Interview with Guitarist Nick Pacitti of Testimony of Apocalypse

March 28, 2024

Interview with Guitarist Nick Pacitti of Testimony of Apocalypse

By Mick Michaels

Cosmick View: Hello, Nick! Welcome to The Cosmick View. Thanks for taking some time out of your day to speak with us. It's greatly appreciated.
Nick Pacitti: Hey Mick! Thanks for thinking of us!

CV: Typically, Thrash and Death Metal being centered on Christian beliefs are not commonly linked together. However, Testimony of Apocalypse has found a way. In your opinion, would the message be any less powerful without the type of musical genre background the band chose to embrace? Why this particular genre?
NP: The formation of Testimony of Apocalypse stemmed from an attempted reunion of 90s Christian Thrash band SACRAMENT. Most original members were involved in the reunion. I was brought in to assist with writing and to add a 2^nd guitar, as many of the members hadn’t picked up their instrument in some time. After a few months of writing and collaborating, we decided that it wasn’t going to work out as a reunion. Vocalist Mike Torone, Drummer Paul Graham and I broke off to form Testimony of Apocalypse.

So, the style was already decided somewhat as we were already creating thrash/death style metal. I think any style of music can deliver the message powerfully as long as it’s done well and with the right intentions.

CV: Many believe that it's not what you say but how you say that creates the impact. Do you feel fans of the heavier genre styles tend to gravitate more towards the music they hear and less to the words that accompany it?
NP: Great question. You know, I think it’s both. Some people are drawn to the music but a large portion of them also end up learning the lyrics. We put out lyric videos for that very purpose; we don’t want the message to go unheard…or misunderstood. If the lyrics were initially harder to understand, they can easily follow along with the video.

CV: No matter what we do, there is always going to be some opposition. Has there been any criticism from those within the Christian community who may commend the message and band's efforts, but feel that the presentation is not so befitting? If so, how would you reply to such sentiments?
NP: That is a loaded question, lol. There is so much discussion around this each and everyday within Facebook groups and other forums.

There is the argument that there is no such thing as “Christian metal” its just metal with Christian themed lyrics. Some sing about atheist themes and it’s not called “Atheist Metal” or sing about violence and its not called “Violence Metal” to go the extreme…etc., etc., etc.

Then you have the people who say that Christian music should remain in the church with choirs and an organ singing hymns…and hymns only.

I just know that it feels right to be playing the kind of music that we are and there will always be critics.

CV: Do you feel the Heavy Metal genre as a whole has become more of an accepted style of music as opposed to how it was viewed or even not viewed, 40 plus years ago, thus lending itself as a valid vehicle to witness to others?
NP: Some subgenres have been widely accepted for years, depending on what some may view as “heavy metal” a lot of it has remained mainstream. As far as thrash, Metallica broke through, but I don’t know that without the Black Album and the next 2 albums following when they were more Hard Rock than metal, that they would have been as widely accepted. I don’t think we will ever see Death Metal widely accepted.

CV: What was once considered an underground form of Heavy Metal, both Thrash and Death Metal have become a movement and a way of life in their own right for both artists and fans. How have you witnessed Thrash and Death Metal as sub-genres evolve in the world of music over the years?
NP: When Thrash and Groove metal combined (early 90s Pantera, early-mid 90s Sepultura, late 90sExtol) and production got a little better is when I saw a big push. I love how some of the great 80s metal albums sound but once the production got better you saw a greater interest from radio and they were able to expand out to a larger audience. But, you bring us to 2024, and I think there is less appreciation for the pioneers of metal. Some newer bands just want to chugdrop open A chords and play along with the bass drum… on every single song and then it becomes solely about the production and I am not a huge fan of that.

CV: Do you feel those on the outside often have a misunderstanding of more extreme styles of Metal, which in turn develops a possibly unwarranted dislike, even hatred of the music without even listening to it?
NP: I think this is probably fair to say for all types of music. Whether its rap, country, jazz, etc. There is a flavor for everyone. But specifically, metal, with the “sounds like noise” or “cookie monster vocals” comments or whatever other issue people have. Guess what? There are people who like it and there is a very good chance that the music has helped someone through a difficult time, or it reminds them of a loved one that has passed away, or they just like how it sounds.

CV: How would you describe Testimony of Apocalypse to someone who has never heard the band and may not be a fan of the style of music and/or message?NP: It’s really heavy. There are some screaming type vocals and occasional clean singing… you probably won’t like it. Lol But, it has a positive message.

CV: What more can fans expect to see coming from Testimony of Apocalypse in 2024 and beyond?
NP: Mike (vocalist) left after our first album, None Escape The Judgement. Our second album, The Offering, featured 10 vocalists. One of the vocalists was Derek Corzine (Blood Thirsty, Bloodline Severed, Crowned in Sorrow) who is now our full time vocalist and bassist. We have started writing and recording for the next album, likely going to drop early ’25.

CV: Thanks again, Nick, for taking the time to share with our readers. We wish you all the best and continued success.
NP: Thanks for having me.

Check out Testimony of Apocalypse at:

https://linktr.ee/testimonyofapocalypse
https://www.facebook.com/TestimonyOfApocalypse
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3MuHWsXweopEjemVhc16d5
https://roxxrecords.com/search?q=testimony+of+apocalypse

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, show host, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.