1 – First of all can you introduce your band? In fact “Power Forge” is your debut CD but you play just for many years. Is it right?
The band started its existence in 2000/2001 as my studio project recording my own compositions. The first one who joined this band was a friend of mine guitarist Jozef Rigo (spring 2002). As the songs were arranged for two guitars, we soon invited my former school mate and talented metal guitarist Ado Kaláber. Unfortunately, we could not find a drummer capable of playing classic metal style in time for recordings. As a result, we had to compromise and use a drum-machine instead. Ludìk Struhaø, the vocalist had joined the band as the last one. Interestingly, he was found via Accept – tribute band FLASHBACK from the Czech Republic. Moreover, he is also known as a skillful drummer of now disbanded PREMIER, once one of the top-selling rock bands in former Czechoslovakia. This line-up recorded our first and only demo CD named Rise Up! (September 2003). Soon afterwards, the line-up was completed. Adrian Ciel, talented drummer, joined the band in March/April 2004 and Jozef Rigo, who could not continue playing in the band due to personal reasons was replaced by my old friend, eccentric guitarist Marian Mièek in May 2004. Keyboard player, Jano Tupý, collaborates with the band since October 2004.2 – Are there great differences of ages between the members of the band? If I’m not wrong your singer Ludek is 37… and the other members?
I am now almost 24, Ado is 23, Adrian is 26, Maros 28 as well as Jano. Ludek is 37, that’s right. Ludek is a bit older than the other guys, but that isn’t any problem for us.3 – talking again about Ludek… it’s incredible his voice! It’s seems really to be a mix between Udo and Chris Boltendahl. Do you agree?
Yes, I agree, but I think he is sometimes a bit closer to Braham Bonnet (ex-Rainbow, Impellitteri) than to Chris Boltendahl. He can sing in various styles, he can sound even like Kiske, but he never uses that voice. He loves the rough vocal in the style of Udo and that’s what I like the most too.4 – Your band comes from Slovakia. We don’t know your metal scene; can you introduce it?
Actually, we are the only heavy metal band in Slovakia with a foreign label. To be honest, the metal scene in Slovakia is very small. There aren’t many heavy metal bands here.5 – Some of your songs have a clear Christain message, like the marvellous ‘Brighter Than Stars’ or ‘Children Of tomorrow’; can we consider your band as a Christian metal band?
I don’t think so. I am Christian, Catholic, but the other guys are not believers. On the other hand, the band might be considered as Christian, because my brother Tommy, who writes the lyrics is Christian too.6 – Are there other Christian metal band in Slovakia? If it’s so can you introduce them?
I don’t think so. I don’t know any other... I am sorry, if I am wrong.7 – Who is the writer of the lyrics? What are the most important topics of the others songs?
My brother Tommy, he writes about various themes. About human feelings, life quests, Christian themes, love and some classical heavy metal lyrics. It is hard to express, what are the lyrics like in this way... The best way is to hear the songs, I guess.8 - In the Thanks list Ronnie put at first place God; is he the most Christian guy in the band or also other members are Christian?
I am Christian, Catholic, but the other guys are not believers, yet.9 – In a beautiful song like ‘Brighter Than Stars’ we find also Victor Smolski like guest on a guitar solo; how did you realise this cooperation?
I contacted Victor about the possibility of recording a guitar solo for our record. He didn’t say yes immediately. He wanted to hear the whole album first. He would not record anything if he didn’t like the whole CD. I sent him the CD to Germany, when it was ready and he liked it. He recorded a wonderful guitar solo to the song “Brighter Than Stars”. Victor is a very nice person and definitely one of the best guitarists on earth. It was a great honour that we could collaborate with him and we are very proud for that.10 – Are you satisfied of the sound and production of your first album?
This is a tricky question :) I think the CD sounds heavy, the mix is done well, it has balls and the whole CD rocks. On the other hand, I have to admit, that if we were recording the CD anew, we would surely do some things in a different way than we did 1 year ago. Currently we are busy recording our second CD – Crossroads.11 – You are under an Italian label; will you work again with them in the future?
Why not? I mean we will choose the best offer from the labels. If the best offer comes from an Italian label, we will choose it.12 – One of the most interesting aspect of your sound is that the bass line is always a first actor and is never covered by the others instrument. Did you choose this approach to let the fan hear everything of your sound?
This is not the basic intention. The most important thing for us is to hear every instrument clearly. I don’t like the records, where you cannot hear the bass guitar at all, but everything has to be in a balance. The bass on Power Forge is maybe louder than on most of the CDs, but it is still not as loud as on some older Black Sabbath or Iron Maiden albums :)13 – How do you write the songs?
I always put down everything to my PC to a midi file, so I can see all the notes. I get ideas either directly from my head or while playing the bass. When I compose a song, I arrange all the instruments usually.14 – Are you catholic, protestant, other?
I am Catholic. 75% of Slovaks are Catholics.15 – What are your most important band like inspiration in Christian scene and secular scene?
I consider Impellitteri with Rob Rock on vocals as a Christian metal band. I love their albums. Also Helloween has some Christian lyrics and I like them as well. Besides I like Megadeth, Yngwie Malmsteen, Rainbow, Rage, Led Zeppelin, Grave Digger and many-many other.16 – Do you get many possibilities to play live in your country?
Yes, we play gigs here. We also played on some festivals, usually we play in clubs. We enjoy playing live very much. Unfortunately we don’t play very often, yet.17 – Ok, hail to www.holysteel.com readers like you want!
Thank you for reading this interview, check out our latest release and stay tuned, stay heavy !!!