Japanese high energy rockers Hanabie are making serious inroads to the American market and they are paying their dues. One sure sign that something is going on are the fan gererated after show parties. As you can see here, one is taking place tonight in Connecticut.
(Ads are from official platforms & social media)
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Sweden Rock Magazine has just started to hype the next issue and it has a nice 1998 “Abandon” era press shot of Ian Gillan and Jon Lord on the cover. “Jon Lord was the Godfather”, the Gillan quote on the cover says. This is the second issue in a row that highlights the Purple Family. The current issue (5 2024) sports images of Ian Paice, Ritchie Blackmore and Phil Lynott on the cover and it deals with the aborted 1971 Baby Face project. Issue 6 will be out on June 12 in stores.
(Cover is from official platforms)
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Love this cheesy 1978 Black Sabbath compilation. It consists of a good chunk of the “Never Say Die” album plus a few from “Technical Ecstasy”. Had I seen this back in the day, I would have bought it.
(Image is from the Net)
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Fans of Japanese rockers Fate Gear can catch them in Europe right now, and they have some interesting merchandise. How about a nice Limited Edition LP of “Killers In The Sky”?
(Ad and LP cover is from official platforms)
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This interview with Decadence singer Metallic Kitty was originally made for my old Atlantis Online site (long gone) in 2007, and it went to print in my Pickadoll 2008 (“Bandidas” cover issue, there were two of them) publication as part of the big Ladies of Rock feature in that magazine. Copies can be found on the Fanzine Newsstand tag on this blog. The pictures were taken by Michael Johansson in 2007, for some he used a classic Xena prop (a chakram, late version), which was incredibly cool. He did this with several women of note in the rock field at the time, which could then often be seen in my fanzines. Decadence released their sixth studio album “Six Tape” in 2019. So, here is the 2007 interview. Enjoy.
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What is your full name and where do you currently reside?
– “Hi, my full name is Kitty Saric (known as Metallic Kitty) and I live in Stockholm, Sweden”.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you discovered music.
– “I am 20 years old and I am the lead singer (growl/extreme screams) of the Melodic Thrash Metal band Decadence. Just before I started singing my main focus had always been on my guitar playing. I could have never imagined that I would become the lead singer of a band. I had attempted growling at home, starting at the age of 12, but I was never serious with it, it was only something I did for fun. I used to put on some Metallica, Children of Bodom and Death just growl along for fun’s sake. I joined what later became Decadence when I was 16 years old and it’s my first real band so I have grown up with Decadence. When I grabbed my first guitar at the early age of 12 I knew this music was the meaning of my life. Later on when Decadence entered my life, it has become just it. Everything evolves around it, even all everyday decisions I make outside of the band”.
Can you mention a few people or artists that inspired you and what they meant to you?
– “My biggest inspiration has always been James Hetfield of Metallica. I have always sought inspiration from him both as a guitarist, singer and song/lyrical writer. When it comes to harsher vocals along with the growls I began with Chuck Schuldiner (Death) and Alexi Laiho (Children of Bodom) which I find so many emotions in. When it comes to sharpness I have sought to mix Mille Petrozza (Kreator) kinds of vocals. The brutality credits are from Piotr Wiwczarek (Vader) and vocalists such as both Cannibal Corpse vocalists (Chris Barnes and George Fisher). Thrash Metal is, and always will be, my greatest inspiration in music, having Metallica on top of it. I find both vocal and instrumental inspiration in acts such as mentioned above which constantly makes me what to express myself in Decadence”.
If you could pick three records to take with you to a desert island, which would they be?
– “That question is always as hard but I’ll give it a shot: “…And Justice For All” (Metallica), “The Sound of Perseverance” (Death) and “Revelations” (Vader)”.
There has been a huge surge, almost a paradigm shift in rock and metal the last few years, in that women are now counted in the hundreds in a field that used to be very much male oriented. Would you like to comment on this?
– “For me it seems like women are expressing themselves more in all kinds of fields nowadays, and I think this world of Metal is only a part of it. You even see more and more females in politics, business, CEO posts etc. so Metal seems to be one in the flow”.
When did you record music for the first time?
– “It was in 2004, Decadence first demo “Land of Despair””.
If you have to pick out a few favourite tunes from your catalogue, which would they be?
– “Some of them would probably be (album order): “Wrathful and Sullen”, “Decadence”, “Red”, “Inside”, “Corrosion” and “Claustrophobia””.
Many seasoned artists still fear that moment right before showtime, how did you learn how to deal with that and how is it for you these days?
– “I have never had that problem actually, at least not when it comes to performing this music which I love. Being on stage is the best thing in my life and I long for that moment all the time. So, the moment right before I get up on stage is like a huge adrenaline rush in a positive way and I love it!”.
What is the best tour/s you have ever been involved in and why?
– “The best one so far was Decadence minitour in Italy the summer of 2006. It was the first time we could really hang out as close friends and really get to know each other and it was really crazy in a good way! Memories from that tour will probably be with us forever!”.
