Interviews: Rei Code Zero

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Instrumental Progressive Metal band Rei Code Zero 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 naturally?

I thought about the band name while I was working on the album and even afterward. I was looking for something that sounded like the title of a Japanese anime or video game. I liked the combination of Rei (meaning soul or spirit) and Code Zero, which evokes both a computer-related concept and the idea of a beginning or starting point.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I've always been passionate about soundtracks, and I actually compose them professionally as well. At the same time, I've always been a huge video game fan, and from 2014 to 2017, I played in a tribute band dedicated to the music of the Final Fantasy video game series. Since then, I've wanted to create an album that would blend instrumental metal with the influences of that style of soundtrack music.

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

I didn't know guitarist Stefano Zamburlini before someone recommended him to me near the end of the album-writing process. Stefano was excited to join the project because of both the genre and the Japanese musical influences I had incorporated into the songs. He's passionate about anime and Japanese culture, so I couldn't have found a more suitable or talented person for this project.

4. Each band member's favourite bands?

Lorenzo Visintin: Dream Theater, The Black Mages, Children of Bodom, Periphery, -Emerson, Lake & Palmer-, Toto.

Stefano Zamburlini: Dream Theater, Periphery, Destrage, One Ok Rock, Coldrain, Intervals, Plini, Polyphia.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

When it comes specifically to Rei Code Zero, the inspiration comes not only from the natural fusion of my musical background and influences, but also from the desire to create something personal and different—something that could be fully contained and expressed within a single album.

6. Where was your last gig?

The band is still very new, and we're currently organizing our first live performance.

7. Where would you like to perform?

At the Budokan in Tokyo.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

It would be a dream to collaborate with Nobuo Uematsu.

9. Whom not?

That's a difficult question, but in general, you always hope to avoid working with arrogant or self-important people. On a human level, nothing good is likely to come from that kind of collaboration.

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

I've always struggled with stage fright. Over time and through experience, I've managed to overcome part of that fear because performing isn't only about the performance itself. There have been times when external problems clouded my mind, or when I wasn't feeling physically well. Sometimes you can feel uncomfortable even during a relaxed show, while at other times you can perform like a tiger in front of a major audience. What definitely helps is being as prepared as possible before a concert: learning the material thoroughly and revisiting the most challenging passages with a structured approach. Playing the same songs live multiple times also helps build confidence and makes everything feel more natural.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Above all, Dream Theater during their golden era. Scenes from a Memory is one of the most important albums of my life.

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

Not exactly a fan, but one day a young kid asked me how many followers I had. It's a question that reflects how newer generations often categorize not only artists, but people in general.

13. What do you think of your fans?

I was genuinely grateful for the support I received from some people while they followed the development of this project. They immediately understood the intention behind the sound I was trying to create, and that wasn't something I took for granted.

14. What do you think of our site?

It's a very well-designed website with a fast and straightforward format. I also think it's a great idea to have developed your own branded merchandise.

15. Anything you'd like to add?

More than ever, in a world increasingly filled with bland music and AI-generated content, I can only encourage people to strive to create something unique and personal. Even if there's a risk of failing, I don't think there's any better path than making music with passion as the top priority.

Support independent metal journalism — Visit the official BTC store