It is strange but I have often noticed in all this years that some metalhead think that, nowadays, the metal world needs some elements as freshness and originality, in particular, power metal needs to renew its structures, used more and more.
But therefore, what it means to be a metal band at the threshold of a new millennium?
Simply, it means to play a kind of music far from the trends that are inside the music business, losing the success craved by many artists, to recover their roots and credibility using a “ being true to yourself” attitude, and the american Midnight Idols are, for me, one of the few true metal band worthy of this appellative.
In fact the band is arrived to its second album “Nightrules”, an album full of good compositions that demonstrating how good could be learning the lesson of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal sound, perfectly to mix it with straight US Metal structures.
Then in order to have a more clear idea about this, I kept in touch with this band, who's answering to the following interview from the downunder Seattle .
Hi my friend welcome on the Hard 'n Heavy pages and thanks for the precious time that you have give us, would you introduce your Midnight Idols to our readers beginning with the genesis of your name?
Well my friend, the band is:
Diamond C – vocals Thermo – guitar Rizz – guitar Theo – bass Smiley – drums
The name “Midnight Idols” was brought to Diamond by Theo a few years ago. When the band started Diamond asked Theo if he could use the name. Now Theo is a member.
Well, we make a step behind, what the reception has been about your first album “We rule the night”? If i’m not wrong the comments that you have received they have been all positive, right?
Diamond: You’re right, the reviews (especially in Europe) we’re very good . We received some negative criticism in the US but all and all, considering it was recorded in Thermo’s basement, we are happy with how it turned out and it was learning experience.
Thermo: The whole effort was totally done by us. The recording and mixing and even the mailing out of copies for review. I did a lot of web searches and found Metal fans and zines like Hard ‘n Heavy to send promo packs to. So we were pretty happy with the response it received. The first pressing is almost sold out. Soon to be collectible!
What you can say about your new “Nightrules”? Can you tell us anything about the way the songs were born? And if it is not too much, the process of composition has been more fluid that in past?
Diamond: We always write as a band, even through the lineup changes. That can take some time, but we feel it is best. We were really inspired to have just added Theo and Rizz . We just did what came naturally… Rocked!
Thermo: 3 of the songs we’re being written with the previous lineup. When Rizz and Theo joined, we tightened those songs up and immediately started writing new ones. We were excited to get into the studio and get the new sound recorded. “Militia of Sin” was actually written while we were in the studio. It just came together quick and natural.
Smiley: Yeah, we were trying to get one more song done, and we ended it up with “Militia”. We think it’s one of the better songs too. As for fluidity, it comes and goes with us. Sometimes there’s no writing, and then we write a bunch of songs in a row. Thermo and Rizz hash out a lot of new riffs, then the rhythm section works it out, the Diamond spins gold for lyrics.
Can you tell us where have you record the new compositions? How was born the relation with the renowned producer Kurt Bloch? How much difficult has been to work with a professional of his long experience?
Diamond: We recorded at Chroma Sound (www.chromasound.net) very nice place! We knew Kurt from watching him in various bands over the years. Our former guitarist Fred Speakman also played with him in bands. He offered to produce us and we jumped at the chance. He was very easy to work with and he was excited to work with us. We basically lived at the studio for a while. Using the 2 inch analog tape for recording really captured a true metal sound.
Thermo: We met with Kurt to talk about the project and he suggested Chroma Sound. We were very pleased with the setting and comfort of the studio. Kurt is very easy going, and that helped with getting the work done. He also put with a lot chaos when the beer started to flow on some of the late nights.
In my opinion the album sounds much ‘old style’ than your first, so, at time what were your influences when the songs was recorded?
Diamond: Well the influences have been there from the beginning, Priest, Maiden, a lot of NWOBHM bands. With adding Theo and Rizz, the vision of what we wanted to do with Metal came forth. I mean, honestly, I like all kinds of music, but I am very particular when it comes to Metal.
Thermo: I grew up listening to a lot of NWOBHM. My riff writing is heavily influenced by classic NWOBHM bands. We never set out to try and sound like any style or band in particular, we just write what we like to hear. You can definitely hear the influences though.
In my review i say that it's really a crime that a band as your has not succeeded in finding a label that believe in your potential, how can explain this situation to yourself.
Diamond: We did shop a demo version of “Nightrulers” out to a lot of labels.
Unfortunately, we didn’t get much of a response.
Thermo: It was a little discouraging to not get a real response, but labels get a lot of demos sent to them. And being a US band that has a much bigger overseas appeal and sound might make it more of a challenge. We felt that we waited long enough and decided to put “Nightrulers” out ourselves. I guess the best way to get attention is to have the release out getting reviews and gaining fans.
Ok, i know, well guys is there a main music writer in the band? How would you describe your process when composing a song? Which do you think is the most ideal to represent your music from all the songs you've composed and why?
Diamond: We all write together as a band. We have all been in various bands for years before the Idols, so we just let it come naturally.
Thermo: Usually someone will have a riff that will come out at practice, and we will all start jamming along to it and get a feel. Then we work on it from there. A lot of our songs have just happened at practice. It’s hard to pin down one song that represents the Idols. If I HAD to choose one on this release, it would be “Torch the Sky”, but “Nymphonomicon” is my favorite.
