Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 1 Magazine Staf Credits

Interviews JROCK Houston - [email protected]

Editor/Graphics:

Leith Taylor - [email protected]

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 2 Talkback ………. 4 Circle of Dead Squirrels ………. 6 Degravation ………. 11 Greg Prato ………. 17 Razorwyre………. 20 Bangalore Choir ………. 22 Markus Allen Christopher's TOP 10 ……… 31

Adam Hamilton The Shatner Album ……… 32 That Metal Show Host Don Jamieson ………. 34

Rotten Sound ………. 37

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 3 As most Hard Rock/Metal fans know by now So while it's great that Iron Maiden finally was Legendary Band: IRON MAIDEN won the recognized by the Grammys and awarded a Grammy this year for Best Metal Performance Grammy this year I ask why did they even for their song "Eldorado" off of their 2010 bother? What the Grammy people and a lot release: The Final Frontier. Now while I myself of people in the Entertainment Industry still am a huge Iron Maiden fan and while I think fail to realize is just how passionate metal that it's great that the band finally were fans are! I'm sure there are just as many Iron recognized and awarded for their music, and all maiden fans out there as there are Britney their hard work after all these years I am also Spears fan, maybe even more when you reminded of the fact that The Grammy's still consider that Iron Maiden has been around a don't have a Clue when it comes to METAL. lot longer! Again it's great that they even bother to acknowledge and recognize that Metal is an art I also must ask if they're going to bother form and that there are people who love hard giving out an award for Best Metal rock/metal bands I must tell you that as a Metal Performance then why not even have at least fan I was upset by the fact that while Iron one metal band perform live during the Maiden was awarded a Grammy that the awards Ceremony. Remember when Jethro Grammy committee chose not to present the Tull beat out Metallica the very first year a award to the band during the televised portion Grammy was ever handed out in the Metal of the show. Why bother to even recognize category? Boy does that just go to show you Iron Maiden if you're not going to give them the that The Grammy's just don't have a clue same acknowledgement and respect of giving when it comes to Metal! That's why all us them their award during the televised METALHEADS don't need The GRAMMYS community. I am forced to point out that is now we have The Golden Gods Awards something The Grammy Committee would presented by REVOLVER magazine and never do to someone like Lady Gaga or Britney we'll be talking more about that in the next Spears and that is simply because T.V. issue of Chaotic Riffs Magazine! stations, the Entertainment Industry as a whole Until then BANG YOUR HEAD all you believes that they can get more viewers and METALHEADS! sell more advertising time by having more mainstream artist on the televised portion of the JROCK HOUSTON Grammys.

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Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 4 Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 5 Matt Foran JROCK: Has the band toured outside of your JROCK: Matt you are of course the Lead Singer from home state yet or have any plans to do so in the band Circus of Dead Squirrels. First of all what the near future? year was the band formed and could you please share with our readers how you and the other members of MATT: Right now our live act is in limbo, we the band first met and came to form Circus Of Dead are currently working to build a new line-up to Squirrels? take back out on the road. We were broken up for a period of time and it was difficult to get MATT: Circus of Dead Squirrels officially began in this latest album finished. We wanted to solely 2004 but Dan Raphael, John Beeler and I had all been concentrate on releasing another great album in a band together for years before. The band which first and then take it from there. Prior to the would eventually evolve into Circus of Dead Squirrels split we were mostly playing in Connecticut, was formed while we were all in high school together. Massachusetts, and New York but we are We were a seven-piece ska-metal band originally definitely planning on expanding our horizons called Toilet Duck. We lost several band members and once the new live line-up is formed. replaced them with keyboards and programming and went through several name changes such as The JROCK: Being that you are from Tucson, Dead Duck Flush, Baby Jesus Abortion, and Arizona where that tragic shooting of a Squirrelbait before finally settling with Circus of Dead Congress Woman took place I have to ask you Squirrels. what's it like to know that the place you're from fell victim to such a horrible tragedy. JROCK: Circus of Dead Squirrels is a great/ interesting/an yet really original name for a band? MATT: I really don’t understand what is going What's the story behind the band's name? on here. A few months before that there was a shooting in my hometown in Connecticut at a MATT: Thanks. It’s funny because even as we were Budweiser distribution center as well. It’s really gearing up to record our first album Indoor Recess we sad to think that you can’t even go to a grocery had chosen the name Circle of Dead Squirrels. We store or your job without wondering if some then learned that there was a band called Circle of lunatic is going to throw a fit. I’ll tell you this Dead Children and thought it was way too similar. We much, that guy who did the shooting was were already hung up on it so we decided to replace definitely in the right state. Arizona’s gun laws circle with circus and thought it worked better to are a fucking joke. I’m not an advocate for describe our sound anyways. I’ve always been guns but I do understand their purpose as fascinated by squirrels and really wanted them protection. However, there just needs to be incorporated in our title. They are spastic and stricter regulations and longer wait periods to unpredictable creatures. We really wanted a name that ensure would give people an idea of what we sounded like without even hearing us. It’s humorous in a dark way.

JROCK: Now Matt I know that the band is from that mentally Tucson, Arizona so I have to ask you what's the music unstable scene like there these days? people cannot own a MATT: The band is actually from Hartford, Connecticut gun. It was and is still based in that area. I am currently living in pretty obvious Tucson for the time being but travel to the East Coast before this for the band and will be returning permanently soon. tragedy that I’m not too familiar with the scene here quite honestly. this kid wasn’t playing with a

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 6 full deck. Why the hell would you ever need a 30 JROCK: What do you remember most about the bullet clip… unless of course you plan on doing recording sessions for Operation Satan? something like this? It amazes me how so many people are hung up on the most destructive and MATT: Man, I remember so many awesome things. meaningless things in life. I wish that kid had It really was an incredible experience, even more opened fire at a gun show instead, maybe that than the other two, because we had to work harder would wake a few of those people up. I totally than ever before. Once we actually got in the studio understand being frustrated with the human race to record vocals and bass and to mix the album it but killing innocent people is just fucking pathetic. was only Mark Miller, Matt Nodland and I through the entire process. Dan is currently living in Los JROCK: How many albums has the band Angeles and couldn’t make it (he had programmed released to date? the album and recorded his own guitar parts) and we had parted ways with Craig. John Sustar had MATT: Officially, we have released five albums. recorded his guitar parts with Rick Thomas in Indoor Recess (2004), Outdoor Recess (remixes, Cleveland. I remember at first thinking how strange 2005), The Pop Culture Massacre and the End of it was to look around and realize how much things the World Sing-A-Long Songbook! (2007), TPCM2: had changed since the last album but it quickly Judgment Day Remixing the Massacre (remixes, became an amazing feeling because the three of us 2008, short-lived due to an extremely shitty label), gave everything we had to make the album the best and Operation Satan (2010). it could be. Mark approached this album like it was his own (he is an active musician himself as can be JROCK: Is everyone in the band involved with the heard in his band Out Out) and was really excited to songwriting process? be involved. He really believed in what we were doing and appreciated the message we were trying MATT: Everyone who is listed in each album’s to relay. Putting these songs together was an credits is involved in some way or another. On our experience that I will never forget. The song Puppy first two albums it was mainly Dan, John, and I Maul Madness was especially enjoyable due to its writing the material but on Operation Satan it was ridiculousness. That one was kind of like making a a collaborative effort between me, Dan, Matt short movie… about douche bags. Nodland (bass), and Craig Douglas (keys). Dan Raphael has always been the main songwriter and JROCK: Again I happen to think Operation Satan is I write all of the lyrics. a great album title, great play on words. First of all how did you come up with that title? JROCK: Your latest album is called Operation Satan. Could you please tell our readers a little bit MATT: Years ago we talked about releasing an about the album such as how many songs are on album of more black/death metal style songs and it? , who produced it? we thought it would be funny to call it Operation Satan. There was no real theme at that time; I think MATT: Operation Satan has 16 tracks (ten full I just assumed it would be so over the top satanic to length and six short interludes). It describes the the point that it would be hilarious. As I changed the various ways that animals are abused in our direction of the album and the lyrical content I everyday lives. I personally think that it is our decided that the title worked quite nicely with what heaviest and most thought provoking album to we were presenting. We even wanted the cover to date. I produced the album along with Mark Alan look more “metal” and then when you look closely at Miller (who also did most of the engineering at it you get the deeper meaning. The title properly Slaughterhouse Recording Studio in sums up the treatment of animals in America and Westhampton, MA) and Matt Nodland. It was also gives the impression that the music is more mastered at Cutting Room in Stockholm, Sweden metal than our previous material. by Hakan Akesson.

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 7 JROCK: In reference to the album titled have you there is never an excuse to torture animals while received any flack from religious groups or people they are alive. I think any decent human being wanting to protest the album simply based on the would agree with that. title of the album alone? JROCK: I also read that from February-March that MATT: No religious groups as of yet but I certainly $2.00 from every sale the album is going to be welcome their displeasure. Those groups are donated to the Humane Society of the United absurd, especially when it comes to issues relating States. Again why is this something that you and to animal rights. They are so busy convincing the band wanted to get involved with? themselves that life is as simple as a fairy tale and meanwhile they totally disregard doing anything at all MATT: Well, we have decided to donate to a about the horrific realities of the world. Some animal different organization every two months. This will rights organizations have been a little put off by the be our third cycle; we have also donated to PETA. title but have been very respectful and supportive of The Humane Society needs as much help as they what we are doing. can get with their shelters alone. I got my dog from them a few years ago and seeing all of those dogs JROCK: For people who have never heard of the and cats abandoned like that killed me. They band before how would you describe the overall deserve a lot of credit for what they do and we are sound of Circus Of Dead Squirrels? proud to support the group. MATT: I would describe it as guitar-driven industrial JROCK: Are you happy with the response that with circus organs and retro samples. I think that is fans have given to the band so far? the simplest way to describe what we do. Maybe GWAR meets Mr. Bungle meets KMFDM? We are a MATT: We have the best fans in the world. I know band that is not interested in becoming rock stars or that every band says that but we have a somewhat celebrities. In fact, we are very much the anti- small fan-base and I feel like we’ve gotten to know celebrity. We don’t give a shit about what is popular many of them personally. They have stuck with us or what will sell. We write songs that are sometimes through it all. In fact, we received almost $4,000 funny, sometimes dead serious, but always the from our fans through Kickstarter.com in order to unrestricted truth. help make Operation Satan possible. We weren’t sure how longtime fans would react to our strong JROCK: I was interested to read on the band's views on the album but we were pleasantly FACEBOOK site that from December-January that a surprised that most of them really “get it.” We portion of the album sales was being donated to aren’t saying that everyone needs to become a Farm Sanctuary. First off Matt what exactly is Farm vegan or anything, we are asking people to Sanctuary and why did you and the band want to consider the worth of other creature’s lives and donate a portion of your album sales to this respect life and yourself enough to make sensible organization? decisions. It’s really cool to know that whether we sing songs about Nintendo and Sesame Street or MATT: Farm Sanctuary (farmsanctuary.org) is a dead serious issues, the fans are behind us 100%. great organization with locations in California and New York that rescues farm animals and fights for JROCK: I also read on your web site that you stricter laws to protect these animals from inhumane were a little disappointed that a fan you sent a procedures. I think that farm animals are quite digital copy of the new album before it went on possibly the most forgotten and abused of all. It’s sale went ahead and sent out copies of the album funny how sickened people are by the fact that some to other people and it got out all over the internet. cultures eat dogs but don’t realize that pigs are just Could you talk about this to our readers and as friendly and intelligent. When you see how poorly explain why you are so upset by this fan doing these animals are treated it should bother you this? tremendously. Whether or not you believe that eating meat is right

