Interview: Darren Markoff from Korotory

Band: Korotory

Genre: Metal, Thrash Metal, Death Metal, Groove Metal, Hardcore

Year Formed: 1995

Location: Long Island, NY

Members: Ray Truhn: Vocals
Darren Markoff: Drums
Chris Clemente: Lead/Rhythm Guitars
Brett Weatherston: Bass
Matt Scriva: Lead/Rhythm Guitars

Website: http://www.reverbnation.com/korotory
http://www.twitter.com/korotorymetal
http://www.youtube.com/officialkorotory
https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/1162388276...
http://www.stereokiller.com/korotory666

Interview with: Darren Markoff

Interview Through Email:

The band has been doing this since 1995, how about the bands career so far? "It is what it is and we are very proud of what we have accomplished. We never got signed to a major label or did huge tours but we managed to build an incredible fan base that continues to grow, We have played hundreds and hundreds of shows with some of the biggest and best bands in the world, learned a lot of lessons about the "biz" and most of all we have stayed true to ourselves the entire time. We have been a metal band and only a metal band for 17 years and survived every shitty trend. Just being around that long is amazing but being around that long and remaining trend free is even more amazing."

If some one picks up one of your albums what should the expect to hear? "100% relentless METAL from the heart. We like to mix up tempos and riffing styles but the main thing is its all about the groove. There is nothing like when that groove hits and its just right and makes you wanna destroy the world. It's been our thing since day one and will never change."

What is the writing process when you go to the studio? "Usually some one has a riff or a pattern and we just jam on it and start putting it together from there. The process changed a bit on this new album, but for the most part that's how its done."

What has been the greatest hill the band had to over come? "Honestly there have been many. So many that when they happen to most bands once they split, but we have always tried to take the bumbs and bruises and learn from them and improve from them. I think just being a metal band and wearing it on our sleeve and doing what we do when everyone told us to change is the greatest one. The amount of times through out the late 90's and early 00's people told us to lighten our sound, or change the way we write and we flat out said said no is a testament to our persistence and determination to give 100% to the genre we love and the fans of metal."

Interview: Kings Field

Band: Kings Field

Genre: Progressive Power Metal

Year formed: 2004

Label: Stir it up Records

Location: Phoenix

Websites: http://www.kingsfieldmetal.com

Interview Though Email:

Why did you want to start a Progressive Power Metal band? "It was never our intent to start a "progressive power metal" band, we wanted to play something more than just power chords. Adding a progressive element to the music lets us write anything we want."

What is Progressive Power Metal? "It's an intricate touch to epic metal!"

You have shared the stage with a lot of bands, do you have any favorites?

- Andrew -

"Although we have shared the stage with many incredible bands, I believe my favorite would be Kamelot. They have had quite a knack for songwriting, theatrics, and overall exhibition. Roy Kahn was a terrific frontman, but I can't wait to see what their new singer, Tommy Karevik, brings to the table."

If someone picks up "The Perfect Balance" what should the expect to hear? "A refreshing sound, we worked very hard on the music trying to keep the songs catchy while adding changes and dynamics to the song."

What are some of the bands that influence your music? "Scar Symmetry, Blind Guardian, Queen, Dream Theater, Versailles, Dir en Grey, Dirty Loops, Soilwork, Angra and Adagio."

You have been going at this since 2004, is there anything new you have learned about the music business since you started, and any tips for someone who is just starting a band?

- Rene -

"If you want to get rich or live like a rock star, you are in the wrong business. You really have to be passionate about music and all has to come from the heart. You have to be honest to yourself, because at the end of the day you have to be proud of what you are making and hopefully someone will like it. Speaking for myself, when I see people singing my lyrics and words, it's priceless. Best feeling in the world, hands down. For any bands out there: if you are really serious about music, find the right people to work with. It's going to save you a lot of headaches. This is a life style, not a trend. Happy journey!"