DJ Valkyrie Interviews

Mendacity was formed in 1994 by drummer Jose, guitarist/vocalist Axel, guitarist Ralph, and lead vocalist/bassist Carlos. Originally more of a straightforward Death metal band, they gigged in Florida and across its borders with bands such as Deicide, Malevolent Creation, Living Sacrifice, Brutality, Nonpoint, and Shai Hulud a.o. Mendacity released the "Atrocity Reflected" demo in 1994, and later recorded their first full length Album “Imprisonment” in 1995. They were actively involved in the underground scene and featured in several ‘zines and even bigger international ‘zines like Terrorizer and Heavy Rock. In 1996 they were included in the compilation “Orchestrated Chaos” featuring several bands active in the underground.
In 1998 Mendacity recruited Omar as their new permanent bassist and went on to record their second Album "For Dear Life". This EP was recorded entirely live with the exception of the vocals and a small lead. The energy is apparent, and the music had increased in energy fusing hardcore, melodic, and even dissonance in a creative way that was quite new for the public at the time.
Then came a period where the members went in different directions, Axel joining Aghora, Jose touring with Bird of Ill Omen, Carlos joining the Marines etc. They would briefly rejoin in 2001 but only play one concert and then disbanding yet again. The majority of the members would then play in Para- a female fronted energetic rock band that gigged extensively in South Florida and was well received but would dissolve around 2004.
This allowed Axel and Jose to reunite with an enthusiasm bigger than ever to create something original and revisiting their old passion for heavy melodic music. They would write and demo several tracks while searching for members and would eventually be rejoined by original members Omar and Carlos. This marked a new beginning for Mendacity.
Their music has evolved greatly over the years. While still retaining aggression and melodic elements, Mendacity have opened their sound greatly by using more clean, textured and melodic guitars as well as melodic singing in addition to their traditional death metal vocals and distorted guitars. They have created a sort of ambient melodic death metal sound that was missing in South Florida and is more reminiscent of a European sound.
August 23rd, 2008 marked the release of their third album. They have since played regionally as well as internationally, been featured in countless of 'zines and radio stations, and were selected among thousands of other bands to play at the 2009 Taste of Chaos tour stop in Orlando, alongside bands such as Bring Me The Horizon and Thursday. They have recently completed a new promo that demonstrates the growth in their songwriting. The promo will be followed by a new album that is sure to captivate audiences worldwide.

http://www.myspace.com/mendacityband

Engraved Disillusion formed in early 2008 after the demise of various members previous bands, the band is based in Wellington (Somerset) and comprises of;

Box - Vocals

Toby - Lead/Rhythm Guitar

Marc - Rhythm Guitar

Luke - Bass

Chris – Drums.

Our style and approach on the outside could be seen as Melodic Death Metal but the band has so many influences from different styles of music its hard to pinpoint a genre, some bands that have influenced us are In Flames, Killswitch Engage, Dark Tranquillity, Black Sabbath and many many more.

http://www.myspace.com/engraveddisillusion

Bill is a really great friend of mine we have partied together 3 years at Prog Power USA. I loved being able finally get him on my show. With Written In Blood you really hear Bill at his top best showing the music he is capable of writing. Visit the sites to read more about Bill and his awesome band!

Turn It Up! Crank It Up!

Now, as for the music, that’s another factor that makes Written in Blood stand out in a very crowded, very saturated metal scene. “It's pretty apparent that IRON MAIDENS's music is a huge influence in our sound,” lead guitarist Bill Hudson, who hails from Brazil and was formerly a member of CELLADOR, said. Although other bands have had three guitars, I don't think many of them use that quite the way we do it. We have freedom to have three-part harmonies or play harmonized solos live without losing the aggression of a rhythm guitarist underneath it. The approach we're using to songwriting differs because of this as well. But Hudson is succinct when summing up his band, calling it “catchy, fast, straight to the point, in your face American melodic heavy metal.” WRITTEN IN BLOOD, who will release the five-song EP We Are Divinity through Revenge Recordings, have the metal chops to back up the confidence with which they speak. They play no-nonsense, trend-free and traditional heavy metal that owes much to the tradition of bands like METALLICA, TESTAMENT, DIO, and well, MAIDEN! The EP was recorded at Audio Hammer Studios with Mark Lewis (TRIVIUM, DEICIDE, ALL THAT REMAINS, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER to name a few!) Additionally, metal giant Tim “Ripper” Owens (ex-JUDAS PRIEST/ICED EARTH) also lends his big, soaring pipes to the track “Alone We Walk” on the EP.

http://www.myspace.com/writteninblood
http://www.myspace.com/billhudsongtr

John is such a awesome guy was a very fun interview I felt like I known John all my life. Steel Assassin is amazing band read a little of there Bio and visit their myspace to read more and get all the music!!!!

