Inteviews

Byron Stroud

Strapping Young Lad

Fresh from a European tour with Strapping Young Lad, Byron Stroud took some time out of relaxing to tell me his thoughts and feelings about the new record and upcoming tour, and even some secrets behind his magic. I have to admit I was extremely excited when I found out I would be interviewing with Byron. He has been one of my favorite bassists for years and is one of my influences in my own bass playing. So, this was a definite honor on my part and I whole heartedly thank Byron and the people from Century Media Records and Adrenaline PR for this interview.

Hugo Mariutti

Shaaman

[This interview is a kind contribution by: Haggen Kennedy]

After André Matos (vocals), Luís Mariutti (bass) and Ricardo Confessori (drums) split from Angra, they decided to get together and form a new band. When Hugo Mariutti (Luís Mariutti's brother) auditioned for the band, it was clear that they had found the right man for the guitars. Three years after the release of their first album, Reason, and after the release of a live DVD, Ritualive, Shaaman finally step onto the limelight with their second Metal work, Reason, a piece of true, visceral Heavy Metal that speaks to the fan through its honesty and powerful identity. It was Hugo Mariutti who answered, by e-mail, the questions this time.

Note: IN stands for Interviewer's Note

Jorn Viggo Lofstad & Stian Kristoffersen

Pagan's Mind

The latest Pagan's Mind album simply stunned me. It's not often that I get to listen to Power prog of such high quality. It was more than obvious that an interview had to be arranged. The wheels were in motion and the session with Jorn Viggo Lofstad (Guitars) was running smoothly... until the moment where Stian Kristoffersen (Drums) decided to start intervening an tried to convince me of his knowledge on Greek language. And some people wonder where the term crazy Norwegians derives from...

Helena Michaelsen

Angel

Helena Michaelsen is known to most of the fans of atmospheric Metal through Imperia. Her debut solo attempt under the moniker of Angel brought her to Greece for promotional purposes. Yiannis and I were expecting her. By the hotel's swimming pool, Helena proved to be not only a really nice person to talk to but also a great metalhead!

Matthew Bizilia & Sin

Icarus Witch

[This interview is a kind contribution by: Marcin Ksiazek of Heavy Metal Pages magazine]

When you listen to your favorite 80's Heavy Metal releases how often do you ask yourselves this question: why isn't anyone playing like this anymore? I do it a lot. There is no doubt that classic Heavy Metal nowadays is being played in a bit different way and even though there's a really big group of bands who are trying to resurrect the spirit of Metal from the old days, only few of them actually manage to do it. Hailing from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, this young band called Icarus Witch proved with their brilliant debut EP Roses On White Lace that they are one of them. What's their secret? Find out for yourselves.

Warrel Dane

Nevermore

Having the chance to speak with one of the most talented singers nowadays, like Warrel Dane, was quite an honor. Their new masterpiece, This Godless Endeavor, is definitely one of the best releases of the year. Of course I didn't miss the chance to ask him about their new album, their participation in Gigantour and many other things. As friendly as he could be, Warrel Dane spoke about Nevermore's future plans and revealed a lot of interesting details.

Daniel Davidson

Norma Jean

Drummer Daniel Davidson took a break from practicing stunt motion with his friends in the Nashville, Tennessee heat to talk to me a bit about the upcoming events for Norma Jean. Actually, I bet he probably used this interview as an excuse to get out of practicing in the heat for a minute and to chew on some ice, hahaha. Summertime down here in the South is hotter than hell and the heat is usually sweltering. When this interview was conducted, there were 8 days until their video shoot. Unfortunately, this wasn't able to be posted before the video shoot took place. I apologize for the delay.

Fluffy

Gorerotted

Gorerotted is one of the leading acts within the extreme Death Metal scene in the U.K. nowadays (as well as in the rest of the world, in my opinion), so when I was asked to interview them, I accepted the challenge at once. Doing an interview via MSN Messenger was something I hadn't done before and I didn't know what to expect, but having Tim (a.k.a. Fluffy, guitars) on the other side of the monitor proved to be one hell of a time. Thankfully he was in a very good mood, it happens when you've consumed a lot of booze in the last 3 days! We spent 2 delightful hours talking (and drinking) about the new album, A New Dawn For The Dead (released on Monday, June 13th), and about life in general. Tim has an excellent sense of humor and although he was tired (just came back from a show in Austria), he was kind enough to answer all of my questions. Interviews via MSN Messenger can be real fun, you have the chance to change pictures and nicknames while you talk and make jokes, while you surf the internet. This was one of the most easy going interviews I have ever done, so please enjoy it and read what Tim had to say to Metal-Temple.Com! Gore to the bone!

