{"id":2171,"date":"2026-09-02T09:20:19","date_gmt":"2026-09-02T09:20:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/metalhed.com\/?p=2171"},"modified":"2026-09-02T09:20:20","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T09:20:20","slug":"ancestral-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/metalhed.com\/?p=2171","title":{"rendered":"ANCESTRAL – Interview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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From Sicily to Brooklyn: The American Chapter Begins<\/h2>\n\n

Rage of ARMAGEDDON 9: Their First USA Appearance, 25 Years of Metal, The Albums, New Material, and the Legacy of a Sicilian Power Metal Force<\/h3>\n\n
\n

Ancestral<\/strong><\/p>\n

Interview with Domiziano Mendolia and Massimiliano Mendolia<\/strong><\/p>\n

Interview by Lady Kat Chaos<\/strong><\/p>\n

Date: August 30, 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/header>\n\n

For more than 25 years, Ancestral has remained committed to heavy metal on its own terms. Formed in January 1999 in Castelvetrano-Selinunte, Sicily, by twin brothers Massimiliano and Domiziano Mendolia, the band has built its career through songwriting, musicianship, live performance, and a determination to keep moving forward despite the challenges of working within the metal underground.<\/p>\n\n

From the early demos Travel In A Forgotten Time<\/em> and Breed Of Chosens<\/em> to The Walls Of Troy<\/em>, the 2007 full-length The Ancient Curse<\/em>, and the 2017 album Master Of Fate<\/em>, Ancestral has developed a sound that combines the aggression of Thrash Metal with the melody and technical approach of Power Metal.<\/p>\n\n

In 2026, the band enters a new stage with its first performance in the United States at Rage of Armageddon 9 in Brooklyn, New York. The festival brings Ancestral together with established names and underground acts from across the metal world, giving the Sicilian band an opportunity to introduce its music to an American audience for the first time.<\/p>\n\n

At the same time, Ancestral is preparing for what comes next. New material has been completed, with the band planning to present its latest work to record labels after the American appearance. The result is a moment that connects the band’s history, its first American performance, and its plans for the future.<\/p>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos spoke with Massimiliano and Domiziano about the band’s beginnings, their years in the underground, the albums that shaped their career, the influence of Sicily, their collaboration with Fabio Lione, the realities of maintaining a band for more than two decades, their new material, and the long-awaited journey from Sicily to Brooklyn.<\/p>\n\n

