There’s no doubt that the Italian metal scene is packed with talented artists, but not all of them chose to stay in their home country. Some remained to form internationally renowned bands like Death SS, Necrodeath, Lacuna Coil, and Cripple Bastards, while others made a name for themselves in the underground through a series of excellent projects. But the list doesn’t stop there. There are also Italian musicians who have achieved major success in foreign bands, each for different reasons: some moved abroad to form new bands, others were recruited to replace existing members, and some, after years of hard work, earned their place through sheer talent and dedication.
There’s no doubt that the Italian metal scene is packed with talented artists, but not all of them chose to stay in their home country. Some remained to form internationally renowned bands like Death SS, Necrodeath, Lacuna Coil, and Cripple Bastards, while others made a name for themselves in the underground through a series of excellent projects. But the list doesn’t stop there. There are also Italian musicians who have achieved major success in foreign bands, each for different reasons: some moved abroad to form new bands, others were recruited to replace existing members, and some, after years of hard work, earned their place through sheer talent and dedication.
There’s no doubt that the Italian metal scene is packed with talented artists, but not all of them chose to stay in their home country. Some remained to form internationally renowned bands like Death SS, Necrodeath, Lacuna Coil, and Cripple Bastards, while others made a name for themselves in the underground through a series of excellent projects. But the list doesn’t stop there. There are also Italian musicians who have achieved major success in foreign bands, each for different reasons: some moved abroad to form new bands, others were recruited to replace existing members, and some, after years of hard work, earned their place through sheer talent and dedication.
There’s no doubt that the Italian metal scene is packed with talented artists, but not all of them chose to stay in their home country. Some remained to form internationally renowned bands like Death SS, Necrodeath, Lacuna Coil, and Cripple Bastards, while others made a name for themselves in the underground through a series of excellent projects. But the list doesn’t stop there. There are also Italian musicians who have achieved major success in foreign bands, each for different reasons: some moved abroad to form new bands, others were recruited to replace existing members, and some, after years of hard work, earned their place through sheer talent and dedication.
There’s no doubt that the Italian metal scene is packed with talented artists, but not all of them chose to stay in their home country. Some remained to form internationally renowned bands like Death SS, Necrodeath, Lacuna Coil, and Cripple Bastards, while others made a name for themselves in the underground through a series of excellent projects. But the list doesn’t stop there. There are also Italian musicians who have achieved major success in foreign bands, each for different reasons: some moved abroad to form new bands, others were recruited to replace existing members, and some, after years of hard work, earned their place through sheer talent and dedication.
Fabio Lione is best known as the cornerstone of Rhapsody of Fire and Vision Divine, starring on a total of 15 albums—from Legendary Tales (1997) to Into the Legend (2016) with the Friuli-based lineup, and from the self-titled Vision Divine (1999) to Destination Set to Nowhere (2012) in the project he co-founded with Olaf Thörsen. After these two major experiences, a call came from Brazil: Angra, active since 1992, a band not only known for members like Kiko Loureiro and Andre Matos but also for essential power metal albums like Angels Cry (1993) and Holy Land (1996). In 2013, following Edu Falaschi’s departure, the Rafael Bittencourt-led band invited Lione first as a touring vocalist, then confirmed him permanently after his presence proved to be a winning formula. Since then, he has become a pillar of the project, recording two full-length albums with them: Secret Garden (2014) and Ømni (2018).
Fabio Lione is best known as the cornerstone of Rhapsody of Fire and Vision Divine, starring on a total of 15 albums—from Legendary Tales (1997) to Into the Legend (2016) with the Friuli-based lineup, and from the self-titled Vision Divine (1999) to Destination Set to Nowhere (2012) in the project he co-founded with Olaf Thörsen. After these two major experiences, a call came from Brazil: Angra, active since 1992, a band not only known for members like Kiko Loureiro and Andre Matos but also for essential power metal albums like Angels Cry (1993) and Holy Land (1996). In 2013, following Edu Falaschi’s departure, the Rafael Bittencourt-led band invited Lione first as a touring vocalist, then confirmed him permanently after his presence proved to be a winning formula. Since then, he has become a pillar of the project, recording two full-length albums with them: Secret Garden (2014) and Ømni (2018).
