Algea is an Italian black metal band founded by Fenrir Dominator Carpathicus, from Lombardy, originally from Bucharest and 'Nfernu from Ragusa (Sicily). Fenrir DC is active in the black metal scene since 2010, with the solo project Enchained Wolf. The two musicians met on social networks and the band debuts with the EP "15/17", independent distribution and only in digital version. After several changes the band's line-up is consolidated with the duo Fenrir (voice and bass) and Hirschsprung from Emilia-Romagna (guitar and drums). The band makes a quantum leap by publishing the first demo. "Perversione" was published in January 2018 with the label Depressive Illusion Records. The demo playtime is just over 7 minutes, an anticipation of what will be the first full-length of Algea. The band wants to focus on the sadomasochism theme, that is proposed in a crude and brutal way, not only to scandalize the listener. The cover picture of the demo convey an clear message: a girl with a collar that is pulled with a chain. The Unoly Black Metal staff has contacted the band's frontman to ask how the project was born and to talk about the connections between black metal and bdsm
- Hi Fenrir. I would like first of all to know how Algea were born. I know that you are currently in two and come from different parts of Italy.
Algea were born from the ashes of an old project of mine and of 'Nfernu. He is Sicilian, while I live in Lombardy. We met on social networks, which played an important role for us. We live in the digital age, in which information prevails over distance. The Internet has allowed us to exchange ideas despite the distance and find people with more affinity on musical tastes and songwriting. In the black metal environment, many consider internet negative. Frankly, it does't matter to us. The push was given to us by the desire to express what we think of black metal.
- Why did you choose the name "Algea"? What does it mean for you?
Algea comes from the spirit, from the divinity of suffering in Greek mythology (Algos ed.). We chose this name because it's about the themes we intend to develop in our songs. We think that reflects the sadistic character of our lyrics. It's certainly a reference to BDSM and paraphilia in general.
- The theme of sadomasochism in black metal is certainly not new. In your opinion, what's the connection between black metal and sadomasochism?
I think that there is a solid connection between BDSM and black metal. Not only for the common aesthetic elements: studs, chains, etc. I think that black metal music is a genre much more instinctive and primordial than other "opposite" and "convoluted" genres like progressive or mathcore. For this reason it leads to free the vent of the impulses of violence and cruelty which, even if these are socially unacceptable, are part of human nature. The sadomaso is a practice that allows the vent of this side of our nature. It's very easy that black metal and bdsm intertwine. Black metal allows to express musically that sexual drive made of pure and destructive violence and domination. Many bands are only interested in provoking, flaunting sadomasochism as mere obscenity. Instead we want to express a reality.
- In your first full-length do you intend to highlight these concepts?
Of course. As can be understand from the "Perversione" demo, our attitude is "fuck off and die", it refers to the conformists and moralists who don't accept free expression but also to fellow musicians who criticize our choices because these are't canonical.
- Do you already know what the release date is?
We're about to finish the registrations. It'll probably released within this year. It's hard to say when, but probably between March or April if there will be no unexpected problems. It'll only be the beginning. It'll not be enough a single full-length to express what we have to say... or better to shout!
Interview by Flae Dissa
- Hi Fenrir. I would like first of all to know how Algea were born. I know that you are currently in two and come from different parts of Italy.
Algea were born from the ashes of an old project of mine and of 'Nfernu. He is Sicilian, while I live in Lombardy. We met on social networks, which played an important role for us. We live in the digital age, in which information prevails over distance. The Internet has allowed us to exchange ideas despite the distance and find people with more affinity on musical tastes and songwriting. In the black metal environment, many consider internet negative. Frankly, it does't matter to us. The push was given to us by the desire to express what we think of black metal.
- Why did you choose the name "Algea"? What does it mean for you?
Algea comes from the spirit, from the divinity of suffering in Greek mythology (Algos ed.). We chose this name because it's about the themes we intend to develop in our songs. We think that reflects the sadistic character of our lyrics. It's certainly a reference to BDSM and paraphilia in general.
- The theme of sadomasochism in black metal is certainly not new. In your opinion, what's the connection between black metal and sadomasochism?
I think that there is a solid connection between BDSM and black metal. Not only for the common aesthetic elements: studs, chains, etc. I think that black metal music is a genre much more instinctive and primordial than other "opposite" and "convoluted" genres like progressive or mathcore. For this reason it leads to free the vent of the impulses of violence and cruelty which, even if these are socially unacceptable, are part of human nature. The sadomaso is a practice that allows the vent of this side of our nature. It's very easy that black metal and bdsm intertwine. Black metal allows to express musically that sexual drive made of pure and destructive violence and domination. Many bands are only interested in provoking, flaunting sadomasochism as mere obscenity. Instead we want to express a reality.
- In your first full-length do you intend to highlight these concepts?
Of course. As can be understand from the "Perversione" demo, our attitude is "fuck off and die", it refers to the conformists and moralists who don't accept free expression but also to fellow musicians who criticize our choices because these are't canonical.
- Do you already know what the release date is?
We're about to finish the registrations. It'll probably released within this year. It's hard to say when, but probably between March or April if there will be no unexpected problems. It'll only be the beginning. It'll not be enough a single full-length to express what we have to say... or better to shout!
Interview by Flae Dissa