A metal institution, Corrosion of Conformity have consisted of many guises over their four decade history. Their most enduring however, has been the four-piece 'Deliverance' line-up, featuring Pepper Keenan out front. Featuring founders Mike Dean on bass and guitarist Woody Weatherman, the passing of drummer Reed Mullin in 2020 brought the curtain down on this era. Looking forward, they're bringing back 'In the Arms of God' drummer Stanton Moore for a new album, and are as focused as ever. "We miss him, but it's all part of moving forward", says Woody as we sit down for a chat. We caught up with the guitarist and bass man Mike Dean ahead of their Dublin show to talk about the passing of Reed, and what lies ahead. Pearls before swine; Eamon O'Neill.
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Following on from 2021's 'Warewolves of Portland', Paul Gilbert is back with an unashamed passion project. Celebrating the musical output of one of metal's greatest singers, 'The Dio Album' is an instrumental interpretation of some of his most well-known works. Taking in Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and of course, Dio itself, the project found the guitarist learning from the greats, from Ronnie to Geezer Butler; "I wanted the greatest guitar teacher in the world, and that, of course, is Ronnie James Dio", he tells us as we sit down for a chat over Zoom. Talking the new album, and plans for Mr. Big's farewell, we caught up with the maestro, Paul Gilbert. Man on the Silver Mountain; Eamon O’Neill.
One of the most celebrated underground acts in rock, Kings X never quite achieved the commercial success that many believed they were destined for. Formed in Missouri in 1979, they released their debut ‘Out of the Silent Planet’ via the Megaforce label a decade later, and signed to major label Atlantic a few years after that. Prolific in the early part of their career, the three piece – Doug Pinnick, [bass, vocals] Jerry Gaskill [drums, vocals], and Ty Tabor [guitar, vocals] – returned in 2022 with their thirteenth studio album ‘Three Sides of One’. We caught up with Doug at the Metal Hall of Fame in California, for a quick chat about their career. Mr. Bulbous; Eamon O’Neill.
Recently releasing Vai / Gash, the biker-rock inspired album that sat “on the shelf” for over three decades, guitar virtuoso Steve Vai has been looking back with fondness over his past. In part one of our chat, we got the background on how and why the album came about. For part two, we delve deeper, taking a look back at his ‘90s albums and plans for their reissue, his unexpected 2022 onstage reunion with Whitesnake, and in an EXCLUSIVE, learn details about the unreleased album he recorded with Ozzy Osbourne. In the ultra zone; Eamon O’Neill.
Steve Vai is a man who rarely look back to his past, but that’s exactly what he’s doing with Vai / Gash. Overcome with a desire to rip out the type of straight-ahead rock record that enthralled him as a teen, in 1991 he began working with close friend and fellow biker Johnny ‘Gash’ Sombrotto for what would become Vai / Gash. With other projects coming to the fore and Sombrotto’s untimely passing in the late 1990s, the project however, remained on the shelf until now. We caught up with Steve to chat all about the record, as well as planned reissues, and other revelations from his career in part one of a special two-part in depth interview. In the fire garden; Eamon O’Neill.
As the creator of Eddie The Head, Iron Maiden's universally recognisable mascot, Derek Riggs holds a special place in the hearts of rock and metal fans around the globe. Creating the cover art for the band exclusively for their first decade, his images were as defining and striking as the music itself. From 'The Trooper' to 'The Number of the Beast' and 'Killers', the Porstmouth born artist's work remains utterly iconic, and can be seen on sleeves, t shirts, posters, and countless other places years after they first appeared. We caught up with Derek for a rare interview at Pasadena Comic Con, to chat about Eddie, and his evolution as an artist. Running free; Eamon O’Neill.
Stepping into The Neverland Express, Meat Loaf’s band in the early 2000s, guitarist Paul Crook never could have imagined how long he’d work with the larger than life performer. Going on to become his producer, confidant, friend, and longest serving six-stringer, Paul is now proudly flying the flag for the late singer’s incredible legacy. “He was my buddy”, he tells us as we sit down for a chat over Zoom; “I just loved being around him. It was just always a pleasure”. Bringing the officially-endorsed Celebrating Meat Loaf tour to the U.K. in May 2023, there’s clearly plenty to talk about. There’s also the small matters of his time in Anthrax, and the much-mooted John Bush Bushthrax tour, and his involvement. Covering all this and more, we get in depth with Paul Crook. In a zone; Eamon O’Neil.
Formed shortly after the break-up of Mr. Bungle, Trevor Dunn’s Trio-Convulsant consists of the titular bassist and composer along with guitarist Mary Halvorson and drummer / percussionist Ches Smith. Releasing one album in 2004, the experimental avant-jazz three piece have added the strings and flutes of Folie à Quatre for ‘Séances’, their first album in 18 years. It’s been a labour of love for Dunn, who’s also been busy with Tomahawk, Mr. Bungle, and his recently launched Riverworm Records of late. We caught up with the amiable creative for a chat about all of the above. No place like home; Eamon O’Neill.
Anthrax co-leader, and multi-instrumentalist, Charlie Benante has been a key member of the Big Four icons since their inception in 1981. Taking a step away from the mothership during the past year of the pandemic, the audiophile has assembled a cast of musical friends to record ‘Silver Linings’, a collaborative covers set which features an eclectic mix of tracks from the likes of U2, Massive Attack, Fleetwood Mac and more. We sat down with Charlie to chat the new album, his love of U2, and Anthrax’s plans for 2021. In a zone; Eamon O’Neill
Recorded on the Turks & Caicos Islands in February 2020, Smith / Kotzen sees Iron Maiden’s Adrian Smith team with The Winery Dogs’ Richie Kotzen for a set of modern, hooky blues rock. A consummate collaboration between these two highly respected musicians, the pair share lead vocals and trade off on guitar and bass duties throughout the record, to fabulous effect. We sat down with Richie for a chat about the making of the album, delve into his guitar collection, and find out what’s happening with The Winery Dogs. Taking chances; Eamon O’Neill.
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