Interview with Raven Frontman John Gallagher By Jesse Striewski

raven

Where does one even begin when trying to explain a band with as much history as Raven? Formed in Newcastle, England by brothers John (vocals/bass) and Mark Gallagher (guitar) all the way back in 1974, the two have kept the band going since the formative years of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal scene (or NWOBHM) along with a succession of drummers. So it was truly a thrill to get a chance to pick the the brain of long time front man John Gallagher regarding the band’s upcoming live release, Screaming Murder Death From Above: Live From Aalborg.

When asked how said new recording came about, John tells me; “Well…it was an accident! We had no idea we were being recorded! Back “in the day” as they say, a live recording was a tedious affair with many extra microphones and much checking & testing…nowadays a digital multitrack recording can be made direct off the stage! We came off stage from our show in Aalborg Denmark & the soundman gave Mike a memory stick & said ” here you go!” We never even got to check it until after the tour & we were blown away..this recording really captured the energy of our live show!”

I also had to ask how the band decides on what songs to play live these days, for which he had to say; “That’s a tough one. You always want some continuity and there will be a few songs you will always want to play…and are expected to play! Since Mike has come on board we are changing things up, and did so pretty much immediately by adding some older songs we had not done in ages, such as “Hell Patrol” and ” Hung Drawn & Quartered.” And we have been playing a brand new, unreleased song as well, ” Top of the Mountain,” so it’s a bit of a balancing act!”

In 2017, longtime drummer Joe Hasselvander unfortunately suffered from a career-ending heart attack. I asked John if he knew the status of his former bandmate, for which he said; “I’m assuming he’s doing well, we have not been in touch for some time. He is where he needs to be, and where he wants to be, which is at home with his family. The split was an upcoming thing as he really was done with touring and the heart attack was a wake up call for him to change things…we of course wish him nothing but the best.”

After several fill-in’s, the band finally settled on Fear Factory drummer Mike Heller to take the place behind the drum kit. John informs me,”Mike’s quite a force of nature and has been a real shot in the arm…he brings astounding technical prowess & bags of enthusiasm. He is a lot younger than us old dogs (lol), and although we have some common ground, he has a different set of influences and is bringing a lot of cool ideas to the table!”

And finally, I asked John if the band had plans to get back in to the recording studio in the near future; “Yes! We basically have the new album in the can after a lot of stop/start nonsense over last year. We do need to tweak a few small parts such as an intro here & there and then mix the album. The live album is a great bridge between the last album and the upcoming new one. We really have lifted the bar yet again on this new one in regards to pretty much everything, the songs, the playing, the energy…we are excited!!!! Hopefully this will be out late 2019.”

-J.S.

Interview with Skull Fist Frontman Zach Slaughter By Jesse Striewski (Photo By Stefanie Myer)

Skull Fist Pic - Stefanie Myer

In the ’80s, Canada produced a number of notable metal acts (Exciter, Annihilator, Anvil, etc…), each admirable in their own right. Now a new breed of bands have slowly taken over as the kings of the Great White North, including Striker, Cauldron, and Skull Fist (among others). I was recently able to speak with Skull Fist singer/guitarist Zach Slaughter, who was more than just a little stoked about the band’s upcoming 3rd album, Way of the Road about to be released later this month after nearly a 4 year gap in between albums; “Dude. seriously right?! It’s almost weird to have this album coming out now, although the songs were written some time ago, I am already bored of them and have gotten the 4th album written.. so…forget this one everyone? (Laughs). We spent a lot of time just waiting to see if my voice would heal (almost 3 years), so in the meantime I was always writing a lot more music.”

When asked where Way of the Road was recorded and if the songwriting was a group effort, Zach says, “Well a lot of the songs I had already written a while back. The album was supposed to be released almost 3 years ago but because of all the voice surgery issues I had, I was forced to keep waiting. We recorded it at the same place we did the 2nd album, with Eric Ratz at Vespa Studio in Toronto. He’s real good at this stuff man, any sound you’re looking for he can nail it. I’m really happy with how he got this stuff going. I usually write the tunes but the boys are always around to give some input. “Witch Hunt” was actually a riff from Jonny, and it was JJ’s idea to write a swing song on this record. You can thank Casey for the title of the album as well.”

The band is also about to take Way of the Road on the road. Regarding it, Zach informs me, “Yeah man, going to do that whole worldwide crap again. That sounds lame when I say it like that (laughs), but basically we will go out to all the places we have gone in the past. Right now we will do the Euro thing with Striker from Canada as well. That’ll be in November, the dates should be out by the time people read this. After that we’ll get a South American tour going, after that North America, then after that, I’ll probably break another bone skateboarding? (Laughs).

