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Mr. Saint Fan Home | Album Reviews | What's New With Saint | Fan Mail 1 | Fan Mail 2 | Contact / Photos | Q And A | Links | Saint777 | Nicolas |
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The information you find on the pages titled with Saint777 and Nicolas is taken directly from Josh Kramer's site. Josh has asked me to copy the information here for the time being. I appologize if anything seems a little out of order...I'm copying and pasting as quickly as I have time. Also, I've posted the information in a small text size to better fit everything on these pages, if you feel the text size is too small to read, please let me know. Thank you. |
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UPDATE 11-10-2004
WARRIORS OF THE SON - 20th Anniversary Edition |
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For snail mail write to: Hey, check out my new site designed by my good friend Ian Keith Hafner. It is still under construction so check back every so often to see how it's grown. ----------- Link: www.metal-observer.com
Link to the Review: http://www.metal-observer.com/articles.php?lid=1&sid=6&id=6370 Link to Review in German: http://www.metal-observer.com/articles.php?lid=2&sid=6&id=6370 English Review: The White Metalheads of SAINT are back again and have a new album: "In The Battle". As they are confident Christians, I believe, that they are in the battle against all unbelievers. Or maybe against all modern in Metal because this album is such Old School, more Old School isn't possible. Everything, from the "stereotyped" cover, the production to the nine compositions sounds of the 80s. That's good as already the opener and title track shines with its midtempo pace and an anthem-like chorus. "Star Pilot Return" reminds of elder PRIEST, ennobled with high screams, you all know from uncle Halford. "Here We Are" is rather stomping and has a cool guitar solo in the beginning. Again with an out of hand but great chorus. "Sacrifice" is the best song of the entire album, in my opinion. Seventies-PRIEST-feeling meets elevated vocal lines. Great! "Holy Rollin'" is again stomping and with a hymnal singing. Also the next three songs aren't that different - but that's a plus for the band. Originality isn't really a strength of SAINT. But when I buy a MARDUK album for example, I don't expect any ballads or innovations... the absolute killer track (apart from "Sacrifice") is presented in the end by the US Metallers: "Full Armor", which is introduced by the acoustic intro "Acid Rain". An utter headbanger track, reminding me a bit of CAGE. Cool sirens singing and Metal in pureness!!! What I like on SAINT is, that they have a totally unique style despite their old-fashioned direction. Okay, they contain slight JUDAS PRIEST tendencies - but I could name a thousands of bands, borrowing lots of elements from PRIEST & MAIDEN. These are simply the Godfathers (maybe also BLACK SABBATH). But as long as bands like SAINT sound that dedicated and authentical, it's alright. If you are interested, please visit www.hellionrecords.de or www.stephans-buchhandlung.de. "Defenders Of Steel" Review by Beppi Diana Turin Italy
http://www.defendersofsteel.net/review.php?id=251 http://www.defendersofsteel.net/new.php In The Battle genere: Heavy Metal anno di pubblicazione: 2004 etichetta: Armor Records voto: 7 Saint line up: Josh Kramer - vocals, guitar Jerry Johnson - guitar Richard Lynch - bass, backing vocals Larry London - drums site: www.saintsite.com YEAHHHH, Saint will conquer!!!! E ritornano in pista anche i white metallers Saint, storica band della scena US christian metal, artefice in passato di splendidi album come il sottovalutato “Time's End” o dello spettacolare “Too late for living”, che personalmente vi consiglio vivamente, entrambi editi dall’etichetta specializzata Pure metal che all’epoca, metà anni ottanta, li lanciò sul mercato come l’ennesima risposta ai famigerati supereroi Bloodgood, Stryper e Barren Cross, band con le quali i nostri divisero più volte lo stesso palco, ma non di certo la fama, che purtroppo non le arrise veramente mai, non tanto quanto avrebbero almeno meritato. Tornati on the road già qualche anno addietro grazie all’interlocutorio “The Perfect Life”, un ep che aveva gettato più ombre che luci sulla stessa band per via di un suono al limite dell’alternative rock, il combo capeggiato dall’arcigno vocalist Rychard Lynch, adesso anche nelle vesti di bassista, recupera, oltre allo storico guitar player Josh Kramer, anche lo smalto nonché lo stile compositivo che aveva caratterizzato il songwriting del passato, ovvero un classic metal fortemente debitore nei confronti della scena americana degli eighties, che si divide fra forti richiami a band più blasonate come Riot e Fifth Angel da una parte, ed i redivivi Judas Priest d’inizio carriera dall’altra, per un risultato finale veramente tosto e ad alta gradazione metallica. Si, i Saint sono ritornati con un grande disco davvero coinvolgente e