Interview with SACRED STEEL's Gerrit P. Mutz (Germany)

Steel on Bone was recently fortunate enough to conduct an interview with Gerrit of Germany's Sacred Steel.  These guys really rage and have been performing metal in the traditional style with unwavering dedication, skill, and conviction for 16+ years.  Check out a couple of tunes to hear for yourself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjUF8oCrRCE&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PL33FB5BAD5DAFAEB8 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfJAy30RqSw 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZZt2eUxlTo 

SoB:  Thank you so much for doing the interview it is an honor!

Gerrit:  Hi Ryan, this is Gerrit answering.  Thank YOU for your support, man!

What is Sacred Steel currently up to?  

Well, at the moment we are rehearsing for upcoming shows.  We all have full-time jobs, families etc. but we try our best to keep Sacred Steel active.  Plus we are looking for a label to release our new album entitled "The Bloodshed Summoning".  But we´re in no hurry.

I see that on your website the history section ends at 2006.  I’m sure much metal has transpired since then.  I believe your last release was the fantastic Carnage Victory in 2009.  Is there a new album in the works, and if so, when can we expect its release?

I really don't know who's taking care of our online stuff.  I'm too old for stuff like this, haha.  Our history definitely has not ended in 2006.  We have played lots of shows since then and, as said before, we have recorded a new album already.  I can't say yet when and where the album will be released though.  We're checking the possibilities.  It's obvious that our kind of music is not the flavour of the month (nor of the year or this decade :) )  but we´re sure that we´ll find a label willing to do its best.  We're not expecting world domination anymore, haha.  

Sacred Steel was formed in 1996 (if I have my story right).  From what I can remember, those were some serious “un-metal” years (late 1990’s).  MTV really wasn’t playing music anymore, and the bands that were big at the time were the Korn’s and Limp Bizkit’s of the world (at least in America).  What made you guys wave the true metal flag?  Was it a reaction to the times, or was it something else?

It surely was a reaction to the times.  We all grew up in the 70's or 80's and it was extremely sad to see all our heroes conquered and forgotten back then.  Nowadays I must admit that the metal scene is way better than in the 90´s and most of our heroes now finally get the honour they truly deserve.  Some of them even came back to play at events like, Doom Shall Rise, Bang Your Head, Swordbrothers, Hammer Of Doom or Keep It True.  So we've somehow lost the reason to exist. Goodbye!!!!......................:)  

Some early high lights of Sacred Steel’s career included a gig with NWOBHM legends Blitzkrieg and getting signed to Metal Blade Records.  How did that come about?

Hmm, the gig with Blitzkrieg was cool.  I was so shitfaced that I slept on stage before the gig.  And I puked my guts out before the gig too because of some spicy food that I've added to all the alcohol.  I was an idiot back then.  I haven't changed that much really…In fact there were about 40-60 people in that big club in Frankfurt and at least our gig was truly forgettable.  Getting signed to Metal Blade was incredible though!  We were lucky that the main man of Metal Blade Germany, Michael Trengert, was watching our first gig ever and he liked what he saw.  We were raw, unpolished, over the top and pretty entertaining.  Nothing like what was around at that time in Germany, maybe even worldwide.  You must remember that this was way before the "true metal revival" that Hammerfall somehow brought along 1-2 years later.  And they were way more polished and acceptable for the mainstream.  Way more. Mhhh, this could explain their success and our commercial failure a bit :).

From there, you went on to even further success, as evidenced by appearing at Wacken and supporting Nevermore on their Dreaming Neon Black European tour.  Do you prefer the larger festival dates or more intimate club dates?

Clubs are more convenient for a small band like us.  Playing bigger events can also be quite funny. It's just that you face the real fans in the clubs.  There are a lot of  "good time metal fans" and common idiots on the big festivals that don't do shit to support metal at all. They're only it it for the drinks and the fun.  Fuck them all.

The band has had a great number of successes during its 16+ year career.  What was your proudest moment with Sacred Steel?

I'm proud everyday, thinking of the fact that we're still around!  I can't think of ONE special moment where I've felt that this is the proudest moment really.  We've had memorable shows and records that we sure can be proud of.  Ups and downs that every band has to face.  The people that inspired us most where those guys that NEVER really had success but that kept sticking to their roots and inspirations, that never changed more than a bit and that never turned their backs on their real supporters.  No matter what. I wish I could still say that about Manowar, haha.

So who first inspired you to start singing?  What really made you want to keep making metal music after all these years?

