Many who know thrash metal should be very familiar with the band Exciter. This band who originated from Ottawa has been doing their style of kick ass music for over 25 years in one form or another. Even though the band members have changed, the name remains a staple with metal music fans. Exciter are gearing up for a rare show headlining the Metal Queen Management 3rd Annual Music Festival in Toronto, Ontario on August 17. We talked with long time guitarist John Ricci about the new CD “Speed, Thrash, Burn” to the current and future state of Exciter. Ok, we are all excited so let’s get down to it…

Interview with John Ricci of EXCITER
 

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You just released your latest effort called “Thrash, Speed, Burn” on Massacre Records February 22, 2008. Can you tell us about the new CD?

The new record, Thrash, Speed, Burn, was to re-establish us as one of the pioneers of speed and thrash metal. I guess it was a sort of reminder to younger metal fans where the whole speed thing came from. Not that we have anything to prove but the intensity of this record is evident and it`s honest. We always try to get this freight train vibe like in our live performances. It was the first time we have recorded in digital but the final product came out sounding garage old school. I don't know if that’s a good thing or bad thing? Some reviewers like the production some don’t. You can’t please everyone! Our new singer, Kenny Winter from Brooklyn, New York, is a great addition to our line-up. I write the songs for the most part. Kenny’s interpretation of the songs has added an exciting fresh angle in the EXCITER tradition. The sales figures for this record since the release date Feb.22, 2008 are impressive and our record co. Massacre is quite pleased with the numbers.

This year marks the 25th year anniversary since the first release Heavy Metal Maniac. How do you think the band has progressed musically since that time?

I feel the band today is a lot stronger than the 80`s. Musically were better and more focused. The writing style has remained the same to please our fans. We've progressed with our songwriting ability and our teamwork not like the old days where there was a clash with many decisions that had to be made. This current line-up, Rik, Clammy, Kenny and myself, are better friends and respectful to each other’s ideas. We go through a voting process when it`s time to make a decision not like the original days where one guy wanted to call the shots. As a result, we are a better `functional` band.

The band has been around for close to 30 years. What is secret to the band’s longevity?

If you enjoy what you do you just keep going and going. There's no need to give up after a particular length of time. To quote Rob Reiner, drummer for Anvil, he told me once `Hey John, EXCITER and Anvil are `lifers` we don`t give up`! That about sums it up! We have not reached our goal yet and even if we did, we would keep on playing until we couldn't physically do it any more (which is what we’ll do anyways!). That's what metal does to you, it sort of takes over!

You are playing the 2008 Metal Queen Management Music Festival at the Phoenix on August 17, 2008. This is a rare appearance for you in Canada. This is a great Festival for upcoming bands. Why did the band decide to play this festival?

We appreciate the support for EXCITER in Canada. A few key promoters, such as Betty at Metal Queen Management, invite us to play their shows. We're ready to kickass and bang some heads at MQMusicFest 2008!

Does EXCITER’s have any tour plans for 2008 and 2009?
Since the release of Thrash Speed Burn, we have had many offers throughout the world. The confirmed dates so far are Sofia, Bulgaria on Nov. 15, 2008 and Play It Loud Festival, Italy on Feb. 28, 2009. There are other festivals and tour offers but they are still tentative.

What were some of your influences growing up?

Personally, my musical influences were the classics such as Motorhead, Priest, Sabbath, Saxon etc. and some punk bands. When I write songs for EXCITER, I try to capture the energy of punk music mixed with classic metal riffing.

You guys constantly have toured Europe doing clubs to major festivals? What type of show does EXCITER feel the most comfortable playing at?

It doesn’t matter if we are playing a festival in front of 30,000 like Wacken Open Air or a club gig with 200 people. Our show and its intensity is the same. We want to give the fans what they want, blistering, headbanging mayhem!

What is your relationship like with former drummer Dan Beehler?

Dan Beehler and myself are not on speaking terms and haven’t been since 2004. It`s a long dragged out story, I’ll tell you the story over a beer some time!

When not touring or making music, what do you like to do to un-wind?

When I’m not playing music, I do have a 9 to 5 job as a salesman in a music store. I’m also really into restoring vintage cars. I own a 1927 Ford street rod and I’m just finishing a classic 1965 Corvette convertible. The car thing really makes me unwind and makes me forget the stresses of the music business.

The band is from Ottawa, Ontario. Where do you call home now?

Rik, Clammy and myself all live in Ottawa, Ontario. Kenny as I mentioned earlier, lives in Brooklyn, NY.

In closing, what do you want to say to all of the EXCITER fans worldwide?

I want to thank all the metalheads who have supported EXCITER since day one and have remained fans through all the line-up changes. We will not disappoint our fans from our record releases or live performances! See you at MQMusicFest! Long Live Metal !!!

http://www.myspace.com/ExciterOfficial
http://www.MQMusicFest.com