First Time in America<\/h2>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> Hails & Welcome! Massimiliano and Domiziano, welcome. Let’s start with the big news: Ancestral is coming to America for the first time to perform at Rage of Armageddon 9 Festival in Brooklyn, New York. After more than 25 years of building this band in Sicily, what does it feel like to know that you are finally going to play in the USA?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> Knowing that we are finally going to play in the United States at Rage of Armageddon 9 in Brooklyn is a huge emotion. It is the culmination of a very long journey, built on great sacrifices and unconditional dedication. When you start a band in Sicily in 1999, you know right from the start that the road ahead will be uphill. Bringing the name of Ancestral in front of an American audience is an honor, but above all a professional responsibility that we are taking on with total focus.<\/p>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> Rage of Armageddon has built a reputation for bringing together bands that represent different generations and sides of the heavy metal underground. How did Ancestral become part of this year’s festival, and what was your reaction when you learned you would be playing the event?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> We were already very familiar with the solid reputation of Rage of Armageddon, a festival that over 9 editions has always guaranteed quality and consistency in the international underground. It is an event completely detached from commercial trends or easy compromises, where bands perform purely based on musical value, attitude, and artistic merit. Likewise, Ed Farshtey knew Ancestral and appreciated our music, so when he invited us to play, our reaction was one of pure happiness and satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> The festival is presented by Ed Farshtey, who has spent years supporting the metal community and creating opportunities for underground and traditional metal bands. How did your connection with Ed develop, and what does his support mean to you?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> Our contact with Ed Farshtey began online, building on mutual respect and esteem. Ed is a prominent figure precisely because of his integrity: he follows music with pure passion and deeply understands bands like ours that have been carrying this genre forward with unwavering consistency for decades. Promoters like Ed are essential because they keep the scene focused on artistic merit rather than purely commercial motives. Knowing that he has placed his trust in Ancestral motivates us to give everything on the Brooklyn stage, rewarding his belief with a performance we hope will be top-tier.<\/p>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> Looking at the Rage of Armageddon 9 lineup, you’ll be sharing the stage with bands including Vicious Rumors, Massacre, Desolation Angels, Insanity, Machine of War, Mausoleum, Drowning In Blood, and Electrocutioner. What does it mean to see Ancestral’s name among these artists?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> Seeing Ancestral\u2019s name alongside historical acts and legendary names of this caliber is a source of immense pride. Bands like Vicious Rumors, Massacre, or Artillery represent foundational pillars of heavy metal history for us. Sharing the same stage with them and with other great bands from the international underground is a truly rewarding feeling.<\/p>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> Many of the bands on this bill represent the kind of metal that has survived decades of changing musical trends. After more than 25 years yourselves, do you feel a special connection with bands that have chosen to stay true to their sound rather than follow whatever is current?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> Absolutely, yes. We feel an immediate bond of respect and appreciation with anyone who shares our vision. Keeping an active band uninterrupted for more than a quarter of a century without ever surrendering to passing trends requires remarkable artistic integrity.<\/p>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> Are there any bands on the festival bill that you are especially excited to see or meet? Are there artists you have followed for years that you never imagined you would one day share a stage with?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> It\u2019s undeniable that sharing the stage with icons like Artillery and Massacre holds a special meaning for us. We’re talking about groups that shaped the history of the genre, just like Vicious Rumors. We’re truly sorry that Vicious Rumors won’t be able to attend\u2014a real shame, as we previously shared the stage with them at HOA in Germany back in 2022, along with Glacier, another fantastic band. It will also be a great opportunity to catch powerful acts like Desolation Angels or Insanity in action, and to hang out backstage chatting with fellow musicians who share our exact dedication to this music.<\/p>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> This will also be a chance to introduce Ancestral to American metal fans who may have heard the name but have never seen the band live. What do you want a fan standing in front of the stage in Brooklyn to experience when Ancestral begins playing?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> We want anyone standing in front of that stage to experience a powerful, sharp, and razor-clean sonic wall. Our main goal is to deliver the true essence of Ancestral to the American crowd: a blend of Thrash aggressiveness and Power metal melodic strength, executed with precision and tight energy… we just hope our emotions don’t play any tricks on us!<\/p>\n\n

Preparing for the American Debut<\/h2>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> Preparing for an international festival is very different from playing a show in Italy. There are flights, equipment, backline, sound checks, schedules, and many details that fans never see. What has the preparation for this American journey been like?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> Planning an overseas gig requires a massive organizational effort. Behind the 35 to 60 minutes that the audience sees on stage, there is invisible work that has been going on for months: from coordinating flight schedules to visa logistics, right down to the detailed planning of technical riders and backline. Musically, we\u2019ve put together a tight, fast-paced setlist designed to streamline stage changeovers while maximizing sound impact. It\u2019s complex work, but knowing we are stepping onto such an important stage drives us to polish every detail with discipline and professionalism.<\/p>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> Will you be bringing your own instruments and equipment from Sicily, or will you be working with festival backline? How important is it for you to make sure the live sound remains true to the Ancestral sound people know from your recordings?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> We are bringing part of our personal gear directly from Sicily. Maintaining our authentic live sound and keeping it true to what listeners hear on our albums is an absolute priority for us.<\/p>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> When you finally walk onto that Brooklyn stage, will you think about the fact that you are representing more than 25 years of Ancestral history \u2014 from Sicily, through your recordings and live shows, all the way to this moment?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> That thought will inevitably cross our minds the second we step onto that stage. In those few seconds right before starting, your whole life with the band flashes before your eyes: from the early days in Castelvetrano-Selinunte back in 1999, to endless afternoons spent in the rehearsal room perfecting songs, the personal sacrifices, all the way to releasing our full-length albums.<\/p>\n\n

