Interviews: ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Symphonic Progressive Metal band ANGELS ON THE BATTLEFIELD from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Did you plan it, or did it come out just like that?

The band name came from a brainstorming session. Out of everything written down, I liked that the most. I absolutely love the dichotomy the imagery brings to my mind; the absolute pinnacle of what many see as a divine being featured along with literal man-made Hell on Earth. I’m not religious in any way, but to me, the symbolism also worked extremely well to represent the inner struggles we all face throughout our lives. Acknowledging the difficulties and the hardship, but with the ever-present reminder that we always have the strength to conquer anything we face.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Heavy metal was the first genre of music that really spoke to me. The first time I heard the opening guitar riff to N.I.B., my heart and soul aligned in a way that made me feel whole in a way I hadn’t realized I hadn’t been. I find that there’s a freedom within heavy metal that lets people express any and all their emotions to the fullest of their intensity within a safe and confined space without fear. Metal helped me through some of the hardest times of my life, and I want to be able to give that back to the world.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

I actually met each of the guys in the band at different points in my career after I moved to Los Angeles. Eddie, our drummer, actually hired me for my very first touring gig, ever. I met Jason, our bass player, about a year or so after meeting Eddie because our old bands toured together. And I met Chris at a networking event in North Hollywood a few years back through a mutual friend of ours. Over the last ten years or so, I’ve just built and grown friendships with these guys, and when it came time to start moving forward with AOTB, Jason was the main influential voice in my ear, convincing me to move forward with the band. Slowly, each of the guys joined while I was in the process of doing demos, and when we eventually started performing live.

4. What is your favourite band?

That’s a hard one to answer; there have been so many that have influenced me, I always feel bad picking just one! If I had to give you a timeline of influential bands/artists, however, I’d say: Black Sabbath inspired me to pick up a guitar. The very first time I heard N.I.B., I literally turned to my father the moment the song ended and said, “Dad, I want to learn how to play guitar.” Randy Rhoads was my first guitar icon; the way he was able to blend his rhythmic playing with his leads, and to also write so melodically in his soloing. He was the first guitarist I heard who seemed like he “spoke” with his instrument. In Flames introduced me to the power of two dueling heavy, yet melodic guitars constantly playing off one another, while building an epic tapestry. Between the Buried and Me, with their album Colors, showed me that a songwriter did not need to stick to conventional norms when writing music. One could literally let oneself be led wherever the song wanted to take them.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

I find inspiration in so many different places! Anything from life experiences to literature.

6. Where was your last gig?

Angels on the Battlefield’s last gig was last November at Knucklehead in Hollywood. It was the final date of The Sleeper Has Awakened Tour (our debut headliner).

7. Where would you like to act?

If I had an opportunity to act in a Star Trek or Star Wars project, my inner child would be totally satisfied for all eternity. Those were two of my favorite franchises growing up.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Well, I’m really proud of the Phantom of the Opera cover we just released, which features Eli Santana. He’s such a great guy! I actually met him on a TV set some years ago while he and I were doing some background work in Los Angeles. Eli’s an amazing guitar player (and turns out to be a fellow Trekkie). When I asked if he wanted to be part of this track, he adamantly said yes!

9. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Believe it or not, any time I spend a decent amount of time away from the stage, I initially forget what it's like being up in front of an audience, and I get a bit of stage fright. But once I hit that first chord, something just clicks and I lose myself in the music and the performance; my heart and mind align, and I know “This is where I'm supposed to be.” My advice to people just starting out is not to overthink in the moment. Remember that no matter what you are doing, the people who are there WANT to be there, and therefore they WANT to see you. Let yourself enjoy performing your music live in that moment, and if you do, THAT is the thing that people are going to enjoy most and connect with.

10. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

I can’t think of any “weird” thing that a fan has asked for, but I’ve definitely had some interesting things brought to shows by fans. Things like homemade goblins, home-cooked food, homemade mead, and even BOXES of homemade hot sauce. 

11. What do you think of your fans?

I absolutely love our fans. One of the reasons I love music so much is its ability to bring people together, and all of our fans have been nothing but friendly and supportive. It definitely feels like we’ve been building a worldwide family over the past few years, and I couldn’t be happier.

12. What do you think of our site?

I absolutely LOVE it, and I’m honored that you’d take a moment to chat with me. 

13. Something to add?

Remember, no matter what you may be facing in your life, you ALWAYS have the strength to conquer your battlefield.

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