1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?
The new album was recorded, mixed and mastered in September and October 2015at “Audiocore Music Studio” Fontevivo (Parma). So, in November, we started to send tracks to various record labels around the world. In a few weeks, several proposals have arrived. Comparing all the answers, we finally decided to sign for the American Sliptrick Record.
2.In March you had released a new album, 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?
The Dominance's sound is changed a lot through these years. Our three albums sounds very different between each other,due to the changes in the guitarists line up and with the arrival of a new singer. Even if,from the beginning from today,we kept our original trade mark sound.
In this last album we worked hard to characterize more our sound,creating a mixture between technical and fast guitars riffs,more majestic moments and deep and melanchonic melodies. Also the drumming supports more the bass and guitar's lines. Massimiliano,the new singer,have a very important role in the evolution of the band's sound. He uses at least three different type of voices: growl,scream similar for example to Pantera or Meshuggah and dirty- melodic with some high treble. He have also a different way to write lyrics;now are about everyday life seen from an introspective and figurative point of wiew. Last but not least,we made a massive work for what concerne the studio sessions,because we wanted a more powerful and granitic sound than in the past. Our first album “Anthems of ancient Splendour” released in 1999 for Scarlet Records,was nordic sound oriented,with influences of the swedish metal scene of those years. The second “Echos of human decay” kept some sound elements of the first album,with the addiction of a brutal sound of american heritage. The new “XX:The Rising Vengeance” is another step beyond in our musical evolution,with a more direct impact,a less twisted songwriting,ready to attack on stage.
3.This is the first album to be released in 7 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time span?
From the release of "Echoes of Human Decay" in 2009, a lot of things changed in the band. In the summer of 2010, the guitarist Marco Bertolini, a permanent element in the band since 2002 and the main songwriter of "Echoes of Human Decay", had to left the band for a new job in the United States, where he is living now. It was really a hard blow, no only from a musical point of view, and the composition of the new songs has been continuing for two years with Gianluca. On 21th September 2013, DOMINANCE played for the last time with Mauro Bolognesi, the old front-man for 18 years and one of the founders of the band, who decided to leave the band. Massimiliano Marri entered in his place and a few weeks later confirmed his interest in the project, as well as Gabriel Cavazzini who decided to enter as lead and rythm guitarist at the end of October 2013. In August 2014 it takes place the rupture of the relationship with Giancluca that was replaced, on a permanent basis a year later by Luca "Pell Ach" Alzapiedi on the second guitar. Finally with the complete line-up, in September 2015, DOMINANCE were ready to records their third album "XX: The Rising Vengeance".Basically these are the reasons why we had a period of stop so long, just 7 years. We are very glad to see that our fan, who have been following since the first album, and the initial responses too, demostrate us that we are already important for their and their are continuing to support us.
4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?
Madness of the human race in all its declinations,that's what our lyrics are about; from murder to war from suicide to extreme greed. We talk about real life, of things that unfortunately happens everyday; we talk at the same time of the desire that humanity will find the way to rise again,someday,somehow
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Dominance?
The Dominance is powerful and oppressive.
Its presence today is reflected is reflected in many aspects of our lifes. A little bunch of people has the power and they use it despite of the common people;our society goes straight to a clear direction,even more separeted and manipulated world,in which thath bunch of parasites would like to rule an even more suppressed and exploited population. Through our music and lyrics we explore the darkest and oldest effects this kind of oppression can create in human mind,as far as the madness ,the discomfort,the fear. But,at the same time,the spirit of redemption and revenge of mankind,the desire not to give up and fight.
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?
Dominance started to play live 20 years ago. We have a great memories of our live. The first official concert of the band was in 1996. In Biella in 1999 we opened for Malevolent Creation, Master and Khrabator. I mean that since for the first time, we shared the stage with one of our death metal band reference. Then in Reggio Emilia in 2004 with the great Suffocation. The two-day festival "Emilian Revenge" in 1999, the show on stage at the "Metal Disorder" in Milan in 2009, the "Kolony Metal Fest" in 2009 with Ahab and In Mourning. And then came back to the 1997 live at the "Pop Off" in Pescara, with a great audience who headbang for the first for Dominance. And a lot of concerts around Italy, all remain imprinted in our memory. The live show is the most important event for a band. On stage you have to give everything, and you have to create a relationship with the auditors. When you can do that is a metal ratio, speed, melody and violence. We have always tried to convey that. With the new "XX: The Rising Vengeance" we are spending more attention than in the past for prepareing the live shows, we will reserve some important news for the next.
7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
“XX:The Rising Vengeance” has been released since less more then a month. We made two release parties and we're planning on some new live shows,for example we're working on a Death Metal Festival. We're also in contact whith national and abroad bands to organize a live tour for the next autumn/winter even with the help of our label Sliptrick Records. We can't tell more at the moment. To stay updated about us visit our official website
www.dominancemetal.com
8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of death metal?
Pretty good! The first rewiews and comments are very positive. What makes us proud the most is the opinion of the people who have listened to the album:they told us that the band has changed its sound a lot keeping its original identity, that the new album can be heard in one breath,or things like:” Oh damn,I can't stop listening to your brand new album it really kicks ass!!!”.
Another positive aspect is the new audience we have earned. But,you know,it's quite early to know what the people will think about the album. We're waiting for the most important press rewiews and the promotion is just begun. We're working hard to improve our live shows and make them even more heavvy and powerful. So,come and see!!!
9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Oh well,tough answer!
“XX:The Rising Vengeance” is a new beginning for Dominance. From here we'll build the future band's sound. We already have some new ideas and riffs for the new songs which will surely follow the band's evolution. On the next album,we'lltry to emphasize more the violents parts of the songs and,at the same time,the more intense and the more orchestral always keeping the harmony between melodie and aggression,increasing the sound's stateliness.
We know,today more than in the past,when you play live you have to sound good and look good on stage,even if,in the end,good music is the more important thing.
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?
We are five musicians with different influences and musical heritages,so everyone of us could mention some different bands. But,just to give you an idea,the fastest and the technical parts of our songs can remind bands like Lamb of God and Meshuggah,the more claustrophobic and melanchonic parts can remind instead bands like Carcass and Death and the more majestic parts will bring the listener to the sonorities of bands like Dimmu Borgir and Behemoth. We are very fond with metal of the 90's and of the early 2000but extremely curious about new bands and new releases.
11.What are some of your non musical interests?
A lot. Everyone of us has his own life,his own passions,his own interests and his own battles against this barbarism which increases everyday. So each one of us can give a different answer to this question. Dominance's music is what brought us toghether and what unites us.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
First of all,thank you for this interview.After all these years and in spite of difficulties,Dominance are back again with the brand new album:”XX:The Rising Vengeance”.
We want to thank all those who follow us for so long and continue to support us,and everyone who have already bought the new cd Ha Ha!!!
We hope to see you soon in our live shows to share with us the passion for music and for Death Metal. We will do our part,you can bet.
Horns Up!