sanguigno, heavy metal diretto e senza fronzoli sparato in faccia con la rabbia e l’arguzia dei tempi che furono, e che naturalmente non sposta di una sola virgola il trade mark dei nostri, grazie soprattutto ad una produzione molto scarna e dalla carica decisamente live, che se vogliamo ne aumenta ancora di più la fruibilità. Brani dal grande appiglio melodico come la guizzante “Here we are”, heavy rock molto potente e ritmato, o la stessa title track “In the battle”, più hard rock oriented, ci regalano fraseggi ritmici degni dei migliori KK Downing/Glen Tipton, tanto che sembra di immergersi a capofitto in ambientazioni molto care a capolavori del calibro di “British Steel/Screaming the vengence”, e la veloce “Star pilot return”, dove il nostro Rychard Lynch gioca con gorgheggi simil Halford-inae, non fa altro che profondere questo mio personalissimo credo. Molto più particolare e alquanto personale mi è parsa la tosta “Sacrifice”, strutturalmente impostata sui chiaroscuri inquietanti di un power metal molto potente e cadenzato, che rilegge, anche se in maniera abbastanza personale, le lezioni impartite dai maestri Mercyful Fate ed Iron Maiden, ampliandone in parte le coordinate stilistiche, mentre il crescendo della modulata “When”, riporta in mente i Queensryche più metallici ed ispirati di “Warning”, prima che le note della conclusiva “Full armor” e la potenza primordiale del suo classico US style a la Armored Saint meets Savatage di cui si gloria, spazzino via ogni, seppur piccola, incertezza sul vero potenziale dinamitardo di questo fantastico platter. I Saint sono ritornati, e spero vivamente che non sia solo un come back vanaglorioso, anche perché il mondo dell’hard’n’heavy odierno ha realmente bisogno di band come questa. God bless you all Saint Sent : Saturday, June 12, 2004 11:04 AM
Subject : Interview With Whiplash Brazilian Rock Site Greetings, I am Maurycio Gomes Angelo and I write for the largest site of rock/metal of America Latina, Whiplash! (www.whiplash.net). Besides I will use for the first time a column shortly in the site dedicated to the Christian metal. It would like vastly to accomplish an interview with you, this great name of the style in every time, taking advantage of the turn. It would be great for all the thousands of Brazilian fans that Saint possesses and also a great middle of popularization. I await the answer eagerly on the interview and I can only want success in this new one it was for the band. Great Hug, Maurycio Gomes Angelo Belo Horizonte - MG Brazil From : Maurÿffffffffffffffffffffffedcio Gomes Sent : Sunday, June 13, 2004 5:44 PM Subject : Whiplash! - Continues... Greetings Josh, I was extremely happy in receiving its answer. Its speed was also incredible, surprising. It is a honor for me to be talking with you. Thank you very much for accepting in doing the interview. I will be formulating the questions and shortly I will send for you. Me not remembered that you are also granting an interview for to Metal Mission, of my dear colleague Flavio de Souza, that is great! Very nice. I am very thankful for its disposition in sending a stuffed cdr of material of Saint and yours also, don't forget about "In The Battle" so that I can make the review for the site. I was ravished with the turn of the band, order a great hug to the Richard Lynch for me. I will do of everything that cannot to disclose the Saint Return here in Brazil. I hope my deficit English is not impediment for the course of the process, and that you can understand everything that I say clearly...Lol! They can count on me, I order an affectionate greeting on behalf of all the Brazilian fans, until the close. Maurício Gomes Angelo Betânia Belo Horizonte Minas Gerais, Brazil Insano é o homem que, incapaz de criar uma minhoca, cria Deuses às dúzias" - Montaigne (1553-1592) By Mauricio Gomes Angelo editor Whiplash webzine Brazil www.whiplash.net 8/10/04 (Translation from Briziallian to English) Bloodgood, Barren Cross, Holy Soldier, Angelica, Sacred Warrior, Idle Cure, Guardian, WhiteCross…how many classic bands of the Christian metal that practiced a quality hard/heavy nowadays in the active? With a lot of sadness I answer that none. None of them survived the hazy nineties. And in that group it was Saint... it was! If that 18 years after the release of classic Too Late For Living, Josh Kramer it is turn of band, and with the indefatigable leader founder Richard Lynch (bass), with Jerry Jonhson's addition in the guitars and Larry London in the drums, the Saint renaissance of the ashes with a beautiful album in hands. The scenery was imploring for a band with that spirit, with that sound and with that attitude, who knows it is the starting point so that the pure essence of the Christian metal is rescued so represented by bands like Stryper and Mortification. Of face, the music title that opens the work is a new classic of the Christian metal, moderate course riffs, the perfect voice of Josh starting up tears and an unforgettable refrain, the typical mid-time that we everybody