Crimson Steel – Interview –
Country: USA
Genre: Heavy Metal
Interview with: Crimson Steel
Hello. What kind of good things happened in the world of Crimson Steel recently? What should the readers learn before they keep on decrypting these words?
Hello. Thanks for the interest in finding out more about Crimson Steel. Now that we have solidified the band with Elio and David, we have collaborated on the existing songs to incorporate the dual guitar sound and let their identities show through. We are currently working on new material for our sophomore release, and have about four songs fully written. We had a great response with the album release, and played a few Festivals, including Thou Shall Rock. We’ve also made fans and friends in Europe, thanks to the release of the “Night Creatures” album.
When did you discover Metal? When did you discover Heavy Metal? What was your first Heavy Metal album? What did you like in this kind of metal then, and why was it without any doubt better than other genres of music?
Joel – My first discovery was KISS, but my love of Heavy Metal started with Judas Priest, who I discovered in 1984 with the DEFENDERS OF THE FAITH Album. It was the twin guitars and soaring vocals. I was hooked from Freewheel Burning. The Sentinel is one of my all-time favorite songs, and it still doesn’t get any better than that style, at least for me! I also lived on Iron Maiden, old Queensryche, Savatage, DIO, Megadeth, etc., but it all started with Priest. Later, bands like Stratovarius, Kamelot, Epica, Pagans Mind, Primal Fear, and Symphony X dominated my playlist.
David – For me it was the VH1 album. The innovation of guitar playing is what captured me.
Iris – The Discovery of “Celestial Entrance” by Pagan’s Mind was it for me. This is when I fell in love with European ProgPower bands. The atmosphere and epic nature of the lyrics and music spoke to me and unlocked a part of myself fully in a way that others hadn’t before. Nightwish, Ayreon, Sonata Arctica, Stratovarius, are also amongst my favorites.
Stan – Slayer – “Show No Mercy” is what really got me into the heavy side of music.
Elio – It was Black Sabbath. That was what started it. Later Judas Priest heavily influenced me.
How long did it take to compose the first album? Was it a matter of months or years? What are the main ideas and morbid energies hiding behind these new compositions? Is it better to listen to Crimson Steel at night in total darkness, or the environment doesn’t matter?
Joel – The original guitarist answered my ad in the summer of 2018. Stan came on board in the summer of 2019, and Iris became our new vocalist in the spring of 2021. The first album was released in the fall of 2022. The songs for the upcoming release, now that Elio and David are slinging axes with me, are higher energy, and a little faster. Although environment isn’t make or break, isn’t darkness is always better!
How do you personally describe the music of Crimson Steel? Do you have any special words to tease the ears of wandering metallers? Perhaps you have a special slogan to spell before every gigs?
That’s always a hard thing to do, but I would say NWOTHM with a modern twist. A prog-tinged 80’s style Metal that’s also melodic with a hint of moody atmosphere.
Would you say your music is more influenced by American or European Heavy Metal? Are you generally into the old or newer bands? (There are so many new kicking bands that some metallers might listen only to new bands…)
Priest, Sabbath, Maiden, Purple, Scorpions, Helloween, a hint of Dream Theater with David now on board. Definitely more European, but a hybrid of the two. Iris’ vocals are inspired by the modern EU metal, sweeping and epic. We listen to those bands a lot, but also get into newer bands, still mostly European. Primal Fear, Enforcer, Firewind, The Halo Effect, Myrath, Hammerfall, Crystal Viper, Ambush, etc.
Which bands did you listen to the most the last few months? Are you mostly into albums, or are demos and Eps also exhausting the tape player?
Stallion, Frozen Crown, Enforcer, Ad Infinitum, Myrath, Stratovarius, DIO (All forms), Opeth, Unleash the Archers, Ambush, The Halo Effect, Symphony X. Mostly albums.
I saw the band recently live at the Pour House. Could you please describe these two Heavy metal days?
It’s a coming together of bands, to celebrate the life of a fallen brother in metal that was taken too soon.
What are the next plans of Crimson Steel? What should the readers expect? Thanks for the answers.
Our current plans are to continue working on the next album. It won’t stray too far from our first album. However, with David and Elio now on board, be prepared for some compositions that will test your testicular fortitude! We are also putting together some shows for 2024, including a few Festivals. We are looking to book some dates across the water as well. We are ready to take it to the next level, and feel humbled and thankful for the positive response that we have received since the release of “Night Creatures”. Thanks for reaching out to us for the interview.
Interviewer: Speedskullcrusher
