Damnation Angels Interview

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

Well since the recording of Bringer Of Light and signing with Massacre Records we took some time to tie up some loose ends such as finding a good manager as well as promotion and re-mastering the album ready for the release on Feb 22nd. In more recent time we have been making preparations to begin rehearsal for our upcoming UK tour in March/April and brewing possible world tours. As always there's new material in the works too.


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

Will: The main difference between Shadow Symphony and Bringer Of Light production wise is the weight of the mix. We made a very deliberate attempt to try and steer away from the generic power metal/symphonic standard and style of production which is a little thin for our taste. So to counter that we made sure to have a very big drum and guitar sound to match the orchestra and also made sure one did not bury the other. We also wanted a very clear loud, dare I say it almost "poppy" vocal mix to make sure they were very clear in the mix. I think we did a pretty good job. Musically the album is far more advanced and expressive than anything we've done before and I think we found our own sound too.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores

Will: We explore a lot of things ranging from the human spirit to war related things like for instance Pride (The Warrior's way) to what we leave behind when we die, Shadow Symphony. Some times I'm influenced by past events or even films or books but most of the songs are original fictional stories so to speak.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

Will: It came from reading and being interested in Illuminati conspiracy, the whole demons and angels apocalyptic theme.

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

I would like to think our stage performance is very intense and energetic with a very bombastic rock feel as we all love bands such as Bon Jovi, Metallica and Maiden etc that mixed with a passionate theatrical feel. Every show is a good show, highlighting one is difficult but I'd say one we did in 2010 in London comes to mind, it was PelleK's second show with us and we headlined the Purple Turtle in Camden, it was a great night.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?

Will: Well as mentioned we have a two week UK tour coming up in March/April and we are currently working on booking a US tour for September around the time we play Progpower USA. We are also hoping to add European tour dates and summer festivals between now and the year end.

7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of symphonic metal?

Will: The feedback has been exceptional, we've had very positive reviews from fans and reviewers alike. When we released the Pride (The Warrior's Way) promo video
last March is exploded with views and comments from all over the world. The feedback has been incredible really and with the album just released it's been topping charts on Amazon etc so it's all going very well.

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

Will: We have new material in the works and without giving to much away we are going to be moving further away from what is seen as traditional symphonic and power metal. Taking a simpler song writing approach to maximize sound but without compromising that Damnation Angels epic style of sound.

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

Will: We're influenced by a wide array of bands from different genres etc I never take influence directly from specific bands but I'm mainly influenced by film score music
and traditional heavy metal. The last few albums I've had in heavy rotation are Anthrax - worship music, Wintersun -time 1, the first four W.a.s.p albums and Metallica - the black album.

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

Will: Me and my brother John Graney (the drummer) are big into our weight lifting, mma and I'm also a big football fan, Up the Owls and all that! I know everyone in the band enjoys their gaming too. Music has consumed most of my life at the moment, working on various projects etc that I don't actually have much free time, but I can't complain about that can I!

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

Just to thank you guys for taking the time to ask the questions and the fans for reading them. Also just to generally thank our fans for their constant support and stay posted for future tours and music. See you all on soon!

Devil to Pay/Fate Is Your Muse/Ripple Music/2013 CD Review

  Devil  To  Pay  are  a  band  from  Indiana  that  plays  a  mixture  of  southern  rock,  metal,  and  sludge  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  album  "Fate  Is  Your  Muse"  which  was  released  by  Ripple  Music.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming with  no  blast  beats  being  present  on  this  recording,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  dark  tone  with  riffs  that  follow  the riffing  that  are  coming  out  of  the  guitars  and  at  times  they  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Rhythm guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  southern  rock,  metal  and  sludge  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  with  some  melodies  being  thrown  into  the  riffing   at  times,  while the  lead  guitars  are  blues  rock  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  are  all  clean  singing  hard  rock  vocals,  while  the  lyrics  cover  reincarnation,  reality  and  fantasy  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy  and  professional  sound  to  it.  