liked starting up. When Star Pilots Return begins (a continuation of the present homonymous music in Too Late For Living) you are full sure that nothing moved. And that amazes that is like this: 80’s distortions, vocal in the right measure, certainty of good soils in the music, riffs and memorable refrains. “Sacrifice” had everything to be wonderful, but its instrumental confused and even right point disturbed is a shot in the own foot. Standing out really its strong and direct letter on the history and supremacy of Jesus Christ. There “Holly Rollin” and you come sees him again with the hands for the high singing the refrain, what repeats in " Riders " and of there for front it is alone continuity of the memorable metallic party begun with the strip title. The band doesn't still sound so it understanding as it would owe, what is reflected perfectly in the music, thing that the time must improve. Richard Lynch has potential to do much more than did here. Just discounting the weak production, " In The Battle " is a work harmonious and mature, that will please the fans of a hard/heavy easily well done, and that will place Saint again in the position from where should never have left: in the top of the world Christian metal. " In The Battle " is the reflex of an experienced band that is in the scenery there is a good time fighting to maintain lives the flame of the pure and true heavy metal. It doesn't remain me other thing except to give good comings to the masters and to want the best possible future for them. Rock On Saint! IInterview – Saint
www.whiplash.net By Mauricio Gomes Angelo and Thiago Pinto Corera Sarkis What's say about Saint? Surely one of the largest names of the Christian metal in every time, that has in its curriculum works masterpieces like Too Late For Living. Catching everybody of surprise with its unexpected turn now in 2004, and tends the front the same vocalist of its classic phase, Josh Kramer. It is with him that we talked on the past, the present and the future of the band in this interesting interview with Whiplash. Whiplash! - Well Josh, the first question seems obvious. What happened between you and Richard Lynch that got the band back together again? Josh: around 2000-2001 Rich and I struck up a dialog around about the time of my separation with my spouse. Talk about spirit intervention and cozmic timing! He sent me some song ideas on cd and i liked some of them. We then began to develope ideas for the album “In the Battle” God's timing to get on with Saint was perfect. Whiplash! - Did the band maintain contact after the break up during that whole time you were away? Did you guys continue to be good friends? Josh: We ceased communication from 1989 until 2001 or so. Whiplash! - Because guitarist John Mahan, is an integral important member of the band, did he leave the band before the release of the album Too Late For Living? Josh: Yes. Whiplash! - Did you like the vocal work of the album " The Perfect Life ", with the vocal of Tim Lamberson? Josh: I like Tim's voice especially now. He has improved a lot and is more aggressive. He is our new drummer. Having him in the band will be great because he can sing and do backing vocals. What he did on the Perfect life was well done but it wasn't Saint. Whiplash! - What were you doing the whole time you were away from Saint? Josh: After Too late for living was released, we still were wondering what was going on. The record company gave us the same song and dance as the previous record companies not telling us the truth about how many albums were being sold and kept lying to us telling us that we hadn’t reached recoup level. They never gave us a touring budget, so we rotted, and starved. I wanted to reconnect with family in California, and hook up with Sanctuary South Bay and Pastor Bob Beeman to get an extra needed spiritual refreshing, which I did. I ran short on cash got stranded and got replaced. Fans wondered where the band was or if we were going to release any new material. In 1997, Richard Lynch reissued all three Saint albums on a two CD set. Then in 1999, Saint released the CD entitled "The Perfect Life" which was more of a modern sound with a couple of classic sounding Saint songs. I was married and had long given up on Saint and was losing my grip on God, my marriage and my line of credit. Since I was unable to play on this album as the lead singer due to being in outer space and 2 thousand miles from where Richard was based, I got replaced by Tim Lamberson. Later in 1999, Saint would work along with M8 Distribution to re-issue Warriors of the Son with The Gentiles demo, Too Late for Living and "Times End" with a live show from Cornerstone 1986. The production of this album was considered very disappointing. Around 2000-2001 Rich and I struck up a dialog around about the time of my separation with my spouse. Talk about spirit intervention and cozmic timing! He sent me some song ideas on cd and i liked some of them. well into 2002 I was in total emotional and spiritual collapse from