What is the situation for your type of music where you live right now?
– “Here in Stockholm the scene is big in the sense of many fans and even more bands. However, there is a growing problem with venues and clubs. More and more of these places are closing down and it’s hard to keep the scene alive due to that”.
What are you currently up to?
– “We as a band are currently focusing on playing live and spreading our music. We have plenty of shows booked for this spring/summer of 2007 and we’re looking forwards to it a lot. Plans for the fall of 2007 are also in action…”.
What is the best feedback you ever had from a listener?
– “There have been so many good, positive feedbacks so it’s hard to pick only one. It warms my heart so much seeing fans emails to me where they tell me how much a particular song means to them and how they connected the lyrics to their own life etc. I remember one thing a fan said to me very well and if You read this I hope you won’t get mad that I shared it! “Sometimes I think of fuckin just giving up on my dream of being a musician and I think “Kitty didn’t and wouldn’t give up…and look where she’s got””.
Do you take a personal interest in your MySpace page and what do you think of this new invention?
– “Indeed I do! I answer as many mails and comments as possible and try to keep contact with the fans, both at my own personal page and at Decadence page. MySpace has helped us a lot as a band and I think this invention was a huge step for the music industry”.
Do you think the recording industry is out of touch and what would you change if you could?
– “When it comes to Sweden, I can’t really complain about studios and recordings. We have plenty of opportunities here to find a good studio but of course, it’s costly”.
Do you surf the Internet and if so where do you usually go?
– “I usually visit the same sites but when I do surf then it’s for musical purposes, such as exploring new bands or finding various inspirations for my own work etc”.
Do you have other major interests outside music?
– “No, I can’t really say I do. This music (Metal) means everything to me”.
What authors do you like and have you read anything good lately?
– “I don’t like books so I haven’t read anything good, lately anyway! When I have read various works it has mostly been existential and absurd such as Samuel Beckett”.
What favourite actors in film and television do you have, and what do you enjoy to watch?
– “I hardly ever watch TV, however strange that may sound! I guess I’m too busy with the band, work and university!”.
What favourite food do you have?
– “Hah… this is turning silly, look at me man! Do I look like a person who has favourite food?! laugh“.
I´m sure you´ve heard many bad pickup lines, did you ever actually hear a good one that made you think that this person is perhaps interesting?
– “Actually no! laughs“.
Do you have an interest in the paranormal, the unknown?
– “Yes I could say I do, I find mysterious events quite intriguing”.
Have you ever seen a UFO or do you know anybody that has had an experience that they´ve told you about?
– “I have not seen a UFO and I don’t think I ever will, but I have however heard people tell me they have”.
What´s your take on that?
– “I believe that alien life forms exists, yes. I have never accepted the fact that we are alone in this universe because it’s too big and too undiscovered”.
If you could give a piece of advice a younger sister that would like to follow in your footsteps, what would that be?
– “If there is a will, there is a way”.
Would you like to add something to this interview?
– “I want to thank you and the readers for your shown interest in Decadence! Horns up high from Metallic Kitty!”.
(End of interview)
By Mike Eriksson (if quoted let me know about it) – Atlantis Online 2007 / Pickadoll 2008 / Trinkelbonker 2024.
(All images by Michael Johansson)
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CLASSIC ROCK INTERVIEWS ON TRINKELBONKER: FABIENNE SHINE/SHAKIN`STREET 2008 (May 9 2024), ECHOES OF ETERNITY 2007 (May 6 2024), 220 VOLT 2002 (April 17 2024), THEY WATCH US FROM THE MOON 2024 (March 29 2024), BERNIE MARSDEN 1981 (September 3 2023), BRIDEAR 2023 (June 13 2023), STEVE LUKATHER 1989, Part 2 (May 29 2023), LADIES OF ROCK 2008 (April 25 2023), GLENN HUGHES 1993 (February 23 2023), JON LORD 1983 (June 26 2022), BLIND GOLEM 2022 (April 29 2022), PUBLISHER HANS HATWIG 2015 (Part 2, December 24 2021), MURASAKI 2021 (December 3 2021), PUBLISHER HANS HATWIG 2015 (Part 1, November 22 2021), CARINA LIROLA 2008 (November 9 2021), TOTO 1987 (September 17 2021), HEAVEN & EARTH 2001 (July 25 2021), STUART SMITH 1998 (July 4 2021), RAINBOW 1997 (June 28 2021), MARINA AMMOURI 2021 (February 12 2021), VISIONS OF ATLANTIS 2007 (November 10 2020), RITCHIE BLACKMORE & CANDICE NIGHT 2001 (October 27 2020), JOHN NORUM 1988 (October 18 2020), ACCEPT 1986 (July 17 2020), DEEP PURPLE 1996 (June 27 2020), EUROPE 1986 (June 16 2020), DEEP PURPLE PODCAST 2020 (April 6 2020), KIMBERLY GOSS/SINERGY 2002 (March 31 2020), RAINBOW 1997 (March 9 2020), RAINBOW 1996 (March 6 2020), MICHAEL BRADFORD 2003/MAKING OF DEEP PURPLE´S “BANANAS” (March 2 2020), URIAH HEEP 1988 (February 18 2020), ANNE-LIE RYDÉ 1984 (January 21 2020), CRYSTAL VIPER 2020 (January 16 2020), JOHN NORUM 1988 (January 12 2020), ARTOMUS FRIENDSHIP 2019 (November 10 2019), NAZARETH 1989 (August 26 2019), VELVET INSANE 2018 (September 11 2018), JON LORD 1981 (December 15 2015), DAVID COVERDALE 1981 (November 13 2015), GLENN HUGHES 1996 (May 12 2015), TOTO 1988 (March 31 2015), YNGWIE MALMSTEEN 1990 (March 1 2015), MARTINA EDOFF 2009 (December 4 2014), MICHAEL MOJO NILSSON 2014 (January 21 2014), THE HUGHES TURNER PROJECT 2001 (December 29 2013), JOE LYNN TURNER 1996-1998 (October 9 2013), GLENN HUGHES & JOHN NORUM 1988 (September 21 2013), JOE LYNN TURNER 1994-1995 (September 9 2013), JOE LYNN TURNER 1993 (September 7 2013), STEVE LUKATHER 1989 (September 4 2013), BLACK SABBATH 1983 (August 22 2013), RAINBOW 1995 (July 19 2013), MICK UNDERWOOD/GILLAN 1982 (June 11 2013), DEEP PURPLE 2002 (May 2 2013), DEEP PURPLE 1998 ( February 25 2013), BLACK SABBATH 1986 (February 12 2013), BLACK SABBATH 1987-1989 (December 31 2012), JOHNNIE BOLIN 2012 (December 24 2012), MARTIN POPOFF & RICH GALBRAITH 2009 (November 12 2012), DAVID COVERDALE 2000 (October 14 2012), JON LORD 1984 (September 7 2012), JOE LYNN TURNER 1992 (August 31 2012), JUDAS PRIEST 1986 (August 22 2012), RONNIE JAMES DIO 2001 (August 20 2012), NIGHTWISH 2002 (August 14 2012).
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I checked out the impressive bill of the upcoming four day Sweden Rock Festival yesterday, and everything looks good. Except for one thing. There is not one single Japanese act on it. And this in a day and age when Japan is one of the true hotspots in Metal. Babymetal is doing major festivals all over Europe in June, so they will be out there. Lovebites will come over. Band-Maid, Bridear and Nemophila are bands that should be considered now. Older acts like Loudness and Anthem would look good. Pioneers like Murasaki and Bow Wow will play in Sweden, but on the competing Time To Rock Festival. I say, book one or two Japanese acts every single year, whoever you are. Things have changed. Change is good. The interest will be there. Never underestimate the amazing Japanese scene.
(My shot of Babymetal, Sweden Rock Festival ad inserted)
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This is worth a mention. East of Eden and Marty Friedman performed in Okinawa yesterday, a show billed as 75th Anniversary Takara Records Presents: Rock It Loud! 2024. My good friend George Murasaki went to see the show and he sent me these words about the event. “East of Eden were very good. It was fun watching young, beautiful and talented women performing high-energy rock. Marty Friedman joined them in a couple of songs during their first set and then went on to play a couple of his original instrumental tunes accompanied by another nice looking female pianist. The two put on a very dynamic performance, interspersed with soft, mellow and loud, intense passages. Marty sort of reminded me of Ritchie Blackmore’s guitar playing in some parts of his performance. All in all, the music that both East of Eden and Marty Friedman performed was amazing/fascinating, and the entire audience seemed very happy watching them very up close in a rather small club (Sakurazaka Central, located in Naha City, Okinawa)” (End quote). I have recently blogged about East of Eden. As for Marty Friedman, he has a new album called “Drama” out on the international market this week.
(Images are from official platforms)
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Not sure if a lot of people are aware of this, but after the Deep Purple Forever! fanzine ended in 2003 I continued to support the Deep Purple Family right through the remaining fanzine years (right up to 2015). In fact, since the fanzines evolved a great deal, I would say that the best looking stuff really came out post-Deep Purple Forever! I also invited guest writers. It was all an amazing journey.
(My shot of some of the 2004-2015 era stuff)
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There will be a compilation album called “The Best Of The Napalm Years” from TYR. The release date is May 31. I absolute love that cover.
(Cover is from official platforms)
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I discovered this morning that this blog has had over 500,000 hits, so that is a pretty good fact to mention here today. It will hit 1,000,000 way faster than what it took to reach this place, so that is something to look forward to. Many thanks for visiting Trinkelbonker.
(My shot of Babymetal, left shot of me plus Ronnie James Dio – note my Lucy In The Sky fanzine on the table in front of him – by Michael Johansson, Glenn Hughes by Christer Bolin, part of old fanzine note by Jörgen Holmstedt in the upper right corner – the inserted flag is the flag that represents Jämtland County here in Sweden, so I am being patriotic here!)
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