The first guys that inspired me to sing were some shitty German singers in the early 70´s. That was all that was on the local radio back then.  I woke up when I first heard Queen in 1974. Then I've discovered Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Blondie and Smokie.  After that metal really started for me by discovering Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Kiss, Saxon, Motörhead, The Plasmatics etc.  I wanted to play metal since I've seen Iron Maiden´s "Run To The Hills" video in 1982 with Bruce wearing those big spikey gloves!!  I was spellbound.  I started as a guitarist but then was forced to sing because nobody else wanted to try it.

I see that you draw inspiration from groups such as Judas Priest and Manowar; some truly legendary bands. 

We sure are influenced by Judas Priest "metal-periods", not by e.g. "Turbo", haha. I HATE "Turbo". And I always have despised Priest for jumping from one trend to the next.  They should have never strayed from the great formula they developed on "British Steel", "Defenders Of The Faith" or "Sad Wings Of Destiny".  Manowar were my fave band until they released that heap of false metal shit called "Fucking Our Fans", mhhh, sorry, I meant "Fighting The World".  Since then I´ve tried to stay loyal to them nevertheless but they still try to do everything that makes me hate them more. Recording X-Mas songs, tons of cheesy intros and fake metal songs doesn´t compete with their glorious past.  Well, old love never rusts so I´ll try to also listen to their newest abomination without crying my eyes out. 

Are you inspired by any metal bands that are a bit more contemporary?  Do you feel influenced by music that’s outside the heavy metal spectrum?

We are surely not inspired by any band that is NOT metal and not by contemporary bands.  We are a tribute band to the old days of metal.  We would never include other stuff than pure metal into our sound.  Maybe some classical guitar wanking here and there but that is only to make the distorted guitar sound more crushing in contrast, haha.  I surely love non-metal bands like Dead Can Dance, The Doors, Hexvessel, Woven Hand, Depeche Mode etc. but I doubt that you will ever find a trace of their music in Sacred Steel, haha.

Mike Scalzi from Slough Feg has spoken highly of you guys.  How was your experience touring and partying with Slough Feg?

Mike did even do my dishes back then!  He´s the best when it comes to the handling and cleaning of knifes, forks and even plates!!  He´s a washing genius!!  Totally underrated.  Touring with Slough Feg is the best and we hope to play with them this year again.  There's nothing better than to watch one of your favourite bands performing every evening.  Hugs and kisses to Slough Feg!!

It looks like Sacred Steel never had the chance to tour North America.  Is that something the band would like to do?  I can imagine how that would be quite the logistical challenge.

We've had the possibility to do an US tour once but, yeah, the logistical challenge killed that idea in the end.  We´re too old and too much entangled in our jobs to do EVERY tour really.  We can only do what our jobs and families (and money) allow.  We've never earned money with our band and we don´t mourn that fact (even though I REALLY COULD USE SOME ADDITIONAL MONEY!!!- BEING BROKE SUCKS ASS!!!).  If there should be some generous person out there who is willing to bring us to the US and pay for everything.  Sure, we´ll gladly do it!!!!

 

Is raging with Sacred Steel your full-time gig or does everyone have “normal” jobs too?

  

Sacred Steel is a hobby.  We all have jobs and we all need to put money into Sacred Steel.  But it´s something that we still love to do.

Is that tough to balance or do you find it workable?

The older we get the tougher it gets to even find a date where we all can rehearse.  But we somehow manage to get along with it quite OK.

Beginning with Slaughter Prophecy, the music got even heavier and began incorporating elements of death metal, especially the guttural growling.  Do you see the band pushing the envelope even farther in the future by incorporating more elements of extreme metal into the Sacred Steel sound?  Is this something we’ll find on the album currently in the works?

Mhh, there are some harsh parts on the new record but I wouldn´t say that it´s closer to death metal than previous stuff we've done on e.g. "Slaughter Prophecy".  The Polish winter was quite depressing (we've recorded the album in February in Poland…) and maybe that´s why I've screamed a bit more this time. I honestly only try to give each song the vocal treatment it deserves and that fits best…IN MY OPINION :) .  When we've started to incorporate harsher vocals it was also some raised middle finger to all the other bands that became more commercial.  We never wanted to be like all these bands that play music for their girlfriends.  We play music for mostly male metal nerds.  Beautiful women somehow don´t like our sound AND our looks.  

What are Sacred Steel’s future plans?  Any touring or festival dates lined up?

We will try to somehow get our album released.  And we'll play smaller gigs at whatever weekend where we'll all find some free space and time. 

Again, thank you so much for doing the interview.  Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Thanks, Ryan, for your support!!!!  This keeps us alive, too!!!

