BLACK STEEL – Interview with Dave

In the beginning tell me something about Black Steel. I know that you have some new guys in the band.

Black Steel was formed in early 2000 . I met up with Matt & Jamie and was looking at putting a traditional / power style metal band for fun because I have always loved that style so basically it was a band jamming on some classic style metal for enjoyment because we all love that style of music. After solidifying the line up we went into the studio and recorded 4 tracks, which became our 'Battle Call' EP. This EP gained us some interest and great reviews both in our home country and overseas. In 2001 we released our debut full length CD; Destructor' which has been extremely well received by fans of classic & power metal across the world. We have played many shows here including supports for Judas Priest & Deep Purple. Earlier this year the band underwent a line-up change with a new guitarist Emanuel Rudnicki & drummer Simon Wisniewski

What are the main influences of Black Steel??? I know about Manowar, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath.

We have a great appreciation, understanding and respect for this style of music and are embracing the classic elements of traditional style metal – everything from the early 70's beginnings like Sabbath, Purple, Priest thru to the N.W.O.B.H. explosion which spawned Maiden, Leppard, Saxon, Raven, Angel Witch, Diamond Head & that whole do it yourself movement of underground bands with all the great obscure underground stuff Of course 80's metal is where our biggest influence lies coz we all grew up in the 80's listening to stuff like American 80's metal Dio, Fifth Angel, Jag Panzer, Riot etc and German metal like Scorpions, Accept, Helloween, Stormwitch, Pretty Maids and a zillion others up to the present day with the whole modern power metal revolution HammerFall, Rhapsody, Nightwish, Nocturnal Rites, Lost Horison, Seven Witches, Primal Fear etc ..

What about the name of the band. Has it any connection with Manowar song “Black Wind, Fire And Steel”???

We were just looking for a solid name that fitted with the metal vibe we were going for. Black Steel is a strong sounding name that is unapologetically metal. For us the name was important because we want it to reflect that we are a non trend / fashion oriented heavy metal band. There is definitely no branding problem with this band.. we wanted a name that embodied strength & power that sounds strong and in no way weak. Black is solid and Steel is strong.. our lyrics, music and attitude reflect this so it is an appropriate name I think. No connection with that Manowar track but it is a cool metal song nonetheless.

You are preparing for The Metallica Show. You'll be playing their songs. Tell me what do you think about their brand new song “St.Anger”. Do you think they will manage to play as good as in the '80s?

Well we had a bit of fun playing some classic old school Metallica covers nothing serious just a fun gig that 800 or so people turned up to. St Anger I prefer to most of Metallica material released in the 90's but for me the best Metallica is first the 3 albums. I am sure they still can rip it up live.

Some people say that the bass player is the person who plays bass because the other instruments aren't free. Why do you chose bass? Which musicians have the greatest influence on you???

Well its true that good bass players are in demand and probably isn't the first instrument of choice for a lot of people, maybe not as glamorous as lead guitar or vocals ha ha. My influences come from the greats of rock and metal like Geezer Butler, Geddy Lee, Chris Squire, Steve Harris , Billy Sheehan, John Entwhistle, Cliff Burton, John Myung etc. I have also listen to players outside rock field such as Jaco Pastorius, Jeff Berlin, Stu Hamm etc etc.

You are preparing to record the new album. Do you have some new ideas, concepts, new songs? Do you walk at the same Heavy/Power path as on the previous album? Or maybe something has changed?

Yes we are currently demoing up new material now. The are lots of new song ideas and we are also talking to a few of the big metal labels who have shown interest in releasing Black Steel worldwide with this next release which will be awesome. Some of the new tunes are You're Going Down, Beyond Infinity, Together We Stand, Let The Power Run Free, Live for The Fight, That was Then This is Now. The music will be classic style metal with an emphasis on the traditional element and the music will be heavier.

What is your opinion about the future of Heavy Metal scene? Some people say that Rock is dead…

People have been saying rock is dead even back in the 70's when disco came out. It's all bullshit – Heavy Metal will never die. Metal is like the cockroach of the music industry you could nuke it and it still wouldn't die. It is one of the most resilient forms of music there is and the fans are the most loyal & the best..

When I'm thinking about Australian bands, I think about AC/DC. What are the other good bands in your country?

I think from the overseas perspective apart from hard rock legends like AC/DC & Rose Tattoo Australia has a lot of extreme metal and there are a lot of those who are really great.. acts like Sadistik Execution, Destroyer 666, Devolved etc..As for Power & Prog there is also Pegazus & Vanishing Point & Dungeon in the eastern states of Australia, who are being released overseas.. in our home town of Perth there is quite a few bands and it is quite diverse extreme to nu, to prog.. We are one of only a few bands of our style here. Allegiance my former thrash / speed metal band also released 3 CD's and did extensive touring over here so they pretty well known here as well…. For an extensive coverage & resource of the Australian metal scene check out the Australian Metal Guide http://www.geocities.com/goreripper/

You have toured with Priest, Deep Purple, and you, as a member of Allegiance played with Halford. What are your feelings?

It was a great honor to play with legendary bands and it is always nice to actually get to meet some of your idols which we did and they were very cool

Who is Black Steel's main songwriter? Who writes lyrics???

So far the core of the writing has been Jamie, Matt & myself although our new guitarist Emanuel is making some contributions & input on the next album which is great.

And finally say few words for your fans.

! Cheers for the interview and nice words, we sincerely appreciate your support! As for anyone who has taken the time to read this – thank you ! You can find out more about Black Steel music, news, and merchandise by logging on to our website www.blacksteel.com.au want to check out some of our music then try www.mp3.com/black_steel

That's all