LH: Greetings! First of all, congratulations on signing to Napalm Records! So how did Napalm become interested in Intense?

Sean: Hiya Thanks very much. Well, as per the norm we sent out promos to labels for the album and Napalm were actually recommended to us so I checked them out and sent off. We didn't hear anything for a little while but upon returning from some shows in Europe had an email waiting telling me they were interested and then got a phone call that night stating the same thing it was great having that level of interest from a label such as Napalm.

LH: You have a new album out soon called "As Our Army Grows". Could you tell us a bit about what we should expect from the album? How has your sound progressed since Second Sight?

Sean: I think the first thing that people will notice from AOAG is that the song writing, it's definitely progressed or matured since Second Sight, I also think that every individuals performance has stepped up a notch too which was probably helped by feeling more comfortable in the studio this time round. Of course it was Steve's first time in Thin Ice but he loved it. I think this album is heavier than SS and I think I've already used the phrase "Dark Power Metal" to a few people... that's how I see it. Rich West provided some great keyboard moments on this album, a few more than on SS without being too much and also I got to put in quite a few more b/v's and harmonies which I enjoyed.

LH: Which tracks are your personal favourites from the album?

Sean: Wow that's quite a hard one but Our Last Hope is my favourite I guess but it can change depending on my mood... if I'm in a chill out mood... Strange New World... going down the pub then Temptress... pissed off Mirror Shroud etc etc.

LH: What are the lyrics about on the album, and also could you tell us about the Chronicles of the New Flesh trilogy?

Sean: Well I wrote all the lyrics with the exception of Chronicles which are Nicks. They are his dedication to David Cronenberg's Videodrome... he's a big fan and it shows I think ha ha... (LH: Oops, I was slightly off with my review then ha ha) So lyrically I deal with, Tomb raiders getting their just deserts (Anger), Mirror Shroud is about a cape that possesses its wearer, Our Last Hope is the next song on from War of Angels inspired by the Prophecy series of films. You Die Today is about fate, Insanity's Call is about how people can push you close to the edge, Temptress is one that people can probably work out and is a light-hearted moment with a great performance from Kara Sultan on the bridge. Fear is self explanatory and I wrote it to deal with the supernatural.

LH: So the album is due for release around April 2nd. Are you planning to have any kind of release party for the CD?

Sean: Well not really but we're all at PPUK and Jon has asked to show the UK premier of our video for Fear so I think that's going on just before Kamelot. We may just make the whole weekend a party... ha ha...

LH: Are there any plans to tour in 2007, or to play at any festivals? It would be very cool to see you tour with some of the other bands on the Napalm roster.

Sean: we do plan to tour in 2007 of course but don't have anything concrete laid down yet, we're concentrating on promotion for now then we'll work out the shows. I hope we do get some festival opportunities as we have some very fond festival memories both over here and in Germany and we seem to go down well too... yeah I agree, I certainly think we�d do well with some of the other bands on the label.

LH: You have shot a video recently for "Fear is not Enough" from the new album. How was the video shoot and what is the video going to be like? Will it be shown on any of the music channels on TV?

Sean: The video shoot was definitely an eye opener. Anyone who has seen our War of Angels video will have their jaw drop at the new video. It's a definite step up. The video was shot over 2 days with the narrative being on day 1 which had the actors doing their bit and then we went in on the 2nd day and did our performance shots. We had great fun working with the production company and they've even done a documentary on the filming of Fear which is great also; a great appetiser for sure.

We�re hoping to get the video on Scuzz and I think we may have a shot at some of the other Rock stations too.

LH: Sean, as you were one of the organisers for PPUK2006, I'd like to ask if you will be at PPUK07 either watching the bands, or involved with the festival in any way? Were you happy with how the fest turned out in its' first year?

Sean: Yep, already mentioned (sorry) this year I'm going to be attending both days as a punter (well not quite but you know what I mean) and it will be nice to relax and have a few beers whilst watching the bands. Last year I don't think I slept all weekend and it had its stressful moments. I am extremely proud to have been a part of the festival last year, I think what Jon and I did was extremely cool for our first go. Of course it would have been nice to have higher numbers but there is a limited audience in the UK... I still think it can grow though... It�s been weird not talking to Jon everyday in the lead up to the festival this year... last year was very busy ha ha... I know Jon and Wendy will put on a great festival for everyone and I wish them all he best, they know they have my full support.

LH: Thanks for doing this interview for us at MTUK. See you on tour! Anything you would like to add?

Sean: No probs thanks for talking to us! I just want to add that if you like your metal, heavy, dark and with melody then you should like us - we hope to see you on Tour! Cheers.