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 8 MATT: I understand that illegal downloading is tons of products sitting on Wal-Mart’s shelves that unavoidable; every band has to deal with it. It sucks, can easily be put in your pocket for free. But wait, but what can you really do about it as an unsigned you’ll get arrested if you do that…so… shouldn’t the band? What really pissed me off was that the person same rules be applied with music? Stop mindlessly that did it was one of only 15 fans that were e-mailed giving your fucking money to huge billion dollar the album before the release. These 15 fans were corporations for shit products and instead help people that donated $100 or more on Kickstarter to struggling musicians that are attempting to stick it to help us record the album. I just never thought that these asshole companies. such a diehard fan would do such a thing to us before the album was even released. The person probably JROCK: What can fans expect from Matt Foran and didn’t realize how much it would upset us but I just the rest of Circus of Dead Squirrels for the rest of assumed it would be common sense to not leak the 2011 and the next year ahead? album when we are being nice enough to let you be one of the only people to hear the album days before MATT: We are already thinking about the next anyone else. record and will begin writing in the next few months. Ideally, I would really love to release a new song JROCK: Would you ever consider taking legal action exclusively for download later this year. We are also against this fan or other fans that do this type of thing? trying to get some distribution for our albums so people can physically buy them from a store. We MATT: I would love to crush all of these shady fucking have lots of new merchandise coming that will be sites giving away our music. Like I said, as an sold through Reverb Nation. We are currently unsigned band it is really close to impossible to pursue putting our live band together and planning on anything seriously, the legal fees would probably cost touring in the very near future. more than what it’s worth. As for the fan, I really don’t think he thought he was doing anything wrong so I JROCK: Are you involved with any other band’s would let that slide as long as he or she respected us projects you'd like to let our readers know about? enough to not do it again. People don’t realize how much time and money goes into small independent MATT: I wrote and performed the vocals on bands. We have had to work and save up our own Ventana’s debut album American Survival Guide: money to release albums. We are not making profit, Vol. 1 in 2008 and will be helping them out once we are lucky if we break even. People are stealing again (lyrics) for their upcoming release. They’re a directly out of our pockets. After a while, bands fall great industrial rock band out of Cleveland, OH apart because they simply can’t afford to fork out their (featuring members of Mushroomhead). A few of the own money to keep releasing albums. People don’t guys performed on Operation Satan. Check them realize that doing things like this will bury truly original out at myspace.com/ventanaband. and artistic musicians that the big labels don’t support. JROCK: For people wanting to purchase your JROCK: What do you think should be done to people album how can they do so? who knowingly download music illegally? Do you think it should be more heavily policed or that people should MATT: All of our merchandise is available on our receive stricter punishments for doing so? official website, circusofdeadsquirrels.net. Albums are also available on Amazon.com, CDBaby.com MATT: This is such a tough issue because I know and itunes.com but remember that $2.00 of every there are two completely different opinions out there. I copy of Operation Satan sold on our website will be really don’t understand why people have such a donated to animal rights organizations so that is problem with paying one dollar for a song they really definitely the best place to purchase that particular love. They have no problem buying all kinds of other album. bullshit for much higher prices. They somehow justify stealing music because it is floating around the Matt Foran - ForaNatioN/Circus of Dead Squirrels internet. Well there are www.circusofdeadsquirrels.net www.myspace.com/circusofdeadsquirrels

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 9 Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 10 Casey Ray - Vocal Shane Vargas - Lead Guitar James Butler - Lead Guitar Taylor Marvin - Bass Blake Chadwick - Drums

C.R. - I originally only wanted to manage the band JROCK: I understand that Degravation is from and help out as much as possible since I was already CYPRESS, CA. which is not too far from where I in a band, “Runnin’ Angels”. I never wanted to sing...I live. Could you please share with our readers what was always more into guitar and drums. I never really kind of a music scene is there in CYPRESS, CA. liked metal music. I was always more interested in these days? country, rock, and acoustic. So when I started singing I was more into the rockier type of style, then I started C.R. - From what I’ve heard coming out of Cypress, getting really into Bullet for my Valentine and CA isn’t much...not many bands are “serious” out Avenged Sevenfold and started experimenting with here. I am from Buena Park, CA which is right down screaming. And since I was going to try and help out the street basically, and there is some hard rock/ with Operation Overload, band’s name at the time, I metal bands coming from over there. But not much. was always at their rehearsals/jam sessions. Back then it was only Shane on guitar, Taylor on bass, and S.V. - From what I’ve noticed it’s mainly a lot of the old drummer Sonny. They were playing covers hardcore/punk music. I attended high school in and 2 or originals with were “D-Day” and also “Depths Garden Grove, CA which is a neighboring city and of Haven”. At the time their names were “D-Day” and that’s all that was going on there. The bands “Untitled”. And back then the songs didn’t sound how seemed to focus more on having their fans beat the they do today. We went back and rewrote them crap out of each other than focus on the music itself. somewhat. So I basically just starting singing along We were the only serious metal band coming out of with the covers and eventually they asked if I’d just that school. join the band and work with them more. So that night I went home and wrote the lyrics for “Depths of JROCK: Could you share with our readers how you Haven” and came back the next day or so and all first met, came to form the band and what year matched them where they lay on the track now days. the band was formed? Verses are still the same for that song, but not “D- Day”. That song was completely rewritten on vocals. S.V. - Well the original line up which was Taylor, Me, But since the very first day I met Shane we clicked and a different drummer we had at the time, first instantly and I remember staying up until past met through occasional run ins at our community midnight that same night and just talked about music pool. I was just a lone guitarist looking for a band and the band. Then we just rolled on from there... and they were a drummer and Taylor, then a guitarist, looking for new members. This was back in B.C. - I came in a little bit later, after they had about 7 2007 when I was the oldest at 15. songs and played some shows. But I was watching a movie one night and got a text from Shane asking if I T.M. - I met Shane during the summer in 2007 and wanted to join the band, cause they were having after talking for a while I found out he was a problems with their drummer. I was just finishing guitarist. I had been playing for about three years at drumline, so I took the opportunity to play with a the time and thought it would be cool to play with serious band and said yes. He gave me a CD of their him sometime. Before I knew it we were taking it demos, and I listened to them at work and around the more seriously and that's when we met Casey and house. We finally scheduled a practice and I came started playing local shows any chance we could down, and since I already learned all the songs, we get. just jammed, and I kicked ass, and they loved it, and I was in.

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 11 J.B. - I met the guys through my old band Chasing C.R. - When I was growing up I listened to a ton Midnight. Taylor, Shane and Blake went to school with a of Black Sabbath and Motley Crue just from couple of guys from that band, and eventually we being around my parents. Then I started getting became good friends and started trying to book shows more involved with music and listening to together. We played similar music too so it just made different types of music. I really like softer music sense to collaborate in any way possible. Chasing such as Jack Johnson and Creed, along with Midnight started falling apart for different reasons Country music being my favorite of all music. I though, and that's when Casey called me and asked if I like music that has the emotion and songs I can wanted to join up. I took about a month to think things relate to. I don’t like “brutal” all the time, every over because I didn't know if Midnight was going to get once in awhile but not all the time. Nowadays I back together or not, but I finally decided this was really like bands like: Rodney Atkins, Garth exactly the opportunity I'd been waiting for. They're a Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Tim great group of guys, tremendously talented, and I loved McGraw, and a little bit of Toby Keith. Then in the direction they were going with their music and our genre of music (the most inspiration to my wanted to be a part of it. So I joined up and got to work vocals, which I don’t want to lean too far into learning songs. any other styles besides these) I tend to listen to: Bullet for my Valentine, As I Lay Dying, JROCK: Who were the bands/musicians who had the Asking Alexandria, A Day To Remember, and greatest influence on you when you were growing up? many more like those. I’m sure you can hear some of that in my vocals. B.C. - The very first band I liked was Oingo Boingo, since I watched their Farewell video, which my parents T.M. - I started out listening to a lot of classic were at. Once I hit 7th grade, I got my first iPod, and metal and country music when I was younger wanted to fill it up, so I went through my parents CDs because that was what my dad mostly listened for stuff to put on it, which was a lot of rock and metal, to. Bands like KISS, Def Leppard, and even a bands like Soundgarden, Machine Head, Metallica, little Social Distortion on top of artists like Brad Judas Priest, Blind Melon, and Primus. I started Paisley and Rascal Flats. It wasn’t until Jr. high listening to stuff other than Oingo Boingo, and that was when I started listening to heavier music. Bands right around the time Dimebag from Pantera got shot, like As I Lay Dying, Trivium, Soilwork, and the so my dad was playing a lot of Pantera, and I was into always great Metallica. it. I also had a couple friends across the street that got me into some heavier stuff, like Lamb of God and J.B. - I pretty much listen to everything now. I Trivium. After I got out of my Boingo phase, my favorite grew up on radio punk rock like Blink-182 and bands have included Alice in Chains, Pantera, Dream Sum-41 because my big brother listened to all Theater, Nevermore, and Symphony X. Now I’ve that stuff, but once I picked up a guitar music grown to love progressive and power metal bands like became a huge passion of mine, and I just Helloween and Gamma Ray, Adagio, Pagan’s Mind, branched off all over the place. First I got into Opeth, Pyramaze, among some others. I like hearing metal, then instrumental rock, then classic rock, something that’s hard to understand, hard to play, but then blues; weirdo music (I share Blake's love still kicks ass. It’s intriguing and keeps you coming for Oingo Boingo); R & B; vocal; jazz; classical; back to it. But I’ll always love Boingo. acoustic; and all of it stayed with me. It’s come to the point where I half the time when I go to S.V. - Ozzy Osbourne, Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC all the listen to my iPod, I can't decide what to listen to stuff you pretty much grow up hearing. It wasn’t until I because I just love it all. The biggest influences picked up my guitar at 15 where Randy Rhoads, Van on my guitar Halen, Metallica and all the classic metal influenced me greatly.

