One more Heavy Metal week - Chapter I: Manilla Road

Shark, Manilla Road, Hammers and Wine...

Now, let’s see what happened the last days. There was so much intense, passion and HEAVY METAL, that I want to keep it alive, not only as a memory (it won’t be forgotten anyway), but also for everyone to see that some musicians remain legends among men. 

On October 14, 2012 there was Up The Hammers Festival Special Edition II in Athens with Manilla Road as headliners and Dark Nightmare, Etrusgrave, War Dance, Midnight Priest completing the billing of the best festival in Greece. Two day before we were expecting the arrival of Mark “The Shark” Shelton and he would be in Ragnarok club for “meet n’ greet” with fans and friends of the band. The good friend and organizer of Up The Hammers, Manolis Karazeris along with the people of the club, organized everything perfect and we knew that there will be an unforgettable weekend. Funny, but there was also a special Manilla Road/Up The Hammers wine limited to 20 bottles! Of course, I took one, but I will open it for a very special occasion. So, people all over Greece and certain friends around Europe start gathering in Athens. Back in the club, after 12 o’ clock Mark made his appearance in the club. It is always good to see this guy and for sure he is feeling like home when he is in Greece. He signed some records, took photos, had his drinks and chat with friends and fans. 

There was a very funny moment, when we were headbanging during “Astronomica” near at a window in the club and suddenly we felt someone all over us… It was Mark climbing to the window! The night continued like that, but next day I had to go to the work… The next day passed easily for me, still though I had some time with friends that I hadn’t seen for some time. Of course we ate also. That’s one of our hobbies!

And then Sunday comes. I woke up early (I think…) along with my girlfriend, and went in the center of Athens to pick up our buddies from Patra. Of course we ate also. I told you, that’s one of our hobbies. And we only eat meat. I went earlier to the club of the festival (Kyttaro Live Club) because I had some work to do with the label. There I had the chance to see War Dance during soundcheck. I really love this band and for me they are the “next big thing”. 

So, everything was set up, we’ve already start drinking and having fun. 

Midnight Priest was the first band to hit the stage and people started to enter the venue. The band was very passionate and they enjoyed playing there. Then I grab a beer and went to the front to watch War Dance. They are perfect. They combine elements from Manowar, Warlord and Sarissa, filtered through a personal sound and the result is pure lyrical epic metal magic. They have released only a promo CD but they are in recording sessions for the material that will be their first album. I can’t wait for that. After that there was some kind of problem in the club with electricity or something and Etrusgrave moved on stage and wait for the problem to be solved. It took a little time, but after that, the Italian band was a huge surprise. I didn’t expect them to play before Dark Nightmare, but if you would see the respond that Dark Nightmare had from the people there, you would be surprised. Great shows from both bands.

But there was a storm waiting to break… Arise all ye faithful to the sword... Manilla Road was on stage, for a special 3 hours set starting with my favorite MR album “Open The Gates” performed in its entirety. Magik, Dragonships, the Spear of Tiw, Fires, the Norns, Kings and the Dragon passed before our eyes and took us by storm. We were speechless from such a magical performance. Mark’s guitar was sending vibes from Hell and Bryan was singing with passion the hymns of mythical poetry. For my surprise, since it was the first time to see Neudi behind the drum kit, he really moved the band to a higher level. After “Open The Gates” the Road passed through “Necropolis”, “Haunted Palace” (Randy would be proud of Neudi), “Isle Of The Dead” (with a monumental moment of Agis throwing Jim off the stage!), “Masque Of The Red Death”, “Death By The Hammer”, “Hammer Of The Witches”, “Divine Victim”, “Dig Me No Grave”, “Metal”, “Crystal Logic”… and many more! During “Mystification”… well, I went a little crazy, but I think this will be my last stage diving - getting old I think. Still have bruises – for a moment I thought I broke some bones... but I enjoyed it! I really can’t say more for this performance. All you have to do is take a look on this video:

After two days, on October 16, there was a special event. A secret acoustic gig among few friends of Manilla Road (around 40 people) in a wine bar under candles’ light. Mark and Bryan with the help of Gianluca Silvi spoke straight to our hearts that night. There was a great moment where the original guitarists of Battleroar (Kostas and Manolis) with violin player Alex and Mark on vocals performed “The Wanderer”. A night to remember… with great friends and lot of wine!

