interview: Born of Fire

The heavy/power/prog metal band Born of Fire (Arizona, U.S.) has gone through its ups and downs in the music business since they started in 1998. Metal Archives shows recordings in 1999, 2000 and 2001, and after that last year no new music until 2014’s Dead Winter Sun, a work that stands out for its overall quality, intelligence and seriousness of purpose. Consider what a reviewer on Metal Archives says about the album, which is rated 88 out of 100: “The band sounds really, really good though, and for fans of melodic, intricate and powerful metal, Dead Winter Sun is a pretty sure bet if you want something a little more alternative from the big bands. I dig this, and I hope they keep the same lineup and get even better on the next one.” At the moment the band is on the path to making a new album. Let’s find out more about the current happenings. Steve (drums) and Gordon (vocals) took time out of their schedule to indulge this publication.

I like your album Dead Winter Sun! Greetings! How are life and the metal scenes in Arizona treating your band?

Steve: Great, glad you like it! I think it’s treating us as well as can be. This was our first record in a long time and even then of course we weren't were we wanted to be, but we understand it may take a little time to get back in the main scene, but its sure going in the right direction!

For those interested in the history of band, the following is the band’s official biography.

Formed in 1998, Phoenix-based Born of Fire has more than earned its reputation as an internationally renowned force of metal that has stayed true to the genuine style that defined the genre. Blasting onto the scene with its original rendition of "Remember Tomorrow" on the Iron Maiden tribute album Maiden America: A Tribute to Iron Maiden Born of Fire immediately went on to release its first full length album titled Transformation. Universally lauded for having an original sound while at the same time channeling elements of the trailblazers of metal that made the genre what it is, the album garnered stellar reviews, and BoF immediately went on to record a 3 track demo which in turn earned them even more record label interest, international airplay and recognition around the world.

The band gained momentum and fandom as their exposure grew. Positive press and favorable reviews for their performances in support of worldwide touring acts such as Flotsam & Jetsam, Armored Saint, and Sacred Reich only helped to exponentiate Born of Fire's popularity. In a short time, BoF's track "In the End" had made it to #3 on the European Metal charts, and had been downloaded over 60,000 times. They continued to offer the world their brand of metal when they recorded their remake of Ronnie James Dio's classic "Heaven & Hell". The track was met with rave reviews from around the world when it was released globally as part of the 2001 Black Sabbath tribute album Hail to the Stonehenge Gods. The buzz surrounding the band created many individual opportunities for each of the members of Born of Fire, along with personal obligations (and perhaps a few creative differences) led the band to go quiet for several years.

The pursuit of the avenues that led them apart from one another only served to augment each band members' skills as multi disciplined musicians and professionals. By the time their creative paths crossed again in 2012, they were more than prepared to retake their title as one of the premier metal bands of our time. With their best-of album titled Anthology (released under Athens, Greece based No Remorse Records), Born of Fire once again saw international airplay. Their self financed music video for their classic track "In The End" combined high production values and an all-star cast that helped propel BoF back into the spotlight. The result was Born of Fire holding the accolades for one of No Remorse Records' best sellers at one point. The renewed interest in their music served to further impassion the band towards their mutual craft. Their life aspirations re-affirmed, BoF once again made their presence known in a huge way with the addition of amazing front man vocalist Gordon Tittsworth, and the release of their greatest album yet - Dead Winter Sun.

Released under Pure Steel Records, Dead Winter Sun is hailed as a visceral musical journey of dark themes and heavily atmospheric metal, and has seen rave reviews from all over the world. Cut in BoF's very own state of the art recording studio, it was nominated by multiple publications for 2014 album of the year, and has already seen two high profile, big budget music video releases in support of the album - featuring the tracks "Tears" and "Dead Winter Sun".

Since the release of Dead Winter Sun, BoF has only grown in presence across the heavy metal universe. Besides being featured across a bevy of media, the band has made high profile appearances hosting Heavy Metal Television and international radio spots. They've since released a full line of awesome merchandise, and have promised even larger things looming on the horizon.

Born of Fire has arrived, and they've brought with them a sound that channels the legends of yesteryear that's mixed with a legendary sound all their own.

What are your current recording or writing activities?

Steve: We have been working on a new single and video the last several months. We re-made a Kansas classic “Carry On Wayward Son.” I think it came out great and the video had a great throwback vibe to it. With the artistry and performance shots it makes a great package. We just released it and have gotten an overwhelming great response. We are also offering it to fans for a FREE download at our web site.

