Overlorde
Overlorde is not a new
sensation coming from the U.S. but it's a classic heavy metal band existing
since the 80s. Back then the circumstances weren't the ideal to allow them
to achieve worldwide recognition, but only the true underground fans had
the chance to come across this amazing band. Now, in 2005 the guys without
changing their music at all or making any sort of compromises strike again
and we hope they manage to win the reputation they deserve!!!! Here's
what Mark edwards told us...
1. HELLO! MY CONGRATULATIONS FORT YOUR GREAT
NEW ALBUM! SO, NOW THAT THE SNOW GIANTS HAVE RETURNED HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT
IT? IS THERE ANYTHING THAT YOU’D LIKE TO CHANGE ON THE ALBUM?
Hail Nikos! Thank you for the chance to do
this interview! And thank you for your kind words! We feel great about
the album. While there are some small things we would have liked to have
done differently on the CD, we are overall very happy with how it turned
out.
2. OVERLORDE STARTED THEIR CAREER IN THE MID/LATE
80’S AND NOW WE HAVE 2005. HOW DIFFERENT WERE THE 80’S FROM NOWADAYS? DO
YOU BELIEVE THAT HEAVY METAL MUSIC HAS EVOLVED AND HAS BECOME BETTER OR
WORSE AND WHY?
Well in the 80’s the metal world seemed to
revolve around the UK. Now it seems the metal world revolves around Germany.
I think heavy metal has for sure evolved. Some is better, some not. It
depends on the genre and personal taste. I will say that the choice is
much greater now than in the 80’s.
3. SINCE YOU ARE FROM THE U.S.A., A COUNTRY THAT
IS MAINLY RULED BY TRENDS, HOW ARE THINGS FOR CLASSIC HEAVY METAL OVER
THERE? HAVE THE SITUATIONS IMPROVED? DO YOU HAVE METAL FANS THAT ARE INTERESTED
IN LISTENING TO MORE CLASSIC METAL MUSIC?
Here in America the scene was also very strong
and in the area we lived, New Jersey, it was very very hot. Currently the
scene here in the US is a shadow of itself. Though I think it is rebuilding
and I sense a resurgence coming this year.
4. ONE OTHER THING THAT I REALLY LIKE TO STAND
UPON IS THAT YOU HAVE MANAGED TO KEEP YOUR ORIGINAL 80’S SOUND WITHOUT
ADDING ANY MODERN ELEMENTS (SOMETHING THAT MANY BANDS FROM U.S.A. DO IN
ORDER TO BE MORE SUCCESSFUL). HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO DO THAT? HAVE YOU EVER
BEEN TEMPTED TO DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT?
No, we were not tempted. For one thing we
were, we were driven by the desire to release the CD we had intended to
release in the 80’s. Another thing is that all the songs had been written
in the 80’s. And finally, we reunited because the fans demanded it and
wanted more of what was shown on the 1987 EP. We knew very well that bands
who experiment too much or try to appeal to a bigger audience lose their
core following. We know not to do that. We also knew that we had something
special to offer anyway. Overlorde isn’t exactly the “common power metal
band” to begin with.
5. AFTER THE BAND DISBANDED IN 1989 SINCE YOUR
REUNION, I READ IN YOUR BIO THAT YOU HAD DONE VARIOUS MUSICAL PROJECTS.
CAN YOU TELL US A FEW THINGS ABOUT THEM? WHICH OF YOUR PROJECTS DO YOU
THINK WAS YOUR MORE INTERESTING WORK AND WHY? DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS FOR
NEW PROJECTS?
The projects never really amounted to much.
Neither Kong, Dave nor myself ever got signed or did anything of importance.
The most interesting thing I did was instrumental heavy rock recordings
in the vein of Joe Satriani. You can check some of it out at www.meflyingv.com.
I hope to release those some day as well as find avenues to release my
other music. But only as time allows outside of Overlorde.
6. NOW LET’S TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE ALBUM.
SOME OF THE SONGS HERE WERE ALSO INCLUDED IN YOUR EP (1987) AND ON THE
DEMO THAT YOU HAVE RELEASED IN 2000. ARE THESE COMPOSITIONS THE SAME AS
THEY WERE IN YOUR PREVIOUS RELEASES OR HAVE YOU CHANGED THEM AND HOW?
We re-recorded them. They are basically the
same. Of course the EP songs are different because Bobby is singing them.
7. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LYRICS? HOW IMPORTANT
ARE LYRICS FOR YOU AS A BAND? CAN YOU TELL US IN A FEW WORDS WHAT IS THE
STORY BEHIND EACH SONG?
Well we of course want interesting lyrics,
and to keep the songs varied a bit. Kong, Bobby and me have all written
lyrics. Here is the breakdown:
AND THE BATTLE BEGINS…- Just a short
instrumental intro. This is the only new song on the CD.