Fabio Lione is best known as the cornerstone of Rhapsody of Fire and Vision Divine, starring on a total of 15 albums—from Legendary Tales (1997) to Into the Legend (2016) with the Friuli-based lineup, and from the self-titled Vision Divine (1999) to Destination Set to Nowhere (2012) in the project he co-founded with Olaf Thörsen. After these two major experiences, a call came from Brazil: Angra, active since 1992, a band not only known for members like Kiko Loureiro and Andre Matos but also for essential power metal albums like Angels Cry (1993) and Holy Land (1996). In 2013, following Edu Falaschi’s departure, the Rafael Bittencourt-led band invited Lione first as a touring vocalist, then confirmed him permanently after his presence proved to be a winning formula. Since then, he has become a pillar of the project, recording two full-length albums with them: Secret Garden (2014) and Ømni (2018).
Fabio Lione is best known as the cornerstone of Rhapsody of Fire and Vision Divine, starring on a total of 15 albums—from Legendary Tales (1997) to Into the Legend (2016) with the Friuli-based lineup, and from the self-titled Vision Divine (1999) to Destination Set to Nowhere (2012) in the project he co-founded with Olaf Thörsen. After these two major experiences, a call came from Brazil: Angra, active since 1992, a band not only known for members like Kiko Loureiro and Andre Matos but also for essential power metal albums like Angels Cry (1993) and Holy Land (1996). In 2013, following Edu Falaschi’s departure, the Rafael Bittencourt-led band invited Lione first as a touring vocalist, then confirmed him permanently after his presence proved to be a winning formula. Since then, he has become a pillar of the project, recording two full-length albums with them: Secret Garden (2014) and Ømni (2018).
Fabio Lione is best known as the cornerstone of Rhapsody of Fire and Vision Divine, starring on a total of 15 albums—from Legendary Tales (1997) to Into the Legend (2016) with the Friuli-based lineup, and from the self-titled Vision Divine (1999) to Destination Set to Nowhere (2012) in the project he co-founded with Olaf Thörsen. After these two major experiences, a call came from Brazil: Angra, active since 1992, a band not only known for members like Kiko Loureiro and Andre Matos but also for essential power metal albums like Angels Cry (1993) and Holy Land (1996). In 2013, following Edu Falaschi’s departure, the Rafael Bittencourt-led band invited Lione first as a touring vocalist, then confirmed him permanently after his presence proved to be a winning formula. Since then, he has become a pillar of the project, recording two full-length albums with them: Secret Garden (2014) and Ømni (2018).
Mia Winter Wallace definitely belongs in this category. Her real name isn’t widely known, and she shouldn’t be confused with the Pulp Fiction character. The bassist, always immersed in black metal, was known as Soulfucker in the 1990s when she played in Piemonte with Darkness, Skoll, and the earlier band The True Endless, staying with the latter for 20 years. Her career took off in 2017 when her exceptional bass skills caught international attention: the first to notice her was Tom G. Warrior, who recruited her for Triumph of Death for a year. In 2019, legendary Abbath, short on bassists, brought her into his eponymous project to record Outstreader (2019) and Dread Reaver (2022). Finally, in 2020, she joined the reformed Nervosa, contributing to Perpetual Chaos (2021).
Mia Winter Wallace definitely belongs in this category. Her real name isn’t widely known, and she shouldn’t be confused with the Pulp Fiction character. The bassist, always immersed in black metal, was known as Soulfucker in the 1990s when she played in Piemonte with Darkness, Skoll, and the earlier band The True Endless, staying with the latter for 20 years. Her career took off in 2017 when her exceptional bass skills caught international attention: the first to notice her was Tom G. Warrior, who recruited her for Triumph of Death for a year. In 2019, legendary Abbath, short on bassists, brought her into his eponymous project to record Outstreader (2019) and Dread Reaver (2022). Finally, in 2020, she joined the reformed Nervosa, contributing to Perpetual Chaos (2021).
