Alessandro Bissa
Labyrinth
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June 5, 2013
I got a phone call from Olaf Thorsen who asked me to record a couple of songs for the new Labyrinth demo-CD. I met Roberto (Tiranti) and Andrea (Cantarelli) a few weeks later and we started making some rehearsals, working on brand new songs. Things went so good and they offered me to record the whole CD. Labyrinth is a big name in Europe and for sure one of the biggest metal names in Italy. I'm proud to work for them and grateful for their choice. Sometimes I feel the weight of being the "new drummer" after Mattia (Stancioiu) and Frank (Andiver). I think I'm doing a good job in the end.
Yes, I am. Vision Divine, which is my primary band, is still active and you can listen to the new CD, "Destination Set to Nowhere",which came out in late 2012. I've also recorded 3 CD's with MasterCastle (2010-2011-2012) as a guest-drummer and I made a couple of CD's as guest/session drummer. I play also with one local cover band when I'm not on tour and it makes me relaxed and allows me to perform constantly.
Good question.....well, I think my "musical life" has been influenced by a couple of bands I used to listen to several hours every day: Metallica, Dream Theater, Marillion, Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Black Sabbath, Queen, Europe, and some Italian Pop artists.
Actually I listen to Dave Matthews Band, Alterbridge, Transatlantic, some ever-green bands like Saxon, Journey, Boston and many, many others.....my playlist is always extremely long and with no crono-sense....ahahahaha
I think that something happened when I bought Queen "Greatest Hits I & II." I became Queen addicted and I found myself acting like Roger Taylor every time. So, I tried once to play drums and I never stopped.
Well, I think this is an old problem that has no solution. I can tell you about the Italian situation and I have to say that there are so many things everybody ignores about a drummer's band life. I'll try to explain quickly: everybody thinks that drummers are not able to compose, write lyrics or produce a record. Most of the time everybody cares about singers and guitarists, drummers NEVER have song rights because nobody accepts that if we don't play that fill or that groove, then the song would not be so nice or so powerful. Some of them think a band member cannot be part of another project......as it was in the 90's.....Well for sure I agree if you are a singer or the dictator-composer of a band. So lately several drummers start to get an advantage from this situation: as not so many people care about us, we are free to play with different bands, take part in another band's tour and record another band's CD. Take a look on Labyrinth's "Return pt. II" CD (last page, band info) and please tell everybody what's written.... Answering your question in another way: Yes I feel un-noticed but who REALLY cares about it? Ahahahahaha! This topic would need at least an entire book! And I will write it....I promise.
It was the first time for me in the USA and I found exactly what I expected: Great venue, professional crew, great accommodations. Everything was perfect. The audience was so nice and polite! I had a chance to play right before Gene Hoglan, who is one of my heroes! I also met a couple of web-friends....I couldn't ask for more! I really hope to come back soon......oh yes....you missed a great festival.
Labyrinth is making a new promo CD in order to test some new ideas for the new album. I hope you will like it!
"New Horizon" for sure! As a drummer I think I can really express myself with some great grooves and at the same time I can interact with the first raw.
Well, I have only one goal for Labyrinth: make a great new CD and tour everywhere (also in USA). What in ten years? Too difficult....I cannot really image myself with no hair and a white mustache....ahahahaha
I would say: don't mind about what you do, but how you do it. Carefully follow everything that happens around you (music, musicians, concerts, people's taste, mass media), try to be "perfect" at your side and things will turn out great. Remember to accept your limit because it is the only way you have to break it up.
May 22nd
Nirvana in Italy. I was 16.
Yes, married and I have a beautiful daughter, Rossella (Scarlet)
300, Lord of the Rings, Avatar, Wall-e, Fantasia, The Gladiator and many others
Since I have my own school and a daughter, I have no time for anything else.
Well I would like people not to be so shy getting in contact with us. We reply to everybody every time
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