The Early Days of Ancestral<\/h2>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> Let’s go back to the beginning. Ancestral was formed in January 1999 in Castelvetrano-Selinunte, Sicily. What was happening in your lives at that time, and what inspired two brothers to start a metal band together?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> In January 1999, we were just two 20-year-old guys immersed in the provincial reality of Castelvetrano-Selinunte. Back then, Sicily didn’t offer great infrastructure or venues for those wanting to play extreme music (it still isn’t easy today), but we were driven by an insatiable hunger for music and a fierce urge to express ourselves. The initial spark came naturally from our brotherhood and sharing the same passion every single day. In our room, there was a non-stop rotation of cassette tapes and vinyl: Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Helstar, Helloween, Blind Guardian, Nevermore, Iced Earth, alongside Rhapsody and Labyrinth playing constantly. For my brother Massimiliano and me, it wasn’t just about listening\u2014it was about absorbing that energy and learning that technical musical language.<\/p>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> The name Ancestral suggests heritage, origins, and something that survives through time. What did that name represent when you chose it, and has its meaning changed for you after more than 25 years?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> When Massimiliano and I chose the name Ancestral in 1999, we wanted a name that tied our music to something ancient, primordial, uncorrupted, and built to last. It was our way of declaring from day one that our artistic vision would be grounded on solid foundations without chasing short-lived musical trends.<\/p>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> Sicily has such a powerful history and identity. How has your homeland influenced the emotions, atmosphere, stories, and overall identity of Ancestral’s music?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> Sicily is a land steeped in millennia of history, shaped by ancient civilizations, yet defined by a rugged beauty and dramatic nature. Living and growing up in an environment like that\u2014a stone’s throw from the Temples of Selinunte and an imposing sea\u2014leaves an indelible mark on an artist’s mindset and artistic sensitivity. All of this translates directly into Ancestral’s identity. It’s not just about writing songs explicitly dedicated to our history, like “Wind Of Egadi” or “Seven Months of Siege,” but rather a constant, subconscious influence woven into our music.<\/p>\n\n

Influences, Demos and the Underground<\/h2>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> Before Ancestral existed, what bands and albums first made you fall in love with heavy metal? Were there particular records that made you think, “This is the kind of music we want to create”?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> Before ANCESTRAL took shape, albums like Iron Maiden’s Powerslave<\/em>, Metallica’s Master of Puppets<\/em>, or Megadeth’s Rust in Peace<\/em> were total revelations. As a bassist, hearing how Steve Harris, Cliff Burton, and Dave Ellefson built solid, melodic basslines within such intricate narrative song structures completely reshaped my view of what heavy metal could convey. Later on, records like Dream Theater’s Images and Words<\/em> raised the bar even higher. Those albums showed us that we didn’t want to play heavy music purely for raw energy, but to build dynamic arrangements, incisive themes, and a soundscape where every instrument\u2014including the bass\u2014had a clear compositional purpose.<\/p>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> You started the band in an era when there was no social media, streaming, or instant global promotion. How important were demos, tape trading, fanzines, magazines, and personal connections to the early development of Ancestral?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> For ANCESTRAL, the era of demo tapes, tape trading, and underground print zines formed the core foundation of our identity. Physical distribution, sending cassettes by mail, reading printed reviews in fanzines and magazines: if a band managed to gain visibility, it was because there was genuine songwriting quality and relentless work behind it. Receiving fan mail from overseas or seeing your name printed in a zine meant your music had passed a real filter, grounded in artistic value and genuine passion from fans and metal writers. Furthermore, tape trading and hand-written correspondence forged strong, long-lasting networks. Every bond formed with promoters, zine editors, or fellow musicians wasn’t a fleeting “like”\u2014it was a real professional and human relationship built to endure.<\/p>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> Your first demo, Travel In A Forgotten Time<\/em>, arrived in 2000, only a year after Ancestral was formed. When you listen to that recording today, what do you hear? Do you hear two young musicians still searching for their identity, or do you already hear the foundation of the band you would become?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> Re-listening to Travel In A Forgotten Time<\/em> isn’t something I do often; a very long time has passed since I last put it on. In that work, there was a disarming authenticity. We were young, but we weren’t shooting in the dark: Travel In A Forgotten Time<\/em> was already a crystal-clear statement of intent. Rather than a search for identity, it served as our initial calling card, carrying the core DNA of what Ancestral would become.<\/p>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> The following year, Breed Of Chosens<\/em> showed significant development in your songwriting and musicianship. Was that the moment when you felt Ancestral was beginning to develop its own distinctive voice?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> With that release came a new level of self-awareness: the rhythm section work and the intricate guitar arrangements matured significantly. We were beginning to shape our diverse influences into our own distinct artistic voice.<\/p>\n\n

