Doomed Confessionary: Frank Tudisco (Haunted)
Photos by Gaetano Failla
Haunted is a four-piece stoner/doom metal band from Italy. Formed in the gray and dreary fall of 2015, Haunted conjure up sub-sabbathian spells from the dark sources of Etna, in Catania, Sicily. Long and painful dirges drive the candidate through murky hells of penance and distortion winding through the steep tunnels of Evil and Death.
After »Haunted« (Twin Earth Records, 2016) and »Dayburner« (Twin Earth Records / DHU Records, 2018), Haunted joined Ripple Music to release their third full-length album »Stare At Nothing« on April 19th, 2024.
The conceptual gestation of this new album has deep roots. The seeds are study, listening and experience. Haunted have tried to tell their journey of self-awareness, reunion, pacification, ideological freedom, and recognition of the Self and its complete destruction. They didn’t want to create nothing – and so they just stared at it. Lyrically, the band deals with “the Man who chooses, sees and accepts himself, and doesn’t come to terms with the Universe, with a God, with the Infinite, but only with himself – through a reverse mystical journey.”
Haunted consists of Cristina Chimirri on vocals, Kim Crowley on guitar, Frank Tudisco on bass and Luca Strano on drums.
Can you say a few words about your band?
We are Haunted, a stoner-doom band from Catania, Sicily, formed in 2015. Our music combines crushingly heavy riffs with ethereal vocals, exploring themes of mortality, the afterlife and esoteric visions through hypnotic grooves. Every song is a ceremony and every riff is a dirge.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Our biggest challenge has been carving out a place in the global doom scene while staying true – if not bound – to our roots. Balancing our love for the genre’s traditions with our desire to evolve and explore new sounds has been both difficult and deeply rewarding.
What can you be most proud of so far?
We’re proud of our latest album, »Stare At Nothing«. It marks a turning point for us, both musically and personally. Seeing it resonate with fans and critics alike has been an amazing experience. It feels almost surreal to know that something born from such personal and shadowy places connects so deeply with so many people.
What was your biggest regret?
Regret is a luxury we can’t afford. We don’t really believe in it – we don’t even believe in tomorrow. Every choice we’ve made, every step we’ve taken, has led us to where we are now. If anything, we might wish we had started this journey earlier. But every burial needs the right time to unearth.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Not every show has been easy, but we’ve always made it through. Our first tour was a real trial by fire – around 20 dates and more with barely a day off each week. It was grueling, but we survived and came back stronger. Recently, we were on the road for ten days, playing in Belgium and Germany, where everything went smoothly. Those shows felt like a reward for all the hard work we’ve put in and now we can’t wait to hit the road again and see where the journey takes us next.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Seeing how the doom scene has grown globally, even in places where heavy music isn’t mainstream. It’s inspiring to connect with fans from so many different cultures who share a passion for this sound.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
We’ve been spinning albums by Electric Wizard, Windhand, Monolord, Chelsea Wolfe and even the latest Marilyn Manson record. These artists never fail to inspire us with their unique approaches to heaviness, atmosphere, and emotional depth.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
“Play for yourself first. If it moves you, it will move others.” Staying authentic to our feelings and creativity has been the key to everything we do and will continue to do. If I could offer one piece of advice from the bottom of my heart, it would be this: don’t spread your energy across too many projects. Instead, focus your flow into one, channeling every resource and ounce of passion into it.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Personally, I am a huge fan of old-school Italian horror films, especially from the 1970s and 1980s – directors like Argento, Bava, Fulci and Margheriti. The surreal and eerie atmosphere of these films has definitely influenced our music and imagery. There are also newer directors that inspire me such as Ari Aster, Robert Eggers, Nicolas Winding Refn and Liam Gavin, who continue to captivate me with their unique vision and unsettling narratives.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Catania?
Catania has a vibrant underground scene, full of talented musicians across all genres. The community here is tight-knit and supportive, which is essential for bands like ours. The city is rich in cultural and historical heritage and with the energy of the new generation we hope it can break down old barriers.
Where can we see you live soon (concerts/tours)?
As I mentioned, we’ve just returned from a tour, but we’re already planning the next stages of our European tour in support of Stare at Nothing. Stay tuned for announcements on our social media -we can’t wait to take our music to new places and meet many of you in person.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We’re already writing new material and experimenting with even darker, more atmospheric sounds. Our goal is to keep pushing boundaries while staying true to the core of what makes Haunted unique. We’re also planning a private ritual show for a select audience of the damned—an invite-only experience that will include midnight rites and plenty of incense for the dead.
Do you have any special plans for New Year’s Eve?
We’ll be together, reflecting on the year past and looking ahead. There’s always music involved – we’ll start writing something new to welcome 2025.
How can people best support your band?
The best way to support us is to buy our music and merch directly on Bandcamp, stream our albums endlessly and share them with others who might hear the call of the abyss. Attending our shows and spreading the word about our band keeps this project alive.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thank you for joining us on this descent into darkness. We are the tunnel at the end of the light! Keep walking the left-hand path with us and never fear the unknown – that’s where the true revelations lie.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well