Interviews
4/30/08
*Metal Solider- Jan first we need to tell you that you are beautiful time has not affected you at all. Now with the question our goddess ;) Jan- Oh wow – you are too kind!!
Thank you sooo very much!!!
You’re makin’ my day!!! : ) You are awesome axe woman and the only surviving original member of Vixen. What keeps your drive alive? Jan- I just still love doing this, and I’m working with such great people in the band, it’s just a pleasure to keep going!! *Metal Solider- What is Vixen currently up to? Jan-We are currently writing songs for our next record…
Also, our DVD – “Live in Sweden” will be released this year, along with the “Live in Sweden” CD… *Metal Solider- Vixen’s sound has really changed from the 1st cd “Vixen” compared to the newest cd “Live and Learn”. Tell us about Vixens now harder edge?
Jan- Live & Learn has a lot more guitars, and a lot less keyboards than our 1st CD.
Our producer, Dennis MacKay had a lot to do with that – he loves lots of guitar tracks! : )
And certainly, Jenna, Lynn & Kat, with their individual styles and influences, also have a lot to do with our Vixen sound on Live & Learn!!! *Metal Solider- Will Vixen be touring in 2008? Jan- We will not be touring in 2008, since we’re working on our new record right now, and will be in the studio later this year…
We plan on touring in 2009 to support the new record! *Metal Solider- All the male metal heads in the world want me to ask this lol is there a chance of you doing a well done and tasteful layout for Play Boy? Jan- haha – no, probably not! ; ) *Metal Solider –Alright babe time to get in the time machine and go back to the 80’s.
Vixen toured with bands like Ozzy Osborne, Scorpions, Deep Purple, Stryper, Kiss, and lots more
Did you and any of the guitarists from these bands jam together? Jan-Yes! I jammed a little with Matthias from the Scorpions! He’s a sweetheart : ) *Metal Solider- Have you ever thought about bringing on a second guitar like Priest, Scorpions, Kiss, Stryper ECT? Jan- In the early days of Vixen, we did have a second guitarist, Tamara Ivanov….and nowadays our keyboard player, Chris Fayz, plays guitar on some songs during our live shows! *Metal Solider- Please rate the following guitar teams and guitarist 1 to 10 Jan Paul Stanley and Tommy-8 – 9 Oz Fox and Michael Sweet 8 – 9 Glenn Tipton and KK Downing – 9.5 Jimmi Hendrix – 10+!!! The Great Kat - 8 - 9
*Metal Solider- Ok babe what would you like to say to the fans
Jan-Thank you so much for all the continued and loyal support!!! We LOVE you!!! Metal Solider-Jan we at metal solider salute and howl!! Lol... Finish this statement for us Metal Solider.... Jan–Metal Solider ROCKS! ROCKS!! RAAAWKS!!!
Thank you for inviting me to ROCK with you!!! 4/28/08
*Metal Solider- Louis what’s happening with Mass currently? Louis- Well It’s been a very busy year for MASS ever since the release of our latest CD MASS “Crack of Dawn”! Currently we have been riding on the press train by doing a lot of radio interviews, online interviews, rock magazines, etc.
Along with us continuously writing new material and performing here live locally on the east coast, we are getting ready to re-issue some additional older MASS albums via the Retrospect label this summer as well.
Then it’s off to Oklahoma to perform at this year’s Rocklahoma festival on Saturday July 12, 8:45 PM. Afterwards will make a pit stop on the west coast in late July/August for some more press related issues. Then return back east to start laying down tracks this fall for a killer follow up to “Crack of Dawn” in 2009!
*Metal Solider- Mass seemed to disappear in the 90’s. What happened?
Louis-
The 90s were not only a tough time for MASS but for many melodic hard rock acts as well especially when the grunge and rap scene came roaring in!
Then our label at the time Enigma Records folded and Kevin our bassist decided to leave the band due to personal issues. We were then unsure if we wanted to continue under a new name or not. So we just kept a low profile until we found a new bassist and continued writing material and perform once in a while here on the east coast.
*Metal Solider- How did Mass hook up with Michael Sweet? Louis- We had just left RCA records and were doing some shows opening for Stryper here on the east coast. Michael really liked the band and informed his label about us, they eventually flew out from California to catch a MASS show. A week later we signed with Enigma records.
After releasing “Take you home” on their label, Michael approached us about producing our next record. In order for us to save some money on the recording budget Michael and family were kind enough to let us live in his house for two months while we recorded “Voices in the night” in various studios in the California area.
She is a godess of metal,The hotest Mistress on the axe,Evey man's fantasy, you will never forget her Jan guitarist of Vixen!
There are voices in the night so reach for the sky and turn it all around!!
Mass is Boston’s best known secret. They rocked the 80’s and have returned to take on the world in the 20th century .MASS has recently re-released New Birth CD through Retrospect Records. They sign a 5-year record deal with Escape Records and release a new CD titled Crack of Dawn on June 25th! So Mass has been reborn. Let me introduce to you the master vocalist Louis D'Augusta
*Metal Solider- I’m half Italian so I noticed all the members in Mass are paisanos. Did the members of Mass grow up in the same neighborhood?
Louis- Well that must be the good half! LOL! Yes one of the rules if you wanted to be in MASS was you needed to be Italian! LOL! You also had to be able to eat two pounds of pasta, drink a bottle of wine, and top it off with two canolis! LOL!Back to the seriousness now: Yes we were all from the same neighborhood, a city outside of Boston called Revere. Some of us started off in different bands but eventually all came together in the early 80s.
*Metal Solider- Who are some of the big bands Mass toured with?
Louis- We have been fortunate to have performed with great acts such as Cheap Trick, Molly Hatchet, Winger, Stryper, Joan Jett, Grim Reaper, Girlschool, Hanoi Rocks, Steven Stills, Mahogany Rush, Kix, etc..
*Metal Solider- What was the coolest show you played?
Louis- One of my personal favorite shows was doing the sold out LA Amphitheater in California for over 15,000 people. It was Stryper, Hurricane and MASS!
*Metal Solider- Appearances have changed in the new age of metal. You can be fat, have one eye like a Cyclops, be the color of a rainbow, looks no longer matter. I was looking at the back of my Voices In The Night record. What happened to Gene? He was the only rocker that I have ever seen that could compete with Oz Fox and his helmet of hair?
Louis- LOL! I believe it was during the nineties he cut his mop off along with Joey! He has started to grow it back now but has it mostly tied back in a ponytail lately. Who knows maybe he will let his hair down at the Rocklahoma show! LOL!
We at Metal Solider (raise a glass of wine) Salute !!
Thank you Metal Soldier for giving me the opportunity to chat about MASS and we hope to see you at a show! You Rock!!
For more info on MASS please visit:
www.massmusic.biz or www.myspace.com/masstheband
Ciao!
Louis
4/24/07
Beautiful and bold. A metal maiden stronger then stone. She’s an ace on the bass.
She’s a metal queen. A heart of fire and endless dreams. Please welcome Iron Maidens Wanda Ortiz
Metal Solider: Tell us about the Iron Maidens
Wanda: The Iron Maidens are the World’s Only Female Tribute to Iron Maiden. The band is Aja Kim as “Bruce Lee Chickinson” on vocals, Sara Marsh as “Mini Murray” on guitar, Heather Baker as “Adrienne Smith” on guitar, Linda McDonald as “Nikki McBURRain” on drums and myself as “Steph Harris” on bass. ,
The project was originally started as just a fun thing but after the first few shows, the band started getting a lot of calls and now we keep pretty busy! I don’t think any of us ever thought that this would turn into a touring project!
The other girls in the band are my friends as well as bandmates and are very talented ladies. We all do other things in addition to The Iron Maidens.
Aja has worked with several well known musicians including Clarence Clemens (The Bruce Springsteen band) and Bruce Conte (Tower of Power) and she also has her own solo project. Linda and Sara play in the all-girl band Phantom Blue and The Little Dolls (An All-girl Ozzy Tribute), and Heather , our newest member has her own solo project. As for me, I freelance quite a bit with different groups in the Southern California area, one of which is the South Coast Symphony.
Metal Solider: How long have you been playing bass and who is your major influence?
Wanda: I started playing bass in fourth grade at age 9: I didn’t have any influences then but I liked music and just wanted to play something. On the day we were supposed to get our instruments, I was late to music class so all the school instruments got checked out except a little double bass standing in a corner. That was all that was left to play but that was fine with me ~ I was just happy to be able to make music. Later on, I started playing electric bass as well and found out about rock music through friends. Steve Harris was and is a major influence for me.
Metal Solider: What has Iron Maiden’s response been to the Iron Maidens
Wanda: I’m not sure because I’ve never asked them what they thought of us. But we met them once and I got the impression that they were a bit tickled that a group of girls would think to form a tribute band to them. They are also supportive because they have helped us get some press (we were interviewed for their fan club magazine) and they don’t seem to mind that we’re around.
Metal Solider: Could there be a tour with the two band?Wanda: It’s never been discussed as far as I know but I think it would be a really cool idea. Maybe, if Maiden decides to play songs off a new CD they just released, we could open up for them playing their older material.
This way, they won’t feel pressured to play their older songs that are fan favorites and the fans get a double dose of Maiden music. I heard that Metallica had a tribute band open for them before and it went over pretty well.
Metal Solider: Do you see Steve Harris as your god?
Wanda: Well, I would say that’s a bit extreme. He is a major influence for me though.
Metal Solider: Ok lets play the rating game.. 1 to 10 (10 being the best)
Wanda: I‘m really not comfortable rating other artists but I’ll comment:
Vixen- I’ve heard of them but I’m not really familiar enough with their music to comment. I think I remember hearing a song or two way back when but I’m not really sure.
Joan Jett – I’ve always liked Joan Jett – she has some great hooks which makes her music really “catchy”.
I saw her play once at Magic Mountain, an amusement park in Southern California, and she put on a great show.
Lita Ford – She has attitude and fun, catchy songs. I like her.
The Great Kat – I have a couple friends that are into more obscure bands
that have mentioned her to me before but I’ve never heard her music.
Kittie – They have a lot of energy and look like they’re having fun! I’m always
glad to see new all-girl groups popping up.
Phantom Blue ;) – I would have to say that, musically, this was my favorite all-girl band.
In addition to having some cool songs, they could really play well so, for me, that was a bonus. In fact, I got their CD “Built To Perform” way before I ever met Linda or Sara. Now I’m playing in a band with them. How lucky is that!?
Metal Solider: Your playing Run to The Hills live on stage what are you feeling at that moment?
Wanda: It’s the same good feeling I get when I’m hanging out with friends just having fun.
