Holy Tide
I had the pleasure of conducting a very informative interview with the incredibly talented Joe Caputo. We head out into the countryside, enjoy some delicious food and, of course, talk about music! And we learn that the number 13 isn’t always unlucky. A look back and a glimpse into the future!
For those who aren’t familiar with Holy Tide yet, who is Holy Tide? What inspired you to bring Holy Tide into the world?
Hello everybody! Holy Tide is a dark symphonic power metal project born in 2018. Following a career in underground bands and as a session bass player, I chose to launch a project that could fully express my artistic vision. Holy Tide was inspired by my newfound faith, at the time. Having realized that my skills and talent were given to me by God, I knew it was time to start dedicating my music to the glory of the Lord.
Fabio Caldeira - Vocals * David Shankle - Guitars * Joe Caputo - Bass * Michael Brush - Drums
You founded Holy Tide, created the music and lyrics, and only then brought the other musicians on board—that’s very interesting. How were the musicians chosen? Was it your plan from the start to have such an international lineup?
Once you’ve composed and arranged an album, you need musicians who can perform your music, enhance it, and truly bring it to life. To achieve this, you need top-tier professionals. I decided not to set any boundaries and, with the help of my former manager, we found the singer and the guitarist. The drummer, Michael Brush, responded to an announcement I posted in a Facebook group for drummers. With today’s technology, there are no limits; you just have to ensure the musicians you hire are fully up to the task.
I know the term “Holy Tide” as a time or season for special religious observance—how does that fit with your band’s concept?
I was looking for a powerful, impactful name, and 'Holy Tide' perfectly captured the essence of the band. In fact, the whole process of making this album felt like a literal holy tide to me!
The cover, the songs themselves and even the album title “Aquila“ all have a Christian feel to them. Do you see the band as ‘Christian metal’, or does that kind of categorization not fit? How would you describe your music yourselves?
I have never categorized Holy Tide as a Christian metal band. My goal is to reach anyone, regardless of their background, who is open to hearing these songs and engaging with the lyrics. By calling it Christian metal, I feel I would be limiting the music to a religious audience. As it is written in Mark 2:17, Jesus said: 'I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
Don’t get me wrong, I have a lot of respect for the Christian Metal movement, but I want to be free from any kind of religious labeling whatsoever.
Aquila comes from Latin and means eagle.
How tolerant are you? Can you handle other opinions or musical genres? Is there a “no-go”?
I consider music a true gift from heaven; it has the power to unite people and change minds. While I am open-minded about most genres, I have an absolute 'no-go' when it comes to hip-hop, rap, and the like. From the little I have heard, in terms of both lyrics and attitude, not to mention the music itself, which I don’t think can be considered music at all, it really horrifies me!
On Aquila, you worked with many very talented people. Who do you absolutely have to make music with next?
Yes, on Aquila, I had the privilege of working with some incredibly talented musicians. First and foremost, the band members themselves, who did an outstanding job. Don Airey (Deep Purple, Ozzy Osbourne, Rainbow, and many others) also deserves a mention for his incredible work on the track 'The Shepherd’s Stone'.
That was the only song on the album without a guitar solo. I wanted to experiment with a different instrument, and I immediately thought of the Hammond. While discussing it with my manager, we decided
to give it a shot, contacting Don Airey’s representatives and sent them the material. I didn’t hear anything for a couple of weeks, but then, one morning, I received a call from the UK. It was Don Airey’s sound engineer, informing me that Don was recording the Hammond parts I had requested. That same afternoon, I received the recording and, wow, it was absolutely brilliant. You can hear it on 'The Shepherd’s Stone'.
Then, of course, there is Tilo Wolff. I truly hope to have the chance to work with him again; he is both an incredible professional and a very kind person.
Aquila received a lot of praise and was very well received; for many, it was even the top album of 2019—how proud does that make you?
Working on Aquila was a watershed moment in my life. It all happened in a miraculous way. The truth is that the entire album was written in just 13 days, one song per day. I had no clue how I was going to do it or how to make it happen. My wife and I moved to Lake Como at the time to find isolation so I could focus on the project. On the first day, I got on my knees and prayed for God to give me the skills and guide my hands. Well... I sat at the computer, grabbed my guitar, and the rest is history. In other words, all the glory goes to God; I am merely a vessel. I am very proud of this work because I know that what Jesus said is true: “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you”.
You released your debut album on My Kingdom Music—do you ever worry that some artists might be so different from you, both musically and ideologically? (at the same label)
I must face the reality of always sharing a roster with artists of different views and ideologies, but that is the secular world we live in. My convictions and the truth I carry, keep me pushing forward, no matter the circumstances or the environment.
Unfortunately, after “Aquila“ and “Eagle Eye“, there hasn’t been any news from Holy Tide. I think the COVID pandemic has ruined a lot of plans (and lives)—surely yours as well. The planned European tour, for example, sadly didn’t happen. How hard did this period hit you? Will “Holy Tide” celebrate a sort of “resurrection”? (I've heard that the current status is ‘split-up’)
Covid came "like a thief in the night." We all thought we were safe and sound, but then, all of a sudden, everything changed. All plans for 2020 went up in smoke: summer festivals and a long autumn tour, all gone. Promoters were saying there wouldn't be any shows or tours until 2022. It was incredibly strange and frightening.
At the time, I had just changed manager and was holding auditions for a new singer. Instead, I just kept composing songs and waiting with my wife in our apartment, during lockdown, for the storm to pass.
