Fanzine

Home
News
Reviews
Interviews
Live
Links
Specials
Gästebuch
Forum
MySpace
Kontakt

Records
Mailorder

Visit our friends & allies!!

Index · # · A · B · C · D · E · F · G · H · I · J · K · L
· M · N · O · P · Q · R · S · T · U · V ·  W · X · Y · Z

¬ Striker (CAN) - Pornshops, Action Heroes & Speed Metal!!

Hey guys, since STRIKER is a rather new band, first of all please introduce yourself to our readers and let ‘em know a bit more about yourselves and your musical backgrounds. Who are you guys, in what other bands have you played in past, how did you get to know each other and when and why did you decide to form STRIKER? Striker: Yo dude! We are Striker, the band formed originally in 2007 as you know by Ian and Dan. Dan Ian and Dave played in a band called Vinyl Spine in Highschool, Ian quit the band to focus on music school. Ian met Chris in Music school. Ian dropped out of music school to form Striker with Dan. They invited Chris to sing in Striker, Chris decided Dan will sing for Striker. They formed the first lineup played a few shows, Chris was fired/quit when he couldn't dedicate time to both the band and school. The band continued as a 4 piece and eventually split up. Ian met Manuel and Rebecca at the Magic circle festival where our good friend "Speed Metal" Clayton was showing them our recordings and it took off from there! The band reformed. As far as I know, the only other release you have put out so far is a demo, which I unfortunately haven’t heard yet, but which got you signed to German-based record label Iron Kodex Records almost immediately after they listened to it. All four demo songs have also made it onto your first EP “Road Warrior” in re-recorded versions. So I wonder in what way do the demo songs differ from the album recordings? Striker: There were minor changes done to Dark heart of the city and Fire, Lord of the sword is an entirely different song. The keg that crushed new york was the only brand new song after the demo. As I’ve just mentioned Iron Kodex Records, maybe you’d like to tell our readers a bit more about how you first got into contact with them… I think the way you approached ‘em (or rather bumped into ‘em) is quite unique and definitely not your usual “I send out a bunch of demos to potential labels and wait for a reply”-kinda story. Striker: Our buddy "Speed Metal" Clayton met Flo your brother in the line to shower! They started talking metal and Clayton mentioned a new band he knew from his hometown. As far as we know he told Manuel and Rebecca about Striker, the next night they came to Ian's campground and Clayton showed them the demo. Ian was actually pissed when he found out as he didn't want anyone to hear that original demo, turns out Clayton did us a pretty big favour! And what about your experiences with them so far? I personally think they’re really awesome people and did a helluva great job with the EP package… would you agree with me that there could hardly be a better label for STRIKER at the moment? Striker: So far we think they've done an amazing job! Only Ian has met them but we're looking forward to hanging out with them next year at Keep it True and on the European tour! Next to the four demo tracks, the “Road Warrior” EP does also feature two bonus tracks, namely the beer-fueled headbangin’ anthem “The Keg That Crushed New York” and the kick-ass GRIM REAPER-cover “You’ll Wish That You Were Never Born”. Please let us know a bit more about those two songs. Has “The Keg That Crushed New York” exclusively been written for that release or is it an older song that just didn’t find its way on the demo for one reason or another? And why did you chose to cover that particular GRIM REAPER song and not one of their more famous and well-known numbers like “See You In Hell” or “Fear No Evil”, for example? Striker: The Keg that Crushed New York was exclusively written for the EP! It was written after the original demo songs. We all loved the Grim Reaper song and it seemed like the one to do! Is the GRIM REAPER song the only cover tune that STRIKER plays at the moment? Or are there more songs by other bands that you play at your concerts or rehearsals? Striker: We have been playing "Don't wait for me" by Vicious Rumors in our live set for the last little while, and random Iron Maiden/Scorpions jams during our rehearsals. STRIKER plays an awesome brand of uncompromising, high-energy Heavy/Speed Metal whose sheer power and aggression literally blows you away. Which other bands and musicians have had the biggest influence on your kick-ass sound? Striker: Well we could obviously list a few pages but to name a collective few, Iron Maiden, Accept, Helloween, Priest, Saxon, Savatage, Vicious Rumors, Steel Panther, Power Metal Era Pantera etc. etc. If I remember correctly, I’ve seen some of you guys wearin’ cool oldschool movie shirts on several live- and promo photos, as for example RAMBO: FIRST BLOOD or ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK. So I wonder if all those cult flicks of the 80s have had an influence on your music and attitude as well… Striker: Totally! Ian once got so drunk he actually thought he was Snake Plissken and started smoking, I'm not even lying! The bright colors and over-the-top motive of the cover artwork, on the other hand, remind quite a bit of the artworks of old videogames. Is that just a coincidence or has the cover really been drawn in the style of the old Atari, etc games on purpose? Striker: This is a coincidence! Although we still love old school games, Mario 3...\m/ As far as the artwork we basically told them what we wanted, they threw in some zombies and a pornshop and we loved it! I personally think the EP artwork is almost predestined to be printed on a t-shirt or patch as well. Is any such merchandise already planned by any chance? Striker: It will be a great shirt! We are currently working on it! Next year, STRIKER will finally head over to the old continent to play at gig at the renowned Keep It True festival in Southern Germany. What does it mean to you to share the stage with Heavy Metal legends such as FIFTH ANGEL, CANDLEMASS, TYGERS OF PAN TANG and THOR? And what can the fans expect when STRIKER plug in their instruments and crack the speakers? Striker: We can't wait to play Keep it True next year! It is a great honour for us to play with such awesome bands! We're also looking forward to playing with all the younger bands. Dave's got a mad bone for Marta Gabriel! Next to your first gig on German soil, what other plans do you have for the not-too-distant future? Have you already started to work on a follow-up to the “Road Warrior” EP, for example? If so, can you already let us know some songtitles and more additional information? Striker: We are currently recording our new album and for now the title and song names are top secret! We will have a song on the Keep it True compilation at the end of summer! Before we come to an end, I’d like to play a little name-dropping game… I give you the names of a couple of Canadian Hard Rock and Heavy Metal bands from the past and present and you just let me know whatever comes to your mind first when you read that name. Here we go: Thor Striker: Hot water bottles!! Bending steel with his teeth! Riiiiide of the Chaariots! Exciter Striker: Heavy Metal Maniac! Partying with Bheeler at Headbangers Open Air! Razor Striker: Evil Invaders!! Cauldron Striker: Rite Heavy Metal!! We love these guys! Fist Striker: Oh shit! Knuckle Sandwich! Rush Striker: When Ricky Kidnapped Alex Lifeson!! Rush Rules! Thanks for your answers, guys. I hope you had some fun doin’ the interview. I’m really lookin’ forward to meet you at KIT next year for lots of metal, beers & partying! Keep up the great work & See ya soon!! Striker: Thanks Tobi!! Beers on you eh!?

MySpace: www.myspace.com/listentostriker

Questions: May 2009 by Tobi Answers: July 2009 by Striker

¬