it’s hard to find the time but we try to make the best of it and plan ahead the best we can. So far it hasn’t been that bad and if you put all the differences behind, it works.

Is everything written by Jensen again?

About 90 % yeah but the other main songwriter in a band is Richard. He comes up with a lot of important riffs also but Jansen is the main guy ‘cause he always comes up with the best stuff. It’s not like he is the bandleader and automatically writes all the songs but he just writes the best stuff and the best stuff goes on the album. It doesn’t really matter who writes the songs but he’s just the best at it.

How long did the writing process go? Did you again need 5 or 6 days to record it like your previous albums?

[laughs] No, this one actually took a little bit longer. It took a better part of the month I think it was done in 17 or 18 days. We didn’t have more time cause we were just like two days away from entering the studio. I think the last riff was written on Friday night and on Monday we entered the studio.

It’s nice to hear about a band that succeeds in playing old-school heavy metal or "retro metal" style. Accept, Motorhead, and Judas Priest influences are visible but Witchery is not just a copy of afore mentioned...

No, we are not. I have to agree with you there and it’s nice to hear you say that but in the past we were not very happy with that "retro" tag. I can understand that because so many our influences come from the afore-mentioned bands and many more bands from that period, so it’s only natural that we sound that way, but it’s not like we ever set out to be a retro band, like, "Oh, let’s sound like this band," it all come naturally since we all grew up listening to this stuff. I think it’s also because of the imagery around it, the cover art, lyrics and all that stuff, but it all just fits the whole thing. It’s just something that needs to be there in metal.

There are moments that songs just seem to be great rock and roll. It seems like you guys simply have a lot of fun doing it...

Oh absolutely, that’s what we based it upon. If we didn’t have that, the band would not exist. That’s what put us together in a first place. The recording of our first album was just like a such a joyous experience, we had so much fun and if we didn’t have so much fun we probably wouldn’t do it because I think that’s very important that it comes through the music. And if you hear the album where it sounds like people are heaving fun playing it then most likely you’ll have fun listening to it.

Is the fun and joy still high and on the same level since you started the band?

Oh yeah, absolutely. I mean there were moments were we felt a little bit of pressure since we had such very good response to our previous albums and of course there was a little bit of pressure to live up to it but we tried not to think about it too much and just do what we always do and write the album for ourselves; the kind of album that we would like to buy that’s not out there and we just have to write it ourselves.

What are the lyrics about? Are they as important as music or they just something for Toxine to scream?

Yeah. [laughs] It’s a little bit like that... they don’t have a message for people. These are the lyrics we think fit the music and of course the lyrics are a vehicle for the vocals so yeah it’s something for Toxine to scream. [laughs] I mean they are good lyrics, we try to have a little bit of a distance, we don’t try to be super-evil or anything, they are just dark fairytales.

What happened to my favorite nun? Will she again be a part of the next photo session?

Maybe, we’ll see. We’ll see if we can lure here out of the convent again. [laughs]

While I’ve lured you out to make this interview, I have to ask you about Arch Enemy. What the fuck happened with your new release "Wages of Sin"? When can the whole world finally put its ears around it?

Well, this is something you should call your local Century Media office and ask about. It actually has to do with a few differences we have in a contract that we try to resolve and it just drags for so long now... I really don’t know what’s the status right now. The last thing I’ve heard is that it should come out in January, but I can’t really confirm it. I just hope it’s finally going to happen because we re-did the artwork for the US and it will also include a few bonus things on it as well.

I hope so. It’s almost been a year since "Wages of Sin" hit Japan’s stores and it has to be really frustrating to see your work lying on the shelves for so long.

It’s extremely frustrating. This material, when it’ll come out it will be over a year old... It’s bad when it happens like that, but its just politics.

Let’s just hope for less politics and more music in 2002...