Can you tell us a few words about the lyrics? And according to you exist a particular track that is able to represent at the best the spirit of Midnight Idols?
Diamond: If the riff is nasty, then I get NASTY. If it’s mean, LOOK OUT! I read a lot and watch a LOT of Horror movies, so that’s the influence. Here’s my chance… LUCIO FULCI Lives!
Thermo: Diamond has a great way with putting words together. Very articulate but can still put elements of humor in there.
There's an aspect, according to which heavy metal is the music that applies to the demanding listener. First of all do you agree with this statement and secondly, how do you conceive the word heavy metal in music and in your life?
Diamond: I’m a child of the 70’s so my first favorite bands were The Who, AC/DC, Judas Priest, which all led me to discover a lot of great bands as Metal progressed through the years. Me and my family have “Rock School” on Sundays were we watch Motorhead, AC/DC, and Priest DVDs. I’m bringing up my daughter to appreciate classic Metal.
Thermo: I grew up listening 70’s bands as well. Boston, Thin Lizzy, Queen, AC/DC, etc. One day my older cousin had just bought Judas Priest “Unleashed in the East”. I was in awe as we sat and listened to it. I was probably 9 or 10 years old. It was all over after that. I was a METAL HEAD! I began growing my hair and wearing band t-shirts. I wanted everyone to know that I was into Metal. At that time, Metal was just beginning to grow. There all these new bands to listen to. I would go to record stores and hang out in the Import Metal section and just stare at album covers and talk to other Metal Heads. It was like being part of a secret club.
Metal is a style that requires good musicianship. People want good guitar solos, soaring vocals, pounding rhythms, and intricate arrangements. It’s only natural for the listener to have a high standard for the music. I love punk rock too, but I was playing in punk bands when I could barely play guitar.
Now a strange question, well music fans face the dilemma whether the album they wish to buy, will be good for them, so that they won't spend they money for nothing, right? So, in times the releases are too many, explain to us why a music fan should buy your CD?
Diamond: If you are a fan of Real Metal, you owe it to yourself to check it out.
Smiley: We are giving a fresh take on the classic NWOBHM sound. While we aren’t something “new”, we currently sound different than a lot of the current Metal bands.
Thermo: With the Internet, it’s easy to listen to bands before you buy a CD. We have our music available on www.myspace.com/idols as well as on CDBaby.com. We are also available on many digital music download sites like Rhapsody and iTunes.
There are many options to check us out before you buy. Also, since we did the release ourselves, we kept the price low so people can afford to buy for cheap. We are always open to trading CDs with other Musicians or Labels and Distributers.
Coming from the Seattle, that from many point of view can be an advantage, but how is hard for a newcomer band as your, to build a strong reputation in your area?
Diamond: Coming from Seattle doesn’t really mean much if you are a Heavy Metal band. We have some great dedicated fans who will see us whenever we play. Bands like Metal Church, Queensryche, Nevermore, all found much greater success in Europe.
Thermo: When we started a couple of years ago, there wasn’t much of a local Metal scene. Not a lot of bands were playing this style of Metal at local clubs. We were getting booked with punk bands. When we started doing shows around town, people were blown away that we were playing True Metal. Our reputation followed us around…. People were telling other people “you gotta check these guys out…. They play METAL!”.
Smiley: It’s still hard for us to get on the bigger bills with touring acts. There are few bookers that do most of the shows. Local bands don’t get a lot of respect from them.
Thermo: Yeah, we really need to get in contact with Metal bands that are coming to town and have them tell the booker that they want the Idols on the bill.
Well, but until now, which was the best and the worst moment with Midnight Idols?
Diamond: Best, this record. Worst…. Jury is still out on that.
Thermo: Best, recording this album and opening for Thor at a small club. Worst…. Hmm. Playing out of town and having no crowd.
Smiley:Best, recording “Nightrulers”. Worst, a huge band argument that almost broke us up.
Rizz: It keeps getting better. Worst, being harassed by security at a local club during one of our shows.
What would be your plans, looking in a crystal ball a few years further on and given the opportunity?
Diamond: Being able to afford to do our next record (it’s almost done!). And at least a few weeks touring Europe.
Smiley: Tour Europe and Japan. Get signed by a label. Record more albums and keep the ball rolling for more tours.
Thermo: Recording the next album. The new songs we are writing are really heavy. Our sound is really growing. Getting a record label would make everything come together nicely.
What are your favorite heavy metal bands at the moment? Any relatively unknown bands we should pay attention to?
Diamond: I personally like tons of stuff like Satyricon, Gorgoroth, but they aren’t really unknown anymore.
Smiley: Check out our friends Zero Down, Fred Speakman (previous guitar player) plays with them.
Thermo: Lately, I’ve been listening to 3 Inches of Blood. I mostly have been listening to older stuff. A lot of Obituary lately. Definitely check out Zero Down!
Well my friend, this is really the end, thanx for your availability your last word are your….
Diamond: Buy the CD. Enjoy and thanks for your time and review. “All Hail Hard ‘n Heavy!
Thermo: Thanks a lot of helping us get noticed. We will keep in touch! STAY METAL!
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Pubblicato su: 2008-05-11 (709 letture)
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