DANIELLE SITS DOWN WITH SAMMY FROM SINSATION

 Sinsation 

Rock/Metal 

Santa Barbara California

USA

I didn't really understand Sinsation the first time I heard them. The variety of subject matter shuffled my brains as I looked for a common theme. As it turned out Sinsation is full of  suprises. I was really excited to ask Sammy these questions. Take a breath between serious and lighthearted subject matter and enjoy. All answers by Sammy McPherson.

1.What three influences are most evident in your sound? 

Motörhead. Children of Bodom. Avenged Sevenfold.

2.Please tell me all about the new album coming out in March. What's it called? Why did you write it? What is it like?

The new album is an EP called Cursed. 

It’s really a journey through the evolution of Sinsation. We wrote it in our first year together. It ranges from deeply personal(Paychosomatic) to pretty silly(Alligator) to deadly serious (Cursed).

3. Who writes which parts? Who plays what?

Hannah writes all lyrics. Sammy and Austin write the music. Every song is a collaboration from all members though. Although Sammy sings backups , Hannah is the orchestrator of all things lyrical and vocal. Sammy and Austin play rhythm and lead, switching off on solos. Mikey the maniac plays bass and Billy”the beat” Brown rips drums. 

4. Anything about shooting the video for Alligator suprise you? Why did you write the song and how does the video reflect that meaning?

The Alligator video has been really fun. It started out in Sammy’s swimming pool and is ending up being edited in the Yucatán peninsula. Ha ha. We have swung machetes and spit blood. So yea a lot of surprises. We work with Director Gabe Ruiz Crowded Coffin Productions, on all videos. It gives us a lot of creative freedom

And it’s always a riveting. Thrill ride. I am becoming a director myself, and everybody in the band comes to the storyboard sessions with great ideas to put to film. 

5. If there's a difference of opinion at band practice, how is the final decision made?

We haven’t had any major differences, we all respect and admire each other. I think if anyone is really passionate about a particular idea, we can live with letting it fly. 

6. Was there ever a time you wanted to stop making music? What changed your mind?

I’m embarrassed to say I had the “white picket fence” life and was jolted out of it by tragedy. I think we will all be creating music until the end of time. Which is a long time because we are vampires from another dimension. But that’s another story.

7. What is the purpose of live performance to your life? Why do you perform?

Live performance is a huge part of Sinsation. We have incredible chemistry live and feed off of each other. As soon as things open up we will continue our path to world domination. 

8.Where you you find inspiration?

Inspiration is found through extremes. In California we have beaches, sunsets, movie stars, glamour. We also have serial killers, skid row, wildfires. Incredible darkness and stunning light. Sinsation embraces both.

9. Where can we find you on the web?

We can be found on TerrorCrew Productions and that has a link to all our media and merch. YouTube, Spotify, all streaming platforms. 

10. Is there anyone you'd like to give a shout out to or thank?

Huge shoutout to you Danielle! 

Felton Guitars, Warp Core Pickups, PigHog cables, Solar Guitars, Dirtbag Clothing, Intune guitar picks, Shroeder Cabinets, Artillery Music Group, Terror Crew Productions, Crowded Coffin Productions, Robin our number one fan. Sinsation nation. All our label

Mates. And......MOM LOL

And I would like to thank Sammy McPherson for giving me his time and answering all my questions.

Sinsantion are:

 Hannah Rebel- Vocals

Austin Shadowsill-Lead Guitar

Sammy Fearce McPherson-Lead Guitar, backing vocals

Billy “the beat” Brown- Drums

Mike “ The Maniac” Fitzgerald

XCLUSIVE ! NEW EVIL DRIVE WE ARE ONE VIDEO

 

EVIL DRIVE TALKS NEW ALBUM

 

1.Thanks for taking the time to talk to The Metal Times! You have a new album out, Tell us about it!

 

Viktoria: This is our third album with this band, and I feel it's also a very important album for us regarding whether we will ever gain bigger success or not.

My gut feeling is we may well take a big leap forward with this forthcoming album.

Ville: Yes, album name is Demons within and I’m really proud of that album. We recorded and mixed ourself, our guitar player JP make really great work on recording process. It’s most definitely our strongest album so far.

