INTERVIEW WITH FREDERICA OF

WHITE SKULL

CRITICALTOM: The story of the Roman Empire is a great idea for a concept album (especially to a history teacher!).

FREDERICA: Yes, it is a great story, our history. I enjoy history and I write all the lyrics.

TOM: Did you study history in college?

FREDERICA: No. I studied accounting. I just enjoy history.

TOM: It seems to me that there is an explosion of Metal bands from Italy these days—at least, as far as I can tell. Why?

FREDERICA: I don’t know. There have been lots of Metal bands in Italy, but they were not given a chance. The best market for Metal is in Germany. In the 80’s, a few Italian bands got the attention of some German producers, but there were not really good bands. So the world began to think that all bands from Italy were not very good. Now we are overcoming that stigma. Rhapsody led the way. The Metal movement in Italy is largely underground, but now we are getting some attention.

TOM: How long has White Skull been around?

FREDERICA: White Skull has been around for 10 years. I started singing when I was 15 years old. We are only now getting noticed. People think we are a new band. We are really 10 years old! We actually have four albums and one E.P.

TOM: It seems that things are getting better. Tell me about the deal with Nuclear Blast, Radiation, and Breaker Records.

FREDERICA: We didn’t sell enough of our last album "Tales From The North" so we lost our contract with Nuclear Blast. Udo Dirkschneider is part of Breaker Records and they are carrying our CD.

TOM: That’s interesting because I got my promo of "Public Glory, Secret Agony" from Nuclear Blast.

FREDERICA: Yes, they are marketing it. This is our first album on Breaker Records and we are hoping for lots of new opportunities.

TOM: Maybe you can come and tour the U.S.

FREDERICA: Wow! That would be great!

TOM: Sure, you can leave the old Rome and come to the new Rome. (She seemed a little confused about this statement, so I explained) America as the new great Empire. Only we are now in decline and the Vandals are standing outside the gates ready to come in! Will you be writing any songs about the Vandals/Goths?

FREDERICA: I did on "Tales From The North" (crap, I don’t have that one!). It is called, "The Norsemen".

TOM: Oh, okay. The new album sure hits on a lot of themes of the Roman Empire, like "Burn Rome, Burn". The melody of that song, particularly in the chorus, sounds like some sort of Classical or Baroque piece, but I cannot place it.

FREDERICA: We like to be original. We strongly believe in Power Metal, but we do mix all kinds of elements in our music.

TOM: I think your sound is kind of a cross between German Power Metal like Accept and maybe the more neo-classical sound of Rhapsody. Do you like the Swedish bands of this genre? Hammerfall, Nocturnal Rites, etc?

FREDERICA: I liked Hammerfall’s first album. After that they all sound the same. Nocturnal Rites are okay. I’m a big fan of 80’s Metal. I love W.A.S.P., Helloween, Twisted Sister, Alice Cooper. Their singers have a lot of personality.

TOM: You feel the singer must have a great personality. Do you think a lot of singers today lack personality?

FREDERICA: YES! Like the singer for Rhapsody. I know him. He is very proud. He asked me about singing for something and I told him I had to work. He said, "you work?" He has a rich father who supports him. He doesn’t have to work. I’m a normal person. Heavy Metal has simple roots. You’ve got to feel your music (live it!).

TOM: Tell me about "The Mangler".

FREDERICA: It is kind of based on Science Fiction. You know, some people believe that the Egyptians come from an alien race.

TOM: Like the movie "Stargate"?

FREDERICA: Yes. "The Mangler" is about an alien, a false Ra. The song is like saying, "watch out!"

TOM: Okay, how about "Field of Peace"?

FREDERICA: It is about Cleopatra’s suicide.

TOM: I see. Much of the story of the Roman Empire is filled with tragedy. The city of Rome was founded on violence (I’m referring to the story of Romulus and Remus). The song "Greedy Rome" comes to mind . . .

FREDERICA: Everyone was looking for his own glory. (we talked a little about Julius Caesar and she made this wonderful statement) You always need the ruler you kill.

TOM: You really have a way with words. They are powerful. I love the title to this album. It makes a lot of sense. And you have a way of making these kinds of pithy statements. What’s next? A concept album about the Pope?

FREDERICA: No, No! Tony and I have talked about some medieval themes—the Inquisition, Torquemada, and so on. Tony likes the idea but the other guitarist says no. He doesn’t want to do another concept album. Concept albums are hard.

TOM: Well, I love "Public Glory, Secret Agony". It is a great album and I’m going to do all I can here to get people to listen to it. Keep up the good work.

FREDERICA: Thanks.