Interviews: RuinThrone

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Tolkien Metal band RuinThrone from Italy. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

The idea behind the band’s name came from an image that we found representative for what we want to express with our music. The “throne” refers to epic and solemn vibes of the past while “ruin”, on the opposite side, shows the dark side and downfall of modern society. We try to combine the lights and the shadows in one thing, which is the sound of the band: a power metal that alternates epic moments with very dark ones.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

It wasn’t really our choice to play this music genre, it was “RuinThrone” who chose us. The attraction to this sound was natural and instant. Probably due to the large variety of shades that can show. Last but not least it was a perfect match with lots of movies and books we’ve always wanted to talk about. ( "The wand chooses the wizard, Mr. Potter. It's not always clear why. But I think it is clear that we can expect great things from you.”)

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

The only ones who met before the band’s birth were me (Haedus), Nicolò and Alessandro. All the others became very good friends to us after joining the band through ads or common friends.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Headus: Blind Guardian, Helloween and the whole German power metal scene it’s always been a common interest for all of us, but we all listen to a lot of music (not only metal).

Nicolò: In my opinion, for example, RuinThrone is definitely my favorite metal band. It is a perfect mix of all the music styles I like to listen to in a metal band: power, epic, heavy/thrash sometimes with a touch of death metal.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

We take inspiration from the hidden points of view which hide in the human mind, trying to bring them to light. To do so in a clear way and pertinent to the music we play, we use characters from the fantasy world.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last show was in a live venue in Rome (Defrag). We’re very attached to this club cause it’s a meeting point for many underground bands.

7. Where would you like to act?

We’d love to play all around the world (as every band in this world I guess ahah), but the most important thing is to play in every place where we can fully express our potential not only through our music but also with an amazing live show.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Bling Guardian would be our first choice obviously. It has always been the main source of inspiration for our songwriting. However, the metal scene is full of very extraordinary bands we’d love to play with and it would take hours to write them all down. In the meanwhile, we already had the honor to share the stage with Mark Boals (Malmsteen), the Italian band Ancient Bards, and Luke Appleton (Iced Earth)….hope more will come out with this new album release.

9. Whom not?

No one in particular. We just don’t like when a musician or a band acts like they’re rock stars with arrogance. No one was born a rock star, we all had to rehearse in shitty garages to play for free in shitty venues with only a few drunk people listening to our songs. Every musician should remember this.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Headus: None of us has ever really suffered from stage fright, even if our drummer Francesco sometimes has a mysterious headache the day of the show (and he’s one of the best drummers on stage I’ve ever known). However, we all feel some kind of tension before getting on stage. My advice is not to focus on the performance but on the pleasure of playing your music and sharing it with everyone who’s there to listen to you. While I’m singing, for example, I try to empathize with the audience trying to engage it in the show. 

Nicolò: I remember the first few times I had to go on stage and play in front of an actual audience I had some kind of “fear”. I guess it’s normal for everyone. What I learned to do in the years is to turn this “fear” into energy. I mean, what’s the point of doing a bad performance cause you’re afraid of doing something wrong? All the time you spent writing and playing your songs with the band means nothing if you let this fear overcome you.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Blind Guardian had a very strong influence on the “fantasy” subject as well as on the vocal method and the orchestral sections. They also were essential along with Nevermore and Iced Earth for the guitar “riffing” and the rhythm section in general. Many other bands, like Symphony X, Opeth, Helloween, and many more, have been also important for our songwriting.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

One of our fans asked us to make the release of the album happen the same day as his birthday, while we’re also having many people from different countries writing us to come and play there. The last one was a guy from the Philippines who texted our guitarist (Nicolò), praying to come and tour there.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Having people enjoying our music is a pride and a blessing at the same time. RuinThrone would be nothing without the power that comes from sharing our music with them. Whenever I write new lyrics I always try to link emotionally to the people who will listen to our music. This gives me the power to give the 100% of me.

14. What do you think of our site?

We really appreciated the opportunity you gave us and the commitment you put in your work. The spotlight you give to many underground bands should be a pride for your and a blessing for many, like us, who can reach more people all around the world.

15. Something to add?

We are currently working on building a very cool live show, which will make people’s mind blow! Once again we want to thank you all for this opportunity and congratulations on your work!