On this episode we dive deep into the musical history of one of Italy's most fascinating and forward-thinking bands - Krisma (or Chrisma as they were originally known). This husband and wife duo from Milan created music that was light years ahead of its time, with their 1977 album "Chinese Restaurant" laying the groundwork for sounds that wouldn't become mainstream until decades later.

We explore how this band went from Italian pop stardom to experimental post-punk pioneers, working with the likes of Hans Zimmer and Vangelis along the way. We chat about their various musical reinventions, that time Maurizio allegedly cut his finger off on stage (or did he?), and how their track "Miami" sounds remarkably like Radiohead's Kid A... except it was released 23 years earlier!

From performing with The Beatles to mingling in Andy Warhol's circle, Krisma's story is as fascinating as their music is innovative. So grab a cuppa, settle in, and let us introduce you to your new favourite obscure band.

If you enjoy this episode, please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/unsungpod

00:00 Introduction to the Unsung Podcast
00:37 Meet the Hosts and Album Introduction
04:55 Band Background: Chrisma's Origins
12:45 Album Analysis: Chinese Restaurant
13:02 Listener's Insight: Fario Tte's Perspective
15:18 Maurizio's Punk Rock Commitment
17:51 Album Analysis: Hibernation
23:02 Album Analysis: Cathode Mamma
29:20 Technological Innovations and Clandestine Anticipation
36:06 Discovering a Hidden Gem
37:44 The Band's Move to New York
38:26 Exploring the Back Catalog
45:44 The Controversial 2008 Tour
49:52 Why Chinese Restaurant is an Unsung Classic
01:01:02 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

In part two of our interview Arno Michaelis, we navigate the bizarre intersection of music, ideology, and redemption.

If you've ever wondered how extremist movements actually work, this offers some great insight. Arno gives us the inside scoop on how a skinhead band like Centurion shifted 20,000 records whilst still getting royally ripped off by their label boss.

We delve into the psychological mechanics too. Taking in everything from Norse fantasy to Tolkien, as well as the very large psychological leaps bands like Skrewdriver had to take to justify playing rock n roll music and Jewish cabaret tunes. Arno also talks about how the music of the Beastie Boys was something of a saving grace as he exited the movement, and he tells us about how a MySpace message in the early 00s regarding his former band, Centurion, led him to reckon with the legacy of poison he created. Whilst also giving him the impetus to try to be a force for good in the world.

Grab a cuppa and dive in.

This week and next we're joined by a very special guest - Arno Michaelis, author, anti-extremism activist, reformed white nationalist and former singer of the neo-Nazi metal band Centurion.

You may have seen Arno recently on YouTube where he did a rather brilliant interview with Business Insider. As long time fans of the pod know, Chris' interest in the far-right is something we've touched upon a lot over the last 7 and a half years. So, when the opportunity presented itself to chat with Arno about not just his past, but how music is used a tool for radicalisation, we couldn't pass it up.

In true Unsung fashion, our conversation is deep an extensive, taking not just Arno's past and neo-Nazi music, but a broader discussion about the far-right's position in modern mainstream discourse.

In part one, we chat about Arno's early interest in punk rock and hip hop, through his transformation from street punk to neo-Nazi skinhead, where he provides a raw, unfiltered account of his journey. Learn about his transformation into an author and advocate for peace, his reflections on the influence of bands like Skrewdriver and Guns N' Roses, and the dangerous allure of conspiracy theories. Along the way, laugh, cringe, and maybe feel a bit enlightened about the intersections of music, hate, and redemption.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
00:27 Introducing the Special Guest: Arno Michaelis
01:41 Arno's Background and Books
02:35 Parents for Peace: Mission and Work
04:09 Arno's Neo-Nazi Past and Music Career
06:17 The Role of Music in Radicalization
09:37 Arno's Early Life and Punk Influence
15:12 Transition to White Power Skinhead Movement
19:37 Punk Scene Dynamics and Ideological Conflicts
38:07 The Influence of Skrewdriver and Radicalisation
39:56 The Influence of Skrewdriver
41:32 Musical Roots and Personal Reflections
42:46 The Impact of Skrewdriver's Music
43:37 Skrewdriver's Legacy and Controversies
47:16 Personal Connections and Reflections
52:49 The Role of Music in Radicalisation
01:01:46 Antisemitism and Conspiracy Theories
01:13:14 The Enduring Appeal of Conspiracy Theories