MTUK: ‘Life’s Blood’ is a great release, and the title does the album justice, what is your inspiration behind the music?

Chris: The biggest inspiration for me is my life experience. That's what the lyrics are about. I really wrote some very personal lyrics this time. On our past 3 albums, we wrote about horror movies and partying. We still write about partying, because I love to have a great time! But, I also just wrote about life, because I dig personal lyrics. Stuff you can relate to if you like rocking and having fun like we do! Musically, my influence comes from a lot of bands. Everything from Ozzy, King Diamond to Black Flag and the Ramones! Good song writing that rocks!

MTUK: Do you have any particular formula for writing some of those great hook filled lines and melodies you have come up with on the album?

Chris: No, I usually just sit down and write whatever comes out of me. I don't record any ideas while I'm working on them. I feel that if I can't just remember it, it's not good enough to be in one of our songs anyway ha ha! I dig the old school man, bands like Def Leppard in the beginning of their career. The songs on ‘High N Dry’ and ‘Pyromania’ for example, are so catchy. That's what I like, and that's what I try to create!

MTUK: Were the tracks pre-written or did you write in the studio?

Chris: I always come to the studio with everything done. I might rework some lyrics here and there, but for the most part everything is complete. I will record the structure of the song, and then the other guys learn the song from there. We hardly ever practice because we live a few hours apart. But doing it this way works for us. Then, after we get the songs down, we'll jam 'em a few times. Then, it's Showtime!

MTUK: Who came up with the artwork concept?

Chris: We had worked on some ideas with our management. We wanted something that brought the whole thing together. We ended up with a character that we call Lady Twilight. She is the girl on the cover. Inside the album, you can see her transform. It's really cool; we've always wanted something to represent Widow in this way. And we're happy that it's a sexy girl doing it!

MTUK: Who did the artwork?

Chris: A guy named Timo Wuerz. He is an awesome artist from Germany! We saw his work and knew he was our man! His artwork was really what I had pictured in my mind, with a girl bringing this thing to life. I told him about Lady Twilight, and he did some amazing work! I love his style man, he rules!

Chris: Yes, it will! I am very excited about that too. I am a record collector, and it will be the first Widow vinyl yet! Pure Steel should be releasing it the same day as the cd, so make sure to pick one up!!!! Vinyl has the best sound to me, there is nothing like it!

MTUK: I know Europe loves this particular brand of metal, what is the scene like in the USA? Traditionally, the US bands were all at the forefront of this scene way back when, I am just curious to hear what your thoughts and comments are on the scene are in 2011 in the US.

Chris: Well, I think the scene here in the US is really getting better and better every day. Now, there are a lot of younger kids getting into the classic heavy metal sound. And I am very happy about that! I know as a young kid, hearing Maiden, Priest and Metallica made me a fan for life. It's seems like this is happening today with kids, and I think the future for true metal is very bright! The response at our shows over the last two years has been awesome!

MTUK: Do you have any live plans that could include the UK in support of ‘Life’s Blood’?

Chris: Oh yes, we are planning on returning to Europe with Life's Blood. We have played in Germany, but we are talking about returning for a full European tour for this album. We definitely want to get to the UK. We have had a great reaction to our last album there. The UK is the home of so many of my favourite bands, I'm ready to go!

MTUK: What are your personal favourite tracks from the album? Which do you most enjoy playing more? My stand-out tracks are ‘Take Hold of the Night’ and ‘Lady Twilight’ for example.

Chris: Thanks man, yeah I dig playing ‘Take Hold of the Night’ definitely! ‘Judgment Day’ is a fun one to play, and so is ‘Lady Twilight’ I know those will be in the set! I am really happy with all the songs though. I really set out to make an album that perfectly represented Widow from start to finish. I feel we have done that this time!

Chris: Well, one thing that sticks in my mind is how quick some solos came out. Some of the leads are the first take. I always feel I do my best work first, and it's all downhill from there ha ha! I think the real feeling is in the first few takes you do, and we wanted to capture that. I love hearing real emotion in an artist, not some fake sounding "perfect" recording. I love the raw days of early Black Sabbath and Van Halen. Where people just went in and rocked it!

MTUK: Do you have any parting words for your fans? And also, do you have a statement to describe yourself to people who have not heard your music yet?

Chris: I want to say, from the bottom of my heart, thank you very much too all the people who have supported Widow. Playing in this band means so much to me. We have worked so hard for so many years, and I live my life for metal. To see other metalheads supporting us and enjoying our music is the greatest thing in the world. Thank you all! And to anyone who wants to check out Widow, if you like rocking and having a great time then we are the band for you!

MTUK: Thank you for your time, best of luck with ‘Life’s Blood’, it is a truly stunning album, I hope we can meet on tour someday.

Chris: Paul, thanks so much for your kind words my friend! I'm so glad you dig it! I can assure you that you will see us on tour! We're gonna rock rock till we drop! See you all at the bar . . . .

For more on the band check out

http://www.burning-village.com

http://www.myspace.com/widow

http://www.puresteel-records.com

Interviewed by Paul Maddison

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