  In  my  opinion  Devil  To  Pay  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  southern  rock,  metal,  and  sludge  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should c heck  out  this b and.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Prepare  To  Die"  "Already  Dead"  "Black  Blue  Heart'  and  "Tie  One  On".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.
  

Midnight Idols/Sworn To The Night/Metal On Metal Records/2009 CD Review

  Midnight  Idols  are  a  band  from  Seattle,  Washington  that  plays  a  mixture  of  NWOBHM  and  power  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of t heir  2009  album  "Sworn  To  The  Night"  which  was  released  by  Metal  On  Metal  Records.

  Drums  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  drumming  with  no  blast  beats  being  present  on  this  recording,  while  the  bass  playing  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the recording,  as  for t he  synths  when  they  are  utilized  briefly  they  bring  a  very  sound  to  the  music.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow,  mid  paced  to  fast  riffs  that  combine  NWOBHM  and  old  school  power  metal  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  sounding  classic  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads.

  Vocals  are  all  clean  singing  heavy  metal  vocals,  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  occult  themes,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  dark,  heavy,  old  school  and  professional  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  In  my  opinion  Midnight  Idols  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  NWOBHM,  classic  and  power  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should c heck  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Beyond  The  Darkness"  "Satan's  Lullabye"  and  "Necropolis(City  Of  The  Dead)".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.       

Compendium Of Metal Vol 4/Metal On Metal Records/2011 CD Compilation Review

  This  is  a  review  of  their  4th  volume  of  "Compendium  Of  Metal"  which  was  released  by  Metal  On  Metal  Records  which  was  released  in  2011  and  we  will  review  the  songs  one  by  one.

  Starting  of t he  compilation  is  Heathendoom  with  "An  Angel,  A  Demon  And  A  Dying  God"  another  heavy  and  melodic  song  from  this  power/doom  metal  band.

  Next  up  is  Wishdoom  with  "Up  The  Hammers"  another  long  and  epic  song  from  power/doom  metal  band.

  Next  up  is  Catch  22  with  "Power  Revolution  Mad"  another  great  song  from  this  technical  speed/thrash  metal  band.

  Next  up  is  Meliah  Rage  a  legendary  melodic  thrash  metal  band  with  their  song  "Invincible"  a  very  dark  and  heavy  sounding  song.

  Next  up  is  Bitter  End  a  little  known  technical  sounding  thrash  band  from  the  early  90's  with  the  song  "No  Law".

  Next  up  is  Frankenshed  with  "Metal  Nation":  another  fast  and  heavy  melodic  power/thrash/speed  metal  song  from  this  band.

  Next  up  is  Battlerage  with  "The  Devil's  Wings  Brings  Fire  From  Hell"  another  fast  and  heavy  song  from  this  true  metal  band.

  Next  up is  Outrage  a  band  that  plays  a  mixture  of  thrash  ans  first wave  black  metal  with  their  song  "Rigor  Mortis".

  Next  up  is  Mortalicum    with  "Black  Flame(The  Sinister  Priest)  another  heavy,  dark  and  epic  song  from t his  traditional  doom  metal  band.

  Next  up  is  Ragenheart  with  "Child  Of  Rage"  another  melodic  and  epic  song  from  this  heavy/power  metal  band.

  Next  up  is  Nomad  Sun  with  "Wings  Of  Golgotha"  a  very  long  and  epic  in  length song  from t his  traditional  doom  metal  band.

  Next  up  is  Skelator  with  "For  Death  And  Glory"  a  very  long  and  epic  in  length  song  from  this  speed/power  metal  band.

  Closing  this  compilation  is  Fallen  Angels  with  "Legacy  Of  Pain"  another  heavy  and  old  schhol  sounding  song  from  this  thrash  metal  band.

