We are pleased to offer you an interview with an American duo with Groove Rock sounds, who will
release their new album “Reach For The Scars” on July 1, 2022. Welcome to Patriarchs In Black.
First of all, hello, how are you?
Molto bene grazie! I wish I knew more Italian! ( laughs) . Such a beautiful language. My wife and I got married in Roma in 1997.
You are a duo that offers Hard Rock sounds, where does your passion for this music come
from?
When I grew up my father always played Frank Sinatra. As I got older I discovered classic rock…then Kiss and Aerosmith and AC/DC. My dad died when I was 19 and I moved out a year or so later. At that time I discovered Exodus and Slayer, After Hades broke-up in 1989 I “rediscovered” Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin.
Why did you choose to be a duo of only guitar and drums?
Just to do something different. Johnny and I have both been in lots of bands. We thought it might be interesting to release an album with multiple singers and bassists.
Your album “Reach For The Scars” will be released in July, how would you describe this work?
Black Sabbath style riffing with Ramones length songs! I have a very short attention span. (laughs)
Numerous guests participate in the album, what did they bring to the sound of the band?
Well, I think each vocalist brought something different. I would love to hear your what your opinion is on each singer someday. I’d be curious to know who YOU liked best!
As for the lyrics, what are the themes of the album?
I wrote all the music, but I only wrote lyrics for two songs. Sing For The Devil? is the traditional story where a musician meets the devil at the crossroads. The devil offers the musician fame and fortune in exchange for the musician’s soul. Me? I’m not selling. I rather sing for myself. I won’t sell my soul for fame and money. It also relates to how I wouldn’t take a job where I’d have to wear a suit and tie even if it paid me triple the money I’m making now. This Damn War I started to write about America’s Civil War just as Putin invaded Ukraine. I thought some of the themes were similar. Mothers not wanting to lose their sons over something stupid.
Both yours and our readers are wondering if there will be the possibility to listen to your music
live, do you have any plans for that?
Karl and I REALLY want to play shows with Patriarchs In Black. Johnny Kelly plays drums for Quiet Riot most weekends though. We hope to work something out.
Your musical genre has its historical roots in the early 70s, how has it evolved since then and
how do you see the future of the genre?
Always a tough question, because it’s just opinion. I think so many guitarists today hide behind effects and I’m just not into that. I just plug into whatever the closest amp is and play. So, maybe I’m not evolving? ( laughs) I’m still old school.
How difficult (if it is) is it to establish itself today with a certain type of sound?
Good question. It’s hard to get attention from a new band. Some bands lose the majority of their original line-ups but fans still come to see them because the band’s name is established. I’m working as hard as I can to get Patriarchs In Black music out there and I hope you love it as much as we do?
The last question, as usual, I leave it free to be able to talk about any topic not covered in the
previous ones.
Well, I hope people check out the bands Cassius King and Vessel Of Light. I’m already writing the 2nd Patriarchs In Black album. So I hope everybody purchases Reach For The Scars CD from MDD Records so we can do this again!
I thank Patriarchs In Black for the pleasant interview, wishing them the best for the continuation of their careers.
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