I was very busy that week… and I was expecting a special guest. A good friend, a great person and a unique singer, but this is Chapter II…

VALIDOR interview... at the Dawn of the Avenger

At Up The Hammers Festival Special Edition II on October 14, 2012, Iron On Iron Records present the second album of Validor called “Dawn Of The Avenger”. Being there from the very beginning of this band, I always believed in Validor’s Epic Metal sound and the mastermind behind Validor, Odi, didn’t fail me! He won’t fail YOU either if you are into barbaric epic metal… So let’s see what Odi has to say…

You have a new album, just released, called “Dawn Of The Avenger”. How was the composing and production procedure and how long are you working on this one?

Hello! As in the previous album, all went very smoothly and even better. I had all the songs pre-recorded in my house and with the professionalism of Bob Katsionis and the excellent communication we had, the album was written in less than two months.

Along with your debut album “In Blood In Battle”, once again, Bob Katsionis helps you in recording and also plays some guitar parts and keyboards. How important is his contribution in Validor?

Bob, despite the fact that is a very good friend, is a highly talented musician. Knowing my character and also having the expertise that is needed he helped incredibly even in the vocal lines. How important he is? All I have to say is that he is so important for Validor, as Marty Friedman was for Megadeth.

Which are the differences between your two albums?

Both albums are designed to not become boring! This means several different parts, many lead guitars, changing tempos and diverse vocals. Beside that, the mistakes of the rookie are decreased. I worked more for the vocals and sung without anxiety and fear - not that I died in fear in my previous album haha. The main difference is the galloping rhythms that come and go in the new album. Also, I will agree with all those who say that “Dawn Of The Avenger” is more epic and more barbarian!

How would you describe your music?

BLOOD METAL!

How did you come up with the cover on “Hour Of The Dragon” from Manilla Road for the new album?

I made the cover version of “Hour Of The Dragon” (and not a remake) because, besides being one of my favorite songs since I was young, I remember myself singing the song and before the chorus I always said “why didn’t they speed up here or scream there…” so I decided to record it in my own way, the way I had it in mind and  the final result fully justified me and as the creator (Mark Shelton) wrote to me: “By the gods this is great stuff man. I love it, I love it, I love it. Great job. I think you have done a better version of the song than ours. Man believe me this is really great stuff.”

Validor will remain as one-man band with guest musicians and why? Don't you want to perform live in the future?

When I started Validor I did not have in mind to release anything for the world. Until the first 6 songs, I wrote music only for me and my best friends. Then, after threats and blackmail, they convinced me to go to a record label. Having Nick as guitarist, I recorded another song but after personal issues he left and Bob replaced him. Validor is for me the personification of my soul and for this reason I don’t want other members. That’s because if a member of a band doesn’t have an opinion, he is not a member but just a hired musician. So this is why I work with guest musicians. The only one after me, who has an opinion and view for Validor is Bob, but he takes the title of guest musician for force majeure, since he has contracts with other companies and cannot be a member in any band he wants.

Beyond that, a live show is something that maybe will concern me in the future. At the moment the conditions in my life do not allow me to do it and I don’t have enough free time. The only free time I have is dedicated to my wife and my family.

Let's talk about the Greek metal scene for a while. For you, which bands stand out from the mass and why?

