Andy A. Sartori Interview

To be honest, when I first listened to the samples of the forthcoming solo album of guitarist Andy A. Sartori, I couldn’t believe my ears! Finally his first album “Dragon’s Fire” is available through itunes and it proved to be a real masterpiece Of Neo-classical Power Metal! I lost no time and I contacted Andy for a detailed interview, so you can read the rest…

Can we have some more info regarding the rest of the members of your Symphony project?
Sartori: Well....the band consists of: Scott Board on the vocals (ex Cerebus), James Creed on the bass who's someone who's with me for years since my London times and on drums I have Dino Castano. Dino grew up in New Jersey but he's from Italy and he’s the only new member on this project at the moment.

Will the line-up of your first CD remain “untouched” for the next releases?
Sartori: Well, as you know I'm a solo guitar player so I can't tell for how long these musicians will stay with me, what is something that happens to all solo guitar players anyway, but we all click together very well, so I hope we last together as long as possible!

9 splendid tracks of qualitative Neo-classical Power Metal are included in your debut CD and I must congratulate you for that. Can you focus in the lyrical content and tell us what your lyrics are about?
Sartori: I think it's really hard to make many comments on my songs as I'm the composer, but all of them were composed by inspiration, they all came from riffs and ideas and I love them all!! About the lyrics… well, all of my lyrics are very positive, you won't find anything evil or negative on my songs or my lyrics at all. In a few ones I talk about personal experiences I had through my life just because I use some fantasy, but who doesn't write about kings, queens and dragons???
“Through The Eyes Of My Soul” is a classic one already, in my opinion! Which is your favorite song from the album?
Sartori: In my opinion it's really hard to tell, like I said before I love all of them. Just think this: I don't compose songs just to finish albums or because I needed an extra song. All these songs were composed with inspiration and passion, so it's really hard to tell.

I must note however that the bad production of the songs posted in itunes is a major drawback of the album. Why they don’t have the proper sound? Do you plan to do something about it?
Sartori: Well record labels are for me what I call "necessary evil" because without them if you compose original music and you want to be in the business, you're not going nowhere. So I expected something good and they gave something completed different, but it's being fixed now !!! I was in the studio redoing all the equalization, mixing and mastering of it!!! So very soon, they will release the new version what will be what it suppose to be...a proper album!!! And I can ensure all my fans that they won't be disappointed!!!

When do you plan to release “Dragon’s Fire” in CD format?
Sartori: It depends on the label and I have no information at the moment about it! As more people will ask for the album in stores, the faster they will release it.

How difficult is for a virtuoso to survive in the current U.S. Metal scene? Does qualitative music is destined for extinction in the U.S.?
Sartori: It's not that bad if you are in the right place! there's a lot of market here for anything really...that's why a lot o bands can still tour and survive, and like any other kind of metal I can truly say it's something that will never die, that's space for everybody, you just have to find yours!

Tell me about your musical influences that forced you to play this kind of music. Which bands also attract you nowadays?
Sartori: Well, my mother is a classically trained piano player and my father always played the acoustic guitar so since I was a little kid I had always been into music, but I grew up listening to classical baroque music and metal and rock I found about it when I was about 10 and never gave up after that!!! my influences come from Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, Beethoven and as guitar players I used to study many from Yngwie Malmsteen, Paul Gilbert, Kee Marcelo and the list goes. What I did was learn whatever I needed and from all of this, make my own style based on my influences, and I think that's pretty ok as often you don't copy anybody....

Is there any possibility of touring in order to promote your work?
Sartori: Yes, the record company doesn't set tours but they have some booking agencies they work with so they can hook us up. There's nothing set yet.

You released your album through itunes. Do you think that digital downloading is the future which will help artists survive against the “slavery” of big record labels??
Sartori: No, never!!!! Because like I said...record labels are necessary evil, but remember...necessary, so any band will always depend on them to go somewhere on their careers unless you make your own record label, I really don't think itunes is the future at all!!! Because from digital you have the songs but not the true album, so when you buy the album in a store you get the real thing with all the booklet, photos and etc....

What is your future plan regarding your project? Do you also plan to work on some other projects as well?
Sartori: My plans are just to keep going, my next album is already predicted for September 2008, and at the moment I don't have any plans to do any different project at all!

