(We present Daniel Barkasi’s interview of Giovanni A. Vigliotti from the Floridian doom/death metal band Somnent, whose new album Heirloom will be released by Ardua Music on October 30th.)

As fall has begun, and winter will be right around the corner, the chill in the atmosphere cultivates the proper mindset for doom metal. A place where you don’t expect this sort of music to originate is the humid state of Florida, where a “cold” day usually constitutes maybe having to don a hoodie.

Somnent come from touristy central Florida, but they’re certainly not playing “It’s a Small World” or the like. The creative vehicle of Giovanni A. Vigliotti, Somnent’s official story began with an EP in Eventide in 2015 that gave a soulful expressiveness and a direct, crushing affront, showcasing plenty of potential. Two full-lengths followed with 2017’s Sojourn and 2021’s Gardens from Graves, as well as a live album recorded at the Doom Heart Fest, seeing the band grow in both creative zeal and stage presence.

Their sound can be described as ethereal yet harsh; beauteous while being demonstrably heavy. There’s as much My Dying Bride in them as there is Swallow the Sun, and Vigliotti has carved out a unique voice of his very own that’s on the precipice of breaking out fully.

Now armed with a new record in Heirloom and a new label in Ardua Music, Somnent is ready to take the next bold step into the shadowy unknown, of which we’ll have a full review in the coming days. Vigliotti himself is a humble fellow, whose influences are numerous and his ability obvious to all who indulge in his manifestations. We got the chance to have a chat about the long road that led to Heirloom, how he discovered this music in the first place within his personal journey, and even his favorite Marduk record. I hope you enjoy the conversation! Continue reading »