Mia Winter Wallace definitely belongs in this category. Her real name isn’t widely known, and she shouldn’t be confused with the Pulp Fiction character. The bassist, always immersed in black metal, was known as Soulfucker in the 1990s when she played in Piemonte with Darkness, Skoll, and the earlier band The True Endless, staying with the latter for 20 years. Her career took off in 2017 when her exceptional bass skills caught international attention: the first to notice her was Tom G. Warrior, who recruited her for Triumph of Death for a year. In 2019, legendary Abbath, short on bassists, brought her into his eponymous project to record Outstreader (2019) and Dread Reaver (2022). Finally, in 2020, she joined the reformed Nervosa, contributing to Perpetual Chaos (2021).
Mia Winter Wallace definitely belongs in this category. Her real name isn’t widely known, and she shouldn’t be confused with the Pulp Fiction character. The bassist, always immersed in black metal, was known as Soulfucker in the 1990s when she played in Piemonte with Darkness, Skoll, and the earlier band The True Endless, staying with the latter for 20 years. Her career took off in 2017 when her exceptional bass skills caught international attention: the first to notice her was Tom G. Warrior, who recruited her for Triumph of Death for a year. In 2019, legendary Abbath, short on bassists, brought her into his eponymous project to record Outstreader (2019) and Dread Reaver (2022). Finally, in 2020, she joined the reformed Nervosa, contributing to Perpetual Chaos (2021).
Mia Winter Wallace definitely belongs in this category. Her real name isn’t widely known, and she shouldn’t be confused with the Pulp Fiction character. The bassist, always immersed in black metal, was known as Soulfucker in the 1990s when she played in Piemonte with Darkness, Skoll, and the earlier band The True Endless, staying with the latter for 20 years. Her career took off in 2017 when her exceptional bass skills caught international attention: the first to notice her was Tom G. Warrior, who recruited her for Triumph of Death for a year. In 2019, legendary Abbath, short on bassists, brought her into his eponymous project to record Outstreader (2019) and Dread Reaver (2022). Finally, in 2020, she joined the reformed Nervosa, contributing to Perpetual Chaos (2021).
Another bassist making an impact internationally is Stefano Franceschini. Known in extreme death metal circles, he’s most closely associated with Hideous Divinity, one of Italy’s top technical/brutal death bands, playing with them since 2013 and recording three albums, three singles, and an EP. But that’s not all. Stefano also joined Aborted, one of the most respected extreme metal bands worldwide, founded by Belgian Sven de Caluwé. Since 2018, he has delivered thunderous, frenzied bass lines on Terrorvision (2018) and Maniacult (2021), widely regarded as highlights in the band’s career.
Another bassist making an impact internationally is Stefano Franceschini. Known in extreme death metal circles, he’s most closely associated with Hideous Divinity, one of Italy’s top technical/brutal death bands, playing with them since 2013 and recording three albums, three singles, and an EP. But that’s not all. Stefano also joined Aborted, one of the most respected extreme metal bands worldwide, founded by Belgian Sven de Caluwé. Since 2018, he has delivered thunderous, frenzied bass lines on Terrorvision (2018) and Maniacult (2021), widely regarded as highlights in the band’s career.
Another bassist making an impact internationally is Stefano Franceschini. Known in extreme death metal circles, he’s most closely associated with Hideous Divinity, one of Italy’s top technical/brutal death bands, playing with them since 2013 and recording three albums, three singles, and an EP. But that’s not all. Stefano also joined Aborted, one of the most respected extreme metal bands worldwide, founded by Belgian Sven de Caluwé. Since 2018, he has delivered thunderous, frenzied bass lines on Terrorvision (2018) and Maniacult (2021), widely regarded as highlights in the band’s career.
Another bassist making an impact internationally is Stefano Franceschini. Known in extreme death metal circles, he’s most closely associated with Hideous Divinity, one of Italy’s top technical/brutal death bands, playing with them since 2013 and recording three albums, three singles, and an EP. But that’s not all. Stefano also joined Aborted, one of the most respected extreme metal bands worldwide, founded by Belgian Sven de Caluwé. Since 2018, he has delivered thunderous, frenzied bass lines on Terrorvision (2018) and Maniacult (2021), widely regarded as highlights in the band’s career.
