Arthemis Interview at HAMMERFEST II!
Arthemis are a thrash-metal band based in Verona, Italy. The four-piece power-metal group have 5 albums under their belt and have been currently making a 6th which will be released in Spring 2010. Arthemis played Hammerfest on Saturday 13th March, so PrimalNoise flagged down guitairist Andrea Martongelli after the festival to talk how it really made them feel, what they've got coming up and who have influenced them thus far.
ARTHEMIS: Andrea Martongelli.
PrimalNoise: Please tell us a little bit about Arthemis, how you came about, is there a message behind your music, and what you’re planning for the future
Andy: ARTHEMIS was formed by me (Andrea Martongelli / lead guitarist) in 1999, and during our career we’ve released 5 albums worldwide. We've toured a lot, performing at some of the coolest Metal Festivals, such as Bloodstock Open Air, Hammerfest, Hard Rock Hell, Evolution Festival. We've done a Japan Headlining Tour, and many more with a mix of supporting & co-headlining with several famous bands of the Heavy Metal scene; like Dragonforce, Cradle Of Filth, George Lynch (Lynch Mob), Within Temptation, Blaze (ex-Iron Maiden), Glenn Hughes…and the list goes on!!! Pretty busy rockin’ this world hehe…
PrimalNoise: What are some of your biggest musical influences?
Andy: For sure I can mention the very big influences we have as a band, like Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, Judas Priest, Sepultura, Van Halen, Europe, Whitesnake, Black Sabbath, Tesla, Skid Row!! These are mostly the bands that gave life to Arthemis.
PrimalNoise: Are there any current bands or artists that you really admire?
Andy: Metallica, for getting back to their roots and touring that much. Now they don’t really need to do it to be “established” as a band….they just love doin’ it! It has come to the point where it’s all about passion! Another band I really like is Avenged Sevenfold for mixing catchy melodies with Heavy-Thrash Metal riffs.
PrimalNoise: How did you feel your show at Hammerfest went? Have you played many festivals in the past?
Andy: Hammerfest was a blast, definitely! Awesome crowd! we did a cool show and performed two new songs from our forthcoming album “Heroes”!! So glad that all the metalheads enjoyed the set and partied with us after the show!
PrimalNoise: Did you watch any of the other bands that played? If so who was your favourite and why?
Andy: My favourite bands have been for sure Beholder and Gentlemens Pistols! Awesome bands and crazy music…..and the sound was slaying!
PrimalNoise: What do you prefer playing, festivals or Headlining shows? Why?
Andy: Honestly, I love the festivals more than headlining shows because it’s like a big party and everyone’s invited. So we end up playing for people who already know us and also the people who are new to Arthemis. We love when people see us and like us and want to see us again.
PrimalNoise: What have Arthemis got planned after Hammerfest?
Andy: The new album will be released on 7th of June from Helvete & Hate / Code-7 in the UK. But before that we’re going to play some festivals in Italy, and some more gigs and festivals during the Summer. We will be back in the UK in September for 2-3 week tour. It will be the first time for Arthemis to come to your town! We can’t wait to see you all and party hard with all the Metalheads!
PrimalNoise: Do you think it’s difficult for bands to break into the UK music industry? what challenges have you faced personally? Do you think that playing festivals such as Hammerfest helps with this?
Andy: Of course IT IS hard, but we feel stronger than ever with this new line-up and a brand new album. We have our management, label and people working for us extensively in the UK, plus, we love UK! So we will set the UK music scene on fire!! Playing at festivals definitely helps us to be recognised and obtain new fans, especially playing at well respected festivals such as Hammerfest! We were honored to be part of it. Hopefully we can come back and play at Hammerfest and Hard Rock Hell in the near future! Get ready for the Arthemis invasion! See you metalheads! Let the Madness begin!!