All my metal best on behalf of Sacred Steel.  Stay heavy, mate!!!!!! 

Cheers & beers,

Gerrit

http://www.sacredsteel.eu/

Sacred Steel is: 

Gerrit - Vocals

Jonas - Guitar

Jens - Guitar

Kai - Bass

Mathias - Drums

 

Demo Review: Pallbearer - "Demo (2010)"

 Official Website: http://www.pallbearerdoom.com/ 

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pallbearerdoom

Download "Demo (2010)": http://www.mediafire.com/?y81jusmyvxylb33

A splendid piece of music showing the true glint of future greatness, Pallbearer's demo...aptly titled "Demo (2010)", does not disappoint.  Often categorized as "traditional/epic doom", Pallbearer's tunes carry the hefty weight of richly harmonized guitars, distorted bass, and heavy handed drumming.  They all serve, however, at the doom laden altar of Brett Campbell's stellar vocal performance.  Not to take anything away from Brett's guitar playing (he also plays guitar in addition to handling vocals) or the other band members' skill, but his knack for the ability to belt out memorable melody after memorable melody with soul and feel is profound.

Pallbearer recently released their debut full length, "Sorrow and Extinction", on Profound Lore Records.  If you downloaded "Demo (2010)" (you can get the demo, safely and with no remorse, here:  http://www.mediafire.com/?y81jusmyvxylb33)  and dig it, definitely pick up "Sorrow and Extinction" here: 

http://www.profoundlorerecords.com/index.php?option=com_ezcatalog&task=detail&id=852&Itemid=99999999

For those who dig Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, Saint Vitus, Cathedral, Paul Chain, Judas Priest, Solstice, Candlemass, Pagan Altar, Pentagram, older While Heaven Wept, Sleep, My Dying Bride, Revelation, Skepticism, Rush, Camel, Thergothon, Funeral, Anathema, Warhorse, Iron Maiden, and Confessor.

 Official Website: http://www.pallbearerdoom.com/ 

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pallbearerdoom

Download "Demo (2010)": http://www.mediafire.com/?y81jusmyvxylb33

Pallbearer is:

Brett Campbell - Vocals/Guitar
Devin Holt - Guitar
Joseph D. Rowland - Bass
Chuck Schaaf - Drums

    

 

Interview with FOG OF WAR's Josh "MOSH" Branum (California)

Pure metal: title track of their debut album "Fog of War" 

Fog of War is excellent thrash, fresh and nimble on its feet.  I was first introduced to the band through the link listed above.  I actually decided to check out the band because I thought the album cover was (awesomely) crazy.  I could tell immediately from the swelling crescendo of hammer ons and pull offs that Fog of War had their shit together.  

And now...the interview with Mosh Branum, vocalist and lead guitarist for Fog of War:

SoB:  First off, thank you very much for doing the interview!

Josh:  Any time man! Thanks for giving us the opportunity to be interviewed!

What are you guys currently up to?  Getting ready for a tour?  Working on a new album?

We've been spending all of our time down in "the lab" writing towards our new album. We haven't been this excited about our music... ever, really! We've almost finished all the writing and will be hitting the studio real soon. We're hoping we can get some touring in to support the record once we release it.

Can you fill us in on the Fog of War's history?

Fog of War started back in 2004, the early years are an alcohol blurred haze, but once we got our act together, we started playing an obscene amount of shows. At the time, there were only a handful of thrash bands to speak of, so we spent a lot of time performing in bars or comedy clubs for a bunch of drunks. When the recent thrash explosion hit, it gave us a much needed medium to reach our target audience of people with good taste in music. The internet has helped with that as well, obviously. Eventually we released our self titled album, which is essentially the life force of a bunch of drunk teenage thrash maniacs captured on CD. It got pretty good reviews, and we've had a ton of support from the fans over the years. All in all, the record still holds up pretty well I think. We went through some band drama about a year ago, and when the dust settled, we had 3 lead guitarists, so we began writing music to fit that set up a little more effectively, leaning towards a power/thrash kinda vibe. The songs on our upcoming record are exactly what we set out to write, and there won't be a single, solitary second of fluff or filler on the album. The new material is hard to describe, but the words "crushing," "epic" or even "life-changing" aren't out of the question, haha!

I read that Fog of War had a more black metal vocal approach and a slightly different sound, instrumentally, in the early days.  What prompted you to pursue a different sound and develop your current style?