John ''Slo'' Maggard

Unearth

About to begin The Sounds Of The Underground Tour, John Slo Maggard (bass) takes some time while relaxing from a busy schedule to speak with me about Unearth's recent European tour and upcoming album. I was lucky enough to be able to preview the new album and I say get your asses out and pick this up the day it comes out. This is a must read interview, it contains one of the most humorous tour stories ever told and I'm still baffled by the whole thing!

Sean Kane

Gizmachi

I had no idea who Gizmachi was before I was contacted about covering them. And, honestly, I am very glad that I was contacted about them. These guys are fricking unbelievable. Very rarely will I come across a new band that I totally like and have no complaints about. These guys have become one of my new favorites and their new album The Imbuing is in constant rotation in my CD player. They will be on this year's Ozzfest tour, and I highly suggest everyone checking them out. I know I'm looking forward to seeing them!

Matteo Infante

Dynamic Lights

As less and less releases of Progressive Metal albums sound interesting enough to my ears, it's awlays good to hear bands like Dynamic Lights. Having the chance to listen to their EP release some time ago, I was impressed by their progress in such a short period of time. I contacted Matteo Inante (the band's singer) and asked him a few things...

Ville Laihiala & Sami Lopakka

Sentenced

Sentenced is one of the brightest (actually darkest) Finnish Heavy Metal / Heavy Rock bands of the past decade and their work was always marked by dignity, emotional depth, providing soul purification and catharsis to the listener! Since then many rivers of time have flown into the sea of immortality and the winds of Lord Time brought significant changes to their musical approach and style. The saddest thing from all this is that Sentenced have finally and unfortunately found their way towards their musical grave. After having a couple of Heinekens with Ville Laihiala (Vocals) and Sami Lopakka (Guitar) they revealed to us a lot of magnificent stuff about their past and their new album, The Funeral Album. They proved to be very open minded and open hearted people! Before you enter this interview remember, my friend, what H.P. Lovecraft once wrote: ...Not dead which eternal lies, yet with stranger aeons even death may die!!! Enjoy this interview!

Jake Daniels, Adair Cobley & Clint Grego

Manntis

For those out there that are out of touch with the world of Metal, Manntis is one of the three finalists of The Battle For Ozzfest, which aired in 2004 on MTV. I arrived at The Howlin' Wolf, in New Orleans and met with Dave Moscato. For those of you who did watch the show, you'll recognize him as Big Dave, the tour manager. So Dave took me to interview Manntis and they were all very down to earth and cool guys. I stuck around for their show and they put on one hell of a live show. I won't be surprised if they blow up in the next year, these guys were awesome. They are currently on tour and I recommend going to see them, and if you can't go see them then pick up their new album Sleep In Your Grave which will be released through Century Media Records on June 28th.

Kuba Olejnik

Hellfire

It was an obvious move to request an interview with this amazing Polish quartet. Why obvious? You'll find the answer inside Hellfire's latest release, Requiem For My Bride - a must have album for the lovers of Power / Techno-Speed Metal. Oley, you must be a really nice guy. Welcome aboard!

Michael Ehre

Metalium

European Power Metal. A very specific part of the Metal tree. Throughout the last 20 years there have been many bands that came and left, others leaving a trace behind them, others not. Metalium appeared in 1999 with their debut Millenium Metal Chapter One and have managed ever after to build and maintain their musical ID. Following the release of their 5th studio album, Demons Of Insanity - Chapter Five (Armageddon Music), our good ol' Templar, Makis, interviewed the band's drummer, Michael Ehre. Here's what they spoke about...

Arien Van Weesenbeek

God Dethroned

Death Metal gods God Dethroned released an excellent album in 2004 entitled Lair Of The White Worm. In order to support it they started an extensive tour. Having finished one leg of their aforementioned tour they decided to give some interviews to Death Metal freaks all over the world! Metal Temple Magazine was at the scene of the crime of course and was very eager to absorb all the necessary information about them! Here is a juicy e-Interview with their - always happy - drummer Arien Van Weesenbeek. Enjoy !

