Interview with Norman Skinner (Vocalist of Niviane, 2021)

Norman Skinner came to my attention the first time as I listened to Niviane's album "The Druid King". I liked the power of the voice also the songs felt a bit overloaded to me. The powermetal band left my attention but some time later the "The Rutheless Divine" album knocked at my door and the far more straight forward and direct sound brought me back to them.

Around the same time I found out that Norman Skinner also performs in several other band's and projects so I thought it would be great to have a short talk with him. He gave us a very first insight into the upcoming albums of Niviane as well as his Elemantis project. We also go back to the very beginnings and talk about his very first steps into the music (very cool story, I think I never got such a great response before).

Norman Skinner is able to sing on a wide range.

Heavy Metal Underdogs: How did you start out with singing ?

Norman Skinner: It was actually by complete accident. I had friends that were going to play the high school talent show. They weren't an actual band, just a group of guys jamming for this one show. A couple weeks before the show their singer bailed on them and I just happened to be the guy that was hanging around. I had never sang before and I believe they asked me out of desperation and\or convenience. I was always up for a good adventure so I agreed and was hooked ever since. 

You are active in many bands and projects. How do you manage to keep your voice in good condition ?

The fact I am and always have been involved in multiple projects helps to keep my voice conditioned. I am always singing & recording so it stays nice and strong. 

How do you pick the topics for the lyrics you write ?

It is completely random. I gather inspiration from movies & TV, history & mythology, personal experience & situations\observations of those around me. I never go into writing a song with an idea of what it will be about. I 1st hear the music and discover the mood it sets and go from there. 

How would you describe the evolution of Nivianes sound between the album "The Druid King" and the second output "The ruthless divine" ?

The Druid King was mainly composed of music written by the individual members prior to the band being formed with the exception of 1 or 2 tracks. I took those tracks and put melodies & lyrics to them. The band was still finding our collaborative sound on that album. The Ruthless Divine has a much more cohesive sound which is also more technical and overall heavier. The 1st album was a nice out of the gate effort and production-wise sounded more polished and the new album was more modern sounding.

A new Niviane album is currently in the works. What can the fans expect of the new material ?

Yes, we are working on the details of the last 3 songs before we enter the studio next month to track drums for an untitled 3rd album. Fans can expect more of the same in terms of style. The heaviness is still there as well as the dynamics our fans have grown accustomed to. We did however try to concentrate on the chorus hooks a bit more this time around.

Can you give us any closer idea on how Norman Skinners Elemantis could sound like once it's out ?

The Elemantis project is a very diverse project in terms of sound. It really combines Symphonic Metal w\Traditional & Power Metal. 22 track concept album with a lot of guest musicians & vocalists. The songs range from acoustic ballads to heavy driving tracks and everything in between.

Listen to Norman's performance on a Niviane track called "Crown of Thorns".

Let's speak with...Molitoth (Dark Ambient Rock, 2020)

Kyle Brandt is known as the vocalst of the ambient rock band A Light Within. Some time has passed since the last release "Epilogue". Vocalist need to use the organ continually to keep it in motion and the muscle strong

So what did Kyle do? He recorded some new tunes for his own project "Molitoth". The first album "The Tribunal" is going to be released on June 26th 2020.

We had the chance to speak with him in advance about a couple of thoughts that rushed through my head when I read the first hints of the album without having heard a single note. Here's the first single that came out after this interview was already done. It has a cleaning and healing effect on me. Let your soul breathe and close your eyes while listening.

The album concept let's the listener embark in an emotional chronological timeline of regrettable actions and consequence, resulting in five stages of grief.

Furthermore it's meant to explore condensed meditation techniques to help balance the anxieties  that stem from feelings of accusation, entrapment, and confinement.

Heavy Metal Underdogs: Do you practice meditation yourselves or where did you get the inspiration for the topic from?

Kyle Brandt: Yes! I discovered it a few years ago as I was looking for methods to help breath more efficiently from my diaphragm (to help me become a better singer). I came across some breathing meditations which really helped me out, and of course I went down the rabbit hole into deeper meditations and hypnosis.

