Italian progressive metal duo Asymmetric Universe have announced their debut album, A Memory And What Came After, and released their new single, Coquelicot, featuring Richard Henshall of Haken. We asked them the BIG questions . . .
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Founded by multi-instrumentalists Nicolò and Federico Vese, the band blend the aggressive intensity of metal with the harmonies and improvisational of jazz fusion.
Speaking about their new single, the band say, "Coquelicot is quite a simple and funky prog/fusion song, with quite a playful and happy feeling representing the peace of mind that we sometimes manage to achieve but that is disrupted by the things happening around and within us, represented by the heavy and complex breakdown and the dissonant solo of Richard Henshall."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
Federico: We are Italians but we always felt closer to foreign artists' music and foreign cultures. Probably this is reflected in our behaviour since when we play outside of our country, often people don't understand we are Italians until we tell them. Actually, I am mistaken for a foreigner in Italy quite often!
Despite growing together as brothers, we have very different personalities. Also, the different educational backgrounds in different genres makes us quite different as artists and composers. The challenge to blend these differences is the core of the project Asymmetric Universe.
Even if people keep on asking us, the truth is that we are brothers but we are not twins!
How would you describe your music?
Federico: Our main goal is to blend different genres, from modern prog metal to fusion, from avant-garde jazz with saxophones to emotional ambient, along with chamber orchestration. But we call it prog/fusion metal.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Nicolò: We both started from metal music, I’ve always been a Metallica fan, while Federico loves Iron Maiden. Then, we began to walk different roads, me going more first into jazz and then orchestral music, and him going more into fusion and more aggressive metal. I love, for example, Bill Evans’ harmony and Igor Stravinsky’s orchestration, while Federico was more into Meshuggah and Periphery. But we have always shared the love for progressive metal like Animals As Leaders, Dream Theater and generally music that blends different kinds of arrangements and harmony.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Federico: I don’t remember the first local gig but I will never forget the first big gig: It was Metallica during the Death Magnetic tour with Mastodon and Lamb Of God as openers. I can still feel the energy of that live show; it was the first time I heard music (and guitars) played at such a high volume. It was really intense!
What was the first record you ever bought?
Nicolò: I think Kill 'Em All by Metallica, and there I fell in love with Cliff Burton’s bass style, before changing my direction to a more jazz and funk style like Marcus Miller or Victor Wooten.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Nicolò: It’s not properly a song but I’ve recently re-watched the film My Neighbor Totoro by Miaazaky and I can’t stop listening to The Path Of Wind by Joe Hisaishi, its pentatonic theme keeps me in the loop!
Favourite lyric of all time?
Federico: The Spirit Carries On by Dream Theater.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Nicolò: I think I would say Time Flies by Porcupine Tree. Its lyrics and its melody are incredible to me.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Federico: We are on Facebook and Instagram and our music is on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music and all the others streaming services! Here is our Bandcamp.
Alan Cor