my divorce. I was into beer and pot and stopped going to church completely. Rich didn't know this. I started writing a book in 2000 about Nicolas of Myra,(Santo Nicolas). Of all the people in my life at that time who were Christians, one spoke up and told me about her faith and love of Christ, gave me a mini book of the scriptures and witnessed to me. She was one of my music and acting students, I will always consider as a friend, 11 year old Julienne Indy Roberts. Talk about a humbling cold glass of water in my face. I owe my new life in Christ to her, her family and their church that prayed me out of the toilet I was flushing my life into. They rescued me with tough love. I knew it was time to make some serious changes. They saw me through some very rough times. With my new anointing, getting baptised, new faith and firm foundation built on Jesus Christ and shedding the layers of addictions and foolishness, the time to move out west came and off I went. 2 powerful songs were born from the ashes. Full Armor and Cold Day. Cold Day is way too mellow for Saint but I am releasing it as a special solo project Music video along with some other songs that might be way to thrash sounding for Saint in the near future. Whiplash! Dee Harrington, the other classic member of the band, that contributed 3 songs, “Sacrifice, Riders and When” but in this new album “In The Battle”, he didn't perform any guitars. What prevented him from doing so? What is his relationship with the band now? Josh: Dee was no where to be found. We contacted everyone who knew him and finally found him. Currently he is a very strong musical contributer to the new projects and it is great to have him back in the band. Whiplash! - What do you think of the development of Christian metal now a days and is this a favorable moment for the turn of Saint? Josh: I am so out of touch with what is going on in any genre of music right now. My day consists of working 8 or more hours at my day job of which I am currently a Superintendent / supervisor on construction projects. I come home, choak down a fast meal while I sit at the keyboard all night answering fan mail, doing interviews, working with people getting “Nicolas” distributed with C.D. Baby distributors and others and book publishers like Author House Publishing to publish my paperback edition of the rock opera as a novel. So you see, I have almost no time to research the music markets and doing what I do during the day it is impossible for me to listen to any kind of radio programs or prerecorded music. I am dealing with contractors, inspectors, lazy workers that I have to end up doing their job then fire them from the projects train new people and so forth. Midnight rolls around and I shower and go to bed. Up the next morning at 6:00 am and do it all over again. Saturday rolls around and I usually get asked to help people in my church move because everyone knows I have a truck, piano dolly, a strong back and that I enjoy helping people in my church. Sunday I am at church for 3 hours plus 1 to visit the elderly and bring church and the bread and cup to them. I get home and pass out hoping that i remember to set my alarm clock. I pretty much rely on fans to clue me in and webzines to enlighten me as to what's going on. Whiplash! - The wave of turn of the bands of the 80's reactivates like Judas Priest, Europe, Twisted Sister, Omen, Whitesnake, FireHouse, WatchTower, Agent Steel - was this an incentive for you to rejoin and have the certainty that this the right moment for a return? Josh: We saw the writing on the wall and realized that this is a window of opportunity to rekindle the flame and revisit the music that we loved to do and do it right this time. Create it , produce it, record it and market it ourselves. We are actually making money this time and not even sold a fraction of the albums that we sold in the 80's. Whiplash! - I've noticed that the band didn't change in its style maintaining the hard/heavy sound. Continuing with the pure and simple heavy metal that pleases every head banger. How would you define the importance that heavy metal has had in your life? Josh: The Marriage of Metal, me and God seemed to be destiny because metal is the most powerful driving musical vehicle to carry messages that we deliver. The End Times is not a sweet and gentle theme. It needs a powerful vessel to carry the message. Metal is that vessel. Well my dear brother, I have to lay down before I fall down from exhaustion. I'll continue next week. Until then, God bless you all. Josh Kramer Interview SAINT
