MTUK: Welcome back! It has been a long time since you have released a studio album, sincere congratulations on ‘Vengeance Rides an Angry Horse’, and the album really makes its mark for real US Metal.

Fred Gorhau : Thank you so much Paul, and for the awesome review you gave to us as well

MTUK: Is there a message in the album title? The album sparks excitement and shows intent, is there any other message?

Fred Gorhau: Yes, in a way there kind of is a message. The title comes from a line in the song “Phantasmagoria” off our first album. We picked a 30 year old phrase to let everyone know, that we wanted to return to our roots, and put out an old school style Metal Album. One that we think we would have liked as kids and one we hope you will like as well.

MTUK: Who did the album artwork? What was the inspiration behind it?

Fred Gorhau: The artists name is Jens Reinhold. He is an artist from Germany. I had been in touch with him, and contacted him about doing the cover. I gave him the album title, and a basic format and mood we were looking for. He sent us a couple of drafts, and we made a few adjustments, but not many. He did a great job. I was surprised after he sent me the final design, because he told me the village in the background was Bamberg. He did not know this, but my family had moved from Bamberg to the USA many years ago, and I think I still have some relatives there. I thought it was pretty cool that my family’s hometown was on our new cover

MTUK: Do you know if there will be a vinyl release via Pure Steel Records?

Fred Gorhau: Yes, from the beginning, we discussed this with Pure Steel, and they were very into putting this album out on vinyl. They are a great label, and we are very proud to be with them. It feels great to be on a label that supports us the way they do. The vinyl release will be out shortly after the CD is released on October 21.

Fred Gorhau: Thank you for describing them in such a way. The inspiration for ‘Gypsy’ was to write a driving song, with a good chorus. The real thing I wanted for this song was to have strong intro, as it would be the first track on the CD. I actually had another intro for ‘Gypsy’, and we started working on another song called ‘The Tower’ which has not been completed yet, it has classical guitar, then gets heavy, with some nice twists. Kevin thought the intro would fit perfectly with ‘The Tower’, and it did. So I had to write another intro. Believe it or not, it fell into my lap in like 5 minutes when I had a break between guitar students. The intro to me sounds very menacing, and the song is relentless. ‘Glory Hunter’ is a great follow up. When Kevin started to play it for me, I was hooked. I couldn’t wait to hear what happened next. That song is so powerful, and in your face. The part right after the guitar solos gives me chills.

MTUK: How do you tackle the writing process? As individuals, as a group, in a rehearsal room etc?

Fred Gorhau: Completely as a group. Any of us can have a song or an idea and present it to the band, then they go through changes and variations. Different parts are suggested and inserted or removed. Mike and Jay really play with the dynamics well, different tempos and accents. We can all make suggestions to the others, if we have an idea for another instrument to play. Egos are left at the door, we are bro’s. It’s actually entertaining to hear one of us try to imitate another instrument with our mouths to make a suggestion, ha ha ha, we must sound ridiculous. All the while, Lennie is trying out melody lines, and helping us with the structure. You can usually tell when we hit on something, because Lennie will tear into a killer vocal line, and the puzzle takes shape. For us it’s a great process, and can happen anywhere, in the rehearsal room, at a bar (that can be funny sometimes), even in the studio while someone else is recording tracks.

MTUK: Does Lennie take vocal coaching? The vocals are really powerful and precise on the latest album?

Fred Gorhau: Not to my knowledge. He does take very good care of his voice, and knows what he is doing. Vocals are unique in that your health and physical condition have a direct impact on your instrument. Let’s face it, I could be sick as a dog, and an A minor will still sound the same when I play it. That’s not so with a vocalist. He warms up all the time, and makes sure to protect his pipes.

Fred Gorhau: I guess you could say that was around the time that we really decided to start writing some new material. We had played at KIT a couple months before, and we had a lot of people asking if we would ever do a new album. We met a lot of friends and fans, including the people from our label Pure Steel. We really wanted to do a new album, and I think the response we got just made us want to do it even more.

MTUK: Have you been officially on hold/split up or just quiet/busy with other things since the release of ‘Coldblackugly’? Fred Gorhau: I would say that quiet/busy with other things kind of sums it up. Life happens around you when you’re not paying attention, and we are no exception. I think it was always only a matter of time before we got back together.

MTUK: Relating to the above – how did the classic line up get back together?

Fred Gorhau: Well, we were invited to play at KIT in 2008, and Ed was the other guitar player at the time. Kevin had left the band due to the drastic change in direction of the 3rd album, which is how I got the gig. After HOA, it was pretty clear that Ed had lost interest. We didn’t see him for months, but we started writing songs without him. One day he called me and suggested that we consider bringing Kevin back, and have 3 guitar players like Iron Maiden. I wasn’t sure, but I knew Kevin, and had worked and recorded with him years earlier, around 1991. Kevin and I always got along real well, so I was willing to give it a try. However, before that ever happened, Ed left the band. Getting Kevin back was like opening a window to let the fresh air in. He is like a teenager, full of excitement, and it makes you excited. His glass if always half full and I can’t think of another guitar player I’d rather work with……….With all that going on, we continued writing, and contacted Pure Steel. Sent them some demo tracks, and signed with them. That’s basically how it all came about. I hope I didn’t confuse anyone, hahaha.

MTUK: Would any future tour dates consider the UK this time around? Do you have further European touring plans?

Fred Gorhau: Absolutely, we would love to play the UK. On the way back from HOA, we had a 2 hour layover at Heathrow, and I really wished it was longer, a week would have been cool, hahaha. I’ve always wanted to visit the UK, and we would be honoured to play there.

MTUK: Are you aware of the classic metal scene in the US and Europe? Is there anyone that stands out for you?

Fred Gorhau: Yes, very much so. I love the new Accept, we are all very proud that Mark is from New Jersey as well. Jag Panzer also, what a great band, and I am sad they are not together any longer. Hammerfall, Vicious Rumors, Omen, Cloven Hoof, just to name a few. There are many great bands that I like.

Thank you for your time, the very best of luck with the future release of the album, and I hope to see you on tour somewhere in Europe.

Fred Gorhau: Thank you Paul for doing this interview and for your support of Metal Music. We can’t wait to return to Europe, and hope to see you as well.

For more on the band check out

http://www.exxplorer.net

http://www.myspace.com/exxplorerusa

http://www.puresteel-records.com

Interviewed by Paul Maddison

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