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 Mike Chlasciak is one of the most respected guitarists in music today. The former Berklee School of Music graduate has worked with some of the top musicians in metal including the legendary Rob Halford and Testament.
Currently Metal Mike has joined forces with 80's Superstar Sebastian Bach, and has recently performed in Europe with Sebastian Bach, opening for Guns n’ Roses. 2006 has proven an extremely busy year for the heavy metal guitarist. In between touring with Sebastian, Metal Mike is also providing his stellar guitar chops on Sebastian Bach's latest CD entitled, ”Angel Down."
In between all of the touring and recording Metal Mike Chlasciak has even found time to release a CD from his solo project PainmuseuM's entitled, "You Have The Right To Remain Violent."
GlamMetal.Com recently caught up with axe slinger Metal Mike Chlasciak and discussed his latest PainmuseuM album, touring with Sebastian Bach, opening for Guns n’ Roses in Europe, and life as one of the most sought after guitarists in metal today.
Hello Mike, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this interview with me for Glam-Metal.Com TM. You have been very busy lately. First of all let's discuss the latest PainmuseuM album that was just released,” You Have the Right to Remain Violent." How does the new CD differ from PainmuseuM's debut CD, "Metal For Life?" What kind of goal did you set for yourself and the band, when you went into the studio to record it?
Well, “You Have The Right To Remain Violent” is a special type of a release. It contains three songs (Speak The Name, American Metalhead, Dogs In A Cage) from our acclaimed debut “Metal For Life” as well as a new track called “Scars In Black”. In addition you will find an enhanced C-extra part with a promotional video for “Speak the Name” as well as a video message from me, 6 wallpapers, animated menus, photo galleries with exclusive photos. Packaging is also first class with the enhanced CD part rivaling the best out there. I have come up with the idea to release this EP, while we get ourselves back into the studio to do another full-length album. The EP will also warrant more exposure for our video for “Speak the Name” which I think is a fantastic first video from our band. I also thought that the fans would really enjoy hearing the new song “Scars in Black”. So far, the response has been incredible. I’m enjoying it.
How did you come up with the title of PainmusueM's latest CD? Would you say the album reflects on the chaotic state that the world is in today?
It was cool catch phrase I suppose. Kind of tongue in cheek, but at the same time it has some serious ideas to it, you know? I did not really reflect on the state of the world today in the title, or at least it was not done on purpose. Of course, everything gets filtered through the mind, so who knows in the end. But the title was more about an interesting title that describes well mine and well mine.
Did James Murray of Testament help produce,” You Have The Right to Remain Violent"? How did you enjoy working with James?
James once mastered the album. As you might know James mastered our debut “Metal For Life”. I enjoy working with James, as he is really good at that sort of thing and we come from the same type of musical background, meaning aggressive music with lots of guitar. He gets what I am after and he does his part really well.
In 2004, you joined Testament for their European tour? How did you hook up with Testament?
During working on “Metal For Life,” Eric (Peterson) called me asking if I was interested in going out with Testament on tour in Europe. I never did hide that I am a huge fan of the band and said of course, because as a guitarist and a musician … it was a wonderful thing to do. I knew that it was also great for my guitar playing in general. So we did just that and had a great, great time. After the tour, I less returned to work on the PainmuseuM album.
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How do you feel about the Testament re-union? Do you think you will work with them again down the road?
Well, the guys will always have my best wishes and seeing the reunion line-up is a dream come true to many, many people. I am excited that it has happened.
Yes, doing a studio album with Testament was very interesting to me at the time when the reunion came up, but once again one door closes and another opens. Upon the news of the Testament reunion, Sebastian Bach called me asked me to join him on tearing up the world that year. We did just that and we just very recently concluded an arena-laden tour with Guns N Roses, so I am not complaining. I have been very lucky as a musician.
Which song has the most meaning for you on,” You Have The Right to Remain Violent"? Is there any particular song that stands out, and you really enjoy playing live?
I enjoy playing all, I can not lie ….." Scars In Black" and "American Metalhead "are always killer live. Fans seem to dig those as well.
Mike, where can the readers purchase PainmuseuM's latest album? Also are there any plans to tour this summer with PainmuseuM?
Fans can purchase all PainmuseuM albums via www.cdbaby.com/metalmike and www./cdbaby.com/metalmike2 .They are also available via www.metalmike.net , www.guitarmusic9.com , www.bestbuy.com , www.towerrecords.com and regular stores around the world.
You have performed with some of the top name talents in metal today. Tell me how did you get your latest gig performing with Sebastian Bach? He is truly one of metal's greatest singers.
Yeah, Sebastian is really a killer vocalist isn’t it …. I have the pleasure of sharing the stage or recording with some of the best like, The Metal God of course, Chuck Billy, Bruce Dickinson, Geoff Tate, Sebastian and many others like Joachim Cans (HammerFall, Mike Vescera (Loudness, Obsession, Yngwie). Sebastian lived about an hour south of me in NJ, and he called saying “Dude …. Join my band, let’s make a Metal album together. I want to tour forever.” I said ok and been enjoying myself ever since. Simple story, just like that.
You recently have been in the studio recording Sebastian Bach latest CD which is entitled,” Angel Down." Tell me a little about the songs on, "Angel Down." Do they resemble early Skid Row, or do they have a heavier sound like Testament or Halford?
