Nofuck Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?
David: We’ve been working on the graphics and looking for a label, until we finally agreed to publish with MurdHer Records.


2.You have a new album coming out in April, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
David: Since we begun to play we've been trying to get a 90’s Thrash/Death sound that would be heavy but powerful and defined. In comparison to our previous releases, we believe WOF sounds cleaner and denser at the same time, which is due in large part to Stefano Morabito's mastering and mixing. I think though, that in 20 years our taste has not changed much, while our technical means to express ourselves have improved


3.This is the first album to be released since 2007, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time span?
David: Many things happened that kept us from playing and composing as we wish we had; Davide's unbreakable perseverance helped bring us here today.
Daniele: I had a couple of experiences in other bands, since I left Nofuck on 2012. But trust me: it’s something I want to forget! Returning into Nofuck was like returning home.


4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?
David: Davide and me begun playing about 20 years ago because we couldn't get any girlfriend; none, zero, for ages. Was that a spell, or some kind of sickness? Was the (female) world plotting against us? Fact is, we turned our suffering into inspiration and dealt with it by playing our favourite genre of metal. Our lyrics deal with frustration and solitude, but also passion and love for life.


5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Nofuck'?
David: Davide came out with this odd name which defined our status as far as girls were concerned: it was straight and uneasy, as we meant to propose ourselves with our music; later on we considered getting another name, but by then we had developed an affection for it, so we decided to stick with it. Like a son: he might be ugly, but is still your son!


6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
David: When we play live our purpose is to have an impact on the audience, which we believe we usually succeed in doing; our concerts often take place in small venues where it is possible - I’d rather say necessary - to establish a direct contact with your listeners and make them an active part of the show. Playing and having the audience go mosh and headbanging - maybe people who never heard of us before - is one of the greatest satisfactions for us as a band. Our best shows have been where we got the most participative involvement of the audience, which happened at times in different locations.
Daniele: Like David says, we want to make an impact. And that’s the crowd have to wait for: a wall of groove with constant growlin’ and screamin’ vocals. About past shows I remember two of them, above all: the first one, at Shakti Club in Pomigliano d’Arco, near Naples... it was a freakin’ sold out; then, our Reunion Show last January in Civitavecchia


7.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?
David: Daniele does a great job in organizing events; we plan to have release parties in Rome and Naples - the two cities where we played the most - and hope we can share the stage with some of our idols, sooner or later. Due to our current lifestyle though, we can’t organize a proper tour.
Daniele: I’m currently working on a Booking and Promotion Agency, Valhalla Agency, and with the help of my boss Angela “Valkyrja” I’m planning some shows: news will come soon. At this time we’re booked for two shows in Naples: our release party at The Dome with our borthers Southern Drinkstruction and the second as main support for the great Buffalo Grillz (with members from Hour of Penance and Undertakers) at Sound Music Club.


8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of death and thrash metal?
David: Our last release “Existenzminimum” has been criticized - particularly by german 'zines – for technical deficiencies (which we recognize and have been working to fix); still our style and approach were largely appreciated – particularly by some US listeners. WOF is already getting a positive feedback, but it's too soon to say.


9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
David: I don’t think we would vary meaningfully from what we are now; we might refine our skills, improve our apparel, experiment and try “something new”, but I think we will keep consistent with what we’ve always been. Not that that’s a good thing in itself, I just can’t picture us playing something different.


10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
David: I'd say our imprinting is 90’s Thrash and Death, mainly Pantera, Sepultura and Metallica, but also Death, Napalm Death, Anthrax, Life of Agony, Fear Factory, Exodus, Testament and Overkill. I've also been influenced by Hardcore bands such as Biohazard and above all Rage Against the Machine. Scandinavian bands such as Lost Souls, B-Thong and Konkhra played a decisive role in shaping our taste. Later came Meshuggah, which I consider a milestone in recent metal music (even if I prefer their early releases).
Daniele: Speaking as band’s vocalist, on the past my best influence was Max Cavalera: it was his vocal style I used on our first release, “Existenzminimum”. Nowadays I try to do at my best with the great work that Stefano did on “Walls of Flesh”: I change my style in a mix that could remind Peter from Vader and, above all, “Tompa” Lindberg from At the Gates.


11.What are some of your non musical interests?
David: Literature and science, art, movies, yoga.
Daniele: Comics, tv series, sci-fi literature, sci-fi movies… sci-fi, in wider terms


12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
David: Each of us gave a relevant contribution to the band: without Daniele and Emilio we would still be playing in our bedrooms; without Roberto and Stefano we wouldn’t sound and look as we do; I'm happy we reached this point and I hope our music has something to say to our listeners. Thank you for your interest!