Homo-universalis: STEALTH

1. Back in 1997 you started out as “Metal Militia,” covering Metallica songs. What drove you to shift towards creating your own original music and transforming into Stealth?

We already started writing our own music before forming the band. There was a lyric called "Devil΄s Cloak" that never became a song. Our first song ever "Fear" was written between 1996 and 1997, so some months before our first gig. We always had in mind to write and release our own music but we preferred to start as a Metallica cover band to gain attention and also because we were fans of that band.

2. Your debut EP Mind Is Blind (1998) was self-released but still managed to gain attention from local radios and magazines. How did it feel to have that first recognition from the outside world?

It was really amazing and exciting. Just after the release of that EP we attended live interviews on local radio stations like "Radio Veregra" and "Radio Nuova Macerata" and we received a very good review from one of the most popular local underground webzine of the time. But the most beautiful experience was playing outside of our region on January 1999 in a metal venue close to Pescara called "Pop Off" That night was really incredible. The venue was busy and we sold all of our tapes of "Mind is Blind"that we brought with us.

3. With your second EP Existence and the name change, how did this new identity influence your artistic path and the way the audience perceived you?

We were still at the beginning of our journey. We were known as a local act when we released "Existence"so we didn΄t loose our local audience when we changed name into"Stealth" We developed a more international vision of our project instead.

4. The release of your first full-length album Stealth in 2001 marked the start of a big tour. What was that independent touring experience like at the time?

We have great memories from those years. It was really exciting to play in such incredible venues and festivals at the time. There were always a lot of people attending our gigs and that was the launch pad for our international live experience that we began a few years later.

5. On Check This Out! (2004) you experimented with an “international” sound, including songs in Spanish, German, and English. What was the message you wanted to convey through that choice?

We tried experimenting with the lyrics as well as the music on that album. Our idea of communication was a bit different from all the major bands of the time and we pushed things a bit on some musical and lyrical aspects of the album. The result was an innovative and original album that still gives us satisfaction today and that allowed us to play our first gig abroad in Croatia in 2006.

6. Your album Check This Out! was remastered and re-released in December 2024.What changes or improvements stood out to you in the new edition?

Our dear friend Ays Kura did an excellent work of remastering. He fit better the vocal parts so as the guitars came out more incisively and also the drums perform better in our point of view. This album has a more modern sound than 20 years ago and it'sgetting the credit it deserves.

7. In 2023 you released the concept single Sleep Paralysis, which explores intense and atmospheric sounds. What inspired you to dive into this mysterious theme?

With the 3 songs featured in "Sleep Paralysis" we finished exploring and experimenting new sounds and new ways to write our lyrics. We mostly took inspiration from Ivan's own experience during the hypnagogic state and he wrote all the 3 songs featured in the single. We also wanted to make a tribute to the Swiss artist Heinrich Füssli choosing "The Nightmare" as cover for all the single versions released. This 250 years ago work of art is the best visual representation of sleep paralysis.

8. With Marco Guadagnoli joining the band in 2022, how has the group dynamic evolved in the studio and on stage?

Marco brought a breath of fresh air into the band. All the songs with him have been composed as usual. Ivan wrote the main structure of each song and then the others added their ideas. We have to say that we found working with our new guitarist Marco a very interesting and innovative process. In general we try to blend music and lyrics as much as possible as part of our composition effort. Also Marco decided to start playing with backing tracks in some of our songs during our live gigs. It's something that we never experienced before his arrival in the band.

9. Looking back at more than 25 years of music, what does this journey mean to you personally — both as musicians and as individuals?

It's been a long and intensive journey. We spent a lot of time on the road and into recording studios and rehearsal rooms. We achieved good results as an underground band but we would like to always do better. After these experiences, which led us to tour all over Italy and many countries in Europe, many of us have grown both musically and personally. This is the most important thing because being in a band is first of all a life experience

10. What’s next for Stealth? Should fans expect new material or a tour in the near future?

A split concept album called "Wilderness of Mirrors" will be released next November.

We will share this release with London based bands Die Kur, Maxdmyz and Sixis and we can't wait to listen to reactions of our fans and music industry in general. We have been working on this project for more than 2 years now and we recorded 3 new brand songs full of power and sound improvements; so expect to listen to new and hot material soon.

VIDEO

Stealth - Sleep Paralysis (Official Music Video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y_R9hfZ1gM