Another bassist making an impact internationally is Stefano Franceschini. Known in extreme death metal circles, he’s most closely associated with Hideous Divinity, one of Italy’s top technical/brutal death bands, playing with them since 2013 and recording three albums, three singles, and an EP. But that’s not all. Stefano also joined Aborted, one of the most respected extreme metal bands worldwide, founded by Belgian Sven de Caluwé. Since 2018, he has delivered thunderous, frenzied bass lines on Terrorvision (2018) and Maniacult (2021), widely regarded as highlights in the band’s career.
Luca Indrio took a different path. In 2008, he left Florence for Oakland, California, one of the U.S. hotspots for extreme music. A year later, he founded Vastum, a cavernous death metal band in the style of Incantation, recording four albums. Vastum became the perfect platform to refine his technique, paving the way for his next project, Necrot. With their debut Blood Offerings (2017), Necrot quickly emerged as one of the most exciting extreme metal acts worldwide, a success confirmed with Mortal (2020) and major tours alongside Cannibal Corpse, Immolation, and Morbid Angel.
Luca Indrio took a different path. In 2008, he left Florence for Oakland, California, one of the U.S. hotspots for extreme music. A year later, he founded Vastum, a cavernous death metal band in the style of Incantation, recording four albums. Vastum became the perfect platform to refine his technique, paving the way for his next project, Necrot. With their debut Blood Offerings (2017), Necrot quickly emerged as one of the most exciting extreme metal acts worldwide, a success confirmed with Mortal (2020) and major tours alongside Cannibal Corpse, Immolation, and Morbid Angel.
Luca Indrio took a different path. In 2008, he left Florence for Oakland, California, one of the U.S. hotspots for extreme music. A year later, he founded Vastum, a cavernous death metal band in the style of Incantation, recording four albums. Vastum became the perfect platform to refine his technique, paving the way for his next project, Necrot. With their debut Blood Offerings (2017), Necrot quickly emerged as one of the most exciting extreme metal acts worldwide, a success confirmed with Mortal (2020) and major tours alongside Cannibal Corpse, Immolation, and Morbid Angel.
Luca Indrio took a different path. In 2008, he left Florence for Oakland, California, one of the U.S. hotspots for extreme music. A year later, he founded Vastum, a cavernous death metal band in the style of Incantation, recording four albums. Vastum became the perfect platform to refine his technique, paving the way for his next project, Necrot. With their debut Blood Offerings (2017), Necrot quickly emerged as one of the most exciting extreme metal acts worldwide, a success confirmed with Mortal (2020) and major tours alongside Cannibal Corpse, Immolation, and Morbid Angel.
Luca Indrio took a different path. In 2008, he left Florence for Oakland, California, one of the U.S. hotspots for extreme music. A year later, he founded Vastum, a cavernous death metal band in the style of Incantation, recording four albums. Vastum became the perfect platform to refine his technique, paving the way for his next project, Necrot. With their debut Blood Offerings (2017), Necrot quickly emerged as one of the most exciting extreme metal acts worldwide, a success confirmed with Mortal (2020) and major tours alongside Cannibal Corpse, Immolation, and Morbid Angel.
Fabio Alessandrini’s story reads like a fairytale. The Ravenna-born drummer, born in 1993, joined his first band in 2015 with Bologna’s Vescera. Two years later, he made a breakthrough: practicing Annihilator songs to improve his technique, he sent a cover of Alison Hell directly to Jeff Waters. Waters immediately responded, inviting him to Canada to rehearse. Soon after, Alessandrini became a permanent member, recording For the Demented (2017) and Ballistic, Sadistic (2020).
Fabio Alessandrini’s story reads like a fairytale. The Ravenna-born drummer, born in 1993, joined his first band in 2015 with Bologna’s Vescera. Two years later, he made a breakthrough: practicing Annihilator songs to improve his technique, he sent a cover of Alison Hell directly to Jeff Waters. Waters immediately responded, inviting him to Canada to rehearse. Soon after, Alessandrini became a permanent member, recording For the Demented (2017) and Ballistic, Sadistic (2020).