Attention! I will only refer to recent bands and start with a great band named War Dance. The have great epic songs and emotional music, and they remind me of Manowar. That is enough for me to have them among my favorite bands. Wishdoom, after their demo also released a multifaceted epic album with diversity but always stayed epic! And although they tend to Doom (a genre that I don’t like) they don’t make me bored… On the contrary I like them! I listened a song from a new band called Tidal Dreams and get stuck on that one! I will not say anything more because I got their debut album just yesterday and I have not yet a complete opinion. The only thing I will say is that they are perhaps one of the most promising bands at this moment! I also like Wrathblade, even if they are a couple of years more in the scene, but they just released their first album this year… And now, Black Sword Thunder Attack! There are people who believe in them, and I expect something new from them apart from the demo. If they will release an album, many will kneel before them! If they won’t it will be a fault for them. Their singer has the most cult vocals and I'm proud that he accepted to do guest vocals on my first album, in the song “The Last Emperor” and I am trying to convince them to release their debut album which I have heard and it kills! If they will be left to slumber, I won’t bother with them again. If you won’t do something go and kill yourself! And finally I will mention a band that is not new but it's my favorite… Wolfcry!

Which are the things that bother you in Hellenic metal scene and what does it takes for a band to succeed? 

Although you do know better, I would say… We are full with “cliques”, assholes and conceited people! Just like that! People who released one record and consider themselves judges who deride the bands they don’t like without any respect and if you will tell them something, they just reply “we have democracy and I am saying my opinion.” Wrong! Democracy and freedom of opinion and speech is a different thing from a direct attack and infection. But they are so uneducated that they do not know that insult and irony - derision, are prosecuted. Each one insults the ones he doesn’t like and praises his friends. They think that they represent the Greek metal scene and that they are supporters of the scene. Shit supporters they are... and they don’t support the scene by going in a few live shows. They only do it to promote their work. On the other hand, there are people who really love the scene but they are only few.

What "success" means for you?

Everyone perceives success in a different way. So I don’t know what a band has to do to succeed, because I simply don’t know what success means for them. A few months ago I received a photo from an American who wrote in the back that Validor gave him strength and courage to overcome anxiety about a heart surgery that he would make… and few days later I received a message from a Spain, who told me that after a car accident, he sat a year in bed and listening only to Validor and Manowar because that was giving him motivate to get up and walk again… Beyond the positive comments like “epic composition” etc that I have received and honor me, success for me are these two messages which shocked me! This is the biggest success that I never imagined that I would have…

What are your plans for the near future?

I will continue without rush this time with the third Validor album. A thrash metal album under the name “Castigation” and one more surprise… Maybe a live show also in the future…

Last words…

Thank you very much for the opportunity you gave me to talk about the new album, but above all for your support from the beginning of Validor. I would also like to thank Iron On Iron Records for the full respect they showed in me. I asked one thing, they gave me ten! Our art work designer, Eleni Papadea entered my soul and created the art I had in my soul. So simple! Vlastos and Tsilios devoted to what they had to do with passion and the result is a great digipack CD with an amazing cover and an incredible booklet! Beyond that, I have to thank also Greg Varsamis for everything he has done. Hails!

 Validor Official Facebook Page

WARLORD Tribute & LORDIAN GUARD Anthology on the way

There is on the way a tribute to Warlord album that will be released in digital (iTunes, Amazon, eMusic) and CD format from Metal Breed Records USA.

The bands that already are announced, are:
4bitten - Penny For A Poor Man
InnerWish - Black Mass
Angelo Perlepes' Mystery - Child Of The Damned 
Dark Nova - Sons Of A Dream
and more will come.  

For dates on the confirmed 2013 Warlord shows click HERE 

Tickets for the show in Athens, April 27, 2013 are available at Ticket House, No Remorse and Sirens Records. 
You can also order your ticket online HERE

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There is also a Lordian Guard Anthology on the way, including both Lordian Guard albums, "Lordian Guard" & "Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God", plus the "Lordian Winds" demo and bonus material. It will be released in late December 2012 through No Remorse Records in a limited edition of 1000 copies. More details are coming soon.

 

Up The Hammers Special Edition Chapter II

The countdown has begun...
for Up The Hammers Special Edition Chapter II at October 14, 2012, at Kyttaro Live Club (Ipeirou 48, Athens)

For this event, the might Manilla Road will perform a special 3 hours set, including the album "Open The Gates" in its entirety. 


