Interviews

MR: I’m here with Russell Allen from Symphony X and that was a killer show you guys did tonight. What do you think the crowd reaction was like?

Russell Allen: Oh, it was great being that this is a late, late show; I mean it’s after 1 [o'clock] you know, and what it’s now? After 3 o’clock in the morning? It was pretty rowdy dude.

MR: Is this reaction typical of all the shows you’ve been playing on tour?

RA: Yeah pretty much. They’ve been good crowds. They’re not, you know, maybe the biggest crowds we’ve played in front of but we didn’t go into this expecting that. We wanted to get our show tight for Europe and the fans. They [the fans] know, they read the net; they came here and went all out. Those are the ones we’re really happy they came and supported us. It was a great turnout tonight and I’m not surprised. Every night has been intimate and rockin’ and we’ve had a great time on this tour.

MR: How was Seven Witches?

RA: They’re a great bunch of guys, you know, we were already friends with Jack Frost and a couple members of the band. So it’s been a great thing. They’re great people and the music’s cool.

MR: What has the response to “The Odyssey” been like?

RA: It’s been phenomenal for the band so far, especially here in America. I think more than “V;” it’s outsold it already only within a couple of months of its release. It’s doing really well. We’re really happy with it. In Europe, it’s doing great. Everybody seems to like it.

MR: This is the fourth time I’ve seen you guys. The first time was kind of abrupt. It was at the Gods of Metal festival and the rain blew your equipment and you guys had to cut your set short.

RA: Yeah, that was terrible.

MR: This was, I have to say, the best time I’ve seen you guys ever and…

RA: Really? Thank you!

MR: How do you feel about touring with Stratovarius?

RA: Great. We feel great about it. We’re excited to be over there with them. They’re a really really great band. They’re really good people and that’s important, you know, when you have to travel on the road for a long time with a bunch of guys who can support you and get along and we like to be treated like a band. We don’t want to have to put up with bullshit and you get what you get with us and we like people that are like that. They’re definitely down to earth guys and it’s great. We’re really honored to be on the bill with them.

MR: Aside from the obvious themes, what other aspects were you trying to bring out on your vocals on this album?

RA: Well I went a lot heavier on this album, you know and...

MR: You’ve been compared to Dio...

RA: Yeah, he’s a big influence of mine and that’s a great comparison in my book. I didn’t try to copy him or anything, he’s just in my blood and I’ve always felt his vocals. He’s always been and inspiration to me and his voice, in my opinion, has been unparalleled in the history of metal. That kind of power, his timbre and his range. I definitely like him and I go a little heavier than he does but I don’t know, maybe it’s 'cause I’m a bigger guy or if I can growl a little harder. He’s a great guy though. He’s so powerful. As for a comparison? I welcome all that, you know.

MR: Finally, talk about working for Medieval Times? [Note: Medieval Times is a dinner theater establishment]

RA: Yeah, everyone wants to know about that now that I don’t work there anymore. (laughs) Well that was a big part of my life, you know. I worked there for ten years. I had to learn all the history and customs of knights. It was a fun time and I made a lot of memories.

MR: I’m here with Michael Romeo of Symphony X and your guitar is covered in blood. Tell us about that.

Michael Romeo: Oh man, it was a rough night, dude. On the bus, I was reaching through my bag, looking for toothpaste or something and I guess there was an open razor on the bottom of my bag and I’m reaching around and man, I just felt it. All the way around my finger. I think I need stitches.

MR: Regardless, How do you think the show went tonight?

Romeo: Considering all the things like this, it was ok, it was alright. It was a long day today. I thought we were good, yeah we were great. I was just trying to have some fun and this finger thing didn’t help. We’re also playing so late and there have been so many bands and you had to sit around all day. We were good. We had fun, that’s all.

MR: I hope you heal in time for the upcoming tour with Stratovarius. How do you feel about playing with them?

Romeo: Pretty good. They’re good guys. We’re pretty good friends with those guys. They’re a good band and we’re playing some pretty nice places. I think it’ll be good and I think it’ll be a lot of fun.

MR: The new album is a lot harder than “V.” Was that intentional or was it something that just happened?

Romeo: We just said, like with “V” it was a concept album and we didn’t want to do that again and we just said let’s get back into some of the stuff we grew up with. A little more guitars, vocals, heavier riffs and that kind of thing. Yeah, it just happened.

MR: And how has the response been?

Romeo: It’s been really good I think. I think it’s been really good.

MR: Can you give me your thoughts on the metal scene in the US compared to the metal scene in Europe compared to the metal scene in Japan?

Romeo: That’s hard to do. I mean it’s so just different. Here, I think it’s coming back. There’s more stuff and more bands and some of the tours are doing well. So in Europe, it’s a lot different. That kind of stuff is still really popular. I think it’s popular here I just don’t think it’s out in the public eye so much. There are definitely fans for it though.

MR: How did you secure the deal for ProgPower IV and what are your expectations?

Romeo: I just kind of heard about it today. (laughs) I don’t even know what’s going on. I know we were asked to do it and we’ve been on the road for a week or two.

Christina Romeo (his wife): 10 days.

M: Whatever. We haven’t really been in touch and I think they probably talked to our manager. I’m sure it’s all good but I just don’t know all the details. I’ll probably know everything tomorrow.

MR: Finally, For all the aspiring guitar players out there, what equipment do you use?

Romeo: For live, I’m using the ESP Mark II’s and a Line 6 Vetta head. It’s pretty good, you know, I’ve still got to tweak a little bit here and there but it’s really good and it does so much stuff. It’s nice and compact.

MR: Thanks alot.

Romeo: No Problem.

There are 4 comments on this interview. Last one on Tue Jun 15, 2010 3:17 am
View and Post comments