 In  conclusion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  compilation  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  power, thrash,  speed  and  doom  metal,  you  should  enjoy  this  album.  RECOMMENDED     

Compendium Of Metal Vol. 3/Metal On Metal Records/2019 CD Compilation Review

  This  is  a  review  of  a  2010  compilation  "Compendium  Of  Metal  Vol  3"  which  was  released  by  Metal  On  Metal  Records.

  Opening  up  the  compilation  is  Mortalicum  with  "Inner  Peace"  a  very  dark  and  heavy  doom/power metal  song.

  Next  up  is  Ragenheart  with  "The  Amulet"  a  very  progressive  sounding  power  metal  in  the  old  school  direction.

  Next  up  is  Nomad  Sun  a  band  that  plays  a  very  traditional  form  of  doom  metal  with  a  live  version  of  "Empyrean  Fade".

  Next  up  is  Fallen  Angels  a  band  that  mixes  technical  thrash   with  death  metal  with  their  song  "The  Gates  Of  Irony"  a  very  old  school  metal  song.

  Next  up  with  Skelator  a band that  mixes  speed  and  power  metal  together  with  a  demo  version  "Birth  Of  Steel".

  Next  up  is  Heathendom  a  band  that  combines  power  and  doom  metal  together  with  their  epic  song  "Endistancement  By  The  Null  Postion"  a  very  heavy,  atmospheric  and  melodic  sounding  song.

  Next  up is  Wishdoom  a  band  that  mixes  traditional  metal  with  doom  on  their  song  "Guardians  Of Steel"  a  very  dark,  melodic  and  heavy  sounding  song.

  Next  up  is  Catch  22  a  band  that  plays  a  very  technical  form  of  thrash/speed  metal  with  their  song  "The  Haunting"  a  very  heavy  and  old  school  sounding  song.

  Next  up  is  Brutal  Hand  with  "Earth"  a  very  dark  and  atmospheric  sounding  power/progressive  metal  song.

  Next  up  is  Frankenshed  a  band  that  mixes  neo  classical  with  power,  speed  and  thrash  metal  with  their  song  "The  Haunting".

  Next  up  is  Sesta  Marconi with  "Rock  And  Roll  Voodoo  Style"  a  song  that  mixes  hard  rock  with  doom  metal.

  Next  up  is  Battlerage  a  band  that  combines  heavy  and  power  metal  together  with  "Battlefield  Belongs  To Me"  a  very  old  school  demonstration  in  true  metal.

  Next  up  is  Midnight  Idols  with  "Necropolis(City  Of  The  Dead)"  a  song  that  combines  NWOBHM  with  power  metal.

  Next  up  is  F.K.U  a  band  that  plays  a  very  heavy  and  old  school  mosh  pit  orientated  form  of  thrash  metal  with  "Phantom  Killer  Attack".

  next  up  is  Metal  Law  with  "Metal  Law"  a song  continuing  their  hybrid  of  heavy  and  power  metal  together  in  the  old  school  tradition.

  Closing  the  album  is  another  track  from  Frankenshed  called  "Evil  Shred  Part  3"  with  a  great  amount  of  guitar  solos.

  In  conclussion  I  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  compilation  and  I  would  recommend  it  to  all  fans  of  power,  speed,  thrash  and  doom  metal.  RECOMMENDED.  

  

Compendium Of Metal Vol. 2/Metal On Metal Records/2008 CD Compilation Album Review

  This  is  a  review  of a  2008  compilation  which  was  released  by  Metal  On  Metal  Records  and  we  will  review  the  bands  one  by  one.

  Starting  off  the  compilation  is  F.K.U  a  band  that  plays  a  very  old  school  form  of  thrash  metal  and  they  bring  us  "Twitch  Of  The  Thrash  Nerve"  and  "Horror  Metal  Moshing  Machine"  with  both  of  the  songs  being  old  school  slam  dancing,  moshing  thrash  metal.

