CAMELOT FANTASIES

LO NERO INTERVIEW 31 MAY 2015
First, I’d like to thank: Bill, Nos, Mike, Marco and James - for giving me their time for this interview. This interview was done in Ramona, CA at the Ramona Main Stage; cool venue.

Bill comes and greets us at our table, and says we’re ready for the interview, so we head outside. Introductions are relaxed as we make our way to their van - out of the way / quiet. Bill opens the van’s doors and jumps right in, while the rest of Lo Nero surround the van; present are: Nos (g), Bill (g), Mike (b), Marco (d), and James (g)…and we’re off:

1). What inspired your musical journey?
Bill jumps in - “vocal music into instrumental music, something to shred.
Mike - "the kind of instrumental music that I like to hear is something that I can walk away singing the melody or not just from whatever the lead is. It could be something from any of the instruments out there, not just the lead.”

2). Current inspiration for the new album?
(Not available at the time of this interview ): All members clearly state and agree that “each other” is the inspiration for DEFIANT MACHINE. A very cool answer and one that I would never have thought of. ..

3). Have you ever considered doing some cuts with a vocalist?
Bill immediately jumps in - “NO!”, as the rest of the band starts laughing and lines of “what’s that?” - jumping in from the various members - finally Bill resumes: “ the idea was discussed about making this album a double album - both with the same songs - just one vocal version and the other instrumental! We realized that was a pain in the ass! ( the guys all nod in agreement), with optimism about an album in the future featuring vocal work.

In reference to DEFIANT MACHINE - Dan (wazimotometal) - adds:"from the material you’ve posted on Twitter and YouTube; that’s going to be a pretty smokin’ album - I’d have to say!”

Mike continues:“I think we’ve mentioned in the past as well to see when people are inspired to write lyrics to what we’ve put out there; and be able to read along to it - hearing the melodies and imagine what it would sound like….it’s really cool! ”

4). Is the metal scene evolving or stagnant in your eyes?
James steps in:“ I guess in my opinion with modern guitar music, it’s great you’re seeing alot of technical players, yet I think there are certain things that are missing. Like basic melodiciscm…listenability and just descent chops; where it involves not just the technical skills but the "vocal” aspects of electric guitar. We try to focus on the musicality of the guitar - the basics of the music we’re trying to put out; so it’s not all about shredding - it’s about making good music. “

5). Coolest venue you’ve played so far? - in general :
Bill and the guys clearly enjoyed Mexicali - as a whole, as rapid agreement takes place…wazimotometal jumps in:” I’ve never been down there to Mexicali - so I’d have to make a trip just one time when you’re shredding so I can see the house tear down! “

Mike continues: ” The best place?, there isn’t a best place, because for every place we’ve played - there’s someone out there that appreciated our music.“ Nos, Bill, Marco and James all agreed with that statement.

I jump in:” I tend to agree, it’s about appreciation if music, that’s the whole thing; it’s what drove me to ask you - it’s the appreciation and respect between each other. I could not have been more honored when you guys said sure Dan we’ll do it. I was like wow dude - I was floored; had to hurry up and call Big T. Hard not to be a dork and a fan at the same time! LoNero stated that it meant a lot to them, and Nos - “ That’s the kind of stuff right there that makes it much more worth it. Because there’s people that follow what we’re doing and appreciate it as much as we appreciate them! ”

Big T kicks in for question 6). Who got you in wanting to do instrumental music?
Bill chimes in:“Well when I started this band, I had a different drummer, figured I write a few songs and meanwhile try to find a singer. I wrote this melody - so the vocal lines should be cool; we figured that when we found a singer it would fit right in…yet when we kept doing this the more we liked what we were doing…and this is what we created. ”

First post...eye on local shredders
Horns up …. first off I’d like to say rest in peace to my brother and fellow shredder - Brit Poland. He was an amazing person and lived / breathed music….also seeking the unusual and spectacular across the the progressive metal world. His friendship and ultra-creative mind never slowed down….burn the strings with the legends brother.
Eye on local shredders - Exmortus from Whittier, CA. These guys absolutely lay waste with their new album “Slave to the Sword” . The album is extremely technical and unrelenting in both skill and composition, with cuts like: “Foe Hammer”, “Moonlight Sonata”, and “Slave to the Sword” - this album blows the doors off and keeps your head banging , definitely worth the listen. (5💀out of 5💀).
Current Playlist in my ipod includes: Vader, Exmortus, Nile, Behemoth and Arch Enemy.

TESTAMENT: BAY AREA LEGENDS
What can I say about these guys, been a fan forever and a day! It’s great to have Alex back in the band, and to see how extensively Eric’s guitar prowess has only become more amazing! Dark Roots of Earth and the live album - Dark Roots of Thrash are simply mind blowing! The band has only become stronger and tighter as is apparent on the live performance. I’ve not seen them since Japan during the Souls of Black tour, but I’ve never been unaware of any new material from the band. Chuck, glad to see you are still doing well, and guys tear up the Northeast.

TOP METAL GUITARISTS, in no particular order : 1. Peter - Vader 2. Ron Jarzombek 3. Zakk Wilde 4. Paul Gilbert 5. Jeff Loomis 6. Joe Satriani 7. John Petrucci 8. Tony McAlpine 9. Nita Strauss 10. Michael Amott 11. Chris Amott 12. Nergal 13. Dimebag 14. Chuck Schuldiner 15. Alex Scholnick 16. Eric Peterson 17. Steiner Gunderson 18. David Romero 19. Rocky George 20. Michael Romeo

Good

Thanks