Metal Solider: What has been your greatest moment in rock n roll so far?
Wanda: I’ve been lucky to have a lot of great moments so it’s hard to pick out only one as the best. However, there are some moments I remember better than others ~ like when the band met Iron Maiden or when Phil from Motorhead sat in with us.
Metal Solider: We here at Metal Solider salute you and the Iron Maidens. What do you want to say to the fans?
Wanda: Thanks for your support! If you’re interested in checking out one of our shows, please go to www.theironmaidens.com for upcoming dates. We’d love to meet you.
Metal Solider: Please finish the statement Metal Solider ???
Wanda: Metal Solider – thanks for your help supporting musicians who we might otherwise not have an opportunity to read about and thanks for supporting metal!
3/13/07
He is a Metal Mad man. You better lock your doors.
The Terror is Rising !!
He is a Psychopath and wants to Give 'em the Axe. It’s “Me Against the World”. With his voice he will draw you in. His axe will be your end.
Meet Lizzy Borden he will Love You To Pieces
Metal Solider- Lizzy what’s metal’s axe wielding mad man currently up to?
Lizzy- we are just re-releasing Master of Disguise with a DVD and all on March 6th and we are a few weeks away from finishing our new record, that will be out sometime in June. We are also Booking shows for the summer..
Metal Solider- The Love You to Pieces cover rocked. She was also in your live shows. Who was she?
Lizzy- A close, close friend…
Metal Solider- As a horror master who is your favorite villain (Freddy, Jason, Chucky ect)
Lizzy – Freddy, he was the most fun…although Jason used to scare the hell out of my young Nephews, and chucky has one of the greatest lines ever in a horror movie, “get off of my knife!’
Metal Solider- Who influenced you in becoming the shock master ?.
Lizzy -Lizzy – I would have to say all those horror movies of the early 80’s. Chasing a girl around the stage with an axe seemed like so much fun to me.
Metal Solider- What was the craziest thing Lizzy has eaten on the stage? (I heard roomers of raw chicken)
Lizzy-
Metal Solider- Ok to rating game. Please rate the following shocker rockers and vocalist 1 to 10
Lizzy- I don’t want to rate them but I will comment.
Alice Cooper the godfather of theatrical rock! We did s0me shows with him in the past, great guy…
W.A.S.P - never really was a fan until we shared the stage with them last summer, I really liked a lot of the songs…
The Great KAT -saw her picture, never heard her music..
Michael Sweet – Stryper - we we’re label mates in the early 80’s
Ronnie James Dio – – Big fan of all his work, can’t wait to see Heaven and hell.
Vince Neil – – I’ve watched many girls dance to MC….way back when, that’s all they use to play at strip clubs.
Rob Halford – the metal god! Priest is my favorite metal band..
Lizzy-Thank you, it’s great to still be here screaming Bloody murder for you Metal Solider- Please answer the following Metal Solider is –indestructible!
Lizzy –Thanks to you as well, for all Lizzy news of upcoming releases and live shows go to www.Lizzyborden.com 1/06/07 Metal Solider: Jackie when will America feel the British Invasion of Girlschool?
Metal Maidens, goddess unknown, Axes blazing, there story untold, Beauty and grace, There burning up the Metal Race. Never say never, Let get hard, the will rule the world as Metal lords.Let me introduce the Axes Jackie Chambers of Girlschool
Jackie: Well we are in talks right now to set up a tour of the USA and a few Canadian dates, we're just waiting for it all to be confirmeed andd then hopefully we'lll be on American soil in late March/April this year. We did play a few gigs in 2004 but only west coast.
Metal Solider: The band started in 79, and Girlschool is still here. What keeps you hungry?
Jackie: Actually it was March 1978, we'll be celebrating 30 years next year. I think what keeps us enthusiastic is thge fact that we all still love playing and that comes across in our live performances. If we stop enjoying it then we'd pack it in but for now there's no stopping us.
Metal Solider: Who are some of the major metal acts that you have played with?
Jackie: It should be who haven't Girlschool played with, Deep Purple, Rainbow, Alice Cooper, Iron Maiden, Motorhead, Scorpions, Black Sabbath, Uriah Heep, Saxon to name but a few.
Metal Solider: Is Girlschool bad girls or good girls?
Jackie: Oh we're angels..maybe from hell...lol
*Metal Solider: Alright let’s play the rating game 1 to 10
Jackie:
The Great Kat the classical /metal goddess: 8
Vixen - Original line up (Rev it Up Days): 7
Jimmy Hendrix 8
Kiss 5
Stryper’s Oz Fox: 6
Eddie Van Halen: 8
Motley’s Mick Mars: 7
Metal Solider: Jackie what would you like to say to the fans?
Jackie: Thanks for all the support you've given us over the years, and if you haven't heard us, come along to a show and check us out!
Metal Solider: We want to salute you and Girlschool keep looking good and take the world. Salute!!
Jackie: CHEERS!
www.girlschool.co.uk
11/30/06
No lilies or lace, but leather in your face.
A Gothic queen, beautiful and mean.
Wields the axe, posers shake and fear
Fingers of fire, notes ring clear
Classic music roars threw her veins Her beauty can drive you insane She demands to be worship or you will die She will dominate you and you’ll cry ---more!!!!
Welcome the Great Kat
Metal Solider: Great Kat your awesome with you axe. Your fingers fly and make your master Beethoven proud. Tell us how the Great Kat was created.
Great Kat: The Great Kat is GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Great Kat is a Juilliard grad violin virtuoso who realized that CLASSICAL MUSIC needed to be UPDATED with RAW, VICIOUS, BLOOD-DRIPPING METAL, creating the NEW MUSIC called “SHRED/CLASSICAL” Music
– a UNIQUE combination of AUTHENTIC Classical NOTE-FOR-NOTE MASTERPIECES from Beethoven,
Wagner, Bach, Paganini and TRANSCRIBED, ARRANGED, REORCHESTRATED and EDITED for VIOLIN, GUITAR, METAL BAND AND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA!!!!!!!!!!!!
THE GREAT KAT HAS OFFICIALLY TAKEN OVER ALL OF MUSIC and IS
NOW YOUR METAL MESSIAH!!!!!!!!!!!NOW GO to the Kat web site at http://www.greatkat.com and HEAR THE GREAT
KAT’S SHRED/CLASSICAL MUSIC FOR YOURSELF!
Metal Solider: With the Violin and Guitar you take control. You’re a classic goddess stuck by the lightening bolt from the metal god. Who do you look up to as a musician?
Great Kat: BEETHOVEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now check out The Great Kat’s brilliant new “EXTREME GUITAR SHRED”
DVD on the Kat web site at http://www.greatkat.com
6 EXTREME GUITAR Music Videos:
-ZAPATEADO-Classical Violin/Guitar Virtuosity –Shred version of Pablo de
Sarasate’s virtuoso violin piece “Zapateado”.
-TORTURE CHAMBER: Torture Devices and Extreme abusive of inferior males
-CASTRATION-The Great Kat Dominates and controls through castration-eliminates the appendage that make MEN think they are IMPORTANT
-LIVE IN CHICAGO-The Great Kat’ Shred Guitar Live with Fans/slaves and total chaos!
-DOMINATRIX
-The Great Kat takes a slave and humiliates and abuses him!-WAR-PRO-WAR! The Great Kat’s response to 9/11. The U.S. was attacked by TERRORISTS MURDERERS WHO KILLED 3,000 INNOCENT PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!
“WAR” Music Video is A REMINDER to NEVER FORGET 9/11 OR THE HOLOCAUST!
-3 SHRED BONUS FEATURES: -HOT SHRED BITS
-Hot Kat Photos mixed with INSANE violin and Guitar Shredding
-SHRED FAQs-Q&A on The Great Kat and Classical Music mixed with Baroque Insanity!!
-SHRED CREDITS-Credits from the DVD mixed with Wagnerian Opera!
-SHRED ONLINE-Kat web site and contact info
-SHRED VERSIONS of Classical Music Masterpieces:
Wagner’s “The Ride of the Valkyries” (From Wagner's Opera "Die Walkure")
Liszt’s “Hungarian Rhapsody #2”
Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons”
Bazzini’s “The Round of the Goblins”
Sarasate’s “Zapateado”
-SHREDDING HOT KAT photos and wild graphics
Go To The Kat Web Site at http://www.greatkat.com for DVD samples and HOT photos!
Metal Solider: What are you weapons of choice to inflict the classic speed?
Great Kat: HE GUITAR AND VIOLIN!!!!!!!! THE GREAT KAT’S VIOLIN AND GUITAR TECHNIQUE is FINGER-BLISTERING, BLOOD-DRIPPING, MIND-NUMBING, PHENOMENALLY FAST, BRAIN-SLICING VIRTUOSO WEAPONS!!!
THE GREAT KAT’S VIRTUOSITY is THE ONLY WAY TO INFLICT SPEED AND GENIUS INTO THE BRAINS OF FLACCID MORONS AND WAKE THOSE LOSERS UP to this HIGH-SPEED, INTERNET-DRIVEN WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Metal Solider: Now where every other guitar players is fearing Please rate them 1 to 10
Great Kat:
Jimmy Hendrix-10 (innovator)
Eddie Van Halen –9 (new styles)
Eric Clapton –7 (needs to SPEED UP!!!)
Mick Mars (Motley Crue) 5 (go FASTER!)
Steve Vai – 8 (Frank Zappa style)
Oz Fox –Stryper-1 (too religious and ritualistic!!!!!!!!!!!)
Ace – Kiss -7 (Metal, but needs to pick up the tempo!!)
The Great Kat: 10 (GENIUS Violin Virtuoso/Guitar Shredder/Reincarnation of
BEETHOVEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
PRESS QUOTES ON THE GREAT KAT GUITAR SHREDDER:
-"The Great Kat can outplay just about every guitarist on the planet. She can zoom
up and down a fretboard faster than a hungry cheetah on steroids. Her fretboard
speed is awesome." - Michael Molenda, Guitar Player Magazine
- "The Great Kat is a force of nature, a performer of such dramatic histrionics and
extreme virtuosity that she leaves audiences in awe." -Tower Records
- "Prepare to be dazzled by guitar and violin pyrotechnics that will blister your
fingers (and you aren't even playing!)" - Netflix.com
-The Great Kat Wins Guitar One Magazine’s "TOP 10 FASTEST
SHREDDERS OF ALL TIME" Award - Chris O'Byrne, Guitar One Magazine
Metal Solider: You also an awesome American. Do you believe kill them all and let God sort them (Talking about Iran North Korea and Russia)
Great Kat: USA and DEMOCRACY RULE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Check out The Great Kat’s Music Videos “WAR” (at
http://www.greatkat.com/metalvideos/warvideo1.html ) and “ZAPATEADO” (at
http://www.greatkat.com/metalvideos/zapateadovideo.html )!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now go and get ENERGIZED with The Great Kat’s “WAGNER’S WAR” CD!!! “WAGNER’S WAR” CD was INVENTED on 9/11,
when The Great Kat, who LIVES in NEW YORK CITY and Long Island, NY, was in my recording studio on Long Island, rehearsing music for my new CD.