Well, initially, I (Mosh) couldn't sing a note to save my life. That hasn't changed, I still can't, but I used to try to hide that fact by doing goofy BM style growling over the songs. I adapted a different style because I figured "Hey, this isn't what I want to sound like, and since I don't really care what anyone else thinks, I'll just shout in my normal voice." Keeping the growls may have been more likely to garner industry "success," but none the less, I continue to torture the masses with my high pitched, nasally carrying on.

 Click here to download Fog of War's raging EP, "Confessions of a Thrashaholic"

I really like how your recordings have an organic sound and feel.  How does Fog of War approach recording? 

First off, we have an absolutely amazing recording guy, Sam Zuerner, he could take a recording of chimps farting and turn it into something that would make J.S. Bach's corpse re-animate out of appreciation. So, Sam rules, most definitely. And we don't actually use studios for recording, we've always decided to record in our rehearsal space, currently my basement. Another reason the songs have such a lively, organic feel is because they're all mixed with a different approach for each track. The songs aren't all the same, so why approach them with a unilateral mixing strategy? If you like how our recordings sound, then you might be surprised to know that they were all done with about half of the equipment considered "standard" by most authorities in recording.

Is there a main song writer in the band, or do you approach composition as a group?  

I used to write just about everything back in the day, but we've taken on a much more cooperative approach for this record, and it's paying off extremely well. The input that everyone gives is invaluable, and given the fact that we were all friends before band mates, we all work incredibly well together.

Those are some great, tasty solos.  Where do you draw your inspiration for the leads? 

That depends who's soloing, haha. Myself, I just pretend my guitar is an assault rifle and try to kill the listener with my solos. Jon and Wink both have more respect for others than I do and write insanely well thought out leads that are soaked in melody and style. I couldn't ask for better co-shredders. The new record contains a lot of harmonized shredding, so make sure to listen for that! 

The bass sounds fantastic ( as does everything else ).  Was it a conscious decision to make the bass so prevalent in the mix?

Most definitely, we always hated how most metal bands pushed the bass to the back like some unwanted step-child who's trying to talk over the adults at Christmas. The bass-forward approach was there from day-one. Our former bassist (featured on the first record and the Confessions EP) Joe Orterry had a real cool approach to bass playing. He's really influenced by funk and jazz, and if you listen for it, you'll definitely hear it.

How did you guys get hooked up with StormSpell Records?  

We were looking for a label to re-release and carry our first record, and we liked their style. Simple as that. Oh, and they have a wizard for a mascot, fuck yeah.

Have you guys done any heavy touring?  

We've traveled far from home to do shows, but unfortunately, no heavy touring yet. We hope to change this very, very soon. We've picked up fans from all over, and would really like to play live for them at least once.

Thus far into the Fog of War adventure, what has been your favorite/most memorable gig? 

We've had some pretty awesome gigs, and shared the stage with legends like Metal Church, Death Angel, Forbidden, and we'll be playing with EvilDead this spring. I can't speak for everyone, but I'd say my favorite show was back in '06 (I think). We played in San Francisco with just about every prevalent California thrash band. Dekapitator headlined, which was a dream come true for us, we got to go from performers to hysterical fans in the same night. Those dudes tore the building down at every show they played.

  
I'm sure you've had some good times along your journeys.  Any good "metal tour" anecdotes? 

Too many to describe in great detail, so we'll do it shorthand, sound good?

- Wink puked into a shot glass (he either pukes 2 ounces or 2 gallons) and some drunk chick drank it thinking it was Jager. Truly epic.

- Myself breaking into a very well known headliner's dressing room and stealing the beer from their private bar was pretty out there. I wasn't home that night if you get my drift.

- Way back in the day we played a show in our home town of Benicia, which is extremely small and sleepy. The crowd erupted into a moshing frenzy, and we almost got arrested for "inciting a riot."

There's tons more, but I supposed I'll save them for the "Behind the Music" episode.

I'll be sure to keep a watchful eye on my shots of Jager.  Any plans to hit up the East Coast?

We're really shooting for that, we've had nothing but support from some really great people out that way. It's only fair we subject the East Coast fans to our Californian accent, what with our "hella fuckin' tight dude" way of speaking and all.

What are you guys currently listening to?  Any recommendations?

We all listen to an extremely wide range of music, from metal (and all its sub-genres) to funk, prog., jazz, and classical. We're all music addicts, so if I actually went into listing individual bands, your readers would all be in adult diapers or dead by the time they finished reading this interview. Guess that means I'd be dead or incontinent as well... Hmm. Yeah, best to stay general.

What can we expect from Fog of War in the future?

