WESTWORLD
Westworld released one of the best albums in this year and that's a fact! I consider them as one of the best bands that appeared in the last 5 years and they keep on proving this. So we thought that an interview with the vocalist of the band Tony Harnell would be just right for the readers of Metal Abyss. See below what the great Tony told us... |
First
of all congratulations on “Cyberdreams”. I believe that this is the
best album that you have released since now. Do you consider Westworld
as a full-time band or as a project one? Do you think you will go
on producing Melodic Metal albums with Westworld for many years? T:
It’s
a band! It’s a real band! It is not a project by any means. We will
continue making music despite the obstacles. I believe our time will
come!! How
would you characterize the music style that you play? I think that your
“high” melodic vocals are very suitable for Mark’s heavy riffs!
What is that thing that makes your music so special? T:
I would call Westworld classic hard rock with 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and
current influences. Hard rock for all eras. Internet
has entered in our life and that’s a fact. None can work or even
communicate without the use of the Internet. So I want to ask you why do
you call the album “Cyberdreams”? Is there any connection with the
artwork of the album? T:
Yes, it definitely reflects the state of the world today but also is a
hopeful slant that even though we are entering an ultra technological
future, we can still maintain our humanity and love for one another. I
like very much the lyrics of the album. So if you can please refer to
the three songs that I like most of the album. “Cyberdreamer”,
“Look To See” and “What If”. And if you like refer specially to
your favorite song of the album. T:
Thank you Thanos! all three songs reflect personal emotions about love
and searching for truth in life and trying to find our way through all
the pain and sadness in the world. They are songs about hope, love,
truth and ultimately peace, freedom and enlightenment. The
name “Westworld” probably refers to the culture and the way of life
that the West world has, and in a way is far way from the culture and
the way of life that the East world has. Who baptized the band
Westworld? And why? T:
I came up with the title based on a 70’s Sci Fi film starring Yule
Brenner. We were looking for a name that was American sounding and
larger than life. Like a great novel or film. I think it works well. Do
you believe that your music has a nostalgic (even an 80’s) feeling
with many modern elements and a modern production of course? T:
I think it has some 80’s influence of course but more 70’s and 90’s
even with some modern production values. What
are your influences as a musician? As far as I know you are giving vocal
instruction to new singers. T:
So many. Paul McCartney, Rob Halford, Freddy Mercury, Steve Perry, Ann
Wilson, Elton John, Beach Boys, Beatles, Zeppelin, Sabbath, Glen
Campbell and on and on and on.... And
now some “Weird Questions”!!! I think a big problem of the today's
music industry are all the CD copies people do with their computers or
the music they can download from the Internet. How do you think about
this problem?? T:
Well it’s like any other problem in society. How you sleep at night I
guess. People have different ethics levels. I don’t think it’s right
but that doesn’t change anything. I know a lot of people who wont do
it out of principle. I respect that a lot. Imagine
that your wife is selling your whole album-collection just to buy for
her an expensive, good ring. How would you react? T:
Badly!! I wouldn’t marry someone who would do that in the first place.
Materialism turns me off!! I will give you 5 colours, and you will tell me what album do you believe that describes best each colour. T: a) Black, Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath b) White, Queen - Night At The Opera c) Blue, Jeff Buckley - Grace d) Red, Alanis Morissette - Jagged Little Pill e) Grey,
Anything by Coldplay Well
those were my questions. Add anything you want for the end. I hope the
best for you and Westworld and also TNT. Take care my friend? T:
Thanks very much Thanos for the interview! I look forward to coming to
Greece. By the way TNT is booking shows in Europe for next year. Do you have any contacts for promoters there who could help us come
and play in Greece?? I hope to see you there. by
Thanos Aggelakis |