What is "sunset" and "sundown" to you, metaphorically speaking? What is "When The Aurora Falls…" - a sunset or a sundown, emotionally and atmospherically?

- well... I think it is a sunset because it means our return on the Italian metal scene and we think in a stronger way... but as atmospherically is a sundown...because all the songs are veiled with sadness.... it is not the classical happy-metal album... it is deeper and full of feelings.

Is "When The Aurora Falls…" the CD you've made your debut with? Can you mark out at least few drawbacks, this work possesses?

- no, it is not our debut album, we released our debut one in 1999. Called "Heir Of Power" it was our first experience in power metal... "When The Aurora Falls..." is our second album, it cost a lot of energy to be recorded and composed, because we wanted to make something that will be seen as different from the other Italian metal bands.... we don't know if we were succesful, but the important thing is that we tried!

Whom have you been compared to, most often? Would be STRATOVARIUS, HELLOWEEN and Yngwie Malmsteen correct suppositions?

- sure!!! he he... yeah! you are right! more often to STRATOVARIUS... we like all the bands you mentioned… they are our source of inspiration!

Northwind Records still is a kind of neophyte label; wasn't you feared of inking a deal with a newborn record company?

- yes...we were, but we needed it! at the moment NorthWind Records is growing a lot and it is becoming a good label... unluckly we start to think it is too small for us.... we would like to find a better one.

"When The Aurora Falls…" features unbelievably stunning musicianship, that's for sure! For how long have you been practicing in order to come with such a masterly executed work???

- let me think.... well... I am 24 years old and I play guitar since I was 16... at the moment I don't have a lot of time to dedicate to guitar because I have to stydy for University and sometimes I have temporary-jobs... The days before starting recordings of "When The Aurora Falls..." we practiced so so so so much that we stopped playing for 2 months, he he... we needed some rest!

Few words concerning the lyrical canvas, please.

- except for "Tear Of Darkness" which is a song based on a fantasy subject (Vampire's tale) all the songs talk about personal experiences we had during last year. This mean that the lyrics have deep meaning for all of HIGHLORD.... but I think it is easy to see... anyone who will read it, will understand what I mean.

It seems like "Le Rouge Et Le Noir" has been written by the individual desperately disappointed in everybody and with everything… Lyrically, it strikes as the most sorrowful piece off "When The Aurora Falls…", y'know.

- yes, this song has been written entirely by our singer Vasce... so maybe he could give you better answer...

What's your opinion on contemporary Italian power metal scene? I'm strongly convinced that Italy overcame Germany in a certain competition going by the name "strongest power metal scene"…

- well.... I think that there are too much italian bands playing the same kind of music and that means that soon there will be too much competition... between us! I think it is not so good! And I think Germany remains always the best... it is proved by the fact that German bands are always more famous than us... and German labels are better! the dream of any Italian band is sign for a german label.

What's your attitude to RHAPSODY (definitely an Italy's leading star when it comes to power / speed metal!) and their instant success worldwide?

- he he... really I don't know what answer to this question! it is true that RHAPSODY are most famous Italian band, but we don't consider them as Italian.... in fact they born with the help of a German guy... that meant they had easy road to go and sure success.... of course it is my opinion!

Are there any genres besides power metal you get high on?

- CHILDREN OF BODOM!!!!!!! THE BEST!!!!! :-)

What's your attitude to religion, it's organized (and non) forms?

- I believe in Northern religion..... yeah! Wotan and the gods of Asgard! he he... I think anyone is free to believe in any religion...no one could say this one is better than others... religion must be a free point of view... for all people!

Why, do you think, most of those who're involved in heavy / power / speed metal acts, appear as die-hard christians?

- mmm.... well... this happens in black metal bands (?!?!? - EDknocked EDdownED... ED... ED... ED.........................)... not so often in power metal bands... but this is a stupid behaviour... I mean: music is music! it is useful to make people have fun and good time... it should not be a way to wash the brain of guys! no way! I hate the people who use music to convince others with stupid ideas!

What do you know (and think) regarding Russia? Any metal bands coming from our lands you've heard lately?

- I've heard a really impressive hard rock russian band lately, but I can't remember the name... hey! if all the russian bands are like them... well... Russia will be the most important place for heavy metal! so carry on!!!!!

Sorry for such a short interview. I hope you didn't regret answering the questionnaire. Anyway, here's some place for you to tell us anything you still consider to be important…

- Thanks for the kindness and attention you gave us! see you soon!

HIGHLORD contact -
Email: Highlord@iol.it