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS WAS NEVER FERTILE GROUND FOR THE HEAVY METAL GENRE, AT LEAST NOT UNTIL STEEL ASSASSIN ARRIVED ON THE SCENE. THE LATE 1970S WITNESSED A STEADY GROWTH OF HARD ROCK MUSICIANS IN THE AREA SOUTH OF BOSTON KNOWN AS THE SOUTH SHORE. WHEN THE PHENOMENON KNOWN AS THE NEW WAVE OF BRITISH HEAVY METAL LANDED ON OUR METAL DEFICIENT SHORES, THERE WAS ONE GROUP OF HARD ROCKERS THAT WELCOMED THE INVASION WITH OPEN ARMS.

http://www.myspace.com/steelassassin

Thanks Dave for joining me awesome band out of New York.....

In Your Face (Hard Rock/Metal). You may have seen us live on stage w/ Testament, W.A.S.P, Overkill, Metal Church, Extreme, VH. Bret Michaels Tour, Misfits, BLS, and more.
From New Hampshire to Florida Downfire has been attacking the east coast playing to thousands of new and old fans. Sharing the stage with acts such as Testament, W.A.S.P, Metal Church, Misfits, Overkill, VH1 Bret Michaels Tour, Extreme and more. With their CD Redemption selling heavy Downfire has found a lot of support on the road and heavy demand for their live show from unseen fans in the mid-west USA, Germany, Sweden, Japan and the UK.

http://www.myspace.com/downfire
http://www.downfire.net/

Gene Hoglan awesome drummer what a pleasure to have on my show!! So many metal bands has he been in. This interview we talk about his band Meldrum.

Little about him in his words

I play drums. I'm on a mission to destroy you live. To show you things you thought not possible. To change your life

http://www.myspace.com/genehoglan

I want to thank Simon for joining me on my show. Great band out of Germany its a pleasure to show a band I believe has some wicked stuff! I hope all best for them in future and I for one want them to thrive. So check them out tell them I sent ya!! Hopefully soon they have more info in English on their page

http://www.myspace.com/morbidtales4u

Who are they?

Back From Ashes, the hard-hitting band from Arizona unleash an awe-inspiring brand of metal delivering a potent mix of progressive, metal and rock with a sound that is not only unique but enthralling.

Who or what do they sound like?

To compare Back From Ashes to any other band takes away from the originality of their music. Their influences range from blues, jazz, classic rock and even death metal. They appeal to any age group and fit so many different genres of music. They mix elements of Heavy Metal, Rock, Hard Core and a style that can only come from those that live under the constant scorching heat of the Arizona sun. If you had to classify their music by genre then put them in their own.

Desert Core.

http://www.myspace.com/backfromashesmusic

“This new STEMM CD is our Vulgar Display of Power” states lead vocalist / guitarist Joe Cafarella.

Comparing their latest release, ‘Blood Scent’ (Catch 22 Records) to the epic release by the Metal Gods, Pantera is admittedly making a bold statement, but Cafarella will not budge in his reasoning. “There is a lot that went into the making of this CD. We are not saying that we are the next Pantera, that’s not even close to what I am saying. We just wanted to make a CD that would not pigeon hole us into a certain cliché sound. Let’s face it, Pantera made it on their live performances. While MTV was playing ‘Walk’ and ‘This Love’ us metal heads were cranking Fucking Hostile and Mouth for War. I am telling you that you will get that same type of feeling on the new STEMM CD as you would listening to Vulgar. And it’s just as real…

And very real “Blood Scent” is… Rising above the sea of ‘flavor of the week’ metal that is over saturating the industry, Buffalo, NY based STEMM is the band that delivers the fresh breath of air the metal world hasn’t witnessed since the vocal pitch corrector was invented.

Power packed with crushing guitar riffs, a rock solid rhythm section and a vocal technique comparable to that of James Hetfield, Phil Anselmo and Corey Taylor all put together like some metal frankenstein monster, this new release from STEMM will surely have every metal head out there running to the store for a beer instead of the eyeliner!