When I saw the images of the World Trade Center being attacked and being destroyed I was FURIOUS, OUTRAGED and HORRIFIED!!!!!!!!!!!!! I realized that we were attacked by TERRORISTS PSYCHOS who are USING their RELIGION as an EXCUSE TO MURDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My CD IMMEDIATELY became a BATTLE CRY to WAR – “WAGNER’S WAR”!!!!!!!!
The Great Kat’s “RIDE OF THE VALKYRIES” (from Wagner’s Opera Cycle “The Ring”--“Die Walkure”) IS the “BATTLE CRY” to WAR!!!!!
On “WAGNER’S WAR” CD, the song “WAR” was written out of SEVERE RAGE and the song “TERROR” was written in HORROR out of the TERRORIST ATTACK on THE WORLD TRADE CENTER AND MY CITY-NEW YORK CITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NOW LISTEN to the Great Kat’s CD: “WAGNER’S WAR”!!!!
“WAGNER’S WAR” Features:
ACT I: WAR
1. Wagner’s "The Ride Of The Valkyries" (from the Opera "Die Walkure").
This music is THE DEFINITIVE "BATTLE CRY" to WAR, featuring OPERA SINGERS, THE GREAT KAT’S SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND SHRED BAND!
2. “War” – HEAVY and BRUTAL ODE to WAR!
3. “Terror” – “TERROR! HORROR! MURDER!”
ACT II: REVENGE
4. “Punishment” – PUNISHMENT TO TRAITORS!
5. “Humiliation” – HUMILIATION and REVENGE RIPS through this GUITAR
SHREDFEST!
ACT III: VICTORY
6. Liszt’s “Hungarian Rhapsody #2” – The SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA and
SHRED BAND
join together in this INSANE version of this famous rhapsody!
7. Sarasate’s “Zapateado” – THE GREAT KAT'S LIGHTNING-FAST GUITAR
TECHNIQUE and DEMONIC VIOLIN VIRTUOSITY SHINE on this INCREDIBLE VIRTUOSIC SHOWSTOPPER!
Download a MUSIC SAMPLE of “Wagner’s War” CD at The Kat Web Site
at www.greatkat.com
Download PHOTOS from “Wagner’s War” CD at
www.greatkat.com/02/wagnerphotos.html
Metal Solider: With leather and chains and blood on the boots. Who influenced the Great Kat’s look?
Great Kat: VAN GOGH, WILLIAM BLAKE, RICHARD WAGNER and other PSYCHO GENIUSES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Metal Solider: Give us some words of your wisdom.
Great Kat: GO TO THE GREAT KAT GUITAR SHREDDER
WEB SITE at http://www.greatkat.com and get GENIUSIZED by The Great Kat’s SHRED/CLASSICAL Music and EXPERIENCE the lives of OTHER GENIUSES who have SHAPED CIVILIZATION: BEETHOVEN, JOAN OR ARC, NIETZSCHE,
POE, PAGANINI, and SOCRATES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Great Kat is in PRE-PRODUCTION for a SUPER-VIRTUOSO CD, <./b>which will feature the FIRST SHREDDING VIOLIN and GUITAR VERSION of
PAGANINI’S “CAPRICE #24”, Bach’s Famous “Brandenburg Concerto #3” and THE outrageously fast “THE FLIGHT OF THE BUMBLE-BEE”!!!!!!!!!!
The Great Kat's Music is NOW spreading to all aspects of entertainment with the FIRST Shred/Classical music ever heard in a Hollywood Movie with The Great Kat’s Liszt’s “Hungarian Rhapsody #2,
”in the upcoming comedy film “COMING ATTRACTIONS” –check it out at
http://www.comingattractionsthemovie.com/trailer.html
Metal Solider: Great Kat We salute you!
Great Kat: NOW BOW TO YOUR MESSIAH METAL SOLDIER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
06/28/06
In 1986 one of the greatest white metal bands had arrived.
With awesome songs like Accept the lamb of the living God, Black Snake, and Killing the Beast they exploded onto the metal scene.
Let me introduce founding member and bassist for Bloodgood
Michael Bloodgood
Metal Soldier: Michael were glad Bloodgood is back. Has the drum seat been filled and if not how can some metal bashers apply?
Michael: Sorry, but the position is filled! I’m bringing Mark Welling back into the group.
Most fans will remember Mark’s was our drummer on Detonation and Rock In A Hard Place as well as touring with us extensively from ’85 to ’88.
Metal Solider: Alright I have to say it Michael Sweet’s voice is awesome but Les blows our mind. How did you hook up with Les, and what was his singing back ground?
Michael: I took out an ad in a local Seattle music rag (The Rocket) and Les, along with a lot of other guys, replied to the ad. There was no such thing as Christian heavy metal band back in those days, so you can only imagine some of the guys that “applied” for the position.
(I could have written a sitcom about it). The long and short of it was that the moment I met Les, I knew he was the guy who was supposed to be in the band, without even having heard him sing. It took him awhile to realize it, but he finally came around.
Les had quite a rock and roll background having landed the lead in the Broadway touring production of Hair while he was still a teenager. After that, he continued playing and recording in local Seattle bands until he got saved.
It wasn’t too long before he felt the same “nudge” to bring Jesus Christ into the metal arena which is why he initially answered my ad.
Metal Solider: I heard that Bloodgood opened for Stryper. What is the relationship between the bands and does the feature hold a tour?
Michael: Yes, our very first two shows were with Stryper here in the Northwest in ’85 for their Yellow and Black Attack tour. We have always had a great working relationship and personal relationship with Stryper.
They always treated us really well, and asked us to open for them the following year during their Soldiers Under Command tour. Oz and I were involved together for a music seminar/festival in England back in 2000, and have kept in touch every since. Needless to say, we’d love to do some shows with them if the opportunity presents itself again.
Metal Solider: Michael Bloodgood at one time Bloodgood was one of the top three Christian metal bands. You stood along Stryper and Barren Cross. What kept Bloodgood from getting a major label?
Michael: Mainly our label, Frontline, did. They were not willing to let go of us. We had several very serious offers from some majors, but Frontline just wouldn’t cut us loose for whatever reason.
Metal Solider: Did Bloodgood ever open for none Christian acts?
Michael: Not very often. The most memorable would have been Greenbelt ’87, where we opened for The Alarm. Most mainstream acts were not interested in having a Christian group on the same bill, especially one like us whose presentation and lyrics were so up front with the Gospel message.
Metal Solider: Since a Heaven and Hell tour to our knowledge has ever happen between a white and black metal band would Bloodgood be interested in it?
Michael: Name the time and the place!
Metal Solider: Michael we salute you and thank you for all the demo crushing metal. Salute!!!
Thanks for your support for Bloodgood and may God bless you in all that you do for the Lord. See you out there in 2007!
Michael Bloodgood
Hebrews 12:1-3
05/31/06
Picture by Evina Shmidova
Joey Vera is a true metal soldier, and has served the metal world well. The five string, Mohawk wearing Bassist player with many great metal bands like Armored Saint, Lizzy Borden, and Fates Warning and more .
Not only is he a master axe man but a producer of many great metal stars
Metal fans please meet Joey Vear.
Metal Solider: Joey not only have your rocked the world with some awesome bands but you have released your own cds. Tell us about your latest metal offering A Chinese Firedrill.
Joey – A Chinese Firedrill “circles” is my new solo project I’ve just released. This time I made a record which is heavily influenced by my Progressive influences. I’ll site Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel and Tool for an idea to give you. I play all instruments and sing, a friend of mine plays drums. I am selling it through www.cdbaby.com and a few other mail order catalogs such as Just for Kicks in Germany. You can hear 4 songs on my myspace page www.myspace.com/joeyvera so come over and check it out!
Metal Solider: You also have your own record company. Will you be producing other bands?
Joey: No I’m just trying to get my record out there right now. Maybe if it takes off, I’ll look for other bands but not right now.
Metal Solider: Are you planning a tour for A Chinese Firedrill and is there a tour band lined up?
Joey: At the moment I do not have plans for any touring but again, if things change maybe I’ll consider it.
Metal Solider: Let take a trip back in time. I remember a clash between Armored Saint and a Christian metal band named Saint. Can you fill us in on what happened?
Joey: I really don’t remember anything about that, especially any clashes.
Metal Solider: All right most people will not talk politics or religion but hey were Meat Solider and metal is metal. So we have to ask. You wear a pentagram T shirt. Are you in to Satanism? Note : We don’t care if you are. We are not against any one for the religious believes, sexual preferences, or race. As the Metal pastor says God does not hate
Joey: I only wore a pentagram shirt when I toured with Anthrax from 2004 – 2005 and it was their sort of “uniform” for that time. So NO, I’m not into Satanism. No interest in that.
Metal Solider: We got an email from our friends Holy Knight. They said you were a very cool guy. They asked your permission for a favor and You agreed.
Were not sure that you saw there site but some of the demos are titled Satan suck, Crush Satan ect. What do you think about white metal bands?
Joey: I think everyone one has something to say. I don’t seek out bands that only sing about positive things, if they are good and the message just happens to be about God, then fine.
Metal Solider: What has been your greatest metal memory(Maybe Tour or show)
Joey: I’ve had many really. I really enjoy the traveling aspect of doing what I do so going to places like Greece to me is just incredible. One tour with Fates Warning, we toured in Greece and after the tour ended we stayed an extra 5 days and went to the island of Crete off the coast of Greece. We went to some killer archeological sites and just hung out and enjoyed life. I’ll never forget it.
(Ending) Meat Solider: Joey thank you for all you have done for Metal you have given us. We salute you. Salute !!!!
Joey – Thanks so much and please stay informed with what I’ve got going on at www.joeyvera.com or www.myspace.com/joeyvera
05/31/06
Roxy Petrucci of Vixen, Madem X and her new band Roktopuss
She is a Metal Maiden, with Looks that Kill.
Twirls the sticks, and plays to thrill.
A killer drummer, she will drive you wild!! She has rocked the world, She’s a lady of style.
Let me introduce to you one of metals hottest babe, drummer for Vixen, Madam X and more . Roxy Petrucci
Metal Soldier: Roxy how was that for an intro?
