Interview with Drummer Danny Rafaniello of Pater Iltis

February 03, 2025

Interview with Drummer Danny Rafaniello of Pater Iltis

By Mick Michaels

COSMICK VIEW: Hello! welcome to The Cosmick View. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat.
Danny Rafaniello: It’s greatly appreciated. Thank you for allowing me to speak... especially to share some impressions from the small but steadfast Switzerland.

CV: Do you feel heavy metal music in general is viewed differently by fans in Europe compared to fans elsewhere, especially in America, and if so why?
DF: Yes, I actually think so. We often talk about “US Metal” and “EU Metal,” but honestly, I find such classifications unnecessary.

Music is so much more than that! There‘s Oriental Metal, like from our friends Orphaned Land or Myrath, groovy sounds from Khirki in Greece – even Nordic bands like Amorphis incorporate international influences. Music connects cultures, just like food does. That’s why our new album “Oui Chef” is a concept album centered around culinary themes. Pleasure knows no boundaries – neither musically nor gastronomically.

CV: What do you feel makes heavy metal music so alluring to the fans? what is it about the music that personally resonates so strongly with you?
DF: For me as a drummer, it’s the mix of drama, dynamics, and tempo, combined with complex rhythms. It’s like a good friend: feeling down? Heavy Metal. Feeling great? Heavy Metal. This music accompanies you–honest and powerful– through the crazy world out there.

CV: Has metal splintered into too many sub-genres in your opinion, thus, making it harder for newer bands to actually classify themselves as one style over another? is it confusing for fans as well?
DF: Oh, history keeps repeating itself. The wheel was invented ages ago, but you can always reinvent how it’s presented. It’s like the potato: you know it, but you combine it differently, add spices, and suddenly it tastes new. Young bands often draw inspiration from the classics – Sabbath, Zeppelin, Maiden – and bring fresh energy into the mix. Who knows, maybe we’ll soon see a grunge renaissance with a touch of 50s soul? As long as it’s done honestly and with heart, I think it’s fantastic.

CV: How would you describe the current state of the music business considering the last five years? Have things drastically changed long-term for artists and bands since the pandemic? What are your thoughts?
DF: Fear can be a teacher, but it must not dominate in art. We respect when people are cautious, but we also encourage them: Come to our concerts, grab a beer, and enjoy the music…one shouldn‘t waste time on unnecessary toxic things. Let‘s stay culinary: If I can‘t tolerate something, I leave it out – it‘s as simple as that.

CV: What do you feel makes your band and its particular approach to songwriting work? what keeps the band together and making music?
DF: We write songs as if we were already on stage – full of energy, without compromise. Live performances are what truly matter. In doing so, we always meet each other on equal footing, respecting every personality in the band. The world is complicated enough – we rely on honesty and being grounded.

CV: On a more global view, how do you see your band’s music and songwriting separating itself from just being another heavy metal act?
DF: We know that no one has been waiting for us. But that‘s exactly what makes it exciting: Often, you come across songs you weren‘t even looking for, yet they suddenly feel just right. Our music might come unexpectedly, but that‘s what defines it.

CV: Can an artist truly be unique? Some would argue there is no such thing as being unique; that it’s nothing more than a compounding of influences making an artist who or what they are. Would this then say that artists today are destined to be just copies of those who have already come to pass?
DF: Every person is unique, and the combination makes it exciting. Sure, the wheel has already been invented, but it’s about touching hearts, not just causing tinnitus. Respect and love are the foundation – and that applies to our music as well.

CV: Are there life lessons to learn being in a heavy metal band that you feel cannot be taught elsewhere? If so, what are they?
DF: Not necessarily. But every successful band is built on respect and empathy. Heavy metal fans are often very sensitive and profound individuals – I want to emphasize that in particular.

CV: What do you feel makes someone a “rock star”? Does being a rock star automatically make one iconic or are the two completely different in your opinion?
DF: “Rockstar” is often a product of media and budgets. Charisma and ego certainly play a role, but ultimately, authenticity is what matters. A rockstar symbolizes freedom and rebellion – but who is truly freedom?

CV: What‘s next? What can fans expect to see coming from Pater Iltis?
DF: With our band Pater Iltis, we’ll soon be celebrating the album release of “Oui Chef” in Zurich. Additionally, we’re planning concerts in Switzerland and working on international collaborations – including with a well-known prog rock band from northern Germany and a Croatian rock band. Personally, I continue to support bands with my cover designs – a project that is very close to my heart.

CV: Thank you again for spending some time talking and sharing with our readers. it was a pleasure. We wish you all the best and continued success.
DF: Thank you! Cheers and bon appétit with our album “Oui Chef” – low in calories and perfect after two or three beers.

Long Live Rock’n’Roll

Check out Pater Iltis at:

https://linktr.ee/pateriltis

https://www.instagram.com/pateriltis

https://lnk.site/ouichef

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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.