Albums of Purgatory interview Halford's Mike Chlasciak

Albums of Purgatory: Firstly, what are Halford up to now the albums done?

Metal Mike: Well, we just completed the festival shows in Sweden and Italy. We are back in Europe in July, more touring after that. We are anxious to play again: we were home writing, recording for too long. Next step is videos, touring, anything that is needed to make this album a success.

AoP: How did you get involved with the band?

MM: I knew that Rob was looking for a great guitar player. So, I have approached his management, mailed some solo releases, videos, with a note saying I'm the right guy. I came out to LA wrote some songs with Rob, shook hands, rest is history I guess ....

AoP: What kind of influence does Rob Halford have on you and the rest of the band?

MM: Amazing. Rob has so much experience, knowledge, outside of being a phenomenal musician. We learn every day, it's great. Having someone like Rob as an influece in your life is wonderful. It drives us hard to play the best we can and be the professionals he expects us to be.

AoP: You have released a couple of solo albums, too.   What are your favourite tracks off those?

"Praying With Anger", "Nuns Agains Filth": Grind Textural Abstractions
album, 1996.
"Abusement Park", "Accepting Angels At Dusk": Territory Guitar Kill !!
album, 2000.
"Loose Cannon", "Stale Water's Up My Neck" (Remix): The Spilling
album 2001.
Note, all CD's are available thru Century Media Records: www.centurymedia.com, Guitar 9: www.guitarnine.com.

AoP: You played along side Maiden on the Brave New World tour.  What was that like?

MM: Amazing. Metalhead's dream come true. Selling out Madison Square garden in less than 2 hours playing Metal ... history !!.

AoP: What are your favourite Halford tracks?

MM: "Locked And Loaded", "Cyberworld", "Saviour" : Resurrection CD
"Wrath Of God", "Heretic", "Handing Out Bullets" : Crucible CD

AoP: What are your favourite all time songs?

MM: Painkiller - Judas Priest
       Dog Faced Gods - Testament
       Balls To The Wall - Accept
       Only Say Goodbye - Fates Warning
Man, there's so many, hard to think of them, I love Ozzy, real good Metal .... no BS.      

AoP: What do you think of the position of metal and music in general today?

MM: I think it's really exciting actually: in real Metal. Fans want quality, excitement. I like music, hard music, because people want some flash now, want to be impressed. If I had to see one more flanel wearing band in the world, I'd shoot somebody.

AoP: Do you have any funny stories about the band you can share with us?

MM: Oh man, there's the famous Metal Mike "Buffalo that Saved My Life" story. It's great and you can find it on the www.robhalford.com site. There's a lot of like not too funny ones as well. Like when some members of Halford thrashed Universal Amphitheatre dressing room and we incurred $9000 in damages. Nice heartwarming things like that, ha.

AoP: And finally, what do you see in the future following the release of Crucible?

MM: Well, of course the following album release worldwide tour. More great albums and tours from Halford. I will also release another solo vocal oriented solo band record, will guest on selected albums from other bands. It will be a great Metal time. I like to keep busy, and I'm working on being the next guy in line to carry on the Metal guitar torch with Dimebag, Zakk, you know? Any interested fans in my music, purchasing my solo albums or checking out what's new, please see my official Metal Mike website: WWW.PLANETSHRED.COM. See you soon on tour !!