Roxy: You’re HIRED.
Metal Soldier: Are you currently in a band?
Roxy: ? Yes, I have a new band called Roktopuss with singer Lorraine Lewis. We’re totally amped about this project and can’t wait to get it out there.Check out the tunes on www.myspace.com/roktopuss
Metal Soldier: You have played in a lot of bands. Which one did you enjoy the most?
Roxy: . I make sure to have a great time in any band I’m playing with.
I loved the metal ness, outrageousness and mayhem in Madam X. Vixen toured the world with some of the biggest bands in rock and we had the time of our lives.
Today, I’m ready to get back out there with Roktopuss, have more fun and kick in some teeth.
Metal Soldier: What happened with Vixen? (Jan Kuehnemund is the only original member.)
Roxy: Depends on who you’re asking. The truth as I remember it is… Janet and Share wanted to replace Jan.
I sided with Jan….that ended Vixen until 1998 when Janet and I tried to get the original members back together with the addition of a rhythm/lead player named Gina Stile.
That didn’t happen so we released Tangerine anyway without Jan and Share. We tried again in 2001 Voices of Metal tour minus Share….we weren’t feelin the love.
As they say, number three’s a charm. In 2004 we got together for VH1 Band’s Reunited show. The vibe and chemistry of the band was alive and kickin. We had a blast and our performance was Vixen at its best. We revved it up and rocked the place.
Metal Soldier: Ok now for the fun stuff. Vixen opened for many bands
(Whitesnake, Skid Row, Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, Scorpions, Deep Purple,
Bon Jovi Kiss, Winger, Slaughter, Vince Neil, Bad Co. Y&T, White Lion)
Now with Kiss on tour with 4 hot metal babes was Gene chasing after you the entire tour?
Roxy: Gene had a bone for Jan. You’ll have to get the dirt from her. He can be an intimidating guy but has a great sense of humor.We tried to get him to show us the entire length of his tongue but he complained that the floor was always to dirty.
Metal Soldier: I can’t remember if I read it or heard it but Vixen took a shower with the Scorpions?
Roxy:…and we have pictures to prove it.Metal Soldier: What did Vixen mean in German?
Roxy: “to have fun with oneself.”Metal Soldier: Did Vixen also tour with Stryper and what was it like?
Roxy: I think we did one show with them. The drummer told me I was good for a girl….I responded with“suck my dick”. We both had a good laugh…they were all nice guys from what I remember.Metal Soldier: Ok in the 80’s metal we all know the code for the male bands drugs, sex and rock n roll. Was this the same for Vixen?
Roxy: Sex, Drums and Rox’n RollMetal Soldier: Rating time. Please rate the following drummers (1 to 10)
1st on is easy Tommy Lee (Motley)Robert Sweet (Stryper)
Frankie Balani (Quiet Riot)
Bobby Blotzer (Ratt)
Riki Rocket (Poison)
Roxy: The drummers/bands you’ve listed carved their names in Rock’s history so they all deserve a 10 in my book. How’s that for being diplomatic…Metal Soldier: What would you like to say to the fans?
Roxy: I’m gonna rock until I drop so thanx for stickin with me!Metal Soldier: We at Metal Soldier salute you!!!
www.myspace.com/roktopuss
05/18/06
Jerry Dixon of WARRANT
It started with 1988 with Columbia Records Eat the Rich and continues to this day.
This awesome bass player has stuck to his guns and band through the good time and bad.
The 90's did in a lot of bands but this 4 stringer stuck to his places as a metal master blaster and Warrant!! Meet Jerry Dixon..
Metal Soldier: Jerry tell us about the Warrant tour?
Jerry: We are currently rocking in the USA and have plans to tour Europe in November 2006.
Metal Soldier: Any wild stores on this tour?
Jerry: Yes ..every day something wild happens but I can't write those things
Metal Soldier: Have you been in touch with Jamie Lane ?
Jerry: No. life has been peaceful for the last three years.
Metal Soldier: What happen between Warrant and Jamie?
Jerry: He left the band for his own reasons twice. If someone doesn't want to be in the band you can't make them. Things have worked out better for us anyway.
Metal Soldier: We at Metal Soldier respect you on the fact that you stayed with the band since the beginning .There are very few who can say that. What is your secret?
Jerry: I'm CRAZY I just don't give up. I tend to fight harder when the chips are down. It has been a strange life
Metal Soldier: Please rate the following bass players 1 to 10
Jerry: 11
Nikki Sixx (Motley Crue) 7 great song writer
Tim Gaines (Stryper) 9
Bobby Doll (Poison) 1
Blackie Lawless (W.A.S.P) 7 great song writer
Billy Sheehan (Mr Big) 11
Mark "the Animal" Mendoza (Twisted Sister) 11
Metal Soldier: What do you want to say to fans?
Jerry: Get ready for WARRANT in 2006 and check out our new "CD BORN AGAIN" Visit us at warrantweb.net
Metal Solider: Jerry we salute you not only for the great bass lines, but for sticking to your guns (Salute!!!!)
Thanks that means a lot ..See you in NOVEMBER.
warrantweb.net
05/11/06
Kevin DuBrow of Quiet Riot
He is an axe grinder, Pile
driver,Mother says that he never, never mind here, He got Brains and is not insane,
His awesome metal voice will take over your brains. He has the boys to make the noise.
He will rock us to the midnight hour!! Welcome a Metal Master Kevin DuBrow of Quiet Riot.
Metal Solider: Kevin I have to say it¡¦s an honor to interview you. Ever since I saw the Bang Your Head Video and your spinning the mic stand I have been a fan. So what does the 2000¡¦s hold for Quiet Riot?
Kevin: We¡¦re currently finishing our new studio album which will be released by the end of summer and will continue to tour till time ends.
Metal Solider: I live in Texas and Quiet Riot was at the Chevy Thunder and plus the Ore-Ida French fry commercial and on VH1 Bang Your Head was #35 on the 40 greatest metal songs of all time. Are things picking for the band?
Kevin: 2005 was the best year for us since the 80¡¦s. With the focus on Frankie and myself the situation has never been better.
Metal Soldier: Big question. What stopped Quiet Riot from being the kings of metal in the 80¡¦s?
Your voice, Rudy on bass, Carols on guitar and Frankie on drums, and Bang Your Head. The band should have been unstoppable.
Kevin: We are unstoppable. It¡¦s 2006 and were still going strong. I¡¦ve never been happier.
Metal Soldier: I heard a story that you once wanted to beat up Michael Sweet of Stryper over some metal babes. Is this true?
Kevin: I don¡¦t even think I¡¦ve met the man. I have no idea where this stuff comes from.
Metal Soldier: Once you left Quiet Riot what happened to you?
Kevin: I left the band.
Metal Soldier: Alright as a Metal vocal master please rate the following vocalist 1to 10
Kevin:
Michael Sweet (Stryper) If you like Dennis Deyoung this is your man!
Vince Neil (Motley Crue) I love Vinnie!
Rob Halford (Judas Priest) One of the best out there
Blackie Lawless (WASP) . What can I say about Blackie that he hasn¡¦t already said about himself?
Bret Michaels (Poison) Great guy, fine performer
Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden) Always been very unpleasant to me. Not nice, not funny, not charming,
Metal Soldier: There a lot of musicians who are out there that would give there left nut to be in a pro band like Quiet Riot. Why is there a problem keeping members?
Kevin: There isn¡¦t. We make changes when we need to for specific reasons at any given time.
Metal Soldier: I read a story that you had finical problems in the 90¡¦s. Dee Snider also had same issue.
How can members of bands that made thousands or possible millions have that problem?
Kevin: I can¡¦t speak for anyone else and I never discuss personal financial issues in the press.
Metal Soldier: Kevin we love your look. Have you ever thought about starting a side band and go for the Rob Halford look (Which is powerful)?
Kevin: No.
Metal Soldier: Kevin we at Metal Soldier give you a double salute. Salute ,Salute!!
Kevin: Thanks!
http://www.kevindubrow.com/
04/26/06
Don Dokken from Dokken
With songs like In My Dreams, Dream Warriors,
Just Got Lucky and Breaking the Chains this band will blow you away.
This is metal at its best. Metal head please welcome Don Dokken
Metal Soldier: How is the tour going?
* Don: great, we just came back from Texas really great fans there then were off to Mexico for 3 shows it should be a blast!
Also great fans as well, after that were flying Greece for a touring vacation Greece is great one of my favorite places in the whole world
Metal Soldier: What has been your wildest fan experience while being on the road?
* Don: there¡¦s to many to list the 80's were a crazy time we partied hard, rocked hard and lived our life on the edge, it wasn¡¦t wild it was nuts
Metal Soldier: Who has been your favorite band to tour with?
Don: Aerosmith and Judas Priest. All of the bands we've played with have always treated us well but I confess those 2 tours were really memorable
Metal Soldier: Has there ever been a band that Dokken clashed with?
< font color=black>Don: 99% of the bands we've played with were very cool
The 1% we clashed with aren¡¦t worth mentioning
Metal Soldier: Are the metal babes from 80¡¦s or 2000¡¦s hotter?
Don: in the 80¡¦s girls wore more sexy clothes now its more jeans and t-shirts hard to tell these days what¡¦s hotter underneath the baggy clothes but then sexy comes from within not the clothes
Metal Solider: Please rate the following vocalist 1 to 10
Don:
Michael Sweet (Stryper) I¡¦ve heard there music but confess am not familiar enough to comment on his vocals
Ronnie James Dio (Dio) 20 a true Icon of rock I wish I could sing as well as him
Dee Snyder (Twisted Sister)10 a powerful singer and great front man Also a wonderful person to hang with
Ronnie Keel (Keel) there¡¦s no number to describe his voice, its undeniable
Paul Stanley (Kiss) his voice is unique that¡¦s what made kiss kiss
Vince Neil (Motley Crue) who?
Bret Michaels (Poison) as well he has his own style, great pitch great performer very original I like that, it gives a group its own identity
David Lee Roth (Van Helen and DLR) Dave is a great performer he defined front man in the 80¡¦s a lot of singers have tried to copy him but he¡¦s an original
Metal Solider: You worked with George Lynch. So you know awesome guitar playing. Please rate the following axe men. 1 to 10
Don:
Mick Mars (Motley Crue)- 10 Mick is truly under rated I love his guitar sound He deserves a lot more credit as a guitarist a very cool guy
Oz Fox (Stryper) I know the band but have never checked out his solo¡¦s, sorry
Doug Marks of Hawk and Metal Methods again I don¡¦t know his work guess I should buy one of his cd¡¦s
Michael Angelo (Nitro) I¡¦ve never heard his stuff to comment I¡¦ll check him out I hear he¡¦s really good
Metal Solider: Any words for the fans?
