Metalview

Soulless are a powerful band based in Cleveland, Ohio. After hearing their debut "Darkening of Days", I was impressed and decided to contact the band to hear their story. Singer Jim Lupucci and drummer Chris Dora got together to answer my questions. This is what they had to say...

Justin Lambourne: What would you say Soulless is all about?

Jim Lippucci: We really just wanted to do something a little bit different than the type of metal that's been coming out as of late. Sort of combine the best of the new with a little of the style of old that seems to have been forgotten by a lot of bands. We made a vow to ourselves that when writing new material we would never dismiss a part because it's too punk rock or too melodic or too death or anything. We write what sounds good to us and stay away from any of the established metal sub-genres (Black, death, grind etc.,)

Justin: Vocally, Jim is quite reminiscent of Rob Urbinati from Canadian thrash legends Sacrifice. Are they an influence?

Jim: We're really influenced so much by a lot of bands that have come before us, including Sacrifice. They're a great band and may have rubbed off on us a bit. I really don't see that much of a similarity between Rob and me but they were an incredible band and I'm flattered by the comparison.

Justin: Any other influences you'd care to mention?

Jim: Black Sabbath of course, Kreator, Sodom, Carnivore, Slayer, Celtic Frost and some newer bands like In Flames, The Haunted, Holy Moses & At the Gates even some old hard-core stuff: bands like The Accused & Discharge... I can go on and on...

Justin: What's your favorite track from your debut?

Jim: It's really hard to say...Probably "Emptiness Domain"with Devilish and the title track pulling up a close second. There are some songs that I'm lyrically proud of... others where I'm particularly happy with my performance and others where the rest of the band just rocks....

Justin: Any new bands that have impressed you lately? Any older bands you are just getting into now?

Jim: Like I said before Bands like In Flames, The Haunted, Bewitched, Monstrosity. Bruce Dickinson is amazing and I really get into Meshuggah & Neurosis, Although I guess they're not really new bands but I do like the newer stuff they've put out, As far as old bands go... Sinister "Cross The Styx" is one of the greatest things ever and no one should be without the first Metal Church.

Justin: How's the metal scene in Cleveland?

Jim: The scene here is pretty cool. We have some really kick ass bands here and bands like Nunslaughter and Incantation have even made a home of Cleveland from time to time. You should really check out bands like Decrepit, From the Depths, All That Is Evil, Schnauzer. Ringworm, HolyGhost and Descend. I'm sure most old-schoolers have heard of Destructor...

Justin: The lyrics for this album seem to be a step above a lot of similar bands. Do you put a lot of effort into the lyrics or do they just come naturally?

Jim: I write lyrics. It's the whole reason I started doing this way back when. I have no musical skill whatsoever other than the ability to scream like a pissed asshole for extended periods of time. Some come very naturally but most of the time it's a real pain in the ass to come up with things I'm happy with.

Justin: Who are the main songwriters for the band?

Jim: I write the lyrics, Jerry & Wayne come up with most of the riffs and Chris here writes riffs and sort of orchestrates the whole mess and puts everything together.

Justin: Any tour dates you'd like to mention?

Jim: Just some local stuff over the next few months...

Justin: What does the future hold in store for Soulless?

Jim: It's hard to comment on the future... The Ozzy tribute from dwell should be in stores any day now and we've already started recording our next CD. I'm hoping we can start doing a lot of shows out of state after the winter and get our name out a bit more

Justin: In 10 years you see yourself...?

Jim: Dead of a heroin overdose. Chris will be on VH1 Behind the Music telling everyone what a dickhead I was and how much I blew off practice ...either that or I'll die of a brain aneurysm or something while screaming. No, We really hope we'll still be playing some kind of metal, Be it Soulless or another band. I'll do it till I die.

Justin: Thanks for the interview guys, good luck in all your endeavors, and keep me posted on any info.

Jim: Thank you and good luck with your site. Also Check out "Hell Bent for Metal: A Tribute to Judas Priest" and "Land of the Wizard: A Tribute to Ozzy" from Dwell Reccords. Both are really good compilations that we appear on with some really good bands. You can pick them up at just about any record store either in the bin with the artist they pay tribute to or in the various artists section. Our shirts are $10 one sided with the Soulless logo & the CD title on the front. The CD's are also $10 and both include postage. Stay Metal!!!!

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