BIOGRAPHY
How many artists can claim to have single-handedly originated a musical genre? Italian quintet belladonna are amongst that rare breed of bands whose absolute uniqueness has enraptured and inspired countless fans, followers and imitators all over the world.
Rock noir, that belladonna extraordinary brand of emotionally-charged rock'n'roll melodrama utterly seduced hordes of Music lovers tired of being force-fed computer-driven, fake-angst pseudo-rock down their ears.
metaphysical attraction
belladonna’s legendary self-produced debut “Metaphysical Attraction” resounded so deeply in rock fans’ collective consciousness that it not only turned the band overnight into one of the most loved unsigned bands in the world, but it even bestowed upon them the honor of 2 Grammy Awards 2008 ballot nominations, an unprecedented event for a DIY band.
Over 1.000.000 views on MySpace, magazines like Rolling Stone and GQ hailing them as the "next big thing”, shows with Dita Von Teese at Erotica 07 in London, gigs with Scars On Broadway and Siouxsie & the Banshees, performances at the Dubai International Film Festival - but belladonna remained unfazed.
the noir album
Personally invited by alt-rock producer supreme Sylvia Massy (Tool, System of a Down) to record their sophomore album in her all-analog studio in California, USA, in a few weeks belladonna committed to tape 11 rock noir Luana/Dani-penned songs, loaded with their trademark sheer sensual energy.
"The Noir Album" came out in March 2009, immediately entering the Italian iTunes chart and getting rave reviews all over the world.
on tour
belladonna premiered "The Noir Album" live in the USA at L.A.'s legendary Key Club and as official representatives of Italy at Austin's SXSW in March 2009.
Back in Italy, the band played with major acts like Nine Inch Nails, Mars Volta, Staind and Korn, on the strenght of the first single off “The Noir Album” – the relentless rock noir tale of love/hate “Till Death Do Us Part” – being chosen as Single Of The Week by Italy’s biggest rock radio, Virgin Radio.
In October they went back to L.A. to play a showcase at the Fonda Theater, and then to the UK - where Iron Maiden superstar Bruce Dickinson championed belladonna by broadcasting “Till Death Do Us Part” on his BBC radio show - with a sold-out headline show at The Garage in London.
2010 saw the band hit the road again, with a European tour in March and a UK club tour in April and in July.
collaboration with michael nyman
In December 2010 belladonna release "Let There Be Light", a single written in collaboration with legendary English composer Michael Nyman and based on his "The Heart Asks Pleasure First" from the soundtrack of the Oscar-winning movie “The Piano”. Michael Nyman himself plays piano on the track. A truly exceptional event that once again highlights the absolute uniqueness of the path trodden by this very special band.
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