Fleshgod Apocalypse On Their Return to India: ‘We’ll Feature A Lot of Surprises’

Bandleader Francesco Paoli recounts their debut show from 2015 and their next move to follow up their 2019 album ‘Veleno’

Italian metal band Fleshgod Apocalypse. Photo: Dave Tavanti/Courtest of Nuclear Blast

How many tech-death metal-influenced bands can pull off a cover of the unforgettable dance hit “Blue (Da Ba Dee)” by Eiffel 65 and still keep their cred intact? The answer to that is in Italian metallers Fleshgod Apocalypse’s trajectory in the music world over the last decade or so, especially after the release of their album Labyrinth in 2013.

They began touring the world with metal bands across the spectrum, ending up in India for the first (and as of 2023, only) edition of metal festival BIG69 in Mumbai in 2015. Now, eight years and a couple of albums (King in 2016 and Veleno in 2019) later, Fleshgod Apocalypse are making their way back to India, kicking off their Asia tour at indoor festival series The Uprising in Bengaluru on October 13th. The series – which hosted Polish bands like Vader, Hate and Thy Disease in June – also brings in death metallers Moral Collapse (making their live debut), Hyderabad technical death metallers Septic Isle and black metal band Antt for this edition.

Ahead of their return to India, Fleshgod’s founder, principal songwriter/composer and drummer Francesco Paoli spoke with Rolling Stone India over email about what’s in store.

Rolling Stone India: What is it like getting the call back to India?

Francesco Paoli: It’s fantastic. India is such a fascinating and exotic place that we just feel honored and excited at the same time for having the chance to perform here. Especially this time, since we headline the show and we know that crowd is super responsive!

I remember the Mumbai gig was fraught with some challenges for the band, including unwell members just powering through on stage. What’s in store for the “full production” set in Bengaluru?

Yeah, that show was affected by my sickness. I left home already sick, hoping to get better for the gig but it didn’t happen, it was such a shame… so I look forward to this one even more. The full prod show, considering all the logistic limits that we have since we can’t just drive here, will feature a lot of surprises like new light show and props we’ve never been able to bring to Asia. Besides, [there’s also] a renewed setlist and performance. You’ll see, [we] don’t want to unveil anything.

It’s been four years since the release of your album Veleno. How is the newer Fleshgod material shaping up and will we be hearing any new music in 2024 perhaps?

Yes, we’ve been collecting material lately but I can’t say much about it right now. For sure you’ll hear from us next year, no worries!

What, if anything, have you heard about the Indian metal scene in the time that you’ve been away from the country and now coming back?

Yeah, of course we hear things about [it]. This is a big country with lots of bands and we happen to meet Indian bands on the road, like in Europe for the festival season, for example. I’m sure that with time, especially now, after pandemic, things will change radically worldwide and good bands from here will have their own spot in the world metal community.

You’ve been on so many diverse lineups so far, whether it’s festivals or even touring partners. What’s the allure or accessible thing about Fleshgod Apocalypse for people who like heavy music, you’d say?

Well, we are pretty unique when it comes to music and show. Probably the Italian Opera influence makes our style epic, dramatic and as I said, very unique and distinguishable. I think people are fascinated by this particular aspect of our identity and we’re glad to bring to the world our own vision of music, which is basically extreme in both senses, on the metal side but also on the melodic/symphonic side.

It’s a short stopover in India before you head out to Dubai. But since you play in India first as part of your Asia tour, do you have any time and plans once in the city?

It’s a very short stop as you said and that is unfortunate. I wish we had more time here, hopefully next time.

For those who are about to experience Fleshgod Apocalypse live — that too in an indoor setting — what kind of advice or words do you have for them?

First thing, I want to thank them for coming and support us. Then, I have no specific recommendations, just come down to the show, have fun and I can assure you it will turn into a night to remember.

Fleshgod Apocalypse will headline The Uprising at WL Superclub, Bengaluru on October 13th. Get tickets here.

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