www.facebook.com/purgingsin
Sounds like: Metal
From: New Hampshire
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? Who thought of the name "Purging Sin" and is there any meaning behind it?
AN: I started in an orchestra playing the violin in the 4th grade. The development of my sound has been through a lot of trial and error and with each upgrade in gear just dialing in a sound until I find one that pleases my ear. As far as the name Purging Sin goes, it came from a song that I wrote when I was 16 years old. Diving a little deep into my personal background, my father died when I was a toddler, and it was based on my thoughts and views of how I perceived that at such a young age.
BB: Music was deeply ingrained into my blood. My great grandparents met in Poland playing the Harmonica, and the 3 generations afterwards all played instrument, mainly organ. My grandma taught me to read music when I was 2 years old. As for developing sound, it was really based off listening to my parents’ record collection of metal from the 80s and studying different types of rhythmic patterns that could be integrated into melody. Anthony can tell the story of the band name.
AB: I got started playing drums when I was about 14. I started off listening to and trying to play Jazz, but mostly played Rock. Then I discovered Extreme Metal and decided I wanted to do that. The Name Purging Sin was all Anthony Nicastro's idea, you'd have to ask him for the meaning.
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
AN: That we are competent musicians and song writers.
BB: We are not as crazy as our lyrics make us out to be? *laughs* No, I would say that we like to use our music as our way to express evils that are seldom thought about.
AB: Have fun, dance and enjoy themselves.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
AN: A mixture of metal meets classical. We have a pretty good blend of straight up speed and melodic sections with some added hooks carefully placed.
BB: Basically, a mix of Slayer meets Black Sabbath. But we are a mixed bag when it comes to genres. We do not like to be grounded to just 1 genre of metal.
AB: It's Thrash Metal and Black Sabbath had a baby, but with a punk vocalist.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
AN: Metallica, Ozzy, and probably Iron Maiden.
BB: Easily Iron Maiden and Megadeth. 3rd I would go with my good friends in Havok.
AB: Suffocation, Bad Religion, Iron Maiden
5. How has Covid affected what you do?
AN: We had a rough 1-2 combo with Covid-19 and our guitarist being diagnosed with cancer and succumbing to it within nine months of the diagnosis. We used the time to dive in headfirst into getting the album done with endless rehearsals, trying out different sonics, and mapping out the tempo tracks prior to entering the studio.
BB: If anything, it inspired us to not stop working and defy the odds. We did just that and we have our 2nd studio album to show for it. Although life through multiple curveballs at us, we never stopped working until we met our goals.
AB: I couldn't play live, so I got to practice… a lot. That helped to refine my technique, so all in all I'd say it was a blessing in disguise.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Rock/Metal?
AN: My opinion, a lot of it sounds too similar. The obligated dropped tuned guitars and far too similar singing / screaming styles. While one or two songs can sound good, it’s always nice to hear a band or bands mix things up so it doesn’t become stale. At least guitar solos have started to make a comeback.
BB: Honestly? Mainstream Rock/Metal is way too soft. It does not have the same fear and edge as it did back in the day. The underground scene is amazing, aggressive, and gaining a lot of popularity without the need for traditional media outlets such as radio. Look over seas and see the crowds for bands like Megadeth, you will never find a crowd that big over there or anywhere else at a Katy Perry concert.
AB: An old teacher of mine once said that Rock had not even begun to reach its apex as an art form, and I'd say I agree with that and apply it to metal as well. Metal will probably continue to be a more fringe genre, but the people who love will continue to love it, and that will keep it alive.
7. What’s the current music scene like locally there in New Hampshire?
AN: It’s hard to know someone that doesn’t know someone. Word of mouth can travel fast which can be a double edge sword. We try to help the cause by being on our best behavior.
BB: It is very small, but it is super close and not competitive like in bigger cities. Everyone knows someone from bands around the state and we all strive for not just our own success but each other’s as well. Other places like NY, LA, or even Boston it is a little more cutthroat to try and land shows and use it as bragging rights, but there is something about New Hampshire where we all support each other and just want to see each other succeed.
AB: A lot of metal shows, thankfully!
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
AN: I don’t feel the artists in general get compensated nearly enough for their craft. The streaming services I feel take too big of a cut when compared to what it costs to make an actual album. They tend to pay pennies on the dollar compared to hundreds if not thousands of dollars to create and make the product.
BB: It sucks. Should go without saying why, but I really do not want to rant.
AB: I'm not a fan of the distribution of wealth as it breaks down for artists. The people making the music pour their life into it and get paid peanuts. It’s absurd.
9. What’s next for Purging Sin?
AN: With the release of our latest album, Vindicated, we are booking and playing shows in support. With that being said, we always have one foot in the driver’s seat with writing new material for the next album.
BB: We are hoping to get some national touring experience so we can add to our portfolio and possibly submit applications for endorsements. After the 2nd album release, we are already working on the next album and with all the time we had, we are making extremely fast progress.
AB: Keep practicing, keep writing, and play more shows! There is an album ready for the world to hear, so that’s always exciting too!
10. Any shoutouts?
AN: First and foremost, my wife. She has been incredibly supportive during my musical career and has contributed on many levels, including the creating of both album covers. Rocking Horse Studio, you guys helped make this happen and thank you for putting up with us for several months. Not to be ever forgotten, the fans. Thank you for taking the time out to show support on every level.
BB: Shoutout to our local band brothers Adherence, Kings Petition, and Dawn of End. You guys are such great friends, and we love playing with you. And to our local community and fans worldwide, you guys helped build our success to the level it has gotten to. We wouldn’t be where we are without you guys, so thank you!
AB: Shout out to my family, Mom, Dad, and Zack for putting up with me playing drums all the time when I lived with them and encouraging me as well! Shout out to my roommates Cody and Becka for being cool folks! Cody also plays in my punk band, The Golly Gee-Willikers, along with my friend Tom. Shout out to my old drum teacher, Gary, for dealing with me as a teenager, and shout out to my current drum teacher Chris, whose is a phenom of a musician and a great dude!
