Interviews: AYDRA

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Technical Death Metal band AYDRA from Italy. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE!

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

The name AydrA came as a natural progression for us. When the band was initially known as Hydra, we were playing speed/thrash metal. But in 1991, as we began shifting towards a more technical and aggressive sound, we felt the need for a name that reflected this transformation. AydrA symbolizes evolution and new beginnings, marking a clear departure from the past and embracing what we wanted to become musically.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We were heavily inspired by the technical side of metal that was emerging in the late '80s and early '90s. Bands like Death, Atheist, and Cynic were pushing boundaries, adding complexity and precision to their music, and we wanted to be part of that movement. Playing Technical Death Metal gave us the freedom to explore intricate song structures and showcase our technical abilities while keeping the aggression and intensity that we love about metal.

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

Not all of us. I first encountered Hydra in the late '80s, but I wasn't part of the original lineup. After playing together at a festival with my previous band, Darkside, I joined Hydra as a bassist in 1991. Over the years, we've had several lineup changes, and while some of us knew each other from the local scene, others joined later through auditions or personal connections.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

We all have a wide range of influences. Personally, I’ve always admired bands like Death, Megadeth, and Atheist. Our guitarist is a big fan of Annihilator, and our drummer draws inspiration from prog metal bands like simphony x and Dream Theater. Each of us brings something different to the table, and that diversity of taste helps shape our sound.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Inspiration comes from many sources. Lyrically, a lot of our recent material has been inspired by real-life events, particularly the stories told by our bassist, Andrea Mastromarco, who worked with Doctors Without Borders. Musically, we’re driven by the desire to push our technical skills and experiment with new sounds. Every song starts with an idea, but it evolves through collaboration, and each of us adds our unique touch.

6. Where was your last gig?

We haven't performed live since our tour in the Balkans with Infernal Poetry back in 2013. However, we're excited to return to the stage on December 13, 2024, for the presentation of our new album. This date is particularly meaningful for us, as it's also the anniversary of Chuck Schuldiner's death, who has been a huge inspiration to us. And yes, it's a Friday the 13th—what better day for a metal comeback?

7. Where would you like to act?

We’d love to perform in more countries, especially places like the US, Canada, and South America where we already have a strong fanbase. Playing in Asia would also be an incredible experience, as it's a relatively unexplored territory for us. We are always eager to explore new scenes and meet fans from different parts of the world.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Collaborating with someone like Chuck Schuldiner (RIP) would have been a dream come true, given how much of an influence he’s had on our music. Nowadays, there are many technical death metal bands we admire, like Gorguts or Obscura, and it would be amazing to work with them.

9. Whom not?

We don’t have anyone in particular we would avoid collaborating with, but we prefer working with artists who share our passion for music and commitment to quality. As long as there’s mutual respect and creativity, we’re open to collaborations.

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

I think we’ve all experienced a bit of nervousness at some point, but over time, you learn to channel that energy into your performance. My advice to beginners would be to prepare thoroughly. Know your material inside out and try to focus on the music rather than the audience. The more you perform, the more comfortable you become on stage.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Bands like Death, Atheist, Cynic, and Annihilator have been huge inspirations for us. Their technical prowess and willingness to push boundaries are qualities we’ve always admired and strived to incorporate into our own music.

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

We once had a fan ask for a piece of drumstick that had snapped during a show. It’s always interesting to see what fans find meaningful, and we appreciate that kind of enthusiasm. 13. What do you think of your fans? We have the best fans in the world. Their support and dedication mean everything to us. Whether they’ve been following us since the Hydra days or discovered us more recently, we feel a strong connection with them. It’s a privilege to be part of such a passionate community, and we’re always grateful for their feedback and encouragement.

14. What do you think of our site?

Your site is a great resource for metal fans. It’s important to have platforms like Breathing The Core Zine that support underground bands and help spread their music to new audiences. Thank you for all the work you do! 

15. Something to add?

Just a huge thank you to everyone who’s been supporting us over the years. Our new album Leave to Nowhere drops on October 10th, and we’re really excited to share it with you all. Stay connected with us on social media, and feel free to reach out — we love hearing from our fans. Keep the metal alive!