SNOW GIANT- About a warrior king residing
in the frozen north protecting his kingdom from invaders.
HELL HATH NO FURY- This was inspired
by the “Alexis” character, played by Joan Collins in the “Dynasty” TV series
during the 80’s. A woman who gets what she wants at any cost.
STARTCASTLE- About a kingdom in the
sky. This was actually part of a theme album I had started writing in my
very early days but never finished.
WHEN HE COMES- About Armageddon. When
Satan comes and Christ returns to save the earth.
METALLIC MADNESS- About the dangers
of machines taking over.
BLACKNESS- This was the first set of
lyrics Bobby wrote when he joined the band. He wrote new lyrics for music
we had back in the 80’s. It’s about a prisoner escaping the “blackness”
of his prison, escaping the wasteland.
OGRE WIZARD- This song was inspired
by Queen’s OGRE BATTLE. About a wizard who commands an Ogre army and pillages
the surrounding villages.
MARK OF THE WOLF- Told from the viewpoint
of a man as he goes through the experience of becoming a werewolf.
MY DISEASE- About addiction.
TRAPPED BY MAGIC- About a man who takes
a midnight walk and encounters a ragged old man. The man tells him a story
that hypnotizes him and reveals to him a grand story of destruction and
hope. The man is left wondering if the experience was real or just a dream.
COLOSSUS (ISLAND OF THE CYCLOPS) -
The story of Sinbad the Sailor and his battle with the Cyclops.
OVERLORDE- Our theme song. About medieval
Overlords conquering and such.
8. AS A BAND YOU HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE QUEENSRYCHE
TRIBUTE. DO YOU KNOW WHEN IT WILL BE RELEASED? FOR WHICH OTHER BANDS WOULD
YOU LIKE TO DO A COVER SONG? IS ANY EUROPEAN METAL BAND THAT YOU’D LIKE
TO COVER ONE OF ITS SONGS AND WHY (I DON’T MEAN JUDAS PRIEST, IRON MAIDEN
AND BLACK SABBATH)?
We have no idea. I think the main issue is
that Siegen records needs a reliable distributor. As far as other bands,
bands that are not “major” acts? I can’t think of any right now.
9. LET ME CHANGE A LITTLE BIT THE QUESTION AND
ASK YOU IF ONE DAY A TRIBUTE ALBUM WOULD BE DONE FOR YOU, WHICH BANDS WOULD
YOU LIKE TO PARTICIPATE? ARE ANY NEW BANDS THAT YOU’D ALSO LIKE TO COVER
YOUR SONGS? CAN YOU NAME THEM?
Wow, that’s a new question. I can’t say exactly.
There are some cool bands out there. We’d be honored by any band that wanted
to participate. I’m sorry I can’t give you a better answer!
10. THE OVERLORDE EP HAS BECOME A COLLECTORS ITEM.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT IT? DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS FOR RE-RELEASING IT, PERHAPS
WITH BONUS MATERIAL FOR THE PEOPLE THAT DON’T HAVE IT?
We are very glad it got such a great reputation.
If it had not, we probably would never have reunited and we would not be
doing this interview. We do have the idea to re-release it at some point,
just not sure when.
11. I IMAGINE THAT YOU HAD PROPOSALS FROM MANY
LABELS, BUT I WANT TO KNOW WHY YOU CHOSE SONIC AGE FROM GREECE THAT IS
A NEW LABEL AND FAR AWAY FROM THE CENTRAL EUROPE? ARE YOU SATISFIED WITH
THE GUYS TILL NOW?
We are very satisfied with Sonic Age. They
have a very sincere desire to promote true metal and a very professional
approach to making their label a success. We chose them because it was
obvious they had great respect for us and we were able to come to a satisfactory
agreement. It also seemed right since the founder, Manos Koufakis, is the
one person most responsible for our reuniting back in 2000.
12. NOW THIS QUESTION IS FOR YOU BOBBY, CAN YOU
TELL ME WHY YOU LEFT SEVEN WITCHES SINCE YOU HAVE A GREAT VOICE? DO YOU
STILL HAVE GOOD RELATIONS WITH JACK FROST? HAVE YOU LISTENED TO THE NEW
ALBUM OF SEVEN WITCHES? WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT IT?