 

2.Where was it recorded? Is all the material new?

 

Viktoria: Absolutely, all the material is new!

It's important. With this album, we had practiced our songs to the point that they were 99% ready when we entered on our ED studio in Karhula.

With our previous album, Ragemaker, some of our demo songs were still pretty raw when we went to the studio with them.

This time it was different because we tried to get even the arrangements shaped up so we could just record them.

 Naturally, some details were changed in the studio, but nothing major.

 Overall, the songs were recorded the way they sounded on the demos.

 

3.What is the biggest difference between your last release and the new one?

 

Ville: Quality in every area. It’s great to see how band is going forward, playing skills are a lot better now, song writing and vocals and lyrical things also took a big step forward.

 

4.Are you signed to a label? , If so which one and how did they help or support the process?

 

Viktoria: We have a great record label Reaper Entertainment Europe and Universal Music as a distributor so the basis are well covered. We are already writing songs for the next album. In this work there's no time to slow down, you just have to keep pushing forward.

 

5.What has been going on with the band between albums? Did you tour?

 

Viktoria: Due to this annoying coronavirus, we had to cancel all of your gigs in Sweden, Estonia, Russia as well as here in Finland this spring.

 

Ville: Yes, we toured after last album, and after tour we started to write material on this new album, and we have some big important changes at band too at this time

 

6.Do you have any new members?

 

Viktoria: There were big changes in the band last year also. Our drummer didn’t have the time anymore, and our bass player had to be let go because he wasn’t the kind of heavy metal bass player that this style requires. Thankfully we were lucky to find very skilled guys to replace them and now the band sounds better than ever. You can hear the bass and drums working together well and the band’s team spirit is excellent. Also while making the songs, we don’t have to think of who is skilled to play what.

 

 

Ville: Yes, we have a new Drummer Antti Tani and Bassist Matti Sorsa, really great musicians and now first time at bands history all band is at writing process, not only guitar players, it makes things lot more easier and everybody know what to do and what must to do.

 

7.Who produced the new album and how did they effect the album?

 

Antti: Our own Juha-Pekka Pusa recorded, mixed and produced the album. We really had the time to take a look at the sound and all the elements, and tweak them just to our liking.

 

8.Some like to record naked or in the dark with candles , Did you have any strange studio practices?

 

Viktoria: Unfortunately nothing like that happens in our recordings orpractices, YET :D

 

9.Of course tell us where to pick up your album and how to learn more about you.

 

Ville: If you like heavy and melodic music then you must check out our new album. There is lots of different metal elements but all fits together very well.

 

10.What is your plans now that the new album is out?

 

Ville: Of course to get on tour and play songs live, just hope that covid shit ends soon.

DEEP AND HARD WITH: Requiem For Oblivion

 

1.Why Bass?

I play bass for another band

 (Lordran) full time but only play bass for Requiem For Oblivion on most the studio albums. I'm actually a guitarist first and foremost but I play extended range guitars (7, 8, 9, and 10 strong guitars). So in a way I play bass all the time anyway. Lol 

I got the gig with Lordran because they needed a bassist. I knew most the guys anyway since two of them used to be in RFO. I play an Ibanez 6 string SDGR. 

I play bass on the RFO albums because it happened that on one or two occasions we didn't have a live bass player. But there have also been couple EPs where I played everything. On one I played my Rogue bass and the current EP Hindsight 2020, I actually used my 9 string guitar.

2.Do you think it is unfair or just lack of knowledge bass gets so little credit? I think bass players bring it on themselves in a lot of ways by being boring, not being creative or not thinking outside the box enough. Yes bassists should help hold down the low end and sync with the drummer much of the time but using some flare (arpeggios, tapping, chords) is all fair game and should be utilized in my opinion. 

3.What kind of bass do you use? Model , color , year , And why

I mainly use my 6 string Ibanez SDGR (black with a faded wood color in the middle) because I bought it from my friend T.J. when I joined Lordran. I really enjoy and prefer extended range instruments so I use my 6 string exclusively now. I used to play my 5 string Rogue quite a bit and had a 4 string Dean as a backup. However I don't use either of those anymore.