A Talk With JOSH KRAMER METAL TO INFINITY www.metaltoinfinity.tk Stefan: Hey Josh! A real pleasure to see you guys are back after a silence of several years. How are you these days and what kept you busy during your absence? JOSH: I recently finished co-writing an adventure story based on a guy shrouded in myth and legend. It is a story based on factual historic events with licence for creativity and embellishment in an attempt to fill the mysterious gaps surrounding the most famous and misrepresented man of all time. Saint Bishop Nicolas of Myra. The Real deal. It started out in 2000, when I had a wild and weird dream that changed me for ever becoming a journal, then it became a book, then a script and currently what it is today, an audio book rock opera on C.D.R. available through me in both audio wav and mp3 compressed data format. So far it has only gotten favourable reviews. It's not for sale but for what ever aperson can afford, they can have a signed copy. It's there for the asking. In 1988, The members of Saint all went our seperate ways. I needed to spend some much needed time close to my family and link up with Sanctuary South Bay California for fellowship and spiritual guidance. I got stranded down there and Rich needed a singer. Melodic Christian and Secular Metal was coming to a slow and arthritic crawl in 1989 and so ended the chapter of my life with Saint at that time. just before the release of the 4th album and the day after we played the HIS Festival in California USA. Many misunderstandings, differing views, no financial compensation from the record companies contributed to the demise of Saint. I wanted to see my family after many years of being away in addition to the need for camaraderie withfellow believers that were long hairs like me in the Christian Music culture prompted me to go to Southern California to get fellowship with Sanctuary South Bay with Pastor Bob Beeman. I totally loved being there. I met so many great people that welcomed me with open arms and blessed my life. Rich and I lost touch, I got stranded without enough money to return to Salem in time to meet the deadline for the next recording project. Rich had to let me go and find another singer to get the job done. I got married a couple of years later, became my wife's guitarist and backing vocalist, pursuing at first Secular Pop, then migrated to Nashville TN. to develop her country music career and finally her Christian Pop music career. We separated 1n 2001 and Rich Lynch and I struck up a dialog to consider reforming Saint. I had no idea how popular we were around the world. My audio book rock opera,"Nicolas" was born in 2000 from a journal which was inspired by a wierd, wild and life changing dream. I gave away everything revolving around being a home owner including the home to my x-wife, tools, books, furnature, rocks and so forth to students, neighbors and friends then packed everything left over that I owned into the bed of my pickup in December 2002. I then moved out west to reunite with Rich and embark on our newest and most powerful project ever with a new sense of strength and empowerment from on high as lead vocalist, 2nd lead, rhythm guitarist and song writer. Stefan: Let's start this interview with a question for all those who aren't that familiar with the band. Can you tell me some history information and something about the evolution of SAINT? JOSH: The band was originally formed by Rich Lynch and John Mahan in the late 70's calling themselves "The Gentiles". At that time, the drummer Gene McClendon whom I've known for a few years prior to joining the band found me in the Air Force in 1982. He let me know that a position was available as lead guitarist for his band. He sent me a Gentiles demo which is available now through Armor Records, (Richard Lynch's Indy label). Rich really liked my guitar demo and we started up a dialog to have me come on board as guitarist. It was impossible finding a lead singer so I volunteered for the spot having only a light rock folk background vocally having been a big fan of Larry Norman,Keith Green, DeGarmo and Key, Rez band, Phil Keaggy, Kansas, Foreigner, Deep Purple, Randy Stonehill, Hendrix, 2nd Chapter of Acts, Petra, Tom Petty, BobDylan, Classical music, Jazz favourites and some old country artists and soforth. Rich and Gene introduced me to Great artists such as Ronnie James Dio, Ozzy, Black Sabbath, Priest, Accept and my guitar students introduced me to a plethora of a the current heavy bands like Slayer, Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax etc. We eventually voted on a new name. "Saint". I thought it was too religious sounding. I guess the Lord had bigger thoughts than me. We got John Mahan to rejoin the band and Warriors of the Son was born. As the new vocalist, we opted to refrain from having me do any guitar work and just keep me in the vocal spot so that I could focus on the audience and a guitar playing lead singer was not the image we were looking for at the time. To this day, we are going to maintain that I focus on mainly vocals and some leads as well as some rhythms to back up Jerry Johnson who is a masterful guitarist. Stefan: Tell me a bit more about yourself Josh, how you got into making Metal music, and why you chose to raise up a Christian Metal band? Do you have some religious backgrounds? JOSH: My musical background is vast. I love Classical guitar and all forms of well made music what ever style. Metal music is very Classical influenced when it is