Interview by Luca from Metal Shock magazine on 10/20/2004
1- First of all, can you talk me about the production of this album. I'd like to know if you are satisfied with the final work.
David T. Chastain: Yes we are very satisfied with the production of the new Cd. It was mixed by Christian Schmid in Germany and he always does a great job on metal Cds. We sent 3 years recording the Cd to make sure that everything was just right. It was recorded in 4 different studios in the United States. We had plenty of time to make sure everything was about as perfect as we could get it.
2- Can you explain me the main differences between "In An Outrage" and your previous album.
David T. Chastain: On the new Cd the songs seem to be closer to the original Chastain sound of the 80s as opposed to the Chastain sound of the 90s. When I wrote the music I didn't intentionally have that mindset. That is just what happened when I picked up the guitar. I never have a lot of control over what comes out when I pick up the guitar. Everyday I practice with a tape recorder nearby and put down things I think sound cool. It just so happened when it came time for the new Cd I was in a metal kind of mind I guess. In any case I am happy with the songs and direction of the new Cd.
3- I like very much songs like the opener "In An Outrage", "Malicious Pig" and "Souls The Sun". So I'd like to know in which way do you write a song, do you start with music or with lyrics?
David T. Chastain: The music always comes first. Then I send the music to Kate and then she writes the lyrics and melodies. In all my years in the music business 99% of the time the music has came first.
4- In my opinion this album contains great guitar riffs and guitar solos... and I think that the sound in general is better than your previous work... Do you agree with me?
David T. Chastain: Well the sound is definitely the best sounding Chastain Cd to date. I agree that the guitar tones are definitely the best for metal. Kramer guitars had just sent me a couple of guitars to try and one of them just had that tone and it worked out great. As far as the solos go, I don't necessarily think it is the best but it is hard for me to judge. Solos have so many different variables to judge. Some people like melodic solos, others fast solos. I personally believe this is a more melodic solo style for me on a Chastain Cd. There have definitely been other Chastain Cds with faster solos. They each have their benefits depending on your mood.
5- What the lyrics of the album talks about?
David T. Chastain: Kate wrote all lyrics on this Cd. She usually writes about her personal experiences whether it is with relationships, sex, and even on occasion political events such as 9/11.
6- What do you think about the current heavy metal scene?
David T. Chastain: Well....it is better here in the US than in the 90s but not as good as it was in the 80s. Unfortunately here in the US most all metal bands have growlers/screamers for vocalist and not someone who can actually carry a tune, so to speak. You will hear all this great music and then some guy will come in growling over the music. I don't understand that and I never will. I can't listen to it once the vocals come in. Of course there are still great new bands coming out, usually from Europe, that are keeping real metal music moving forward.
7- In your opinion, in which country does heavy metal still have great support from audiences and media?
David T. Chastain: To me Europe is the number one metal territory, followed by Japan, then the US and South America. Of course there are other places that love metal but to me those are the biggest.
8- Do you think that a label like Massacre Records is a right one for Chastain music
David T. Chastain: We have been working with Massacre for nearly 10 years and we are happy with the label. Thomas Hertler, the manager of the label, and I get along well and we usually see things the same. Some younger band might not be happy with them if they didn't understand the business but it works for Chastain. We are a high maintenance kind of band.
9- You have female vocals, but your music is to similar to other bands... I'd like to know in your opinion, what's make Chastain music different from the other bands who plays heavy metal?
David T. Chastain: I think that my music is definitely different from other bands as I call upon far greater influences than most people. Of course having a melodic female vocalist over traditional metal is very uncommon. Fortunately today's metal fans are a lot more open to female vocalists so that is a good thing. Originally when we started Chastain we were looking for a male vocalist but the ones we tried just didn't have the right sound. However once Leather, the first female Chastain vocalist, laid down the vocals it just sounded "right" to me.
10- I like very much the art-work of your album... What is the meaning of the front cover?
David T. Chastain: Travis Smith did the art. I just told him the title and he created the forceful art. As far as meaning well that is best left for the artist to tell.
11- Do you want to leave a message to Metal Shock readers?
David T. Chastain: Yes. Thanks for the support through the years and if you get a chance definitely pick up CHASTAIN "In An Outrage." I think if you are a true metal fan this Cd will be right down your alley! Hope to see you soon.
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