Agnosis is a US band that mix elements from traditional Rock and Metal in some quite unique way, I have heard many bands that try to do the same, but the results aren’t so convincing compared with the sound of “Zero”. It sound is quite unclassifiable but can easily catch the attention of a wide audience without being “commercial” or “massive” with its groovy, still dark sound. We contacted this uncompromised and promising band and Mr. Andrew Jude Riotto (bass / primary songwriter) kindly accepts to answer our questions…

BB: First I would like to thank you for giving us this interview. Can you tell us about the band’s beginnings?

AR: Agnosis has gone through a lot of changes since the band was first formed in the fall of 2002. Our sound and line-up has evolved greatly. Basically, the band started as a few friends wanting to play heavy music, however it eventually evolved into something much more serious -- as we're very proud of all the releases we've done and plan to keep putting out music for a good long time to come. For a very detailed history of the band, I recommend you check out www.agnosis-music.com.

BB: What are you doing nowadays?

AR: We are currently playing some shows on the East Coast (US) in support of our latest record "Zero". We are also writing material for out next full length record, which we expect to release sometime in early 2006, if all goes according to plan.

BB: How you define the sound of Agnosis?

AR: Take traditional doom (Pentagram, St Vitus, Sabbath) and mix it with some sludge (Neurosis, Crowbar, Acid Bath) and you've got the starting point... But the sound is very varied, just like the music we listen to. To hear some of our stuff, please go over to www.agnosis-music.com

BB: How has been the reception of “Zero” worldwide?

AR: So, far it's been surprisingly positive! The record is very diverse and we figured that a lot of people would be turned off by that. However, a lot of people seem to latch onto the diversity of the record. Many bands these days tend to stick very closely to the confines of one particular genre and not really try out anything different... this is very different than what Agnosis is about and we appreciate the support that we've received!

BB: Can you tell us about your previous works?

AR: We're put out a number of demos and an EP titled "Welcome to the Monkey House". I consider these works to be more formative in nature, with our first full length "Zero" being the first "true" Agnosis release. We hadn't really fully developed our own "sound" until we put "Zero" together.

BB: Why you call your first full length album “Zero”? Is there any concept behind this work?

AR: The record has a consistent mood throughout and we felt that the title and artwork nicely captured that atmosphere.

BB: You got a wide range of influences, from Metal to Rock… Can you tell us about those influences?

AR: Well, I like listening to a lot of different types of music and this really is reflected in our writing style. Too many bands sit around and think "well, our favourite band sounds like this, so we have to sound like that as well". Our record is diverse, reflecting the variety of personal preferences of everyone in the band.

BB: What do you think about the relationship between drugs and music, specially being a Stoner/Doom Metal band? Many people tend to relate this kind of music with drugs…

AR: I don't think there's any necessary link. I've met so many different people from various backgrounds, walks of life, and lifestyle through playing this sort of music so I think it's very difficult to generalize.

BB: I understand you opened a The Misfits show… Sounds (unless to me) a little weird a Doom Metal/Rock band opening for a Punk band… How was that experience? How you get there?

AR: That was one of the first shows we had every played so we were very honoured to play! The club owner had seen us previously and asked us to play the show and we of course said yes. Also, at that time we were writing a lot more up-tempo music than we do now (this was back in 2003), so sound-wise we played a much "faster" set than what you would probably get if you saw us play live now. We've written many, many songs, not all of which are "doom" in the traditional sense.

BB: Can you tell us how your live shows are?

AR: Volitile. We go out with a lot of energy and play a very intense, loud set. Our music is emotional and intense and we reflect this as much as possible in our live performance.

BB: Why don’t you release “Zero” under Unsung Heroes Records like “Welcome to the Monkey House” Ep?

AR: Actually, "Monkey House" didn't technically come out through UHR,  they only distributed it for us and they distribute "Zero" for us as well. Vic of UHR is a friend of mine and an ally of Agnosis. I have also collaborated with him in helping him produce his Rampage project, which features Agnosis vocalist Aerik Von. There is some degree of confusion regarding our label status, so let me clarify it: we have always self-released our efforts and worked with various labels, distros, and one stops in distributing the records and getting the word out there.

BB: What do you think about the “massive explosion” of the Stoner/Doom Metal bands nowadays? Do you see this like an advantage or like a disadvantage for this “scene”? Personally I think many bands can corrupt it… like happened with Black Metal…

AR: Scenes can be good when everyone goes out to shows and supports each other and has a good time. I love checking out other stoner / doom bands and hanging out with my friends. However, some bands sometimes act like rock stars or gods of the scene and this ruins the whole experience for everyone. Also, sometimes scenes limit bands artistically as they feel they need to conform to a certain sound. I am definitely ambivalent towards the scene.

BB: What are your five favourite albums of all times?

AR: Black Sabbath - "Vol. IV", Danzig - "Danzig II", Neurosis - "Times of Grace", High on Fire - "Blessed Black Wings", Mark Lanegan - "Field Songs". Granted, my tastes vary from day to day, so it's hard to keep a consistant "top 5" list. Ask me again in a week and you may get a somewhat different answer.

BB: What underground bands are you listening nowadays?

AR: Does High on Fire count? I know they are quickly entering the mainstream consciousness, but they are one of my favourite bands these days. I have also been listening to a lot of 70s/80s music that isn't well known outside of the doom community -- Pentagram, Sir Lord Baltimore, Dust, etc. To doom fans these names may be very familiar, however most music fans have never heard of these bands, which is unfortunate.

BB: Have you received some label’s offer?

AR: We have been in discussion with a few labels, however nothing appropriate has worked itself out. We will be shopping our next demo, however if we don't like the responses we get, we will self release our next record.

BB: When can we expect new material of Agnosis?

AR: We hope to have another demo out in the fall of 2005 and a full length in the spring of 2006. We will post progress updates over at www.agnosis-music.com.

BB: Thanks again for your time and your words… and sorry about the big delay with this interview… Is there anything else you want to add to this interview?

AR: Thank you for taking the time to send over the questions, it is very kind of you! We also want to thank everyone that has supported us so far. We really appreciate everything and hope you've enjoyed our music as much as we've enjoyed making it!