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 12 B.C. - Degravation was actually a name I just sat playing are definitely Joe Satriani and Avenged down and thought up. It was originally Detrivation, Sevenfold, but Lamb of God and Nevermore have but I looked it up and got Degravation, and recently started influencing me a lot too. But thought it was cool. But that was for a high school musically I've been listening to a lot of Muse, battle of the bands band with a friend and three Pagan's mind, John Legend, and As I lay Dying other guys I didn’t know. We played a few covers lately, which is having a big influence on my writing. (that REALLY sucked!), and that was the end of that. JROCK: For people who have never heard of Degravation before how would you describe the A couple years later, I got the call from Shane to band's overall sound? join Operation Overload, and went from there. Once there was talk of changing the name, I C.R. - We have a bit of slow and heavy, mixed with brought up Degravation. The definition is “to a little thrash and punk. We sing and scream but make heavy,” and that actually fit us pretty well, not too much of both. We are now starting to really since when I joined we started getting a lot form the band’s “sound” as we are in the studio and heavier since I could do more than the old rehearsing writing new songs. For the vocals I drummer and we were able to explore a faster, really like where they are right now, so I wouldn’t heavier side to our music, hence “degravating” it, want to stray from where I like them so far. Lately if you will. We couldn’t find any other names that I’ve been throwing a lot of Asking Alexandria vocal worked for us as well as that. And the old “band” styles into our music. Mainly because that’s a band will never miss it. that really sticks out my style of vocals and I like that a lot. JROCK: Now I recently discovered your band Degravation when you guys S.V. - Pretty much take a classic heavy opened up for QUIET RIOT at one of metal band from the 80’s mixed with their recent LA Shows. First of all I modern progressive metal rhythms have to ask how did you guys get the thanks to Blake and some hardcore opportunity to open that show for intensity in the vocals mixed with a QUIET RIOT? modern popular metal melody such as Bullet For My Valentine or Killswitch C.R. - I have been basically doing all the managing Engage. and business side of DVN for pretty much 3 years or so, and a lot of my time and effort goes straight B.C. - old Testament + Motley Crue, with some thrash to the band and it gets really exhausting...so Metallica and bits of Trivium. I’d like to get more into honestly I wasn’t looking for any shows at the the Testament and Trivium side, and maybe time...I just happened to be on the Galaxy Theater incorporate the melodies of Helloween and Symphony website and saw these two shows coming up, X. which were Quiet Riot Feb. 5th and Skid Row March 12th. So I contacted the promoter/booking JROCK: How did you come to name the band agent for the Galaxy Theater/Coach House and we Degravation? talked for awhile and started getting everything set up for these shows. Now that we are a little S.V. - Well we first started with the name Operation established we are going to be having our first real Overload which I came up with in history class manager, James Vaughn, and I should be able to studying the World War 2 Operation: Operation focus more on my part in the music besides all the Overlord. I was younger, we weren’t really that booking and business side of things. serious, so I thought it was cool especially since it was war based and such. We all really support our troops. S.V. - Casey deals with a lot of the booking and Casey’s brother actually just served his term in Iraq. management since the rest of us are working and We wrote a song for him and any other soldier or attending college or in Taylor and James’s case veteran that has fought for us. It’s called “Metal of High School. However, Casey just contacted the Honor” and you can find it at one of our websites. booking

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 13 agent at The Galaxy and said we would like to fill Nevertheless, I enjoyed the fact that we were one the opening slots for the show and they said able to play with such a legendary band. ok! JROCK: Did you get the opportunity to meet any JROCK: Were you happy with the response that of the members of QUIET RIOT and if so what Degravation got at that show? was that like for you?

T.M. - The show with Quiet Riot was amazing. C.R. - I didn’t really talk with any of the guys from The crowd was one of the best we have had. It’s Quiet Riot but I did have a chat with one of their always good to have a crowd that you can feed off roadies for about a half hour or so before the of. Looking down at the pit just puts a smile on my show began. I found out that all the guys live in face every time. Los Angeles except for the singer.

B.C. - I don’t look to the crowd too often cause I B.C. - I said “excuse me” to (I think) the guitar always keep myself busy behind the kit. But the player when I had to get by. That was pretty times I did look out I saw a row of dudes cool. mesmerized by Shane’s soloing, and a gnarly pit during one of our faster parts. JROCK: As you may or may not know this was QUIET RIOT'S first tour in over three years and J.B. - The Quiet Riot show was definitely the that they haven't toured since their original biggest show I've personally ever been a part of, Singer Kevin Dubrow passed away. My question and it was great. It always a good feeling when is what do you think of their new Singer: Mark people you've never met before come up and Huff? compliment you on a good show, and that happened several times that night, so I was on top S.V. - Oh man. Mark was amazing! He perfectly of the world. fit just what any 80’s metal band still thriving to survive would want and he seemed comfortable JROCK: I was curious if any of you guys consider with the audience which I feel was very warming yourselves to be QUIET RIOT fans and how did and an extraordinary feat replacing Kevin you feel about getting the opportunity to open for a Dubrow. From what I understand they picked him legendary band such as QUIET RIOT? up from a Halen/Hagar tribute.

S.V. - I guess I would consider myself to be a fan B.C. - I was really impressed by him, hit all the however not so much to the Quiet Riot now. I was notes nicely and never seemed to struggle. first introduced to Quiet Riot with Randy Rhoads, Kevin Dubrow, Rudy Sarzo, and Frankie Banali. J.B. - Mark put on a very impressive show. Great Nothing beats that. I eventually would stray from stage presence, he really owned it and seemed Quiet Riot and follow Rudy and Randy into their like he belonged there. And the man definitely careers with Ozzy for the amazing guitar work of has pipes. He was hitting' some pretty crazy Blizzard of Oz and eerie atmosphere of Diary of a notes in his song-end improv. Madman. JROCK: Would you say that the show opening B.C. - I know their Slade cover “Cum On Feel The for QUIET RIOT has been your biggest show to Noize,” and own their album Metal Health. But I date? grew out of rock pretty early on, and have always been into more metal bands. They impressed me T.M. - It was definitely one of our bigger shows at the show, especially the new singer, but I don’t so far. It was an awesome experience and I can think you’d hear me playing them on the stereo only hope for shows as good as that in the future. nowadays or anything.

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 14 B.C. - We played with Anvil at House of Blues B.C. - It’s the only way I can sell tickets, ha-ha. I’ll (Anaheim, CA), which was pretty big; the place send videos of us to all my friends on Facebook who was completely sold out. This is the second big seem interested in us, and if they like it enough band we’ve played with, which also had a good they’ll message me back saying how many tickets turnout, and we got a better crowd response they want or whatever. My mom also has a bunch of from what I saw. We’ll be playing with Skid Row friends from her business and from my little sister’s on March 12 back at the Galaxy Theater in friends’ moms. She also uses Facebook and such Santa Ana, CA, which would probably be the to contact everyone. biggest show we’d have. Hope to see everyone at that one! JROCK: What can fans expect from Degravation for the rest of 2011? JROCK: Now what I'd really like to talk you guys about is ask you if you are currently S.V. - Well since James is still pretty new to the band working on recording music for a debut album since we picked him up in November as a second that will be ready for release in the near future? lead guitarist, you can definitely expect a lot of his influence as well as occasional demos, and behind T.M. - We are currently working on recording the scenes as well as live footage from upcoming some of our songs as well as writing new shows on our YouTube. material. We have a few done and working on more but I don’t know for sure when the release J.B. - More shows with more energy, and more will be. music with more tastiness!

B.C. - It’ll be released “when it’s done,” but we’re JROCK: Are any of you involved with other bands/ working to get it out as soon as we can, around projects that you'd like to let our readers know work and school and such. about?

JROCK: Do you guys have an official website C.R. - We are very good friends with Abita signed that fans can find out all about band and hear with Dirtbag Records/Warner Bros. Records (from some music? Buena Park, CA) and also with Gramilla (from Fullerton, CA). Definitely look them up and check C.R. - Yes, we have many actually. To see them out! We give much thanks to both bands, videos they can go to youtube.com/degravation, especially Abita. They have helped us work our way and to hear the recordings and some demos into the business and walked us through the starting along with the lyrics they can go to steps of our long careers in music. purevolume.com/degravation. Also, we are working on a www.degravation.com but that is S.V. - We also have friends in a punk/ska band not up and running quite yet. But of course, you called The Disconnected. They occasionally play can like our musician page on Facebook!. Just once in a while around Cypress. Some of the guys search the band name! have helped roadie at a couple of our shows before too. JROCK: How important of a tool has the internet been to you guys in terms of helping to JROCK: Is there anything else you'd like to let all promote the band? the Degravation fans out there know about?

T.M. - I promote the bands upcoming shows on C.R. - Yes, be looking forward to an album release Facebook and MySpace all the time. The over the next year or two. Along with a “Behind the internet is pretty much essential for promotion Screams” DVD with the album, hopefully. Make sure when it comes to any band. you get ready for some awesome shows and some

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 15 rockin’ new songs getting released as we create them. If we throw some slower songs in the mix, along with some faster ones also, be sure to just have fun because that is what it’s really about. If we throw in some breakdowns and some weird timing riffs, try to follow along and get in the pit as well. Thank you to all our fans/supporters/photographers/parents/siblings/venues/and promoters!

T.M. - We owe a lot to our fans and those of you who come out to see us play. Without the fans we might as well just be playing in my garage. Also, keep an eye out for the release of new songs and album. Check out YouTube for some behind the scene footage during shows. We hope to have many more shows down the road and hope to see all of you there.

B.C. - It’s always cool to see new faces at shows, and see them light up when we do something they think is cool. It makes it all worth it, and keeps me coming back stronger than before, cause I always want to have a kick ass show, get the people their money’s worth. To those who have seen us live, thank you so much, and I hope to see you again in the crowds having a great time. Without the fans, there wouldn’t be a Degravation, and they’re the ones that will determine our future in the business. We’ll always keep trying to deliver only the best quality metal music we can. It’s the least we could do.

S.V. - We appreciate you guys so much!! We honestly could not have gotten this far without you. To those who have seen us grow and mature as a band I say thank you for being there and for those who are recently new fans: HANG ON FOR THE LONG ROAD AHEAD! I hope to see you all of you head banging, moshing, and singing along with us at shows.

J.B. - Thank you all for all your support! It’s a blessing and a privilege to be able to play our own music for you. It’s what we love, and you guys make it possible, so thank you. We look forward to the future and hope to see you all lose control at the shows ahead.

Interview By JROCK HOUSTON

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 16 JROCK: Ok Greg first of all I'd like to ask you why you decided to write a book about the late/great Kiss end jobs to be the drummer in one of the world's most Drummer - Eric Carr? I know there really aren't that famous rock bands. He also never came off like an many books out there about Eric so I guess that's as arrogant rock star in interviews - he seemed to be good of a reason as any? very down-to-earth. And from several recollections in 'The Eric Carr Story,' he was the Kiss member who GREG: The majority of the Kiss books written since the was most approachable to fans, and would hang out late '90s seem to focus primarily on the 1970's, briefly and chat w/ fans the most. mention the '80s, and then pick it up again when the original line-up reunited in 1996. So Kiss' non-make up JROCK: Is there anything that you learned about Eric era - which was the same era Eric Carr was the drummer Carr or Kiss for the matter that you did not know and for Kiss - is usually just an afterthought. Also, there have only learned after you wrote the book? always been a lot of questions surrounding what happened between Eric and Kiss the last year of his life. GREG: Yes, I made it a point to include quite a lot of So I decided to do a book about Eric's life, for which I info that has not been reported in earlier Kiss-related interviewed many people who knew him personally, and books. Some tidbits you'll come across in the book had many cool/previously unheard stories and memories includes 'The Elder' producer Bob Ezrin discussing to tell. just what the story line to that album was all about (which to the best of my knowledge has

JROCK: I'm sure the fact that you wrote this book that you must be somewhat of a Kiss never been discussed anywhere before). fan. So with that in mind Greg could you You'll also read Eric's sister (Loretta please share with our readers the story of Caravello) and his girlfriend (Carrie how you first became a Kiss fan? Stevens) talking about what Eric was like outside the world of Kiss, as well as GREG: I first became a Kiss fan when I was recollections from Bruce Kulick about how in kindergarten, which would have been Eric sometimes had problems accepting his around 1978. A friend at my school role in Kiss.

bus stop showed me Kiss trading cards, which piqued my interest in the band. My mother was then kind enough to JROCK: Eric Carr has been dead now over 19 buy me Kiss' first album as a kindergarten graduation years now and many of his fans have kept his present, and my father was kind enough to take me to see memory alive all these years through websites and Kiss on the 'Dynasty' tour at Nassau Coliseum in New other tributes and ways that they continue to show York (with Judas Priest opening up). It just snowballed their love for Eric. My question do you think that the from there. legacy/legend of Eric Carr has become greater since he's passed on? JROCK: Were you a Kiss fan before Eric Carr was in the band or did you get into Kiss after Eric joined the band? GREG: A main reason I think is the 'Creatures of the Night' album, from 1982. Although '70s era Kiss is GREG: I was a Kiss fan for a few years before Eric joined my favorite, that 'Creatures' album is certainly one of the band. their all-time best (right up there with 'Alive,' 'Destroyer,' 'Rock and Roll Over,' etc.), and probably JROCK: Eric Carr was the one member of Kiss that was their heaviest album from start to finish. And a main so loved by the fans Greg. Why do you think that was? reason for the heavy sound of the 'Creatures' album is Eric's mammoth/John Bonham-esque drum sound. GREG: Perhaps because fans could relate to him - a I can't think of many other '80s metal albums in person who was plucked out of obscurity/dead which the drums play as much a prominent role as this one.

