Interview with Ignazio Nicastro, Bass and Lead Vocalist for Xenos A.D.
By: George Andritsakis
A few weeks back I had the distinct pleasure of reviewing the third, and latest album by Italian Thrash trio Xenos A.D. As I posted in the review, I’m not much of a thrash devotee, but slowly coming around to it, and these guys are definitely aiding in my appreciation for the genre.
After the review, I shot my shot and asked bassist and vocalist Ignazio Nicastro of Xenos A.D. for an interview, and he was kind enough to oblige me with my first interview for The Metal Pit. Let’s dive right in:
The Metal Pit: What brought you all together to form Xenos A.D.?
Ignazio: I formed Xenos A.D. because I felt the need to return to playing Thrash Metal in its purest and most direct form. With my previous band, things had gone in a direction that I didn’t like and honestly I didn’t reflect myself in the music proposed anymore.
What inspired you to play bass and sing the vocals?
I’ve been playing bass since I was 15, as for singing, well, in previous bands I’ve always taken care of backing vocals so singing was nothing new for me. Obviously being the lead voice is more demanding especially if I dedicate myself to bass at the same time.
Who were your biggest influences in music?
I can speak on an individual level: Slayer, Kreator, Megadeth, Sodom, Exodus, Coroner, Celtic Frost, Destruction and Venom.
When it comes to Xenos A.D., what is the songwriting process?
I compose the structure of the songs entirely by myself. When I finish the first draft, I record demos and send them to the rest of the band to allow each one to compose their own part. Every instrumental arrangement is the result of individual work, but all the parts are built on the backbone of the song that I compose.
How do you get from a spark of an idea to a complete song, and how long does it usually take?
In order to say that a song is complete, you have to respect some steps and above all there must be some fundamental elements. Usually I can finish a song in a couple of weeks.
If you could co-headline or open for any band or musician on Earth, who would it be and why?
Well, I had the chance to share the stage with Maiden, Slayer, Megadeth, Destruction, Exodus and many other big names so I can say that I consider myself quite lucky. I would love to play with Tom G. Warrior, he is a perfect genius.
I’ve had a chance to listen to all your albums now, and by far, Reqviem For The
Oppressor is my favorite so far, what was the inspiration behind it?
I consider Reqviem For The Oppressor the natural evolution of Filhgrinder and The Dawn of Ares, albums that played a fundamental role in getting to what Reqviem for the Oppressor is. This third chapter contains elements present in the two previous albums and enhances them to the nth degree, whether we are talking about technique or raw thrash violence.
This past May you played the Horns Up Festival in Trikala, Greece, and I will forever
be kicking my self for not attending the second part due to having to be in the US at the time, but how was it for you?
Beautiful experience, we really felt at home. It wasn’t the first time we played in Greece and I have to say that the audience is really warm and never disappoints. I sincerely hope to be able to return to your country as soon as possible.
Any chance we’ll see Xenos A.D. in the United States or North America soon?
I don’t know but it seems quite difficult to me.
What was your favorite venue or event that you’ve played so far?
I have beautiful memories of all the fests we played in.
What venue or event are you aiming for eventually, what place will make you say, “we’ve made it to the top”?
I don’t think we will ever be able to say that we have reached the top, also because a musician must always try to improve.
Over these last three albums, how do you see that Xenos A.D. has improved or evolved?
Evolved.
What’s next for Xenos A.D. and for Ignazio Nicastro himself?
At the moment we are taking care of the next concerts then, in 2026, we will probably release an unreleased song and something else so that we can be ready for the fest period.
Xenos A.D.’s new album, Reqviem For The Oppressor was released on May 23, 2025 via My Kingdom Music.