Add anything you may want.
Sartori: So I'd like to thank you once again for all the support and to all my fans around the world: thank you very much for all the love and support through all these years, you're the best!!!! God bless you all!!!
Dimitris Starakis

Andy A. Sartori & Symphony – Dragon’s Fire review

Andy A. Sartori & Symphony – Dragon’s Fire (Digital Album)

When Andy decided to release "Dragon’s Fire" through iTunes, I downloaded the album with no hesitation. The three demo songs I reviewed some months ago really made anticipate for the full length album and now that I have it, I dare to say that this is one of the best albums I’ve listened to the last couple of years. Andy’s compositions are truly faultless on “Dragon’s Fire”! Having a gifted singer like Scott Board on the band’s marks (for those who don’t know, Scott sang on Cerebus’ “Too Late To Pray” album), the combination of brilliant guitar playing and triumphant, crystal clear vocals is what is needed for an album to become a classic one! It’s almost impossible to choose a favorite track in Dragon’s Fire: “Through The Eyes Of My Soul” has a riff that is inspirational, while the vocal lines makes want to listen to this pompous Metal Hymn again and again! “Evil Heart”, Dragon’s Fire” and “Devil In Disguise” are based on thunderous, pounding rhythm, while once again Scott delivers the message for starting the battle! “Battle In The Distant Lands” is once again triumphant epic opus with a Neo-classical riff that fits the song and a sing-along chorus! “From Hell To Heaven” showcases Andy’s abilities to compose more melodic-oriented songs and once again the result is astonishing! “Castle of Lost Souls” was once named “Desert Of Lost Souls” and is an instrumental based on Phrygian scales, while not neglecting a strongly Baroque influence, so you can understand that passion and inspiration here are quite high! I could write for hours and hours cosmetic words about this masterpiece that made me proud being a fan of this demanding genre of Metal music! Andy’s solos really sending each and every song to the next level and the most important thing is that he isn’t based on clichés in order to create a boring Power Metal album with intense Neo-classical melodies. Andy is truly one of the most inspirational guitarists and composers that I’ve listened in the underground scene!!
The digital version of "Dragon’s Fire" has only one drawback, and this isn’t the quality of the songs. I’m referring to the bad production that the songs have and it really destroys in songs like Through The Eyes Of My Soul” the grandiose feeling that the composer want to create. I’ve talked to Andy and he told that he will personally remaster the CD before its normal release, so the people will have soon in their hands a true state-of-the art! “Dragon’s Fire” is not only highly recommended, but its our duty to support gifted artists like Andy! Visit his mySpace profile: http://www.myspace.com/andysartori for all the latest updates concerning his next steps.
Dimitris Starakis

Maestro – Diary Of A Vampire CD review

Maestro – Diary Of A Vampire CD (Independent Release)

Dany Milett is a rare singer by any means. Dany's vocal cords are very thin like a young boy and his larynx is smaller than a normal man. This has a result of producing some high pitched vocal lines, reaching also up to five octaves! His CD is more of a concept album, with songs based on lyrically on vampirism, was released in 2005 and reflects Danny’s passion for Power Metal with many Neo-classical elements. One bright example of my saying is “To My Mentors”; its melodic riff is ideal for the fans of this musical style and Dany’s voice is expressive, contributing the ideal atmosphere to this song. Dany is definitely gifted and reveals his abilities on the CD, but I have the opinion that he must control his falsetto, since there are times in a few songs in which he is exaggerating. On the other hand, when a gifted vocalist is releasing his debut solo CD, it obvious that he needs to showcase his abilities, by presenting a wide range of singing styles. His classical studies have also helped him to incorporate his classical oriented vocal attitude to his singing. As a songwriter, Dany does a fine job. Songs like the Heavy “Blood Hunt”, the brilliant “Burning Eternity” (my favourite track of the CD) and “Blood Bath” with the haunting riff really show his songwriting talent and his passion for quality Power Metal music. Each of the songs on “Diary Of A Vampire” showcases a riff that stuck in the listener’s mind, while the solos are enjoyable. I am pretty sure that Dany will be featured on many albums in the near future since his skills cannot be neglected. Remember his name, there’s surely a promising career for him. Check out Dany’s mySpace profiles: http://www.myspace.com/danymilett and http://www.myspace.com/lordcastrato

P.S.: I was later informed by Dany himself that Maestro Pero (guitarist) was the composer of the album "Diary Of A Vampire", so credit for the songwriting must go to him.

