DEMON SPELL: Forged in Darkness, Echoing Through Time
Steeped in the raw, untamed essence of classic heavy metal, Demon Spell refuses to bow to modern trends, instead channeling the chaotic energy of the genre’s past into something strikingly alive. With their latest EP, Evil Nights, the Sicilian band embraces imperfection, authenticity, and the theatrical darkness that has long defined metal’s most evocative moments. In this interview, they delve into their artistic philosophy, the impact of Italy’s horror heritage on their music, and the ongoing struggle to balance tradition with originality. From the rebellious core of metal’s spirit to the role of music as both escapism and confrontation with the world’s darkness, Demon Spell proves that their sound is more than just a nostalgic echo—it’s a pulse of something primal and enduring.
– Hi, first off thanks for answering our questions. How’s everything going in the lair of Demon Spell?
(Francesco) Thank you for welcoming us into your webzine. Things are going very well, we are working hard on our music, refining our sound, and developing new ideas. We have a lot of energy and desire to push the project further forward, both in the studio and live shows.
– Evil Nights exudes a raw, old-school heavy metal vibe. In today’s digital age, where music production often leans toward perfection, what motivated you to embrace this unpolished sound? Do you believe there’s a societal yearning for authenticity amidst the digital perfection surrounding us?
(Dario) We don’t aspire to perfection, especially if it sounds like something inauthentic or inexpressive. We seek magic, and magic is often found in what isn’t perfectly complete or flawless. For this reason, we decided to record Evil Nights live, at least for its rhythmic instrumental parts. With the natural «imperfections» of the production, we aim to convey the truest meaning of our music and that mood you could feel in many albums from the past.
– Your lyrics explore darker themes like rituals, invocations, and the occult, but they seem more like a traditional aesthetic tool in heavy metal rather than personal experiences or beliefs. How do you view these supernatural themes in relation to the broader metal tradition? What draws you to these motifs, and how do you ensure they feel fresh while staying true to the genre’s roots?
(Dario) Exactly. In our lyrics, there is no intention to represent any philosophical or religious flag. Heavy metal, as a musical genre, has always embraced satanic or dark themes because they fit well with the arcane and vibrant sound it conveys. Our lyrics are all small «dark» stories in which the writer fully immerses themselves in the narrative, but they remain just that—stories.
– Italy has a rich tradition of horror in cinema, literature, and art. From directors like Dario Argento to iconic giallo films, this culture has influenced countless artists. How has this horror tradition impacted the imagery and themes in your music and lyrics? Are there any specific stories, films, or aesthetics that have inspired your work?
(Francesco) The tradition of Italian horror cinema has had a great influence on us. The atmospheres we seek are deeply rooted in that world, drawing inspiration from various elements. The theatrical and grotesque aspects that define the Italian style are reflected not only in our music but also in the aesthetics and imagery we aim to evoke.
(Dario) As a great lover of horror cinema and 1970s Italian television esoteric dramas, I believe that, even unconsciously, this passion also flows into the writing of our lyrics.
– The Italian heavy metal scene has a rich history but often remains underrepresented globally. What challenges have you faced as an Italian band trying to break into the international metal scene? Do you feel there’s a bias toward bands from certain countries, or do you think the sound of Italian bands is often misrepresented or overlooked?
(Dario) What you say is true, but it probably happened more often in the past. As a band, fortunately, we haven’t had to face any obstacles or prejudice. In fact, I can tell you that our EP immediately gained a lot of interest from several labels, despite our country of origin. If anything, what always sparks interest is the fact that we come from Sicily.
– The title Evil Nights evokes imagery of rebellion and defiance. In a world where societal norms are constantly evolving, how do you balance the rebellious spirit of heavy metal with creating art that stands out? Does rebellion remain a core value for you as artists, or do you see it more as a traditional element of heavy metal?
(Dario) Rebellion and heavy metal are, for me, synonymous. Unfortunately, many things have changed in our days, and this saddens me. The original spirit of this musical genre is gradually being lost, as it increasingly takes on flashy, inauthentic, and trendy forms that border on the ridiculous. We preserve this spirit within us and strive to express it in the most sincere way possible through our music and our imagery.
– Heavy metal thrives on tradition, but nostalgia can be a double-edged sword. Bands in the traditional scene often navigate tight musical frames to avoid being dismissed as gimmicky. Do you feel constrained by these expectations, or do they inspire creativity? How do you approach the fine line between paying homage to the classics and forging your own identity?
(Francesco) It is undeniable that we have been deeply influenced by everything that developed between the ’70s and the ’80s, both in terms of rock and heavy metal, with a particular focus on those bands that had a strong impact and attitude, as in the case of shock rock. The past has had a great impact on our music, but when it comes to heavy metal, it is impossible for us not to remain tied to this dimension, which is the one I have always sought and which I feel is most similar to me. Consequently, it is a dimension that I find very creative. Our intention is to play the music we love most, and even if it might seem nostalgic, it is a search for that purity that we still consider fundamental today.
(Dario) The discussion on the originality of a work is a very complex one that would require a lot of time. However, I am certain that the one about personality is different. I believe that the dimension of Demon Spell allows us to explore and adopt various formulas within a musical context that is definitely well-defined. Finally, innovations are things you certainly can’t predict, but they emerge spontaneously, as has happened many times in the history of music.
– Your EP title and sound are steeped in classic heavy metal ethos, invoking a sense of nostalgia. Do you see yourselves as a continuation of this tradition, or are you trying to carve out a unique path within the genre? Where do you feel your identity lies within the heavy metal spectrum?
(Dario) Many people who bought or just listened to Evil Nights have told us that it sounds «fresh.» For us, that’s the best compliment. We didn’t want to do a «nostalgia project,» but simply play the way it was done in the past and evoke strong emotions from it. We are very happy that many have understood this and share it with us. We don’t exactly know where our identity stands at the moment, but we know it’s there, screaming from the abyss.
– As artists, your work becomes part of a larger cultural dialogue. How do you view the role of heavy metal as a form of storytelling or escapism? Do you think it’s about creating a world for listeners to step into, or is it more about reflecting the chaos and darkness that exists in the world?
(Dario) The greatness of heavy metal lies right here: you can use it as a realm of fantasy, an escape, or as an opportunity to reflect on the themes of your life. Even our lyrics can be interpreted as you see fit—whether as a satanic narrative or something more metaphorical, where you can find your personal experiences.
– And before we wrap this interview up, what are your near-future plans?
(Francesco) We are working hard on our first full-length album. At the moment, the focus is on new material and planning the album release. Then we will start planning our live activity.
– That’s all from our side. Thanks again for answering these questions. If you’d like to add any final words, it’s your turn.
Thank you for this pleasant interview, and we hope to meet you in one of these evil nights.
