Guitarist Steve Blaze takes the Q’s as the band release their cracking new album ‘XI: The Days Before Tomorrow’ through their new label AFM Records.
What are you currently up to Steve? (recording, gigs, plans, etc.)
“We’ve just released our 11th album called “XI: The Days Before Tomorrow” – that came out there right at the end of January….. And, we will soon be touring to support this album; hopefully all across the planet! I just heard we confirmed for Firefest there, in October, so I’m looking forward to that!”
Could you take us through the new album ‘XI: The Days Before Tomorrow’? (e.g. ideas behind the songs, etc) – it’s a fine return to firm it has to be said, well done!
“Thank you. “Babylon”, the opener, is a heavy machine of a song, telling the story of the final days on our planet; good versus bad; the last struggle.”
“Death Comes Tomorrow” tells the story of a Conan ‘The Barbarian’ type of character, alone in this world, fighting the elements and obstacles as he tries to find who he is and where his soul will journey to next?”
“Gather Up The Snow” is about the beauty of life of how we should cherish our memories and extract the most out of it.”
“The Great Divide” tells of the grandiose battles of angels and demons, and the splitting of the earth in two. It also speaks of how we are loved by God in ways we cannot understand.”
“Take The Bullet” is dedicated to the armed forces and troops sacrificing their lives for our freedom.”
“Bow Your Head” was dedicated to Tripp Roth, a Louisiana native of 2 and a half years old, who died a few weeks ago of a rare skin disease. His story hit the national news and inspired thousands.”
“Caged In” tells about unbridled anger and its repercussions!”
“Soul Disease” is all about the black spot of evil trying to permeate our lives. And, how we have the strength to abolish it.”
“Lava On My Tongue” tells about the power of our words and how we should take responsibility for the things we say. This world has become a haven for the mentality that everyone’s opinion needs to be heard, even if it is hurtful and disrespectful.”
“And “My Apologies” was written for my son. It is a life lesson!”
How did the band hook-up with AFM Records? The cover art and pre-release feedback from fans seems to be harking back to the mid-90’s albums like ‘Poetic Justice’ and ‘Psychoschizophrenia’ , was this a deliberate attempt to tap into the band’s older sound?
“AFM were introduced to us by Chip Ruggieri, our illustrious publicist actually. And, honestly, there has been no deliberate attempt to do anything, other than make the best album possible. I don’t think in terms of trying to be like anything else other than just what’s in my heart.”
How did the band choose Brian C Jones as the new singer for the band?
“Brian was basically a long-time fan who contacted me for the job. We auditioned several people over a 5 month period as well, but Brian seemed to fit the best. We really worked him hard to make sure he was the right guy, on many levels, but we couldn’t be happier right now.”
Do you think that changing vocalists and record labels in recent years may have hindered the band’s progress?
“Anytime a record label changes, it’s like starting over; especially if that label performs poorly. We have been the victims of that several times in the past. So have many other bands. Changing vocalists has only happened with us twice, so it’s not that big of a deal. I think it has set us back a pace or two but, otherwise, we have grown to be a better band.”
Many bands tour playing the whole of a classic album live nowadays. Is this something Lillian Axe may consider?
“I doubt it realistically. We are not a nostalgia act. We’ve released 4 albums in the last 5 years, so we have many, many songs to choose from. However, I never say never….. Maybe for a specialty show, we might consider it?”
What have been the live highlights so far and why?
“The live highlights have definitely been playing Japan; touring Europe, and touring with Alice Cooper!!”
If you could go back in time and perhaps change one career decision what would it be and why?
“I would change the decision to take a hiatus in 1995……”
Any good rock ‘n’ roll tales to tell…
“Lots…! In fact, too many….!! Golfing with Alice Cooper was great. Alice is a true gentleman and great golfer. We went into the woods hunting stray golf balls all day. He’s a Christian and a true star!”
What do you enjoy doing in your time away from music?
“I raise my 2 year old boy Jude, who speaks on the hidden tracks on the new album…. I practice Shaolin Kung Fu, and run my own company. I play basketball, write lots of music, and shop – thanks to my wife!”
Anything else to add and a message for your fans…
“Thanks tremendously, to all of our fans worldwide! I hope you love the record. We worked hard to create something that would make you proud! Keep the Faith!”
http://www.lillianaxe.com/home.htm
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
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Power Plays w/c 15 April 2024
ENMY The Ledge (FiXT)
KAROBELA Get Hard (indie)
KATH & THE KICKS Neptune (indie)
THE BEE TELLERS River Poem (Black Sand Records)
LAUREN FREEBIRD Like A Bomb (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 15 April 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023
14:00-16:00 KATARINA PEJAK – Pearls On A String (Ruf Records)
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