Interview with Nicola Bianchi, frontman and guitar player of the Italian Black metal band, Handful Of Hate.
Greetings Nicola, how things are going?
Things are going on slowly but in a good mood. Here is a fucking hot summer and I dislike it. So we’re getting ready for next concerts.
First, tell me when did Handful Of Hate was founded?
Handful Of Hate was founded by me in 1993 and during these 22 years of activity there have been a lot of line-up changes but I’m still here coherent and with a solid underground spirit as the first days.
You have released until now six albums and three EP’s. What can you tell me about the latest album ”To Perdition”?
“To Perdition” took shape in 2011 when I satarted the songwriting. With no hurry and without any pressure we sealed a deal with code666 rec. And I finished to compose the songs in winter 2013. During the summer we recorded the album out from October 2013. This album is the higest result of our musical research, we never played so fast, intence and powerful before. I can proudly say that “To Perdition” is the best opus I never released before.
Also, tell me a few words about the other releases.
Let me start with the first abum “Qliphothic Supremacy” conveived between 1996 and 1997 released in 1997 reprinted in 2012 with bonus tracks. 20 years ago things were pretty different and maybe better so we composed a fast and violent album with a melodic touch. A lot of things to improve but the first chapter was written and gained a lot of good responses during the years. Second album is “Hierarchy 1999” released in ’99 and we improved our skill and Handful Of Hate became fucking extreme without compromises. More aggressive looking toward different solutions with guitars and drums. Third album in “ViceCrown” (2003) this opus was the result of long enduring efforts, I recorded and composed the whole album except two tracks and this chapter rapresents to me a final step into a professional mood and personal way to play. “ViceCrown” is a new birth closing with the past ans starting a new life for Handful Of Hate. Grim and fucking violent shit! “Gruesome Splendour” 2007 a no compromising act very fast Black oriented with Death Metal parts also. “You Will Bleed” 2009: this album is a tribute to the roots of Black Metal. I always wanted to release an opus like this from the music to the artwork old style oriented. A bit slower in front the previous albums but powerful and with a lot of different parts. I’m proud of it thinking to the early Bathory, Sarcofago, Venom, Blasphemy, Celtic Frostì and so on. 2013 the year of the best and more complete album we never released before: “To Perdition” we never played so fast so skilful so power ful mixing Black, melodic and Death rude and catchy parts. I think ‘’To Perdition’’ is the Handful Of Hate’s masterpiece.
Are you going to release a new album?
Yes, we started to think to it… just some riffs and slowly I think we’ll work harder to the new 7th album.
Who mainly writes the lyrics?
I do.
What are the main lyrical themes?
I like to write about my thoughts mainly and to add part of my studies, experiences and sources. Handful Of Hate looks toward the carnal aspect of evil, the deviant side of man. I’m not interested into woods ice, snow and this kind of stuff. Since the first album I talked about “Magia Sexualis” then I started exploring many aspects such as violence, martial imposition, aesthetic of power, iconography, pain and submission. I got fascinated by the martyrdoom of the saints, the pest during the european history, heraldry and everything involved into the earthly will of men.
Are there any influences?
I get influences though books and my experiences.
Any shows confrmed for this year?
Yes we’re looking toward the end of 2015 “Howling at The Moon Festival” in September then we’ll be in France and another pair of italian concerts before the end of the year. For 2016 we got deals for two small tours France and Belgium/Holland a festival in Switzerland some italian concert and off course I need to spare time to work on new songs!
Do you have a message for the fans?
I’m grateful to all supporters I really appreciate who buys original stuff from the band and people traveling for concerts. You have my higest respect.
Thank you Nicola for your time, all the best!
Thank you too! See you soon and TO PERDITION!
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