Interviews: Extinction

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Thrash Metal/Death Metal band Extinction 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? Did you plan it, or did it just come out like that?

Danilo (guitar): The first Extinction lineup was formed in the province of Lecce, in the Italian region of Puglia, back in 1995. I took the name from the Megadeth album "Countdown To Extinction", and the guys in the band approved immediately. 

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

My background comes from bands of the '80s, but in the '90s, there were these innovative bands that immediately influenced us; I'm thinking especially of Pantera and Sepultura, not to mention the death metal wave of the early '90s. We ended up blending a few genres to define our sound.

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

I met the bassist and guitarist from the original lineup during high school in 1995. Guitarist Daniele, in turn, knew the drummer and singer, and thus Extinction was born. We lasted from 1995 to 1997, then I reformed the band in Turin in 2014, as the only original member. Through ads and connections, I found the guys with whom we released our debut album, "The Monarch Slaves." After singer Alice Darkpeace left and singer Howling SSTAR and bassist Lorenzo Catolla joined, we released the album "The Apocalypse Mark" in 2019, followed by "Cryogenesis" in 2023, and finally, the new, recently released "The Horned God."

4. Each band member's favourite band?

My favorite bands are too many to mention, as my listening ranges from AOR to Death Metal, but as the all time favorite band is Iron Maiden. For singer Howling SSTAR, the favorite bands are Manowar, Death SS (That's why the double “S” in his stage name), Wednesday 13, Misfits, Rob Zombie, Dark Tranquillity, and Deathstars. For bassist Lorenzo Catolla, the bands are Pantera, Slayer, Sepultura, Metallica, Megadeth, Slipknot, Deftones, and System Of A Down.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

My lyrics initially dealt with conspiracy themes, leading to the mythological and imaginative themes of the new album. Former drummer Alberto Scrivano wrote lyrics inspired by historical figures and serial killers, while former guitarist Jean Edifizi wrote introspective and psychological lyrics.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last concert was at the German festival FullMetal OstHessen.

7. Where would you like to act?

We like to play everywhere, especially in Germany. We've also played concerts in Hungary, Romania, and Malta.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

I don't know...on the new album, we had violinist Katija Di Giulio as a guest on two songs, and black metal singer Eris Nocturna Aura on another. We'll explore other collaborations in the future.

9. Whom not?

Maybe with people asking for money to do it, ha ha ha.

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

Yes. Three years ago, we played in Germany, and the second guitarist at the time, Carlo Desimone, was very nervous before going on stage. The advice I can give is to breathe deeply and focus on your instrument. After a few minutes, the tension goes away.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

At the beginning, as previously written, mainly Pantera and Sepultura, as well as thrash and death metal from the 80s and 90s, like Morbid Angel, Megadeth, Metallica, Pestilence, etc.

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

Bassist Lorenzo was asked what color a song would represent when played... the answer was obvious... black! While singer Howling SSTAR was asked if his beard was real.

13. What do you think of your fans?

I think fans motivate us to keep playing. Knowing someone appreciates your music is great.

14. What do you think of our site?

I find your website professional, beautifully designed, and intuitive. I've been following you for many years and look forward to your review of our new album, "The Horned God."

15. Something to add?

Please. Follow us on all social media, and most importantly, buy our new album "The Horned God" on our Bandcamp, or listen to it on all digital platforms. If you'd like us to play near you, please let us know.

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