Check them out
http://www.myspace.com/stemm

Further Lo is an American Heavy Metal band from Columbus, Ohio which was formed in 2001. The band currently independent and unsigned. Further Lo’s musical influences include the bay area style thrash bands of the mid - late 80’s including Slayer, Anthrax, Forbidden, and Megadeth. Further Lo is influenced vocally by bands like Iron Maiden, Nevermore, and Testament. Through the band’s touring history, members of Further Lo have shared the stage with Armored Saint, Nevermore, Iced Earth, Napalm Death, King Diamond, Mercyful Fate, Napalm Death, Souls at Zero, and Bruce Dickinson. Further Lo’s self-titled debut album was released in 2004 to world-wide distribution in Europe, and North and South America via Power Play Records. The band toured the US in support of the album. The follow-up album “A New Form of Suicide” was released in August 2008 with music videos for the song “Bi-Polar” soon to be released on youtube.com. The band is currently working on writing new material and putting together a home DVD. Further Lo are: Aaron Werner - vocals, Randy Reynolds - guitars, Donnie Davis - guitars, J. Paul Scott - bass, and Turk Elliot - drums.

http://www.myspace.com/furtherlo

Who are Hemoptysis?

From the ashes of the sun scorched earth; the Arizona desert has unleashed an entity, wielding a sound that can only come from a band that like their surroundings lives by only one law, the survival of the fittest. Every emotion, note, lyric and breath they emit comes from the essence of the wasteland that most call hell but they call home. While searing heat turns the flora to ash during the day, only to give way to frigid nights replete with promises of hypothermia, this is where you will find Hemoptysis. Each song delivers a unique expression of human emotion that each fan is able to connect with in their own way. They mix elements of Heavy Metal, Thrash, Death and Black Metal and a style that can only come from those that contend with an environment of such hostility and hopelessness on a daily basis. There's no red carpet here, no Hollywood to green screen you away from harm, for in the desert you will find no hope and salvation. If you had to classify their music by genre then put them in their own. Desert Core.

http://www.myspace.com/hemoptysismetal

Jeff is a amazing drummer and cant wait for release of Machines of Grace keep on banging on those drums!!

Meet Machines of Grace. They are the latest among the gifted hard rock/heavy metal bands born from Boston’s thriving music scene. As with their Beantown bred forefathers, (Aerosmith, Extreme, Godsmack, Dropkick Murphys) this quad has concocted their own proprietary formula for whiplash on a disc.

Top shelf status comes from the experience of successfully headlining major tours and support from a monumental fan base. Drummer Jeff (Trans Siberian Orchestra, Savatage, Metal Church) Plate and lead singer Zak (Circle II Circle, Savatage) Stevens have the resume to help catapult Machines of Grace into the monsters of rock realm. The divine mix of such magnanimous talent can convert even the most stubborn music critic. Why? The method to their madness is embedded in the music… “It’s just a pure, solid melodic rock sound,” offers Stevens. “It has infectious grooves and its own brand of outright power. To me, it’s got great songwriting with a hard rock edge and strong commercial appeal.”

http://www.myspace.com/machinesofgrace
http://www.myspace.com/jeffplatemusic

Thanks Rob darlin for always being so awesome to talk too and love those screams baby!!

Sacred Oath has long been recognized in the heavy metal underground as one of the pioneers of the American power metal movement that began back in 1985. Their debut album, ‘A Crystal Vision,’ has become a cult-classic, and established the dark, progressive sound of the band that many have imitated. What some fans don’t know is that Rob Thorne reformed Sacred Oath in 2007, and released ‘Darkness Visible,’ putting the band back into full active status with a subsequent European tour (including an appearance at Keep It True Festival) and a live album, ’Till Death Do Us Part,’ that was featured on iTunes as one of the top live Metal albums of 2008. Sacred Oath has just finished a new studio album called simply ‘Sacred Oath,’ including fourteen brand new songs that are sure to leave as lasting an impression as their debut, and establish the band as a vital creative force in the modern metal scene.

Word is quickly spreading that this is one band you must see live, and they anticipate another European tour in 2009 to promote the new album.

http://www.myspace.com/sacredoath

Subject: Vocalist search for Cooley/Sherinian band

Hey Guys I need your help please read below.

Rusty

The Vocalist Search Continues

Keyboardist Derek Sherinian and guitarist Rusty Cooley are now auditioning singers for there new aggressive metal band.
Thank you for the hundreds of vocal submissions sent in as of February14th.

