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 those beautiful hordes of Music lovers sick’n’tired of being force-fed today’s computer-driven, fake-angst-ridden 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 almost 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, Glamour and GQ hailing them as the "next big thing” (one critic going as far as saying “If Belladonna was the band that kept playing as the Titanic sank, nobody would have left the damn ship” ), shows with Dita Von Teese at Erotica 07 in London, gigs with major acts like Scars On Broadway and Siouxsie & the Banshees, performances at the Dubai International Film Festival - but Belladonna remained unfazed.
“All that matters to us is the Music” explains Luana, the sultry, sensual, sonic-seducin’ Belladonna singer. “That magical moment when a song sends shivers down your spine, that’s what Belladonna is all about… that’s what we believe Music should be all about” adds guitarist Dani.
And their phenomenally spine-tingling follow-up album is indeed all about the Music.
The Noir Album
Personally invited by alt-rock producer supreme Sylvia Massy (Tool, System of a Down) to record their sophomore album in her awesome all-analog studio in California, USA, in a few weeks of incendiary sessions Belladonna have commited on tape 11 astounding rock noir Luana/Dani-penned songs that erupt from the speakers with sheer sensual energy.
The record’s title itself - "The Noir Album" - betrays the classic status this record has gained even before having been released: regal yet raging, with a rawness and honesty that perversely suits the heart-stirring beauty of the melodies and the metaphysical suggestions of the lyrics, "The Noir Album" will challenge Belladonna’s attempts to stay cult-size.
"Pyromantic, mysterotique, visionoir" are the words Luana coins to describe it and, paraphrasing the smashing album opener "Alchemical Romance", she adds: "One day we stopped fighting our inner demons, and went on their side. And this Music just poured out."
"The Noir Album" is out now. Click here to get it on iTunes.
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 has played several guerrilla shows as Special Guests to major acts like Nine Inch Nails, The Mars Volta, Staind, Duff McKagan's Loaded and Korn, and is now gearing up for its Fall 2009 World Tour.
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