Hopes Die Last Interview: ‘Do Not Completely Rely on Other People’

Italian metal band Hopes Die Last just released 'Trust No One' and it's one of those bash-you-over-the-head type metal albums that leaves you a little dazed, a little dizzy and desiring more. Frontman Daniele Tofani spoke to Noisecreep about the inability to trust, about rock stardom vs. athleticism and more. Oh, and we played a little word association, too. Now's your chance to get to know Hopes Die Last.

'Trust No One' is a rather bleak album title. Is that your view and perspective of the human condition?

The title assumes the creepy condition we are living in nowadays. This world has become a place where we can't really trust anyone, sometimes not even ourselves. That's why our message is this: Do not rely completely on other people. In life we must be independent and make it on our own.

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If the rather disturbing, bloody-but-grinning girl on the album cover were to take a bite out of one member of Hopes Die Last, who do you think she'd choose and why?

Me, for sure, because I am the coolest!

Since soccer is such a huge sport in Europe, I am prompted to ask you this. If given the choice, would you rather be a super successful rock star or an elite soccer player, David Beckham-style?

If I was an elite soccer player, I'd earn more money just to kick a stupid ball, but if I am here talking about my band with you, it's pretty clear my choice drops on the first option. I don't believe shooting a ball in the net would give me the same feelings I prove when I am on stage in front of a lot people singing along my songs.

Time for word association: When you think of "America," what is the first thing that comes to mind?

Hamburgers and junk food, endless roads, Las Vegas, and Playboy.

If Hopes Die Last, what dies first?

I wasn't in the band yet when they chose the name and started playing, but I know that the choice comes from the fact we are obsessed with three words titles. For instance, our albums are 'Six Years Home' and 'Trust No One' and also the name 'Hopes Die Last.' What dies first, though? Well I hope it's not me [laughs].

Ah, glad you brought up 'Six Years Home.' How have you grown as a band since the release of that album?

In these couple of years, we've tried very hard to grow and improve. I am sure those who have always followed us have immediately noticed the difference. there's been a strong desire to experiment and constantly renew ourselves, and there's been a feeling in the lineup that has improved the team work and spirit that was lacking in the past.

Watch 'Unleash Hell'