Music with messages and stories that will make you do one or all of the following:

-Think/grow a second brain
-Expand your musical horizons
-Sharpen your imagination

-Headbang yourself into an early onset of Alzheimer's

-Want to come to our shows and witness the insanity for yourself

Thanks for taking the time to chat with Steel on Bone, it is very much appreciated and keep raging!

Again, any time man! We're thankful for any chance we get to spout our inane mumbo jumbo on a public medium! Stay heavy!

 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fog-of-War/147646971922304

Get Fog of War's excellent "Confessions of a Thrashaholic" EP for FREE here.

Fog of War is:

Mosh Branum - Vocals, Lead Guitar
Jon Fryman - Lead Guitar
Alex Winkley - Lead Guitar
Matt O'Connell - Drums
Nick Mamere - Bass

 

 

Interview with HEDON CRIES (Greece)

 

Hedon Cries is a very unique melodic death/doom metal band hailing from Argos, Greece.  This ensemble is certainly no stranger to the game, as their latest offering, “The End of the Path is Nigh…”, is their third full length album. 

It’s also free to download.  Get it here:

http://www.hedoncries.com/

This is some great stuff, so be sure to take them up on their gracious offer of FREE, GOOD music.  Also, check out the following link to get a sample of what Hedon Cries’ latest release is all about:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3ibykkLk_w

Hedon Cries were also nice enough to take the time and have a brief chat about the band and “The End of the Path is Nigh…”.

SoB:  First off, thank you very much for doing the interview!  Can you fill us in on the history of the band?

We would like to thank you for this opportunity to be featured in your zine! Hedon Cries was born back in 2001 and two years later our debut album “Hate Into Grief” was released through Sleaszy Rider Records. It was followed by several gigs with bands like Saturnus and Mourning Beloveth and then in 2007 it was time for our second album “Affliction’s Fiction”. At that time there were some line up changes,  Gregory and Andreas left the band and were replaced by Stathis and Christos with the addition of Thanos in keyboards. We decided to break the contract with our label and continue the path based on our own forces. We had to build our own studio and after a long recording process finally “The End Of The Path Is Nigh…” is out now!

Congratulations on the release of “The End of the Path is Nigh...”, I love the atmosphere and harmony created by the guitar work.  How do you guys think you’ve progressed musically since your 2003 release, “Hate into Grief”?

“Hate Into Grief” was our first album and 8 years have passed since then. The main differences or signs of progress, call it what you like, are reflecting in the structure of our songs. We now prefer to have a variety of sounds in each song. In 4 minutes or so you can hear death metal riffs followed by melodic doom melodies instead of having a pure death metal song and a pure doom song. The sound of the band now is more personal and this comes as a result of getting older and “wiser”, you know what I mean. I want to believe we have managed to blend our influences with our personal sound in a much better way.  

Can you describe Hedon Cries’ song writing process? 

As I told you before, we now have our own studio and this is where everything begins. We have plenty of time to create, record and edit our ideas in order to present the best possible result. We record some guides first and then we experiment with the ideas that come after that. All guitars and bass are recorded in our own studio and this gives us the benefit to have all the time we need. We are in no hurry of several deadlines and I believe that when you are in your own place without any sign of pressure the result comes more natural. Mixing and mastering follows in another studio. This time we did it here in Greece but there are thoughts for our next releases to travel abroad in a well-known studio for the final touches of our albums. But these are only thoughts and will be considered at the appropriate time. 

When will the new album, “The End of the Path is Nigh…”, be available on vinyl?  

I can’t give you a specific date for that yet. We are all fans of vinyl, we think it represent in a better way the artwork of a release and we want the best possible result in sound quality so we have to be sure that the factory we will choose will be the right one. There are many cheap ones but we seek quality. Hopefully it won’t take too long. But till then everyone can download our album in good quality through our Official Homepage!

Has it been relatively easy to stay together as a band?  Seven years is a long time for a band to stay together.  Sometimes two weeks is too long.

It hasn’t been easy at all as the members of the band live in different cities and the distance is the major difficulty we have to face. But the fact that we are all friends helps. We are not a band based on the musician’s skills primary. What matters the most is the character of each one and that’s why things keep going. 

What bands are you guys currently listening to?  

As a band we have a variety of listenings. But I will speak for myself. I currently enjoy the new My Dying Bride EP that just came out and it’s very different but still sad and bitter! Other than that, no particular bands, just good music!

How is the metal scene in Greece?  Are there gigs a-plenty or is it slim pickings?  

Some years ago there were only a few gigs and people used to complain about that. Now we have plenty of gigs but people don’t seem to follow them all. They prefer the major metal bands and I think that has to do with the very expensive tickets here and our bad financial status as a country at the moment. 