donewell. Ingwie Malmsteen Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Alan Holdsworth and Frank Zappa are classic examples of amazingly complex classical and jazz influenced greats. I was born baptised and raised Catholic and modulated intoand out of various religions over the years. For the sake of privacy, I wish to refrain from disclosing my particular religious affiliation at this time. The marriage of metal music and God was inevitable and was what I was born to do. I've heard it said that there is no such thing as Christian music, only Christian Lyrics. Stefan: I think that SAINT was one of the very first Christian Metal bands ever. Later on we had bands like Deadly Blessing, Angelica, Stryper, Sacred Warrior,.... JOSH: We were trailblazers alright and paid the price for it. The actual real Christian Real original pioneer Rockers were and still are in my opinion are Rez band and...nope that's all that comes to mind. Rez band. Stefan: What is your honest meaning about the Black or Death Metal scene of today? As a Christian Metal musician, can you show some respect to this forms of Metal or not Josh? JOSH: I am so out of touch with the metal scene today (shame on me!). I respect the hard work, sacrifice and heart of these young and old men to play the music they love. If they are not bringing glory to Christ then they are only missing out on the truest joy of creativity in song. Sad to say it is their loss. I am no ones judge. I can only look at my own life and see where I am lacking. The log that is lodged in my eye gets in the way of being able to see the splinter in my fellow human's eye. If I judge my fellow human, I am judged in the same measure. I've heard it said that we are un fit to receive the blessed sacrament elements of communion (the bread and cup) when there is unforgiveness in our hearts towards anyone. That makes hypocrites out of a lot of folks. I'm not immune to this sin of unforgiveness either. Stefan: We're talking about the mighty and glorious Metal period. What's for you the biggest difference between then and now. When I look back to the 80s scene, a lot of things are totally changed, right? JOSH: The hair.The hair is missing. I would love to have big hair again and perhaps I will some day. The tones available in amp rigs and processing gear is so much more diverse and powerful now. Music styles seem to be going retro and the music that was new to us in the 80's is new to a whole new generation. Stefan: The most beautiful experience you'll never forget during your SAINT career was...? JOSH: Sitting next to Glen Keizer back stage at Cornerstone festival with his hand on my shoulder with my face in my hands feeling like I was sitting next to the closest thing to a personage of Jesus Christ, humbled and seeking for a touch of the Holy Ghost to answer my prayers for guidance and repentance for my sins. Seeing the sea of faces that were thrilled to be there and offer their love and support to us as we played in the different places around the U.S. Stefan: Do you feel comfortable among the new generation of today's Heavy Metal scene? JOSH: Frankly I sometimes feel quite intimidated and old fashioned next to them. If they recognize me and show me respect for our accomplishments it puts me at more ease. I feel somewhat out of place sometimes. I've been out of touch with the metal music scene for so long it's almost alien to me. Stefan: You guys are the proud owners of a few great Metal albums, right. Your first release was backthen in 1984, is that correct or not Josh? Please, tell the Metal To Infinity readers also a bit more about all the other killer albums if that's possible. JOSH: Warriors of The Son, Times End, Too Late for Living and In the Battle are the 4 albums I've had the privilege of participating on as the lead screamer on and sometimes off pitch. I played Rhythm guitar on "The War is Over and feel honoured to be able to play next to and along with the most creative and aggressive guitarists I've ever known personally. Jerry Johnson, John Mahan and Dee Harrington. I played all the guitar work on Acid Rain and Full Armor. I had the privilage to share the rhythm and lead work with Jerry Johnson who is a masterful player. Having Rich Lynch produce me is a total honour because he has a natural metal sense and brings out my very best in the studio in addition to being the primary song writer for Saint. There was a time when I would stand in awe watching John Perrine play the drums like a master. He played as naturally as breathing. Larry London is a remarkable drummer and whipped the songs outwithin only a few days practice with a drum machine clictrack and scratch padvocals and guitars. He nailed all the songs within afew hours. Truly amazing. Stefan: Every timeI listen to some SAINT songs, Rob Halford and Judas Priest lingers on in my head. Are you agree with that statement? JOSH: There is some influence there but I am no where near the unbelievable ability that Mr. Halford possesses. Comparing me to him is like comparing