SKULL
RIVAL

SKULL




Wonders are still happening…. after releasing the Elvenking-Interview and stating that we would have liked to do one with Rival as well if they would have replied to our questions, we received a mail by guitarist Neven who said he´d heard about our complaint and was sure to have answered but after checking his mails found out that this wasn´t the case. So here it is at last and we would like to thank the anonymous reader who told the Rival-guys about our disappointment :-)

First, could you give us an introduction on Rival (when founded, members etc.) and tell us if you did already receive any reactions regarding Death Stalker and your CD from record-labels? I think coverage as in HOW should help or is the roll of magazines generally overrated?
We have gotten very positive reaction from the metal listening audience because of HOW. Any magazine coverage you can get is always good. A few labels have contacted us since then, but no deals have yet been made.

There are several years between the EP and the Modern World-CD and you are still playing with the same Line-up: Why did it take so long to record another CD? One could assume that you waited until the time for old-school heavy metal is better than it was beginning of the 90´s?!
Well, there were a few reasons why it took so long. Some of the material was writtten just after the EP was recorded. We tried a studio out and had basic tracks done, only to find that we weren't very happy with the way
things were going. So we went to a better (and more expensive) studio under the advice of an entertainment attorney. It was a suggestion that we do everything over instead of trying to save what we currently had, so we
started over. While all this was going on, our studio engineer got fired over an arguement with Al Jorgensen from Ministry. I believe Al was part owner and was working in the next room. So, we got another guy and had to
pick up from where we were. Then later we got locked out of the studio because major label artists like Ministry, Smashing Pumkins, and R-Kelly occupied all the rooms that were there. They took a very long time. We         couldn't get in until they were done with their projects. It really sucked. It's not their fault, they had the big dollars and could do that sort of thing. We were just four long haired metal dudes paying for this shit       ourselves as we went along. I guess it was better that we waited because at that time, our type of metal wasn't as popular anymore and the dark cloud of "Alternative Music" was upon us all.

How important is it to play with a constant line-up? I think the most important and successful bands in history kept the same line-up (Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Queen), is this a way to reach your goals?
Not really, we've been friends for a long time befor Rival even started. There were other bands in the past that some of us had been in together. It's a twisted story actually, somewhat confusing too. I'll tell you another time if that's o.k. We're friends, and a band. That helps a lot. You get to know how each person plays and creates. It's a real tough decision to replace a band member and deal with a completely new personality. Luckily we haven't done that. Although, sometimes musically it can be for the better. Sabbath with Ronnie James Dio was amazing and Megadeth with Marty Friedman was too.
      
What keeps a band together that plays a style that isn´t trendy and doesn´t seem to be of any interest in your native country, where do you get the strength to spend your money to produce a CD that seems so out of style? I think you all have jobs besides the music, can you tell us what the band-members do if not playing with Rival?
That is hard to do. We play what we like, if others like it too, then all the better. Just because our style isn't on the radio here in the states, doesn't mean that it's that way everywhere. The music we like won't be heard on major radio stations anyway. I currently work at O'Hare airport, Chuck does Heating and Air Conditioning, John's in the Hardware business, Gary has his own business.

The Lyrics seem to play an important role within your music, they are far away from the dragons and fantasy-world of most of the other metal-bands. How important is it for you to express things like loneliness of people,
self-justice etc.?
The lyrics are very important. It's just our personal view on a subject. John and I try to write about things that can happen in everyday life to all of us. Sometimes we write about a fictional story or character too, but
mostly we try to keep it realistic.

Your music is compared to the old Omen due to the vocals and I, too, did so when hearing Death Stalker. After listenig to all of the songs on the album I can only ask if you know a band called Attika? They were from the US, too, and released an album called When heroes fall in Europe through Massacre Records beginning of the 90´s which was fantastic but failed to make any impression due to being released in a time when literally noone would listen to metal at all. I think the singing of Rival comes much more after Attika than after Omen and is much more melodic. Would you agree?
I'm sorry but I haven't heard of them. But now I have a new cd that I should look for!! John's vocal style to me is unique and powerful. He sings his way, if it can compare to someone else, that's cool too, but it was not intended to copy Omen.

You are dedicating your CD to several people that have died. One can get the impression that fate wasn´t friendly to you.....
No, it was not. Since it took so long to actually finish the cd, several very dear and special people to us have passed and never got to hear the finished product. It was the best thing we could do for all of them.

Do you often play gigs? How is the situation in the US regarding metal in general? Does anybody in the US takes notice of bands that get support in Europe through mags and labels?
We play out now and then when we get the itch. The metal scene is getting better slowly. Magazines and labels I can't really say. I haven't seen or heard much from them supporting a band that does well overseas.

Isn´t it a shame that all the major-mags did ban heavy metal in favour of Grunge and Death Metal 10 years ago and turned completely during the last years, not getting tired of declaring We´ve always been into metal;. To us this sounds so ridiculous, as the majority of kids reading this mags are new and don´t have the chance to proof it....
I agree. They seem to just ride the wave of popularity, and go with the trend. They're just trying to make money, I understand that. They can make you a star or a loser real quick.

How are your plans for the near future?
Lately we have been doing some home studio recording, preparing and practicing for the next release when we get around to it. Most likely have it available for downloading on our website only. We plan to go to Germany
and do some of the metal festivals there in the summer. We would like to do a "Modern World Tour."

Anything you want to say to our readers?
Yes. It is you the reader that we want to thank for keeping metal alive and for giving us the chance and time to check out our own music. For further information on Rival go to: www.rivalmusic.net

So far Neven from Rival. Check out the guys´ website and don´t miss the “Modern World”-CD, it brings you fantastic US-Metal, much better than hyped groups like Iced Earth or Savatage are able to!!!

Frank