SCREAMER INTERVIEW November 1996


Try to take a moment and think about the reasons you first got into heavy metal, it doesn't take too long to remember why does it? Cool, in your face music, musicians with tons of talent, an actual metal image (unlike the depressed and underdressed bands of today's hip crowd) and a melodic, yet powerful vocalist that could hit any note ever invented and known to man. Kind of makes you depressed when you think how good we used to have it and didn't even know it doesn't it? Fortunately, we no longer have to cry about what happened to all the cool bands.
In case you had forgotten or didn't know, Impellitteri is alive and well thank you very much.
Founded by guitar extraoridinar Chris Impellitteri and led by the melodic, yet powerful vocals of Rob Rock, this Florida based band has assembled what may be the most explosive and talented outfit heavy metal has ever seen? Too bad the United States record companies are too busy trying on flannel to notice what we already know!
Here's what Rob Rock had to say to The Screamer!

TS: Give us some insights on your newest release "Screaming Symphony" and what Impellitteri is all about?

RR: Our new release "Screaming Symphony" is a hard-driving, aggressive, melodic, hard rock/metal record with a Christian message in the lyrics. Musically we feature Chris Impellitteri's solo's and guitar work and my vocals and lyrics.

TS: What is the big difference between "SS" and some of your other releases, such as your 1994 release "Answer To The Master"? We see a more bold direction in your lyrics about your beliefs in Jesus Christ, would you agree?

RR: Yes, I agree the lyrics are bolder. The lyrics have been getting bolder on each release. We've also focused the music towards an aggressive up-tempo attack throughout this album.

TS: This release is currently only available through import, correct? Recently you began offering your earlier releases through your own mail order address. Will "SS" be offered that way soon?

RR: Yes, "Screaming Symphony" is released in Japan and soon it will be released all throughout Europe. It's only available in the states right now as an import. Lord willing, we'll be able to get a label for the states some day soon. I was able to offer earlier releases for a limited time, but that time has run out, but the good news is that I can now offer our new release "Screaming Symphony" for a limited time. The deadline for orders is November 15, 1996.

TS: Speaking of import, please inform us about your current recording deal overseas. What does that mean for you and have you been able to play shows overseas? How does that kind of deal differ from what most bands pursue here in the states?

RR: We have a deal with JVC/Victor in Japan and a deal with Music for Nations for all of Europe. We are now rehearsing for a Japan tour to begin November 13th. Hopefully we'll be able to tour in Europe once the album is released there. Unfortunately, until our CD's are properly disturbed and readily available here in the states, it doesn't make much sense to tour here.

TS: What is the biggest difference in the music scene overseas today as opposed to here in your opinion?

RR: In my opinion, the market overseas is much more interested in quality musicianship and they really support their favorite bands there. We've been able to put out our music as we create it, and we're able to be true to ourselves; as opposed to the U.S. market where money is the master, media is the manipulation, and the bands worth is judged by what's selling on MTV. The U.S. companies we've contracted have not shown enough interest because we are not perceived as the "current trend" in rock music. In other countries, our music and lyrics are received with open arms and we praise God for that. We praise Him for the opportunity to make a living playing music and pray He opens a door for us here in the U.S.

TS: How about the other members in your band? How did you come to work with these guys in your current line-up?

RR: Ken Mary (drums) has recorded with us since 1992 "Grin and Bear It" album. He's done the past four albums and he's awesome in the studio, a great guy and a wonderful Christian. James Pulli (bass) joined us right after the "Grin and Bear It" sessions, and his first record was our 1993 "Victim Of The System" E.P. Ed Roth joined up for the 1995 "Answer To The Master" tour and has recorded with us on the new "Screaming Symphony" tour in November, along with Glen Sobel, who toured with us on the "Answer To The Master" tour. Glen is a great drummer who plays with us "live", since Ken Mary doesn't prefer to tour. For the past four years we've had this great line-up and we're looking forward to playing "live" again soon. I wish you all could come and see us!

TS: You were at one time involved in the Angelica project. Tell us about your time there and what led you to move on? Are you in contact with Dennis Cameron these days?

RR: Angelica was a studio project for me. I was called in by my friend Ken Tamplin who was producing Angelica's debut. Dennis had heard me sing with M.A.R.S.-Project Driver and Joshua and needed a very quick and I was glad to be able to sing on a Christian record. Dennis is a great guy and we kept in touch for a while, but not so much recently.

TS: Rob, thanks for you time, anything in closing you'd like to add?

RR: I'd like to thank The Screamer readers for supporting hard rock and Impellitteri, and I thank God for the ability to make music and most of all, Jesus Christ, for our salvation. May God's peace be with you and share your faith!!!