Vendetta

MM: What are your expectations for "Heretic Nation"?
EB: Hopefully positive reviews, increased sales and a bigger fan base but whether this will come to pass remains to be seen. Either way, we all like the album and are generally very happy with it and our individual performances. We came together as a band on this album and the results are there for all to hear

MM: I hear so many great influences in your sound, such as Maiden, Priest, Scorpions, Triumph, Rush and Saxon, and many others. But you've taken these influences and crafted your own style. How did Vendetta form?
EB: About four years ago, I decided I wanted to make a vocal record in the traditional metal style so I wrote the songs and got together with Pete and Gary and played them the demos which were just a load of riffs on a CD, but after one practice they decided they loved the sound so it went from there really.

MM: Your guitar leads, along with Pete Thompson's are catchy and memorable, that I find myself humming the solos! How much effort goes into writing the lead parts?
EB: We both spend a long time working on our leads. Pete is more of an improviser than me in the studio, but he always has a strong sketch of where he is going. I plan all my leads and harmonies down to the last tee, as I want them to suit the song and to add to the progression of the tune. The only improvised solo by me on the album is "A Glass Half Empty" and the first lead beak on "The Space Between."

MM: You've put out two instrumental solo albums, but what is your preference, solo or Vendetta? What are the pros and cons of each?
EB: I would have to say Vendetta every time. There is only so far you can go in the instrumental universe unless you are Vai, Satriani or Gilbert. My solo albums were OK by a lot of instrumental standards, but I finally feel I’ve found my niche in Vendetta, which is nice after 25 years of playing. You can explore so much more in a band and the team vibe is great. Once an instrumental album came out there wasn’t much I could do except wait for reviews and the like, with a band you can get out there and make connections.

MM: Do you think by recording your two solo albums, it helped with your creativity and confidence while writing "Heretic Nation"?
EB: Absolutely. I needed to do the solo albums to realise I wanted to be in a band again.



MM: Is "Skaro" based on the fictional planet of the same name from the British Sci-Fi television series Doctor Who? It's such a great instrumental with a conquering or exploration vibe to it. Can you explain how you wrote this piece?
EB: I decided to call it Skaro as a bit of joke, as I’ve always loved classic Dr. Who, but it kind of stuck! The lads were always on about having an instrumental and we were playing a song called "Axis of Evil" in our set, which is a track off "Moonfudge," but I felt we needed something more in the vein of "Transylvania," "Genghis Khan," "Coast to Coast" or "Into the Arena," so I tried to write something with more emphasis on riffing and dynamic structure. Looking at it now the title suits it perfectly.

MM: The cover artwork is pretty fitting for the style of music that's inside, who was the artist and explain the concept behind the title and the art?
EB: Pete Thompson, our guitarist does all our design and artwork and it was he who came up with the title, so I couldn’t comment on any themes in particular, but our favourite album covers are things like "Killers," "Rising" and of course "Sad Wings of Destiny," so I guess that would give people an idea of where Pete and the band are coming form when it comes to artwork.

MM: Your label Lion Music represents a great range of heavy metal acts. How are they treating you? Are they giving you the support you need and why did you decide to sign with them?
EB: Lion are very easy to deal with and we have a great relationship with the owner of the label and their promo man, so we do OK. When I did my solo album they were the only label that wanted to sign me, so it wasn’t a hard decision to go with them. When you get any opportunity in music, you have to take it.

MM: What's next for Vendetta? Any touring plans, single shows, BBC appearances or a DVD?
EB: All of the above are possibilities, we will just have to wait and see.

MM: I bid you a very hefty Cheers mate, thanks for answering my questions. Any last words for your fans?
EB: Have a great festive season and remember to always defend the honour of metal!

Check out Vendetta [HERE]

Article by Kelley Simms