(VYNDYKATOR / ALCHEMY X / ATTACKER)
No Stefan ,thank you my brother! Well it's been well documented as to why we became Vyndykator so i really won't go into it. In handsight, i'm glad it happened. Attacker will always be special to me, obviously, but i have moved on and people are absolutely loving this band. I never, ever want to be accused of 'living off my past' and the way it looks now. I don't think i ever will be accused of such!
You were also in bands like Attacker and Sleepy Hollow (80's) and now you're in Vyndykator and Alchemy X. What's the difference between making metal during the eighties and now?
No defference really except that i now have a new players with me. In my career, i was always very fortunate to be surrounded by great musicians and great people. My time with the early bands were great because i was fortunate to help create music that people appreciate to this day. Same holds true and actually applies to my present situation.
I'm certain that years from now, peolple will enjoy the music of Vyndykator and Alchemy X just as much, if not Moreso, than Attacker and Sleepy Hollow. Quite honestly one can't put a time frame on great music because it's timeless. A good example of that would be bands like Black Sabbath, Anvil and Dio!
How do you discribe the Vyndykator music and who write the songs?
Here is the best way to discribe Vyndykator. NOT TRUE METAL, JUST THE COLD HEART FACT! The songs themselves are written by the band. It is a group effort. The styles range from power to doom to progressive to even an element of thrash in some moments. But overall it's just a monster of a record. It's an ass whoopin' that Metal desperately needed. But if one were to catagorize us,i guess it would have to be Power Metal!
Is Vyndykator influenced by some other Metal bands and what kinda bands do you like most of all?
I'm a huge fan of the great early Hard Rock/Metal bands of the 70's. Bands like Deep Purple, UFO, Alice Cooper, Sweet, Nazareth and Kiss are some of my all times favorites. I'm also a big fan of the Classic NWOBHM bands like Raven, Tygers Of Pan Tang, Saxon, Diamond head and so many others. As for our influences, i'm sure it's safe to say that they range from Judas Priest, Savatage, Mercyful Fate and Candlemass, to Slayer, Accept, Metal Church and, of course, Classic Horror.
When i hear you singing, it reminds me a lot of Udo Dirkschneider. Are you agree with that or not?
Positively, UDO is one of my heroes and i really don't hear to many singers emulating him. So that's where i dare to do so. He really is a great singer with an incredible range and lots of power. In my music, i tend to draw from a variety of influences but when it comes to the really intens moments, and i've done this through the years mind you, i tend to lean towards my UDO and David (Metal Church) Wayne. It just seems to fit and ultimately it is my personal tribute to them. So when people say that i sound like him, i just take it as a high compliment..thanx UDO!
"Heaven Sent From Hell" is now released on Unisound Records.Can we expect a European record deal. That would make it a lot easiër for us to find that album in our local CD stores.
I am currently negottiating with several labels on working out a world-wide distribution deal f or Heaven Sent From Hell with the assistance my agency (CMT Productions) and quite possibly earn an actual recording contract from it. I would expect the CD to be all over Europe real soon. I am also negotiating a tour of Europe for both Vyndykator and Alchemy X in 2004!My dream of coming out to Europe will now become reality.
How did the album scores so far and what about the reactions across Europe?
Nothing lower than an 8.5 overall, thus far. Fans and press alike have really taken to this album. Europe especially! That is why i am pursuing to have this released worl-wide and it will happen. It's really an album that i am truly proud of. My boys worked really hard to make this happen and i can't thank them enough. The fans have been great as well so now it's time to spread the word even further about Vyndykator!
Who's decision was it to make the Judas Priest cover "Deceiver" and what's your favourite track on the album Bob?
It was a mutual decision between all of us as we're all fans of Judas Priest. Deceiver is such an obscure song and that was, really, the deciding factor in doing that particular song. My favorit Vyndykator song. Hmmm...i would have to say Blood Stained Gallows, definately that one. I love the whole album, obviously but that one is a favorite of mine from a live standpoint.
What kinda Metal do you like most of all?
The kind that matters brother, HEAVY!!
Besides playing Metal, did you have some other ambitions?
Well as everyone knows, i pride pyself as being an entertainer first and foremost. I have always wanted to try my hand in acting as i'm huge fan of movies, particullary the Classic Horror films of the 30's and 40's. I also enjoy the Hammer Horror films which starred Christopher Lee and Vincent Price. I am also fan of Classic Comedy as well. If i were'nt in Metal i would most definately try my hand in acting.
But who knows if all goes well, i could pssibly branch off into that fiield. But for now,my thing is performing in front of a live audience. It's an honor for me personally to see and hear the reaction of the fans when they know and appreciate the music you labored for.You can't tell me that you can a price on that,'cause you just can't.
Another band you're in is Alchemy X, what about them? They play Progressive Metal, is that a problem for you to go the progressive way?
I was a fan before i joined the band. No ,it's not a problem at all to be in a progressive band. Actually, and i've say this many times, Alchemy X has made to me into a more well rounded and an overall better singer. I get to try other influences that i've always wanted to but could never accomplish because of the genre i am most known for. At first, it was an artistic decision to join Alchemy X, but as i progressed with them, i really become more of a fan than ever after a while, they gave me the freedom to try out my electric influences as well as well as participating in the writing, thus resulting in 11:59:59.
Stefan, i am very proud of this record as well. They are a great band and even better friends. Both bands are of equal importance to me which is why i canvinced both UNISOUND and CMT PRODUCTIONS to sign both bands. 11:59:59 has also been receiving great reviews so i really look forward to performing with Alchemy X in 2003 and in 2004 when we come to Europe.
*We've got a fantastic Metal Bar here in Belgium called THE STAGE in Tielt. The owner named Birger(Barrman!), Jootie(The Denimdemon) and many other true Metal maniacs goes really crazy when tunes from Attacker explodes through the speakers. Do you have a final word to all these Die Hard Metal heads and of course to all the Metal To Infinity readers?
It's funny you mention that because one of our stops next years will be in Belgium. In fact, i will make it a point to visit THE STAGE come next year. It's great to know that people still appreciate my past accomplishments. Can't thank you enough! Attacker will always be special to me.
On occasion,Vyn performs an Attacker song or two. We will no doubt perform them during our trip to Europe next year. I thank you for allowing me to participate and appear in your webzine. Thank you for supporting Vyndykator and Alchemy X. To my friends in Europe, the madness of Mitchell is coming home in 2004 brother!