Holy Tide never officially split up; the band is simply on hiatus.
Since 2024, I’ve been working on a new project called Chariots of Fire. It’s a symphonic death metal band where I compose, sing, and play bass. So far, we’ve played shows in Italy (Genoa and Milan) and, in May 2025, two highly successful concerts in Tokyo, Japan, supporting the Finnish melodic death metallers Insomnium. We are returning to Japan this coming September 2026 to play two more shows in Osaka and Tokyo, this time supporting Cemetery Skyline—the supergroup featuring members of Dark Tranquillity, Insomnium, Sentenced, and Dimmu Borgir.
I have also recently launched a new independent solo project called Adonai Imperium. I write symphonic death metal songs based on specific Bible chapters and books. Essentially, I worship the Lord through growls and screams. Check me out on YouTube!
So, I have a lot on my plate right now, but I do not rule out a "Holy Tide resurrection." If the right circumstances arise, I don't see why not. However, I’ll need highly skilled musicians. So, if anyone is interested, drop me an email!
Besides the relevant bands or musicians, what inspires you in life?
First and foremost, I am inspired by God, who gives me the daily strength, wisdom, and grace to do my work. I am also inspired by my surroundings. We are blessed to live in a mountainous area, right at the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. My wife and I are big hiking enthusiasts. We love walking through our region, admiring and enjoying creation, especially these mountains that plunge into the sea. Every day, just looking at the sky provides an inspiration for life like no other.
Italy, of course, has a lot more to offer besides good music (We’re not talking about football today)—what do you appreciate most?
I was born and raised in Southern Italy, and I still live here today. We live in a small village, and what I love most is the warmth and care of the people. You can always find someone to chat with, and everyone waves hello as you walk around. You can live a very healthy and peaceful life here, if you choose to.
Then in 2023, news came from Sweden that there would be a new chapter. How did it happen that you went from “hot” Salerno to “cold” Stockholm? I know some really great musicians from Sweden—extremely nice and talented people. I’m sure you’d agree, right?!
Back in 2023, I hired a new singer from Stockholm, and I was also looking for a new guitarist. We moved to Sweden to finalize and record the new album. Unfortunately, things went sideways, and since my father was also very sick, we returned to Italy after a few months. I agree that there are some incredibly talented musicians in Sweden, but it was a time in my life where I needed to close a chapter, so I never made it to record the second album (so far!).
We did meet some amazing people, though, with whom we became very close friends!
What must I absolutely see in Salerno and Stockholm?
Salerno isn’t a huge city, but it has a very charming historic quarter where you can find locals hanging out and some of the finest places to eat simple yet delicious Southern Italian food. Just a 10-minute drive north of Salerno lies the Amalfi Coast, an absolute must-see once in your lifetime. To the south, you'll find the lesser-known Cilento Coast, which is wilder, featuring long sandy beaches and a stunning countryside. Meanwhile, in Stockholm, you mustn't miss Gamla Stan, the old town. It is incredibly picturesque and beautiful to walk around.
How did the collaboration with Tilo Wolff come about? Tilo translated your lyrics into German for his part, which turned out to be a great idea. But did he choose the song, or was it your idea? Tell us about it…
My collaboration with Tilo Wolff wasn't planned at all at first! What happened was, that while we were working on the pre-production of Aquila, my manager felt that the song “Lamentation” reminded him a bit of Lacrimosa. The truth is, I was deeply influenced by Lacrimosa’s music, and I remember saying: “Imagine if we could have Tilo Wolff as a special guest on this song.”
As it turned out, my manager knew someone in Tilo Wolff’s crew and dropped them an email. A few days later, Tilo himself got in touch with me. He asked to listen to the song and read the lyrics. He absolutely loved it and agreed to be a guest on the track. I had initially thought about leaving the lyrics in English, but it was Tilo’s idea to translate and sing his parts in German to add that distinct “Lacrimosa touch.”
It was incredible! He flew here to Salerno, and we spent a few days together.
He is an outstanding professional and a very kind and genuine person. He gave me some amazing advice and tips regarding composing and arrangements, which I still cherish to this day. His studio performance was absolutely mind-blowing. I feel truly blessed to have had such an opportunity!
As an Italian, is there anything you’d like to get off your chest or confess?
I love my country, but from my perspective as a musician, things here don’t work well at all. My wife is Brazilian, and she told me how disappointed she was when she first came to Italy. The cradle of the arts, which gave birth to geniuses like Paganini, Puccini, and Verdi (even Mozart came to study in Italy) has no space at all for music now, or for good music, at least. I’m not seeking a career here in Italy, nor are there any real opportunities to be a professional metal musician in this country.
Unfortunately, we can’t avoid this man—Mr. Trump couldn’t answer this question: what’s your favourite passage in the Bible?
Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
That is my absolute favorite Bible verse. We should always remember that there is a Creator who made all things!
Do you have any plans or expectations for the year 2026 and beyond?
As I mentioned, in September 2026 I will perform with Chariots of Fire in Japan (Osaka and Tokyo). We are in the process of label shopping right now, and I plan to release our debut album, which has already been recorded, mixed, and mastered, toward the end of 2026. We also have a tour planned for 2027; it’s going to be a massive one, but I can’t reveal too much just yet.
Meanwhile, I want to thank you and all the Lacrimosa fans around the world for your love and appreciation. According to the statistics, 'Lamentation' is one of Holy Tide’s most streamed songs every single year. Thank you all, and God bless you!