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 17 JROCK: What would you say was the hardest thing about writing JROCK: Could you share with our readers Greg some of the book for you? the people that you got to interview for your book? GREG: This was my fifth book overall (and I've been writing GREG: Sure, I've already mentioned Bruce Kulick, Bob steadily since 1997), so by now, I have a pretty good idea of what it Ezrin, Loretta Caravello, and Carrie Stevens, and you'll also takes to put a book together. 'The Eric Carr Story' was one of the find Bill Aucoin (in what I believe was his last-ever easier books to put together, actually - probably because I have interview), Michael James Jackson, Ron Nevison, Eddie Kiss' history memorized backwards and forwards by this point. Trunk, Carmine Appice, Marky Ramone, Charlie Benante, Mike Portnoy, Ty Tabor, Eric's drum tech, Kiss' touring JROCK: Is this a book you published yourself? keyboardist, and many others. GREG: Yes, quite a few of my books I've put out through a print- JROCK: Who was the one person that you interviewed for on-demand company, called Lulu.com. How it works is there are no the book that you really enjoyed getting the opportunity to pre-printed copies of the book, they are only printed when talk with? someone actually orders a copy through their site.

GREG: Probably Bill Aucoin, because as I mentioned in the JROCK: Now what are readers really want to know is for people previous question, he unfortunately passed away just a who would like to purchase your book where can they do so? month or two after the interview took place. He couldn't have been a nicer person, and was VERY honest about his GREG: Readers can read two sample chapters before purchasing recollections of Eric and Kiss. Speaking to Bob Ezrin was (and find ordering info), by going to this site and clicking on the very cool too, as he discussed memories of the sessions book's title: http://stores.lulu.com/gregprato JROCK: Are you happy with the response for both 'Destroyer' (in an early the book has gotten so far? chapter in the book that focuses GREG: Yes, so far the response has on Kiss' '70s era) and 'The Elder.’ been overwhelmingly positive. I've also received very kind words from both Eric's sister (Loretta) and girlfriend (Carrie) JROCK: Is there anyone that about the book, which made all the hard you wanted to interview for the work well worth it. Loretta was recently5 book that you were unable to interviewed for a podcast called make contact with? PodKISSt, and she said that she learned things about her brother

GREG: Yes, and I'll give you a hint who...they both co- that she didn't know about before. I can't think of a better compliment. wrote "Rock and Roll All Nite"! I had mutual acquaintances JROCK: Are you currently working on any other projects that you'd reach out to Gene and Paul, but never got replies. But like to let our readers know about Greg? ultimately, that's OK, because Gene and Paul have gone on record regarding their side of the story about Eric's time in GREG: I am currently working with drummer Carmine Appice on his the band in earlier books such as 'Behind the Mask.' Now, it autobiography. This book is both rocking and shocking, as Carmine is was finally time to hear the other side of the story, which I not holding back with discussing his memories regarding his tenures feel I've captured with 'The Eric Carr Story.‘ with Rod Stewart, Ozzy Osbourne, the Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, and Beck Bogert & Appice. He was also friends with Led Zeppelin, Kiss, JROCK: What was the most enjoyable part about writing Queen, Pink Floyd, and other notables, which he discusses this book? throughout the book. Also, my first-ever non-music book is coming out this summer, titled 'Sack Exchange: The Definitive Oral History of GREG: The interview process was very cool - speaking to the 1980's New York Jets.' I'm a huge Jets fan, and always wanted to people who were close to Eric and could shed some light read about their '80s era, so I spoke to most of the players from this on who he was. Also hearing cool/unheard info during era. In addition to those books, I recently released another new book, these interviews was great. Another enjoyable thing is 'MTV Ruled the World: The Early Years of Music Video,' and have a finally reading the finished book and being pleased with it, few other earlier books out too, 'A Devil on One Shoulder and an and also getting positive feedback from readers. Angel on the Other: The Story of Shannon Hoon and Blind Melon,' 'Touched by Magic: The Tommy Bolin Story,' and 'Grunge is Dead: The Oral History of Seattle Rock Music.' Again, for most of my books, go to http://stores.lulu.com/gregprato to read sample chapters and find ordering info. Over and out!

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 18 Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 19 JROCK: Chris I understand that your band Razorwyre is from new Zealand. What part of Downing and Glen Tipton. Randy Rhoads, New Zealand is the band from and is there much Paul Gilbert and Iommi of a Rock scene there these days? JROCK: Who were the bands who had the CHRIS: Hey man!! Yes RAZORWYRE is indeed greatest influence on you when you were from New Zealand. We are from the nation's growing up? capital right in the middle of the country called Wellington. There is a healthy music scene here CHRIS: Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Dio and but not so "much" of a metal "scene" you could Accept. say. JROCK: Let's now talk a little bit about your JROCK: You of course are the band's Lead band RAZORWYRE. First of all I understand Guitarist Chris so I'd like to start the interview off that the band was originally called Gaywyre. by asking you how old were you when you first My question is who came up with that name started playing the guitar and did you take lessons and what was the point when the band as a or would you consider yourself to be self taught? whole decided to make the name change to Razorwyre? CHRIS: I’ve had a guitar for a long time. But never really played. Wasn’t until I got my first CHRIS: That is correct, we were originally electric guitar that I really became interested. That under the banner of GAYWYRE. When me was about 13 years ago. My progression was very and my other guitarist started the band, it was on and off. Skateboarding ruled my life until about all just a bit of fun (still is) you never know 5 years ago. And that's when I REALLY started to how things are going to go. We originally think to myself, this is what I want to do. I had wanted the band to be called HAYWIRE, but some lessons when I was younger from a friend of that was taken, then, being the idiots we are, mine on how to play the guitar. But with the and the things we joke about, someone said internet booming a while ago, you could teach how about GAYWIRE. We all laughed and yourself a lot, which I took advantage of. thought that would be funny. Changed it to JROCK: What do you remember most about the GAYWYRE (axis of symmetry for the letters in very, first guitar you ever got? the way its spelt) and then that was it. Next thing we know, the band was doing very well CHRIS: My first guitar was a 3/4 size classical and ..... let’s just say, it was time to change guitar, hardly played it. My first Electric was an old the name (LOL) Washburn. Was a sick electric blue sparkle! Don’t know the model. JROCK: Once you decided to change the name of the band how did you come up with JROCK: Do you remember what was the very, the name RAZORWYRE? Which I happen to first song you learned to play on the guitar? think is a much better name by the way.

CHRIS: Was probably some nirvana (LOL)

JROCK: As far as Guitar Heroes who CHRIS: Thank you. We were were the Players who inspired you to looking for something that had pick up the guitar and take a shot at that metal edge to it, but still playing the guitar yourself? was connected to our old CHRIS: As I said earlier, I’ve had a name. We thought guitar for a very long time. Back then, RAZORWYRE fitted very well. it was players like Kurt Cobain and Tom Morrello. Now it’s Adrian Smith & Dave Murray, and KK

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 20 JROCK: What year was the band formed? JROCK: Is everyone in the band involved with the songwriting process? CHRIS: The band was formed in a rough form in 2008. Me and James (rhythm guitar) were best CHRIS: James and I wrote coming out. I had most of friends and shared a love for 80's heavy metal. We the riffs for every song and an idea about hot it would got to together and banged out a few riffs. I then go. Then me and James sat down and recorded them went to Europe for the summer. Came back and all and planned them out. Since Z Chylde (vocals) was carried on. We had demos of "Coming Out" ready the last to join, he added his part to our songs. and we put the band together. Had a few shows, recorded "Coming Out", then I went away to Europe JROCK: From the time you began writing the songs again for the summer. When I got back we released until the final track was recorded for the album I was "Coming Out" in Dec 09 curious how long did it take for the band to record Coming Out? JROCK: Chris could you please share with our readers the story of how you first met the other CHRIS: Was a long affair. With me being over in members of the band and came to form Europe twice, it was over about 2 years the whole idea RAZORWYRE? came to be put on CD.

CHRIS: All the members of the band are good JROCK: What has been the response to friends of mine. So it was just a matter of seeing who RAZORWYRE so far? was keen!

JROCK: The band is getting ready to CHRIS: The response has been release your debut CD Coming Out. I overwhelming !! from the first was curious as far as the songs that show till now, people have been appear on the CD were all the songs giving 100% at the shows just written prior to going into the studio or was there any older material JROCK: How important of a tool that you've had lying around for a few has the internet been to you in years that made it on to the album? helping to promote the band?

CHRIS: The songs were all pre-written, so it was just a matter of recording them all CHRIS: The Internet has been great. So much you can do now. With people from the far corners of the JROCK: What was the recording process like globe digging The 'Wyre ! for Coming Out? I mean what do you remember most about the recording sessions for Coming JROCK: Chris once the CD comes out what plans Out? does the band have tour wise and does the band plan to tour world wide or what? CHRIS: The recording of "Coming Out" was great! Happened in 2 weekends - 4 days. A lot of drinking and having a good time.

JROCK: How did you come up with the title Coming Out?

CHRIS: Ha-ha, another stupid joke. A friend of mine said to me at the time, how about you call it "Coming Out" and have the band busting out of a closet. Kind of a double meaning. Also referred to coming out as a band.

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 21 Now when most people think of 80's Hard Rock band names that immediately come to mind are Motley Crue, Ratt, Quiet Riot, Guns N Roses, and Dokken but one band that most people seem to have forgotten about is Bangalore Choir. Now while Bangalore Choir was not formed until 1991 most people who know of them associate them with Hair metal or as an 80's band.

Bangalore Choir was formed by Singer: David Reece who prior to Bangalore Choir was known as the Singer who briefly replaced UDO Dirkschnider in legendary Metal band ACCEPT. While David Reece only recorded one album with ACCEPT and it's true that most ACCEPT fans were not very accepting at the time of him trying to fill the huge shoes that were left behind by UDO Dirkschnider at the time. The reason that ACCEPT fans weren't so willing to welcome David Reece into ACCEPT had more to do with the fact that David Reece sounded nothing like UDO. While David Reece is a very talented Singer/songwriter in his own writer he has a very drastically different sounding voice than that of Udo Dirkschnider and I think ACCEPT with David Reece sounded a little too drastically different from the UDO fronted ACCEPT...Not that the album ACCEPT did w/David Reece was a bad album...It was more that ACCEPT fans didn't think it sounded much like an ACCEPT album.

So in 1991 following his departure from ACCEPT David Reece formed Bangalore Choir which had a very 80-ish sound to their music. Their debut album ON TARGET featured songs that were Co-written by both Aldo Nova and Jon Bon Jovi so people were expecting big things to come from this band but sadly once Grunge Music exploded and the band came off tour in support of their debut album ON Target the band fell apart as quickly as it came together. From Day one Bangalore Choir was a band that had a truck load of talent and potential but never really got the big break they deserved. David Reece has remained active making music since the breakup of Bangalore Choir but then in 2010 he reached out to Guitarist John Kirk, Curt Mitchill, and Bassist: Danny Greenburg to get the band back together. All agreed to record a new album and re-launch Bangalore Choir but Guitarist John Kirk decided not to take part in the re-union.

