Albums of Purgatory interview Synthesys' Giuseppe Di Matteo
Albums
of Purgatory: Firstly, whats the band up to right now?
Giuseppe Di Matteo: The band is currently arranging two songs that will join “Hope” and “The Light” in a promo cd, which should be realised in the beginning of 2003.
AoP:
How would you describe the Synthesys sound?
GM:
Our sound has its roots in the classic-power metal of ‘80s and ‘90s (from Iron
Maiden to Stratovarius) and developing, with a particular attention for melody and
harmony, through progressive soundscapes and articulate rhytmics, is open to different
influences.
AoP:
How did the band begin?
GM: The band arises from the ashes
of a former band called Legend. I played in this band with the other Synthesys’
guitarist, Vittorio Viviani, and bassist, Marco Assante. Legend split up in 2000 and in
the ending of 2001 I started to look for new members for a new project. In April 2002 the
Synthesys’ line-up was completed and we started arranging the songs written through
the past years.
AoP:
Can you remember your first gig (how did it go)?
GM: It was in a small club, with a
small stage, but with a huge audience! I had some technical problems with my guitar and
effects but at the end we manage to start and the audience enjoyed the gig very much.
AoP:
Which bands in the underground are really shining for you at the moment?
GM: I think that Elegy and Kamelot
are two of the most interesting acts in the power metal scene. I love their taste in
mixing progressive moods and original rhythmics yet with a link with traditional heavy
metal. Although they’re not really underground bands, they aren’t mainstream and
offer many creative cues. I also like Soul Cages, a sophisticated heavy-prog act from
Germany.
AoP:
What are your favourite Synthesys tracks?
GM: “The Light”, for its
ariose breaks and for the feelings it brings back to my mind and “Distant
Dreams”, for its rhythmic variety.
AoP:
What are your favourite all time songs or albums?
GM: All Iron Maiden albums from
“The Number of the Beast” to “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son”,
Europe’s “Out of this World” for the melodic scene and Stratovarius’
“Visions”, which IMHO is the masterpiece of modern power metal.
AoP: What
was the first record you bought?
GM:
“Fear of the Dark” from Iron Maiden.
AoP:
What would be your dream band line-up?
GM:
Vocals: Bruce Dickinson
Guitars: Timo Tolkki
Bass: Steve Harris
Keys: Jens Johansson
Drums: Mike Portnoy
AoP:
What do you think of the position of metal and music in general today?
GM: I think that music, when separated from music biz and MTV, is still the higher expression of human intelligence and creativeness, and heavy metal is the most powerful and passionate expression of music. I think I’ve said it all =)
(Obviously
for me nu metal = no metal, you know what I mean?!)
AoP:
Do you have any funny stories about the band you can share with us?
GM: Nothing that comes on my mind
right now….I’m sorry!
AoP:
And finally, what do you see in the future for Synthesys?
GM: We’ll try to realise a
very professional promo cd to get in touch with some labels interested in our tracks.
We would feel fulfilled if many
people could appreciate our music!