The Albums<\/h2>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> In 2005, you released The Walls Of Troy<\/em>, which became an important bridge between the early demo years and your first full-length album. How had Ancestral changed during those years?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> The Walls Of Troy<\/em> marked the end of our embryonic stage, transitioning us toward greater artistic maturity. That release led to our contract with Underground Symphony; during that period, we played numerous shows and tightened the musical synergy between band members.<\/p>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> Then came The Ancient Curse<\/em> in 2007 through Underground Symphony Records. After years of building the band through demos, rehearsals, and live performances, what did finally releasing your first full-length album mean to you?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> Releasing The Ancient Curse<\/em> in 2007 was the ultimate validation of all our sacrifices. After 8 years of paying our dues, holding our first official full-length album distributed by an established label like Underground Symphony was a moment of immense satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> The Ancient Curse<\/em> was your first complete statement as a band. What did you want people around the world to understand about Ancestral when they heard that album?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> With The Ancient Curse<\/em>, we wanted to present a mature band capable of blending the raw power of American Power\/Thrash metal with the speed and melody of the German\/European style, standing out in the underground scene with an approach completely free of keyboards.<\/p>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> After the years following The Ancient Curse<\/em>, Ancestral returned in 2017 with Master Of Fate<\/em>. What had changed within the band during that period, and what drove you to return with new music?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> That decade between the two albums was a challenging period of deep evolution. The band never split up: we kept writing new music while navigating lineup changes, eventually locking in the right lineup with Carmelo Scozzari on guitars and Jo Lombardo on vocals, with whom we defined and shaped the new songs. As you can imagine, playing metal in Sicily is no easy feat, let alone finding musicians who share the exact same drive and vision.<\/p>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> Master Of Fate<\/em> showed the powerful mix of American thrash aggression and European power metal melody that has become part of your identity. How did you approach finding that balance between heaviness, technicality, and melody?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> Striking that balance came completely naturally to us because it reflects our personal listening habits and musical background. It’s simply the natural way we play. On Master Of Fate<\/em>, we balanced those elements so that sheer power wouldn’t drown out the melodies, and melody would never strip away an ounce of heaviness. For that sound, we also owe huge thanks to brothers Wojtek and S\u0142awek Wies\u0142awski at Hertz Studio (Behemoth, Vader, Decapitated) in Bia\u0142ystok, Poland, who truly understood our vision and helped us bring it to life.<\/p>\n\n

Sicilian Roots and Fabio Lione<\/h2>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> “Wind Of Egadi” has a strong connection to your Sicilian and Mediterranean roots. What inspired that song, and how important is it for Ancestral to carry a piece of Sicily into your music?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> “Wind Of Egadi” is a song we hold very close to our hearts because it roots itself in the history of our homeland, commemorating the famous naval Battle of the Aegates Islands. For us, bringing a piece of Sicily into our music isn’t superficial folklore; it’s the desire to capture the energy, drama, and grandeur of our history through the language of heavy metal.<\/p>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> “Lust For Supremacy” features the legendary Fabio Lione. How did that collaboration come together, and what did Fabio bring to the song?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> We had already had the privilege of knowing Fabio Lione personally for over 20 years; he is a dear friend of ours and we love him dearly. Knowing what he is capable of behind the mic, we brought him on board to give the track a grander, more epic dimension. Fabio is a true icon of our genre and an incredible professional\u2014his voice has shaped the history of power metal worldwide, so collaborating with him was a massive honor.<\/p>\n\n