In 2010 Bangalore Choir returned to action with their first album since their debut album ON TARGET. the band received raved reviews from both fans and critics upon the album's release and that just goes to show you that this is one band that isn't done just yet! I'm glad that David Reece decided to get Bangalore Choir back together because they were a band that had a ton of potential that just kind of fizzled out and never went anywhere! The Bangalore Choir Story isn't over yet! David Reece, Guitarist: Curt Mitchill and Danny Greenburg all did separate interviews for this very issue of Chaotic Riffs Magazine where they all talk about the band's history, getting back together, and that next up they are planning to release a live CD from their recent performance at this year's FIREFEST PERFORMANCE.

I feel the need to let everyone know that while I myself had heard the name Bangalore Choir and I was aware of the band that I did not know too much about the band. Since 2007 when I first contacted David Reece and began to do interviews with him and cover his career that it was through that I eventually discovered Bangalore Choir and came to realize what a great band they really are! That is why that it gives me great pleasure to present this month's cover story which is BANGLORE CHOIR! This is a band with a great story to tell so with no further ado please read the following three interviews and let David, Curt, and Danny tell you The Bangalore Choir story in their own words!

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 22 DAVID REECE

JROCK: David I read on your official website that you grew up in Oklahoma and that early on because of where you grew up you were exposed to a lot of Country music. Were you a fan of any Country music at that time in your life?

DAVID: Absolutely!!! Love Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn and George Jones.

JROCK: I also read on your website David that one of the first JROCK: You are a great Singer David in your Rock band's that you really got into was Deep Purple which I own right so I have to ask why do you think that find kind of interesting because while you have a great, original ACCEPT fans weren't very accepting of you? singing voice I also think you have this David Coverdale quality Do you think maybe it was just a case of you to your voice/singing...Do you think that's just your influence were the wrong Singer for that band? coming out? DAVID: Thanks Jason, it's changed plain and DAVID: Well thank you, I suppose some of my influence simple Jason people are frightened of it and shows? But to be honest I'm more a Gillen fan than Coverdale remember UDO had been there some 10 years but to be noticed for some Coverdale is a great compliment! before me so I think they felt cheated the die hards? And Accept wanted global success and JROCK: As far as Deep Purple I understand that it was their hiring me was their reason so no matter who landmark album: Machine Head that really got you into Rock sings with them to me if it's not UDO it's not music. What was it about that album that had such a major Accept. impact on you as it has so many other countless people around the world? JROCK: Was it your decision to leave ACCEPT or did the band ask you to leave? DAVID: For me songs like "Space Truckin" Highway star" "Pictures of home" knocked me out! The vocals were and are DAVID: No I was fired. like a banshee screaming with emotion! And lyrically Gillen is very tongue in cheek! JROCK: Once you were through with ACCEPT your next band was Bangalore Choir. Could you JROCK: When you moved to Los Angeles and just starting out please share with our readers David the story of your professional musical career I understand one of the first how the original lineup of Bangalore Choir first people who made contact with was legendary Guitarist: Mitch met and got together? Perry. How did you and Mitch first hook up and did you and he ever have a band together? DAVID: Hmmm? After Accept I knew there was momentum and I needed to capitalize so I went DAVID: We met somewhere in Hollywood? And yes we to L.A. again with drummer Rusty Miller and we recorded a 4 song demo and it finally ended up in the hands of started putting the band together mainly hunting producer Dieter Dierks. around GIT that’s where we found Danny Greenberg and John JROCK: It was shortly after hooking up with Mitch Perry that you were named as the Singer who would replace Udo Dirckschnider in ACCEPT. Could you please share with our readers David the story of how you landed the ACCEPT gig? Kirk and Kirk brought in Curt Mitchell as they had DAVID: Well it's a crazy business full of twists and turns and as played in Razormain up in I said in the previous question the demo Perry and I did landed Reno together. in Dierks hands and he was shopping for a vocalist for Accept. When he heard that tape he said to the band that was the voice JROCK: What year was it for them. when Bangalore Choir first got together? DAVID: 1989

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 23 JROCK: Banglore Choir was one of those great 80's bands that kind of just came and went. You guys released only one album...ON Target and then the kind of just fell apart. What caused the band to fall apart so quickly?

DAVID: Seattle and oversaturation of so many shit bands! I believe people were tired of the same ole same ole with AOR groups sounding alike? B.C. was different we were heavier but we got thrown in with all that crap!!

JROCK: What year was it when Bangalore Choir split up? How did you come to name the band Bangalore Choir? JROCK: In 2010 you also re-released the DAVID: After we were dropped by the label we were all very debut Bangalore Choir CD: On Target. down and felt the world had caved in! That was 1990 I believe? Are you happy with the way the CD has The name means explosive vocals, a Bangalore is a military been selling since you re-released it last torpedo and I put choir behind it because we use a lot of vocal year? harmonies on are music. DAVID: Blown away actually it's selling JROCK: One of your most recent projects was a CD you very well! released with a band called GYPSY ROSE. Is that band still together or is there any chance that you may record another JROCK: As far as re-releasing On Target GYPSY ROSE CD? do fans get any extras on the new re- released version of the CD? DAVID: No it was a project but the guitarist Martin Kronlund and I actually just finished a new record called "Reece Kronlund" and DAVID: We added the video as a bonus it's scheduled for a May 2011 release and it's killer!! track and Martin Kronlund remastered it.

JROCK: You also a couple years ago released your debut solo JROCK: Also in 2010 you finally released album Universal Language. Are you happy with the response that a new Bagalore Choir CD called CD got and is there any chance that there will be a new David Cadence. First of all tell us what that title Reece solo CD on the way anytime soon? means?

DAVID: Well I'm very happy with it and it sold very well DAVID: "Cadence" is a vocal sound we worldwide. Andy Susemihl is a great producer and he's also the all make; we all have our own Cadence new alternate guitarist in Bangalore Choir so yes we plan on when singing, talking screaming etc. so doing many things musical together!! because of the layers of vocals it just felt Stay Tuned.... right as a title.

JROCK: In 2010 you decided to get Bangalore Choir back JROCK: What do you remember most together but not all the original members returned. Why not? about the recording sessions for Cadence? DAVID: Well Ian and Jackie are doing other things and declined but truthfully they aren't B.C. it's me, Danny Greenberg and Curt DAVID: The beauty of working with Curt Mitchell without them it wouldn't be real and Danny again Wow there so great!

JROCK: Tell me about some of the new guys in the band and JROCK: What would you say was the how you found them. biggest difference for you in recording on Target compare to the recording of DAVID: Andy Susemihl and I have been friends for 20 years and Cadence? as mentioned he's my go to guy here in Europe and Hans In't Zandt we found because we did some solo gigs together in Belgium and Germany and he fit in nicely.

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 24 DAVID: It's weird? It doesn't feel different? It feels like we never stopped? The guys just work so well together.

JROCK: As far as people coming to your shows would you say it's a mixture of old and new fans?

DAVID: All ages all types and crazy enough! A lot of young people know us and dig the first and the new one!

JROCK: How much longer does the band plan to tour behind this album?

DAVID: We plan to tour as much as we can Jason there’s never a limit for touring playing live is the best part!

JROCK: What can fans expect from both David Reece and Bangalore Choir for the rest of 2011 and the next year ahead?

DAVID: Well I just finished a record with Martin Kronlund "Reece Kronlund" due next May and we recorded the Firefest show live with B.C. and we'll release that this year as well as a new B.C. studio record and I'm always writing also I did the next "Tango Down" record last summer and that’s to be released sometime this year? So I'll keep going till I drop out!!!LOL!!!

Bassist Danny Greenburg

JROCK: Danny where are you originally from? JROCK: How old were you when you first started playing the Bass Guitar? DANNY: I hail from Amherst, Massachusetts. It's a small college town about 80 miles West of Boston. DANNY: I got my first bass, a Fender Music Master, when I was nine. JROCK: Who were the bands/musicians who had the greatest influence on you while you were growing up? JROCK: Did you take lessons or would you consider yourself to be self-taught? DANNY: DEEP PURPLE, DEEP PURPLE and of course, DANNY: I learned everything by ear. I never took a DEEP PURPLE! Also, bands like Blackmore's Rainbow lesson until college when I got my A.A. degree in Music. (with DIO, RIP), Thin Lizzy, Grand Funk Railroad, SKYNYRD and Alice Cooper. JROCK: Do you remember what was the very, first song you learned to play on the bass guitar? JROCK: Do you remember what the point in your life was when you decided you wanted to become a professional DANNY: Can't remember exactly, but it had to be a musician? Deep Purple tune. The first album I owned at 9 years old was 'Machine Head' so it was probably Smoke On DANNY: I think I was 11 years old and saw the KISS the Water. Destroyer tour...... front row, eyebrows singed from the flames, ears bleeding from the sound system, Gene JROCK: What do you remember most about your very, spitting his fake blood on me...... I was hooked from that first Bass guitar? moment on.

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 25 DANNY: The smell of the case when you opened it. All old DANNY: It was a blast! I had recorded in many Fender cases have this unique smell...... kind of a chocolaty professional studios back East, but never for a major smell...... as for the guitar, I remember it was black and label deal with a half million dollar budget! I have some had stock pickups, so I immediately went out and bought a really great memories of those sessions. set of DiMarzios and slapped them in there. Probably a mistake, but hey, I was 9....what can I say?!?! JROCK: What do you remember most Danny from the band's very, first gig? JROCK: Were you in any bands prior to Bangalore Choir? DANNY: I think it was a place called Hollywood Live on DANNY: I've been in bands since I was in 7th grade. I the strip. I recall the band being really tight and the set played in a bunch of cover/original bands back on the East being too short! coast. Back in the eighties, you could get top dollar playing those gigs. We were usually booked 6 nights a week and JROCK: How long would you say that Bangalore Choir played from Montreal down to the U.S. Virgin Islands. You toured behind On Target before the band fell apart? could actually make a good living back then. I never had a 'real job' until after Bangalore Choir! DANNY: I believe we played 10 or 20 gigs with the recording line up and then the next line up played for JROCK: Could you please share with our readers Danny about 6 months after that before everything went the the story of how you first met the other members of way of the dinosaur. Bangalore Choir and how you first came into the Bangalore Choir Picture yourself? JROCK: Bangalore Choir was one of many 80's band that never really got the attention you guys deserve and DANNY: I was at Musician's Institute in Hollywood back in kind of fell apart as quickly as you came together. Why '89. That's where I hooked up with Johnny Kirk. He was do you think that is? putting together a project with Dave, Rusty Miller and Joey Tafolla and they were looking for a bass player. We jammed DANNY: I agree with Curtis.....NIRVANA.....and a a few times and wrote some stuff and I got the gig. Shortly bunch of other grunge bands. Music is cyclic; people after that, Curtis replaced Joey and we started recording got fed up with a bunch of long haired pretty boys demos and shopping for a deal. making records that were over polished. Ultimately, I think it was good for the music scene, but I would've

JROCK: I was interested to learn that Jon Bon Jovi and Aldo Nova were both preferred to sell a couple million units involved in some of the songwriting for before the Seattle invasion. the first Bangalore Choir CD On Target. How did Bangalore Choir hook up with JROCK: What did you do following Jon and Aldo and what was it like the breakup of Bangalore Choir? working with them?

