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 Mention
the name Macbeth and the first thing that comes to mind
is one of William Shakespeare's more famous plays about
a man who wants to be king and is willing to do anything,
even going as far as murdering his friends. While the
Italian band of the same name does not actually involve
physical violence, the emotional elements involved in
the Shakespearian play such as cruelty and sweetness can
be found within the music of the band Macbeth. Recently,
they have been doing tours in support of their latest
album Malae Artes, which is the first album to receive
distribution in the United States.
Peter: For those who may not know about the band,
could you give a brief history about the band?
Andreas: Sure! The band was formed in 1995 by
Fabrizio, after two years Macbeth recorded the first and
only demo tape called "Nocturnal Embrace". Then they signed
a deal in 1998 and the same year the band recorded "Romantic
Tragedy's Crescendo" that sold more than 12.000 copies
all over Europe. After "Romantic Tragedy's Crescendo"
release, Nuclear Blast put a couple of our songs in "Metal
Dreams vol. 2", feat. Stratovarius, Helloween, Skid Row
and Mr. Big and a song in "Beauty in Darkness vol.4" feat.
Tiamat, In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, Nightwish, Lacuna
Coil and more.
Well, I joined Macbeth in 2001 I recorded with them "Vanitas"
that was very well reviewed and appreciated in Europe,
South America, Baltic states and Taiwan too. Then, last
year we released "Malae Artes" that is our best and more
mature album. The new album was also released in the United
States of America and this is very important news.
Peter: The name Macbeth is obviously taken from a Shakespeare
play about a man who wants to be King of Scotland at any
cost. In what ways does the band name fit in with your music?
Fabrizio: The idea was to find a name to explain
our music. Our sound was the perfect fusion of opposites:
cruelty and sweetness, melody and violence. In the Shakespeare's
Macbeth you can find pieces of poetry and horrible murders.
It was also my favourite Shakespearean play.
Peter: What are some of your influences?
Fabrizio: I guess a musician must listen to
all kinds of good music. So, there's not only one band
or few bands in our background. I like very much: Slayer,
Porcupine Tree, Dimmu Borgir, Muse, Madonna, Atreyu, Death,
Sopor Aeternus and many more. Our sound comes from a ton
of stuff because our roots are very different, but if
you add them together, the result is our sound.
Peter: Recently, you released Malae Artes. What does
the title mean and how does it fit with what you're trying
to do on the album?
Andreas: The meaning of the album title is explained
track by track, in the lyrics of each song.
"Malae Artes" comes from ancient Latin, sounds like "arts
of hell" in English.
The main theme of our lyrics is "to lie", all songs deal
with lies, deceit, double faced people…
"Nuda Veritas" (the intro) is a prelude to many reflections
upon appearance.
Don't worry, do not expect a negative album because I
guess our lyrics will teach you to open your eyes to search
the other face of everything…
Peter: On the subject of the number three, Malae Artes
is your third album. Seemingly, in the metal music business,
the third album from most groups is the make or break album.
Is there any pressure at all from this?
Fabrizio: We like what we're doing, we love
our stuff…no pressure.
I guess the new one will be the most important step for
the band. I hope it will be appreciated by people, magazines
and media while increasing our fans and audience as well.
I believe in MACBETH, in our songs and in my hard work.
You really need to believe in your music, because otherwise
it's not going to work. Maybe things will change, but
the heart of the band will remain the same.
Peter: When can people in America expect to see the album
released and if no definite date has been set, have you
talked to any labels that are considering a release date
in America?
Andreas: Last year in August, the album was
released in the U.S.A. by Crash Music Inc. and the distribution
is handled by Caroline, one of the largest independent
distribution companies in the United States, and is owned
by EMI Music.
Peter: Are there any tours that have or are going to
happen in support of Malae Artes?
Fabrizio: Well, after the release of "Malae
Artes", we played all over Italy in spring and we've done
a lot of interviews to promote the album. Then last summer
we reached Mexico for a great tour and I must say it was
an amazing experience!
After few shows in Italy again, we are working on new
stuff and in the end of June we will reach Beirut, in
Lebanon, for a great gig. In July, we'll play at Evolution
Festival in Italy together with Within Temptation, Cradle
of filth, Moonspell, the Gathering, Saxon and many more.
Stay tuned for GREAT news…
Peter: Thanks for taking the time for the interview and
best of luck to you.
Fabrizio and Andreas: Thank you to METAL COVEN
for this interview. We hope to play soon in the States!!!
Visit our official websites!! :
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