AMORIELLO Exclusive interview

Hello and welcome to Metal Music Midwest, first off, thanks for taking the time to do the interview, could you give our readers a brief description of the group? 

AMORIELLO is a studio audio art project where traditional, neoclassical, and the power aspects of heavy metal are explored. I am the sole guitarist, lyric writer, and music co-collaborator with musicians on a global basis.  The lineups usually consist of extraordinary vocalists, powerhouse drummers, virtuoso keyboardists, and masterful bassists. I live and create in New Jersey and record in the Philadelphia area (Dirty Viking Audio) currently with producer Carlos Alvarez (Power Theory, Shadowdance)

Phantom Sounds is the band's second full album, how long did it take to write?

I managed to squeeze an EP in there with the original cassette release of Dear Dark on Ice Fall Records in 2020. Sliptrick Records did a digital campaign a year later.

As for Phantom Sounds, The first riffs were created in April 2020 and the final notes recorded in August 2021. It was a smooth process and a pleasure to work with Carlos and the consistent rhythm section of bassist Giovanni Sena and Cameron Fleury. Other players of note included Herbie Langhans (Firewind), Piet Sielck (Iron Savior), Bobby Koelble (Death), Sonia Anubis (Cobra Spell), and many more players. Check it out on the NWOTHM Full Albums Youtube page for the entire cast: https://youtu.be/TEDPq7zFVxw

What musical influence inspires the band's compositions?

There have been many musical inspirations during the years but for this one I was trying to channel from the metal tradition: Outworld, Manowar, Savatage, Deep Purple, 80's Sabbath, Toby Knapp, and early Rising Force. 

The group started in 2018, can you tell us how did you all meet?

The cool thing about this recording is that I have never met any of the players on it as they reside in Brazil, Argentina, Canada, Italy, Spain, Germany, New York, and Florida. Communication is slightly different than being in the same room but the results were equally as effective. I kind of prefer to work this way at the moment being a full time doctoral student, music educator, and family man. 

The new album title is Phantom Sounds, can you give us details about the content and more in depth meaning to this title?

The title came from a music philosophy book I was reading related to thoughts about music in Japan. The idea of hearing sounds in the middle of other sounds. Check out the writings of Tadahiko Imada for more on this concept. The album consists of mid- tempo singles, six and a half minute epic vampire dramas,  power ballads, a blues number, and shred instrumentals that make me so proud to be a part of the Shredguy Records and H42 Records rosters. The musicians were chosen from extensive searches for who would work best for each track. The second single Unruly King features Power Theory vocalist Jim Rutherford and is receiving a cool buzz in the metal community: https://youtu.be/Y_OaZrL4nnY

Each member of this project is part of another band, how do you maintain a good balance working together?

Well I hope to work with a few of the players on a single as part of a split 7-inch vinyl currently being worked out scheduled for a late 2023 release. The track is currently in pre-production and working out various details even as we speak. I am also a big fan and supporter of the bands and projects all of these artists are currently in! 

Have you performed any shows in your area? If so, how receptive and supportive are the people to your music?

This past summer I performed the National Anthem at many minor league baseball stadiums including the Triple-A Philadelphia Phillies and Double-A New York Yankees. These were in front of crowd of over 8,000 baseball fanatics. Here is a performance in Pennsylvania: https://youtu.be/z-b36P6QVPI

As for AMORIELLO being a studio project there are currently no shows scheduled. I may one day attempt to perform live or at least shoot a promo video with some of the players within geographical proximity. 

Are there any upcoming shows or tours you can tell us about?

Star Spangled Banner performances coming up for a Big Ten Men's Soccer Match for Michigan State as well as a Hershey Bears ice hockey game who are an affiliate of the Washington Capitals. Looking forward to one day doing this in the big leagues!!!

My plan in early 2023 is to continue tracking the next single. I am also open to joining any established original or tribute heavy metal band as a lead or rhythm guitarist within the Philadelphia to New York City areas for live shows. 

Thanks for your participation, finally, what is the best way to get a hold of the band, in case someone wants to book or promote the band? 

All of the latest news and contacts can be viewed at https://thomasamoriello.com/

Any final words?

Thank you Metal Music Midwest for the support!!!

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