When it comes to playing the new songs live, Zach says the tracks he is most looking forward to playing include “No More Running,” Stay True,” and “Way of the Road.” “I think those ones are a bit more enjoyable for me playing live, but its hard to say what songs will wind up as live staple tracks, you know? Just gotta play ’em out for a while and see what happens. I’m still stoked on a few of the old tracks as well, “Ride On” always feels right when I’m playing it live. I never know which songs people will like the most though, my predictions for the 1st and 2nd album were wayyyyy off (Laughs)!

-J.S.

Interview with Nova Rex Bassist Kenny Wilkerson By Jesse Striewski

Kenny Nova Rex

Since 1985, Kenny Wilkerson has been keeping the flames lit for Florida-based hard rockers Nova Rex. And for the first time since 1992, original vocalist Kevin Tetz will be joining the band onstage later this month, right here in good old Daytona Beach at the Hard Rock Hotel on Friday, Sept. 28.

I recently spoke with Wilkerson about all of the current endeavors he has going on both in, and out of Nova Rex. Regarding Tetzs’ return, he says, “I just told him, why don’t you just come on down, split the time with (current Nova Rex singer) Adrian [Adonis], and see how it goes?! And sure enough, he was cool with it.” Current Nova Rex guitarist Greg Polcari, and newcomer Shawn “Sawbladehead” Lowery (drums) will be on board for the party as well.

Many of you may actually recognize Tetz from his work on such shows as Spike TV’s Trucks. And while it’s doubtful he will be sporting the same spandex pants he did for the band’s 1987 video “Turn It Up Loud,” you can be sure to hear such songs as that, as well as many other well-known numbers from the band’s early catalog like “Bring the House Down” and “Think of Me.”

Fellow ‘80s rockers Pretty Boy Floyd – perhaps best remembered for their hits “I Wanna Be With You” and “Rock and Roll (Is Gonna Set the Night on Fire)” (both off their 1989 debut Leather Boyz with Electric Toyz) – will be kicking off the sure to be wild evening.

Directly following the Hard Rock Hotel show, Nova Rex will be playing the 6^th Annual ‘80s in the Park show the following day at the Space Coast Harley-Davidson in Palm Bay. The band will go on at approximately 5pm on Sat., the 29th, and as Kenny explains, “It’s sure to be a long weekend for us!”

As if that wasn’t enough, Wilkerson also wrote a soon-to-be-released cookbook. He explains; “It’s called Rockin’ Recipes for Autism, Vol. 1, and I have over seventy rockers lending their own recipes for it, including Rikki Rockett from Poison, and Frankie Banali from Quiet Riot (just to name a few). I’ve been working on it for about 3 years off and on, and the money from the book is going to go to a charity called We Rock For Autism. I’m sure as soon as the book comes out I’ll end up somewhere on the Food Channel (Laughs)!”

Be sure to catch Kenny and the guys from Nova Rex at one (or both) of the previously mentioned shows, as well as check out his upcoming cookbook…all of which are sure to have you banging your head, one way or another!

Nova Rex Flyer

Interview with Richie Ramone By Jesse Striewski

Richie-Ramone

There’s only a handful of men still walking this Earth that can still call themselves a true “Ramone,” and while the original members may have all left us far too soon, the torch is still carried by those who remain; Marky, C.J., and of course, Richie Ramone (and if you want to include the short-lived Elvis Ramone as well).

For those who know their Ramones history (and why wouldn’t you?!), Richie joined up with the legendary NYC punks in 1983, replacing previous drummer Marky shortly after the Subterranean Jungle album. Over the course of his time with the band, Richie recorded on the albums Too Tough to Die (1984), Animal Boy (1986), and Halfway to Sanity (1987). Late vocalist Joey Ramone (R.I.P.) had been quoted as saying, “Richie saved the band as far as I’m concerned. He’s the greatest thing to happen to the Ramones. He put the spirit back in the band” (1).

But not everyone has always been so appreciative of Richie. The very man he replaced (and who would in turn replace him when he re-joined the band in 1987), Marky Ramone, has barely acknowledged Richie’s very existence. In a recent interview from his home in LA, Richie tells Rewind It Magazine, “In my entire career we’ve only crossed paths one time after I had first joined the band, and all we said was “hey” to each other in passing. That’s it” Richie goes on to say, “C.J.’s different though. Him and I do talk, and we actually just played together at the [Joey Ramone] Birthday Bash recently.”

