Dave Garcia
Hellscream
Great! Definitely staying busy for sure!
Hellscream is a project that Norman Skinner and I have been working together for quite some time now. We are both extremely busy with our other bands and our personal family lives. Some how we find the time to create music for this project.
I like the album, as Norman and I continue to work together we are learning what works for us and due to time constraints how to transfer files effectively to keep the flow of the project going.
I have heard good things from people who have the album. Even the vinyl was a great option for fans to hear the album "Hate Machine"!
The Cage gang is very supportive! Each of them also have their own additional bands and projects. We all work together to help each other out. I couldn't ask to be involved with a better group of exceptional musicians! They are just awesome individuals!
With Hellscream the writing is mainly between Norman Skinner and I. Norman has a large influence on the arrangements and lyrical content. For me the music is something that comes from turning the record button on and exploring riff combinations however that is finally determined by Norman depending on how his lyrical content works best with the music.
What I find interesting in working with vocalists is that there is an underlying direction that flows with the writing of the music. We usually determine the album title later as the collection of music continues to grow. There is a creativity factor that shapes and directs the content of the musical pieces. I don't believe there is any constraint in the writing process that says we have to be like our other band's formula. In general, Hellscream is a release for me to express what comes out. I would like to be able to have the time for us to record a third album as I believe we are just getting started! We rarely see each other in person! All collaboration is solely done via e-mail. I think I have in person met Norman three or four times since the beginning of the project! Crazy!!!
Sean Elg will interpret the drumming somewhat close however his incredible drumming ability is clearly his signature! Hands down! He's a monster drummer!
As far as lyrics, it is a vocalist thing. Sometimes if there is a hook line in the chorus that strikes me, I can get motivated. I used to sit and try to write something without the recorder on. I soon realized however by the time I got to the recorder to capture the idea, it was gone or sterile, the magic was gone! For me this works! After the initial riff or phrase is recorded, I can build upon that or it begins to be imprinted in my mind after playing it back a few times. This helps me later when I return to the recording desk as now, I may have additional ideas to execute. Everyone has their way of expressing; this is best for me.
I have to say I like quite a few of them, the one that does stand out for me is "Zero Recall" I remember sitting down and writing that music after seeing King Diamond in concert in San Diego. Not that I was trying to sound like them, but I was really pumped after seeing that concert! Who wouldn't right?
I was aware of Pure Steel Records as we have worked with them in the past. They are a very respectable organization that clearly has a very professional approach to marketing on a world- wide scale. We approached them about our second album. I have to say it has been a pleasure working with Pure Steel Records!
My band Cage has a history with Manowar awhile back as we were entertaining the idea of being on their label. Without getting to deeply into the issue it was evident that Manowar were very difficult to work for. Too much drama!!!! Really too bad, the fans really got the shaft! At the last minute really! I think the main character that causes all the drama, and we all know who he is, should step down and let a professional organization, maybe like Pure Steel Records, handle these issues so that the fans can enjoy their music! Just my opinion!!!!
You know, here in America, we got a lot of liberal people that think they know what's best for us, at the end of the day I grew up liking and playing metal. So did a lot of my buddies, and they are also normal people that just like me, prefer to listen to metal! Basically, what I'm implying is don't believe everything you hear!!!!!!
Norman is as busy or busier than I and it will probably not happen any time soon. I think after the next album for sure we will play some shows!
Thank you!
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