There’s still hope for metal in Italy. Not because the scene is fading, but because artists keep creating extreme music with creativity and originality. When those artists are young musicians with metal in their blood from day one, we can be proud.
Sinister Ghost is a Tuscan band formed in Viareggio in 2017. Starting out as a duo, they already have a full-length under their belt, The Dark Abyss of Omerty, released in 2022, which earned them recognition in the Italian underground scene and established them as a promising young act. Their sound is black metal steeped in horror and sinister themes, as their name suggests, drawing from a wide range of influences spanning almost the entire spectrum of extreme metal.
Alongside founders Asmort and Synugoth, the band has two more members, Pontius and Aelodh. These new members joined smoothly and helped write the upcoming album, What’s Left Of Human?, which will be released in mid-December. This interview is a great time to talk with the band, learn about the new record, get to know them better, and hear about their plans for the future.
Hi everyone! First off, please introduce yourselves: how did the project start, what inspired your name, and what influences your music the most?
SYNUGOTH: “The band started when Asmort and I met, united by a common interest in creating a death/black metal project aimed at challenging ourselves, cultivating our passion, and expressing ourselves through music the way we want. Our name perfectly describes what we explore in our lyrics: fantasy horror stories, reimagined folk tales, and real events sometimes dramatized. That’s exactly where our music draws inspiration. But it’s not just that: it’s a combination, or a concentration if you will, of horror and majestic, unsettling, heavy atmospheres, just like black and death metal genres describe, without neglecting elements like groove, industrial, symphonic, and ambient, to name a few.”
AELODH: “I’m Aelodh, glad to be part of this interview! I joined Sinister Ghost in June, and for me, it was a true milestone to play with them. I’d known the band for a long time and loved them at first listen, so joining felt like a dream come true. My stage name, Aelodh, comes from the letters’ a ’ and ‘e’ from my real name, Alessandro, and ‘lodh,’ a suffix from an Elvish word meaning ‘wisdom.’ I chose it because it references Satanism and the enlightenment of the human being.”
Your music isn’t exactly simple: I noticed a mix of death, black, and gothic metal combined with complex songwriting. Could you take one of your songs and briefly explain the lyrics to clarify your concept?
SYNUGOTH: “Our concept is very simple: no limits. Our tracks are meant to be experienced fully, not just heard. Take our latest release, Ocean Avenue 112: in the middle of the song, there’s a playful piano section that highlights the irony of such a brutal act, accompanied by a drum solo, and the ending features an acoustic part that reprises the main melodies, adding a melancholic, disheartened touch. The focus isn’t just on delivering a heavy foundation but on supporting what’s being told in the story.”
ASMORT: “The lyrics for Ocean Avenue 112 show how carefully we combine story and music. The song is about the murders that happened on November 13, 1974, at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville. I wrote the lyrics after watching movies and documentaries about the case. I wanted the words to be as close to the real events as possible. In the first line, ’13 November 1974, 3 AM, A Family High Hopes,’ the phrase ‘High Hopes’ stands for dreams, but it was also the name the DeFeo family gave their house before it became infamous.”
What struck me most were the vocals, which shift from deep growls to sharp screams in an instant. Is there a specific influence behind this, or is it entirely original?
ASMORT: “Thanks! I’m glad the vocals caught your attention. I wish I could say it’s entirely original, that would be awesome, but it’s not. Many extreme vocalists make similar shifts from deep growls to harsh screams—Will Ramos, for example—but for me, it’s mostly personal taste. Over the years, I’ve also been influenced by artists like Nergal, Seregor, and Dani Filth.”
Your debut album was widely praised. You recently announced your next full-length—any hints?
SYNUGOTH: “Thanks for the compliment. The new album is the result of a lot of work, and we are extremely proud of it. We can’t wait for everyone to hear it in full and hopefully enjoy it as much as we do. It’s more cohesive genre-wise than the first album, but still very diverse, featuring a variety of atmospheres and themes.”
AELODH: “From my perspective as a newer member, the second album represents a real step up in quality, from songwriting to final production. While the first record did well, I’m confident that What’s Left Of Human? will reach a broader audience.”
Were your composition methods the same as those on the first album, or did you change anything?
SYNUGOTH: “Our approach is largely the same instrumentally. I focus less on complex riffs or technical flair and more on expressing emotions—sometimes several per song—painting a musical image for deeper, more effective communication.”
PONTIUS: “I joined a project that was already underway, with one album released. I’ve been able to contribute, but the masterminds remain Synugoth and Asmort. I’ve tried to support the instrumental needs of the project as best as I can.”
ASMORT: “I really enjoyed writing and recording demos for the second album. I experimented with new approaches, especially on the interpretive side, which is key for our tracks. Some songs even feature full dialogues between characters, like in ‘As If the Sea Was a Mirror’ between Morgana and The Captain. And the new album will have plenty of that too.”