I would say neither. Obviously you have some of the Halford tendencies in the instrumental world because of me and drummer Bobby Jarzombek (Halford drummer) _ who plays with us in Bach’s band. But, the album has its own legs ….. without forgetting Bach’s past. His fans will like this one and my fans will also like it, I believe. I must say, I think that album will be very much liked.
Is Sebastian Bach's new album slated for an October release? 
Last I heard – yes.
Who is in Sebastian Bach's band touring band these days?
Myself – Guitar
Steve DiGiorgio – Bass
Bobby Jarzombek - Drums
Johnny Chromatic – Guitar
Same band as the “Angel Down” album.
You recently performed in Europe with Sebastian Bach, opening for Guns n’Roses. What were some of the highlights opening for Guns n’ Roses in Europe?
Highlights were numerous … just playing arenas in front of thousands of fans was feeling really great. To play these huge places again felt great, you know.
I enjoyed having drinks with Axl, Lars from Metallica, having the company of several models does not hurt either. Guns N Roses world is another stratosphere … pure Rock and Roll fantasy camp, wrapped around world-class music.
Tell me about your upcoming shows in Bulgaria with Sebastian Bach? Last time you performed in Bulgaria was in 2002, is that correct?
Yes, that’s when Halford did a concert with Slayer. Something always happens with Bulgaria, I must tell you. In 2002, the equipment truck made it to the stadium 1 hour prior to the show which meant that I had to assist with setting my gear – I literally change my clothes to go on stage behind the stage – totally ghetto way of doing it, funny shit. With Bach, my guitars and my personal bag were completely lost. We got the guitar after 12 hours of airport waiting time, but no bag ….
So I played the show with my running pants and my Fight T-shirt, ha. Both shows in 2002 and this year were awesome though. Oh, and upon my leave this year I got bit by something and got an allergic reaction …. When we joined Guns N Roses I had to see a paramedic that got me some drugs to take care of it, ha. Crazy Rock N Roll shit going on all the time.
Also you will be performed in Japan with Sebastian Bach. Were you looking forward to sharing the stage with Alice In Chains?
Yeah, I love Alice In Chains and also I spend an entire show of Steve Vai’s right on the side of the stage. We went out to dinner with Jerry Cantrell. Really cool guy.
Some of those Alice In Chains songs are classic songs, some amazing music, vibe, and ideas. It was very cool. Another highlight of Japan was Pussycat Dolls the pop dance band. I fell in love with their lead singer … but, that’s whole another story, ha.
How do European audiences differ from American audiences? Do you feel that European audiences are still stuck in the 80's?
There used to be more of a separation, but now the world is becoming a smaller place due to the Internet, etc …. So, people act more in a more similar manner. Europeans are very dedicated to what they like, very purist type ideas. Some might think its 80’s type stuff that they like, but indeed they are very open. They might like Def Leppard and go and see the Rolling Stones the next week. American Metal audiences are not like that, for the most part. I am not, I stick to my Metal – thank you (Ok and Pussycat Dolls, ha) Its all good, love it all.
Mike, you were born in Poland. Tell me when did you move to The States? How did you get started in music?
I moved to the US in December of 1984. I picked up the guitar in 1986, when a pin up of Ozzy fell off my bedroom wall and had mail order guitar lessons on the back. I ordered half the course and never looked back.
These days, I know you hail from the Jersey shores. It seems like Jersey is the melting pot for metal. There are so many great musicians that hail from that area, including Zakk Wylde, Bobby Ellsworth from Overkill.
Yeah, I know what you mean. NJ is very strong in their metal beliefs. When Metal bands could not play anywhere else they could always play NJ’s Birch Hill club. That club became legendary, I loved it. It is a good state for a Metal guy like me.
Sebastian recently appeared in the VH1 Super group special. What would your ideal super group be? Do you have any favorite musicians that you would like to work with?
I play with some of the best musicians I could think off, so it’s a hard question, but for the hell of it …. Here it is:
Me – Guitar
Bass – Billy Sheehan
Vocals/ Guitar – Chuck Schuldiner
Drums – Paul Bostaph, or Bobby Jarzombek.
Mike, you have such an extensive career as a musician. I am from the Boston area, and I recently learned that you graduated from Berklee School of Music. What did you enjoy most about studying in Boston? Actually a friend if mine, bass player John JD Deservio from Black Label Society studied at Berklee. School of Music.
I liked jamming with my school mates as I really learned the most from them and I enjoyed drinking other people’s beer at parties throughout Boston.
What is your status in Halford? Have you been writing Rob lately?
Roy produced Bach’s new album, so we worked closely very recently. And, we are almost done with the new studio album from Halford, Roy played guitar on that one with me and he produced it. Halford will show its horns again, once Priest takes a break.
You have performed with so many great artists? How does working with Sebastian Bach differ from working with Halford or Testament?
They are all different …. Halford is more structured; all the nuts and bolts are tight. I like and prefer working that way. Testament and Bach are just out of control Rock bands where all hell breaks loose at all times. Both situations are rewarding in their own right. I am a control freak, so the craziness with Bach and even Testament…. I kind of embrace it, in some small way I enjoy. It gets me out of my comfort zone. In the end it’s just a crazy world of music with personalities and too much alcohol … I take the good and forget the bad.
What can the fans expect to see from Metal Mike Chlasciak in 2006?
2006, new progress on the new PainmuseuM album. Re-issues if the now classic Halford albums “Resurrection”, “Live Insurrection”, “Crucible.”Touring with Sebastian and his album release. 2007 will be a busy year as well ….. crazy touring with more album releases. I’m ready |
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