The Italian folk/power metal band Wind Rose‘s latest album is Trollslayer. Vocalist Francesco Cavalieri fills us in on the album and other topics.
Chad Bowar: Was there anything unique about the songwriting process for Trollslayer compared to your previous albums?
Francesco Cavalieri: Yes, the songwriting for Trollslayer felt more organic and focused compared to our past albums. While the essence of our sound—epic and powerful with that signature “Dwarf Metal” twist—remained intact, we approached each song with a clearer vision of what we wanted to achieve. We took inspiration directly from the Trollslayers in Warhammer, which gave the songs a stronger thematic unity. We also wanted to explore a balance between fast, aggressive tracks and more upbeat, party-like anthems.
What will be your strongest memory of the recording of the album?
I’d say the strongest memory was when we recorded “Rock and Stone.” Knowing it was directly inspired by Deep Rock Galactic and feeling the energy behind that song come to life was really special. We’re all fans of the game, so the track had a personal connection for us. The entire recording process was intense, but moments like that made it unforgettable.
What was the biggest challenge in its creation?
One of the biggest challenges was balancing the heaviness and aggression with the lighter, more party-oriented songs. We wanted Trollslayer to appeal to a wide audience, keeping both the intensity and the fun alive in the album. Finding the right balance took time, but we’re proud of the final result.
This is your shortest album at 42 minutes. Was that planned, or just how things turned out?
It wasn’t necessarily planned. It’s just how the album naturally turned out. We didn’t want to stretch the songs unnecessarily or add fillers. Each track had its own place and purpose, so we let the album take shape based on what felt right for the flow and energy. Quality over quantity!
How has your sound evolved from Warfront?
The evolution from Warfront to Trollslayer involved leaning more into our fast-paced, aggressive side while keeping the epic, cinematic feel. We brought back some of the speed and fury from our earlier works, but we also embraced more folk elements and the party atmosphere we’re known for. There’s a blend of power, fun, and storytelling that gives Trollslayer a unique edge compared to Warfront.
What lyrical topics do you cover on this one?
As always, dwarves are at the center of our lyrics. With Trollslayer, we dive into themes of brotherhood, battle, and the fearless pursuit of glory. We also have songs like “Drunken Dwarves,” which focus on the celebration after the fight. It’s a mix of epic tales, heroic oaths, and the more joyful, fun side of the dwarven lifestyle.
How much attention do you pay to reviews?
We definitely check them out, but we try not to get too caught up in them. Of course, it’s great when people appreciate the work we put into the album, but ultimately, we write music that we’re passionate about. We’re more interested in connecting with our fans directly and seeing how the songs resonate with them.
How was the video shoot for “To Be A Dwarf”?
It was an absolute blast! We always have fun when we get to fully immerse ourselves in the dwarf world. The energy was high, and we wanted to capture that sense of pride and honor that comes with being a dwarf. The whole crew got into the spirit, and we’re really happy with how it turned out.
The album is also available on vinyl. Are you a collector?
Yes, some of us are definitely into vinyl! There’s something special about holding a physical album in your hands, especially with such detailed artwork. The sound quality is a bonus too. It’s great to see the resurgence of vinyl, and we’re proud to offer Trollslayer in that format for collectors.
What has been your most memorable Wind Rose live show or tour?
That’s tough to choose! We’ve had a lot of memorable moments on tour, but one that stands out was playing a festival where the entire crowd started digging a “mine” during “Diggy Diggy Hole,” it was called the “Mining Pit.” Seeing thousands of people chanting and miming digging was surreal and made us realize just how much of a connection we’ve built with our fans.
You have a European tour with Powerwolf and HammerFall coming up. Are there plans for a U.S. tour this album cycle?
We definitely hope to bring Trollslayer to the U.S. It’s on our radar, and we’d love to connect with our American fans in person again. Stay tuned — there’s more to come!
Where haven’t you played live that you’d still like to get to?
We toured basically every part of the world where we have a strong fanbase. But we’d love to play in Japan and Australia again. We know we have a dedicated fanbase there, and it
would be amazing to finally bring our new album there. Hopefully, we can make it happen soon!
What’s the coolest site/attraction you’ve been able to visit while on tour?
We’ve been lucky to visit a lot of incredible places, but one of the coolest at least for me was visiting the statue of Rocky Balboa in Philadelphia. There’s something awe-inspiring about standing in places where was made the iconic film, especially since I’m a huge fan of ’80s culture.
What are some of your non-musical interests and hobbies?
Some of us are really into video games—especially RPGs and FPS games. We also enjoy reading fantasy novels, watching movies, and exploring history and mythology. These interests often bleed into our music and creative process.
Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
We want to thank all our fans for their continued support, and we can’t wait for you all to hear Trollslayer. Keep an eye on our social media channels for updates, tour dates, and more content. And don’t forget to let us know what you think of the new album!
(interview published September 2024)