Dimitris Starakis

Ofsoski Interview

I always enjoy talking with multi-talented musicians, like Richard Ofsoski. His first solo CD "Later Than Never" was really promising as far as the future of this uprising artist, so I thought that he could share with us his opinion on several matters...

You got a courageous decision to release an album on your own. Why you decided that?

Ofsoski: Probably because in the past songs Ive written and recorded with other musicians never came out soundingthe way I wanted them to. I guess I'm a bad communicator haha, it's not their fault.Also I wanted an album that was just me so my children would be able to distinguish as being just their Dad. That's not to say I wont use other musicians on my next album because I probably will with the network of musician friends I now have. It is a hell of a lot of work doing it by yourself.

What were the impressions that you got from fans and press for your debut effort?

Ofsoski: It's been extroadinary really !! The album is not going to break any sales records being totally independent, but the feedback I've had has all been extremely positive .Initially I just wanted to do an album I could be proud of myself and if other people liked it then great. The great thing is my fanbase albeit small keep messaging wanting to know about what Im working on and how they cant wait for the next album which is extremely rewarding.I 'm starting to feel the pressure to finnish my next album haha and being a family guy it can be hard to find get enough time to do as much as you would like.

Which is your favorite track of the album and why?

Ofsoski: Probably 'Flame' although there are some others pretty close to it. I guess because it has all the elements I like in music.It has a nice majestic type classical sounding theme, heavy riffing, progressive elements, shred guitar and I dont seem to get tired of It. It takes me to a nice place.

Symphonic, Neo-classical, Baroque-ish Hard Rock and Metal are the best words in my opinion to define your musical style. Why you chose this particular style to express yourself?

Ofsoski: You're pretty much on the money there I think. I have been a fan of many styles of melodic style metal for years now andI guess that has rubbed off on my writing style. Also a big fan of classical style melody and mystic type themes and I think this style of music helps me to express my true self.

Which are you main musical influences?

Ofsoski: I listen to a lot of melodic metal which can cover a wide range. I grew up loving Yngwie Malmsteen, Dio, Judas Priest, Kiss, Metallica, Whitesnake etc. and also dig a lot of the newer stuff like Nightwish and Sonata Arctica. I also really love Bach and Vivaldi and I guess a lot of these styles have rubbed off on me.

How difficult is for a musician in Australia to find some “partners in crime” that share the same musical taste?

Ofsoski: It's growing rapidly of late, we are having so many bands announcing tours, so its hard to keep up. It was pretty dead about 5 years ago but the new generation has really warmed to it. I've met a lot of people recently who share similar tastes in music.

If you had only one opinion in you career what would that be: singer or guitarist?

Ofsoski: Guitarist !! I only sang because I'd form or join a band and get lumbered with the job because they could never find anyone. I don't mind singing now but used to hate it because I just wanted to concentrate on guitar. Things have changed now and I quite enjoy fitting all the different instuments together it can be a lot of fun. I really don't even practise the guitar anymore unless I'm putting a solo together.

Is it true that you have already new material for a new solo effort? Tell me how it sounds like..

Ofsoski: Yes, it's pretty much written. I'm just refining and experimenting with things at present. Theres a wide variety of styles and grooves incorporating all the music elements that I like and I think the songs are very stong, If they weren't, I would scrap them. I'll have a demo mix on my mySpace profile very soon.

You are also a member of the band Sedition. Why you joined them and which are the main differences between your solo band,in terms of sound? I've been friends Ofsoski: With Sinclair the guitarist for a number of years and I knew he was having trouble finding a new singerfor the band. he had started demo recordings for the new album so I offered to help him out singing on the demos untilhe could find someone permanent. He had never heard me sing before and really liked how my voice fitted into the music andasked me to join. I was a bit sceptical at first because I wouldnt be able to commit fully but its turned out ok and has been lots of fun performing live with the guys. Sedition is a bit different to my solo stuff, it has more of an old school thrashy style edge to it and a different songwriting of course.

Do you plan to include full-time members and do some touring as Ofsoski in the near future?Ofsoski: There will be other players on the next release. So far I'll be using Simon Polhil to do bass duties, he's a phenomenal player and great kid. Check out this link to a video of him playing http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.channel&ChannelID=111000312 .As far as playing live I'm starting to get asked this a lot so I may have to at some stage, especially if things keep going the way they are but it wont be until after the next album then we'll see what happens.

