Interviews: Hypersonic

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

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

Well, we wanted to unify the words "hyper" and "sonic" to convey our style, something that goes beyond sound. Yes, this is it.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We grew up musically between Metal and symphonic music. We have always loved bands like Epica, Nightwish, Rhapsody, Dimmu Borgir, Fleshgod Apocalypse and Septicflesh but at the same time also composers like Gustav Mahler, Igor Stravinskij, John Williams, Danny Elfman, Jerry Goldsmith, Hans Zimmer, Ennio Morricone. And ya, we believe this can be heard in our compositions and orchestral arrangements.

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

Yes. I (Salvo) have known Dario and Francesco since we were children. We grew up together in the same building in Catania (Italy). I was the one who guided the two twins towards metal and extreme sounds. With Emanuele, however, we met by chance after a gig with our respective bands at the time. We found each other immediately and our partnership has lasted since 2005. Lastly, Eleonora joined the band in 2019 but in such a short time has become a close friend of all of us, in addition to having great qualities as a songwriter.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Ya. Good question but also very difficult. We try.

Eleonora: Epica

Salvo: Fleshgod Apocalypse

Emanuele: Metallica

Dario: Myrath

Francesco: Nightwish

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

The new album was written during one of the darkest moments of our history. So the songs are the mirror of the feelings that came out of all this. The lockdown inspired us to stop, abandon the unnecessary things in our lives, and seriously reflect on who we are. The situation of oppression, sadness, and melancholy was very important in searching for ourselves as artists, and as people. All this has also allowed us to bring to light all those human weaknesses such as depression, fears, the harm we do to others, unhealthy relationships with the people we love, revenge, and protection. But also a lot of hope for a better future.

6. Where was your last gig?

We played a few weeks ago in Switzerland at the Elements Of Rock festival, previewing the new album “Kaosmogonia” live. We shared the stage with other bands from all over the world: the United States, Norway, Holland, and Germany. It was great! We play in Switzerland often and it's always great to meet the fans. We are planning other shows in Europe and yeah, we can't wait for Metalheads to hear our new album.

7. Where would you like to act?

Absolutely Japan! It's a country that we love and that always welcomes our music with great enthusiasm. We hope to be able to play there one day!

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

In “Kaosmogonia” we have realized one of our dreams as musicians. We had the honor of having Mark Jansen from Epica as a guest on the song "My Sacrifice". It was certainly the greatest experience we have had. Collaborating with Mark was incredible. He was immediately enthusiastic about singing the song, and interpreting it beautifully! In the future, it would be a dream to collaborate with Simone Simons, Floor Jansen, and Shagrath as singers and a full symphony orchestra.

9. Whom not?

There is no particular artist in this way.

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

Clearly, we cannot deny that we had some emotions at our first gig abroad (2012, Switzerland) in front of so many fans. It's a wonderful memory. Today we go on stage with a lot of experience accumulated in almost 20 years of music, but with an ever-present adrenaline that allows us to express our best during a concert. I would advise beginners to let themselves go to the music, and let the emotions flow, to this wonderful friend called music.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Definitely Epica, Nightwish, and Fleshgod Apocalypse. I believe that these bands have given and still give today the best example of what it means to combine metal and symphonic music. Complex harmonies, magniloquent orchestral arrangements, theatricality, metal fury, and unforgettable vocal melodies.

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

Well, let me think about it. After a concert in the Netherlands, a fan asked me to autograph her shoulder (the right, if I'm not mistaken). It had never happened to me, I think it's the strangest thing that has happened to me after a gig.

13. What do you think of your fans?

We know that we owe a lot to them. We started playing in garages when we were 18 and now they know us all over the world and we have a solid fan base. They follow us and support us at every release and event. Special thanks go to them.

14. What do you think of our site?

I'm a graphic designer so I'll be very honest. Your site has a clear structure and easy-to-understand links that allow the visitor to never get lost inside. You have some very interesting columns such as "Track By Track" and "Behind The Artwork". Congratulations and keep it up!

15. Something to add?

Thanks to you dear staff for the space you gave us with this interview. Thanks a lot to you readers for your attention. Listen to our new album "Kaosmogonia" at maximum volume on digital stores and see you on stage. Greetings!