There were some very good prospects, but the search continues

Here is some more detailed criteria

Must be a US resident

Must be male

Looking for Hetfield meets Meshuggah no prog/ operatic (hey abbot) style If you fit the above criteria, please send your myspace link or mp3 to:BEACHWOODMANOR@AOL.COM

http://www.myspace.com/rustycooley

Thanks Danilo for coming on my show!! Awesome band out of Brazil if you love thrash like me this band will have you in the pit. Make sure you check them out......

A fast and aggressive style this is the hallmark of the music of Chaosfear, a band founded by Fernando Boccomino, his brother Eduardo Boccomino and Danilo de Freitas. The band was born in 1999 under the name Sick Mind. In the next year, a 3-song demo called Sick Mind was released, and its good acceptance pushed the group to do a lot of gigs and to think about an entire album. While composing new songs, the bass player Anderson de França joined the band, and in 2002 a new demo started to be recorded. Meanwhile, a namesake band was discovered, so Sick Mind became Chaosfear.

The new demo, Inside The Extreme World was ready to be released, but guitar player Eduardo Boccomino left the band, and the demo came out only in 2003.
The reaction from the public and from the metal media couldnt be better the demo received very positive reviews in the two biggest metal magazines in Brazil, Rock Brigade and Roadie Crew, and excellent reviews in a lot of websites.

In 2005, after several gigs promoting the demo, the band concentrated in the first album, and by the end of the year, the work for the first release was finished. In February 2006, the band started the recording sessions of One Step Behind Anger, which was released in July 2006. The band started to promote the album and the response could not be better. Besides excellent reviews, not only in Brazil, but around the entire world, the the album was nominated the "Third Best Independent Release of 2006" by the Canadian Magazine "BW&BK". In the beggining of 2007 the band signed a deal with the North-American record company "Old School Metal Records", that released the album worldwide in the same year. During the promoting gigs the crowd response were awesome. In August of 2007, the guitar player Edú Boccomino joined the band again, and the concerts became more brutal than before. In the end of 2007 the band played with death metal legends "Cannibal Corpse", in an unforgetable gig.

By February, 2008, ChaosFear started the recording sessions of "Image of Disorder", the band´s second effort.
The new work brings the band in a very inspired moment, yet more aggressive and with a little taste of melody in the guitar riffs and solos. Brutal !

http://www.myspace.com/chaosfear
http://www.chaosfear.com

Was a great honor to have Mike on my show a amazing guitar player and super nice guy!! Any time he like to return it would be a pleasure to have him!!! I have put some of his bio here but please check out his links for more information and up coming news.....

Guitar demon Metal Mike Chlasciak is without doubt one of the hardest working and respected Heavy Metal guitarists of today’s generation. Metal Mike is most commonly known as the guitarist who helped JUDAS PRIEST vocalist ROB HALFORD reclaim and hold his status as the true Metal God. Metal Mike is the guitarist for Rob Halford’s endeavor HALFORD. Metal Mike has written and appeared on all Halford Metal-is/ Sanctuary Records label recordings Resurrection (2000), Live Insurrection (2001), Crucible (2002) and Fourging The Furnace (2003). Well past a million units sales mark, above efforts thrust Metal Mike into the international spotlight.

Armed with machine gun technique and imaginative, highly recognizable guitar style Mike has been dubbed by many as Rob Halford’s “Randy Rhoads”.

In addition to being a guitar slings man to one of heavy metal’s premiere vocalists, in 2004 Metal Mike presented his solo band endeavor Metal Mike’s PAINMUSEUM, whose debut album Metal For Life enjoyed much attention and critical acclaim from the Metal community. Metal For Life has seen a worldwide 2005 release through Demolition Records via Universal Music Distribution/ UMVD. Metal For Life is mixed by Roy Z. (Judas Priest, Bruce Dickinson, Helloween, Halford) and the musician line-up features Metal Mike’s Halford stage mate Bobby Jarzombek, (Halford, Iced Earth, Sebastian Bach, Fates Warning), Steve DiGiorgio (Testament, Sadus, Death) and vocal power demon Tim Clayborne. Metal Mike’s PainmuseuM has toured internationally along Halford, Testament and Immortal to name a few. Rave reviews met the release across the globe with a prominent German publication HEAVY Oder Was? concluding PainmuseuM to be A band that finally delivered an album in the tradition of Pantera’s Vulgar Display Of Power and Machine Head’s Burn My Eyes. Any questions?

http://www.myspace.com/metalmikechlasciak
http://www.planetshred.com/