Have you guys ever done any touring outside of Greece?

No and I don’t think this will be possible at the moment due to our jobs. Only some gigs here in Greece.

What’s on the horizon for Hedon Cries?  Are you guys going to stay on the path of independently releasing your music or are you looking to get picked up by a label?  

Going independently is the path we are into and we will stay on that for sure! We’re kind of fed up with labels and I really don’t think they have many things to offer you in our days apart from some gigs. We don’t play gigs so why should we be in a label? Our previous experience wasn’t that good so we prefer doing everything by our own.

Anything else you’d like to add before we wrap up?

I would like to thank you for the opportunity to be presented on your page and for your support. And of course, once again, our new album is available as a free download through our homepage so guys just give it a listen and tell us what you think about it. Greetings from Hellas!

Thanks again for taking the time to do this interview.  The new album sounds killer and Steel on Bone wishes you guys all the best!

http://www.hedoncries.com/

Interview with Korey from BURNING CASKETS (Canada)

http://www.burningcaskets.com/

http://www.facebook.com/burningcasketsofficial

Korey Arnold, singer for Canadian death metalers, Burning Caskets, graciously had time for an interview with the Sound of Steel on Bone.  He expounds on some band history, their influences, and what we can expect from Burning Caskets in the future.  Their initial offering, "To Burn a False Prophet", totally rips.  Fans of Deicide, Cannibal Corpse, Slayer, Suffocation, and Bolt Thrower will eat this one alive.   Be sure to pick this one up at http://www.catacombscds.com/band/Burning_Caskets.html.  

And now, the interview...

SoB:  Can you fill us in on the beginnings of Burning Caskets?

Korey:  When Burning Caskets was originally started it was with myself and a guitar player from my old band Rotting, Mike. Just for fun we did some home recordings with myself on vocals and Mike on Guitar, Bass and drum machine. We never had any intention to go further with it then post some tunes up on Myspace but it went over really well and started an actual band with it.

Was it a difficult process finding actual members to join the ranks of Burning Caskets?

Where we live in Southern Ontario there is a ton of Metal bands (maybe not all good but they are there).  So we had a few people to choose from. Had a few line-up changes but the line-up we have now is solid. We all get along great even though we are all individuals with different musical tastes and basically different people in general.  Makes things more interesting.

How is the EP coming along slated for a late 2011 release?

The EP planned is scrapped for the time being. Probably going to do a split with someone in summer 2012. Right now focusing on the next full length CD.

Great!  Making progress with the full length?

For the next recording we have 3 songs in total finished and working on a bunch more. Really looking to have 10 to 12 songs for the next release.

  
Do you guys have a particular band or musician that really inspired you to begin creating music of your own?

This band is all over the place with influences to be honest. I don’t want to speak for anyone else in the band but for me the second I heard the band Autopsy I knew I wanted to play Death Metal.

Who are you guys currently listening to?

Myself the last little bit I've listened to a lot of Obscura, Iron Maiden, Devourment, Six Feet Under's ''Haunted'', Amorphis, Gutted, Fleshgrind, among other stuff.

As an American, I’m not too “in tune” with what’s happening in Canada.  I know of great bands like Cryptopsy and Martyr, but can you expound a bit about what’s happening in the Canadian scene right now?

To be blunt everyone should look out for the band Horde of Worms ( Editor's Note:  Check them out here at http://www.hordeofworms.com/ )!! Been around for years and they fucking rule!! Another few bands people should be checking out are Left Hand Creation, Disgust and Serene Molestation.  Some great bands coming from this country right now.

Any plans to do some touring in Canada or America in support of the full length? 

Tour wise? Would love to just gotta see what the future holds right now for us.

Any shows that you guys played so far stand out as particularly special?

As of now we have actually only played 12 shows. Every show has had highlights but our most recent in our hometown of Cambridge Ontario was pretty sick. It was about 140 degrees on stage…getting us ready for HELL.

 http://www.burningcaskets.com/

http://www.facebook.com/burningcasketsofficial 

Burning Caskets is:

Korey Arnold - Vocals
Deni Guenard - Bass
Mitch Di Venanzo - Lead Guitar
Braedon Sharpe - Rhythm Guitar
Dan Harrison - Drums

Interview with Slime from COFFIN DUST (Philly)

http://www.stereokiller.com/CoffinDust

http://coffindust.bandcamp.com/ 

http://www.facebook.com/CoffinDust

SoB:  First off, thanks for doing the interview!

