By Tim Fazekas - Sounder Studios, BMN Contributor
I recently cracked open the new Voice Of Doom full-length release Saint Blaise before sitting down with guitarist and founder, John Steele. Actually the record hasn't left my deck in two weeks. This one is a real burner! Eight tracks clock in at a mere 26 minutes and change - it's all about efficiency. The compositions pull from 1980's horrorcore and thrash metal with legally administered doses of British gothic and west coast post-punk surf.
There is a certain rawness to the soundstage that absolutely compliments the music. Read as: heavy sonic punch. Using the title track “Saint Blaise” as an example, there are slight nuances that would be lost on finessed overproduction. This track starts out with a single guitar - kind and jangly - before feedback gives way to sheer "boot-to-the-face Les Paul through Marshall" goodness. You hear the second guitar’s selector switch kick it all in. In a world of selfie filters and fake smiles, I WANT TO hear the selector switch make a statement. It's recorded loud and meant to be played as such. The overall mix evokes some of Metal Blade's finest with a bit more low end clarity and separation thanks to Kevin Lacatena at Homebrew Studio in Sparta, NJ.
If you need a heavy shot of adrenaline with a nod to both Misfits and The Cult, check out this fine Pyrrhic Victory Recordings release. The CD comes with a well thought out gatefold package with insert booklet as well. Not something I expected, but an appreciated addition.
TF: I'm hearing South of Heaven-era Slayer, Dead Kennedys, and X in the shadows here. Can you talk about how your personal influences made it onto this record?
JS: Interesting question...I can appreciate noticing the "personal influences" which I think are SO much more important than when people overtly try to make something that sounds like something else. And not that that's a knock on people's efforts but I feel like the best stuff is when people do something organically that makes the listener reference something, but isn't a total rip off. As far as the writing of this record, I have to nod to Heim and Fender for THEIR personal influences as well as mine. The combo of their ideas and songwriting, blended with mine, made this record sound as powerful as I think it does.
TF: You speak of a holy wolf in “Saint Blaise”. There's a wolf illustration on an older VOD album cover as well. Is there any symbolism to this imagery?
JS: I've always been interested in the legend of Saint Blaise, who was the patron saint of the throat according to many Christian sects. The lyrics are basically about his works, etc. but the symbolism is just cool as all hell thanks to the genius of Evil Heim. I think the lyrical content on many of the tracks is represented in the artwork. Dark, cryptic, without being corny or overtly gory... true horror (in my opinion) is psychological.
TF: Homebrew did a solid job with the production. Do you want to discuss any of the gear or techniques used on the recording?
JS: Kevin always does a great job...and Robin Black's influence really makes this a standout. There's really no secret to recording for us actually. Kevin has a great vintage British soundboard with excellent preamps and wonderful microphones. You take a couple of Marshalls, run Les Paul's through them...fire up an Ampeg bass amp...add a little fuzz on that with a Fender Precision...it's as bare bones as you can get really. Add a box of Dunkin Donuts coffee in there, and after it's all done you got a VOD record. There was absolutely a magic in the studio for this one I think, a lot of it was recorded in the winter and I feel like the gloomy, cold weather played a part in the overall sound when it was done.
TF: I noticed a bit more maturity in Heim’s vocals. Was there an intentional decision for his lower register on this album or was that just where the writing went?
JS: Another good question. To me, his voice is one of the most dynamic I've ever heard. He's often compared to Danzig, and now since this record the Ian Astbury comparisons have been said, along with Dave Vanian. Consciously no, no one said "sing this like this". He sung them how he was feeling based on the song. His deliveries suit the mood of the song, and there are some songs where he pushes it...but for the most part I think it's just him feeling it for what it is, on each particular song. In the end it's just Heim being Heim.
TF: There is a powerful tempo change and guitar solo at the end of “Beyond The Door”. Almost has an early Maiden/Thin Lizzy feel and I’ll bet that song would kill live. Are you planning any shows or other means of promoting the record?
JS: Of course we'd love to...and when we can play live without fearing the fuckin COVID we absolutely will! That song is a perfect example of the old school VOD Steele/Fender collaboration. Again, taking an idea where it can go. There was definitely a Sabbath influence on that one, not gonna lie. But I would have never cited Maiden or Thin Lizzy, so I guess it works in the way that YOUR takeaway is a reference to those bands.
TF: What’s the story behind “Above The Garage”?
JS: Haha, that started out as an inside joke with me and Joe, but it's nothing more than a story of someone being so desperate for freedom that he moves to someplace that you would never expect someone to live just to be themselves and happy.
TF: In “Toxic Swamp” you mention The Meadowlands and I sometimes hear middle lands, i.e. between earth and hell. Any other New Jersey references here?
JS: That was an idea that me and Heim had tossed around for years. Heim grew up in Little Ferry which is home to an alleged dumping ground in the Meadowlands swamp area...it kind of elbows out to land very near peoples’ homes. In the 70's the rumors were that it was toxic, that dead bodies were dumped there, and kids who would hang around in the nearby woods were always afraid of getting too close to it. And quite honestly that part of the town really gives off a pungent odor in hot temperatures.
TF: I was raised agnostic and first thought Saint Blaise was a drug reference. Now I understand that you are talking about the Christian saint and martyr. Didn't realize I'd learn something along the way! Thanks for the education and for taking the time to answer a few questions.
JS: Thank you Tim, it was a pleasure!