Blitzkreig's Theatre Of The Damned

There was a time when the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal ruled the world And Blitzkreig was one of its ruling elite. The band has reached a legendary status in it's 27 years if existence, though it has been under constant changes, with line ups coming and going, all revolving around the figure of vocalist Brian Ross, who also sang for such illustrious bands as Satan and Avenger.

Though they will forever be destined to be remembered as the band who’s theme song was covered by Metallica, they seem to have found their footing again in recent years and have just released another strong release in the form of "Theatre Of The Damned", a worthy continuation of 2005's well received "Sins And Greed". Guitarist Ken Johnson was kind enough to fill us in on the rest.

Hey Ken, I understand you guys have a new album out, first, why is it called "Theatre Of The Damned"?

Hi. Yea that's correct the new Blitzkrieg album is called `Theatre of the Damned` and will be released on Aug 10th on the Armageddon Music label , the title of the album was chosen as it is one of the track titles on the new album and matched in very well with what later became the idea for the cover artwork

What's the idea behind the cover artwork?

The idea behind the artwork is an old very historic theatre where during closed hours the spirits of past performers etc roam throughout the building.

How would you describe the music, is it similar to what you did in your last album "Sins And Greed"?

Kinda similar in places but this is 2 years on from when sins was recorded ..thou still very British metal with some melodic overtones in places …we are all very pleased with the outcome.

I understand the album was co-produced by Saxon's Bill Byford, first – how did you feel about the process of working with him on the album?

When we started work on the label Biff just became very interested in the project and his views and experience have been valuable to us and have been taken onboard

One thing that Saxon did on their latest album, is become heavier, and get an updated sound, is that something Blitzkrieg went for as well?

Yes exactly …we wanted an updated sound but saying that still staying true to our British metal roots.

Now back in time, how did you join the band, and when?

I joined Blitzkrieg in late Nov 2002 I think it was , I was friends with Phil our drummer before Blitzkrieg and when the position came up he asked me if I would like to audition one night

Where did you play before that?

Just in local hard rock/metal bands doin original material and cover versions.

What was your knowledge of Blitzkrieg and their music before that?

Very well… I saw Blitzkrieg a few times most notably when they opened for Trust at the Newcastle Mayfair in 1981 , also saw Brian back then in Satan and also Avenger

The band has always been considered Brian's thing, how much of a real group is it these days, and what kind of an input do the rest of the band members have in a new album?

Obviously at the end of the day its Brian's band, but it is a real group and I m safe in saying everyone has their fair say over everything

Blitzkrieg is considered as one of the forerunners of the NWOBHM, which bands from that time area do you know are still active, do you veteran bands perform on similar venues or festivals?

Nwobhm bands I know that are still active are bands such as ..Cloven Hoof, Elixir,Diamondhead,Avenger,Praying Mantis,Witchfynde,Tygers of Pan Tang…to name a few…and yea we kinda end up on some festivals together throughout Europe

The UK's glory days for metal have long gone, today the local scene is dominated by young, talent less American bands, what do you that says of the music scene over there?

I think it's not as bad as that there is quite a few of traditional metal bands coming thru and also that have established themselves such as Biomechanical

What do you think brought on the strength and popularity of the NWOBHM during its prime?

I think its just like in any time period of music, then something different comes along , the punk/new wave was happening in the UK and probably on its way out then along came the nwobhm period which also gave metal/hard rock a new lease of life in the UK at the time

For bad or worse, Blitzkrieg is forever destined to be remembered as a band whose theme song was covered by Metallica, what do you think that meant to the band and its career?

From what I understand the Metallica connection was and has been very good for Blitzkrieg it brought an interest in the band from a different generation of metal fans I suppose

Now that the new album is out, what kind of shows is the band planning to do?

Well we have a few dates in Ireland just prior to heading off and playing Wacken Open Air , then from then on for end of 2007 into 2008 we will be playing throughout Europe etc at our own shows and metal festivals

Any last message to the Israeli fans?

Thank you VERY much for your support over the years for Blitzkrieg , hopefully you will be able to catch us live… The Krieg salutes You!!!