But despite whatever gripes Marky and Richie may have, it hasn’t slowed Richie down one bit. He recently released his second solo effort, an EP by the name of Cellophane, and at the time of our conversation, he and his band had just gotten back from touring South America. “That’s where the Ramones are like The Beatles. It’s really insane, nowhere else in the world is it like that,” he tells me. Richie will be hitting Europe next, with dates already set for Scandinavia and Germany starting later this month. He says he also plans to do a mid-west run as well once he returns to the U.S.

When asked how he feels the reception of his latest release has gone over so far, Richie says, “The records are more for selling at shows these days. But you know, I can’t see playing for years and years without making new music. I could go out there and just play Ramones songs and fans would like it just the same, but I’m not Marky, I can’t just do that. But I like what I do, and as long as I’m healthy, I’m gonna keep doing it.”

I also couldn’t resist asking if the latest single from Cellophane, “I Fix This,” alluded to Richie’s breathing new life into the Ramones after initially joining them. “That’s a new one right there, I haven’t heard that before [laughs]! But that’s what good about music, people can always interrupt things in many different ways.” As far as the song’s actual meaning, Richie tells me it’s simply a term he heard repeatedly used while in Sweden that he found interesting enough to write a song about. Richie also released a flexi disc single for the song “The Last Time” through New Noise Magazine, a track he wrote shortly after the recent passing of his father. Almost anyone who’s ever lost someone dear to them can relate to it (including even a dog, which, during our interview, Richie and I both discovered we had recently lost as well).

When asked how he feels about several metal bands covering songs he’s penned over the years, Richie simply says, “It seems like the metal bands love my shit [laughs]! I tend to write a little on the harder side I guess, and everything that comes out is just darker.” Richie also tells me his favorite album while with the Ramones would have to be Too Tough to Die; “I think they lost their way a little bit before that, so it was kind of a turnaround for the Ramones. Just a back-to-their-roots, raw, simple album.”

Richie will soon be joining the ranks of author as well, when his autobiography, I Know Better Know, hits shelves later this year. Richie says, “Touring and writing a book for the past year has been pretty tough, and I’m so glad that’s finally done [laughs]! But it’ll be out in the fall through Backbeat Books, and I’m pretty excited about it.”

1. “Ramones Get Back the Spirit,” Bignoisenow.com.

Interview with Anthrax Bassist Frank Bello Words and Photos By Jesse Striewski

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In 2010, I was fortunate enough to photograph thrash metal legends Anthrax live (along with two other fellow heavyweights in the field, Slayer and Megadeth). The end result produced some of the best live shots I have ever personally captured, largely attributed to the charismatic stage presence of Anthrax bassist Frank Bello (see above photo). So it was my pleasure when Bello recently took the time to speak to Rewind It Magazine while in Canada on their current tour supporting Slayer on their historic final outing.

Frank describes said current tour as the go-to event of the summer for metal fans. The tour also feature such metal giants as Testament, Behemoth, and Lamb of God, which Bello says, “Is a great package, and for us, very family-like. We’ve literally grown up with a lot of these guys.”

The band also just released their latest live album/DVD, Kings Among Scotland. The concert itself was filmed at the Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow, which Bello praises; “We always have great shows there, and such great fans. But the footage really makes you feel like you’re there, and that’s what I really love about the DVD.”

Although the band performs the Among the Living album in its entirety on Kings (along with several other staple tracks), they don’t have as much luxury to do so on their current tour, sharing the stage with four other bands. Bello explains, “We have forty minutes on the stage every night, so it’s really just hit ’em hard and leave. It’s been a really great experience though, most of these shows have been packed, if not sold out!”

I also couldn’t resist asking Bello if he and the band ever felt the urge to resurrect more obscure, almost forgotten numbers such as the Beastie Boys-inspired “I’m the Man” (or anything off of the band’s 1984 debut album Fistful of Metal, for that matter). Frank tells me, “The hardest part at this point is picking the songs and set lists. Everybody has their favorites, and that’s great, but it’s definitely hard to make everyone happy at the same time – but we try! You never know though, we like to mix it up and surprise people.”

Aside from Anthrax, Frank has also done some acting over the years, and he currently has a side project with Megadeth bassist David Ellefson dubbed Altitudes and Attitudes. Frank explains, “It’s a different side of Dave and I that a lot of people seem to really dig, and I’m really proud of it.” Expect a full length album from them by early next year.

With Frank’s own band mate Scott (Ian, Anthrax guitarist) having recently penned his own autobiography, I had to ask if he foresaw writing one himself someday. “Eventually one day I’m sure I will. There’s a lot of in-depth stories that I have, not only about the band, but my life in general.”