Dimitris Starakis

Seasons Of The Wolf – Nocturnal Revelation CD review

Seasons Of The Wolf – Nocturnal Revelation CD (Earth Mother Music)

Seasons Of The Wolf was founded on 1988 and up to now the band established its name in the U.S. Underground scene by releasing 4 CD up to now. Their latest album, “Once In A Blue Moon” was released this summer and it’s starting to receive its first positive reviews. The band’s style remain unchanged as the deep blue sea: Obscure Heavy Metal, with haunting vocals that often remind me Udo Dirkschneider’s voice, while the whole atmosphere is haunting, eerie and totally obscure! The band also contributes some keyboard parts in their sound in order to make their sound more pompous and the result is clear in gloomy tunes like “Skulls”. SOTW’s music never followed the wave of a current trend, that’s why they kept a stable amount of fans. Some 70’s Hard Rock touches are reflected in their sound, but they have created an overall unique result, by making things heavier and quite more “metallic”. Their solid sound and the authenticity that characterizes their stuff in “Nocturnal Revelation” makes me predict that their new album is even better, since they seem to progress in each CD they release. I can’t wait to listen to their new album!! Check their mySpace profile: http://www.myspace.com/seasonsofthewolf Band’s web-site: sotwmetal.com
Dimitris Starakis

The Famous-X promo CD review

The Famous-X – promo CD

This Italian project features Highlord’s guitarist Sted and singer Andrea who wanted to try their abilities into Hard Rock / Melodic Metal fields. The project started in the summer of 2005 and recently a promo was created in order to help them search for a record contract. What I like in their style is that they are powerful and not mellow, by keeping their power and also contributing some memorable and melodic choruses along with great solos. The self-titled track and “Bullet Time” are pretty good samples of how Hard Rock / Melodic Metal should be performed and I am pretty sure that the rest of the tracks that the band have completed, will be on the same level of quality. I really need to listen to some more stuff from them and I believe that pretty soon the project will be under a proper label. Good luck to you guys, I’m sure you’ll have it! Band’s mySpace profile: http://www.myspace.com/afamousx
Dimitris Starakis

Faith Factor - 07/07/07 mini-CD review

Faith Factor – 07/07/07 mini-CD (Metallic Archangel Records)

From South New Jersey a new U.S. Metal sensation has risen! Faith Factor is a Christian Metal band who will take the world by storm. Their first EP titled “07/07/07” shows clearly that there’s a White Metal orientation in the band’s lyrical content. As for the music, galloping riffs and pompous rhythms combined with the wonderful and steel voice of Ski will definitely cause waves of enthusiasm in every U.S. Metal fan. For those who forgot or don’t know, Ski is the singer of another sensational U.S. band named Deadly Blessing in their first effort titled “Ascend From The Cauldron” and also on their comeback CD, entitled “An Eye To the Past”! He was also a member of the band Altered State. For those who are familiar with Ski’s voice will definitely go and buy his new effort without even reading the rest of this review! As for the Faith Factor EP, “Prayer Warriors” opens the CD and it’s a storming track with a galloping riff which leads you into pure metallic satisfaction! “The Angel And The Butterfly” is a brilliant Metal opus, which starts like a ballad and ends as a wonderful Power Metal Hymn! It’s needless to mention Ski’s monumental performance here! “Deceiver” reminded me at times the great legends of U.S. Metal Mystic Force and it is once again a furious U.S. Power Metal song which will delight each and everyone who digs this particular style! The band is really focusing in promoting their new CD and also plans to play some show in Europe next year, so prepare yourselves for some thundering live attack from Ski and his bandmates! Buy Or Die! Band’s mySpace profile: http://www.myspace.com/faithfactorrocks Band’s web-site: http://www.faithfactor.info/
Dimitris Starakis

Ofsoski – Later Than Never CD review

Ofsoski – Later Than Never CD (Independent)