Daniel Estrin

Voyager

I strongly state - as an intro - that I'm not the kinda guy to be given the latest Prog release(s) for review. Still, what I like can't be labeled only according to my beliefs. Thus, hearing Element V from Aussie mind metallers www.voyager-australia.com was enough to try and have a brief interview with vocalist/keyboardist Daniel Estrin. An interesting band, even for my straightforward taste; I advise you so, go grab Element V before their follow-up is out!

Liv Kristine

Leaves Eyes

Liv is a wonderful person to talk with. A skillful performer with a very good taste in music, she has managed to establish the female dominion in Atmospheric Metal with her old band Theater Of Tragedy. After her departure she formed Leaves' Eyes. The band's brand new effort is called Vinland Saga and since this was the third time I had the chance to talk to Liv, I decided to do some questions out of the box...

Steve Goldberg & Jawsh Mullen

Cephalic Carnage

In my opinion, Cephalic Carnage is one of the best Death Metal bands out there. They're definitely one of my favorites. Once I arrived at the venue, I met with Steve [Goldberg, guitar] and Jawsh [Mullen, bass]. Before conducting the interview, we joined the other guys, Lenzig [Leal, vocals], Zac [Joe, guitar], and John [Merryman, drums], huddled under a small awning for shelter from the rain, and partook in some pre-show rituals. And that was VERY nice I must say. Needless to say, it made for a very fun and interesting interview. Throughout the entire interview, they both kept making faces and goofing off into the camera, so conducting and transcribing this interview was a bit hard because I couldn't control my laughter. But I had the most fun I've ever had during an interview, with these guys, and I definitely look forward to hanging with them again.

Rob Rock

Rob Rock

One of all my all-time favorite singers, Rob Rock has just released his third solo effort. Holy Hell! Don't know 'bout you, but all I could say after the first listening session was Holy shit! An amazing release from a charismatic artist with so much to say! Welcome Rob!

Trevor Dunn

Fantomas

Finally, after 6 years of listening to them, not only did I get to see them live but I got the awesome opportunity to interview with one of the musical geniuses of Fantomas, Trevor Dunn (bass). And even though he played in two bands while on this tour, he took some time out of his busy schedule and record shopping to speak with me. When I arrived for the interview, Trevor was off shopping at some local vintage record stores, picking up some new music, but who can blame him, that was a cool store. I must also thank him and Monica Seide (Fantomas' public relations representative), because while in New Orleans attending the Fantomas, my car was broken into and the video camera I used to record the interview with Trevor was stolen. Therefore, the interview was lost forever. I contacted Monica and told her what happened, she contacted Trevor and he was kind enough to do the interview again over the phone. So much love and thanks to Trevor and Monica.

Bernie Marsden

M3

Bernie Marsden, the secret hero of the golden Whitesnake era. You feel free with artists like him. No posing, no 'star' attitude, nothing bad. A busy Bernie offers latest updates on the M3 DVD, along with a short notice for the future and a long one for the past. Applause!

Johnny K.

Biomechanical

Biomechanical has to be one of the biggest hopes of Heavy Metal music for the future. Their soon to be released second album, Empires of The World, is a journey to almost every genre of Heavy Metal music. I had the chance to chat with the band's vocalist, Johnny K., who was more then happy to answer all my questions.

Hansi Kursch

Demons And Wizards

Demons & Wizards is the project of vocalist Hansi Kursch (Blind Guardian) and guitarist John Scaffer (Iced Earth). After several years of silence this project returns with their second album, Touched By The Crimson King. With no hesitation I accepted the offer to interview Hansi here in Athens under the burning sun (oh yeah, Hansi felt it, really!)...

Shawn Crahan a.k.a. Clown (No. 6)

Slipknot

This was an opportunity I never in a million years thought I would ever get. Slipknot is one of my all time favorite bands and when I found out I would be interviewing them, my heart stopped. So I traveled 550 miles in 9 hours to interview and witness the most intense concert anyone could ever see; in Kansas City, MO (22/04/2005).
This is by far the most awesome interview I've had the chance to do. And I send many, many thanks to: Clown for taking his time to do the interview, even though he no longer grants interviews. That was an awesome privilege and I thank him very much. Slipknot's management for hooking me up and being so hospitable and of course to all the people who helped arrange this incredible opportunity.

Jordi Sandalinas

Sandalinas

It's always a pleasure finding new bands out there, that have something really new to offer to our beloved music. Sandalinas is a Spanish/Swedish constellation which could easily fit as a promising act for the future. If you are looking for melodic Hard Rock / Heavy Metal anthems, then you should probably listen to their debut album, Living On The Edge, released through Massacre Records. Having a great singer to lead the way and well-experienced musicians, these guys prove that good music is a never ending process and that we can't run out of melodies. Grab a cold drink and read what they told Metal Temple Magazine via e-mail.

