Interview: Nazgul Rising

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

I always had music in my blood. If I hadn’t gotten into music I’d probably be a serial killer.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I like all forms of art, books, cinema and music. I also spend time on my motorcycle, to see live concerts or stay with my friends in the pub.

How long has your band been around?

The band was born in 2001 from the three members and after becoming six elements. After several live and two demo the band split, becoming a project studio with me only composer and producer.

Where are you based and how did that influence your music?

I listened to a lot of classical music when I was younger, then I discovered metal growing up. My music has always been influenced by Scandinavian black metal style. So I combined the two styles.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

Nazgul Rising members are passionate about Tolkien and the Lord of the Rings. We are particularly fascinated by the character of the Nazgul.They were once kings, but they were corrupted by the dark lord into servants of evil. The name of the band emphasizes the transition of these men to darkness and all that has made them evil. Corruption, the lust for power and submission in exchange for something, has always reflected the vulnerability of man. So, the name "Nazgul Rising" is a metaphor for the evil that is born within us, the dark alter ego wants to get out and take over.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

I remember them all, even if they were not many, especially for beautiful and absurd episodes successes out of the stage.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

The best place is a club in our city, we grew up in that place and we are bound by many memories, besides when we played there was always full of friends. Anyway, dreams remain for every band to play in the big festivals.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

With all the greatest black metal bands, but I’d like to play my songs with a real orchestra.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

If you are a solo guitarist, don’t make a band with another solo guitarist.

If you are a bass player, you don’t need lessons.

If you are a drummer, don’t play during breaks in the rehearsal room.

If you are a singer, help the band to carry the instruments from the stage at the end of the show.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

Don't drink too much before the show, and always bring a set of guitar strings.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

I prefer them all, but surely the one I prefer is Evilwind. It is a piece that I wrote after reading the "Laments of Ur '', a text written more than 5000 years ago. I was shocked and fascinated at the same time. The texts attributed calamities to an evil wind blowing from the west, a deadly cloud that caused an atrocious death to all living beings, people and animals alike, that shriveled plants and poisoned the waters, unleashed by the use of "Weapons of Terror" in a conflict between opposing clans of the Anunnaki.

Another one of my favorites is "Lord of the Wildwood", it’s an old song they played when we were a real band at the beginning. Obviously it has been completely rearranged and improved. Listening to it, however, for me is always a blast from the past. The intro was edited by "New Risen Throne" dark ambient musician very recognized internationally and above all is a long-time friend

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

We don’t do live anymore and I think it’s quite difficult when it comes to playing live songs as a project studio. In the past, in the shows we liked to play some covers of black metal bands that were always fun to play.

We didn’t have any special requests, everyone liked our songs.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

Inspiration comes when you least expect it. A song can be born from a guitar riff or simply from a sound or something that I have in my head and I have to pull out. Lyrics many times start either with a story or from an image I try to transform into sensations.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

“Orietur inTenebris Lux Tua” and “Cycles of Primal Chaos” are concept albums about life, death and rebirth. A journey rites and cults; a journey between darkness and light. The inspiration came from ancestral chronicles: the legendary founders of the first human civilizations, who were called “the Serpent of Wisdom”, are represented in many ancient myths. The priestly lineages that presided and guided the birth and development of civilizations, a head of mysteries and initiatic traditions, recall the etymology of the serpent, dragon etc.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

Before almost ever, now that I’m the only composer often. After a beer everything settles

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

Surely there will be another album, but how it will sound is all to be seen whether to keep the style of the last ones or experiment with something new.