Reviews from "The Final Stage"
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INTERVIEW: ADRIANO TROIANO / DISTANT PAST
???? Hi, it’s a pleasure for us to have on Hardrockheavymetal ADRIANO TROIANO, bassist of DISTANT PAST! Welcome!
Thank you so much for having me. My pleasure!
???? Can you introduce us the current line-up of the band?
Of course. After a Gig in 2018 it became clear, that I wouldn’t work with some of the guys in the band. So, we had to look for a new drummer, we found a great one named Remo, who previously played for a Thrash Metal Band, then quit and moved away. Upon his return he didn’t really have a band, so one little remark on social media and I contacted him. We are happy to have him on board. So me (Adriano, bass) and Jay Jay vocals (both ex- Emerald) started to work on new songs. We had Ben (guitar) with us and we’re still looking for an additional guitar player. After many try-outs and refusals, I decided to relist the advert and only one guy answered: Lorenz. He never actually played Metal but was an avid fan. He brought some cool vibes into the band. Together we found a great form of collaboration and brought the new songs to life.
???? On March 26th will be out your new album THE FINAL STAGE , well-received on our pages. Can you tell us somethin'about its composition process and style? What's the matter of the title THE FINAL STAGE?
Some songs I had already written long before the new line up learned and modified them. Some like “Queen of Sin” and “Path of Fate” we wrote and brought into the band during the time we rehearsed for the studio. I was inspired by Band like Lizzy Borden (“Staring at the Stars”) and Lucifer’s Friend (“World of Wires”. Of Course there are elements of Iron Maiden (“The Power of Evil”) and Judas Priest (“Kill the Dragon”). Lyrically I don’t delve that much into Science Fiction and Religion, like I used to. It’ more about inner struggles and fighting back. Some Song were inspired by old Science Fiction Movies like “I am Omega” (“The Omega Man” 1971) and “World of Wires” (“Welt am Draht” 1973).
The Title “The Final Stage” came about as I searched for an Album title that fit with the Artwork, wasn’t overtly negative and was universally understandable. So are we entering the final stage for mankind? Is the protagonist on the cover in the final stage of his quest? Are we never going to be on a stage again? It’s open for interpretation
???? In your early times as musician which artists influenced you the most?
When I started out I learned a lot of song of Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. I absolutely adore Ronnie James Dio. love his voice and the vocal delivery. His lyrics are open for interpretation too! On Bass I often find myself doing basslines like Lemmy would have, I grew up on Motorhead and explored Hawkwind, and grew to be a big fan of all stages of the band.
???? Also your new album will be out on PURE STEEL PUBLISHING, a label of PURE STEEL GROUP. Can you tell us somethin’about relationships with them?
Me & Jvo know the guys of Pure Steel since our time with Emerald. They really believe in Heavy Metal and are really into the Music and the bands. It’s more being part of a metal family than a business entity. And we really like that.
The collaboration worked out tremendously and our CD was released and promoted very professionally and amazingly fast.
???? How is difficult promote a new work throughout this never-ending covid madness?
Not really. Distant Past before 2016 was a studio project and never played live. So, I sent the cd’s around the globe to promote it. Nowadays it’s much easier to distribute your music on the digital channels, but there are so many band and different music around, it’s hard to find a place to promote your band. So, thank you for letting me talk (or write) about Distant Past on hardrockheavymetal!
???? Here at HARDROCKHEAVYMETAL we are strong defender of classic format..love for vintage or isn't there a future outside digital?
Some band release single songs on Spotify (each song has a different Artwork) and believe in the digital. Some bandmembers don’t see the point in releasing Cd’s in 2021.
As long as there is blood in my veins, I will release Albums (Cd’s but, I’d love to do vinyl too).
The Artform for me is a Long player.
You still might have singles (now online videos) but they are here to promote your new Album. I cannot understand why famous band won’t release new music.
As a musician you want to write and record new songs. I understand that your setlist will always be full of classics and there is not much space for new stuff. I guess in these difficult times, more band are returning to the studio, so here goes the resolution!
???? In absence of live music many bands provides streaming concerts..You agree or disagree? What's your opinion about?
Now, if you have a great show and have the equipment to do it: why not. But it will never replace the excitement of a live show.
Although in my age, Festivals and big outdoor gigs tend to be exhausting, it’s an experience. Question: when you talk about Bands, you’ve seen live, do you include those streaming concerts as well? I don’t think so.
???? Great cover for THE FINAL STAGE..Can you tell us something about?
Thank you. I was intrigued by the cover of Victor Peraino’s Kingdom Come (feat. Arthur Brown), so I had this Cd in my collection, I like Arthur Brown (“Fire”) very much and also “his” Kingdom Come Band. The Artist was James F. Beveridge, so I found some of his work online, also this picture of the “Space Miner”. Something caught my attention, and I felt the loneliness of this guy being stranded on a distant planet. Then again, it’s open for interpretation: Is it a human or a robot? Is he able to return and fight the bad guys of is he stuck there without possibility of return? (his feet are stuck in the ground if you look closer) His equipment is broken, but what’s that in his hand: a weapon or a tool. Totally up to you to decide.
Check out James Beveridge here:
https://www.facebook.com/The-Art-of-James-F-Beveridge-216686498430789
???? Thank you so much for your time! See you soon on Hardrockheavymetal, hoping to see you also on the stage as soon as possible.
Thank you very much for giving Distant Past the space to present ourselves. We too love to enter the stage as soon as possible! It’ won’t be the final time (I hope).