Interview with Thomas Pioli (guitars)
Q>>
Alright, let's start with a stupid question: how come you released only 3 recordings
in 10 years?
A>> It's all timing. We actually were in high gear in the beginning. Especially
the period of 1993-1995 when we released Demo 1993, "Nightfall In Heaven"
7"EP on Necroharmonic, followed shortly thereafter by "Into The Autumn
Shade" our highly acclaimed debut album released on Fadeless Records. Then
we went through a couple line up transitions.
Q>> You guys
have a strong underground attitude. Have you ever dreamt of selling more records,
start worldwide tours, becoming rich and famous etc.?
A>> I should back track right now, lol. In 1993 we played "Day of
the Damned Lost Souls" fest in Canada, opening for Macabre, Incantation,
Crytopsy and many others. In 1995, we were invited back to play the "Underground
Deathfest" with Brutal Truth, Vital Remains, Decrepit, Deathrune, Monstrosity,
Deceased, and many others. Some months later, we were invited to play the Tennessee
Fest, normally known as the Michigan Fest so in a sense we've done a fair amount
of shows. Are these the tours you speak of? Surely not. With Destro Records
I had organized a few tours for Ceremonium like a month trek with Incantation,
and Impaled in the states, and a three week tour with Hell-born all with the
help of other labels, but unfortunately we called them off due to an injury
sustained by Chris (our drummer).
Q>> I saw
you consider yourselves as a Doom Metal band. I'd say you're a Death Metal band
with Doom influences. I think people from Europe have a different perception
of Metal genres... Have you ever noticed that before?
A>> I never considered us Doom Metal by any means. When we came out we
coined the term "Atmospheric Death Metal" for ads and such. I can't
recall anyone specifically calling us a Doom Metal band, although zines would
say the Doom element with influences like Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride, and
Disembowlment was heavily present. That's mainly because of Brandon's vocal
delivery and guitar effect, but I remember a time when most zines said we fit
on a European label (Fadeless) rather well.
Q>> Your
compositions are quite well thought through. It's like each riff has a true
meaning. Is it just an impression?
A>> Like I said, its all timing!!! lol
Q>> Some
riffs of yours remind me of some good old Paradise Lost stuff... What other
bands have influenced you during all these years?
A>> As Lino, our former bass player once said, "I have a short attention
span". Here's some related rock: Jethro Tull, Rush, Iron Maiden, Mercyful
Fate, King Diamond, Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride, Abhorrence, Crematory, Cemetary,
Entombed, Dark Throne, Autopsy, Immolation, Incantation, Morbid Angel, movie
soundtrax.
Q>> You covered
Dark Throne's "Cromlech" and that's pretty cool. Tell me your opinion
about that band that always stayed true to its beliefs...
A>> I don't know. Ceremonium is as true as Dark Throne if that means anything
to you.
Q>> How is
your band and music seen in the USA? Do "normal" and "non-Metal"
people treat you like the Antichrist or do they show comprehension?
A>> We get respect from our peers. That's what's important to me.
Q>> Can we
expect some new material in the near future?
A>> Brandon and I are working on other projects, The Dying Light, who
have released their debut album available through Destro Records, and Crimson
Towers respectively. For reasons other than this, Ceremonium will be on an indefinite
hiatus, but we remain active and will post songs from our 2003 promo CD on the
Destro Records website soon. These tracks were actually recorded to attract
label interest. Enjoy!!!
Q>> Say hello
and... whatever you want...
A>> Thanx for the interview, RNO. As Mysticum said, "send us drugs".
Perhaps we'll have incentive to record our 3rd album quicker!!! haha That's
it.
RNO