Metal Solider: Don thank you for all the awesome music and for keeping Dokken alive.
We at Metal Solider salute you. SALUTE!!
04/06
Eddie Ojeda from Twisted Sister
Were Not Going To Take It!!! You Cant Stop Rock N Roll!! The Leader of the Pack!! These are the war cries of Twisted Sister.
We have there awesome axe man Eddie Ojeda and he tears it up!! Let the metal fly!!
Metal Soldier: Eddie Twisted Sister has and will always be awesome! How is the reunion tour going?
Eddie: Things are going great we are getting along better than ever we actually like each other now.
Eddie: It feels pretty much the same to me but a little strange at the same time. It helps knock off a few years too so I'm not going to complain, ya know what I mean M.S.
Metal Solider: What is the difference from the Twisted Sister from the 80 to the Twisted Sister 2006?
Eddie: We are nice people now. Not that we weren't in the 80s but things are different now, we all have had to deal with losing our parents and things that make you appreciate life a little more everyday than complain and worry about B.S. that doesn't matter.
Metal Soldiers: As a master axe man please rate the following metal axmen 1 to 10 ¡V Eddie: I don't like to put numbers on fellow players. All of these guys bust their ass and do a great job for there respected bands so I will just make a comment and leave out the number thing. To me it¡¦s all about what's right for the song and the band not how many notes are played per second.Mick Mars Motley Crue - Great player, does a great job for the Cure and is a big part of their sound and personality.
Oz Fox Stryper - Great Player, Very solid and tasteful and a big part of Stryper's chemistry.
Vivian Campbell White Snake, Dio - Great player, can adapt to any situation and make it his own.
K.K Downing Judas Priest -Great player, super tasteful, Fits the Priest like a glove, one of my favorite bands
Doug Marks- Hawk and Metal Methods, Eddie - I'm not familiar with Doug so it would not be fair to comment. I know he was very successful with his teaching so more power to him.
Metal Soldier: Who do you think the best rock/metal band besides T.S was in the 80s?
Eddie-Thanks for the compliment. There were and still are so many good bands like, Rat Quite Riot, Whitesnake, Motley Crue, Cinderella, Skid Row, Guns n Rose's L A Guns, Wasp, Y&T, Dokken the list goes on and on but I think you get the idea.
That is so hard I think every band from that era had their own chemistry and sound that's why they all made it but Ill tell you Y&T have some of the greatest songs around why they never blew up big is still a surprise to me today.
Metal Soldier: If you could have an all star bands with any musician in history¡¦s time who would be in the Band
Eddie: Singer-Dio, Brian Johnson or Steve Perry ( big difference here but go with me on this)
Drummer- Joe Franco or AJ Pero
Bassist Rudy Sarzo, Mark Mendoza or the one and only Chris McCarvell.
2nd Guitar- That's a hard one but Paul Crook is someone I would like to work with and of course it would not be a second guitar chair we would share in the leads
Metal Soldier: What has been the wildest fan related incident you experienced while in Twisted Sister?
Eddie: In Japan, I felt what it must have been like to be one of the Beatles. We had to run everywhere we went they all knew who we were its was great .Metal Soldier: Eddie we at Metal Soldier and every SMF salute you and Twisted Sister for rocking our world. Salute!!!!
Eddie Thank You M.S. and I wish you all the best.www.eddieojeda.com
Mike Lee from Barren Cross and Drive
Mike Lee and Barren Cross took the world by storm with the release of Rock for the King in 1986 and continued to Metalize the world until 1994.
With killer songs like Rock For The King, Imaginary Music, The Stage Of Intensity and Killers Of The Unborn they rocked the world.
Metal Soldier- What is the chance of Barren Cross making a come back to rock the world again?
Mike- Barren Cross, I have to say, is still up in the air, and I really can't say when there would be a reunion album but I'm not opposed to it and would consider it a rewarding idea. (By the way, two of our albums; "Atomic Arena" and "State of Control", have both been re-mastered and should be for sale now.) Although my new group "drive", which we are based in Paris, France, is 100% ready and has now begun it's presentation to the majors. This group, I know will go very far, and I love and believe in it very strongly!
Metal Soldier- Barren Cross's sound was power full. What other bands influenced the music?
Mike What people buy and listen to today, is a completely different and evolved kind of rock, but but back in the day, what moved me was emotion-intensified, progressive rock bands like: Yes, King Krimson, Kansas, U.K., Emerson Lake and Palmer, old Genesis, etc. and then guitar driven groups like Whitesnake, Scorpions, Maiden, Priest, Sabbath, AC/DC etc. But aside from all these groups, I STILL find myself listening to the mighty Zepp!
Metal Soldier- I heard you live in France is metal still strong in Europe?
Mike- Yes, metal still has it's roots all over the place. For example, a band I like; Linkin Park; just recently came here to Paris and sold out one of the stadiums in one hour. Although the northern European countries are a bit more metal than France as a whole, who is more touched by melody in songs, for example, groups like Placebo and U2 are even more loved and appreciated here. Then again, there are some great French metal bands that I will now turn you on to, like; "Mass Hysteria", and "Pleymo". You absolutely have to check out these two. You probably wouldn't have heard about them though because America still has to mature a bit and realize that are more bands from other countries worth listening to, then just America or England, or bands with English only lyics. There are some exceptions though, but really, there are some fantastic bands in the world.
Metal Soldier- Who was the biggest metal head in Barren Cross?
Mike- By far, that would be yours truly. I lived the whole genre from start to finnish, and I think the rest of the band would agree. It probably has something to do with my extreme personality. If I am going to do something, I do it fully or not at all... like my band drive, which everybody keeps telling me, is going to hit huge. I'm putting all my love and energy into it now, and if a lot of people apreciate what I've done with it at the end, then that will be my biggest reward!
Metal Soldier- What do you think about bands like Stryper and Kiss making a come back?
Mike- Great for them, why not? Doing something like that is worth it, if there are enough fans ASKING for it.
Metal Soldier-What other metal bands did Barren Cross play with?
Mike- Speaking of Stryper, that's one band we toured a little bit with, but also it's because we knew each other since the beggining (we both formed in the same year, and in the same city.) Outside of Savatage and a few others, not to mention some large festivals, most of the time, BC headlined our own tour and had opening bands playing for us from each city we toured in.
Metal Soldier-Do you think metal will once again rule the world?
Mike- What do you mean? Metal is still extremely alive and well on planet earth. It's still one of the higher sellers. You look at groups like Korn, Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park, Audioslave, Rage Against The Machine, (may they rest in peace, they were one of my favorites and still are) Rammstein (another one of my fav's) etc. All of these groups are in the multi-million in sales. But if you mean old school, 80's metal... no. With exception to a few funny type parody bands like "The Darkness" who's whole gimmick is living out the 70's-80's metal re-hashed cliches to the max which is what is making them succussful. Take the same style band with the same look and same style songs/lyrics etc. but doing it seriously, and it won't work. Then again, who knows... who knew bell bottoms would come back, let alone muscle tee-shirts right?
Metal Soldier- Is there anything you would like to say to the thousands who love BC?
Mike- To my fans: I have always... and still do, love and apreciate you since our first year together even until now (as I still get fan mail from some of you). You are the best fans a band could hope for!!! I hope now, that you will apreciate the heart and soul I have put into "drive". I gotta say thank you... for YOU are the heart and soul of the whole thing! Mike Lee (a.ka. nowdays: drive) www.drivelive.com
ending-Mike we at Metal Soldier salute you and thank you for the awsome songs you gave us. We wish you luck with your new band Drive.
Mike-Thank you also Metal Soldier!! OUT! www.drivelive.com
4-2004
Josh Kramer from Saint
Josh Kramer and Saint took the world by storm with the release of Warriors
of the Son and continued to Metalize the world until 1988 and made a come
back in 1999 with the Perfect Life, featuring Tim Lamberson as vocalist.
With killer songs like Steel Killer, Star Pilot", Abyss and Legions of the
Dead, they rocked the world.
Metal Soldier- Is Saint armoring up to invade the world again
Josh- Yes and with the support of all of our fellow metal comrades like you Stephen we will take on the strong hold of the enemy and reclaim lost ground going into the dark places where few are willing to go as Christ redeems his P.O.W's. lost in the Fray of this war with the prince of darkness.
Metal Soldier- Who is currently in Saints metal brigade?
Josh- : On this latest project, "In the Battle", Jerry played leads and I played rhythms. Rich and I grunted and growled out the words,"In the Battle". "Star pilot Return", Jerry is playing rhythm on the left, I'm on the right. He is doing all the solos. "Here We Are" Jerry is playing all the leads. Sacrifice, Jerry is doing all guitars. The crowd was Rich, Jerry and me. Rich growled and grunted the words with me, "On the hill, you could hear the shouting, screams of agony, and with a kiss fate was sealed".... Rich grunted and growled the words..."Sacrifice". "Holy Rollin", Jerry played leads, I played rhythms. Rich sang on the chorus with me. "Riders in the Night", Jerry is playing rhythms on the right I'm on the left rhythms, playing all the solos, and dual leads throughout. "The Choice", Jerry is playing rhythms on the left, I'm on the right and he is playing all leads. Rich is grunting and growling out, "God or the Devil". (I screamed the high one) "When", Rich is yelling,,"You, who ya foolin? You (etc.)! ...So sad". Jerry is doing all the guitars. "Acid Rain",and "Full Armor" I'm doing all guitars and vocals. We borrowed the awsome Larry London to step in at a moments notice to play the drums of which he did a remarkable job. Richard is still the rock solid as ever dronemaster bassist. Some how Jerry Johnson and I have captured the essence of the feeling of both Mahan and Harrington in the way of structuring wild riffing in spots. I tried to emulate both of them in a way with some of my own personality so that we would not be far off of the mark and Jerry did some stuff that sounds very Mahan/Harrington like with a feeling of his own utilizing the wah-wah pedal very smoothly like a controlled tone control. An absolutely wonderful job Mr. Johnson! Rich did his very best to recapture our original essence of sound and song structuring and succeeded. It is an honour to be produced by him. So far, it's Jerry Johnson, Rich and me. We are praying for another guitarist to carry the load and a drummer that can fill the shoes of all of the great drummers we've had the privilege of playing with us. That won't be easy.
Metal Soldier- Who in the band is the biggest metal head in Saint?
Josh- By far it is Rich. If he gets a cut, metal shavings ooze out of his skin. it's the weirdest thing to see.
Metal Soldier- What do you think about bands like Stryper and Kiss making a come back?