DANNY: I went to Alesis Studio Electronics for 9 years. DANNY: If memory serves, Bon Jovi was doing some After they went bankrupt, I went to Schecter Guitar work with Stevie Nicks, who had the same Research where I was the Ops Manager for 6 years. During management as Bangalore Choir. It came up in a that time, I played in a few cover bands in L.A. just so I conversation that Jon and Aldo had done some demos could crank up the Ampeg rig and keep the chops up. I also and thought that Doin' the Dance (originally named continued to write with Curtis and still do to this day. Dance of the Dead) might be a tune that would fit our sound. We demo'd it up and it made the record. JROCK: Did you stay in touch with the other members of Bangalore Choir since the band first broke up or had you JROCK: What do you remember most from the not talked to anyone in the band until David Reece reached recording sessions for On Target? out to you and Curt about getting the band back together?

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 26 DANNY: Curtis and I have been best friends since the day he landed in L.A. so we talk Singer: Jeff Martin can you tell our readers several times a week and have for the past a little about that project yet? 19 or so years. I would see Johnny Kirk from We are hoping to track up some of me and time to time at the NAMM shows in Anaheim Curtis' stuff from the post Bangalore days, and have kept in touch with Derek Cava as write some new material and have Jeff beat well. I had not seen or heard from Dave in the crap out of his kit and sing his ass off. almost 18 years. We did a project with Jeff awhile back up in Reno and he's a monster and a really cool guy. I hope it comes to fruition, 'cuz it'd be a lot of JROCK: Once David Reece told you he wanted to put fun. the band back together what were your initial thoughts? I mean did you have any reservations about putting the JROCK: In addition to Bangalore Choir and the band back together especially once you knew John Kirk project w/Curt Mitchill and Jeff Martin are you wasn't interested in returning? currently involved with any other bands/projects you'd like to let all your fans know about Danny? DANNY: No reservations whatsoever! Dave and I had an ugly divorce way back then, but time heals all wounds DANNY: I still play in a cover band for fun...... the and when he called it was like old times. We had a few set list is made up of a bunch of stuff that we want good laughs re-hashing some of the old stories and I to play, but still easily recognizable that the was really glad that he and Curtis and I were going to get audience can appreciate it. Curtis and I also make to play loud rock-n-roll together again. When I landed in an annual pilgrimage to L.A. and do a night with London for the FIREFEST gig and we stood face to face two of our brothers in arms; Gregg Burns and my for the first time in 18 years it was pretty crazy. We were brother in law, Mike Lowery on the kit. We do a actually hysterical...... who would've thought that we'd bunch of Gregg's solo stuff as well as some rockin' be in Heathrow getting ready to do a festival after all covers. It's always a good time! those years. It was pretty surreal.....a Spinal tap moment if you will...... it was very cool and I thank Dave for making it happen.....he's one of the baddest ass voices on the planet and I was thrilled that he asked me to come along for the ride! I had a great time hanging with him again after all these years and hope we get to do some more shows soon!

JROCK: David and Curt both mentioned that Bangalore Choir is planning to release a live CD in the near future. Could you tell our readers a little bit about this live CD and when they can expect it to be released?

DANNY: We recorded the FIREFEST set and will be releasing it very soon. Dave just sent initial artwork and it looks killer...... can't wait!

JROCK: Once The Cadence tour ends what's next up for Danny Greenberg and the rest of Bangalore Choir?

DANNY: Hopefully another record and some more gigs...... would love to get back to Europe. They still love the melodic metal over there and it's great to play to an audience that appreciates it. JROCK: Danny when I interviewed Curt he mentioned that you and he may be starting a project with Racer X.

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 27 Bangalore Choir Guitarist Curt Mitchell

JROCK: Where are you originally from Curt? I also believe there are guitar heroes; they're just not able to gain a large audience. The guy that writes the songs and CURT: I was born in LA, grew up there 'till I was plays guitar for Necrophagist is a blistering monster. about 10, and then moved to Reno Nevada. So all Unique, technically almost impossible to play. He's killer. His my teenage years were in Reno. solos are Malmsteen-ish, but the actual songs are very cool. And almost all his own, with respect to style. I really JROCK: When you were growing up who were the like that guy. bands/musicians who had the greatest influence on you? JROCK: Of course before Bangalore Choir was even around your bandmate David Reece had briefly replaced CURT: My Dad bought me an Al Dimeola record- Udo Dirkschnider in Accept. Did you hear the album David Casino-when I was about 14. The same year he had done with ACCEPT and if so what did you think of it? bought me a decent guitar. So I learned that entire record at 16 speed on a turntable! Then of course CURT: Dave had/has one of the most unique and brutal Van Halen came out. Learned that record inside metal voices of all time. And I think the Accept album was and out, I was also a big Steve Morse fan. Still am. the zenith of his youthful voice. More recently Merle Travis and Chet Atkins. Of course age catches us all, and I miss the brutality of his higher register, but his voice is still among the best. JROCK: How old were you when you first started playing guitar? JROCK: Of everyone in Bangalore Choir when the band first formed David Reece was probably the one member of CURT: 5 years old. the band that was the most known. Before hooking up with David Reece in Bangalore Choir were you even aware of JROCK: Did you take lessons or would you who he was? consider yourself to be self-taught? CURT: I was sitting in Reno, watching MTV. Generation CURT: I learned by ear from records. Clash came on and I said-out loud-"I wish I had a singer like that." Two weeks later, I was standing in A&M records with JROCK: Do you remember what was the very, first Dave singing on my demos. GO figure! That's not to say song you learned to play on the guitar? that the singer I had at the time was bad, because I had the good fortune to work with 2 of the best. Jamie Lee. He's just CURT: A finger style thing called Spanish never had the luck break his way. But he was a badass. Fandango. My grandfather taught it to me. JROCK: Now I believe Bangalore Choir was formed around JROCK: Back in the 80's all the great metal bands 1989. Could you please share with our readers Curt the seemed to feature guitar Heroes...That's something story of how you first came into the Bangalore Choir that I feel is really missing from the music scene picture? these days. Why do you feel that there aren’t the kinds of guitar heroes like there were back in the CURT: I was in a band in Reno, Razormaid (man the 80's Curt? names of these bands) and John Kirk the other guitarist got sick of going nowhere, had his parents put up the $ for him CURT: Nirvana! That’s the quick answer. The to go to GIT in Hollywood. Mainly to search for a recording longer answer is...I feel that guitar riff oriented deal. The last tape, of many, Reece and Rusty (the 1st music became over laden with "guitar hero-ish" drummer) listened to was a demo of John Kirk. They got playing. The songs became platforms to get to the together and the 1st guitarist Joey Tafolla, a killer player by solo. Everything began to sound like everything the way, couldn't get along with Reece. else. Once you've heard the 11 millionth 80s metal John told them if they wanted a change he knew the guy. guitar solo, and Cinderella sounds just like Warrant Reece called and I got one of my friends to take me to LA, sounds just like LA Guns, on and on, there's nothing and got the gig. Brought some songs with me, and since I unique anymore, people began to rebel. had played with John on another project, it came together relatively easily.

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 28 JROCK: Prior to joining Bangalore Choir had you CURT: Nirvana. That's the only answer! been in any other bands? CURT: Razormaid. Good record. I really like it, we JROCK: Curt what have you been doing from the time of did it ourselves, came out really good. Bar bands the band's breakup until last year when Bangalore Choir before that. decided to get back together?

JROCK: What do you remember most about the CURT: I currently give lessons; I make a CD here and band's very, first jam session? there. I don't like being on the road, I like my own pillow!

CURT: We were scheduled to record the next day JROCK: Last year when David Reece reached out to you at A&M, so we were frantically putting together to reform the band what made you decide that a songs. Bangalore Choir Re-union was what you really wanted to do? JROCK: Do you remember how the band landed its first record deal? CURT: I got to hang out with my bro Danny Greenberg. The bass player. I don't get to see him enough. It sounded CURT: Rusty, the 1st drummer knew a man like fun. named Glen Parish. Glen Parish was Stevie Nicks personal manager, so he was connected to JROCK: Of course John Kirk did not return to the band as everything. We played for one of the reps at HK we mentioned earlier and you split the guitar duties on the management, they did the rest. new Bangalore Choir CD Cadence with Andy Susemihl who also produced the album. What do you feel Andy has JROCK: What do you remember most about the added to Bangalore Choir? recording of the band's debut release ON TARGET? CURT: Andy is THE MAN great riffs- great player- great singer- and an awesome individual. There are no CURT: Wanting to lose my mind a little more. Max downsides to Andy. All I can do is hope to put something Norman (producer) had everybody playing pretty down on his songs that don’t detract from them. carefully. I got the chance with Jimbo Barton; he re- mixed a few of the songs. He was much less JROCK: How did you decide to split the guitar parts confining. We cranked up the rig and lost our minds between you and Andy as far as on the CD? on a couple of the tunes. He was a lot of fun, very talented. CURT: Andy did ALL the heavy lifting! I did solos on 10 songs and a little rhythm playing. JROCK: John Kirk was the other Guitar player from the original band. How would you compare JROCK: What do you remember the most about the your guitar playing to John's style of guitar playing? recording sessions for Cadence?

CURT: John is the master of the super tight cleanly CURT: Having fun playing over those great rhythm holes played metal rhythm guitar riff. I'm much looser. My Andy kicked in the songs. solos are pretty spazzed out. But I'm workin on it, trying to play 1 note instead of 70 thousand! JROCK: Are you happy with the way Cadence has been selling and the response it has received from fans? JROCK: Why did John Kirk not return to the band when the band decided to re-unite in 2010? CURT: I don't know anything about the sales. I guess it's doing well, Dave tells me it is! CURT: Not sure, Reece put it together. JROCK: What has been the greatest thing about getting JROCK: Bangalore Choir is a band that seemed to back with Bangalore Choir for you Curt? crash and burn really fast. That is to say that the band quickly fell apart after only one album which CURT: Hanging out with the people. was ON TARGET. Why do you feel the band fell apart as quick as it came together? JROCK: Can fans expect another Bangalore Choir CD in the near future?

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 29 CURT: I believe so. The writing and producing are probably going to fall on me this time, with Andy kicking in some tracks, so I'm looking forward to the result.

JROCK: In addition to Bangalore Choir are you currently involved with any other projects that you'd like to let our readers know about Curt? CURT: Jeff Martin, singer for Racer X (among many other things) lives about 30 minutes from me, so he and I have been talking about putting together a CD with my bass player Danny Greenberg. I also do an annual thing with a friend Gregg Burns, a thing called "Band from Hell" where we do some songs off his CD and a bunch of killer covers, just for fun. I was doing a pop country CD, but the singer didn't pan out so that's up in the air at this moment. Always stuff to do. Never bored! www.6stringTV.com www.curt-mitchell.com

Band: Bangalore Choir Title: Cadence Release Year: 2010 Label: SM Noise Records

1. Wahzoo City 8. Still Have A Song To Sing 2. Power Trippin 9. Dig Deep 3. Martyr 10. Never Say Goodbye 4. Livin Your Dreams (Everyday) 11. Sweet Temptation 5. Survival Of The Fittest 12. High On The Clouds 6. Tomorrow 13. Spirits Too They Bleed 7. Heart Attack And Vine 14. Surrender All Your Love

Bangalore Choir returned in 2010 with their followup to their 1991 debut album: ON TARGET. Bangalore Choir fans have been waiting for this for a real long time now. Following the tour in support of ON TARGET Banglore Choir fell apart due in large part to the explosion of Grunge Music. Bangalore Choir was formed after Singer: David Reece's brief stint in ACCEPT where he replaced that legendary band's legendary Singer: UDO Dirckschnider. Bangalore Choir was one band that always had a lot of potential but because of forming when their form of hard rock music was no longer in fassion the band never got the chance to become any bigger.

