Michael Vescera

Obsession

With a career that spans over three decades and with participating in lots of heavy metal bands, the legendary vocalist Michael Viscera of OBSESSION is our honored guest here in Metal Temple. Steinmetal had a very interesting chat with Michael after OBSESSION's new release "Order of Chaos" (via Inner Wound Recordings).

By Lior "Steinmetal" Stein

• January 20, 2013

Greetings Michael, this is a great honor on having you for this interview for Metal Temple. I am a huge fan of your works, especially OBSESSION. How have you been?

I've been great, thank you!!

After six long years of waiting you guys came back with a new album and with a well chosen name "Order Of Chaos", which was released via Inner Wound Recordings. Looking back on the writing process, then recording, was it worth the wait?

Yes, it was worth the wait!! We didn't want to rush the process and just throw something out there. We put a lot of time and effort into the writing and recording process, to insure a great release!! We're really pleased with the outcome.

Do you feel that "Order Of Chaos" has the same dynamic nature of your first two albums? I have to admit that I consider these two as inspiring classics.

I think it does to a point. Of course, with technology the way it is, sonically things will be different. I think the only difference is that we've matured as musicians and that comes out on "Order of Chaos". It's a great honor to have these early OBSESSION albums considered classics amongst the "Metal" community!!

So what changed in the music since "Carnival Of Souls"? Do you think that OBSESSION has evolved or changed for the better since that previous album?

I believe we have. I think all the members really understand what the OBSESSION sound is and now how to capture it. These guys have been with me for some time and are great players / writers / performers, etc. We have a new drummer, BJ Zampa (HOUSE OF LORDS, DOKKEN) that really brings a new, more aggressive feel to the music. Jay Mezias is still a good friend and will still have some involvement with OBSESSION in the future, but he has many personal commitments that prevent him from being a part of this 100%.

Since I assume that you came up with the album's name, what were you think about in the exact same moment? Did you wish to state something with this title?

The title is really influenced by the Chaos in the world. Although we're led to believe that everything is under control and in order, but it's not!! Eventually this comes to light, but all too often, a bit too late. These things usually come back to haunt us to some level.

What about the newly found collaboration with Inner Wound Recordings? How did that happen?

I've had contact with "Inner Wound" through the past couple years in a few different situations. We started speaking about a possible collaboration for a new OBSESSION. After many discussions, we all felt that this would be the right move for us. We're happy to be working with "Inner Wound" they've really done a great job, and continue to!!

Let's go back to the time after the OBSESSION of 1987, right after the release of your second sensation, "Methods Of Madness". You were on your way to LOUDNESS, also a group that you raised to glory, and then to Yngwie Malmsteen with MVP stomping right after it. Why did it take so much time to restart OBSESSION back on again?

It was really just a timing issue. I always knew that I would reform OBSESSION, but the opportunity didn't arise until 2004. Originally Bruce Vitale was to be part of it, but couldn't commit the time. I had been asked many times through the years, if I would do another OBSESSION album, I've always said yes, but was unsure when. I'm happy that it's all happening now!!

While slowly reviving OBSESSION back to life, you have been keeping on taking part in various of other projects, can you share some powerhouse moments of these projects?

There's been quite a few. I've done some guest appearances on a few different projects (anywhere from 1 song to the whole CD). My main project (outside of OBSESSION) is ANIMETAL USA, it consists of Rudy Sarzo, Chris Impelliteri, and Jon Dette (filling in for Scott Travis of JUDAS PRIEST). It's pretty insane musically and visually. All my efforts will be put into OBSESSION and ANIMETAL USA.

What do you miss about the older days of the band? If you miss these days of course.

I do miss them sometimes. It was so different back then. We were very young and a close bunch of local guys. We had great fun, and luckily created some great music together. The scene was killer, many venues to play/tour, record deals were still quite good. It was cool to be part of the whole "Metal" movement!!!!!!

After being in many corners in Metal music, especially the classic ends, how do you see the modern Metal scene, especially in the US? Do you think that a band like OBSESSION can make a difference and bring back the glory of US Metal?

We hope so, the response to the new CD has been great here in the US and worldwide!! It seems more and more we're attracting younger fans. I think they're starting to appreciate well played/performed music. The new metal scene is interesting, but it seems that it's really just a modern twist on classic metal.

So what is coming next for OBSESSION? Anything special? How about a debut DVD?

We hope to embark on a world tour in 2013 and bring OBSESSION to the masses. We love nothing more than playing for our fans (we have some of the greatest fans worldwide). There are present talks of some re-issues/unreleased material sometime this year. We've also started discussions for a new live DVD of OBSESSION that would most likely start filming/recording in 2013!! And of course a new OBSESSION CD late 2013 as well!!

Michael, I can't thank you enough for taking the time for this interview. I think that you are one of the best voices Metal has ever had. I wish you well and to continue on OBSESSION back to the golden path.

Thank you!! Also, thank you for the continued support!! "Bang 'Em 'Till they Bleed"

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