me as a little Cessna singleprop airplane and Mr. Halford as a Space shuttle. To me I don't see the comparison. I sound perhaps if there were a comparison to be drawn, to Jim Morrison with a wide range, mix a little Dio, Halford and some Hank Williams Sr.....kidding..in addition to the natural stuff God gave me and we get...me. Stefan: As I said before being real pleased to hear SAINT is back to brings us some more Metal after so many years of silence. How's the current line up? JOSH: So far it's Jerry Johnson, Rich and me. We are praying for another guitarist to carry the load and a drummer that can fill the shoes of all of the great drummers we've had the privilege of playing with us. That won't be easy. Stefan: A new album is available right now so tell me what we can expect. Some information about the title, record company, lyrics,... JOSH: Our newest project is called, "In the Battle". The Record label is an indy label owned by Rich Lynch. The title depicts the times we are in at present. Our human rat race has always been at war with it's self. The only difference between us and the early humans is that we've devised more efficient ways to kill as many people in one stroke or turn of a key as possible with the use of fire. Makes you wonder how it's all going to end eh? The album cover as usual offends a lot of people being a bit explosive to say the least. ardiddyardiddyar!!! The lyrics in some of the songs are almost praise songs. Some songs are warnings, awakenings and your basic cold glass of water in the face. Stefan: Any touring plans to promote that new release, hopefully on Belgian grounds too? JOSH: I am like a racehorse at the gate chomping at the bit to blast off and touch as many peopleas I can. All of us are. When i said to you , "it's all about money" what i'm trying to say here is that the cost's to tour are so unbeleaveble high that without a solid financial launching pad, nobody goes anywhere. A tour bus and a driver, flying from location to location, hotels, food, advertising the show, radio spots, not to mention the families needs of the artists. (My needs are few but i do have them). It is everyones dream who plays music to be able to do what they love, quit their day job and live their dream of playing their music as a career. It is certainly my dream. Back in the 80's, fans wrote to me saying things like..."Josh, tell me what it's like to be a rich, world famous rock star. Do you have a mansion? Sports car? Babes?"...and so forth. I hate bursting anyones bubble of lofty images of grandure but here is the hard cold truth and reality. We never made much money aside from what the record companies gave us to record the projects. I stand corrected on money received. I remember getting 13 dollars for too late for giving as a royalty check, Rich got not much more than that. John Mahan and Dee Harrington vanished and their 20 or so bucks is still sitting in an account somewhere waiting for them to claim it. We were given not more than 10.000 dollars per album as a budget. Most major bands spent that much such on reels of tape. We were basically broke and starving. I Was at times homeless living in my tent or sharing a crouded apartment with a bunch of single guys from church, sacrificing steady decient paying employment to do sporadic appearences here and there. When my music student load was decient and i got a live in job as a gardner and classical guitar entertainment for special guests for a bed and breakfast. I then had a nice roof over my head but not from my labours with Saint. We made huge sacrifices to do our music. At times, we paid to play our music. I love our fans. I would love to see them all and shake all hands thanking them for their faithful support. I pray that some day this dream will come true. Stefan: Well, that's about it Josh.Thanks over and over again man answering these questions. If you have something to add, this is the time and place! JOSH: Fight the good fight! Don't cease in doing good. Make right choices that will determine your destiny. Progress towards perfection. Forgive one another. Study to show your self approved to God. Ask yourself, "What would Jesus do if he were faced with this temptation or situation?" Above all, Love one another. Without love, our religion, whatever persuasion is as a klanging cymbal, a noisy gong, a sounding brass and is worthless. I love all of our dear Saint fans. So many of you have written to me and have been my islands in the storm, my social life, my comfort, my advisors, pen pals and dearest of friends. With out you, Saint would still be struggling in the garage annoying the neighbours. Now we get to annoy the neighbours through our fans who want to play our music as loud as they can where ever they are on this little fragile ball of dirt we affectionately call Earth...bless your metal lovin hearts every one of you and you know who you are. www.saintsite.com sincerely in the love and grace of Jesus Christ, Josh Kramer...H.J.K |
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