Former Iced Earth vocalist Matt Barlow has returned to join Danish Prog Metallers PYRAMAZE.
A statement from PYRAMAZE’s Michael Kammeyer reads as follows:
I'm very happy to finally announce our new singer.
Matthew Barlow (former vocalist of the American metal band Iced Earth) will be
taking over the job as Pyramaze vocalist. I've been in dialogue with Matt about
his comeback for a few months now, and after we've been getting to know each
other better and doing a few test demos where Matt has re-recorded a couple of
our old songs, we've come to the conclusion that we are a perfect match. I've
always regarded Matt as one of the very best voices in metal, and i was (as any
other fan of his incredible voice) saddened by his departure from the metal
scene a few years ago. Therefore I'm proud to say that Matt is back, stronger
than ever, and from now on officially a part of the Pyramaze Fellowship.
We are
currently in a song-writing mode, and we expect to enter the studio early 2008
with Matt behind the mic. I hope and believe that old as well as new fans will
welcome Matt into the Pyramaze line-up. I now leave you with these great news,
and with Matt's statement below.
Statement from Matthew Barlow:
Brothers and sisters... The last time I made a statement to the metal community
it was one of sorrow but certainly not one of regret. There are people, things
and experiences - once not thought possible - that I have attained in the last
several years. It's an extension of friends and family that has truly made my
life whole, and one that I would not jeopardize for fame and glory.
That thought in mind, I was posed an interesting proposition by a true talent
in heavy metal. Honestly, I had not heard a lot about Pyramaze, when I received
an e-mail from Michael. After our initial correspondence I began to realize
that this was a guy that really had his head in the right place - a musician who
was in music for the music. Michael spoke to me of his band - a bunch of guys
who want to put out solid music but would not sacrifice their souls to attain
greatness. This is by no means a slam on I.E. or any of the great musicians I
have worked with in the past. It simply means that the music industry can suck
you in, chew you up, and spit you out if you don't keep firmly planted on the
ground. Pyramaze are working class metal heads with something to prove! Metal
is what they live for but it is not their livelihood.
Needless to say, I was instantly intrigued by Michael's delivery. Especially
considering the nature of my career choice of late. I wondered if Michael had
really thought the courting process through. I'm sure that there are some
people that never really understood my reasons for leaving the industry and
certainly don't like who or what i represent in my current vocation. There is
also the fact that Pyramaze has been rather stereotyped as a prog-metal act and
I as Satan / Paul Stanley. What kind of crazy mixed up world is this????
Well... The way I see it... I'm in a point in my life, where I love what I do
for a living and for the first time, I can support myself and my family doing
it. Now for the other great thing... That's how this band thinks. There is no
expectation of co-signing (under the name Mephistopheles) in order to have your
record sell. The record will sell if the music is great. The music will be
great, because the guys doing it, want to do it... For all the right reasons. Pyramaze
has proven that!
I sense hesitation... And rightly so... After all, there are a lot of I.E. fans
out there that still just don't get it. I would imagine that there are also
Pyramaze fans that love what Mr. King did for this band. Hell, I love what he
did for this band! I think that the guy is a true talent and feel the same
about Tim Owens (that's Ripper to you!). I also feel, that in the same way I.E.
fans have taken Tim into the fold, I too can find a place within the Pyramaze
family. I would venture to say that Pyramaze, already unique and
uncompromising, will not be placed inside of a prog-metal box once the sparks
start flying.
I am really looking forward to working with Michael and the guys!!! I also look
forward to hearing feedback from the brethren and sisterhood of metal.
Up from the ashes, back from the depths, when the voices have risen, fire
becomes flesh!