  Next  up  is  Midnight  Idol  that  plays  a  very  old  school  form  of   NWOBHM influenced  heavy/power metal bring  their  2  songs  "Bloodied  And  Alone"  and  "Sworn  To  The  Night" which  are  in  the  more  melodic   metal  direction.

  Next  up  is  Battlerage  a  band  that  mixes  heavy  and  power  metal  together  with  their  2  songs  "War  Machine"  and  "Blessed  By  The  Axe"  which  are  in  the  old  school  true  metal  vein.

  Next  up  is  Sesta  Marconi  with  Skeleton's  Party,  a  very  old  school  sounding  power/doom  metal  song.

  Next  up  is  Rachel's  Coven  a  band  that  plays  a  very  old  school  form  of  power  metal  with  their  2  songs  "Reign'  and  "Straight  Between  The  Lies" which  are  very  melodic  sounding  with  some  70's  sounding  organs.

  Next  up  is  Brutal  Hand  a  band  that  mixes  heavy,  progressive  and power  metal  together  with  their  2  songs  "Blood  Thirst"  and  "Out  Of  Time" with t he  songs  being  heavy,  dark  and  old  school  sounding.

  Next  up is  Catch  22  a  band  that  plays  a  very  technical  of  power/thrash  metal  with  their  song  "T.F.A"  a  very  old  school  sounding  thrash/speed  metal  tune.

  Next  up  is  Heathendom  a  band  that  plays  a  very  old  school  form  of  doom/power  metal  with  their  song  "Prescience  Of  The  End"  a  very  dark,  melodic  and  heavy  song.

  Next  up  is  Nomad  Sun  with  "Seven  Noes  In  Black"  a  more  traditional  sounding  doom  metal  song.

  Next  up  is  Fallen  Angels  a  band  that  combines  technical  thrash  with  death  metal  with  their  song "Slaves  In  Worlds"  a  song  that  is  very  heavy  and  old  school  sounding.

  Next  up  is  Metal  Law  a  band  that  combines  traditional  and  power  metal  together  with  their  song "Open  The  Gates  Of  Hell"  a  very  old  school  sounding  classic  metal  song.

  Closing  the  compilation  is  Skelator  a  band  that  mixes  speed  and  power  metal  together  with  "Stormbringer  And  Mournblade".

  In  conclusion  i  feel  this  is  a  very  great  sounding  compilation  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  power,  thrash,  speed,  and  doom,  you  should  enjoy  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  BUY.



  

Ragen Heart/Self Titled/Metal On Metal Records/2010 CD Review

  Ragen  Heart  are  a  band  from  Greece  that  plays  a  melodic  form  of  power/progressive  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2010  album  which  was  released  by  Metal  On  Metal  Records.

 Drums  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  drumming  with  no  fast  playing  or blast  beats  being  present  on  this  recording,  while  the  keyboards  bring  a  very  progressive  sound  to  the  album,  as  for  the  bass  playing  it  has  a  very  strong  and  powerful  sound  with  heavy  riffing  that  dominates  throughout  the  recording.

  Rhythm  guitars  range  from  slow  to  mid  paced  riffs  that  combine  power  and  progressive  metal  together  to  create  a  sound  of  their  own  with  a  good  amount  of  melody  being  thrown  into  the  riffing,  while  the  lead  guitars  are  very  melodic  sounding  power  metal  guitar  solos  and  leads,  as  for  the  acoustic  guitars  when  they  are  utilized  they  use  finger  picking  and full  chords  to  add  more  epic  qualities  to  the  music.

  Vocals  are  all  clean  singing  power  metal  vocals,  while t he  lyrics  cover  Greek  Mythology  and  Religion,  as  for  the  production  it  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy,  and  professional  sound  where you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  this  recording.

  In  my  opinion  Ragen  Heart  are  a  very  great  sounding  progressive  power  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Child  Of  Rage"  "Spartan"  "Talos"  and  "The  Amulet".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.