Interview Drunkards

Welcome to our interview with DRUNKARDS, a thrash metal band hailing from Italy with a rich history dating back to the '80s. Learn about their journey, challenges, and the revival of their music after nearly three decades.

1. Could you tell us about the early days of DRUNKARDS, from forming in 1985 to signing with LM RECORDS in 1987? What were some of the challenges and highlights during that period?

Hello everyone and thank you for your interest in our musical proposal. The band formation started from the meeting between me (Marco), my childhood friend Jun, and my brother Andrea, and to this trio Germano was later added after a couple of bassist changes. After our first period of local gigs, the participation in a national contest final, and performances at some heavy metal festivals (alongside Extrema, Royal Air Force, and Skanners), we produced a couple of demo tapes. Particularly, the second demo, "Lethal to Weak Ones," caught the attention of Luigi Mazzesi, the label manager of the historic LM Records (home to Strana officina, Sabotage, Morgana, Rex Inferi, Creepin' Death, etc.). We returned to the studio to professionally record the track "Trooper of Death," which was featured on the compilation "Heavy rendez-vous" released by LM Records, alongside bands like Adramelch, Moon of Steel, and Masterstroke.

2. Your debut album, self-titled DRUNKARDS, was released in 1988 and received positive feedback from both fans and the press. How did you feel about the reception, and did it influence your approach to music going forward?

Yes, our first album was distributed internationally and received positive feedback from specialized magazines, radios, and listeners. From that moment on, we started dreaming of becoming professional musicians…

3. The second album, NO TRACE OF SANITY, faced delays and ultimately led to the band's dissolution in 1990. What were the main factors contributing to these challenges, and how did the band members cope with the disappointment?

After releasing the first album, we immediately began composing and arranging songs for the second record. Unfortunately, our record label encountered some problems, and despite the album being already completed, it couldn't see the light of day. These issues led to the decision to disband, that allowed some of us to continue our professional activities, and others to complete their university studies.

4. Fast forward to 2019 when DRUNKARDS was refounded. What inspired the band's revival after nearly three decades, and how has the music scene changed since your initial run in the late '80s?

The band was revived by me (Marco), around 10 years after the posthumous release of "No Trace of Sanity" and the re-release of our first self-titled album on CD. In 1990, I wanted to quit playing, but then the passion for performing live returned to me. Either way I never stopped following the metal music scene, and also I have expanded my listening to many other musical genres. Recently, Germano (bassist) has rejoined the band. The world of music has completely changed: it’s hard to give a short answer but basically we transitioned from analog to digital, and also internet, in our time, there were no Facebook or Instagram.

5. Your upcoming single, "We Don't Care," marks the band's return to the music scene. Can you share the creative process behind this song and what fans can expect from your upcoming third album?

In January 2022, I started composing new songs: "We Don't Care," "Scared to Death," "Nothing Is Forever," “Intoxication". The lyrics of these new songs are written by Chiara De Capitani, the daughter of a dear friend of mine. We recorded demos to begin understanding how the new album would sound. After various ups and downs and little time available due to work and family commitments, we managed to release the first single, "We Don't Care," and we are very proud of the final result.

 

6. Over the years, DRUNKARDS has drawn inspiration from various metal subgenres and bands like METALLICA, ANTHRAX, and SLAYER. How do you balance paying homage to your influences while maintaining a unique sound?

Our main sources of inspiration were Metallica, Anthrax, Slayer, Megadeth, Exodus, Iron Maiden, Mercyful Fate, King Diamond, and Black Sabbath. We've always tried to maintain our own identity, and above all, we've always tried to do what we liked, regardless of what others thought.

7. The band underwent several lineup changes throughout its history. How has the dynamic evolved within the current lineup, and what strengths does each member bring to DRUNKARDS?

From the old lineup, only Germano (bassist) and me (Marco - guitarist) are currently part of the band. We have a new singer (Bruco) who has been a fan of ours since the beginning. Alessandro (formerly of Reborn/Rest in Peace) is now our lead guitar, my friend since adolescence, and Marco Bottazzi is on drums, but he actually can actually play any instrument that comes into his hands quite well…

8. As an Italian thrash metal band, how would you describe the evolution of the metal scene in Italy from the '80s to the present day, and how has it influenced your music?

I must admit that the quality level of Italian bands has increased greatly over the years. Extrema has remained active, producing very good albums. Lacuna Coil is now an international reality. Great historical groups like Death SS, Pino Scotto, Strana Officina, Skanners, and Crying Steel have continued to release new albums and are always a source of valuable inspiration. Among the “sacred” ones, I want to mention the great Deathless Legacy, that I adore and often go to see live.

9. With the digital age and streaming platforms dominating the music industry, how do you see DRUNKARDS adapting to new technologies and engaging with fans in the modern era?

Our discography is available on major digital platforms (Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, etc.). Whether we like it or not, it's important to keep up with the times. These platforms serve to bring our music to the attention of an increasingly larger number of fans.

10. Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for DRUNKARDS in terms of musical direction, touring, and connecting with a global audience?

Our first goal now is to release some singles, which will be followed by the band's third album. As soon as it's possible, we'll start performing live with this new lineup. In the coming months, we have a lot of hard work ahead for promoting the new material. We need to try to make up for the long time lost during the pandemic. I take this opportunity to thank you for the interview and all the people who will read it. Greetings to all from DRUNKARDS!!!

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 DRUNKARDS (@drunkardsitaly) • Photos et vidéos Instagram

Drunkards - We don’t care (teaser) (youtube.com)