Thrashing Into Darkness with Satanica

Thrashing Into Darkness with Satanica

Satanica was spawned in the unholy year of 2002 mainly by Ritti Danger, a former member of Witch’s Kiss in the 80’s.  Based out of Japan, the thrash metal rituals of Satanica featured lyrics straight from the depth of the occult.  It’s been ten years since their last dark manifesto, and Satanica has now returned to launch Resurrection Of Devil’s Spirit via Iron Shield Records.  And now from the land of the rising sun arrives an interview with Ritti Danger to discuss all thing Satanica!  Read on…

Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in Satanica, and how long the band has been together.
I’m Ritti Danger. I am in charge of drums and lead vocals. Satanica was formed in the summer of 2002, led by me.

Where is the band based out of and what is the local heavy metal scene like there? Are there any local metal bands you could recommend?
Satanica was born in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, 100 km north of Tokyo.  The metal scene is dead because it is a rural city in the countryside.  There were many metal bands from the 1980s to the 1990s, but now only Satanica and Death Blast are Thrash Metal Bands.  Survived. Death Blast is recommended!

Is there any overall story or concept behind the Resurrection Of Devil’s Spirit title?
This album is Old School closer to their roots than the previous Satanic Power Metal line.  I pushed out the part to the whole surface. There is no particular story, but this is a new album that will be 10 years old, so it is a revival.  I was conscious of the album title and artwork. Also, Satanica’s album titles takes the initials. It has become a favorite band name. The first is KISS – (Knights in Satanic Service (2004), the second is AC/DC – After Christ, the Devil Comes (2007), and the third is W.A.S.P. – We Are Satan’s Preacher (2010). And this time is (THE) RODS – Resurrection of Devil’s Spirit (2020).

Select two songs from Resurrection Of  Devil’s Spirit andwhat inspired the lyrics.
“Blood Thirsty” – This song I wrote is based on the 1888 murder of Jack the Ripper in England.
“Deal With The Devil” – This is based on the fact that the king of a certain country gained wealth from the power of the devil.

Who did the cover art for Resurrection Of Devil’s Spirit and how much input did you have on it?
The cover art is handled by Yasuhito Ishii, who has been associated with our 2nd album. About the cover art, I provide the concept and draft.

What has it been like to release a new album right in themiddle of a pandemic and so much social injustice in the world? Have you had any shows or tours cancelledbecause of the pandemic? What could one expect from a live Satanica show?
The album production started in April 2019 before this pandemic happened, so it was said that it was this timing that it happened to be completed.  We also plan to start the album release gig in September.

What was it like opening for Anvil and did you get to meetor hang out with them at all?
It was the best experience that made my dream come true. Robb Reiner, a respected drummer in addition to the undercard on the ANVIL Japan tour at this time (2014).  I was happy that the drum crew of I was able to do it, and it was a good study. Also, the fans of ANVIL got to know Satanica.  It was big.

If Satanica could open for any band either now or from the past, who would it be and why?
If it comes true, I would like to play opening for the next band … ANVIL,SAXON,THE RODS, TYGERS OF PAN TANG,ANGEL WITCH.  The reason is that we are especially influenced by them, and they are the seniors they yearn for.

Has Satanica ever played here in the States or plan to do so after the pandemic comes to an end?
Unfortunately I have never played in USA. I have no plans for now, but I would like to play gig in the yearning USA.

When you look back at your first album Knights In Satanic Service, what do you think of it now in retrospect?
It was very dark. The sound is also bad. But it is our origin. Because the number of presses was as small as 500.  I know there are fans who want it, but there is no plan to recur at this point.

It’s been 10 years since the last Satanica release. Will we have to wait another 10 years (or longtime) for your next album? 
We’re not BOSTON! 😅 We didn’t have a good recording studio in our hometown, which is why we were late. We will release it constantly.

How frustrating was it to wait that long to release new material?
Surely I spent a lot of time this time, but I wasn’t frustrated because I had overcome many different situations.  And thank you to Iron Shield Records for recognizing Satanica.

What’s up next for Satanica?
The release gig associated with the CD release announcement will be held in our Hometown on September 20th.  After that, there are plans for gig until November.

Any final words of wisdom?
I hope many people will like Satanica after listening to the new album. Thank you so much!

LINE-UP:
Ritti Danger – vocals, drums
Ozzie Alastor – guitars, vocals
Shee Lipps – guitars
K.Z. Behemoth – bass, vocals

(Interview by Ken Morton)

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