Josh- I think it is awesome that they are doing what they love to do. It is a good sign of good things to come for all of us re-realizing our dream to do what we were born to do.
Metal Soldier-What other metal bands did Saint play with?
Josh- Rez Band, Stryper, Bloodgood, Barren Cross, Holy Soldier, Bride and when I was in So. Ca. fellowshipping with Bob Beeman and Sanctuary, Neon Cross did a show and had me jump out on stage for a song to sing backing vocals. That was a great moment I'll always remember. While I was there in L.A. I volunteered to help Roger Martin pass out Vengeance pamphlets on the beach for their concert that I also volunteered to do lights for. What an amazing show that was!
Metal Soldier-Do you think metal will once again rule the world?
Josh- It is making a very strong comeback and I believe that this great music will once again take it's rightful place in the hearts of the masses once again.
Metal Soldier- Is there anything you would like to say to the myriads of Saint Troups out there re-awakening to the call of arms?
Josh: Without God there would be nothing. Jesus is my Savior, my redeemer, my Lord. He is the light unto my path. He is my master. He has cleansed me from all of my transgressions. He has forgiven me of my sins and has cast my sins as far as the east is from the west. We are given a huge responsibility whenever we place ourselves in front of our brothers and sisters proclaiming the Gospel in any capacity weather it's teaching a Sunday school class or standing before millions of people. First, we get Satan's undivided attention when we rattle his cage and then he does what he does best. He is the accuser of the brethren, he does everything possible to rip us off, make us miserable, trip us up and use us against each other. His thing is to kill, steal and destroy our good name, our goals, our ministry, our dreams, or joy, or hope, our love, our peace, our relationships and ultimately our lives here on Earth as well as our eternal destiny. That is why we must put on the whole armour of God to withstand the flaming arrows of the enemy. Sadly, sometimes our worst enemy is ourselves against ourselves and each other. Fight the good fight! Don't cease in doing good. Make right choices that will determine your destiny. Progress towards perfection. Forgive one another. Become experts on the subject of repentance. Study to show your self approved to God. Ask yourself, "What would Jesus do if he were faced with this temptation or situation?" Above all, Love one another. Without love, our religion, whatever persuasion is as a klanging cymbal, a noisy gong, a sounding brass and is worthless. I love all of our dear Saint fans. So many of you have written to me and have been my islands in the storm, my social life, my comfort, my advisors, pen pals and dearest of friends. With out you all, Saint would still be struggling in the garage annoying the neighbours. Now we get to annoy the neighbours through our fans who want to play our music as loud as they can wherever they are on this little fragile ball of dirt we affectionately call Earth..bless your metal lovin hearts every one of you and you know who you are. Stephen, I sincerely want to thank you my dear brother and friend for giving me the privilege to share my heart to your audience. wwwsaintsite.com
Metal Soldier- Josh, we here at Metal Soldier salute you and thank you for the awesome songs you gave us.
Dug from Kings X Dug Pinnick and Kings X have been rocking the world with a vengence that hasn't stopped. They are sign to Metal Blade Records and continue to rock the world.
I saw Kings X when they played with Motley Crue and Type O Nagative. Kings X blew them all away. This will be a different interview due to this band has never stopped on there quest to rock the world. Metal Soldier: What keeps Kings X on there metal mission is? Dug:we are driven to do this.. we have no real reason or mission. Just making music for whoever is listening. Metal Soldier: How long has Kings X been together? Dug:we have been togethr for 24 years! Metal Soldier: Who in the band is the biggest metal head in Kings X? Dug:I would say that I am but we all love many types of music but we always will be heavy and metalic.. Metal Soldier: What bands influnced Kings X? Dug:there is no one particular band.. I would say that any band that I have heard has influenced or inspired me in some way or another.
from the 50's to 2000 there has been many bands that effected us in some way.
my fav is Sly and the Family Stone.. Metal Soldier: I just finished interviewing a friend of both of ours. It was Joey Knight from Stryken. How did you and Joey meet? Dug:we met at a christian metal fest in the early 90's. we have been friends ever since. Metal Soldier: Do you think metal will once again take over MTV and ruled like it did before? who knows. MTV is a corperation. They are the ones that choose what we hear on TV.. If they choose to push metal to the forefront, then it will explode. Here in the US we all are controlled by the media... Metal Soldier:Dug we at Metal Soldier thank you for all your years of service and salute you and Kings X. Salute!!! thank you.. you rock!!!! have a good day.. dUg 5/05/04
Joey Knight from Stryken Metal Soldier- What is the chance of Stryken making a come back to rock the
world again? Joey-Never say never is a rule I live by, but in this particular case I
think satan has a better chance of becoming born again before this ever
happens! Joking aside, we (the group members) have been on very sepreate
roads for sooooo long that it would be impossible. Maybe VH1 would like to
do that one time performance deal? LOL!
Metal Soldier- Stryken attacked the darkest of metal. Theres a story of
Stryken vs Motley Crue.What happened that famous day? Joey-This is a VERY LOOOONG an drawn out story so the nutshell version is:
We (Stryken) believed that groups like Motley Crue wre just leading so many
astry so when they came to Texas we felt strongley about sending a message.
In San Antonio we arrived with full make up and outfits carring a 20 foot
cross that GOD saw to it that we reach the front of the comlex doors. Once
there we leaned it up against the doors and we were handcuffed, and lead
away by S.A. police because we would not remove it. After being detained
outside in a caged area for a couple of hours, we were let go. During that
time Vince Neil came out to see it for himself. He and I made eye contact
with a couple of gestures of "what's going on?" then he left shaking his
head. Remember this is for GOD's glory not STRYKEN. We just followed what
He "lead" us to do. Metal Soldier- What other bands did Stryken play with? Joey-Just locals, whom I don't remember now! We had great oppertunities
come up that would have been AWSOME had our management not gotten silly
about things!? Metal Soldier-Metal Soldier- Who was the biggest metal head in Stryken? Joey-Hands down-ME! And still am!!!!!!! Metal Soldier-Do you think metal will once again rule the world? Joey-That's a funny question, only because our country and society is based
on "glutteny". We chase after things that we are "told" we should and when
we get there we devour it get tired of it and move on to the next. Rock,
hard rock, heavy metal, whatever people want call it is very much alive and well........in other countries. Germany, Mexico, Japan, Soth America,
etc..... All these countries have true rock fans! (Sorry America!). Why do
you think these rock bands who are still around always go to other
countries to kick off tours there? Because the fans there turn out by the
thousands! Just ask STRYPER about the show they recently did in Puerto
Rico! Unfortunatly we are told and conditioned by our radio stations and
"MTV" that Jessica Simpson is as good as it gets! Metal Soldier- What do you think about bands like Stryper and Kiss making a
come back? Joey-STRYPER-AWSOME!!!!! KISS? Only two original members now, not the same
thing anymore. Stay home make records, go have lunch with your accountants! Metal Soldier- Is there anything you would like to all of the Stryken fans?! Joey-Thank you to all who continue to show interest with your e-mails!
Thank you Stephen for ALL your support you have given to us! I hope that we
can deliver to you all what you have been asking for all this time, and
that is a reissue of "First Strike" on cd! Hang in there! And finally, to
everyone-GOD is so AWSOME! He gives us the breath of life each day to not
only enjoy His creations,but to stand as a vessel for Him before the world
to proclaim His goodness, love, and compassion! What Jesus did for was not
only for our salvation, but for His Glory to proclaim once and for all that
He was, He is, and He always will be GOD, Amen! Joey we at Metal Soldier salute you for the great music you has given us.
Salute!!! http://atthecross_2001.tripod.com/Stryken/Stryken.html 04/22/04 Jamie Rowe from Tempest and Garudiann Jamie Rowe entered the metal war with Tempest in 1988 and released Eye of The Storm.The band released another ablum before
he joined forces with Guardian in 1999 and put out Fire And Love
and rocked with them till 2001.
Metal Soldier- What is your current status in the metal world Jamie:Pretty much non-existent..but at a moments notice I could raise the chalice o' Metal and slay all sorts of devils....or I could continue to surrender to the false metal and age gracefully Metal Soldier-Is your new band ready to invade the metal world again? Metal Soldier-During your metal tour with Guardian what other metal acts did you play with? Metal Soldier-Is there a chance that either Tempest or Guardian may regroup to attack the world again? Jamie: I could see Guardian cutting the heads off of demons with our sonic fury and wholesome attitude again one day. It's not likely..but it's not impossible either. Metal Soldiers- What do you think of Stryper coming back, touring and releasing 7?*Note Jamie and Guardian did an awsome release of the Yellow and Black Attack*
Jamie: I think it was really cool...when London Calling played with them last fall it was like they never stopped. Very nostalgic but didn't seem novelty..it was a moving spiritual experience as well! On another note..What was wild is they came out and did a song called "Rip and Destroy" and it was awful..the guys semed very robotic.not like their normal selves..then all of the sudden -out of nowhere -comes the real guys in Stryper..they do battle with the band onstage (who turned out to be a "robot Stryper" created by this scientist/amusement park creator who felt they took away from his genious). After a fierce and confusing battle onstage..one set of Stryper members remained..it was unclear until Michael took the mic to say "Y'all ready for the real Stryper?" and they launched into To Hell With The Devil. All was well. Metal Soldier-As a metal solider did you ever get wounded and want to give up the fight?
Jamie: The sword of metal has itself cut a wound or two along the way...Metal shan't be tamed...for now and for 'er. I go through valleys just like everyone. Metal Soldiers- Why do you think metal is so powerfull?
Jamie: Because it is played only by the toughest, meanest, rawest, unemployable people around. Clay Aiken could not play one riff of any Neon Cross, Bloodgood, Guardian, Stryper, Whitecross, Barren Cross, Messiah Prophet Band, Saint, Tempest, Bride, or Deliverance cd without breaking down into tears from fear. Metal kills plants! Metal Soldiers-As a Metal Solider doing tours of duty for 30 years what do you think of the technology of today and how easy it is for bands to promote them selfs due to the internet? Jamie: Technology is amazing..The internet puts you in touch with more people than ever before..you can find anything on the net....music that is underground is all of the sudden available where as a decade ago..it was only what was in any given record store. Would I be doing this interview as easliy without the net? It all comes back to metal...Internet lines are made of what ...wood??? nope..METAL! Metal Soldiers-Jamie do you have a message to your fellow Metal Soliders in Christ and the fans that love you? Jamie: Hello all you metalheads and welcome to the show..I will be your host tonight..my name is Rock N Rowe. That has been my message since I was 17 years old. Metal Soldiers- Jamie we hear at Metal Soldier salute you for the great music you have put out and the lives Jesus used you to change! SALUTE!!!! Hey...thanks for a good fun interview..It's nice to be able to not be so serious all the time. Good on ya!
jamie 7/23/04 Andy Robbins from Holy Soldier Holy Soldier is one of the greatest bands to ever rock our world! They are also the only band that was ever equal to Stryper.