Slime:  No problem, thank you for wanting the interview!

Anyways, when did Coffin Dust first come together? 

Coffin Dust came together a little under a couple of years ago, however the idea came together between Slvt Slayer and I way before that.  We wanted to do a death metal band with thrash and old-school hardcore influence. So we built some instruments out of some bones that we had dug up months prior and started jamming. We then brought our friends Reek and Eerie Geary into the equation, and before you know it we had a band of grave stomping ghouls.  We recorded the demo, Reek and Geary decided they had to leave, and then we brought Disgustor and Eerie Steve into the equation. 

What/who inspired you to start grave robbing and blasting thrash?

Grave robbing is a simple addiction that started awhile ago for us.  It appeases the Batphomet.  As far as music, we were always fans of old school death metal and thrash metal, like Death, Cannibal Corpse, Vio-Lence, Sepultura, etc.  I wanted to write music that incorporated those influences, plus whatever else we feel like adding to the mix.  Misfits are definitely a big influence on my songwriting. 

It looks like you guys played a slew of southern dates on the Eternal Rampage Summer Tour.  How was it?  Any crazy stories?

The Eternal Rampage tour with Tombstalker was absolutely devastating.  It ruled.  We played a bunch of killer fucking shows with some killer fucking bands, we got to hang out with old friends (and make new friends), we got to drink lots of beer and smoke lots of weed.  What more can we ask for? Not to mention that touring with the ghouls in Tombstalker was one of the most fun experiences I've ever had.  Those dudes are some of our closest friends, they fucking rule.  

How do the local scenes down south compare to the Philly metal scene?

The Philly scene is very strong, and I sense this strength in a lot of other scenes down south as well.  One word dude.  Atlanta.  

I feel there is a bit more melody (e.g. the thick harmonies on March of the Machete Militia) on the Ancient Rites EP.  I’m really a sucker for the twin guitar stuff.  It sounds great, by the way.  How do you guys think the band/music has progressed during the time between the Unimaginable Horror split (2010) and the Ancient Rites of Buried Evil EP (2011)?

Thanks dude! I believe the music has matured a great deal since the demo.  The music has already matured a great deal since the AROBE EP as well.  Lots of people talk a lot of shit when death metal bands use melody and whatnot.  I think melody is a great thing, as long as it's used tastefully. As far as melody goes for us, i try to focus on writing hooks that are more 'spooky' than melodic.  Sinister, and spooky.  We are almost done writing the full length, and you can bet your skull that the album is going to be full of horrific spooky splendor.

Something that really strikes me about your music is the thickness of the guitars.  Is that a trade secret or can you expound upon that crunch?

We carved our half stacks out of bones and grave stones. 

The artwork for both the split and EP is awesome.  Who is doing your covers? 

Again, thank you! I do all of our artwork.  I do artwork for a lot of bands, actually.  

I see that you’re currently working on your first full length with Chris Grigg.  How is the process coming along so far?

We are going to start recording in early January, of a course of three weekends.  The writing process is almost complete.  I have a feeling that recording this album is going to be a lot of fun.  Chris knows exactly what we are going for, and he knows exactly how to record us and mix so that it sounds perfect.  He is great not only to work with, but just as a dude in general.  I highly recommend anyone to him for recording. 

I notice that there are some tunes from the split and EP listed on the new project.  Do you plan on making major changes to the material (rearranging, new solo here, blast beat there) or just rerecording for purely technical reasons?

There are a couple small changes, but nothing to drastic.  We just wanted to re record some old tunes simply because we like them, and a couple of us feel that the demo didn’t do them justice.  Plus, the album is a concept album (AROBE EP was a lead up to the album), and one of the songs is incorporated in the story.

I was checking out your tunes on http://coffindust.bandcamp.com/ and noticed you can “name your price” when downloading the tracks.  How is that working out for you? 

I don’t know, I barely check the bandcamp.  I usually check the stereokiller.  I could care less about people paying to download our music. I just want them to listen to it.

Do you plan to take a similar route with your upcoming full length, or are you looking at getting picked up by a label?

We are hoping that a label is going to want to help us out with putting it out.  We really want to have it out on 12".  I think that's the proper release for this album.  Maybe I have high expectations, but I think our first full length is going to be epic, for lack of a better word.

Where can we catch Coffin Dust live?  Any tours in the works for the near future?

We only have a couple of shows set up.  We are playing with Exhumed at the Mojo 13 in Wilmington Delaware Nov 11th (I have to sell tickets so if anyone is interested please hit me up!!!! 6please6die6now@gmail.com).  We will be doing a record release show when its out, and in June we are going to play Goregon Massacre Fest III in Portland with a bunch of RAD bands.  We may do one or two other shows here and there in between.