Uli Kusch

Masterplan

For those who've never heard of Masterplan before let's just say that this is one of Europe's most kick-ass Teutonic Power Metal acts around nowadays and probably one of Europe's best, ever. With two albums released so far, through the German AFM Records label - Masterplan (their debut) and Aeronautics (out now) - singer Jorn Lande (Ark, Beyond Twilight, Millennium, Y. Malmsteen), ex-Helloween members Roland Grapow (guitars) & Uli Kusch (drums) and skillful musicians Jan S. Eckert (bass) & Axel Mackenrott (keyboards)... are all here to shake our foundations. Here's what Mr. Kusch had to say to Metal Temple.

Lady Angellyca

Forever Slave

In times where the female gender has - more or less - equally set foot upon the once strictly dominated by man (well, almost) world of Metal, interviews such as this one, with Spanish act Forever Slave's frontwoman Lady Angellyca, always contain a certain distinguishing interest. Why? Well, this Lady is more than just an awesome singer (or just a beautiful Lady). Read on and learn about her and the band she's in, Forever Slave, which have just signed a debut contract with Armageddon Music.

Farkas Zoltan

Ektomorf

Ektomorf is a really cool Heavy / neo-Thrash Metal band from Hungary. They have been around the Heavy Metal block for quite a long time now but maybe they are not so extremely well known in our a few countries (like mine)! Our ears and brains still echo really hard from their last live appearance with Kreator but they echo even harder from their last album, Instinct! Here is a chat we had with their singer, the mighty Zoli [Farkas Zoltan], who explains everything about his songwriting - and not only - instincts and feelings!

Scott Ian

Anthrax

Hm... how to do an interview with Anthrax: drink beers (at least 5 or 6), listen to essential albums such as Fistful Of Metal and Spreading The Disease (just to mention a few) and have at least three original thrashers in the same room (OK, the last one was a pain in a*s). Scott Ian on the other side of the line. Let's talk about reunions etc...

Ben Jackson

Ben Jackson Group

Even if lots of rumors come and go about what Crimson Glory are (or aren't) up to these days, the Ben Jackson Group attacked us with its second album, All Over You, offering great pieces of melodic Hard & Heavy work, the way even die-hard C.G. fans will find remarkable. With this brilliant album in my hands, I think it's better to concentrate on what Ben himself had to say, leaving aside the rumors and focusing on the real thing. Ben...

Simone Simons

Epica

Having Simone Simons in point blank distance was quite frustrating for me. This twenty year old 'goddess on earth' made me lose my words more times than I can recall. Chatting with her for something more than twenty minutes before Kamelot's live show here in Athens I realized that not only is she an exceptional vocalist but she also is one smart lady!

Fabrizio

MacBeth

MacBeth is an Itallian Goth Metal band. Their sound is agressive and full of melancholy, the perfect soundtrack for a dark night. I was quite happy when the opportunity to interview them arose. Here's what Fabrizio (drums) had to tell us...

Chris Jericho

Fozzy

It feels a bit strange. I've been doing interviews with musicians for the last four years but never before with a singer / wrestler! I didn't know what to expect from a persona like Chris Jericho (a.k.a. Y2J). After half an hour of speaking with him, I can tell you this: he is a down to earth metalhead, really enjoying what he's doing. We discussed about his band's latest album All That Remains and more...

Dick Valentine

Electric Six

After trying to contact Electric Six for over two weeks I finaly received an e-mail from the band's tour manager saying the interview was all set up and ready to go! The band has been constantly touring since the first release. Fire, back in 2003 so I was told to meet up with the guys just before soundcheck and low and behold I did. I was due to interview two members of the band, Tait Nucleus and Dick Valentine, but due to a heavy schedule Tait stayed on the bus to catch up with some sleep. I managed to share the band's rider and have a cool conversation with Dick Valentine.

Alan Kelly

Alan Kelly

The following interview is the perfect example of how a musician's passion for music can be trans-shaped into marvelous, genuine releases. Alan Kelly, ex-drummer of British Hard Rock/AOR legends Shy, has some very interesting things to say apart from his fabulous Shy home video double DVD set. I was a little bit sad by what he said, but NOT becuase of him...

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