From The Dark Past: interview with Vasaria (Baron Misuraca)

I remember when, in 1997, I got a package from Century Media for our radio show, Helvete: it contained records by Unleashed, Borknagar, Old’s Man Child, Rotting Christ and a few others. However, one promo stood out from the others: that of the unknown act Vasaria, an American trio dedicated to undoubtedly heavy music, in some ways indebted to some Sabbathian suggestions and in others similar to the dark turn of Moonspell (label mates, among other things). However, it should be remembered that the three figures hailed from New York, home of that scene populated by nocturnal metropolitan vampires who danced alone in the clubs where post-punk, new wave and probably even Type-O-Negative music was played. And, as you will read, there is an important connection with the too-soon-to-be-departed Peter Steele. Vasaria‘s only album must be listened to and rediscovered, it really deserves the attention of those who love darkness in music with a more dark rock than metal feel (despite the definitely heavy sound). There also remains a self-produced EP from them in 2007 and three songs in demo version recorded in 2020 in the midst of the Covid era. Today the Vasarias are perhaps ready to see the light again… Oops, sorry… The darkness? Let’s find out together with the charismatic leader Baron Misuraca!

Tell us something about the biography of Vasaria from the early days until the release of the first and only album.

At first, Vasaria was to have been my last will and testament, the tombstone to my musical career. I had gone back to school and decided to leave music and and embark on a new direction – but first I want to record a few songs that I written that were influenced by horror films, medieval art, Sisters of Mercy and Black Sabbath. I recruited my friends – guitarist Chuck Lenuhan (ex-Crumsuckers) and drummer Scott Harris and proceeded to record some demos . We unleashed them onto the public and received very favorable reaction for both fans and industry people. Needless to say I returned to my musical pursuits.

Can you describe the creation of your debut album, from the composition of the songs to rehearsals and the actual production and recording?

For the most part, the recording of that album was pure hell although we had an engineer that we liked a lot – Christian Silver. Most of songs on the album were rerecorded versions of material from the demos. The structure and lyrics of the songs were created by me with grooves created by Scott Harris and guitar embellishments by Chuck.

How did you approach Century Media Records and which projects did you and the label have in mind for the future of Vasaria?

Our manager at the time had a few other bands on his roster that were already working with CM and he got them interested in us. At the time we were essentially just a recording project. Looking back, there really was not much thought about the future other than to continue to create music and connect with the metal and goth music scenes.

Was there any touring activity to promote the record?

Yes there was. We did a long tour of Germany and some surrounding areas with the German industrial band Das Ich. Even though the musical styles and instrumentation of the 2 bands were very different (Vasaria with live guitars and drums and Das Ich with computers and sequencers) the tour was a success. Testament to the diversity and open mind of the European audiences.

Why did you release just one album, back then? What happened after the release of your debut record?

Well, let’s just say there was some issues and discrepancies with the label. There actually was a second album recorded that never got released. Then there were a few eps that we recorded and put out ourselves. Unfortunately these type of things happen all the time.

A few words about the 2007 ep and the 2020 demos by Vasaria. Did you play any gig back then?

They were all done the way we wanted them to be done. The 2020 demos features the original line up from the album along Evan Strummar, the keyboardist form some of the pre-album demos. There were Vasaria shows up until 2009. All in the United States.

Can you explain to the fans the project behind the Carnivore AD monicker?

Carnivore AD is the main thing that I am doing right now and is something that I take very seriously. Its’ not just a project, it’s a mission. One day a mutual friend from the New York music scene suggested to me that I contact Marc Carnivore and Louie Beateaux (who were both old acquaintances of mine from when I was in Sheer Terror) in regard to putting together a revival of Carnivore. At first I thought it was an impossible idea but the more I thought of it, the more I knew I had to do it. I put together a few videos of myself performing excerpts from a few Carnivore songs, sent it to them and asked them if they would be interested in playing with me. They reacted very positively and were interested. Some time passed but we all eventually got together and performed in New York in Autumn of 2017. Due to family and career obligations the original members ultimately weren’t able to continue. With their blessings, the lineup now consist of guitarist Chuck Lenihan (ex-Crumsuckers, Vasaria) and drummer Joe Cangelosi (ex-Kreator, Whiplash).

Back in the days, did you have any contacts with Peter Steele?

Yes! Pete was a friend of mine from when I was a teenager up until he passed. We both grew up and resided in the same general section of Brooklyn NY. He was a neighborhood guys and a neighborhood heroes. Pete was very focused, intelligent and driven. A mad genius if you will! A true visionary. He had a crazy sense of humor, but was a bit shy and introspective at times especially in the early days. We were always happy to see each other and he often had kind and encouraging words for me. I miss him and original Carnivore guitarist Keith Alexander very much and think of them often. I (and my band members in Carnivore AD) will never forget them both and the times we spent together. As I say toward the end of every Carnivore AD show: «Everything we do, have done and will continue to do will always be dedicated with all of our love and with honor to our old friends from Brooklyn».

How is the underground musical scene in NYC these days, compared to the late ’80s and the ’90s one?

It cannot be compared to the way things were in the 80s and 90s. Not even close. The NY underground scene and a lot of the cultural in general in NY is almost like a shrine to what it used to be. Unfortunately nothing lasts for ever.

Which are your thoughts about a Vasaria comeback, both in album terms and onstage?

The thoughts are there in regard to both and have been there for a while. When it happens, the “come back” will feature a darker and heavier version of the band. Our situation is like that of the vampire at the end of a horror movie. He meets his demise but always comes back at a later time because he cannot really die and also because you cant keep a good monster down.

Do you have any personal memories related to Italy? One final message and greeting to the italian fans?

Even though most of my family’s nationality is Italian I have never been to Italy. My personal memories of Italy relate more to my family and their stories. I will however be in Italy with Carnivore AD for 2 shows in November and look forward to it with great anticipation to seeing all our Italian friends and fans!

21.11. TORINO (i) – BLAH BLAH CLUB
22.11. BOLOGNA (i) – FREAKOUT CLUB