BLACKSTARTS Interview
The Italian supergroup Blackstars has officially arrived, introducing a Heavy/Hard Rock project built to reignite the golden sound of the 1980s and 1990s. Formed in Milan in June 2022 by guitarist Max Adams, who stepped away from his longtime role in Love Machine after nearly three decades, the band quickly evolved into a powerhouse lineup of seasoned musicians. Joined by Tony Pecere (Crimson Dawn, Betoken), Alberto “Wolfie” Presotto (Opera Noire, Sakem), Walter Soresina (Crossbones, Fuckin’ Jam), and Folkert Beukers (Adam Bomb, Chris Holmes), Blackstars began crafting original material deeply rooted in the classic Heavy and Hard Rock tradition. Their debut self-titled EP, released through Underground Symphony Records, captures the raw energy, melodic strength, and unapologetic attitude of the genre’s golden era, with drummer Sergio Masperi contributing to the recording to help shape the EP’s powerful sound.
1. Blackstars formed in 2022 with members who each bring decades of experience from different corners of the rock and metal scene. What was the spark that convinced you this group of musicians was the right combination for a brand-new project?
BST: Well, this is a real solid band, it’s a team 100% and a family, i am very lucky and proud to have found these guys.
2. Max, after thirty years with Love Machine, what creative or personal motivations led you to start Blackstars, and how does this new project differ from your previous musical journey?
BST: A very sweet revenge hahahaha, because when i left for the second time my old band, i hold inside my heat the same passion, the same vibes, personal never lost, from 1992 the year when i joined my ex band, also my wife Tizy help me so much, in fact she designed the logo band that you see and also she recorded my demos. Inside BS you find all the music that we love.
3. The EP intentionally channels the golden sound of 80s and 90s Heavy/Hard Rock. What specific elements from those eras did you feel were essential to capture in the songwriting and production?
BST: Well this is our musical background, you know, we came from Kiss, Dokken, Bon Jovi, Judas Priest, Loudness, Scorpions, Ozzy as well, from the golden era 80s/90. We grew up with these bands inside because this is our DNA. We are an RNR Band not a depressed band.
4. Blackstars is made up of musicians from very diverse backgrounds—Crimson Dawn, Crossbones, Adam Bomb, Opera Noire, and more. How did these varied influences shape the creative chemistry when writing the EP?
BST: Yes diverse backgrounds but the real DNA comes from 80’s and 90’s at 100% hahahahaha.
5. The collaboration with drummer Sergio Masperi was key in defining the EP’s sound. How did his involvement influence the final direction or energy of the recording?
BST: Well Sergio Masperi was a session man that we used just only for the 1st video, because Folkert Beukers (ex WASP Chris Holmes and Adams Bomb) came a few weeks later and you can hear his drumming on the EP, he is our official drummer.
6. Your debut single “Dead Shots” introduces audiences to the band’s identity. Why was this track selected as the first official video, and what message or feeling were you hoping it would convey?
BST: Dead Shots is the right 1st single for us because inside you can feel and bear the right punch and energy and power, also the lyrics are very very 80’s hahahahahahah.
7. Recreating the spirit of 80s/90s Hard Rock while still sounding fresh can be challenging. What steps did you take to balance nostalgia with a modern edge?
BST: We follow our hearts, our dreams, we used also in studio a lots of equipments from the past, both digital and analogic
8. Underground Symphony Records is releasing the EP. How did this partnership come about, and what made them the right label for Blackstars’ debut?
BST: Yeah absolutely, I called 2 Times Maurizio Chiarello the boss from Underground Symphony, he knew me and after seeing the video clip Dead shots he decided immediately without any doubts or compromises that our music was very very interesting, he gave us this chance. We thank him but also we wanna thank our fantastic manager Valeria Campagnale.
9. Now that the EP is out, what can fans expect next (live performances), a full-length album, or additional videos? Where is Blackstars heading in 2026?
BST: Yeah absolutely, we are planny live shows, also we have just almost ready new songs, new music as soon as possible, and release the second video clip.
We really thank you so much ! Don’t forget us because we don’t forget you and Keep us rocking. All the best
Blackstars stands as a compelling reminder that the spirit of Heavy and Hard Rock not only endures, but thrives when placed in the hands of musicians who understand its roots and its power. Their debut EP channels the grit, melody, and unmistakable charisma of the genre’s most iconic era while pushing forward with a modern, energetic edge. As they continue shaping the next chapter of their musical journey, Blackstars is poised to make a significant impact on fans of classic and contemporary heavy music alike.
For more information, visit:
https://www.facebook.com/BlackStars80s
