Published by : metal-guide.com

Interviewer : Vasilis Kyriakis
Published on : June, 2002

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" We have never followed any trends but we are always playing what's in our hearts!"

Q) Carl, "Warriors Of The World" is the return of Manowar to discography after an absence of six years. Do you believe that the result, and the level of your new musical creation will meet the demands and the expectations of the fans and justify this absence?

A) The truth is that we haven't plan such a big absence and be sure that we won't do it again. Besides it was six years without a new album but full of constant tours, two live releases, Hell On Earth, Hell On Stage, and as many video tapes. As for the new album, Warriors Of The World, we are totally satisfied, and our fans as well if I judge from the first reactions which were very enthusiastic. It's a typical and classic Manowar album that people will love.

Q) This is the second work of Manowar with you as guitar player. Do you believe that you have understand the aesthetic of Manowar and you have consolidate their philosophy?
A) I think yes. Something that's totally natural. In the beginning I was just a guitarist who played notes and music themes. Although there was chemistry between us from the beginning, after all those concerts and tours I was incorporated with the band and I believe that I play very well my part in the musical vision of Manowar.

Q) Before some time ago, DeMaio had promised us a song with a theme from Ancient Greece. Why there isn't on the album?

A) Did Joey really promised something like that? You have to ask him about that.

Q) Do you believe that this strong comeback is partially due to the fact that you are on a pure Heavy Metal label like Nuclear Blast while on "Louder Than Hell" you weren’t?

A) No, it didn't in affect the result of "Louder Than Hell" Manowar have always been playing what they really want and never compromised with the commands of any label. The fact that our new label is specialized in Heavy Metal will definitely help, because the people know very well the scene and the music itself, and I thing that this is the beginning of a new partnership, profitable for both sides, but specially for our favorite music. Let's not forget how much trouble Manowar had with the record labels due to their irreconcilable and specific opinion.

Q) I could hear some David Gilmour influences in your play, specially in "Today Is A Good Day To Die". Which are the guitar players that have taken a determinative role in the creation of your music profile?

A) Did you really notice influences from Gilmour? I have not deal in particular with David Gilmour, I grew up with the big guitarists of the 80's. I would mention my main influences as Y. Malmsteen, R. Rhoads, and a lot of other great guys.

Q) The pleasant surprise of the album is "Nessun Dorma". Why you choose to cover Puccini and not something from Wagner, which you claim to be one of your main influences?

A) We chose "Nessun Dorma" because it's a very famous song, and it's an honor to our Italian fans. We had played this song live in Milan in 1999, in Gods Of Metal festival, and people were excited, so we said "Why not?". As for Wagner, the song "The March", which originally was titled as "Wagner's March" which is written on the same rhythm and motif, and it our way of saying a Thank You to this great composer and to the majestic and Epic music that he created.

Q) When you will start your World tour, and when we will see you here in Greece?

A) The summer we will participate as headliners in some festivals, such as Gods Of Metal. Our tour will start this fall and you can expect us in Greece at early November.

Q) Last time you we here, you were injured. What do you remember from that concert?

A) Ohhh, you bring back memories. I was here with an injured leg, due to an accident from a motorbike racing contest. It was painful, but the concert had to be done, otherwise it would be a pity for the people that came to see us. I am glad that, despite my injury, I was able to play and didn't disappoint them. It was the first time that they had seen me with the band, you can understand.

Q) The new album enters Manowar to the new millennium. Do you believe that the band can stand in the modern scene and be creating and active in the demands of the time?

A) The only reason that Manowar stayed alive, an always in the front line, all those years, is because they forged a strong personality that stands the test of time. We are honest to ourselves, and to our fans. We have never followed any trends but we are always playing what's in our hearts. The new album stands proud in the new millennium and is not afraid the comparison with everything else that has been released recently.

Q) Which is the song of the album that you believe that the fans will love more?

A) I don't think that I can pick a specific song. Some moments I might prefer more slow songs, some others more fast, depends on the mood. It might sound cliche, but, I will tell that I like them all the same, because they have the spirit of Manowar and the flame of Heavy Metal in them. That's the way, I think, that our fans will deal with this album. I can't tell which song will be the favorite one, it will show on the concerts.

Q) The song "American Trilogy" has to do with the facts of 11th of September? Is it your tribute to the victims of this terrorist act?

A) The specific song, is not one of the typical Manowar songs. On the other side, it's exactly for the reason you mentioned. On this important issue, we have expressed our opinions cleared with songs like "Fight For Freedom", which talks about freedom and human dignity. This song is dedicated to our country, don't forget that we might have European influences but we 
are an American band.

Q) A final question. On the cover of the album, there is no Greek flag. This has caused discussions amongst fans, and negative comments. Why this has happened?

A) The truth is that we understood this afterwards. It was not deliberate, how could it be? We know, and you know, what Greek fans mean to us all those years. We believe that you will be compensated with the album, and the booklet, and they will convince you that this omission was done by mistake.

Q) Ok Carl, thank you very much for the nice conversation. Good luck with your new work and the World tour. I hope we don't have to wait another six years for the next album.

A) Oh no my friend. Next year we will be back with new material. Bye bye.