Interviews: Slave Steel

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Death Metal/Thrash Metal band, Slave Steel from the UK. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

It really came out without any actual research. Matching two contrasting words seemed to create an interesting oxymoron to express the contradictions within us and around us. It was like: "It sounds exactly as it should" and that was it.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We are realizing only with maturity the reason for playing this genre which we could not know as teenagers when it was all spontaneous. It’s subtle and deep, but to put it simply in a few words, we feel like Metal is a really visceral and complete form of musical expression. It is primitive, raw, and much closer to the human essence than one would think. In this music genre, there is space of expression and respect for everyone, which should not be taken for granted. Metal will always have its own, truly alternative avant-guard and it is something we will always be very proud and enthusiastic about.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Daniele (guitar) and Riccardo (drums) have known each other since childhood and started the band in Rome as teenagers. Pil joined as a vocalist a few years later when still in Italy and Marco took over the bass duties when the band relocated to London, UK. Now we are all close friends rather than just fellow musicians.

4. Each band member's favorite band? 

Ah, that’s an easy one: Slave Steel, of course. Seriously, all 4 of us share a very wide spectrum of favorite bands both in metal and non-metal genres, so we always agree that naming only one would be too restrictive.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Inspiration can be unpredictable and come from all kinds of places, even from an impromptu jam or chat. But sometimes you have to make it happen, and in those cases, our main source of inspiration is the harsh contradictions we observe within ourselves and discuss. That very often just reflects the conflicts we all deal with out there as human beings on this planet.

6. Where was your last gig?

Last gigs were at The Underworld and The New Cross Inn, both in Camden Town, London. Historic and incredibly vibrant venues, it's always great to play there.

7. Where would you like to act? 

The Dome in London, as well as the Live Music Club in Italy, are definitely on our list! Also playing at Hellfest it’s a goal we will work really hard for.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

We would love to share the stage with Gojira. I mean, who wouldn't? Divine Chaos is definitely another band we'd be thrilled to play with, as well as Thy Art is Murder.

9. Whom not? 

We are very open-minded and value every new stage experience with diverse acts, as long as they share our same respect and love for people and music.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that? 

Oh yes, that's the best part! We could say stage fright is indeed part of the experience and dealing with it is part of the job. It's adrenaline, and you just have to let it kick in, let it flow. Everything needs to be addressed to enjoy the performance and give the audience the excellent show they are expecting.

11. What bands have inspired you the most? 

Frankly, we always try to avoid this question somehow and that’s for 2 main reasons. Firstly, each one of us loves tons of bands with different peculiarities and it’s impossible to give them a fair hierarchy. On the other hand, it’s much more interesting to ask the fans which influences they recognize when they listen to our music. I know It’s Sad But True... (don’t say we didn’t give you a hint!). 

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

To play the whole setlist again, which we did! It was pretty exhausting but satisfying.

13. What do you think of your fans?

We are always amazed by how warm they are and the intense way they connect with us through our music. This bond motivates us immensely to give our best in anything we do as a band.

14. What do you think of our site?

The work you do is so precious for both artists and fans, thank you for that, and keep it up!

15. Something to add?

For those of you out there who don’t know Slave Steel yet, check us out! You won’t be disappointed.