Albums of Purgatory interview Usurper's Rick Scythe

Albums of Purgatory: Firstly, whats the band up to right now?

Rick Scythe: This week I am doing many phone interviews for the new album. Other than that we are rehearsing with a new drummer and just preparing for some touring this summer.

AoP: How would you describe the Usurper sound?

RS: Balls to the wall Heavy Fucking Metal. Basically, Metal inspired by mid 80's underground thrash metal, as well as some classic heavy metal and some dark underlying atmosphere.

AoP: How did you get involved with the band?

RS: Metal is a way of life. We wanted to create the type of music that we want to hear. To create the type of albums we would buy as fans. From there the passion turned into an obsession.

AoP: Have you been involved in any other projects and if so how do they compare musically to Usurper?

RS: We all have. Nothing worth mentioning. We've been doing Usurper for 10 years now full time. It takes up every moment I am awake of everyday. Usurper is the only band that matters to me.

AoP: What sort of reaction have you been getting for material for the new album 'Twilight Dominion', So far?

RS: So far it's been overwhelming! People seem to like it. We love it. We feel it is our strongest collection of songs, with the strongest production, the best individual performances, and the best artwork we've had to date. Many crittic are finally giving us some positive words on this one, yet the die-hards seem pleased as well.

AoP: You have toured with some big names in the metal world, which ones have been the most enjoyable to work with?

RS: Cardle of Filth in Europe in 2000 was a fuckin awesome tour. Also the tour we did in 2002 supporting Manowar was a blast!

AoP: What are your favourite Usurper tracks?

RS: Off the new album I love METAL LUST, GOLEM, and VATICAN TIME MACHINE. Older songs: I really dig: BLOOD PASSION, DEAD OF WINTER, DISMAL WINGS OF TERROR, NECRONEMESIS, and WARRIORS OF IRON AND RUST.

AoP: What are your favourite all time songs?

RS: That is really hard because it changes all the time. I suppose some of my all time favorites are: DOOMED BY THE LIVING DEAD (MERCYFUL FATE), POWERSLAVE (IRON MAIDEN), SODOM (ENCHANTED LAND), VISIONS OF MORTALITY (CELTIC FROST), KILL EVERYONE (VONDUR), HALLOWEEN II (SAMHAIN), DEEP SHADOWS (GOBLIN), POISON (VENOM), and a bunch of others....

AoP: What was the first record you bought?

RS: VAN HALEN "WOMEN AND CHILDREN FIRST"

AoP: What would be your dream band line-up?

RS: KING DIAMOND (VOCALS), Ronnie James Dio (vocals), TED NUGENT (GUITAR), FRANK BLACKFIRE (GUITAR), MARTIN AIN (BASS), PETE SANDOVAL (DRUMS)

AoP: If you could do a cover of any song for a tribute album to any band, what would you choose and why?

RS: we already did: CHARON (KING DIAMOND), BLACK FUNERAL (MERCYFUL FATE), TALES OF THE MACABRE (SLAUGHTER), STORMTROOPIN (TED NUGENT). Possibly next would be a tribute to King Diamonds evilest cousin Neil Diamond... because Neil Diamond is the master of true black metal!

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

RS: Metal always has and always will rule! The rest of the world can KISS MY ASS!

AoP: Which other bands in the scene stand out for you at the moment?

RS: I don't listen to any albums that came out after 1989. There is a great band from Detroit called Nocturnal Fear.

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

RS: Too many to think of one specific. Any where we go there is a funny story because we are a bunch of big, drunk, stoned idiot metalheads!

AoP: What do you see in the future for Usurper?

RS: Tour as much as possible, then record another album.

AoP: Thanks again for the interview and good luck for the future.

RS: Take Care! Visit our website: www.usurper.us