In 2010 they return with their second album and it's as if no time has passed...Seems like the band was able to pick up right where they left of and no times has passed. That's interesting when you consider the fact that Guitarist: John Kirk did not return for this re-union...The heart of the band remains Singer: David Reece, Guitarist: Curt Mitchill, and Bassist: Danny Greenberg. Also along for the ride this time is Drummer: Hans In't Zandt and Guitarist: Andy Susemithl who also produced the album and played a big part in the songwriting for this album. If commercial hard rock with great hooks is your thing then this is one CD I strongly recomend you pick up! Every track on this CD really ROCKS MY WORLD! If there's no other reason to pick up this album then do so so you can hear some great ear candy! Find out what I found out for myself after listening to this CD which is Singer: David Reece is a great, Rockin Singer who's talent as a

Singer and songwriter are the required ingrediants for a CD full of great Rock tunes to listen to. He's got kind of a David Coverdale feel to his voice and he and the band as a whole prove that they are a force to be reckoned with and that if they do indeed stick around this time for more than just one album that I predict big things from this band in the years to come! Not a bad track on the entire CD...Stand out tracks include: "Martyr" and "Heart Attack And Vine" as well as "Still Have A Song To Sing".

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 30 Markus Allen Christopher's TOP 10:

10. Blackout-Scorpions 9. Circus-Britney Spears 8. To Hell With The Devil-Stryper 7. Fair Warning-Van Halen 6. Dressed To Kill-KISS 5. Alive II-KISS 4. High N' Dry-Def Leppard 3. Pyromania-Def Leppard 2. Highway To Hell-AC/DC 1. Back In Black-AC/DC

I picked Back In Black as my number one because it is all that I am as a rock performer. I write and sing and play because of that record.

AC/DC is a big influence to me. That record is huge to them and to all of the fans they have. All these records are apart of who I am.

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 31 Ex LA GUNS BASSIST: Adam Hamilton The Shatner Album

JROCK: Hello there Adam. In the January issue of Chaotic Riffs Magazine you talked with us a little about an album you worked together in the past. I tried to get creative with are currently producing for William Shatner of Star Trek fame. who played on what songs. We are doing Space You agreed to talk with us a little more in depth for this issue of Cowboy by Steve Miller and we have Brad Paisley Chaotic Riffs Magazine about the album. I understand that it's involved. That just seemed to me like a perfect match. an album where Shatner is covering some classic metal/hard So, we did a "kind of" country version of Space rock songs. Could you please reveal any of the songs that Cowboy for Brad to play and sing on. So, we had a list have been recorded so far for the album? of people who were interested in playing, I took the list and tried to figure out who was best on which song. It ADAM: The Shatner album is going to be called "Seeking proved to be quite challenging at times, but it was a lot Major Tom". It is a concept album not only rock/metal songs but of fun being challenged to try and make it all work. I all genres. We have recorded 19 songs for the album. Iron Man have learned that much of the time, being a producer by Black Sabbath, Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen, Space is less music and more business, but fun business! Oddity by David Bowie, Space Truckin by Deep Purple and many more. There is a story line running through the lyrics of all JROCK: Did you and Shatner sit down, make a wish of the songs that tell a story. list of people you wanted to appear on the album before reaching out to these people? JROCK: Another interesting thing about this album is the huge guest list of stars that will be appearing on the album. So far the ADAM: Yes, we made a list of who we knew and who names I have heard as far as guest stars appearing on the we would love to get on the album. He knew Brad album include Brian May, Mike Inez, Peter Frampton. Can you Paisley and I knew Nick from The Strokes. Both guys confirm or deny that these people will indeed appear on the are super cool and agreed to be a part of the record. album? The rest has taken quite a while and a lot of work and patience to make happen. We are still working it all ADAM: We reached out to Brian May first to see if he would be out. interested in playing on the album. He said he would but he would like to play on something different than the Queen song. JROCK: I'm sure you yourself Adam are a fan of We sent him Space Oddity by Bowie for him to play on. Next, Brian May, Mike Inez, Zak Wylde, and Peter we spoke with country singer Brad Paisley. Brad is a friend of Frampton. What was it like to be in the recording Bill and his family. Brad was extremely cool and agreed to play studio with these legendary musicians and get to see and sing on the track Space Cowboy by Steve Miller. them lay down musical tracks for an album that you are producing? We then reached out to the great Peter Frampton, Zakk Wylde, Mike Inez, Nick Valensi, Ernie Watts, Ian Paice, Steve Howe, Jurgen Engler, Warren Hayes, Tangerine Dream. All have either recorded their parts of are in the process of doing so as we speak. I spoke with producer Bob Ezrin last week and inquired about Alice Cooper participating. He said that he thought Alice would be happy to do something. So, we shall see if that works out. Also, have reached out to Sarah McLachlan about possibly performing but we have not heard anything yet. It is becoming quite a production for sure.

JROCK: As far as the guest stars that appear on the album how did you decide which track to have each of these musicians appear on?

ADAM: Like I said before, our first guest that we approached, Brian May, stated that he would play but that he would like to play on something other than his own song. I understood where he was coming from. He ended up being a super nice, very down to earth guy so, I thought we should get him on the Bowie track since Queen and Bowie have been friends for years and

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 32 ADAM: Yes, I am a fan of all of the people involved. It is JROCK: In addition to produceing the album Adam do beyond a dream come true for me to be able to work with you play any of the bass tracks on the album? everyone involved. Some of the people involved live out of the country and had to record their parts at studios where they ADAM: I play drums, bass, guitar, keys and sing back up live. I did get to speak with all of them and had to do some on the album. producing via cell phone and email. It makes things that much more challenging but I have made records before like this. I JROCK: What did you enjoy the most about working with produced an album for Vanilla Ice and we were never in the William Shatner on this album? same room. His parts we recorded on a day off while on tour and then sent to me via the internet. I has been amazing ADAM: Like I said before, Bill is so excited about this having some of these great artist come out to my studio and project that it is impossible not to be excited as well. It is record here with me. We also went up to Zakk Wylde's studio, also a dream come true getting to meet and work with all which is not far from here, to do his guitar parts. (see YouTube of these great artists. video link) JROCK: How far along are you into the recording of this JROCK: I was curious if the tracks for this album were album? recorded as a live band with Shatner and all the musicians recording as a live band, recording in the studio all at the ADAM: It is hard to say.. All 19 songs have been tracked. same time or did everyone records their tracks separate? Not all of our guest have recorded their parts. Some of Bill's vocals are going to be re recorded after all of the ADAM: Most of the tracks I recorded the music for here at my guest are finished. So, maybe halfway finished if I had to studio and then guests would either come here and do their guess.. parts or I would send them the Pro Tools files of an Mp3 to track to. When finished, they would send their tracks back to JROCK: Any idea when the album will be released? me to be mixed. As we speak, I am downloading Peter Frampton's guitar tracks for the song that he is playing on. ADAM: Hopefully it will be release this year. Hard to say, I Peter has proved himself to be such a nice guy. I had amazing have a lot of work ahead of me. conversations with him on the phone discussing the direction and musical ideas that we wanted to try to achieve. He is such JROCK: Do you know if William Shatner has anything a cool guy. A consummate professional and a true legend. He planned to promote the album once it comes out? was so helpful and very thorough. He even sent me a copy of his studio track sheets to used in mixing. You don't see that ADAM: There will be a promotion campaign in place very often. I was blown away. once we know when the release date will be.

JROCK: How did you decide which songs to record for the JROCK: I was curious if you've been filming the making album? I mean were these all songs Shatner wanted to of this album for a possible DVD? Seems like that would record himself? Songs that he himself was a fan of or did the be a fun thing to do. record company try and dictate what songs they wanted to recorded for the album? ADAM: See link above:

ADAM: The record company that approached Bill had a list of JROCK: What was the most difficult thing about working songs all having to do with "space" in some way. on this album? Bill was not really interested in making an album. But, after reading the lyrics of some of the songs, he started to see in ADAM: The most difficult thing is trying to be patient his mind a theme, or a story line involving this character waiting on some artist to complete their tracks. Some of "Major Tom". He started choosing verses of certain songs, the artists are super busy and it is challenging trying to choruses of others, and put together a script using lyrics from work around everyone's schedule. all 19 songs. He then felt that he would like to record them and make a concept album which might be made into a musical at JROCK: Is there anything else Adam that you'd like to let some point. Bill is an amazing, creative, had working guy. He our readers know about this album or any other projects is totally involved and invested creatively in the whole process. that you're currently involved with.

ADAM: Follow me or Bill on Twitter for album updates

https://twitter.com/#!/AdamHamilton1 https://twitter.com/#!/WilliamShatner

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 33 That Metal Show Host: Don Jamieson

JROCK: Where are you originally from? JROCK: Another famous Comedian that was able to use his love for both Metal and Comedy was Sam DJ: I GREW UP IN THE GREAT STATE OF NEW Kinison. Were you at all a Sam Kinison fan and would you agree that you and Kinison are two JERSEY. MALLS, MULLETS & METAL...THAT'S OUR comedians that have been successful at being MOTTO! successful at using your love for both comedy and hard rock/metal music and finding a way to have a JROCK: Don you are of course a standup comedian and successful career? currently a Co-Host on the VH1 show THAT METAL SHOW. Could you share with our readers how old you DJ: I WOULDN'T PUT MYSELF IN SAM'S were when you first became interested in becoming a CATEGORY AS FAR AS A COMIC BUT YEAH, SAM standup comedian? WAS ABLE TO BRING THAT ROCK AND METAL VIBE TO HIS COMEDY AND I'VE BEEN LUCKY DJ: I CONSIDER MY FIRST COMEDY PERFORMANCE ENOUGH TO DO THAT TOO. ESPECIALLY NOW IN ABOUT 9TH GRADE WHEN I POPPED AN I'M PUTTING OUT MY FIRST LIVE STAND-UP CD OUTRAGEOUSLY GIANT ZIT ON MY NOSE IN THE ON METAL BLADE RECORDS. BETWEEN "THAT MIDDLE OF SPANISH CLASS. I GOT UP SCREAMING, METAL SHOW" AND THE RECORD DEAL, I'M RUNNING DOWN THE AISLE AND SLAMMED MYSELF LIVING THE METAL DREAM! AGAINST THE BLACKBOARD WHILE BLOOD RAN DOWN MY FACE. PROBABLY STILL THE BIGGEST JROCK: Could you please tell our readers how you LAUGH I'VE GOTTEN TO THIS DAY! and your fellow THAT METAL SHOW Co-Host Jim Flourentine first met. I understand that prior to JROCK: Who were some of the comedians who you working on THAT METAL SHOW together that you would say had the greatest influence on you when you and JIM worked together on an NFL Sports Comedy were growing up? show.

