Ελληνικά
Last Updated on 09:18 PM by Giorgos Tsekas
A couple of months later I was starting my review on the debut album of Vandallus like that…”Vandallus would have been the talk of (every) town since the line-up is rather spectacular as some of the Cleveland’s coolest guys are featured in it, Shaun Vanek (guitar, drums, bass) and Steve Dukuslow (drums), the two thirds of the mighty Midnight (the trio is completed by Jason Vanek -vocals, guitar-)…”, but it seems that still to this day, not too many have paid attention to this remarkable release, but let’s see what Jason Vanek has to say about this brand new effort.
Greetings from Greece and Metal Invader. Congrats on your new effort. How was until now the reception from the Press and the audience?
Seems good to me. I still really dig what we recorded and based from what I have been reading, people seem to get it as well. I guess that’s a bonus when people enjoy and understand what you do.
How did you end up on recording something outside the box of speed/thrash n’ roll?
I don’t know, you just do it. Capture a moment. We were talking about doing a record like this, and then Jason Vanek lit the fire and said “what the fuck! Let’s fuckin do it!” so we fuckin did it. Why it didn’t turn out speed/thrash was probably because I was at the zoo watching sloths or something like that. Gave me a more sloooooow vibe (laughs).
How easy was to find a contract for Vandallus?
I am in contact with a lot of people through all the other projects that I work on musically. I mean I’m always working as a musician. I never stop, so I just contacted High Roller because they seemed to be into putting records like this out. I sent it to them and they were into it. Your music/songs either make the cut or it doesn’t. These seem to be pretty catchy songs so that’s a plus. So it wasn’t too difficult.
Why High Roller and not your current label with Midnight?
I dont know, it just didn’t seem right to me. Hells Headbangers just didn’t come to mind at all for me for this record.
Excellent name but unfortunately many believe it suits better on a punk band or something, who’s responsible for finding it?
It is a cool name and I think it fits perfect for the band. I’m sure it would fit a punk band too. Sure why not. I think Jason was taking a drunken piss somewhere on some corporate building and just said “this is fuckin Vandallus!”. Not sure if thats how it happened but he came up with the name.
Which are the differences when you write fast music than composing mid tempo songs like the ones in Vandallus?
I always write based on a mood and I’m sure that’s how the others would do it as well. You get a certain inspiration from a band or someshit in your everyday life and you want to write about it. It’s not that it’s a different way of writing; it’s just capturing a different mood. If I’m listening to Black Oak Arkansas or Rory Gallagher while drinking a 40 oz, the music and the mood will be very different than if I were listening to Onslaught – the force while riding my motorcycle off a cliff….. let’s just hope that cliff isn’t too deep otherwise I won’t be writing anymore music at all.
How does your music work on stage? Are there any plans for touring in U.S. or even Europe?
We have done 2 local shows so far to start and get a vibe together for the band. Now, I think we finally honed in on the perfect stage show and figured out what songs work best in the set. As far as plans go, there is nothing in the books just yet but we are all pretty confident that when we play these songs live again next, it’s going to leave a stain in your underwear. We love bringing the energy and vibe to the stage, so we’ll see what happens.
Do you think Midnight fans are so open minded to check or even buy the Vandallus album or there’s a whole new target group you are heading right now this this band?
I don’t know. I’m not a business guy and don’t care about markets and targets. Except that I bought a new pair of shoes at target the other day and they fit well. I think some midnight fans might enjoy it and I am sure some people will really be disappointed about it for whatever reason. It all comes down to if you can connect to it or not. But at least you have a choice to listen to it or not, right? Maybe you don’t have a choice. You’re all screwed now! Buy this album you prick!! (laughs)
Name please 5 albums from AOR to Hard Rock that defined Vandallus sound.
Dokken “Under Lock and Key 1985”, Great white “ST first album 1984”, Scorpions “Blackout 1982”, MSG “Perfect Timing 1987” along with some of the earlier Michael Schenker & UFO albums, and Fastway “All Fired Up 1984”
Shall we expect a new album or albums in the very next years or was it a one off project?
I really enjoyed doing this record so there will absolutely be another one. We actually have many more songs already written like these, so we will have to get them out there at some point in the near future.
Tell us also the Midnight plans, any new material written for a new release/album?
2 new midnight releases coming out. We have a new compilation album of stuff that was recorded for various splits n shit. This will include 4 new studio recorded tracks. I think this should be out in the fall 2016. Then a brand new full length album is done and will be released probably early next year. But you know how the release dates go these days, don’t hold my word to it, and just look out for it, its cuming…
Thanx for your time, the ending is yours.
Thank you for the support!