(This is the official information about it)

We are very proud to announce the release of our new single, Born Of Fire’s rendition of the 1976 Kansas classic “Carry On Wayward Son.” To accompany this single we have put together a very cool unique style video with some fantastic artistry & visuals. This is definitely a very different type of video from what you would typically see from us but we feel this unique artistry style gives it that epic throw back feel this classic song deserves.

The band wanted to put out a single before starting the writing process for the next album and to show our support to the fans we are offering the song as a free download on our website. We sincerely hope you all enjoy the song and the video. Feel free to comment and share as it’s greatly appreciated.

Most importantly thanks to everyone around the world for your support!!

What inspired you in the first place to pick up instruments and to make music?

Steve: For all of us it was a very young age. But for me personally I had music in my family. My cousins were pro musicians that traveled around the country playing music. It was a big deal when they came back home into town for a break. My parents would sneak me in to see them play, due to the fact I am sure they couldn't get a babysitter. I was about 7 or 8. But when I saw them up on stage playing music I remember standing there, extending my arm out pointing to the stage telling my dad, ”Thats what I want to do.” My dad says, “Ok, time to get you home now.” Anyway since then I have had that dream that has to this day at age 46 not died and is burning inside more than ever. Its been a fight, a sacrifice, a broken heart, loss of loved ones, money, blood, sweat and yes tears to get to where I am now. The thing is I am just getting started.

According to Metal Archives, the band has been together for a long time! What keeps you motivated for Born of Fire? In your experience, is it easy to start a band?

Steve: Yes, we have been around a long time with a 10-year break in the middle. We are back because we are all friends and love playing music together. We also have some unfinished business, if you know what I mean. It does take money to do it right! Not only your gear, but recording, video productions, artist, promotions, productions, the list goes on. If you don't do the business side of things your chances of surviving in this market are slim. If you’re also in this business to make money as your first thought, you may want to try another profession. If you play music for the love of the music thus you write good music, the rest will take care of itself. Yeah, starting a band is not too difficult if you can find all the right players that think and feel the same way you do and vice versa, musically aligned and just as a person you can stand to be around. I been through all that and from my experience it was the most difficult thing in my entire career! First, I come from a small town, not to many musicians to choose from but you make it work some how some way even if you’re a 2 piece. Today I don't know what the kids are doing; I’m sure some is good and some not so good, then being at the right place at the right time with a little luck can catapult a band maybe that just got lucky. I stand true to my roots and work ethic and being very anal about things. That’s how we do it.

So far, in your music, what type of lyrics have you had? How do you come up with lyrics?

Gordon: Lyric writing has always been spontaneous and without much thought. When I write lyrics, I listen to the instrumental music multiple times in a row and just let the mood/ vibe of the song dictate what “comes out”, then I just let my thoughts/words flow onto paper. It does not take long to identify a subject/ pattern, etc., then I simply go with it.

With “Dead Winter Sun”, several of the songs evoked a somber, introspective mood and the lyrics seemed to have an overall theme of an internal struggle with hope at the end. Basically, fighting to escape darkness to find the inner light. Several of the songs had to deal with loss, as well as the darkness in the current state of our country (USA). The cover art depicts the US White House in a post-apocalyptic ruin. This is a very accurate snapshot of what we feel is right around the corner, and is a bit of a warning.

Do you think that your music and lyrics should have a message related to society or religion or politics or spiritual views?

Gordon: I don’t feel there “should” be any certain message, but the one thing that MUST happen is that the lyrics/vocal delivery of those lyrics must be 100% passionate, genuine and it should evoke emotion out of the listener. I feel as a lyric writer, it is my duty to convey my deepest inner emotions through words and delivery. Otherwise, the sincerity is not going to be there. If the listener gets one thing from the music, they NEED to feel the emotion and sincerity that is portrayed. Otherwise, it cannot cut to their core, which is what music is supposed to do.

Is there specialized or specific equipment that you use for the sound of your band?

Steve: No, not really just more of the up to date music and recording equipment. Our guitar player Bobby Chavez owns his own recording studio so he has all the gear and is a great producer. We are so lucky to have all this to our advantage when taking time putting music together. Jackson (guitars) is what Bob uses.

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