THE CHRONICLES OF ISRAFEL – Interview with Dominic Cifarelli

When did you first start playing music?

At 11 years old.

Did your parents encourage you to get involved in music as a child?

They did, after seeing that my older brother’s piano lessons were going well.

You have had musical success with bands such as Pulse Ultra and Rise Electric.

Why did you decide to explore a solo project?

I just felt like I needed to be a weirdo. I wanted to try new ideas that were completely crazy to my band mates. They were totally right! Most of the tracks on this album are retarded.

Tell us about your current project THE CHRONICLES OF ISRAFEL

This is my debt solo album. It’s based on a story I wrote about a fictional character. Musically, it encompasses all my favourite styles, metal, progressive metal, rock, alternative, guitar rock, odd sonic textures, story based concepts and theatre.

Where did the concept of THE CHRONICLES OF ISRAFEL come from?

I wanted to do a solo record, but I didn't wanna geek out to the point where my name was on the cover with my face and shit everywhere all normal and geeklike! So, this is my alter ego from another dimension going through life changing experiences in a story I created from piecing together fragments from dreams and stuff.

Being an album based on a story, is this a one off album or a series of albums?

Definitely a series. The whole reason why I called it the chronicles is because it implies more than one album. I already have 4 planned out, so I will decide when it ends, not a manager, or a band member or a freakin label. I decide.

How has the recording process to date going?

Oh lord help me….does that describe it enough??? This battle has been raging for a year and a half. The beast almost got the best of me, but it looks like I have weakened its central nervous system and it won’t be long before I put it to bed.

What sound can we expect to here on the album?

Well, as far as guitar sounds, definitely a clear but aggressive tone is what I can describe it as. You can hear pretty much every note I play. A lot of the solos were re-amped with a zoo customs combo and they sound so good it's scary.

What sort of guitar set up are you using at the moment both live and in the studio?

My entire rig had a massive overhaul once I started recording this record. I started out with my road king, my triaxis and mp2 all going direct through a palmer. It all sounded amazing and super tight. Then when we went in to re-amp all the guitars I quickly realized that I was missing the “air” from a cranked to hell amp pushing a real speaker and reacting with a ribbon mic. So, now it's clear that I have fallen in love with the marshall jmp1 pre amp. My friends at zoo customs have also blown my mind with their heads and combos. I'm gonna be integrating both those things into my live rig now. It's gonna be retarded.

When is the first album due to be released?

We hope to have it all done soon so I can start pre sale in March, and ship by mid March.

I understand that you have set up your own label BRIDGE OF HANDS ENTERTAINMENT?

Yes. It’s actually a partnership between my cousin and I. He is the reason why I got into guitar and science fiction way back in the day. He became a very successful business man and has decided to back me fully.

Have you got any other artists releasing material under BRIDHGE OF HANDS?

For now, we just released my brother’s solo piano album. It’s an adult contemporary album, with many elements of jazz and classical music. It’s all instrumental and some have likened it to Debussy. It’s brilliant. We don’t have the resources to sign any acts just yet but we hope to grow in time and be able to release phenomenal career driven acts in the future.

Do you intend to tour the Chronicles of Israfel album?

I do plan on touring but it all depends on album sales. We don’t have the budget to tour at this point and the music is too unique to just hop on to a tour and do a quick opening slot. That would be doing a great injustice to this project. I would rather not do it at all. This project needs to be done right. And when I am able to do it the way I see fit, it will blow people away.

Have you started rehearsals for the live show?

Not yet, I am still trying to finish up the album. And I just don’t have the time or energy to do both right now.

Have you had to audition any band members for the live show?

The band members were decided on a long time ago so we’re good to go.

Where can we check out on the latest goings on in the world of THE CHRONICLES OF ISRAFEL?

Visit the web page at www.myspace.com/thechroniclesofisrafel