4.Tell us about your amplification

I have a GK 210 Backline amp that has two 10" speakers as well as a direct out. I've had it for years and any bassist in RFO is allowed to use it. Lol

5. With all of that being said do you feel tone is an important thingfor bass?

I do...I try to dial in a tone that allows the frilly little extra things I do to punch through all the distortion. I like listening to a bassist like Fieldy from Korn because of the tone and slappy sound he gets. 

6.Do you prefer 5 strings over 4 string?

Actually prefer a 6 string bass. Haha I may eventually invest in a seven. Mostly because I really enjoy a low growl with my bass n guitars...and I want to match the extended range guitars in my projects.

7.Who is your favorite bassist?

I grew up listening and loving Geddy Lee. No one has really usurped his place at the top of the mountain for me because he is the epitome of technicality, groove, tone and melody.

 

8. Who is your least favorite bassist?

Hmmmm...any of the guys in these pop punk bands that just ride one string and put me to sleep. Lol

9.Why do you think women seem to be attracted to playing bass?

I think in the past it was thought of as the easiest instrument to learn and an easy way for women (or anyone really) to join a band fairly quickly. 

10. What bassist dead or alive would you like a private lesson with?

Geddy Lee.

11. Bonus questionBobby Doll , Nikki Sixx , Les Claypool , Billy Sheehan which is more ridiculous and why

Les Claypool is amazing and does stupid (good) things on the bass. He also sings and writes weird songs so he would be my pick. Lol

Steve Jacobson from 

Requiem For Oblivion

STEALTH SITS DOWN WITH DANIELLE

Stealth

Metal

Corridonia Italy

You know what I like? Intention. Live For Your Faith was made with so much delibrate focus. Released last December, Live For Your Faith is the live recordings of Fight For Your Faith, Stealth's third album. The thoughts behind the subjects introduced by any of these songs is unambiguous. Making a picture in the mind's eye as clear as a scene from a movie. Keep reading for a look inside.

Which three influences are most evident in your sound?

Ivan: I would say Fear Factory, Machine Head and Metallica. I think these bands influenced a lot our last 7 years of music in terms of songwriting. 

Michele: I listen to a lot of different bands and musicians, but surely the most influencing drummers for me are Casey Grillo from Kamelot/Queensryche and Danny Carey from Tool

 

The fourth track of Live for your Faith, Perpetual War, sounds as if it's about people being led into war to secure favor in Heaven. Do you believe it is religion itself that causes such division or something else? 

Ivan: Most of the wars that happen in the world are caused by religious extremisms.  This doesn't mean that having a certain faith in a religion is wrong or right. This means that religion is used as the main instrument to get people to pick up a gun and start fighting.

What are you currently reading?  Who is your favorite author?

Ivan: Fight Club. My favourite author is Luigi Pirandello

Daniele: Il muro di Berlino 1961-1989 My fav author: Stephen King

Michele: right now I'm reading "L'abbazia dei cento delitti"  (The abbey of a hundred murders) by Marcello Simoni, and my favorite author is Howard Phillips Lovecraft.

Is the sixth track, Consumerist Dictatorship a prediction or do you believe something like an Oligarchy or a Dictatorship is already what is happening? 

Ivan: Consumerism is already the nowaday dictatorship from a long time. People are obsessed to buy useless things even if we are in a precary condition due to this pandemic. Western capitalism is collapsing and a new economic system is what we will need shortly.

Have you ever come close to quitting and not making music anymore? Why? What kept you in it?

Ivan: Yes several times. I thought about it when we had to change some band members in the past or when we had some bad discussion between us. But finally the desire to make music prevailed every time and here we are, still. 

Michele: Maybe once or twice, life has its own way to make you feel useless or not worthy of happiness sometimes, but I’m an optimistic person and I always try to make the best out of what life throws at me. My passion for drumming and music in general is what kept me wanting to go on.

Live For Your Faith is a live version of your third album, Fight For Your Faith. What does the title mean? 

