Ave, John! Let's start from your newest release, the "Forgotten Sunrise" CD… Are you pleased with the way it turned out? Is there anything you'd change now, after it's out for some time?

- We are pleased with «Forgotten Sunrise». The production could have been better but, we went to a new studio for the new release. I really dont think we would change anything, except the studio.

Such song titles "The Nocturnium Empire", "Supernatural Terror Unearthed By Storms" or "There After The Fallen Praise" sound rather weird taking into account the fact that WITHERED EARTH is a death metal band… Was it an attempt to escape any kind of chiche? Furthermore, the cover also stands against a background of all those gore / satanic "art" most of contemporary metal bands place on the front of their CD's…

- WITHERED EARTH is an original band. Our lyrics, and song titles are all based on our interest. We are not trying to escape any "cliches". This is just what we have created. As far as the cover, it is a picture that we found interesting, that’s all. There is no "satanic" or "jesus" representation whatsoever.

"Forgotten Sunrise" includes a couple of live tracks among others, why so? Just to show us what WITHERED EARTH is all about playing live?

- The original «Forgotten Sunrise» was released by Cryptic Soul Productions from Italy. It sold out and we decided to re-release it. We changed the whole package and added 2 tracks that are live. Yes, we wanted to let people hear us live.

Are you going to keep your style the same in future? Speaking plainer, does "Forgotten Sunrise" appear as the final point in your development?

- "Forgotten Sunrise" was our first release. It represents the beginning of our band. We have only begun to write music. Our new release "Something So Pure" will show you how we have grown together as musicians.

As far as I know, your second effort should be unleashed soon… Any comments on this one?

- Our second release, "Something So Pure", will be released at the "MILWAUKEE METAL FEST" this year (next week actually) 7/29-7/30/99. We are all very proud of this album. It is a great representation of us.

All in all, "Colossus Nebula" was a good example of what "Something So Pure" will be alike… And since it was featured on "Blood Tracks II" compilation, let me display my interest in how did you manage to appear on that CD?

- Our manager, Diane White, is in contact with many people in the metal community. She set it up for us. "Colossus Nebula" is a very good representation of the new CD.

What about White Noise Records? Is it a label of your own?

- White Noise Records is our manager's label. She has other bands working with her also.

How many gigs have you played already? The rumours say that violence is an inalienable part concerts which take place at NYC…

- We have played many shows. I couldn't even begin to give you a number but, we have played with bands like MORBID ANGEL, ENTOMBED, DEICIDE, OBITUARY, IMMOLATION, DYING FETUS, NILE, MONSTROSITY, NAPALM DEATH. N.Y.C. was not that "violent", when we were there, we just got really drunk and had a great time.

Have you confronted the gang problem in the area you live?

- No, I really don't have time to deal with that kind of bullshit.

Seems like the whole band has whether Italian or Latin-American roots, what about that?

- We are all Italians. That is just the way it worked out.

What did you do (or where did you play) before joining WITHERED EARTH? In general, how long have you been into metal? What was your parents' attitude to the music you was listening to while you was a teen?

- I used to play in a band called MATRIKHORE from Roch. N. Y. I have been in the "scene" for about 12 years now.

What is your favorite way to spend the pastime (if you have any)? Beer…?

- I like to write music, drink beer, and smoke weed.

It's obvious that nothing lass forever, and it goes for death metal as well… Would you name us it's substitute? Is it black metal? Industrial…? Anything else?

- I think that their is no substitute for death metal. Nor for black metal either.

How will your life go on when WITHERED EARTH cease to exist? What will you deal with further?

- I will always be involved in the music world. I will just find something else to do. I love to play drums.

What is view on The Grimoire Of Exalted Deeds zine? Would you let Bill interview you or write a review on any of your efforts?

- I think the "Grimoire" zine is great! I would like to get an interview with him!!

What do you know (and think) about Russia? Any Russian metal bands you've heard lately?

- I'm sorry to say that I don't know much about Russia, except for the fact that they have kick-ass vodka. I have not heard any Russian metal bands lately. But, if you have any CD's, I am very interested in listening to them.

Ok, and now prepare for the most serious question ;). What is your opinion on aliens? Are they dangerous??

- I do believe that their is some kind of other life forms out there. I believe if they ever did come to our planet, we would be destroyed very easily.

Well, seems like the time has come for you to say anything you'd like for the end…

- Thank you very much for the interview. If anyone is interested in purchasing our new CD $10 “Something So Pure”, you can contact us at the website (www.witheredearth.com) or 5 BEECHWOOD DR. ROCHESTER, N.Y. 14606, U.S.A.

WITHERED EARTH contact –
Email: witheredearth@hotmail.com