Crossbones Interview
By Keith Clement
Greetings from Metalheads Forever Magazine, how are you doing?
Hello guys. We are doing just fine. Thanks for having us on your February issue of Metalheads Forever.
How does it feel to work with Alpha Omega Management?
Last year we signed with Alpha Omega Management which marks a pivotal moment in our band’s history and career. We recorded our new album in Como at Alpha Omega Studios and it was an incredible experience. Actually it is the first time for us to make everything abroad, A-Z. So far so good.
There is a plan for a new album in 2019, how is it coming so far, do you have some details to tell us?
The album is coming pretty good. Alex (our manager and record producer) did a great job on recording everything and we are certain it is going to be a smooth process until the official release of it. All I can say at the moment is that this album has a main theme and is a powerful 40 minutes of thrash, groove, hardcore and modern metal. I am confident it will have a great response from the audience.
Back in January 2017, you released WWIII, It has become a huge success for you guys, how do you guys feel about it?
Two years have passed in a blink of an eye since our latest release “WWIII” which came out through Nadir Music Genova and our dear friend Tommy Talamanca of Sadist, did a great job as a music producer.
This album was the first Albanian metal album ever to be released worldwide both physically and digitally in all major music platforms. We gained a lot of international recognition as a band but also as a country. We really feel very proud for putting our band and country in the map of the international rock/metal scene and also very grateful to all the people, fans and friends for their great support.
Can you tell about the Metal scene in Albania?
It goes back to the early 90’s when many rock/metal bands emerged, mostly in our capital city Tirana.
But then it kind of declined really quick due to lack of interest, support and the total absence of music industry regarding rock and metal. Nowadays we have a rather small rock/metal scene and very few concerts or festivals that promote rock music. Anyway I am confident that it will grow and there are really talented young musicians who are doing a great job.
You guys are making music since the 90’s , can you tell us about the hardship you face and how you are working to keep it going over the years?
It is true. Crossbones is the only band from the 90’s that never stopped. Being the only original member of the band since day one, I have seen a lot of changes in more than two decades of the band’s history. Several lineup changes, lack of support, financial issues, and the list goes on. We are a country where rock music is often overlooked and ignored and this hurts a lot.
I had my fair share of ups and downs throughout the years but never stopped dreaming and believing that Crossbones is going to carve its name on the international rock/metal scene. If there’s a will, there’s a way.
Anyway, we are stronger than ever, we have our new family of Alpha Omega and our second worldwide release is coming out very soon and of course shows, festivals and tours are being scheduled.
2019 is going to be a very interesting year with remarkable highlights waiting to be revealed.
Do you have a message for the readers and fans?
On behalf of Crossbones I would like to thank you for your time and attention and a big “thank you” to your readers and to all our friends, fans and families for their great support over the years.
We are honored and humbled and can’t wait to share our music with all of you.
Thank you.
Olsi Ballta
Founder/Vocalist
MHF Magazine/Keith Clement
