Me as a

Music is the most beautiful of arts and it is disappointing that nowadays the music industry is more about image and looks than about . . . well, the music. These days, video clips are like an old Charlie Chaplin movie: great without the sound. That’s why I decided to put all my songs online. All I need to be an accomplished musician is to make music that captures my emotions.

Typically, I compose songs combining my music tastes and influences, with metal as the predominant style. Not all of my songs can be classified as metal, though, and I have quieter rock and roll songs and ballads. I always try to have melodious songs; the melodies can then be combined with heavy guitar rhythms or with any other style. Jethro Tull‘s “Thick as a Brick” is a good example of an original and brilliant work combining wonderful melodies with acoustic guitar and hard rock riffs. Likewise, I try to find the harmony in my songs by fitting the melodies with the most appropriate rhythm and style, which can be of any kind.

Overall, my music is a mirror of my feelings. Making music is primarily about communicating with others, but it is also about reaching new limits. The album “Theli” from Therion is an example of a unique genre within a genre. Some of my songs are thus highly experimental with varied results. In addition to being a guitarist, I play keyboards and I sing. I experiment with all these instruments trying to improve my skills. The benchmark in this context was probably set by Dream Theater‘s “Images and Words”, a masterpiece of different techniques of musicianship crammed into a single album. When I play each instrument, I try to move a bit closer to that outstanding work, even knowing I my skill and talent will never be at a professional level.

Admittedly, I don’t give a great importance to lyrics in my music. It’s rare to find inspiring lyrics in recent songs. “Invictus” from Virgin Steele is an exception that remains a landmark in music in part thanks to its astonishing lyrics. Nonetheless, I don’t spend much time working on the lyrics. I also feel that it is best to let your emotions speak for you. Most, though not all, of my songs are sad and I guess that’s one of the reasons why I like using the name Senescence. Music has always been my escape when I’m feeling down.