Many musicians say that they never took any lessons to train their skills. Do you think it's possible to go over a certain limit without that?

“Lessons” can come in many forms in my opinion. I think a lesson could just be watching and learning from someone regardless if it's formal instruction or not. I pretend like any Live musical event I attend is some type of “lesson” for me, as I am watching and learning what TO do (or what NOT to do).
I'm unsure if I believe in “natural” or “God-Given” talent, or if talent is just a product of hard work, passion, and environment. I think that if given the chance, anyone who has an interest in something should be open to learning from someone else, as we all go through different experiences.

Kyle Brandt speaks about the dark concept behind "The Tribunal" LP:

The description of the upcoming Molitoth record centers on emotions like regret and grief. Do you think everybody has made decisions in his life that have led them to those feelings? Is it impossible to live without that?

I would hope everyone has made decisions leading to these natural feelings... if not we may have a perfect human being in existence. Or not even human at all! Aliens!?!? haha

Could the lyrics of "The Tribunal" also be seen as a retrospective on psychological therapy sessions?
Visit any favorite band media page and you will see fans talking about how their music “Changed their life” or “helped them from a dark road”, etc.

I've had influential bands really make me feel therapeutic just based on the deep relations to the lyrical content.

So I typically try and write based on ideas that a broad audience can relate to, with a goal to write metaphorical enough that the audience can adapt in their own way.

The logo of the "Molitoth" project.

Do you think the text can help people in similar situations to get a fresh look upon their own situation?

I can only hope, and if not... I wish they find something else they enjoy within “The Tribunal”. Whether that be the overall sound, vocal melodies, production value, or the guests musical additions that are featured on the album.

Thank you for your time and ears!!

Molitoth

Make sure to follow the project through these social pages:

facebook.com/molitoth.audio

instagram.com/molitoth

twitter.com/molitoth

bandcamp.com/molitoth

soundcloud.com/molitoth

twitch.com/molitoth

Album Review: Leatherjacks - Extremly Dangerous (Rock, 2020)

The new record is by far better than the previous effort "The Lost Arks of Rock 'N Roll". What has changed so much?

The coverart invites to think about it's meaing, It was done by bandhead Mauro Cordeiro.

Sound
First of all it's the sound and production. It comes around much more clearer and sharper. This adds a lot to the pleasure of listening. All instruments rush loud and clear through my speakers. The vocals are set a bit louder on the overall mixing, that's something some people may not like that much.

Songstructures
The next point are the far more easy soundstructures. In times of complexity and overload we're living in it's a pleasure to relax and rock out to something straight from the first listen. It helps to breathe fresh air into my soul. In many parts the straight material on the record feels like classic Rock tunes but with a far more finetuned level when it comes to playing the songs on guitars.

Also at times you may first think that some tracks like the title track "Extremly Dangerous" may be held in a way too simple style but beware. I had a look upon the preview video to the album on the Leatherjacks Facebook page and it revealed that a lot of skill is needed to fullfill the guitar parts used on this tune.

Fun-Factor
All tracks come with great hooklines and fine outworked melodies as well as decent placed riffs in them. The music never get's to one-dimensional or monotone, they it always moves onwards.

The songs never get boring but there is always this itch of wanting to listen to one more song. Not many records have this on board. I think this stems of the pleasure the artist is able to transport through the music over to the reviewer and hopefull you, too.

Purchase and Contact Link
Finally please support the brasilian band with a purchase. Artists are faced with many costs they need to pay in advance of album releases. It's not easy at all to get that money together. In the end your money can help a artist to be able to release new tunes that in the end give you fresh joy. I think it's more important than ever before in these uncertain times.

"Extremly Dangerous" is set for release on 10th April 2020. Proper information on how to pick up a copy will be spread the coming days on the official Leatherjacks Facebook page. 

Here are some snippets out of the new release.

Spiritual Sickness is looking for a vocalist (m/f)

Wonders happen. Often in those moments when you expect them the least. It has been like this when this news reached my inbox about this killer power metal band based in New York that already said goodbye some time ago. It looks as if the band has picked up fresh energy and is now hungry for new deeds. But they need a new vocalist to continue their way. That's your chance - pick the microphone and show them you're the one they're looking for.