New Material and the Future<\/h2>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> After more than 25 years, Ancestral has developed a recognizable sound \u2014 powerful riffs, melody, technical musicianship, and aggression. When you write new music today, what is the one element that makes you say, “This is Ancestral”?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> We have just completed a brand-new promo that we plan to pitch to labels upon returning to Italy after Rage of Armageddon Fest. The new material follows the path of Master Of Fate<\/em>, but it’s leaner, sharper, and more direct. We hope to secure a solid record deal with a label that can truly back our work. I’m not sure how things are in the US, but unfortunately in Europe, even within metal, commercial dynamics are increasingly pushing labels to demand engagement metrics and follower counts before even listening to the music. Too often nowadays, European labels prefer to play it safe, prioritizing numbers, music videos, singles, and pre-packaged formulas.<\/p>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> When you are writing the new material, how much are you looking back at the band’s history and how much are you focused on pushing Ancestral forward? Are there elements from the early days that you still want to preserve while exploring something new?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> Our focus is constantly set forward, but without ever disowning our original roots. From our early days, we preserve the raw, visceral attitude, the speed, and that tight thrash rhythm section that we love so much and that defines our identity.<\/p>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> After so many years of writing music together, has your creative process changed? Do songs still begin with a riff, melody, or rhythmic idea, or has experience changed the way you write? And when the two of you are creating new material, how does that brotherly chemistry influence the process?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> Our creative process has evolved through experience, but the core foundation remains untouched. An Ancestral song can still be born in the rehearsal room just like in the ’80s\u2014from a guitar riff or a bass and drum rhythm pattern\u2014or composed individually using Cubase. The difference today lies in how fast we recognize whether an idea works or should be scrapped. Experience has taught us to trim the fat immediately, making the songwriting process much smoother, direct, and effective. As for my brother and me, we’ve always shared a sort of musical telepathy. We don’t need endless explanations: a simple glance in the rehearsal room is enough to know if a tempo change works or if a passage hits right. There is complete honesty between us without filters, which allows us to be extremely critical yet always constructive (and of course, we still tell each other off every now and then ^_^).<\/p>\n\n

The Next Chapter<\/h2>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> Finally, when you look at everything Ancestral has created \u2014 two brothers starting a band in Sicily in 1999, the demos, the albums, the years of challenges and dedication, the new material being written today, and now your first performance in the USA \u2014 what do you think Ancestral’s next chapter will be after an American tour?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> Looking back to when my brother and I started Ancestral in Sicily back in 1999, I see all the challenges we faced: lineup changes, sacrifices, and disappointments, but our passion never faded. Playing in the United States for the first time represents the culmination of over twenty-five years of dedication, but also an exciting new starting point. Our main goal moving forward will be to sign a solid deal with the right record label\u2014one that believes in the substance of our music and wants to release our new album with the backing it deserves. As I mentioned, European labels often focus on social metrics before musical content, but we continue to put quality above everything else.<\/p>\n\n

Final Words<\/h2>\n\n

Lady Kat Chaos:<\/strong> Thank you for the interview. Before I kick you out of my metal throne, any last words?<\/p>\n\n

Ancestral:<\/strong> Thank you and Lady Kat Chaos for this wonderful interview\u2014we hope we didn’t bore the readers! We also want to give a massive thanks to Ed Farshtey and the entire staff at Rage of Armageddon IX for the invitation and support. To the American fans who will be right there under the stage in Brooklyn, we want to say that we are more pumped and determined than ever, and we can’t wait to share our energy, passion, and excitement with you all. We respect you! See you in New York!<\/p>\n\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

From Sicily to Brooklyn: The American Chapter Begins Rage of ARMAGEDDON 9: Their First USA Appearance, 25 Years of Metal, The Albums, New Material, and the Legacy of a Sicilian Power Metal Force Ancestral Interview with Domiziano Mendolia and Massimiliano Mendolia Interview by Lady Kat Chaos Date: August 30, 2026 For more than 25 years, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2174,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[180],"tags":[182],"class_list":["post-2171","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-interviews","tag-ancestral"],"yoast_head":"\nANCESTRAL - Interview - Metalhed.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Lady Kat Chaos interviews Italian band Ancestral on all things related to their tours and new album\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/metalhed.com\/?p=2171\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"ANCESTRAL - 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