Eternal Idol interview (2020/RockUnited.com)

ETERNAL IDOL returns with a revamped line-up and sound that takes the somewhat questionable shared male and female vocals to the next level. Indeed. Nick Savio (guitars, songwriter, arrangements, producer) must be applauded for what he has achieved here. Not only did he make the best out of vocalists Fabio Lione (Angra, Rhapsody Of Fire) and new vocalist Claudia Layline, but the atmospheric, bombastic, fantastic, symphonic, arrangements are larger than life and full on energy. It's definitely the "Renaissance" and the proper album effort which feature intense songwriting and impeccable vocal performances. Find out more about the album and the band. Here's Mr. NICK SAVIO...

Congrats to your excellent new album. Are you a "Renaissance" man?

Nick - Hi Urban, Thanks for the interview, The title meaning is very current. Lyrics talk about humanity and real live situations where people go between bad periods like war, crisis, etc. So here we are with the covid problems. The fact is we wrote the album and the concept before this pandemic world situation.

There's a natural connection between the rich (old) culture and art of Italy and the music of Eternal Idol?

Nick - Sure, especially with our great melodic tradition.. Our music is like a tribute to the great artists we had in Italy, such as Morricone, Pavarotti, etc. About old culture I hope we can make in the future a concept album which talk about it.

Have you always been intrigued by bombastic symphonic arrangements and complex songwriting?

Nick - No, in the beginning I put much attention to guitar part and arrangements, but in the last 10 years I had the occasion to collaborate with some great musicians who introduced me to the orchestral world. With the technology available today we have a lot of possibility so I changed my point of view as composer. I found to compose with orchestral sound samples gave me more possibilities than just the guitar.

Kindly tell us something about the writing process and what you're trying to capture on the record.

Nick - The heart of each musician of the band… We are not the typical metal band, because each one of us has his personal background far from the metal. I use to listen to The Beatles, Jethro Tull, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. We don't have any pressure from our record label Frontiers... we simply make what we like.

There must be endless hours of work into the orchestral arrangements? Do you enjoy spending time (nitpicking) in the studio?

Nick - Of course, it takes months … I really like making this record but I would like play live asap.

There's a track entitled "Away From Heaven". Any personal religious view or statement behind the song?

Nick - No, we normally don't talk about religion or politic in our lyrics.

What's the secret behind getting the best out of shared male and female lead vocals? In this case the excellent pair of Fabio Lione and Claudia Layline.

Nick - We didn't make nothing special.. I think you have to know very well the possibilities and characteristics of the singers you have and write the material for them. I know some musicians are more interested in shred guitar parts or general instrumental part.. Is not the way I like it. We prefer to write great songs with the best vocals melodies.

I must say that I really enjoy your guitar work and tone on the album. Do you still practise every day?

Nick - Not always, as you can imagine when I'm writing material I spend all my time on it… I use to praticse guitar not only for exercise, but for try the best sound solutions for Eternal Idol. I use many different Marshall and Bogner amps on the album.

What's your opinion about Yngwie Malmsteen? Neo-classical God or the donut loving speed freak?

Nick - He is the great maestro. I really love Malmsteen not only as one of the most important guitar player in rock history, but also as a great composer.

Regarding: Eternal Idol. Did you grab the name from Black Sabbath or does it have any other meaning to you?

Nick - Yes, I love the Black Sabbath period with Tony Martin ..It's the perfect bombastic sound I like. Great songs with great vocal melodies.

If there's anything you'd like to add, say, please do:

Nick - I hope we can come back to the light soon and see you on tour with Eternal Idol.

nterview by: Urban Wally Wallstrom