When I first reviewed Ofsoski’s promo tracks, I then stated that the scene welcomed a creative multi-instrumentalist. When I listened to his debut album, I can now strongly support the opinion that Richard is indeed a gifted man! Ten tracks of Neo-classical / Symphonic Metal filled with well-crafted melodies and intense feelings rule the album which really is labeled as "high-quality". In my previous review, I expressed my admiration to the wonderful song titled “Flame”. Now, along with “Flame”, I was surprised from another hymn which will be greatly received from every Neo-classical Metal aficionado! “Quest” is definitely once again one of the greatest songs composed this year in the genre and believe me, you don’t have to be a wise man of music to compose it; what is needed is inspiration and passion for what you do. Well, Richard combines both. From the sharp and melodic riffs he composes to his harsh and melodic voice, it clear that he must form a band in order to perform his songs with an overall better sound and of course get the distribution and attention he deserves. “Later Than Never” is an album destined to establish Richard’s fame and I believe that his next step will feature full-time members in his band. Highly recommended release! Check Ofsoski's profile in order to find out how you can order the album: http://www.myspace.com/ofsoski
Dimitris Starakis

Max The Axe’s Blazing Star – Demo CD review

Max The Axe’s Blazing Star – Demo CD

Italy is quite famous for a bunch of delicate guitarists that appear on the country’s Metal scene. Aldo Giuntini, Dario Mollo and many more guitarists in some fine Italian bands always presented their fine work through their albums, solo or band-guided. Max The Axe is another guitarist who released his first demo with the valuable help of bassist Tomas Ticciati and vocalist Tomasso Lanese who also handles the production duties. The demo includes 4 tracks of Heavy / Neo-classical Metal, filled with pretty high-demanding guitar leads and quite nice vocals. The band’s musical identity remains mostly on the Heavy side, without being too “symphonic”, perhaps due to the lack of intense keyboard parts. So, fans that like a heavier edge on Neo-classical Metal will definitely appreciate their sound. The opening song “Blazing Star” is a typical double-bass opener with a great chorus and flashy leads, while “Love Criminal” is quite melodic with some interesting vocal lines. “Father Time”, as you can guess from its title, is a cover on Stratovarius song, while “Adagio” is the instrumental track based on Albinoni’s theme and it creates an atmosphere with the all-time classic melody. I really wish to listen to more songs from the band since this project from Florence can really achieve a lot more. Contact the band through their mySpace profile and found out how you can purchase their demo: http://www.myspace.com/maxblazingstar. Band’s web-site (written in Italian: http://blazingstar.interfree.it/ )
Dimitris Starakis

7th Reign – S/t CD Review

7th Reign – S/t CD (Independent)

When I first received the 7th Reign CD, I had a strange feeling that it will be a major highlight. And thankfully I was 100% right! The U.S. quartet was formed in 2005 by guitarist Marios Panayiotis (yes, he is a Greek!) and ex-Eidolon vocalist Brian Soulard. The man who helped these two musicians to meet was none other than Glen Drover (ex- Megadeth / Eidolon guitarist). The band, after completing its line-up, started rehearsing and at the same time composing the songs that would end in their debut CD. During the recording of their 1st album, Fuz Z, the bassist of 7th Reign left and it was time for a third Eidolon member to join in. Adrian Robichaud joined forces and the recordings were completed with the band feeling absolutely satisfied with the final result. The CD was officially released on March 2007 and it featured 8 brilliant songs. I am using the cosmetic word “brilliant”, because a fan of the U.S. Power metal scene can now find in the album everything he is longing to listen! Wonderful and powerful vocals, astonishing riffs and a solid rhythm section is what 7th Reign consists of. Marios has the ability of composing songs that are destined to become immediate classics such as the neck breaking “Defied” (the chorus is a fine example of what U.S. band can only offer!) or the 10 minute long Opus “Asylum”. He is also adding a Neo-classical atmosphere to the songs with his highly-demanding solos and riffs that are storming out of his Stratocaster, something which makes the sound of the band so special. In the closing track titled “Executioner”, Marios present also his marvellous abilities by composing an 8-minute long instrumental track, without having any dull moment in it! He is without doubt a virtuoso and a true leader of the band. 7th Reign, along with Mindwarp Chamber, Katagory V etc. continue the great tradition of the U.S. Power Metal bands and they are proud messengers of the great heritage that was established form bands like Oliver Magnum, Mystic Force, Lethal and many more. I am pretty sure that their talent will not be wasted and their debut will not stay unnoticed. 7th Reign can offer much more ground-breaking moments since this is only in their very first step. As for you fans, what are you waiting for? Order immediately a masterpiece of the U.S. Power Metal Scene! Visit the band’s web-site: http://www.7threign.com/ and their mySpace profile:
http://www.myspace.com/7threign
Dimitris Starakis