Interview with BLACK ANCESTRY
!!!BLACK/THRASH METAL FROM ITALY!!!
Welcome to the FILTHY DOGS OF METAL Webzine.
Tell us a few things about BLACK ANCESTRY (Members, Starting Year etc).
Black Ancestry was born as a project of old-school Black/Thrash Metal, with deep roots in the aesthetics and attitude of the '80s. The band officially took shape a few years ago from the need to revive a raw, violent, and uncompromising sound. We are not a band created to follow trends, but to play what we have in our blood, always with consistency. The band consists of Hell Child on vocals, Hell Fabio on guitar, Goatfucker on bass, and Demon on drums.
You have recently released your debut album ''Possessed in Chains''. What is the feedback from your audience as well as from the press?
The album was really well-received, especially by those who saw us live. It's at the concerts where people truly connect with us: that's where real contact is made. On social media and platforms, many people often get lost after the live shows, but in person, the response is always strong, real, and direct, and that's what truly matters to us.
The cover artwork has an evil & killer atmosphere! Tell us a few things about it.
The cover artwork perfectly represents the soul of the record: oppression, darkness, possession and inner violence. It is the visual image of the mental and spiritual imprisonment that we recount in the tracks. We didn't want something "beautiful", but something disturbing and consistent with our music, all wrapped up with the typical aesthetics of the albums from the 80s.
And what about the lyrics
The lyrics speak of control, alienation, possession, inner wars, the darkness of humanity and society. They are not fantasies for their own sake: behind them there is always a Real reading, even when the language is extreme. Here too, always maximum coherence with who we are.
What do you prefer, Label or DIY and why?
We are linked to Tony Urso's Blasphemous Art Production, which represents us 100%. It is not the classic label that only thinks about numbers: it is a reality that truly lives the extreme underground, that works with consistency, real passion and absolute respect for the identity of the bands. Tony does a lot for the extreme scene and for us it's essential to collaborate with someone who believes first of all in music, in attitude and in loyalty to his own path, without compromises. This is the true balance between support and artistic freedom for us.
Is there any funny or weird story from the recordings or from your live shows that you would like to share with us?
"Funny story: we often use a custom-made cross as a stage prop, rigged with an actual chainsaw chain. Our frontman swings it around, and sometimes fans try to interact with it, only to realize they’re bleeding from the chain. hahaha".
Do you prefer Vinyl, Tape, CD or Digital Format and why is that?
Vinyl remains the most sacred format, while cassettes have an incredible underground charm. The CD is the classic format, and digital is useful for getting your name out there. Every format has its purpose, but the physical contact with music remains irreplaceable.
Your music style is Black/Thrash Metal. Which are your main influences (Favourite Artists / Bands etc.)
Venom, Celtic Frost, Hellhammer, Sodom, Kreator, Bathory, Sarcófago, Slayer, Bulldozer, Morbid. The whole early Black/Thrash metal scene is primal, born out of pure anger and raw instinct.
Which things do you think a band should sacrifice in order to succeed? Have you ever sacrificed anything in your life for a better future for your band?
Time, energy, money, relationships, comfort. Yes, we sacrificed a lot in our private lives, but without sacrifice and long-term consistency, you can't truly walk this path.
Describe your ideal live show as a performance band. Have you already experienced that?
Volume cranked to the max, sweat everywhere, violent mosh pits, and no barriers between the band and the crowd. A show where a true physical and emotional connection is forged: no filters, no poses, just pure consistency between who we are on stage and who we are in life. We’ve lived shows like this before, and this is exactly why Black Ancestry exists.
What do you think about the rise of AI in music production?
AI might be a tool, but it will never replace the instinct, the mistakes, the rage, and the soul of a real band. Metal is born from human imperfection, not from an algorithm.
What attributes do you think that a new Black/Thrash Metal Band should have in order to gain identity and be unique?
Identity, character, and total uncompromising consistency. A band should be a constant force, not change its skin with every new fad. This loyalty to your roots earns you respect and credibility, making you stand out from the rest.
Do you believe that Digital Platforms help the new Black/Thrash Metal Bands? Which, do you think, is the ideal way for a band to promote its work?
Streaming platforms might get you noticed, but they don't forge a true fanbase. Nothing beats playing live, creating real-world contacts, fanzines, word of mouth, sweat, and putting in the miles, all while staying consistent with your journey.
From your experience in the music industry, what would you tell to a new Black/Thrash Metal band to avoid or what to do?
I’d say the same things as in the previous question (12). I’d add: don't chase the numbers. Don’t pay to play. Don’t change your style just to be liked. Stay true to your sound even when it doesn’t pay off.
Tell us a few things about the New Underground Metal Scene in Italy (Bands, Fanzines, Webzines, Metal Clubs etc.)
Italy’s underground is alive and hungry, with plenty of solid bands, even young ones! I though it deserves more support. Webzines, fanzines, and clubs are doing incredible work to keep the torch lit.
What does Metal means to you? And give us 10 metal albums that run in your veins.
Metal is identity, resistance and freedom. About the albums, there are many, I'll mention just a few:
1. Bathory – Bathory
2. Venom – Black Metal
3. Celtic Frost – Morbid Tales
4. Slayer – Hell Awaits
5. Motorhead - Overkill
6. Sodom – In the Sign of Evil
7. Sarcófago – I.N.R.I.
8. Manowar – Hail to England
9. Nifelheim – Nifelheim
10. Bulldozer – The Day of Wrath
Do you know anything about the Hellenic Metal Scene?
Absolutely: it's a historic scene and fundamental to black metal. Rotting Christ, Varathron, and Necromantia have written important pages of that history.
What are your future plans?
To keep playing without compromises, releasing new music playing new shows, and taking Black Ancestry further abroad beyond Italy. Maybe even some dates in Greece?
Thank you very much for your time & keep up the good work! The closure is yours.
Thanks to FILTHY DOGS OF METAL for the feature. Support the underground. Support the true bands. BLACK ANCESTRY WILL NEVER BEND.
By Steve the Filthy Dog.
BLACK ANCESTRY CONTACT:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064157284559
https://www.instagram.com/black_ancestry_666/
https://blackancestry.bandcamp.com/music