DJ: CARLIN, DICE, CHEECH & CHONG. I FIGURED IF DJ: WE MET ON THE COMEDY SCENE. I I'M GONNA BECOME A COMIC, I MAY AS WELL LEARN BOOKED HIM ON SOME MTV SHOWS AND HE FROM THE BEST! THANK GOD CARROT TOP WASN'T HELPED ME GET STARTED AS A COMIC. WE'VE AROUND BACK THEN! BEEN PARTNERS ON VARIOUS COMEDY CD'S, DVD'S AND TV SHOWS FOR THE LAST 15 JROCK: In doing research for this interview Don I was YEARS. WE EVEN WON AN EMMY TOGETHER interested to find out that you worked behind the scenes at FOR OUR COMEDY SKETCHES ON "INSIDE THE MTV and that you were partly responsible for discovering NFL." NOW MY MOM RETURNS MY CALLS. talent such as Pauly Shore and Tom Green who were up and coming comedians themselves at that time. Could you JROCK: Since THAT METAL SHOW was launched please share with our readers how you first became 6 seasons ago it remains one of the most successful involved with MTV and what exactly you did there? shows that airs on VH1 Classic. How did you, Jim, and Eddie Trunk get the opportunity to host the DJ: MOST COMICS HAVE TO WORK A SHIT show? WAITERING OR LAWN MOWING JOB UNTIL THEY MAKE IT. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE A WRITER/ DJ: JIM AND I USED TO HANG OUT ON EDDIE'S PRODUCER AT MTV FOR A DECADE BEFORE I RADIO SHOW, SHOOT THE SHIT ABOUT METAL DECIDED TO BREAK OUT ON MY OWN. I LEARNED AND BREAK BALLS. SO AFTER A WHILE WE LOTS OF THINGS ABOUT BEING A COMIC FROM ALL DECIDED TO SEE IF SOMEONE WOULD THE PEOPLE I CROSSED PATHS WITH THERE OVER ACTUALLY PAY US FOR IT! VH1 CLASSIC IS THE THE YEARS INCLUDING PAULY AND TOM. PERFECT PLACE CAUSE THEY ACTUALLY PLAY METAL VIDEOS AND SUPPORT THAT KIND OF MUSIC.

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 34 JROCK: Would you say that you, Jim, and Eddie are JROCK: I must admit Don that I'm a huge fan of pretty much allowed to host the show the way you want, THAT METAL SHOW. Has there ever been any you know be yourselves or are the Producers of the discussion of maybe making the show a little show really controlling as far as what can be > done and longer or airing a couple of music videos during said? the show? DJ: YEAH PRETTY MUCH. THE ONLY THING THAT'S DJ: AS THE SHOW CONTINUES TO GROW SCRIPTED IS COMING IN AND OUT OF YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT DIRECTION WE'LL COMMERCIALS. EVERYTHING ELSE IS JUST US GO. THE TMS TOP 5 SEGMENT THAT WE TALKING OFF THE CUFF. JIM AND I SUCK AT DEBUTED LAST SEASON HAS REALLY BEEN READING THE TELEPROMPTER SO IT WORKS OUT A BIG HIT! BETTER THIS WAY! JROCK: One of your most recent projects Don JROCK: How do you go about getting the guest for the that you were involved with was a tribute CD show? called Whole Lotta Love - a Salute to Fat Chicks. Now this is the perfect type of project I think for DJ: WE ALL SIT DOWN AND COME UP WITH A HIT you to be involved with. For people who don't LIST. THEN THE NETWORK GOES TO WORK WITH know about this special tribute CD could you THE BOOKINGS. IT'S SO GREAT TO HAVE PEOPLE please tell our readers a little bit about the CD LIKE, HALFORD, SLASH AND BILL WARD COME ON and how you got the opportunity to appear on it? AND TALK ABOUT WHAT BIG FANS OF THE SHOW THEY ARE. DJ: WELL, LET'S FACE IT. WHETHER YOU LIKE FAT CHICKS OR NOT WE'VE ALL HAD JROCK: Who has been your favorite guest to appear on SEX IN THE HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION the show so far? BEFORE! SO WHEN I WAS APPROACHED TO DO A SONG I FIGURED IT WAS RIGHT UP MY DJ: ZAKK WYLDE WAS A GREAT GUEST. HE CAME ALLEY! ON WITH THIS CRAZY BERZERKER ENERGY AND JUST PUT ON A ONE MAN SHOW. WE HAD A CLOSE JROCK: Interestingly enough Don you re- CALL WITH HIM HEALTH-WISE SO IT'S GREAT THAT recorded the Sir-Mix-A Lot track "Baby Got Back" HE'S STILL HERE. which is a rap track. First of all how long did it take you to record the track? JROCK: Is there someone who has not appeared on the show that you would like to get if you had the DJ: IT TOOK 2-3 HOURS ONE NIGHT OUT IN opportunity to? BROOKLYN. I DRANK A 6-PACK OF BUD AND KNOCKED IT OUT. I'VE NEVER RAPPED DJ: JUSTIN BIEBER? JUST KIDDING. OZZY, OF BEFORE...NEVERMIND RAPPING ABOUT COURSE. BRIAN JOHNSON OR ANYONE FROM AC/ CHICKS WITH FAT ASSES! DC. ANYONE FROM VAN HALEN...EVEN WOLFIE! JROCK: While you have released comedy JROCK: How happy were you when THAT METAL albums in the past Don I must say that I was SHOW went from being a 30 minute show to a 60 minute really impressed with your track on the Whole show? Lotta Love Tribute CD. Have you ever given any thought to recording an album of songs, be it an DJ: VERY. EDDIE FINALLY STOPPED COMPLAINING! album of cover tunes or original material? I ask because you seem to have a pretty decent JROCK: Any idea when you'll start filming shows for the singing voice. next season or when Season 7 is scheduled to start airing? DJ: I HAVE AN ACOUSTIC DEATH-METAL BAND CALLED, GUNFIRE-N-SODOMY THAT I DJ: SEASON 7 STARTS FILMING END OF SCREAM IN. WE HAVE SOME SONGS UP ON FEBRUARY AND WILL BEGIN AIRING IN MAY SO...METALHEADS UNITE!

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 35 WWW.MYSPACE.COM/GUNFIREANDSODOMY. IT'S COMPLETELY OUTRAGEOUS AND WE'RE GONNA DO SOME SHOWS WITH THE MURDERDOLLS IN THE SPRING.

JROCK: I was curious what kind of response have you gotten from people who have heard "Baby Got Back?“

DJ: SO FAR ALL THE FEEDBACK I HEARD HAS BEEN FAVORABLE. I TRIED TO BRING A ROCK 'N ROLL VIBE TO IT SO THE HARDCORE FANS WOULDN'T JUST REJECT IT. PLUS, DID I MENTION THEY BOUGHT ME BEER!

JROCK: Are you currently working on any other projects that you'd like to let our readers know about? DJ: HOPE EVERYONE WILL RUN OUT AND GET MY LIVE STAND-UP CD, "LIVE & HILARIOUS" COMING OUT ON METAL BLADE IN APRIL!

Interview by JROCK HOUSTON

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 36 JROCK: Keijo I know you're from Finland so I'd like JROCK: How many albums has the band released to date? to ask you that while I know there's a huge, growing Metal scene in Finland now what was the music KEIJO: Five full lengths and our 6th is coming out in March. scene like there when you were growing up? JROCK: Could you please share with our readers the story of KEIJO: There certainly is a vital scene in here at the how you met the other members of Rotten Sound and came to moment, but there wasn't that much going on when I form the band? was younger. Our underground metal-scene got really started after mid 80's and I also joined my 1st KEIJO: We used to have a death-metal band Vomiturition and band on 1988. 4/5 of the members in 1993 became the Rotten Sound members. JROCK: When you were growing up were you a fan of any of the major American bands? JROCK: The band is currently signed to RELAPSE RECORDS. How did the band land its current deal with KEIJO: Yes, I was. I was listening to Metallica, RELAPSE RECORDS? Slayer, Agnostic Front, Carnivore, Anthrax, Possessed, Testament and many other big ones. KEIJO: We were talking to quite many labels before we made the final decision. Relapse just seemed to suite us best. JROCK: Who were the bands/musicians who had the greatest influence on you while you were JROCK: Are you happy with the way RELAPSE RECORDS growing up? has promoted the band so far? Do you feel the band has a good relationship with the label? KEIJO: Everything I already mentioned and Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Destruction, Kreator and a KEIJO: We're pretty happy with everything at the moment. few others. Promotion is a bit tricky these days when promo-CDs are usually leaking pretty quickly, but fortunately the reporters start JROCK: I'd like to ask you how old were you when to understand the digital promos now. you first learned to speak English and did you have any trouble when you were first learning to speak JROCK: The band's next CD: CURSED I know is scheduled to English? come out on March 15th, 2011 and I understand that the album features 16 tracks. I guess Rotten Sound really believes in KEIJO: Finnish people are learning written and giving their fans their money's worth. Why did you decide to spoken English in the elementary school along with put 16 tracks on the album? Finnish and Swedish, which is our 2nd official language. Basically nearly 100% of Finnish people KEIJO: 16 tracks in 27:45 is probably shorter than average, can read, write and speak those three languages but we also thought that we don't want to add more songs to when we're 15 years old and it also helps us to learn make sure, that the album doesn't get boring. Grind-core is from the TV, which is broadcasting almost everything normally having short songs and I know many bands, who are with subtitles. Difficulties? Not really, but I feel that releasing more than 20 songs on their albums. I'm still learning, because pronunciation is pretty difficult with my Finnish language background.

JROCK: You Keijo are of course the lead Singer in the band Rotten Sound. Could you please share with our readers what year the band was first formed and how you came to name the band Rotten Sound?

KEIJO: We formed the band in 1993 and since it was a crust band in the beginning, that name suited us really well at the time.

Chaotic Riffs Magazine - Issue 16 - March 2011 37 JROCK: What do you remember most from the recording JROCK: Are you involved with any other bands/ sessions of CURSED? projects you'd like to let our readers know about?

KEIJO: I can't remember that much, because I'm always KEIJO: I'm also singing in a death-metal-band recording drunk... Just kidding, I can remember only my own called Medeia, Sami plays drums in Deathbound, part and I was doing the recording of my vocals by myself. Mika plays guitar in D-Beat Gangsters and Nowadays I just need to have my Shure SM-7 and MBOX-2 Kristian is also playing guitar in that same band. attached to my laptop to do the thing. JROCK: Anything else that you'd like to say to all JROCK: Are you happy with the response Rotten Sound has the Rotten Sound fans out there Keijo? gotten so far from fans? KEIJO: Come to see us to the Finnish Metal Tour KEIJO: I haven't got that much of fan-response for Cursed, II shows. You can find the dates and links to our but the reviews seem to be pretty good. tour diary to www.facebook.com/ RottenSoundOfficial . JROCK: I know that Rotten Sound is part of The Finish Metal Tour. Could you please tell our readers a little bit about that?

KEIJO: We're touring in North America with Finntroll, Ensiferum and Barren Earth (at 2nd band on the bill). It's been pretty good until we got the blizzard of the century that forced us to cancel two shows already. But it seems that we're back on track tomorrow when we're supposed to play in Fort Worth, TX.

JROCK: Has Rotten Sound toured outside of Finland yet? If not any plans to tour the U.S. or other parts of the world once the album gets released?

KEIJO: FMT2 is in North America and it's our 5th tour in North America. We have been also touring in Europe for around 10 years and will go at least to Japan during this year. Our next European headlining tour is also booked already and we're going to tour for 3,5 weeks all over the Europe with Trap Them(US), Gaza(US), The Kandidate(DK) and Haust(NO).

JROCK: Is everyone in the band involved with the songwriting?

KEIJO: Sami and Mika are writing the riffs and I'm doing the lyrics. Our bass player, Kristian, has been in the band for something like 14 months and hasn't yet done songwriting for us, but I believe that he'll write something for some future releases.

JROCK: Who produced Cursed?

KEIJO: Nico Elgstrand was setting-up the recording of the instruments and Panu Posti did the final production.

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