Here's what it takes:

Spiritual Sickness are poised to land on big stages across the world. With a new record well on its way to completion, the band needs a strong vocal presence to complete the vision.

The aspiring vocalist needs to be dedicated in his or her approach, with a strong voice, good range and a vivid imagination. Someone who is willing to hit the road and crush audiences around the world. A team player who wants to help propel this band towards its Destiny.

Spiritual Sickness has a wealth of musical talent, dedication, a strong work ethic, a love of metal music,and a deep well of experience on stages, in studios, and on the road.

If your musical goals align with ours, put your name on the list and let’s get to
work. You can get in touch with the band through Facebook.

Here's some music to listen to:

Finally this is what happened recently in the band's camp:

A four-piece heavy metal band with many diverse influences, Spiritual Sickness Is looking for a vocalist to complete their lineup. The band is building on the success of two killer releases (their 2011 debut album "Architects of Agony" and the follow-up 2014 EP "Spiritual Sickness") and is getting quite the reputation as an aggressive, hard working, innovative heavy metal outfit.

Spiritual Sickness has been creating opportunities for themselves by impressing national touring headliners, managers, tour managers, and everyone who has worked with them.

The band has toured with Ghost Ship Octavius, Cage and most recently as direct support for The Three Tremors on their first European tour, with Spiritual Sickness touring as Benedictum with the infamous Veronica Freeman at the helm. They have already been invited to do it again in 2019, this time as Spiritual Sickness and have many more other opportunities looming.

The W.A.B. keep it short and heavy on new clip

Does a good song need to be long? I don't think so. This particular one of the brutal Punkband W.A.B. is just round 1 minute and 51 seconds in duration and kicks it heavy and straight. It reminds me of old Motörhead tracks that also got straight to the meat.

Anyway, it still has it's fine notes worked in every here and there so it's not only a brutal whirlwind all the way. There's also a surprising part coming in at the end. I love that - it freshes the whole song up and shows what the band is able to do in songwriting.

  This is already the third single the band has put out. It's taken of the record "...and kill the worms" available from Suburban Attack Records. The cool thing is that this band only consists of two people and the drummer also does the vocals. That's something I rarely came along. If you happen to know of other sticksmen that also serve the words - please let me know.

Follow The W.A.B. further with a liker on Facebook or show them your support on Bandcamp. 

P.S. Also make sure to listen to the other singles on Bandcamp, you won't be disappointed if you already liked this heavy 'n' quick introduction into the band's sound.

SpiteFuel Interview Dreamworld Collapse album (2018)

The german heavy rockers SpiteFuel are pushing on forwards. Having completed a massive string of live dates in support of the first full length "Second To None" the five-pack didn't hesitate to prepare new material. They announced early that they had plans in mind to do a classic concept record in the style of the big releases of the past. Few snippets surfaced speaking of a Science Fiction like story along with first text sketches plus a vocalwork preview on Facebook.

Finally more concrete "Dreamworld Collapse" was announced to feature elements of female vocals, classic arrangements and a massive sound package telling a tale of rebellion and courage set in a dytopian future of mankind.

This teased Heavy Metal Underdogs more than enough so we asked Stefan Zörner, vocalist of the band and Tobias Eurich, guitarist of SpiteFuel to give us some more insights into this promising record. Dreamworld Collapse is set for release on 27nd April 2018 via MDD Records. Be sure to pre-order the Digipack at the Online-Shop of the label or secure a copy at Amazon.

Heavy Metal Underdogs: The album artwork is very impressive and shows a main scene of the story. Did you have already an own idea of this or did Kris Verwimp come around with this scene?

The cover of the upcoming SpiteFuel record "Dreamworld Collapse" drawn by Kris Verwimp, (c) by SpiteFuel, used with kind permission

Stefan: Kris did a FANTASTIC job. He is a great artist and I am very impressed by his art! Oh, and I gave him the storyline and some thoughts. Then he started do draw his sketches and we had a good exchange of ideas during the process.

- Which part did you work on first: the story concept or the music?