Ivan: The title can be read in 2 ways in English language. Live, as an adjective, meaning a “live event” but also live as the verb “to live”. So we played with the double meaning but ultimately it means  both and doing so creates a connection between the live recording and the original album.

The first song, Seven Hours Under Fire, sounds as if it might be inside the mind of someone in the middle of a war zone. Do you feel empathy for people who kill while taking orders in the military? 

Ivan: Definitively. Taking orders and money to kill people, and risk your own life, is absolutely sad. I am quite sure that most of the soldiers that do it are forced on their choice by poor conditions they might have in their native countries.

If there is a difference of opinion at band practice, how is the final decision made? 

Ivan: That would be me

Where can we find you on the web? 

www.stealthattack.it

  (official website)   

Facebook  @stealthattack.it

Twitter  @stealthband1997

Instagram @stealthband1997

You Tube  @Stealthattack1997

And on all digital platforms worldwide as well

Are there any friends or supporters you would like to thank? 

Ivan: I would like to thank Mr Ays Kura, the owner of our label. He really did an excellent engineering job on our live album. And I would also like to thank all of our fans who are contantly supporting us.

Daniele:All of my friends and special thanks to my son Axel.

Michele: I'd like to thank everyone that has ever played a part in my decision to become a musician, from the bands I listen to, to my teachers and friends and foes who always supported me or made me want to do better. 

And I would like to thank Stealth for giving me their time and answering my questions

Stealth are,

Daniele Gorbini: bass/ background vocals 

Michele Cipolletta: drums

Lorenzo Pimpini: guitars/ keyboard 

Ivan Lattanzi: vocals/guitars/synth/background groove

PERCEIVED SPEAKS

 

1.Thanks for taking the time to talk to The Metal Times! You have a new album out, Tell us about it!

 

We’ll be releasing our debut album on Fri Oct 30^th. We’ve working on the album for a year and a half. The EP will include the singles ‘Living Hell’, ‘Not to Be’, ‘Portrayed Belief’, and ‘Darkening’.

 

2.Where was it recorded? Is all the material new?

 

We actually recorded all of the music in our rehearsal space with Daniel Contreras except for the vocals. Those were recorded by Nick Forkel who also mixed, mastered, and produced everything. Half of the material is actually around 20 years old. After getting back together we finished the songs that were started in the late 90’s/early 2000’s.

 

3.What is the biggest difference between your last release and the new one?

 

This is our first release but we’re hoping that our next release could possibly be a full length album vs an EP.

 

4.Are you signed to a label? , If so which one and how did they help or support the process?

 

No. We prefer to stay independent. With the internet the way it is today, labels aren’t really a necessity.

 

5.What has been going on with the band between albums? Did you tour?

 

With everything that’s been going on with Covid, we haven’t had a chance to play any live shows so we focused our energy on releasing our debut EP. We’ve been putting out singles since August which you can get on all major streaming platforms or download them for free from Perceivedband.com.

 

6.Do you have any new members?

 

Nope. It’s just been us three since we began writing together. It wouldn’t be the same band without all of us. Each one of us bring something unique to the table that can’t be replaced.

 

7.Who produced the new album and how did they effect the album?

 

Nick Forkel is the mastermind behind our debut album. He mixed, mastered, and produced the whole thing and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome. He definitely gave it the bottom end and clarity we were looking for.

 

8.Some like to record naked or in the dark with candles , Did you have any strange studio practices?

 

The vocals were actually recorded in a closet with nothing but a blue light on while consuming m&m’s.

 

9.Of course tell us where to pick up your album and how to learn more about you.

 

You can always get one at our live shows or just visit our website at Perceivedband.com where we have all sorts of merch as well as our debut abum on CD.

 

10.What is your plans now that the new album is out?

 

Our plans are to play as many live shows as possible. Hopefully 2021 will be the year we have our first tour.

MOOSE FINDS. CHECK THIS BAND OUT!