With four members now, do you feel “strengthened”? Does it give you more motivation?
SYNUGOTH: “Absolutely. Being four not only gives us more motivation but turns us into a full band, not just a duo. Ideas and inspiration are shared, opinions are exchanged, and our sound multiplies.”
ASMORT: “Yes, more ideas and more chemistry. It’s different, being used to a duo, but not in a negative way. Both Pontius and Aelodh bring constructive feedback and aren’t afraid to push themselves. Aelodh’s first live at Vegas in Viareggio on Halloween went amazingly—he really gave his all and the crowd loved it.”
You’ve always had a DIY approach, but your music needs top-notch production. How do you balance that?
SYNUGOTH: “We fully apply our skills, managing everything as artists rather than just musicians. We have a clear vision of what we want to tell and how it should look and sound, while collaborating with trusted graphic designers, photographers, and specialists.”
ASMORT: “We want the image and music to go hand in hand. Choosing collaborators carefully is crucial, so the final result is optimal.”
How did you learn to play? Did you study theory or take another approach?
ASMORT: “I started on drums but quickly wanted more. I discovered metal thanks to my drum teacher, Chiara ‘Choppy’ Sale, and saw Metallica live at 14. Marilyn Manson inspired me to take up vocals. I started self-taught, experimenting with scream and whistle techniques, then took lessons to refine my skills.”
SYNUGOTH: “I picked up a guitar at home, and curiosity took over. My older brother played guitar and drums, which inspired me. I didn’t focus on theory, just wrote complex songs that challenged me and were fun.”
AELODH: “Brian May inspired me at 12, and over time, my taste moved to thrash, death, and black metal. I mostly learned by ear and followed my instincts, with a few years of formal lessons.”
PONTIUS: “I started drums at 5 thanks to my family. I focused on technique, listening, and eventually composition. Sinister Ghost pushed me to the next level, understanding my instrument fully.”
What are the albums that shaped you musically?
SYNUGOTH: “My Childhood staples are Pantera, Lamb of God, Machine Head’s Burn My Eyes. Later, Nymphetamine by Cradle of Filth and Dance and Laugh Amongst the Rotten by Carach Angren, who are now my favourite band.”
ASMORT: “One of the albums that mostly inspired me is Marilyn Manson’s Antichrist Superstar. Then, also Cradle of Filth’s Cruelty and the Beast, Carach Angren’s Where the Corpses Sink Forever, Behemoth’s The Satanist, plus many more. I could go on listing another 100 albums, like Redefining Darkness by Shining or Under the Sign of Hell 2011 by Gorgoroth, because I try to take what’s good from everything I listen to, but these are the ones I’ve carried with me all my life.”
AELODH: “Among the albums that inspired me are Lunar Strain (In Flames), Storm of the Light’s Bane (Dissection), Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk (Emperor), Nachthymnen (Abigor). They redefined my old playing style, as before listening to them I was focused on pursuing a traditional death metal approach.”
PONTIUS: “Iowa, Sacrament, Seasons in the Abyss—thanks to drummers like Joey Jordison, Chris Adler, and Dave Lombardo. Albums like Gorgoroth’s Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt and Carach Angren’s Death Came Through a Phantom Ship deeply influenced me.”
You’re a young, promising band with a unique sound. You’ve already played live, including Slaughter Club. What are your upcoming shows, your dream venues, and your future plans?
SYNUGOTH: “We want to play on every stage! In 2024, we aim to perform as much as possible, anywhere there’s an opportunity. As for the future, we’re ready: we never get tired of writing, and that’s what we love most. So expect some exciting things. In the meantime, starting December 15, you’ll be able to enjoy What’s Left Of Human?.”
PONTIUS: “Our goal is to get our music out everywhere, so we’ll keep working hard to achieve that. The Dark Abyss of Omerty and What’s Left Of Human? are just the beginning of a long-term project.”
AELODH: “My dream is to perform on every possible stage, to bring Sinister Ghost’s music to as many people as possible and share the passion we put into what we do. For the future, be ready—our passion for creating new music definitely won’t end with What’s Left Of Human?. As for follow-ups, we’ll talk more later. For now, focus on enjoying our upcoming album, out December 15!”
ASMORT: “As Synugoth said, in 2024 we want to play on every possible stage. Wherever we are called, we will answer. Our new album comes out December 15, and we can’t wait to perform it in full for our growing audience. Physical copies are available on Bandcamp and, of course, will be sold at all future shows, along with a wide range of merchandise. The future after What’s Left Of Human?—we’re ready for it, even if it’s dark, full of demons and storms. After all, we thrive in these themes. Thanks to Zack Metalpriest for taking the time to conduct this amazing interview, and thanks to all the readers.”
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