Between Sulphur and Mercury: An Interview

Sulphur and Mercury emerge as one of the most distinctive proposals within contemporary metal, bringing together musicians with established backgrounds in the international extreme metal scene to shape a project that goes beyond nostalgia. Their album *Alchemia Prophetica* not only revisits the roots of 1980s heavy metal, but also reinterprets them through a ritualistic, dark, and deeply conceptual vision. With influences ranging from doom and black metal to NWOBHM, the group builds a sonic narrative where the atmospheric and the aggressive coexist in constant tension. In this interview, we explore the origin of the project, its alchemical aesthetic, and the balance between tradition and experimentation that defines its identity within modern metal.

Sulphur and Mercury was formed almost like a “supergroup,” bringing together musicians from different extreme music scenes. What was the real idea behind uniting such different backgrounds?

Everything started when Jason and I (Francesco) met in Helsinki. The idea was to create something different from our usual projects, namely Misery Index and Spiritual Front. We wanted to play the kind of metal that first inspired us when we were teenagers—the metal of the mid-to-late 1980s, the records we still listen to and love today.

“Alchemia Prophetica” has been described as a reinterpretation of classic 1980s heavy metal (Mercyful Fate, Celtic Frost, Sabbat), but without falling into direct nostalgia. How do you balance influence with your own identity?

I think what makes it a bit different  is that we incorporated a variety of influences beyond just metal into the songs. We both come from very diverse musical backgrounds. Italian and British progressive rock from the 1970s has been a major influence on our songwriting, as have cinematic elements and film scores, ranging from Morricone and Frizzi to Carpenter and many others.

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Many outlets highlight the presence of ritualistic and occult elements in the album, both lyrically and sonically. Is this mainly an aesthetic construction, or is there a deeper conceptual intention behind that imagery?

These influences are part of our artistic vocabulary and of everything that fascinates us, both musically and lyrically. Through our compositions, we always try to evoke imagery and create a narrative atmosphere, almost like a short film. The same approach applies to the visual aspect of the band as well—artwork and graphic design are extremely important to us.

The use of keyboards and cinematic atmospheres (even compared to John Carpenter in some reviews) is unusual for bands in this style. What role does atmosphere play within the concept of Sulphur and Mercury?

Exactly as I mentioned before, keyboards and organs are the elements that bring those essential 1970s progressive and cinematic influences into our music. Every song contains a strong component of these elements, which are fundamental to the identity of our sound.

In reviews such as Metal Noise, the album is described as a mix of doom, NWOBHM, and more extreme elements, with moments that “shouldn’t work but do.” Do you intentionally aim for that kind of stylistic clash?

No, not at all. For the first EP, we simply tried to include all the elements that inspired us, without overthinking anything else. We wanted the songs to have that musical and visionary quality that we personally love.

70s and 80s Doom is also a huge music influence on us.

The EP was recorded between Rome and Helsinki and brings together musicians with very distinct backgrounds. What was the actual creative process like: collective composition or a guided vision from a central core?

Everything started from ideas developed by me and Jason. Later, we completed the songwriting process together with the rest of the band, refining the final details. The recordings took place first in Rome and then in Helsinki. Finally, our friend Ola Esfjord (Tribulation, Lucifer, Primordial) mixed the material, and the result was our debut EP.

If “Alchemia Prophetica” represents a starting point, where is Sulphur and Mercury heading in the future: more tradition, more experimentation, or a complete break from the current concept?

Alchemia Profetica was definitely a starting point. We now have a new lineup here in Helsinki, featuring Tami on bass, Kride on guitar, and Jaakko on drums. We have already released two new singles to introduce this lineup. The new tracks, Summon the Seer and Sulphur Eternal—the latter also accompanied by a music video—are available on streaming platforms.

These songs represent a clear evolution from the first EP and, in my opinion, define the sound and imagery of Sulphur And Mercury in a much stronger and more focused way. With this lineup, we are currently working on our debut full-length album.

 

THANK YOU VERY MUCH JORGE AND MIDNIGHT FUNERAL ZINE!

Francesco Conte 

LINKS OF INTEREST: 

https://sulphurandmercury.bandcamp.com

https://www.facebook.com/sulphurandmercury

https://www.instagram.com/sulphurandmercury1987

https://timetokillrecords.bandcamp.com