24/02/2006
Mike Chlasciak - "Metal" For Life
By: Alon Miasnikov
Interview With: Mike Chlasciak (Guitar), PainmuseuM
"Metal" Mike Chlasciak is one of metal's busiest musicians, with three solo albums under his (bullet) belt, he is also a member of Rob Halford's "Halford", toured with Thrash giants Testament, plays with Sebastian Bach's solo band, and has also recently recorded the debut album of his new band PainmuseuM. We grilled the busy guitarist about his many projects, past, present and future.
Hey Mike! I'd like to start with PainmuseuM's debut release "Metal For Life", first, what can you tell us about the album?
It is a debut album from my new band... Pure Metal, Unfiltered Love for the music I love and this band loves.
How did you put up the line-up for the album?
Bobby Jarzombek is from Halford, Tim Clayborne I found through a nationwide search and Steve DiGiorgio I met when Testament opened up for Halford on our 2003 US tour. I’m fortunate to be able to make records with such talented musicians.
What were your main influences in creating the band's music?
Number one priority was to follow my own heart in decisions on where the music needed to go …. I did not worry about particular styles, but allowed to songs to grow on their own merits. Influence was truth and not a bullshit album requested by someone else.
I understand you're already planning a 2006 second release for the band, how much of it is done?
We have 3 songs written and pieces here and there.
The album was produced by Roy Z. whom with you worked before when recording with Halford, why did you choose him to produce the album?
Roy actually mixed the album and I produced it. Roy is a great talent full of new ideas and approaches and that’s why I asked if he’d be interested in doing the album. He said that he would, so I jumped at the opportunity. I enjoy working with Roy.
I'd like to ask about your history as a musician, how did you start out playing the guitar?
I started playing late when I was 16, so I practiced every day like a maniac, basically. Sweat, passion and here we are today.
At what stage did you decide your interests lay in heavy metal music?
At about 15 I suppose. I heard Iron Maiden and I liked it … I kept going back dialing to a local college station to hear more and more and really stared liking it. When I heard Randy Rhoads I wanted to play guitar.
What was the first band you played with?
Some local acts in NJ, don’t even remember the name. First semi-professional act I joined was in 1992 a band called Roxxi. The band had a well received album “Drive It To Ya Hard” and an MTV video. But, I joined toward the tail end and later decided to go back to college to study music full time, again.
How did you end up joining Halford's band, and how did you feel when you were chosen for the part?
I sent in a video tape and my first solo album Isolation Chamber “Grind Textural Abstraction” and it came in along other thousands of CD’s. Obviously joining Rob's band was awesome.
What were your feelings when informed that Rob has re-joined Judas Priest?
I always wished Rob the best. And, I was glad that Rob was back with his band again, but felt that we still had more fire in Halford to show to fans. To make the long story short, fans will hear the Halford fire again... Soon.
How did you join Testament for their tour, and how was that experience for you?
After Steve Smyth quit Testament to join Nevermore full time, Eric Peterson called to see if I would be into doing a tour with them. I came out to San Francisco to jam with the guys and everything went very well. So, we did the tour and it was a lot of fun.
How did you join Sebastian Bach's band?
Steve DiGiorgio who as you know is a friend of mine now played with Sebastian. Steve told me that Sebastian was looking for some good Metal songs for his solo Cd and that’s how that happened. Before you knew it we were done with biggest European festivals and trips to Turkey, Brazil and many other countries. I enjoy touring with Sebastian and when his solo Cd comes, we’ll probably do a a little more touring as well.
In both bands you got to play with Steve DiGiorgio, what's it like playing with him?
He’s a great bass player and a real fun guy to be around.
What can you tell us about the three instrumental albums you've released, and two guitar instruction books you wrote?
No vocals, pure guitar insanity. I did whatever I felt like at the time I was doing these albums. They are not super high budget, but the pure attitude is certainly there. Guitar books explain that insanity in detail.
Are you currently involved with other musical projects apart from PainmuseuM?
Concentrating on PainmuseuM and Halford. A little Bach when time is right.
What are the band's touring plans for the near future?
US tour in May with some leading thrash bands, then probably a new album and then Europe in 2007. we do hope to hit some festivals in 2006 as well.
Any last words to the Israeli metal fans?
Yes, thank sfor all your help and dedication to real Heavy Metal. You can check out our website for latest news and to hear sound samples and how to order the debut from PainmuseuM and other things. I do hope to see everybody in Israel sometime soon. Metal For Life.
|