Every member of Holy Soldier rocks and knows how to play there instrument.
They gave us awesome cd¡¦s especially Holy Solider and Last Train.
Holy Soldier¡¦s bassist and founder of the band Andy Robbins lets us know if they back for the attack.
Metal Soldier- Andy, is Holy Soldier back together and ready to rock the world again?
Andy-Thanks for the nice intro! We appreciate the kind words. I am happy to say, yes, we are back! 2005 marks 20 years since we formed. It seemed fitting to some sort of reunion project at this milestone. So we will be headlining day 2 of the Beyond the Mountain Festival in San Bernardino, BA on August 28th. In 1985, (I was still only 16 and the other members were about 19), we all got together and never looked back. Since our hiatus in 1998, it looked as if it was inevitable that we would announce an official statement of break up, but we never go around to it. Anyway, now we are all excited about playing together again. We will see where it all goes from here.
Metal Soldier- What is your opinion of the metal world today?
Andy: I for one, when it comes to metal, really like the older classic stuff. Metal needs to have hooks, melody, great tones and great production to catch my attention. Metallic, Sabbath, Maiden, Scorpions, Dio, Ozzy, Priest were always favorite metal groups. I also still appreciate some Ratt, Dokken, Wasp, Accept, etc. Back in the 80¡¦s Van Halen, Deep Purple even Led Zeppelin would be referred to as metal. Zeppelin is one of my all time favorites. But all in all I never got into the new metal. Now, if Rage Against the Machine, AudioSlave, Velvet Revolver can be categorized as metal, then I would say that is what I listen to today that is heavier.
Metal Soldier- Have you missed being on the road and the entire rock n roll package? Andy: Yes, very much. I adapted to it very easily as I have traveled my whole life. I really love living out of a suitcase and seeing the world and meeting new people, experiencing new cultures and trying to speak new languages, etc. Also playing live was always a fantastic feeling. Holy Soldier performed about 300 concerts and I personally attended about the same for other artists so playing live gives me a chance to give back that energy I used to take as a music fan myself.
Metal Soldier- Who are some of the band Holy Soldier played with? (Christian and Non)
? Andy: Non Christian Acts: Alice in Chains, Extreme, Hurricane, XYZ & Lion were probably the most notable. Christian Acts: Petra, DC Talk, Guardian, David Mullen, Charizma, Barren Cross, Saint, Vengeance, Deliverance, Neon Cross, Eternal Ryte, just about every on of the classic metal bands. I think it is easier to list who we hadn¡¦t performed with.
Metal Soldier: So is Terry as crazy off the drums as when he is playing (We think he is awesome)
? Andy: Yeah, he is really that energetic on and offstage. He loves to play live and sometimes he even gets out of control at rehearsals.
Metal Soldier: The look of Holy Soldier has change due to time and needs of the work life. Can we expect if you get pulled over to hear ¡§All right long hair out of the car¡¨
Andy: My whole life that was actually a problem believe it or not. I grew up in a very prominent part of Southern California a Los Angeles suburb called Palos Verdes and I got so much flack for my hair and look it was ridiculous. I even got used to it. It is great that it is more accepted today to look the way you want. I love when I go to a store and pay the cashier for my purchase and they have long hair or piercing through their face or painted hair or finger nails, etc. People should always be able to be themselves and look they way that makes them feel comfortable. I actually prefer my hair at it¡¦s length today. I still look like I did on the Encore cd cover. (I¡¦ll send you that pic). Some people think this is long.
. Metal Soldier- Who is the biggest metal head in Holy Soldier? Terry, I am sure. He plays in Neon Cross and has a side project called D.O.G. (Disciples of God) I haven¡¦t heard much but it sounds kinda in the vein of Metalica. Michael probably second, but he is old school (Jimmy Page, Michael Schenker, Gary Moore) he always had a strong blues influence, but approached the guitar with a metal style as well. He took few lessons from Paul Gilbert (Racer X).
Metal Soldier- What would you like to say to the fans? Andy: Thanks for the years of support. I heard a simple phrase that always comes to mind when I come to crossroads in my life and I would like to share it with everyone. As simple as it sounds we tend to sometimes forget. ¡§God will bless those who seek¡¨.
Metal Soldier: We at Metal Solider thank Holy Soldier for the great music and great stage shows. SALUTE!!!!!!! 6/16/05 Dale Thompson from Bride pic from tour with Stryper Bride! Here comes the Bride!!! This band is metal x2. When I first heard
Bride's Show No Mercy I was blown away. That boy can scream!! This is also a band that toured with Stryper on The Can't Stop the Rock tour and they were an awesome opening act.
I'm talking about the metal mad man Dale Thompson lead vocalist and founding member of Bride Metal Soldier- Dale what has Bride currently up to?
Dale- We are rehearsing for Brazil tour and a possible European tour late in the year. We will start writing as a band for the new CD at the end of the year when we return. We already have many great ideals brewing for the next project.
! Metal Soldier- What is your out take on today's metal scene?
Dale- I do not keep up on it at all. I don't know if there are any Christian
Metal bands touring or not. I hear secular bands from time to time and
I do know that metal has changed a great deal from the early days. I am not for sure what metal is any more. I think according to today's standards
Bride stopped being metal after the second release "Live to Die."
Metal Soldier -With is your feeling about Kiss, Motley Crue and list of other metal bands raising from the dead and touring again?
Dale- More power to them, a guy has to make a living some how and music
Is all those guys know. I am glad I have skills in other fields. We would
Love to make a "come back" and re-introduce ourselves to today's market but unless some one with a lot of money and a vision can pull some strings,
I think we are stuck where we are at. We will tour overseas and in South
America, record CD's and sell them to our fan base but as far as ever being
recognized as an industry band again, I just do not see it happening.
Metal Soldier- Who is your favorite metal band?
Dale-I have had many favorites over the years. It is impossible to say one
band is my favorite. I like many sounds. Today's bands like System of
the Down are incredible, Rage Against the Machine always just blew me away.
In the early days I was really into Dio, Maiden and W.A.S.P. as far as
What influenced my sound. But if I want to kick back and just enjoy music
for the sake of music, I put on some Bach or Mozart, maybe The Muse, or Bob
Dylan.
Metal Soldier- What other metal bands has Bride played with (Christian and Non)?
Dale- Guardian, White Cross, Holy Soldier, Bloodgood, Saint,
Deliverance,
Mortification, Neon Cross, Ransom, Savior Machine, Tourniquet,
Vengeance
Rising, and many many more.
Metal Soldier-- Will the lion like main be back? Or is it a new day and look
for Bride? Dale-There is no reason for Troy and I to repeat ourselves musically. We want to enter new territory, break new ground.
I do not know what the future will bring, but I hope to write something intense, full of melody and experimental. I am not interested in another "Bride" CD, I just want to
write something deep from our creative juices and we will find a name for it
when it is done.. Metal Solider- I read in the Bride book that on the Stryper tour Bride drove in a van and that money seemed tight because your brother Troy still worked.
Most people including me would think most bands that put out records and
tour like Bride did would have had made a lot of money.
Dale -I have been the only one who was able to make a living playing
music
over the years. I did not work a normal 9 to 5 job for 12 years straight, while Bride toured and recorded. But for the past two years I have had to get a job. No we did not make enough money to live on though I did manage to scrape by. Let's put it this way, for 12 years I did not work but I also was able to file my taxes under the poverty level. God is good though, He has always been faithful.
Metal Soldier- Dale what would you like to say to your fans?
Dale-Don't take your favorite bands for granted, they love to hear from you, and receive your testimonies. Also remember, the bands won't stay around
forever so keep them in your prayers while they still have inspiration to record. Also, for Troy and I it has been a long road that we feel very blessed to have traveled. It would be great if our stay in the arena of hard
rock could be extended but that is not something we have any control over.
Metal Solider- Dale we at Metal Solider want to say thanks for rocking The world .All right boys. Salute!!!! 6/22/05 http://www.bridepub.com/ Dave Bach live!!! Metal Soldiers- David what is the current status of Guardian?
Dave- We have been writing some new songs for a possible album. We all have full-time jobs in other aspects of the music biz so its taking a bit longer than anticipated but there will be some new Guardian music out at some point soon hopefully. On a personal note, I'm running a new rock label with John & Dino Elefante called Selectric Records (www.selectricrecords.com) - its fun being able to help out up-and-coming bands. Our first release is a band called Monday Morning that actually opened for Stryper on their reunion tour. I think they¡¦re a great band,
Metal Soldiers- What is the relationship between Guardian and Stryper?
Dave- Always friendly ¡V Oz produced our first album and we toured Europe with those guys when Mike left the band. Tony played second guitar for them on that tour. That was a great time! We also toured with Robert during his stint with King James
Metal Soldier - I saw Guardian on your First Watch tour when you played On The Rocks in Dallas TX. What happened to the original line up?
Dave- I remember that show! Before the show, we went to a BBQ place in West End that had this all girl bluegrass band playing in leather and fringe. We chatted with them a bit. They were called the Dixie Chicks. This was in 1989. As far as the band, Paul Cawley is writing screenplays for film and is on the verge of directing his first full-length feature. Rikk is in business management but still plays his drums. I haven't spoke to those guys in awhile but still consider us friends.
Metal Soldier- Our last interview was with Dale Thompson and he admitted
¡§Dale -I have been the only one who was able to make a living playing music over the years. I did not work a normal 9 to 5 job for 12 years straight, while Bride toured and recorded. But for the past two years I have had to get a job. No we did not make enough money to live on though I did manage to scrape by. Let's put it this way, for 12 years I did not work but I also was able to file my taxes under the poverty level. God is good though, He has always been faithful. ¡§
Has this been the same issue for Guardian?
Dave- We were fortunate in that we were probably the most successful of all the bands of that era as far as record sales etc. ¡V apart from Stryper of course. We had some good years but never made six -figures each or anything like that. The music biz tends to be feast or famine. We had one of those rare mid-level rides
Metal Soldiers- Being famous and a Rocker did Guardian have the same temptations as non Christian bands (Groupies, drugs etc?)