 SEASONS

Origin: Richmond, VA 

Genre:  Metalcore

Years Active:  2017 – Present

Label:  None

 

Formed in 2017, the metalcore band Seasons started out with five dedicated musicians that all have a strong passion for performing energetic shows and crafting top-notch influential songs. Seasons is a high level, crowd entertaining band that will not disappoint when it is time for performing on stage. Whether in front of 15 people or 1500 people, Seasons is known for the exact same stage presence which is described as “in your face.” With each member being a veteran to performing, you can expect tight transitions and an overwhelming stage presence. Every member of Seasons strives to put on a memorable performance to thrill the crowd.

 

Members

Randall Sykes – Vocals

Mark Spivey – Lead Guitar

Nick Gober-Keller –  Guitar

Matt Poe – Bass

Joshua Woolcott – Drummer

https://www.facebook.com/SeasonsRVA

Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvrmxkLX40I 

My name is Ivan and I am the main vocalist of the metal band Stealth .

 

1.Please introduce yourself and tell us who you sing for

My name is Ivan and I am the main vocalist of the metal band Stealth

 

2.What / Who made you want to sing?

Being a great fan of Metallica when I was 15 inspired me to start singing and playing guitar too

 

3.Who was the first singer you saw live that gave you chills?

Andi Deris from Helloween in 1998

 

4.Many people say heavy music is just screaming, How would you combat that statement?

The vocal power especially during a live gig and for some styles of metal is important. But in some other metal styles the technique is much more important and you have to study and practice a lot to achieve some results.

 

5.If you growl or do harsh vocals how do you keep your voice after such violent performances?

After taking some vocal lessons I started managing better my voice during the gigs. At the beginning I was literally voiceless after the performance and that was no good at all. I have to take care about my voice as it is my main instrument.

 

6. Do you have a warm up routine? Tell u bout it ?

Depending on how long the gig is, I take from 5 up to 15 minutes to warm up. The more the performance is long less I need to warm up.

 

7. Do you think power or performance is more important?

Both of them. It also depends on what set list you are singing. You have to know your songs and pull out the best from each of them.

 

8. Who do you think gets unfair vocal praise, someone the world thinks is great but is not? / And who is great but does not get the credit?

I think James LaBrie gets unfair vocal praise while Joe Duplantier is underrated for his vocal and composing skills

 

 

9.Name your top 5 vocalist

Bruce Dickinson

James Hetfield

Burton C. Bell

Till Lindemann

Freddie Mercury

 

 

10.Micheal Buble or Jim Gallette? Just testing your skills here

Who are they? OK I searched on Google.....Jim Gallette should be heavier.

 

11.Who do you love to listen to that would surprise people?.

I have in an infinite list of underground bands......but I'd say Muse.

BLEEDSKIN REVIEW

 BleedSkin

Blood Reign

        Bleedskin has presented it’s latest artistic offering titled, Blood Reign. This album is monstrous and the sound quality is incredible. With orchestrated introductions and ambient ear candy, this band provides a full recording listening experience which really amplifies this genre of music. This death metal band from Belgium is about as impressive as they come. From aggressive beats to intense breakdown, this is full force metal madnessss and it is fucking delicious. Their use of blasts beats and the howl’s of the vocalist lead an army of devils thru armageddon.

“Perverted feelings” and Eternal Hatred work in syncopation and provide a thrill ride for the senses. Their arrangements are finely tuned and downright aggressive as fuck. “Obsession” continues to hail the sonic assault and the drumming is from beyond this world. The guitar solo’s have the old school slayer/ pantera vibe. Vocally, this tune is fucking magic and fun to scream along too. The picking techniques of the rhythm sections in the song are nicely done and add nuances to tune in a modern way that gives it that special twist that only bleedskin can deliver.

A personal favorite off of the album is the tune “chaos theory”, which is the album’s closer and i feel it also may be the heaviest tune on the album, if that is even possible at all. This song is a representation of everything fans love about death metal. The lyrics, the music, and the drums are a perfect level of metal indulgence. T makes sense that this would be the last song they would want you to hear, and in a live setting, this song is definitely going to rip your face off and leave you wanting more.

This album is for fans of arch enemy, avatar, suicide silence, whitechapel, amon amarth,etc. It is one of the best death metal albums i have heard this year and you will definitely want to add it to your playlist.