Bobby: I quit Seven Witches after recording
the second album ("City Of Lost Souls"). The reasons for my leaving were
mainly because Jack Frost with my joining the guysfrom Eternity X to form
to form the new pro-power band Exhibition. This never made sense to me
since jack was involved in 3 other projects besides Witches at the time
(Bronx Casket Co., Speeed and Metalium). I was bored sitting around waiting
to do some shows in the States or festivals in Europe (as Massacre kept
promising) - but it never happened because Jack was always busy promoting
himself and not Witches. But I was cool with it - he had lots of
friends and lots of conncetions beginning to happen at the time and I knew
in the end it would benefit us as a band. But when I joined Exhibition
had no intentions of quitting Witches! I was just staying busy! jack got
angry about it a second time when Exhibition got booked for Powermad 3
in Baltimore (metal festival)and that was the final straw for me. No one
tells me what I can or can't do in this business. Also, my songwriting
got cut down significantly on the second Witches record. I write music
as well us vocals (I play guitar as well). On "Second War In Heaven" I
co-wrote on 4.5 songs - on "City" I was allowed only 2 songs and I had
more songs to offer. Basically I was told "That's the way it goes sometimes".
As far as the Witches records without me on them, I think they are great
albums. Jack is a great writer and can always find a grat singer to work
with! We have ironed out our problems and we are still friends today. I
have gotten on stage with Witches twicea little while back - at Classic
Metal fest 1 in Ohio and again in Irvington, N.L on Halloween night at
Classic Metal fest 2 in Ohio. I had the honor of being able to sing with
two guys I love as singers - Bob Mitchell from Attacker and and James Rivera
from Helstar! All three of us did "Diamonds and Rust" by Priest! Bob and
James are such great guys - I was not worthy! I worshipped their
bands when I was just a young punk starting out at 16 years old! I also
had the honor of appearing on jack Frost's solo record "Raise Your Fist
To Metal". He and I co-wrote the song "The Brotherhood Of Lies" which kicks
major ass! I wrote the lyrics based on a film that inspired me called "Brotherhood
Of The Wolf" - a French horror/martial arts film you should all see! Jack
did an awesome job producing his album - also the Witches stuff too. he
has become quite the producer as well as a great guitarist! I owe Jack
a lot - he is the one who got me out there! He noticed my voice first and
I'll never forget that. I hope to maybe have him produce my new band Morbid
Sin. We just completed a 3 song demo which I will send to Jack. Go to www.morbidsin.com
for more on Sin!
13. FROM YOUR BIO I UNDERSTOOD THAT YOU
LIKE TO READ FANTASY BOOKS. SO WHICH IS THE MOST RECENT BOOK THAT YOU READ
AND YOU LIKE A LOT AND WHY?
It’s been a while since I read anything. But
it was one of the books in the WHEEL OF TIME series by Robert Jordan. I
can’t recall if I’m up to # 8 or #9. I like this series because they are
not just limited to a “trilogy”. Also, it’s not “black and white” as to
who is the good or the bad guy. There are religious politics, etc mixed
in. Many more layers than the average fantasy book.
14. DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS FOR LIVE SHOWS? WILL
YOU COME TO GREECE OR ISN’T ANYTHING CERTAIN YET?
We have a few shows in the works. We just
returned from our debut European performance at KEEP IT TRUE IV metalfest
in Germany. It was great! Hopefully this will lead to additional shows.
And while we were there someone did mention a possible show in Greece,
so we shall see…
15. MANY MUSICIANS CLAIM THAT THEY ONLY PLAY THE
MUSIC THEY LIKE WITHOUT CARING ABOUT THE FANS. DON’T YOU THINK THAT THIS
KIND STATEMENTS SOUND A LITTLE BIT SELFISH? WHAT WOULD YOU DO IN CASE YOUR
MUSIC COULDN’T “MOVE” THE METAL FANS? WOULD YOU QUIT OR WOULD YOU TRY TO
CHANGE YOUR STYLE?
Well, a band should be honest to itself. If
a band started out playing the music it likes, and that doesn’t change,
then there should never be a problem. In our case, I think we’ll worry
about our fans and not the general “metal fans”. Our main concern is pleasing
them.
16. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR REPLYING! IS THERE
ANYTHING ELSE THAT YOU’D LIKE TO MENTION AND I DIDN’T ASK YOU? LEAVE A
MESSAGE TO THE READERS OF BEHIND THE VEIL…
Thank you again for your support, Nikos!
On behalf of Overlorde I’d like to say “HAIL” to all your readers, and
invite them to visit www.overlorde.com
to learn more about us. Or they can write to us at our address below. I’d
also invite your readers to join FORCE RECON, if they would like to help
promote the CD. I’d like to send a “Hail and Huzzah” out to all the
Greek members of FORCE RECON, including Pathfinders Nikos Bestas, Dimitris
Giannakopoulos, and Ranger Theodosis Moiras. Thank you for your support!
This CD would not have happened without it! Across the Sea Amidst the horizon,
Overlorde forever binds us!
Overlorde
c/o Mark Edwards
PO Box 8211
Piscataway, NJ 08855
USA
Nick “William_Kidd”
Parastatidis
|