Mutilated Soul
Wywiad przeprowadził Wouter Roemers
It has been quite some time since US death metal has been performed so brilliantly dark as Italy's scene upstarts Mutilated Soul do. This year they released their "Decomposition" EP on their own with back up from the Necrotorture promotion agency. This EP struck a nerve with me despite its underground nature. With references in their sound to the classic of Incantation, Morbid Angel and Immolation, I caught up with vocalist/frontman Daniele Pruner and guitarist Nicola Sapziani to talk about their latest offering, the Italian underground scene, etc.
Thanks a lot talking to us. How's everything in the band for the moment?
Daniele: Thanks to you for the interest, bro. We are working on the new stuff and I can tell you it's definitely killer, in every sense: musically and lyrically
Mutilated Soul is still a relatively young and unknown group, so can you give our readers a brief introduction?
Nicola: Well, as you've said we're a young band born from the common passion for the US death metal. During these first years we have lost our former drummer, replaced from a great friend, Raphael Saini. He has helped us in the recordings and he has also introduced us our current drummer, Stefano.
The band was formed in Sardinia in 2003. This year you self-released your impressive "Decomposition" EP. How do you look back on those first years; the hardships, struggles, etc to get your name out to the scene?
Daniele: Necrotorture Agency is doing the best to get our name out to the scene, and as for us I say: spirit of sacrifice, it's the secret of these first satisfactions but we still have a lot of road to cover.
The EP was self-released, which is kind of strange that no label offered you a recording deal. It's been a while since any band has written classic US death metal quite as solid as you do?
Daniele: You aren't the first that notice this but it's the reality, maybe this kind of music doesn't interest like in the past...hahaha, I hope not!
Nicola: "Decomposition" was our first release ever. Before that we made only a promo cd but it wasn't spread around, so we don't have any idea if there was someone interested in our music.
Judging from appearances, I would say Incantation, 90s Morbid Angel and early Immolation are your primary influences.
Daniele: Exactly, those bands are the biggest influences in our music, I would add Cannibal Corpse and the Polish death scene for what concerns our new material .. it will be more elaborate.
You also keep the old school tradition alive by including solos in your songs. It's good to see more bands using leads again!
Daniele: Thanks! Our influences teach us that good solos must be included! Trey Docet! lol
When listening to the EP it becomes clear that it is very coherent; it sounds like a massive piece, did you use a special way of writing to accomplish that? Did you have the whole EP planned in your mind?
Nicola: There's no special way to write music, surely it's much instinctive and slow. I simply try to write something that I like to listen, and I try to do it in the best way.
When writing old school US death metal like you do, how do you prevent the music to start sounding "undecipherable"?
Nicola: I think it depends from our influences. I have grown listening to Morbid Angel, Death, and other bands which weren't undecipherable, but they had a recognizable style.
Let's talk about atmosphere a bit, because it's what most bands don't have or can't make. Death metal hasn't been so brilliantly dark for quite some time. Is it something that comes spontaneously with you guys?
Nicola: As I've said before, it depend from our influences. Albums like "Altar of Madness" are fully of morbid atmospheres. I think that this kind of atmospheres can be very interesting and they allow the extreme parts to appear more violent.
How important are the lyrics for Mutilated Soul, are they a more of a gimmick or is there more to titles like ‘Towards My Grave'?
Daniele: Well, I try to write lyrics following the musical theme, so you can imagine what feelings that are there. In any case, Decomposition is a concept album about a soul's decay.
How did the Necrotorture Agency deal come around? Is there a contract for more records? Are you happy with their promotional activities they are investing in the band?
Daniele: As I've said before Alex (the man behind the machine) is doing a good job and we think to continue the relationship.
Tell us a bit about the artwork. In my review for the EP I pointed out that it looked a bit like Cryptopsy's "Once Was Not". Who was responsible for the artwork?
Daniele: It's a modern and futuristic artwork, we didn't want like a classic gore splatter image.
Nicola: The artwork was created by a young Italian artist named Morgue. I think she's very skilled and a bit "morbid" - you can learn something more about her on morgu3.deviantart.com/
The Italian extreme metal scene seems to be pretty potent but very underground. Bands like Hour Of Penance, Necrotorture, Exsecrator and yourself proof that there's more to the country than just power metal like Rhapsody.
Nicola: Lots of people have this impression but fortunately it's not true. As you've said we have a good extreme scene, with great bands and really good musicians with a great passion and devotion for the death metal. You've named Hour of Penance, Necrotorture and Exsecrator, I can add Cadaveric Crematorium, Vomit the Soul and many others.
What are the three most interesting new extreme metal bands from Italy everybody should definitely check out?
Nicola: Very, very difficult question. Surely all the bands named before should be supported. Three, it's a very short number.
What are your ambitions for the future besides getting a deal?
Daniele: We hope to play shows all over the Europe!
What are your other interests besides music?
Daniele: Sports in genre and music again.
Nicola: I'm trying to graduate as electronic engineer.
Thanks a lot for your time! Final words to the fans?
Daniele: Thanks soooo much for the support and stay mutilated!
Nicola: Thanks a lot for the interview. Check out our official pages at www.mutilatedsoul.com and www.myspace.com/mutilatedsoul - keep on rotting!
Site: www.mutilatedsoul.com
Info/booking: info@mutilatedsoul.com