LOOK WHAT MOOSE FOUND

 

BIO: 

SHOTGUN FACELIFT was formed in Grand Forks, North Dakota (2012). The band plays an infectious blend of power groove and metalcore. The band's second full-length album is called DAKOTA BLOOD STAMPEDE, and it releases spring/summer of 2021. The band has undergone many lineup changes since it's inception, and getting to the debut of that second album has been a testament to the enduring will of lead guitarist Damien Goulet. Simply, without his spine and stubbornness, the band would not exist. And as it exists currently, it is not only the strongest it has ever been, but is an entire force that cannot be ignored. 

 

The band's original lineup released a demo, called '21311,' and the EP '21311 REVISITED.' Their music received significant features from all local radio outlets and even a feature on DAKOTA DAMNATION. The buzz landed the band several notable bookings at THE AQUARIUM in Fargo, TAK MUSIC in Dilworth, MN, and their hometown venue of OJATA RECORDS in Grand Forks. SHOTGUN FACELIFT opened for several impressive acts including THREATPOINT and ART OF ANARCHY (a band fronted by Scott Stapp formerly of CREED). The band became renowned for their infectious groove and unique metalcore, and their live show was raucous, soon in talks for bookings outside the midwest and was even being considered for ROCKFEST. Bad news was on the horizon, however. Soon after their success had begun, the original vocalist Tim Fortner left the band, and a long hiatus ensued. But Damien Goulet, the lead guitarist and last original member after eight years, still had bassist Curt DeCamp. And the pair soon set out to prove that you can't kill stoic conviction.  

 

John Huber was auditioned and hired to handle vocals. John was off the heels of his third SKELETON ROSE release NECRO and an Album of the Year nomination from the INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS for his first album BLACK ROSE. John's more aggressive guttural style began to take the band into a more brutal direction, and after months of gelling on the road, more heavy duty adjustments were made to further advance the band's newer vision. An even groovier, nastier, leaner and meaner band began to emerge. After SHOTGUN FACELIFT's longtime sister band SAVIOR SORROW went defunct, Matt Person (guitars) and Jody Smith (drums) were absorbed into SHOTGUN FACELIFT. SAVIOR SORROW (formerly SHOVELHEAD) had earned opening slots for BUTCHER BABIES, TEXAS HIPPIE COALITION and DEVIL YOU KNOW. Both Matt and Jody are known for their tighter grooves and aggressive hooks which made SAVIOR SORROW such a force before its moratorium. The bands had been close friends for years, which made them not only a perfect fit for a heavier and more aggressive SHOTGUN FACELIFT, but took the band into a brand of synergy, efficiency and brutality they had never previously known. Simply, SHOTGUN FACELIFT went from a good band, to one that was downright anthemic. Something entirely real in an era of glass and plastic.

    

The new album is called DAKOTA BLOOD STAMPEDE. It releases spring/summer of 2021. The first pre-release singles have already garnered the attention of several online metal media magazines as well as interest from several labels. Every band member brings 20+ years of metal experience, and the maturity is immediately palpable. This is not a record from a band of young men still finding themselves. This is a record from a group of older men that are seasoned and ready. And hungry. Very, very hungry after twenty years of the grind it takes to become exceptional in an area that has little to no love for the music they play. From the grim jaws of defeat, the band is on the verge of a future that may look brighter than anything they could have imagined. 

 

The album itself is brimming with no-nonsense rockers built for every arena in the land. This is a band of men who have worked and ground themselves upon the proving stone for years. And at the end of it all is only the beginning, because this band is very wise . . . And they have quite a lot to say. And when they do say, do so with class, poise and undeniable power. 

 

--DAKOTA BLOOD STAMPEDE-- is set to release spring/summer of 2021. Follow and stay in touch with the band on all the socials. Head to their bandcamp to contact, purchase and stream their music. FAMINE and OPEN PLACE TO BLEED are already available, and the whole album is coming in the ensuing months. 
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SHOTGUN FACELIFT is:  

John Huber (Vocals/Lyrics)  

Matt Person (Rhythm Guitar)  

Curt Decamp (Bass Guitar)  

Jody Smith (Drums)  

Damian Goulet (Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals)