Interview with ARAPHEL

!!!EPIC BLACK METAL FROM ITALY!!!

Welcome to the FILTHY DOGS OF METAL Webzine.

Tell us a few things about ARAPHEL (Members, Starting Year etc).
The first echo that resonated in my mind, telling me it would be possible to bring together compositions, riffs, and ideas under the name of a band, dates back to mid-2021. During that time, due to the recent pandemic, I spent a lot of time playing alone and began composing some promising material. Everything started quite naturally, just me with my bass and a distortion pedal. The strong emotions I felt even from very simple riffs made me realize that it was worth pursuing and creating something that would allow me to express myself—certainly better than I do with words. At that time, I was hanging out with a couple of friends involved in the band INTO DARKNESS (of which I would soon become the drummer), who helped me solidify my ideas in terms of guitar arrangements. I owe a significant part of the merit of this EP (and even some of what’s to come) to them, Giulia and Eros. A tip for readers: don’t miss out on the bands they are involved with: Giulia - INTO DARKNESS \ Eros - EXTIRPATION, MORBUS GRAVE, KROSSBURST, FUNEST.

You have recently released your EP ''Old Comet Transition ''. What is the feedback from your audience as well as from the press?
Old Comet will be released in a few days, and so far, I’ve received positive feedback from those who have had the chance to listen to it in advance. What gratifies me the most is the variety of comments I’ve received: some say it sounds very original, others mention Greek or Swedish melodic influences, some feel it’s the fresh sound they’ve been waiting for, while a few prefer to listen to something else because it doesn’t resonate with them. From every comment, whether positive or negative, I’ve once again been reassured that I’ve created something worthwhile. As for the press, I think I’ll have to wait for the release; I haven’t received any requests for interviews or reviews yet (except for this one).

How did your cooperation with Nuclear War Now! Productions occur? What do you prefer, Label or DIY and why?
I met Yosuke, the boss of NWN!, many years ago when I was a teenager and founded Demonomancy with Marco (FLAMEKEEPER). It was the first label I reached out to, reminding him of our previous collaboration and submitting the EP. It was the first label to respond and offer the best deal. Furthermore, I firmly believe that for a genre like ARAPHEL's, there isn't a label that can match them, at least in the underground scene. I’m a big fan of DIY because it’s through doing things independently that you can truly show, without filters, what you’re capable of creating. However, when the desired outcome needs to be supported by good promotion, distribution, and production—elements that rely on real infrastructures and professional expertise—the only way to achieve that is to trust those who genuinely know how to do it and have been doing it successfully for years.

Is there any funny or weird story from the recordings or from your live shows that you would like to share with us?
For the moment, ARAPHEL hasn't played live yet. During the recordings, which lasted just a couple of days, we were all so focused that nothing unusual happened. It was an intense moment when this creation was finally coming to life, and I don’t think I’ll ever forget that feeling of fulfillment.

Do you prefer Vinyl, Tape, CD or Digital Format and why is that?
My personal collection includes records in all physical formats, and I’ve never purchased a digital album just  because I appreciate the tangibility of physical media, not because I believe there’s a right or wrong way to support an artist I like. I have nothing against digital formats; in fact, they can be a great solution to avoid shipping costs or having to wait for the artist's concert to get the album. Right now, I’m considering converting part of my vinyl collection into CDs since they take up less space.

Your music style is Black Metal. Which are your main influences (Favourite Artists / Bands etc.) 
As I mentioned, I started this project by composing riffs on the bass. These riffs emerged while I was learning covers of some of my favorite bands like BLACK SABBATH, NECROMANTIA, MOTORHEAD, and THIN LIZZY, where the bass is truly the heartbeat of the band. These initial songs turned out to be very melodic with quite epic sounds. I can’t say I deliberately aimed to follow a path that directly resembles Greek black metal bands, but having groups like VARATHRON, ZEMIAL, and ROTTING CHRIST among my almost daily listening has undoubtedly had its impact. I've always been fascinated by the melodies of this specific genre, capable of taking you from pumping your fists in the air to feeling utterly moved, cradled by harmonious notes. ARAPHEL is built around this concept: finding the divine in darkness (Araphel is the misty and shadowy place where God resides), melodies in chaos, and discovering your inner self in your most tumultuous moments, while navigating the rules and dogmas you find unjust.

How difficult (or easy) is it for a musician to compose all the tracks by himself and what difficulties did you face during the recording of your first EP?
Doing things on my own has allowed me to create, set aside, and reshape my work multiple times without anyone getting tired of the constant changes. The most helpful tools have been a cheap Zoom multi-effects pedal with a built-in looper and an audio interface for recording and layering riffs on my computer—simple methods, but incredibly useful. At the same time, you can’t escape technical limitations when it comes to playing. I’m just now learning to play guitar, and without the support of Giulia and Eros, I would never have been able to record this EP.

Which things do you think a band should sacrifice in order to succeed? Have you ever sacrificed anything in your life for a better future for your band?
To answer you in the exact opposite way to your question, I made a significant sacrifice—one I don’t regret but that has deeply affected me—when I decided to leave DEMONOMANCY to focus on my studies and relocate to another city. So, I sacrificed my presence in a band for other priorities. However, I can't overlook the fact that the choices I've made have ultimately led me to where I am now, having created my own band after my time with other projects like THULSA DOOM and INTO DARKNESS, which came after leaving DEMONOMANCY. As for the first part of your question, I’d say that, like in many things, the ego is the worst enemy in the creative process, in social relationships, and in self-reflection.

Describe your ideal live show as a performance band. Have you already experienced that?
There have not yet been any live performances of ARAPHEL. Should they take place, they will follow my belief that people attend concerts driven by passion and purchasing tickets, and therefore deserve nothing less than the best. To deliver that, artists should not have to deal with organizers who care only about breaking even, with makeshift equipment, or with unfair conditions.

What attributes do you think that a new Black Metal Band should have in order to gain identity and be unique?
A simple answer could be: doing something original, even if just in a small way. However, perhaps the true key to having an identity is being convinced of what you’re doing, believing in it, and, most importantly, doing it honestly for yourself first, not to please someone else's tastes or a hypothetical "common taste." It would have been more challenging to answer if you had asked how a band can be unique and appealing, as often those voices that stand out—unique and with their own identity—don’t always resonate with others.

Do you believe that Digital Platforms help the new Black Metal Bands? Which, do you think, is the ideal way for a band to promote its work?
Starting from the premise that information today moves primarily through digital media, and considering that we all (unfortunately) spend an excessive amount of time each day on social media and phones, I believe that digital platforms do help emerging bands get noticed. I think the best way to promote your own music is to understand how to make the most of these channels and to find the right language to use. Given the number of new bands and releases each month/week and the declining general attention span, it’s important to make a lasting impression, even just visually, on potential new listeners. That’s my perspective, and since the first record is still upcoming, I hope this strategy will work for ARAPHEL.

Tell us 10 Metal releases that have "entered" your blood.
Immortal “At the Heart of Winter” - Black Sabbath “Vol4” - Black Sabbath “Heaven and Hell” - Rotting Christ “Thy Mighty Contract” - Beherit “Drawing Down the Moon”- Candlemass “Epicus Doomicus Metallicus” - Slayer “Reign in Blood” - Desaster “Hellfire’s Dominion” - Dead Can Dance “Within the Realm of a Dying Sun” - Pentagram “Day of Reckoning”.

Tell us a few things about the New Underground Metal Scene in Italy (Bands, Fanzines, Webzines, Metal Clubs etc.)
I’d like to highlight a few festivals: A JOURNEY IN DARKNESS, organized by Terror From Hell Records, which has already hosted three great editions; the IN THE BEST TRADITION FESTIVAL; and the team at NECROTHEISM PRODUCTIONS, who consistently organize concerts around Milan and don’t miss any touring bands, even allowing free entry for those under 18. I’m originally from Rome and have been living in Milan for a few years now. The situation is different between the two cities; there are definitely more concerts up here in Northern Italy (it’s easier for touring bands to stop by due to the geographical location), and the scene seems more active. There are some outstanding bands here, such as BLACK OATH, EXTIRPATION, INTO DARKNESS, FUNEST, and MORBUS GRAVE. That said, the Roman bands formed by the people I grew up with—FLAMEKEEPER, NIGHT GAUNT, THULSA DOOM, NAUDIZ, SERPENT RITUAL, VULTURES VENGEANCE, DEMON BELL—will always hold a special place in my heart as they’ve evolved over time.

Do you know anything about the Hellenic Metal Scene?
I don't know much about the scene nowadays, but back when I was with DEMONOMANCY, I played with THE PSALM at Eightball in Thessaloniki. I remember having a great time, and the crowd was wild. What’s certain is that you have a tradition you can be justifiably proud of.

In the last 4 years, worldwide in the world, we have faced many dark, strange, and new situations in our everyday lives (covid, lockdown, etc.). Did all of this affect you positively or negatively?
Starting from the premise that the lockdown was an important time for laying the foundations of ARAPHEL, and as someone who enjoys being on my own, I found it to be a positive period. The downside, however, was losing people I was close to and not being able to stay with my loved ones, along with the disheartening reality of seeing how people can polarize their opinions and turn into mindless beasts, attacking those who think differently. In moments like these, the most grotesque lows of humanity in our society become evident.

What are your future plans?
Future plans focus on “striking while the iron is hot,” meaning I aim to enter the studio before the end of 2024 to record the album. It’s ready; I just need to finalize a few details. For this recording session, Eros decided to step away, so I’ve asked two talented musicians to join, Okrim (EXTIRPATION, ANCIENT)  for drums and Gabriel (BLACK OATH, THE RITE, MORBUS GRAVE, EXTIRPATION) for guitar. 

Thank you very much for your time & keep up the good work! The closure is yours.
Thank you for the interview and for your interest in ARAPHEL. Good luck with your webzine, and let’s stay in touch. contacts: araphel.bm@gmail.com / araphel.bandcamp.com

By Steve the Filthy Dog.