Q

How did Cage get together?

A

In the face of the grunge onslaught, 5 mighty warriors banded together to continue the legacy of the metal masters.  We were not interested in trends or flannel shirts and sought our own metal sanity by creating the music we loved for ourselves.

Q

You’ve played some major festivals/concerts in Mexico and Europe; what was it like to share the stage with legendary bands such as Metallica, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Dio?

A

Of course it was a dream come true but the experience for the band to become deadly as a live act was the most valuable part of that experience.  Few bands actually deliver a better sound live than their records but we are one such band.  If you speak to anyone who has seen us live they can tell you we never disapoint.  The Priest shows were especially great as the guys in Priest watched our entire performance and we were invited back on their second leg so that was sweet.  Maiden was with Blaze singing so it was not quite the same and the crowd was very hostile towards him.  Dio is cool as hell and we have played with him several times now.

Q

Cage combines classic American heavy metal and European power metal. Your sound crosses borders and has international appeal. Do you bear that in mind when you write your music?

A

My main motivation is writing a quality song that will stand the test of time.  I go off of the goose bump test and know when we have something killer.  I write to satisfy my own taste as a metal fan primarily.  I always listen to as much new metal as I can to hopefully hear something I want to rock to and maybe get an idea from.  When I am dead and gone I hope some kid is buying our cds and singing along to my voice as I watch from beyond the grave.

Q

Do you think re-unions of the “old” acts re-affirm the metal scene, or pioneering new acts give it a new fresh edge?

A

So few reunions live up to the magic of old.  Crimson Glory is one of my favorites and One Dui and it goes down in flames shit!  I am glad Metal Church is back but I think that is why CAGE has continued to grow because we are an original band that has captured the magic of the classic heavy metal sound yet sounds as if it were done today.

Q

Tell me about your new concept album Hell Destroyer.

A

When we set out to do a concept I wanted to set a new standard for concept cds and fire the first shot before Priest and Iced Earth come out with theirs.  I took what is probably the biggest concept ever, that being the end of the world and the future of mankind.  The story loosely follows Revelations from the Bible and offers up a very detailed picture as to what it would be like if the scriptures come true.  It follows the Crucifixion of Christ and goes up to the modern day New world order where the Antichrist takes full control of the world government.  Eventually Satan leads a demonic invasion of the Earth and God creates his most powerful battle angel, the HELL DESTROYER to lay waste to Hell city.  It doesn't stop there as it follows man's evolution and the eventual resurrection of the METAL DEVIL.  It is all fully illustrated and text tells more of the story as we present the world's first ever heavy metal graphic novel.

Q

Who did the art work?

A

Marc Sasso did the cover and he is working on all the Halford stuff now  He stole him from us! Ha!) and has done 2 Dio covers.  I love the cover.  Forrest Butler did the comic art inside which is kick ass also.

Q

How has your album been received so far?

A

Many perfect scores, album of the month awards, and even several album of the year mentions.  Anyone who is a  fan of this style of music thinks it is an all time genre defining masterpiece.

Q

You have recorded a King Diamond tribute song.  His Puppet Master album gave me chills.  How much of an inspiration has he been?

A

Well you know that we did the bonus track called King Diamond that references his past works.  That song goes over great live.  His music and vocal melodies have really been a good template to learn from.  I also try to use a lot of different voices like he does to keep it interesting.  The story telling is cool too but the Satanism I am glad he veils in horror stories now.  The Mercyful fate songs were killer but too much Satannnnn!!!!!

Q

Your voice is outstanding. I understand you were featured in a book about heavy metal singers called 'Pro Secrets of Heavy Rock Singing'. Can you tell me how that came about?

A

This guy called me up and asked if I wanted to be in the book even though he had never heard my singing at all and I said ok.  He said that my interview was one of the best and I have like 5 pages between Geoff Tate and Ripper so that is cool.  I wish I could do it over because I have learned so much since then and am 100 times the singer I was then.

Q

Which bands are in your mp3 player right now?

A

The Beyond Fear, Kataklysm, Black Sabbath Headless Cross, Crimson Glory Transcendence.  They are packed in my PSP as it is the ultimate road device.

Q

What is in the pipeline for Cage in terms of tour plans, future albums, DVDs etc.?

A

Q

For fun, if money is the root of all evil, what is the root of all good?

A

Good question.  Unfortunately, God put us on a planet that costs money and when it is removed that is supposedly a sign of the end times when everyone will take the mark of the Beast.  Like in the song FROM DEATH TO LEGEND!  But the root of all good would have to be having a strong spiritual foundation and a sense of right and wrong.  As Ted Nugent said “ I dont care if you screw water buffalos just don’t splash me!”  Thanks so much for your time and attention.  Please all of you fans out there please contact us at www.cageheavymetal.com and http://www.myspace.com/cageheavymetal all the best and rock on mighty ones!!!

Sean

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sean for taking the time to answer these Qs & As. I hope that I will be able to catch up with him and the rest of Cage personally for a video interview when they tour the UK in the future. Let’s hope it’s soon!