Hailing from the vibrant heart of Milan, Italy, EXILIA is an absolute pioneer in the alternative metal domain, reigning with a formidable female front since 2004. Guided by the charismatic and histrionic presence of Masha Mysmane, the dreadlocked blonde adorned with a powerful and unique soprano voice, the band embodies the authentic essence of hardcore within this genre.
EXILIA’s music shatters boundaries, interweaving metal riffs, spoken word, and poetic depth to create a distinctive sound that fuels an adrenaline surge in devoted listeners. Amid a landscape often dominated by surface-level imagery, EXILIA stands as a resolute outlier. Rooted in musical prowess, intricate songwriting, and profound lyrics, the band commands attention within the female-fronted sphere. Their emphasis on the significance of females goes beyond aesthetics, highlighting their contributions beyond conventional beauty norms.
Hitting the scene in 2000 with their debut full-length album “Rightside Up,” EXILIA quickly caught the attention of MTV,earning the title of Best European Newcomer Award in 2003, a testament to the spike of success the album achieved.
Experience gained from sharing the stage with bands like H.I.M, Therapy?, and The Rollins Band inspired the band’s sound, leading to the creation of the fierce and muscular “Underdog” EP in 2003. The EP garnered glowing reviews and BMG’s support, paving the way for high-profile European tours with In Extremo and Paradise Lost.
* Introduce us to the band! What are your names and what do you do in the band?
Where do you call home?
Hello! We are Exilia. Our lineup includes Masha Mysmane on vocals, Wolve on guitars, Mark Campailla on drums, and Tambu on bass. We call Milan, Italy our home.
- How long have you been together as a band and how did you find each other?
We’ve been rocking together since 2000. We found each other through the vibrant Milan music scene, united by our shared passion for creating powerful, emotive music.
- Do you have a special songwriting recipe you follow?
Our songwriting process is very collaborative. We start with a riff or melody, then build around it with layers of emotion and energy. Lyrics are usually inspired by personal experiences and social issues, aiming to create a connection with our listeners. Masha is mainly guiding the songwriting with a lot of ideas.
- How would members of your family describe your music to someone that hasn’t heard it?
Our families would probably say it’s a blend of raw power and heartfelt emotion, with a touch of rebellion. They might describe it as energetic, passionate, and definitely REAL MUSIC.
- What do you have on your(Spotify) playlists you would be embarrassed for others to see?
We all have our guilty pleasures! You might find some unexpected acoustic version or a really intimate song n our playlists, but hey, good music is good music, right?
- Do you have any pre-show rituals?
- Yes, we do. We usually gather for a quick pep talk, share a moment of silence or meditation, and then pump ourselves up with a bit of our own music or something that gets our adrenaline going.
- Who have you met that has left you starstruck?
Meeting members of bands we admire, like Paradise Lost or Rammstein, has definitely left us starstruck. It’s always inspiring to meet artists who have influenced our own music.
- What do you consider your greatest achievement as far as a band?
One of our greatest achievements is the longevity of our career and the loyal fan base we’ve built over the years. Releasing multiple albums and touring internationally are also high on the list.
* What key elements do you believe makes up a successful song?
A successful song needs a strong, memorable melody, powerful lyrics that resonate with listeners, and an arrangement that builds emotion and energy throughout.
* When writing, how do you know when it is finally done?
A song feels done when it naturally falls into place and we all feel satisfied with the result. It’s an intuitive process – if it makes us feel something deep, we know it’s ready.. you can feel that emotions are touching you,
* What song of yours are you most proud of?
We’re proud of all our songs, but “Feel The Fire” stands out. It’s a powerful anthem that really encapsulates our message and energy.
* Is it possible to be on the road and not eat junk food? How do you keep it leveled out?
It’s challenging, but possible. We try to balance things out by having healthy snacks on hand, drinking plenty of water, and making healthier choices when we can. Half of the band I vegan so we are all ready to be healthy and to respect the planet and animals.
* Are you able to write while on the road or do you need a calm familiar space like home?
We can write on the road, but it’s definitely easier in a calm, familiar space. Inspiration can strike anywhere, so we try to be prepared to capture it when it does. Writing by night is still the most interesting moment.
* What’s the most embarrassing thing to happen on stage or on tour?
Embarrassing moments happen to everyone. We’ve had our share of technical difficulties and on-stage mishaps, like tripping over cables or forgetting lyrics… and much more 🙂 We just laugh it off and keep going…
* What can BleachBANGS do to help you in any way?
BleachBANGS can help by spreading the word about our music, supporting our tours, and helping us connect with more fans. Every bit of exposure and support counts!
* How can everyone keep up with everything you have going on? Where can they get albums/merch?
You can keep up with us on our official website, exiliamusic.com, and follow us on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Our albums and merch are available through our website and at our live shows.
*The sonic assault of their album opener “UNLEASHED” (Gun/SonyBmg), reaching #38 on the German Charts, announced their presence. Their legendary hits “Stop Playing God,” “Coincidence,” and “Can’t Break Me Down” showcase a blend of chainsaw riffs and whiskey-soaked vocals that captivate and resonate. EXILIA shatters stereotypes in female-fronted rock, with Masha’s vocals on “Unleashed” redrawing gender boundaries more convincingly than mere protest often achieves.
Inspired by an immensely successful tour with Rammstein, the band embarked on a journey of tonal exploration. Their album “Nobody Excluded” (2006) featured a track on the soundtrack of the popular U.S. TV series “Grey’s Anatomy.” Additionally, their collaboration with Amnesty International for the hit “Kill Me” included a video that shed light on the human rights issues surrounding Guantanamo.
DISCOGRAPHY:
2001 – RIGHTSIDE UP
2003 – UNDERDOG (EP)
2004 – UNLEASHED
2006 – NOBODY EXCLUDED
2009 – MY OWN ARMY
2012 – DECODE
2015 – PURITY
2018 – FEEL THE FIRE (SINGLE)
2023 – HEROES AND DUST
2024 . UNLEASHEDXX