Keep up to date with the band on social media or Anthrax.com for show dates near you. Central, FL fans can catch Frank and Anthrax here next month at the Orlando Amphitheater on June 15.

Interview with Jizzy Pearl By Jesse Striewski (Photo by Joe Lester)

Jizzy Pearl Promo Photos 2017

For over three decades, Jizzy Pearl has been the “go-to” guy of sorts in the LA metal scene. Over the course of his career, he’s fronted Love/Hate, LA Guns, Ratt, Adler’s Appetite, and Quiet Riot (just to name a few). And if that’s not an impressive enough resume, his latest solo effort, All You Need is Soul, just dropped last month. Pearl’s momentum could not be any stronger right not, and he recently took the time to speak to Rewind It Magazine about it.

When asked how Soul compares to his most well known work in Love/Hate, Pearl says, “Well, I’m the guy that’s still playing Love/Hate’s music, so of course I’m sort of remembered most for them. But I think if people dug that band, and the Blackout in the Red Room record and so forth, then they’ll dig this new one, because it is very Love/Hate-ish, and does sound similar.”

The first single from Soul is the in-your-face anthem in the form of “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone.” When asked if it was aimed towards anyone specific, he says, “Sometimes when you write a song it doesn’t have to be specifically about one person. You could maybe say it’s just a collection of observations, and I think almost everyone can identify with that.”

Prior to his latest solo endeavor, Pearl had joined Quiet Riot as lead vocalist in 2013. Over the course of his three years with the band, he recorded on their 2014 album 10, before deciding to leave Quiet Riot. When asked why his time was so short-lived in what seemed like such a good fit, Pearl simply says, “Well, I did it for a few years and it was fun, but it went as far as it could go.”

Among his many unforgettable moments over the years, one that still sticks out to many is the time Pearl actually crucified himself on the famous Hollywood sign in 1992. I couldn’t resist asking him how he feels looking back on it now; “Well, when I look back on it, I’m glad I didn’t fall to my death [Laughs]! It’s funny because nearly every time I do an interview, I’m asked about it. So it is sort of an iconic moment that I’ve come to embrace, and I’m able to appreciate the fact that I did something crazy that people still remember.”

Pearl will be hitting the road starting next month in the U.K., but be sure to keep an eye out for any and all upcoming U.S. dates, which are sure to be added in the near future.

Interview with Exciter Guitarist John Ricci By Jesse Striewski

Exciter 2

When it comes to Canadian metal bands, several names tend to come to mind; Annihilator, Anvil, and Razor are just some of the usual suspects one might point to. But few match the intensity of speed metal originators Exciter, who have been going strong since 1978.

After several years with founding guitarist John Ricci solely at the helm through various shifting lineups, the original incarnation consisting of Ricci, vocalist/drummer Dan Beehler, and bassist Allan Johnson, finally reunited again in 2014. Ricci recently spoke to Rewind It Magazine to help shed some light on just how exactly said reunion transpired, as well as what’s in store for the guys.

After the previous lineup’s not-so-pretty split in 2013, Ricci says he was unsure what the future held for him in music. But after some brief contemplation, he was ready to give it another go. “I was really stressed out and didn’t want to deal with any more musicians for awhile, but after about a week I decided to get back with the original guys. After all, the original lineup is responsible for the band’s recognition and success.”

Fans have been more than willing to accept Beehler and Johnson back into the fold, and can expect to still hear all the tracks from the band’s ‘classic’ era live. With the exception of the Kill After Kill album, they’re sticking to only the material written and recorded by the three original members. “We decided to do it this way because it represents the true originality and sound that we are known for, and feel that’s what the fans want to hear.” You can be sure to hear such staples as “Heavy Metal Maniac” and “Violence and Force” still found in their set lists, which Ricci says are two anthems fans still go crazy for.

Speaking of the band’s live sets, Exciter already have several shows booked for 2018. Coming up rather quickly, they’ll be playing Le National in their home country Canada on April 7. Then in June they’ll be playing the massive Strikefest in Los Angeles, CA with a host of other great metal bands. They also have a number of dates set up overseas by summer’s end in Germany and Singapore this August. Be sure to check their official sight at longlivetheloud.com to see if and when any future dates are added.

As far as the future of Exciter goes, Ricci assures me a new album is definitely in the works. “We hope to write another classic record like our first album, Heavy Metal Manic. This will be quite a challenge, but we’ve set a goal to deliver the same high-energy, ripping metal we’re known for. As soon as we feel ready to start recording it will happen, otherwise we’re not rushing to finish a new album. But the wait will be worth it!”

-J.S.