Fabio Alessandrini’s story reads like a fairytale. The Ravenna-born drummer, born in 1993, joined his first band in 2015 with Bologna’s Vescera. Two years later, he made a breakthrough: practicing Annihilator songs to improve his technique, he sent a cover of Alison Hell directly to Jeff Waters. Waters immediately responded, inviting him to Canada to rehearse. Soon after, Alessandrini became a permanent member, recording For the Demented (2017) and Ballistic, Sadistic (2020).
Fabio Alessandrini’s story reads like a fairytale. The Ravenna-born drummer, born in 1993, joined his first band in 2015 with Bologna’s Vescera. Two years later, he made a breakthrough: practicing Annihilator songs to improve his technique, he sent a cover of Alison Hell directly to Jeff Waters. Waters immediately responded, inviting him to Canada to rehearse. Soon after, Alessandrini became a permanent member, recording For the Demented (2017) and Ballistic, Sadistic (2020).
Fabio Alessandrini’s story reads like a fairytale. The Ravenna-born drummer, born in 1993, joined his first band in 2015 with Bologna’s Vescera. Two years later, he made a breakthrough: practicing Annihilator songs to improve his technique, he sent a cover of Alison Hell directly to Jeff Waters. Waters immediately responded, inviting him to Canada to rehearse. Soon after, Alessandrini became a permanent member, recording For the Demented (2017) and Ballistic, Sadistic (2020).
Guido Zima, one of Italy’s most talented drummers, also has a dreamlike journey. From his early days with Rhyme to Austria’s Implore, then Friuli’s The Secret, and finally England’s Strigoi—founded by Chris Casket and Gregor Mackintosh—Zima gradually built his reputation. Mackintosh, of Paradise Lost fame, helped him join Nick Holmes’ lineup for the 2022 European tour. His performance impressed so much that, on March 24, the band officially announced him as their new drummer, ready for future releases and tours.
Guido Zima, one of Italy’s most talented drummers, also has a dreamlike journey. From his early days with Rhyme to Austria’s Implore, then Friuli’s The Secret, and finally England’s Strigoi—founded by Chris Casket and Gregor Mackintosh—Zima gradually built his reputation. Mackintosh, of Paradise Lost fame, helped him join Nick Holmes’ lineup for the 2022 European tour. His performance impressed so much that, on March 24, the band officially announced him as their new drummer, ready for future releases and tours.
Guido Zima, one of Italy’s most talented drummers, also has a dreamlike journey. From his early days with Rhyme to Austria’s Implore, then Friuli’s The Secret, and finally England’s Strigoi—founded by Chris Casket and Gregor Mackintosh—Zima gradually built his reputation. Mackintosh, of Paradise Lost fame, helped him join Nick Holmes’ lineup for the 2022 European tour. His performance impressed so much that, on March 24, the band officially announced him as their new drummer, ready for future releases and tours.
Guido Zima, one of Italy’s most talented drummers, also has a dreamlike journey. From his early days with Rhyme to Austria’s Implore, then Friuli’s The Secret, and finally England’s Strigoi—founded by Chris Casket and Gregor Mackintosh—Zima gradually built his reputation. Mackintosh, of Paradise Lost fame, helped him join Nick Holmes’ lineup for the 2022 European tour. His performance impressed so much that, on March 24, the band officially announced him as their new drummer, ready for future releases and tours.
Guido Zima, one of Italy’s most talented drummers, also has a dreamlike journey. From his early days with Rhyme to Austria’s Implore, then Friuli’s The Secret, and finally England’s Strigoi—founded by Chris Casket and Gregor Mackintosh—Zima gradually built his reputation. Mackintosh, of Paradise Lost fame, helped him join Nick Holmes’ lineup for the 2022 European tour. His performance impressed so much that, on March 24, the band officially announced him as their new drummer, ready for future releases and tours.
