The original core of EXTREMA was established between 1985 and 1986 in Milan, where the band recorded their first EP "We Fucking Care" and, within just a year, opened for Slayer during the Italian leg of the "Reign In Blood" tour. The enormous success of their performance quickly led Tommy Massara's group to play all over Italy and sell over 3,000 copies of their debut release.

Tommy Massara himself is the only remaining member of the original lineup, later taking on the role of both artistic and executive producer. The true artistic and professional breakthrough for EXTREMA came in 1988 when the lineup was solidified with Gianluca Perotti (vocals), Mattia Bigi (bass), and Cristiano Dalla Pellegrina (drums), thanks to their relentless live activity both in Italy and abroad.

This was a proving ground that made the band increasingly tight-knit and open to an unstoppable path of growth, capable from the start of embracing influences outside of heavy metal—a choice consistent with an evolutionary path that saw EXTREMA begin with the rebellious attitude of Motörhead and later incorporate the style of Californian thrash metal, a scene with which the band shared a strong focus on technical precision and a devastating stage presence.

The result of these long efforts was the masterpiece "Tension At The Seams" in 1993, still considered the best Italian heavy metal album of all time. This work clearly reflects EXTREMA's desire to experiment and be ahead of their time, while building their artistic foundation on a solid and aggressive style. This open-mindedness led the italian band to change their sound in subsequent albums, while also collaborating on prestigious projects.

This was the case with the songs "Mollami" and "Vai Bello," written together with Italian rap superstars Articolo 31, which reiterated EXTREMA's modern and independent approach in a mostly static and traditionalist scene. This tendency towards cross-genre influences became especially evident in the progression of their later albums, "The Positive Pressure (Of Injustice)" in 1995 and "Better Mad Than Dead" in 2001.

This constant evolution welcomed new drummer Paolo Crimi and V2 / Edel, the label that released the album "Set The World On Fire" in 2005. Just two years later, EXTREMA decided to seek new opportunities and signed a licensing contract with Scarlet Records, an Italian label specializing in heavy metal. This led to the release of the live DVD "Murder Tunes & Broken Bones" and the CD "Raisin' Hell With Friends," both recorded live. These were almost a prelude to their European tour supporting Death Angel in 2008, which reaffirmed the band's place at the top of their genre and paved the way for their much-anticipated return to the studio.

"Pound For Pound" was released in May 2009 and reaffirmed EXTREMA as an essential reference point for European thrash metal, once again infused with a groove that kept pace with the times. Of course, there were surprises, such as the exceptional guest appearance of Page Hamilton (Helmet) and a brilliant cover of "Deuce" (Kiss). After performing at many of Europe's most important festivals and opening for the legendary Motörhead during their Italian dates, the band experienced the departure of Mattia Bigi.

After recruiting new bassist Gabri Giovanna, the band began the long process of creating their sixth album, "The Seed Of Foolishness," which was released in 2013 and supported by an extensive European tour. After the tour, Paolo Crimi stepped down, and new drummer Francesco La Rosa joined the band. With this lineup, EXTREMA recorded "The Old School EP," an exciting revisitation of tracks dating back to 1987 that had never been included in official releases.

Always distant from any political or ideological implications of any kind, EXTREMA's lyrics have consistently alternated between serious, contemporary themes and lighter subjects, following the usual logic of rock 'n' roll. However, Gianluca Perotti—who had been the main lyricist since the second album—became increasingly absorbed in personal, conspiracy-related interests, which overshadowed the creation of melodic and effective vocal lines, sacrificing them in favor of a message that created an irreparable rift between him, the audience, and the rest of the band.

In May 2017, the singer was therefore dismissed, and after a long audition process involving over thirty candidates, the band chose Tiziano Spigno as their new frontman. With his arrival, EXTREMA could finally unleash all the creativity that had been repressed in recent years: a violent, direct, and engaging approach, but at the same time varied, bold, and experimental. This was fully realized in the new album "Headbanging Forever," which reached new heights for the band.

An album that blends innovation and tradition (with a sensational cover of "The Ripper" by Judas Priest) with the experience and passion of a band that has always followed its own path in the world of heavy metal. For the EXTREMA of 2019, a title like "Headbanging Forever" is not merely a banal declaration of bad intentions but rather represents the only way to understand and play their fantastic music.