Doomed Confessionary: Frank (Waste Cult)
Waste Cult started in Bologna, Italy in late 2021, with all members having experience with other punk/thrash metal projects, including Rake-Off, Hyle, Siege Stompers, Call The Cops… The band consists of Frank (guitar, vocals), Pilvia (guitar), Noise (bass) and Claudio (drums, backing vocals).
The aim for Waste Cult has been to create different sounds and atmospheres to those other projects – exploring a slower doomier approach to their sound. In mid 2022 they self-released an eponymous 4-track EP on tape, and on the back of that started playing shows across Italy.
The first full-length, »Blame«, is the characterisation of all their different influences, with a more defined identity – taking inspiration from the doom classics to the more modern post-metal sounds. This reality took shape after years experimenting in the practice room, with »Blame« bearing witness to a more introspective and personal approach within both the music and lyrics. »Blame« was released on June 6th, 2025 via Aesthetic Death.
Aesthetic Death has always been a fan of stoner doom sounds and, like many, was schooled on the likes of Kyuss, Monster Magnet and Black Sabbath. Yet, Aesthetic Death has rarely had opportunity to work on any release with bands from these lands of sound.
Can you please say a few words about your band?
We’ve been friends for a long time, so, in late 2021, we decided to start a band together. We’re currently based in Bologna (northern Italy). When Waste Cult was born, we didn’t decide to have a specific sound and we just wanted to create some heavy, decadent and acidic atmospheres and feel free to let any kind of influences affect our music. Anyway, after an EP and a full-length album, we can affirm that our style is basically a sludgy, post-metal-oriented doom metal with some stoner moments.
We’ve just released our first full-length album, »Blame«, for Aesthetic Death Records.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Keeping a band alive in Italy is a challenge itself. Underground music culture here is not as developed as in other countries. Most of the clubs prefer setting crappy cover band shows because it’s easier than investing in new music. We’re lucky a few brave “philanthropists” keep managing live clubs, organizing shows and everything but there are fewer and fewer of them.
Furthermore, everything is very expensive, especially travelling, so playing in a band is constantly a loss-making business. Luckily we have a strong passion on our side so for now we’re winning the challenge.
What can you be most proud of so far?
The new album, of course. We worked a lot on it, spending a lot of time on every detail, practicing obsessively until everything sounded perfect to us. We’re proud Aesthetic Death Records gave us a chance and released the album. It’s a huge honor for us.
What was your biggest regret?
I wish I was more present during »Blame« recording and mixing sessions. It was a particular moment of my life when we recorded the album and I didn’t have the chance to be there all the time. If I could go back in time, indeed, I’d make a few different choices regarding the album.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
In December 2022 we played in Parma, at Splinter Club with Messa, Throne and Ottone Pesante. That was a kind of baptism for the band because it was the first time we played in a “high-level” situation as Waste Cult. The show was great and we had a lot of fun.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Nowadays there’s a huge hype around Messa. They’re undoubtedly a great band and nice guys. They’re constantly touring around the world and making incredible albums. I think it’s the biggest surprise of recent years regarding the Italian scene. It’s been many years since an Italian band had such success.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Right now I’m listening to my favourite post-metal record, »Oceanic« by Isis. Lately I’m also into crossover thrash metal records such as Enforced new EP »A Leap Into The Dark« and the new breed of death metal bands like Creeping Death, Frozen Soul, Gatecreeper etc. Many people don’t like this kind of revival but I do. I like it when old school shit is brought back to life in a modern key.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
“Don’t scoop the mids!” Ahahahaha.
Jokes aside, “don’t give a shit about the trends” is the best advice I’ve ever been given. I think making music is personal therapy, therefore you have to like the music you make regardless of the current trends. If others don’t, nevermind. If they do, better.
What are your guilty pleasures?
It might seem like the most obvious thing an Italian can tell you, but lately I love making pizza for my family. Restaurants are getting more and more expensive and takeaway pizzas taste like shit here in Bologna, therefore, once a week I put my apron on and make the best pizza you can eat in the block.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Bologna?
Bologna is a so-called town of passage. Many people go there to work or to study from all over the world. Many people stay, many others go. Therefore there is a constant turnover of people and bands.
Bologna still has the most flourishing music scene in Italy. There are many good bands in every genre.
Back in the day there were many venues as well. Unfortunately, due to the rising cost of living, building speculation, gentrification, repression and other factors, most places don’t exist anymore. Just a few of them survived.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We’re planning several shows for next autumn/winter to promote the album, especially in Central and Northern Italy but we’re tryin’ to set some shows abroad too, probably in Central and Western Europe for next year.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
In general, as a band we simply want to keep playing together and make some good music until we get old.
Specifically, we’re starting to write new music and we’d like to release a new album in a couple of years. We have plenty of ideas and we can’t wait to get them to the ground.
How can people best support your band?
Many platforms (eg. Bandcamp) let you make donations to bands. They’re always welcome, of course, but we’re also glad if you buy our records and our merch and spread our music around. Share our music with your friends and tell them we’re nice guys 😀
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Never stop supporting all those who are committed to keeping the flame alive. Go to shows, read zines, buy records and merch, tell the bands you like their music (they’re glad if you do), start new bands, new labels, don’t let the flame go out.
Thank you Bojan for giving us the chance to say something about us!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well