Interview to XSEPHIROTH (Italy)

1. How are you doing today? Let us set the scene first. Where do we find you right now? Please describe your surroundings.

I’m doing well, thank you for having me. I'm Tiferet, mastermind of the band. Right now I’m in our workspace, surrounded by instruments, books, and notes connected to the writing process of Xsephiroth. It’s a place that feels halfway between a rehearsal room and a study — somewhere I can bridge theory, philosophy, and the raw instinct of extreme music.

2. Xsephiroth is a quintet — how long have you known each other? Would it be possible to tell us more about your personal musical background?

We have known each other for several years, crossing paths through different bands and projects before finally converging into Xsephiroth in 2013. Each member has a background in both metal and classical studies, which is why the band balances brutality and sophistication. Personally, I come from a strong passion for extreme metal, but also from a background and taste in symphonic music, which shaped the orchestral approach that permeates the album.

3. When did you first hear metal and what did you like about it? What was the progress of your moving from outside to inside the genre, as first a fan and then a musician?

The first encounter with metal was through the classic records of the ’90s — both the Scandinavian black/death scene and the symphonic extremes that followed. What struck me was the sense of transcendence and catharsis in the music. From there it was a natural progression: from being a listener to picking up instruments and eventually creating music that could channel that same overwhelming intensity.

4. First of all I must congratulate you for your debut album Down the Tormented Chthonic Path. It is a very solid work with a consistent sound! Of course I wonder if you are satisfied with it and if you reached the desired goal?

Thank you very much. We are satisfied, because the album fully embodies our vision: a descent through an infernal and chthonic path, where sound mirrors the metaphysical themes. Of course, as musicians, we always hear things we could refine, but overall this record achieves the atmosphere and depth we set out to capture. The work took several years.

5. What were the goals you had in mind when you started to record it, any elements you definitely wanted to have on the songs?

We wanted an album that was coherent both conceptually and sonically. Symphonic layers were essential, but always as a dark undercurrent, never ornamental. We also aimed for a sound that feels monumental, almost liturgical, but still rooted in extreme metal ferocity. Every song had to contribute to the narrative of the path, with no filler.

6. When you work in the recordings, what kind of process do you go through? Do you come in all prepared or do you improvise?

Our writing process is flexible and creative. We usually enter the studio with open mind. That said, we deliberately leave room for textures, vocal inflections, and orchestral nuances to emerge spontaneously during the sessions. This way the songs retain instinct.

7. Where is your favorite place to write your songs? And from what symbols, feelings, stories or environments do you get inspiration?

Songwriting usually happens in rehearsal room. Inspiration flows from philosophy, occultism, psychology, mythology, ritual traditions, and the inner confrontation with archetypes of death and transformation. The “place” is less a physical location than a liminal state of mind — a threshold where silence, symbols, and emotion converge into sound.

8. I already listened to the album a few times. The first thing that caught my attention was that there are a lot of symphonic elements and a lot of melodies also. What do you feel is the quintessential element of Xsephiroth sound?

The core of Xsephiroth’s sound lies in duality: the constant tension between violence and solemnity. The symphonic layers are not decorative, but pillars of the atmosphere, intensifying the aggression rather than softening it. This coexistence of ritualistic grandeur and extreme ferocity is what defines us.

9. With so many bands coming up these days, how do you manage to keep your material relevant? How challenging is it to come up with newer material? What is the thought process when writing the songs?

We don’t focus on being “relevant” in terms of trends; we focus on being honest. When writing, the guiding question is: Does this sound feel necessary? If the answer is no, the riff or section is discarded. That uncompromising approach makes the music authentic. The challenge is not about novelty for its own sake, but about crafting something that resonates as inevitable, as if the song had to exist.

10. Do your music and lyrics have any comprehensive ideological background, or it rather reflects your immediate moods and ideas when it comes to composing music?

There is a clear ideological backbone: Xsephiroth explores the chthonic dimension, metaphysical death, and the alchemical process of transformation and creation. Lyrics and sound are part of one continuum — they aim to ritualize the descent and eventual illumination. Personal moods may influence details, but the foundation is rooted in a larger symbolic and philosophical framework.

11. And what about inspiration outside of Extreme metal and music in general? What else fuels your inspiration? What kind of art do you enjoy in your spare time? Literature, cinematography, theatre?

Outside of extreme metal, I’m inspired by literature — mythology, esoteric texts, and existential philosophy in particular. Visual arts also play a role, especially paintings where light and shadow have a symbolic weight. In cinema, I’m drawn to works that merge horror, surrealism, and metaphysical reflection. All of these art forms influence the way I build atmosphere and narrative in the music.

12. During several years, the Italian metal scene has been a special one, with many very important and unique bands. How do you see this from your point of view?

Italy has always had a unique identity in metal. Even within extreme genres, expecially in underground scene. The scene may not always gain the recognition it deserves internationally.

13. How much time and effort do you spend on the band to get everything to look and sound the right way?

An enormous amount of our free time. For us, Xsephiroth is not just a band but a total artistic vision. We work meticulously on songwriting, production, orchestration, artwork, and concept to make sure every element reflects the same atmosphere. Countless hours go into aligning sound and image, because coherence is everything.

14. What is music for you? Does it bring you some new emotions or it helps you to get rid of some negative emotions?

Music is both catharsis and transformation. It’s not only about releasing negativity, but about turning it into something meaningful — almost alchemical. Through music, we confront shadows and give them a form that can be shared. It opens new emotional landscapes, both destructive and luminous.

15. How do you feel the metal scene has evolved in Italy over recent years, particularly in your own genre?

In our genre, I see a growing tendency toward experimentation, mixing symphonic and atmospheric elements with traditional extremity. This evolution creates fertile ground for projects like ours.

16. With the easy access to internet you can spread your music across the globe just sitting in front of your computer. How much effort do you put into promoting the band world-wide?

The internet allows us to reach listeners worldwide, but we want every piece of content — visual, textual, musical — to be consistent with our artistic vision. Promotion, for us, is not just exposure; it is an extension of the same world that the music builds.

17. It might be too early, but what can we expect from the forthcoming album?

At this stage we have decided to take a moment of pause to enjoy and immerge into the work we've complete. We live the present.

18. We have come to the last question of the interview. What are the last words for people out there?

We invite everyone to join us Down the Tormented Chthonic Path. May our music reflect both your shadows and your light. Thank you for your support — it is what gives life to this vision and allows us to continue the journey.

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