On 23/09/2022, Legend of the Forgotten Reign – Chapter VII: Evil Awakens, a new work by the Italian power metal veterans Kaledon, was released. On this occasion, we talked to guitarist and songwriter Alex Mele. Have fun reading!

André: Thank you for taking the time to talk to us. How are you?

Alex: Hi there, thanks for having me. I am really, fine thank you.

Which album did you last listen to before answering these questions?

The latest Stratovarius album: Survive! A really good album.

Your last album Legend of the Forgotten Reign – Chapter VII: Evil Awakens was released on 23 September. Please tell our readers something about the concept you have been following for many years. 

Basically, the main saga ended in 2010 and after chapter 6 we started writing spin-off albums about the characters’ lives! But during the first lockdown there was a lot of free time, so I wrote new chapters for the main saga! This is the first part of a new trilogy! So (I really don’t know when), but there will also be chapters 8 and 9!

How do you see your current album? Was the development process different this time compared to the previous album, which was released in 2017?

Oh no, the main process was absolutely the same! I write the song, then I send it to the guys for approval, and if it’s okay, Meek (the singer) thinks about lyrics and melody! This is the first album where I only wrote a melody! Meek wrote all the rest!

Are there any songs on Legend of the Forgotten Reign – Chapter VII: Evil Awakens that you particularly like?

Of course I really like the 3 singles! “The Dawn Of Dawns“, “The Eye Of The Storm“, “The Story Comes To An End?”. I think these 3 songs represent the band 100%.

You released your debut album 20 years ago. How has the metal scene changed since then in your opinion?

Oh man, the real point is that 20 years ago there was a metal scene! Nowadays I can’t see it anymore! All I see is envy, scammers (who said anything about agencies?), naivety and bands willing to pay any amount to play in remote basements!!!!

What has been your most memorable experience as a band since you started?

Maybe the live performance with Ronnie James Dio in 2000!

There have always been strong power metal bands from Italy. Are there some younger bands that you can recommend to our readers?

Honestly, I can’t really see any valid news! I still follow and like all the Italian power metal bands from the past, but I really don’t think we will have a new Rhapsody or a new Labyrinth.

Which Italian power metal album do you consider to be the best ever recorded?

Labyrinth – Return To Heaven Denied and Rhapsody – Legendary Tales! 

You guys are from Rome. Let’s say I’m travelling to this wonderful city and I want to visit a cool metal bar. Where can I go? Do you have a good tip for us?

At TRAFFIC Live Club you can have a drink and listen to good live music!

Last question: Assuming you had an unlimited budget for a live show, what would a Kaledon gig look like?

Definitely something with lots of backdrops, backgrounds and special effects! [laughs]