Thanks again for doing the interview.  Before we wrap up this treatise in thrash, is there anything else you’d like to add?

Thank you for the interview! It's greatly appreciated.  Anything I'd like to add? hmmmmm...Check out the bands Spewtilator, Living Decay, Tombstalker, and Mangled.  Get your hands on the new Blood Freak album, and the new Cannabis Corpse album. 

Thank you to all who have supported us and who continue to support us, and we hope to pummel some bone yards with you all soon!!!!

CRUSH THE SKULL, SNORT THE DUST!

http://www.stereokiller.com/CoffinDust
http://coffindust.bandcamp.com/ 
http://www.facebook.com/CoffinDust

Album Review: Joey Tafolla - "Out of the Sun"

While creeping around a basement vinyl shop, perusing through the Scorpions and Thin Lizzy sections, impressed by the discovery of Brand X records (Phil Collins is an AWESOME drummer...) and disheartened by the exclusion of Malmsteen, I came across something I've been meaning to get for a long time...Joey Tafolla's "Out of the Sun".  I checked the record and it was in great condition.  Then, and most importantly, I checked the price and it cost something like $2.00.  So, needless to say, I walked out the shop "Out of the Sun" in hand.

Joey's first record for the Shrapnel label, "Out of the Sun", is one of the best instrumental shred albums money can buy.  Part of what makes this album so great is its illustrious cast of characters...Tony MacAlpine on keyboards (he also had a good deal to do with melody composition and "producing" this effort), Wally Voss from Yngwie's Rising Force on bass (who sadly passed away at a young age, I believe from leukemia), and Reynold Carlson on drums (who was Joey Tafolla's partner in crime in metal legends Jag Panzer).  And, offering a slew of guest solos, Paul Gilbert on guitar.

A great way to describe the feel and atmosphere of "Out of the Sun" is that it is the greatest video game soundtrack of all time that never was.  The album's emphasis is on melody, melody, and melody.  Joey (and no doubt MacAlpine) came up with some really great melodies that give each tune an IDENTITY (which is something I feel is lacking in contemporary times).  Following closely behind "Out of the Sun"'s focus on catchy melody is its focus on relentless virtuosity (...which is to be expected, this is a Shrapnel release).  Joey rips some great leads, but is often in danger of being eclipsed by the sweep-picking-demon-shadow of Paul Gilbert.

Both Joey and Paul play some leads of exceptional note on "Stalingrad".  Solo Order:  Joey, Paul, Joey, Paul:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAK04UVZhbE

You can tell Paul is definitely NOT holding back, and this just makes for a better album.  I commend Joey for not having an ego.  He lets everyone tear it up (even though, like I said, the sidemens' shredding excursions  threaten to outshine the leader).  Wally Voss is also all over the place, in a good may mind you, with lots of bass tapping solo features.  Drummer Reynold Carlson turns in a surprisingly excellent performance (this album was my first exposure to his playing), and MacAlpine, of course, crushes on the keys like none other.

I've read some other reviews of Joey Tafolla's "Out of the Sun" where he is critiqued because he "hasn't found his voice yet" and for "...patterning himself after mentor Tony MacAlpine (who does exactly the same thing, but better, on his albums), Tafolla copies everything right down to the melodramatic song titles".  True...yes.  This statement is undeniable, but it doesn't mean the music suffers.  And, which I think is important to note, MacAlpine is given credit for his compositional contributions.  This is a great shred album, only slightly below the lofty musical heights attained on MacAlpine's "Maximum Security" and Becker's "Perpetual Burn".  Joey Tafolla's "Out of the Sun" is a must have for fans of the genre.  If you can find this one for two sawbucks in the local record shop, consider yourself lucky.

Rock on Joey, Tony, Wally, Reynold and Paul.

Here's the first track off the album, "Eternity's End":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyJg3-vKULY

"Out of the Sun" (Shrapnel Records, 1987)
Track listing:

1. Eternity's End
2. Out of the Sun
3. Zero Hour
4. The Summon
5. Stalingrad
6. Truce With Kings
7. Fire in the Lake
8. Samurai
9. Nine Tomorrows

Credits:

• Joey Tafolla - guitar
• Tony MacAlpine:  keyboards, production, additional melodies
• Wally Voss - bass
• Reynold "Butch" Carlson - drums
• Paul Gilbert - additional guitar solos on tracks 3, 5, 6, 9