Running order:
Doors open 18:00
Midnight Priest 18:15 – 18:50
War Dance 19:05 – 19:40
Etrusgrave 19:55 – 20:30
Dark Nightmare 20:45– 21:25
Manilla Road 21:45 - end

Ticket Price: 30 euro
Presale: Ticket House, No Remorse, Sirens Records

Up The Hammers organizer's announcement:

"Up The Hammers Festival, starting from October 14, will forbid the use of iPhones, Smartphones and any kind of cameras. We are not against technology but someone must make a move to stop the madness. You can enjoy the gig without posting on Facebook a video the second after you get out the venue. We need your support in that and respect our decision."

For those who are interested, visit HERE to preorder the festival t-shirt for a discounted Facebook presale for 12 euro instead of 15 euro at the festival. Make a post with the size required and your real name and get it at the festival. No need to pay in advance, just get what you ordered, but "attend" only if you really will be there to get your t-shirt.

WARLORD - SONS OF A DREAM MUSIC LLC

SONS OF A DREAM MUSIC LLC official announcement:

SONS OF A DREAM MUSIC LLC is pleased to announce the worldwide re-release of Warlord’s “Deliver Us” in order to celebrate its 30^th Anniversary.

“Deliver Us’, one of the most influential releases in the history of Heavy Metal music, underwent copious restoration and remastering in order to be presented in its intended form. For the first time in almost 30 years, SONS OF A DREAM MUSIC LLC had access to the original ¼ tape masters and will present the album in its entirety (including the often overlooked, speed-infused epic “Mrs. Victoria”) unlike the original US release. Not stopping at the audio quality, the now-classic cover also went through an extensive restoration and will be presented in all its canvas-quality glory.

The album will be offered on September 30^th, 2012, initially via iTunes in special “Mastered for iTunes” DigitalLP format, AmazonMP3, eMusic, GooglePlay, Zune Marketplace and other major e-tailers worldwide.

CD as well LP releases will follow soon thereafter.

This SONS OF A DREAM MUSIC LLC release, marks the first in a series of Warlord releases that will bring the glory of Warlord’s music to the 21^th century, making all their music available once again and allowing a new generation of fans to be exposed to the haunting melodies of William J Tsamis and thundering drumming of Mark Zonder.

Fully following William J Tsamis and Mark Zonder’s wishes, SONS OF A DREAM MUSIC LLC will price all releases in all formats competitively, allowing fans with limited budget access to these otherwise unreachable until now epic works.

SONS OF A DREAM MUSIC LLC, listening to fans requests, is currently working to secure the best possible physical distribution in order to make CDs and LPs available to as many fans as possible.

For more information regarding SONS OF A DREAM MUSIC LLC, William J Tsamis, Mark Zonder, interview requests and media kits, email Warlord Management / SONS OF A DREAM MUSIC LLC attn: Phoebus Dokos at: warlordmanagement@gmail.com

For the confirmed 2013 Warlord live shows, click on the photo:

On other news, during November it will be released for first time officially from No Remorse Records on CD format (limited to 500 copies) the personal project of William J Tsamis called "Sea of Tranquility". It was recorded during 1993-1994 and was originally spread back then among very few friends of William J Tsamis via mail. "Sea of Tranquility" contains keyboards' recordings in New Age style and among these songs there are some melodies that later were used in Lordian Guard songs. William J Tsamis considers this music as the music of his heart and in the booklet of the CD release, there will be detailed written all the story behind it's creation and the time William J Tsamis compose it. The remaster of these songs is already completed by Nick Papakostas at Entasis Studio.

"Sea of Tranquility was written during a time of great despair in my life - indeed during a time of deep contemplation. It is music for the contemplative listener and music for the inspiration. I have always told people that if they truly want to understand who I am, then they should listen carefully to Sea of Tranquility. It is within those compositions where my soul lives."

William J Tsamis