Tobi: The album itself consists of the story concept written and elaborated by Stefan and the musical concept by me. So Stefan had this idea of the present story years ago for his second novel “Die Stadt am Ende der Zeit” which means town at the end of time and will probably be released in 2019. Independently I’ve started to compose the main songs “Brilliant White Lies” and “The Dreamworld Suite”. After talking a lot about our wishes of a concept album and realizing it, the musical concept grew. Of course with the help of our axeman Timo(Iconic Failure, Under Fire) and Mastermind Micha Fiedler who did the orchestration. Simultaneously Stefan finished the story concept.

- The introduction of the world has a little of a political system with it. Did you had real scenarios of our current situation in mind when writing this?

Stefan: Hm, I´m influenced by life itself. My writing is a kind of reflection on what I see. Always. On the other hand I really love to be ambiguous, hahaha! You can also “just” enjoy a cool SciFi story! So… feel free to interpret and speculate. 

 

- Do you think that your work on the vocals and guitars were the hardest to do to date? Was there a time you thought one track or section would be impossible to complete?

Stefan: Not really! The practical approach was different, but I think every particular song, I sing is the hardest one, and the next one will be the next hardest one and so on. That´s my aim! “Stillstand ist der Tod”, as we Germans say!

Tobi: It was definitely more complicated than the “Second to None”-Sessions. The songs are more complex but there is progress every day and I totally agree with Stefan we never thought we can’t handle it.

- How do you prepare for laying down vocal tracks? Do you try to get inside the mood or situation of the track you want to perform? The story changes many times during the album duration.

Stefan: Jah, it really depends on moods and true feelings. To perform a concept album is more like to act in a movie or to recite a poem in many ways. It was a big challenge for me, but it also was total fun and something “new” for me to sing. And I really LOVE new experiences, man!

- Do you read Science Fiction stories in your free time?

Stefan: Of course I do! I used to read hundreds of SciFi books, have visited thousands of planets, civilisations and cosmic wonders, yeah! I love the golden era of SciFi and Asimov, Edmond Hamilton, Leigh Brackett or Jack Vance had a major influence, I think! 

A promoshot of the band SpiteFuel done in 2018, Photo Credit: SpiteFuel

 

- Do you think that the creation of Dreamworld Collapse brought the band members closer to each other?

Tobi: YEPP!! Everyone is a part of this incredible journey and every member did a great job. We all love the concept and made our own ideas about it and so all in all we are even stronger than before. One for all and all for one!

- Did you come around points where you wanted to give up on the concept and record a "normal" album instead?

Tobi: No! It is our dream to do this. Stefan and I are a bit freaky and megalomaniac –HAHA -but we like the challenge. We knew it will be hard to do it but giving up is not an option.

- Finally: do you believe in love on first sight? 

Stefan: No. But I believe in love. And love is an growing thing, the more you know, the deeper it gets. Love is everything!

Tobi: I don’t believe in love it’s never worth the pain that you feeeeel…. Thanks Stefan for reminding me the next two days of this masterpiece of music. HAHA.

But yes I do. Well, especially I believe in falling in love at sight. Love needs work, trust and time …but it’s the most beautiful thing we all can feel.

Make sure to connect with the band on Facebook to get further hints of how "Dreamworld Collapse" will sound like. 

SpiteFuel also has a compact website placed on the web that has a good overview on the upcoming shows that have been confirmed for the album release plus the time afterwards. 

Single Review: Saarnastuoli - Kohtalon Kinnas / Sininen Voima (Doom Metal, 2017)

This digital single impressed me with it's complete oldschool attempt. I remember having heard such stuff from tape back in the early days of listening to metal music. I like this slower start, the way the song builds up while the rhythm keeps pushing constantly. Later on it kicks in with more drive giving it a positive note, too. The end feels a bit like being with the band in their rehearsal space but I think most of you guys out there will love that feeling. 

Their sound is abrasive but for sure the proper soundtrack to come down from the start into a new week. Black Sabbath have for sure found the one's taking over the torch they left behind in a way that should satisfy the old legends.

Saarnastuoli are based out of Finnland. The vocals are held in finish language and that's something that points them out of other bands writing and performing in the same genre. They gave me a shot on Facebook presenting me this release. Currently the band is on hold. Anyway feel free to join them on the social network with the like button. Maybe it helps to bring in some fresh motivation to push on. I would love to hear more from them.

The doom metal band Saarnastuoli, Photo Credit: Riikka Rissanen.

Interview with Liar Thief Bandit (2017)

Swedish rockers Liar Thief Bandit are currently on the rampage touring through Europe. Today the german leg starts in Rostock. Further stations will see the band also perform in Lingen on 21.12.2017 at the Bul Bar & Lounge as part of the Lingen Volume concert series. Through the show announcement for Lingen I got to know about them.

My first introduction to their music was the official video for "Lease On Life" and that made me so curious that I asked for a interview to find out more about the band. We had the pleasure to speak with vocalist Mike Jacobson how the band started, how the outstanding vocals changed over time and which unexpected meetings you can have while being on the road...

A bandshot of Liar Thief Bandit, Photo Credit:
Dan Leo Lindeberg
https://photobydan.se

Heavy Metal Underdogs: Do you remember the first time the band did rehearse back in the day? What happened?

Mike Jacobson: I remember the first time we rehearsed. It was a little special because our drummer William and I had started to work on one of my earliest ideas for the song “Moving On” that ended up on our debut album later on. We had gotten to know each other through our former bass player since we both played in his solo project and when he later joined us for our second or third rehearsal the magic started happen and the band formed for real. Those first steps were very important and I am happy that we took them!

Are many of your songs inspired by your own real life experiences or what else inspires you to write songs?

I write all the lyrics and they are inspired by both my own experiences and my own thoughts about things happening in my surroundings but also in the world at large.

The songs doesn’t always represent me but they always represent something I can relate to and I think that is important!



Do you have any anecdote of strange things that happened recently playing a show or traveling around?

We got a last minute show on our first European tour in April this year. This was in Slavonice, Czech Republic on a Sunday and we didn’t expect much. The show was outside a small town on the countryside, the place was like a barn. The show was pretty early in the evening and it was packed with people! Very unexpected, especially when a guy who was introduced to us as "an old punk rocker” came there by horse from his home 20 km away - he smoked some pot and asked if I wanted to trade my Orange guitar amplifier for his horse. I did not, but I loved that we got to meet this unique human being!

The vocals stand out of the sound of Liar Thief Bandit. Do you think your voice evolved and changed over the years?

My vocals have definitely evolved since we started. I have gotten way better at singing and I think it’s mainly because we have played so many shows, it really helps you to find the core of the voice when it’s exposed to so many different situations.

Your website is great - fast and easy to navigate. Was it your intention to go a different way than the usual overloaded websites you can find nowadays?

Thank you! Yes, this was intentional. I think that today people don’t really visit websites as much as before but when they do, it’s important that they find what they are looking for as fast as possible. I think we got that one right.

Futher tourdates and information on Liar Thief Bandit can be found on the band's Facebook page as well as the mentioned homepage.

Interview with SpiteFuel (Heavy Rock, 2017)

SpiteFuel are a powerful and relatively young Heavy Rock band from Germany. Their roots go back to the days when Strangelet were still around. This legendary formation brought to life the well respected "First Bite" record that presented the band playing old school Deep Purple vibes all along mixed up with a lot of emotion and slightly modern metal elements while sticking overall to the oldschool sound package.

Following the split up of Strangelet three members (vocalist Stefan Zörner, Tobias Eurich und Finn Janetzky)  joined forces with the Ex-Devil's Darling members Timo Pflüger and Björn Hessenmüller. They didn't waste time and gave birth to a new combo called SpiteFuel that aims at a much heavier sound while keeping the spirit of Strangelet alive through the use of hooklines that people will remind and sing-along to.

After a strong first album teaser in form of the "Sleeping With Wolves" single their debut album "Second To None" is getting closer with each day. While we wait for the release on 7th of April 2017 we seized the time in between to have a prelisten to the songs and talk with vocalist Stefan Zörner about the details of the impending full length release. Have a listen to the first single while reading the interview in the player below.

Heavy Metal Underdogs: The first appetizer to the album was the Maxi CD "Sleeping With Wolves". It came out in the good old tradition some time before the album release as a physical disc (and also download). This is a courageous decision in my eyes.

What gave the point to finally decide to put it out as a real disc in a digital age?

Stefan Zörner: Ha! Yeah, just as you said! In the good old tradition! That was the intension! We decided this together with Markus (Rösner), our label-boss and friend. We wanted to release the single in a physical form to set an first exclamation mark. Also we are no big fans of that “download-Thing” and we wanted to give a first “real” CD to our supporters and fans. And to be a worthy appetizer to the album, of course, haha!

Do you write the songs as a band do you have a strict limitation who is reliable for certain aspects of the songs?

Both! Most of the songs are created by one of us and come in as demos. In rehearsal we put the tracks together, change some parts or discus the parts, refrains or bridges. When the music feels good and right for all of us, Tobi and Timo think about their solos and I start to write the lyrics and vocal-melodies. Even when I write songs on my own, there is always the music the first in my mind. Tobias is our main songwriter, but Timo and I are writing songs, too. A very comfortable situation for a band, haha! There are so many new songs in stock, we can´t wait to bring them in form and put them on an album!

The album put's a signature with many outworked and long guitar solos. Was this something you had in mind when you composed the music for the album or how did it come together?

Ha, we all love guitar solos and -old school or not- we want solos in our songs! Timo and Tobi are great solo guitarists and so there was no other way for us to create the music! We don´t give a fuck if it´s hip or not, we just do the shit that we love and we would even buy, haha!

These two boys spend hours over hours in their solos and riffs, and I really love the way, they give a special note to the songs! SO all I can say is... more solos, please!!!

Some vocal parts on "Second To None" sound experimental or are performed in a unusual way. How do you work on them and how long does it take until you feel fine with them? Do the other band-members maybe also contribute ideas to them?

Uhhh, most of the hmmm “stranger” (*laughs*) vocal-arrangements happened just as we (Martin Buchwalter and I) recorded them! But ok... I had a kind of concrete vision in my head HOW they should sound, hahaha! In fact, no joke, there was a real close connection between Martin and my humble self, he knew exactly how to push or demand me in a real creative and kind way! This was a so fantastic experience for me to record the vocal-lines!

Vocalist Stefan Zörner performing live, (c) by Tiffany Anne, used with kind permission

Let's have a closer look upon the lyrics. Who writes them?

Most of the lyrics are children of my weird and colourful mind, haha! Sometimes, there are concepts, words, even song-names, that Tobi wants me to write or to complete his music with my lyrics, as you know, we are not just band-mates, we are also close friends (Tobi and Timo are two of my best friends!). A very cool way to write lyrics, too! And I really LOVE new challenges!

Obviously the texts talk a lot about real life aspects. Did you had certain situations on your mind when you wrote these lines?

Definitely! Always! As you can say, SECOND TO NONE is a diary of my inner thoughts, reflections and reactions to all that I experience, feel and even dream. Drama baby, drama! (*laughs dirty*)

To write about shiny demons, castles and how bloody mad or tough I am... no, Sir, sorry, not my cup of tea in the SpiteFuel-context. The real life is the real shit. And I still think, just a hand full of (cool) people read lyrics anyway, so I can write WHAT I want and very intimate... no one cares, hahaha!

Would you say that the lyrics for various tracks are somewhat linked on the album? (I had the feeling)

Okay... YOU are one of the few cool lyric-readers, hahaha! Yeah, it´s kinda funny, some reviewers and even close friends asked me about the “concept” behind SECOND TO NONE. The first reaction was “there is no concept, dear!” But... hell the fuck, there IS a loosely concept! This happened in a ... more subconscious way. But the concept IS there, yes. There are three blocks of lyrics, three emphases. Love, Faith and my reflection on the music scene and the industry... try to figure it out! Haha!

Is there a sort of message you would like to transmit to the listener this way?

No! It really doesn´t matters if the listener just enjoys the music or if she or he is willing to go deeper into the album and it´s lyrics. The only thing I would like to say is: Have fun with the songs, enjoy the sound and let your fantasy do the rest!

The band logo of SpiteFuel, (c) by SpiteFuel, used with kind permission

What do think about the thought of being able to change your past? Do you believe in the Butterfly-Effect? (this refers to the movie of the same name - strictly part 1. In this film the main character is able to change his past using a certain book. In the end every change he does make his life and those of his friends even worser in the present time.).

I really love that movie! I am a great fan of science fiction and theories like used in “Butterfly-Effect”. To answer your question: I think, that every thing we do, every good, every bad word or act comes back to use one day. Karma. Also I am a Christ. I try to do my fucking best. Every day I try not to be a big asshole, haha! And... hmm... no, I won´t change the past. Because all that we are now are the results of what we did once.

The track "Regrets" got me. Do you think that regret also can have a positive effect for someone who has to deal with it?

Jah, of course, man! As I always say... we all are human. In all the brilliant moments, with all the gifts, we are able to use... and in the same way with all the mistakes, defective doings and shit. We are both. Angels and demons. But we can choose. Always! Ant to regret is a basic step into the light, out of that fucking void called “desperation and hatred”.

The cover artwork is outstanding. Would you mind and give us a little hint on the meaning of it? I also had the feeling that the title "Second To None" could have a double-meaning behind it...

(Explanation: This could be related to the saying "We have beat you second to none". Or it's a second leading into nothingness...)

The cover artwork and inlay of SpiteFuel's "Second To None" CD, (c) by SpiteFuel, used with kind permission

Yeah, the artwork by the great Travis Smith is outstanding! We are very honoured! And yep, double-meaning is correct! You can also say hmmmm every song on the album is second to no other track (to none)! Or: The album is second to none before. There are so many ways to interpret the title, yeah!

And the tower, the angel, burning wings, the clock... it all stands for strong symbols. Time is flame that will burn our wings. Live life now. Be human. Just be. There is so many within this artwork. I am very happy with this cover!

Some elements of the "Second To None" sleeve and the "Sleeping With Wolves" single are to be found in both artworks (e.g. the clock). How are both connected to each other?

No big deal! We just wanted to give a hint to the full album within the artwork for the single. So there is the tower/ angel in the background. The more essential details are the wolf and the dollars, of course! “Sleeping” is a statement to the industry and the “Lemmings” nowadays. Same story in “Whorehouse Symphony”. I think, it is important to make a stand. Popular or not... well, I don´t give a fuck!

Finally: was there a moment in your life when music became something outstanding for you? Was there a key situation that maybe changed it all?

Uhhhh... I think, that was when I first listened to David Bowie´s masterpiece “Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars”, must be in the early 80´s. That sound, that championship to use lyrics, that coolness and glitter and (slightly) rock... it never let my down. From that day on I used to sing (ant I am still trying, hahaha!) 

You can preorder the album at the online shop of MDD Records or place your order through Amazon.
If you live in the USA you can order the record through Lone Star Metal based in Texas.  Make sure to have a look upon the band's Facebook account to follow them on the next steps towards the album release and have a look at the tourdates (directly to be found as the sticky first post on the page). 

A Tribute to Lemmy (R.I.P.)

Rest in peace Lemmy Kilmister. Thanks for sharing so much truth and music with us.

Metal Church post 2015 version of Badlands

Not too long ago Metal Church announced that vocalist Mike Howe returned to the band. A sensation in my eyes since I always loved his vocal performance a lot on albums like The Human Factor, Blessings in disguise or the Hanging in the balance album.

Now the band has released a re-recorded and also slightly re-worked version of their classic "Badlands" on their Facebook page. The track means a lot to me and this new recorded version does justice to it. The production is hard and dry and I love it for being this way. It comes in direct, just as if played live. This one is setting me on fire. A new album is in the makings and announced for fall 2015.

This is the exact description that is attached to the audio stream for all those of you who'd like to know more about the details of this one:

Metal Church “Badlands 2015” mixed by Chris “The Wizard” Collier. Recorded - June 2015. Featuring Mike Howe (vox), Kurdt Vanderhoof (guitar), Jeff Plate (drums), Steve Unger (bass) and Rick Van Zandt (lead guitar) New album coming Fall 2015 on Rat Pak Records.