Milo Silvestro may be a new name to many, but he’s been turning heads recently. Born in 1987, he founded Rome’s industrial metal band Dead Channel, releasing a self-titled album in 2020. His powerful vocals, spanning metalcore, grindcore, and death metal, caught the attention of Fear Factory. After Burton Bell’s departure in 2020, the band recruited him as their new singer, revealing his identity in February 2023. His voice will feature on the upcoming album Re-Industrialized.
Milo Silvestro may be a new name to many, but he’s been turning heads recently. Born in 1987, he founded Rome’s industrial metal band Dead Channel, releasing a self-titled album in 2020. His powerful vocals, spanning metalcore, grindcore, and death metal, caught the attention of Fear Factory. After Burton Bell’s departure in 2020, the band recruited him as their new singer, revealing his identity in February 2023. His voice will feature on the upcoming album Re-Industrialized.
Milo Silvestro may be a new name to many, but he’s been turning heads recently. Born in 1987, he founded Rome’s industrial metal band Dead Channel, releasing a self-titled album in 2020. His powerful vocals, spanning metalcore, grindcore, and death metal, caught the attention of Fear Factory. After Burton Bell’s departure in 2020, the band recruited him as their new singer, revealing his identity in February 2023. His voice will feature on the upcoming album Re-Industrialized.
Milo Silvestro may be a new name to many, but he’s been turning heads recently. Born in 1987, he founded Rome’s industrial metal band Dead Channel, releasing a self-titled album in 2020. His powerful vocals, spanning metalcore, grindcore, and death metal, caught the attention of Fear Factory. After Burton Bell’s departure in 2020, the band recruited him as their new singer, revealing his identity in February 2023. His voice will feature on the upcoming album Re-Industrialized.
Milo Silvestro may be a new name to many, but he’s been turning heads recently. Born in 1987, he founded Rome’s industrial metal band Dead Channel, releasing a self-titled album in 2020. His powerful vocals, spanning metalcore, grindcore, and death metal, caught the attention of Fear Factory. After Burton Bell’s departure in 2020, the band recruited him as their new singer, revealing his identity in February 2023. His voice will feature on the upcoming album Re-Industrialized.
Martino Garattoni is a household name in Italian power metal. Active since 2006, he’s a key member of Ancient Bards, with four studio albums, a demo, and multiple singles. He’s also part of another major project: Ne Obliviscaris. In 2017, the Australian prog-death band needed a bassist after Brendan “Cygnus” Brown’s departure. Garattoni won the audition, joining the band permanently and contributing to Exul (2023).
Martino Garattoni is a household name in Italian power metal. Active since 2006, he’s a key member of Ancient Bards, with four studio albums, a demo, and multiple singles. He’s also part of another major project: Ne Obliviscaris. In 2017, the Australian prog-death band needed a bassist after Brendan “Cygnus” Brown’s departure. Garattoni won the audition, joining the band permanently and contributing to Exul (2023).
Martino Garattoni is a household name in Italian power metal. Active since 2006, he’s a key member of Ancient Bards, with four studio albums, a demo, and multiple singles. He’s also part of another major project: Ne Obliviscaris. In 2017, the Australian prog-death band needed a bassist after Brendan “Cygnus” Brown’s departure. Garattoni won the audition, joining the band permanently and contributing to Exul (2023).
Martino Garattoni is a household name in Italian power metal. Active since 2006, he’s a key member of Ancient Bards, with four studio albums, a demo, and multiple singles. He’s also part of another major project: Ne Obliviscaris. In 2017, the Australian prog-death band needed a bassist after Brendan “Cygnus” Brown’s departure. Garattoni won the audition, joining the band permanently and contributing to Exul (2023).
Martino Garattoni is a household name in Italian power metal. Active since 2006, he’s a key member of Ancient Bards, with four studio albums, a demo, and multiple singles. He’s also part of another major project: Ne Obliviscaris. In 2017, the Australian prog-death band needed a bassist after Brendan “Cygnus” Brown’s departure. Garattoni won the audition, joining the band permanently and contributing to Exul (2023).