Dave- Temptation is always present in all aspects of the entertainment biz. I've struggled with substance abuse for most of my life so I can't really attribute it to rock & roll. For the record, I'm in a great headspace right now. If I will boast anything about the main incarnation of Guardian (Jamie, Tony. Karl and myself) ¡V it¡¦s that we¡¦re all still married to our wives ¡V our kids have grown up together ¡V and we¡¦re all still friends. I guess you can say that we weathered the storm.
Metal Soldier- Please rate the following bass players 1 to 10
Dave ¡V I don¡¦t do the number rating thing very well so it will have to be like this¡K
Tim Gaines (Stryper) - a great guy and a great player ¡V he lives a few blocks from me and we hang out socially on occasion. I love Tracie Ferrie to death (he¡¦s a good friend and actually replaced me when I first got off the road with Guardian) but the new Stryper is not the same without Tim.
Jim La Verde (Barren Cross) _ I miss Jim ¡V he¡¦s a funny guy and a great player ¡V we had a lot of laughs in the early days of the LA Christian Metal scene ¡V I¡¦d love to see him again someday soon
Andy Robins (Holy Soldier) ¡V Great guy ¡V we toured Japan with those guys ¡V have some funny stories from that trip
Ezekiel Vade (Stryken) ¡V never met him ¡V never really listened to Stryken ¡V no offense intended
Richard Lynch (Saint) - ditto
(note we only choose bands that didn¡¦t leave the band)
Metal Soldier- What was your favorite Guardian tour and why?
Dave- Touring Europe with Stryper ¡V it was one long rolling comedy. I remember throwing ice at Robert during his drum solo almost every night of that tour. One night I even climbed up in the rigging and unrolled a roll of toilet paper down onto him. H e was a good sport about it and never missed a beat! Another good memory is touring with Steve Taylor in 1994. We shared a bus together and had a great hang with he and his band. Everything we ever did in South and Central America was pretty amazing on the spiritual side. I think we got ministered to far more than us ministering to others
Metal Soldier- What would you like to say to the fans?
Dave- Thanks to everyone who ever supported Guardian. No one was ever obligated to buy our records or come to our shows and I hope every guy in every band realizes that. We were so fortunate to have had the ride we did. I¡¦m humbled and grateful to anyone who ever supported the band.
Metal Soldier (ending)-Dave we want to thank you for your many years in the Metal service. Salute!!
Thanks for taking the time to interview an old grey-haired metal soldier like myself!!! 8-12-05 Quiet Riot's Frankie Banali Yes my metal brethren it¡¦s time to BANG YOUR HEAD!!! Quiet Riot is back and becoming stronger then ever!!
The metal master¡¦s drummer Frankie Banali graciously answers our questions.
Metal Soldier ¡V Frankie how is the new tour going?
Frankie-
It's been a great touring year. We spent the first third of the year touring in Europe, Central America, South America, Korea, Canada and US dates. The middle third was spent as part of this year's Rock Never Stops Tour along with Cinderella and that was fantastic. This last third we are concentrating on selected US dates and Canada.
Rock!! Kingdom of Rock!! Was the battle cry of metal for Guardian.
There first release First Watch shook the world. Produced by Oz Fox and released on Enigma records. They rocked the world. Let me introduce bassist for Guardian Dave Bach.
.
BAM!! BAM, BAM!!! BAM, BAM, BAM, BAM, BAM!!!
Frankie-I enjoy them all, so I really can't pick. This year the Puerto Rico date this summer does stand out though.
Metal Soldier ¡V Metal Health is and will always be one of the greatest metal songs of all time. What is you favorite Quiet Riot song?
Frankie- Metal Health because it is the definitive QUIET RIOT song, more so than any Slade song.
Metal Soldier ¡V Kevin gets a lot of flack about his hair (were not being uncool we like Kevin). Has it ever been mentioned that maybe it¡¦s time for a new look? Rob Halford looks cool with and with out it.
Frankie-That's for Kevin to decide. I think he looks great and his "look" has changed and continues to evolve in the way that he likes it.
Metal Soldier- Please rate the following bands and musicians 1-10
Frankie - 1. Kiss 10 For business success. 2. Stryper 1-10 Because I've never heard a Stryper song. Nice guys! 3. Robert Sweet 1-10 Because I've never heard him play. Nice guy! 4. Tommy Lee 10 For Dr. Feelgood. 5. Dee Snider 10 For creative makeup and for being a great family man. 6. Gene Simmons 10 Because he does whatever he feels like doing. 7. Scott Travis 10 Because he kicks double bass drum ass.
Metal Soldier- What was it like touring with WASP?
Frankie-For me it was great because Wasp in 1989 was fun and because I could do whatever I wanted to do musically without being under the rule of the boss of the band.
Metal Soldier- Q.R. history time. Who came up with the black and white stripes idea, and do you feel like anyone copied you?
Frankie-Actually, according to Kevin the black and white striped mic stand idea came from the late great Randy Rhoads. I guess it just evolved from there during the Metal Health era.
Metal Soldier- What would you like to say to your fans?
Frankie-That I never forget or take for granted the fans or their support because they are the ones who have allowed me to have a career in music which still continues. Thank you one and all!
Metal Soldier- Frankie all the metal heads in the world thank you for all the great music. Salute!!!
Thanks for taking the time to ask the questions!
Nov 7 2005
Hawk's Doug Marks
To all Guitar players come meet your master. The metal methods instructor, Fingers of fire, able to play like Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads and all the greats, lead Guitarists for Hawk, instructor to all feature metal guitar heroes. Welcome Doug Marks!!
Metal Soldier- The album Hawk is awesome. The vocalist reminds me of Ronnie James Dio and you guitar solos are great. Will there be a second Hawk release?
Doug- Thanks very much. Even though David Fefolt (vocalist) and I recorded the original album almost twenty years ago we are discussing a follow up. Should I call it ¡§Better Late than Never?¡¨
Metal Solider ¡V Not only have you released metal methods for the guitar player, but with help of x- Nitro star Jim Gillette released vocal teaching cd. Is there any chance of you two joining forces?
Doug- Jim and I have talked about doing something for years but it always seems that when he¡¦s busy with his stuff I¡¦m available and when he¡¦s available I¡¦m busy. We actually did do a song together that¡¦s featured on my Songwriting Series.
Metal Soldier- This is a big question but who do you think the greatest guitar player of all time is?
Doug- Hendrix continues to amaze me.
Metal Soldier ¡V What bands influenced Hawk?
Doug- As you pointed out, David Fefolt was certainly influenced by Dio. I¡¦ve been influenced by all of the guitarists that you mentioned in the opening.
My list of influences is really too vast to cover here. I steal from just about everybody (heh heh). I¡¦m currently listening to more music than I have in twenty years.
I owe this to the Napster legal music download service. I have a membership that allows me to download music from 1.5 million artists and I¡¦m certainly taking advantage of it.
Metal Soldier- What would you like to say to your fans?
Doug- Always keep in mind that playing guitar takes patience. We all want everything right now but what fun would that be? Got to save something for tomorrow. Visit our bulletin board at http://www.metalmethod.com/phpBB2/index.php and we¡¦ll continue this chat. C ya!
We at Metal Soldier thank you for the awesome music you¡¦ve given the metal world and for creating a generation of new metal axe men.
SALUTE!!!
*Check out Doug¡¦s Metal Method site at http://www.metalmethod.com You can also purchase Hawk from there site
Nov 14 2005
Hold back the dogs!! Only The Strong Survive!!
With Metal muscle, barbaric battles and killer metal songs Thor is back and Against The World!!!.
I first saw Thor in the movie Rock N Roll nightmare. He was like a metal angel sent to destroy demonic forces.
With ratted hair and metal spike he turned into a powerful being and destroyed his enemy. Now sit back and listen to thunder speak..
Metal Soldier ¡VThor tell us of you new adventures in the Thor Against The World tour.
Thor- It was one of the best tours I ever had. The crowds were fantastic and loud. Places like Minneapolis, Gainesville, Nashville, Chicago, Cleveland and many more were cities that I had never performed in before in my career.
There was utter mayhem with sold out concerts. One difference was that back in the 70's and 80's when I toured and I looked over the audience there would be big hair and spandex.
Now in the year 2005 I looked out over the audience and saw a lot of fans with tattoos, leather and piercing. It was tremendous!
Metal Soldier- Do you believe metal will rise again in America as a powerful as the past?
Thor- By all indications, being on the front line touring this summer I saw that there is a huge metal uprising. Metal never goes away it is always there. It is there in different hybrids through the ages. There is just various peaks and valleys in it's overall popularity presence around the world. But there is a new generation of fans that were singing along with us and our songs from the 70's and 80's such as "Thunder On The Tundra¡¨ that are just discovering the music. We hold the flag high for Metal as we tour across the land.
Metal Soldier ¡V You bend bars of steel with huge powerful arms. What are your bench press max and your barbell curl max?
Thor- My max bench was 600 lb and I curled 140lb dumbbells in each arm for reps doing Scott Bench Curls otherwise known as Preacher Bench Curls. This gives me the power to rip into those steel bars.
Metal Soldier- Thor is a Norse god of thunder. Do you have religious beliefs?
Thor- Yes. The Golden Rule!
Metal Soldier- Please Rate the following bands 1 to 10
Thor :
Judas Priest- 10
Kiss- 10
Motley Crue- 10
Alice Copper-10
Ozzy-10
Stryper-?
Metal Soldier ¡VWho are some of the bands that influence you?
Thor- One of the very first original Metal Bands "Iron Butterfly" also Sabbath and Zepplin. I would play songs from these groups in my bands such as "Iron Falcon" and "Man". Also I would workout listening to the music which would drive me into a frenzy.
Metal Soldier ¡V You were a pro body builder (Mr. Canada, Mr. USA, Mr. North America, Mr. Universe, Mr. International) Were steroids ever part of you life?
Thor- Yes a small part. I one time took decca durabolin and dianobal as a teen preparing for Mr. World in New York. I took them a month before the contest. But being a young teenager I was prone to acne, So the steroids magnified the hormones and I got huge boils on my face before the championship that had to be sucked out with a hypodermic needle at the hospital. Steroids were originally given to burn victims in World War II to help expidite the healing process.
Metal Soldier- What would you like to say to the fans?
Thor- I would like To thank the fans for their support over the years, of which without them I would not have the staying power to represent metal for 4 decades. They give me the power to go out there and give the best performance I possibly can.
Metal Soldier- Thor you are a true metal soldier and we salute you. Salute!!! Check him out at http://www.thorcentral.com/
Thank you Stephen! I am honored! I hope to see you at upcoming concert tours. I am ready to start the Winter Of Warriors tour in December. Dec 9 Eugene, Dec 10 San Francisco, Dec 11 Oakland, Dec 12 Portland Dec 13 Olympia Dec 14 Seattle.