Doomed Confessionary: Riccardo Veronese (Aphonic Threnody)
Aphonic Threnody is an international funeral doom/death metal project led by Riccardo Veronese (Antim-Sanskar, Arrant Saudade, Towards Atlantis Lights, Dea Marica, Gallow God).
»A Silence Too Old« marks Aphonic Threnody’s 7th studio album, released on June 1st, 2025 via Serpentine Music. The album again keeps the tradition of adding new artists and familiar ones who have featured previously on other albums. The album consists of 6 songs and still stays true to the bands roots.
Riccardo has kept the familiar theme of depression, loss and grief throughout the album. Returning guest artist is JS Decline from Estrangement who once again preforms on drums and guitar solos. Vocals this time are from the multi talented Déhà who many of you know from the band Slow and many others. His vocals have given the album a fantastic feel and change of direction.
Can you please say a few words about your band?
Aphonic Threnody is a band that encompasses everything life has to offer from depression, death, sorrow, pain and hope. Long flowing melodies and heavy riffs with quite moments to soak it all in.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Me finding musicians to help. Over the years I have had to take more and more on. It’s hard to find anybody committed to the project. So I now prefer to actually do all the parts myself with some small help where i think it’s needed.
What can you be most proud of so far?
I think the latest album. I really invested so much time and effort into all the elements of it. From what instruments went where to mixing and production. It’s the only album I can actually enjoy of ours.
What was your biggest regret?
I guess it’s the promotion of the band and the lack of interest in it. We always get fantastic reviews when you get them and I have invested time and money in it but have been let down so many times. I guess for the future I will just release for myself if that means just digital then I’m ok with it.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Unfortunately the band had only had one gig. That was with Esoteric and Fen which was fantastic because I got to see Esoteric live and they were amazing. I have big respect for Greg and his band.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Not really anything major. I have to be honest fallen back on a huge amount of what is going on. AI seems to be taken over. People even questioned if we used it. I guess more and more people will and the artist will be lost which is so sad.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
I’ve been listening actually to Black Sabbath’s first 4-5 albums which has been great. Ahab and Chrch.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Stay as I am. I’m self taught so I don’t follow any pattern. I just make stuff up and it works. I played some stuff live once to a quite famous producer and he was laughing saying what chords was I playing and telling me he would never of thought to go where I was going on the fretboard. He told me to just always follow that approach.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Brandy, music, crisps and films.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in London?
It’s pretty dead where I’m from but London still has some great gigs going. Because of the genre it’s really hard to get anything going here.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Nothing as I don’t have a full band unfortunately.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
I think I will carry on with me as the main person. I do have some exciting plans for 2 releases coming up. I have another release pretty much structured. It just needs vocals and a few extra instruments and it will be ready next year.
How can people best support your band?
By buying our music or simply spreading the word or just commenting on Bandcamp or YouTube. It all helps and I always reply and am greatful for everything the fans do for us.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
I’ll keep pushing along and have some really cool ideas for future releases so I hope as long as I’m healthy I’ll keep doing releases. Get in touch as I love hearing how my music has helped people through dark times.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well