Satan Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

Brian – SATAN is alive and well.  We are rehearsing for up-coming shows and really enjoying it.  It’s great to be working together again.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?

Brian – We wanted to re-create the sound and feel of “Court In The Act, write the album that we should have written back in 1984.  When we did it, it was actually easier than we had thought it would be.

Steve-  We made sure the production was punchy  and that the album sounded the band do live. It was written to be the follow up to Court In The Act if the lineup had stayed in tact.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the new release?

Brian – “Court In The Act” was a collection of songs about victims.  “Life Sentence” expands that theme a little more and encompasses the consequences of certain situations brought about by individuals or events.

Steve – Injustice was always a common theme with Satan, hence the judge figure.

4. The band has been broken up a few times, what was the cause of the split and the decision to reform?

Brian -  We initially broke up because of differing opinions on the direction that the band should go in and whether or not we should change the name of the band. We couldn’t agree so we went our separate ways. The guys recruited Lou Taylor and changed the name to BLIND FURY.  I went on to reform BLITZKRIEG.  Although we were no longer working together, we remained friends so when the chance came to reform SATAN it was not a difficult thing to do.  In fact when we started rehearsing for the Wacken show it seemed only like “yesterday” that we had last worked together.  It came together very quickly.  We had all enjoyed it so much that when it was suggested that we should write a new album, we just felt that it was the natural thing to do.

Steve –  On the initial release of Court In The Act thwe album wasn’t that well received by the press, especially here in the UK. Being young and impression able we thought we were doing something wrong and needed to change. In hindsight is wasn’t a good idea.

5. The band was a part of the NWOBHM movements, what are your thoughts on the musical genres that have popped up since then?

Brian  - I prefer to call it “Pure British Metal”.  That is what SATAN and BLITZKRIEG are.  It is what I do and I love it.  Other genres have come and gone.  Some were good, some were bad, but music always seems to return to traditional values at some point.

Steve – I can think of good and bad bands in all different styles. As long as its metal then it should have its voice.

6. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

Brian – I personally think that our performances at Wacken and KIT were our best so far.

Steve – We’ve always been able to create this great kind of frantic energy live. We even noticed this at the first rehearsal when we got back together. Keep It True 2011 in Germany was a great show.

7. Do you have any touring plans for the new release?

Brian – We are going to Canada soon and then return to Europe for some shows.  We are negotiating more shows at the moment and they will be announced as soon as we can.

Steve – We’re already being able to book shows in territories that we haven’t played in before like Sweden and Canada. So far the feedback is very positive and more shows will be added.

8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your new album by fans of metal?

Brian – So far I have only read reviews by the press, but they seem to like it.  I cannot wait to hear the opinions of the fans.  They have waited 30 years for this album, it is their album, we wrote it for them.  I hope they like it!

Steve – The album reviews all over the world have been fantastic and nothing negative so far.

9. What is going on with the other musical projects these days?

Brian – I am busy writing and recording  a new BLITZKRIEG album with the new line-up of the band.  Paul, Phil and Guy recently left to concentrate on other things and I wish them the best of luck with whatever they are doing.  Ken Johnson stayed in the band and we have been joined by Bill Baxter on Bass, Mick Kerrigan on Drums and my son, Alan Ross on Guitar.  I am also involved with my solo band METALIZER and I hope to record an album with that band next year.

Steve – We have finished writing most of the next Skyclad album and hope to record that early next year.

10. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

Brian – If I have anything to do with it, it will be more “Pure British Metal” for both SATAN and BLITZKRIEG.

11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Brian – I was influenced by many bands when I was younger but now I think I follow my own thoughts and create what comes along in a process with the rest of my band mates.

Steve – With Satan we have gone back to our roots which was early Judas Priest, early Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and Rush. There are a couple of rairly recent bands that I’m into at the moment but I wouldn’t say they influence what I write. I like Breed 77 which is a kind of flamenco style metal and Clutch and Perfect Circle among others.

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Brian – Working with SATAN, BLITZKRIEG and METALIZER means that I don’t have much time outside of music these days.

Steve – Yeah, we’re all pretty much full on with our music projects. To relax I like stand up comedy and attend  a few shows. Then there’s the usual reading etc.

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Brian – I personally think that both SATAN and BLITZKRIEG have the most loyal fans that any band could wish for.  They are there at our shows, and they buy the albums. They are always there for us and we love them for it. SATAN and The KRIEG salutes you. Keep it Metal.