Interview with STEEL RANGERS
!!!MELODIC HARD 'N HEAVY METAL FROM FRANCE!!!
We had a conversation with Nico (guitar player and founder member of STEEL RANGERS). Enjoy!
Welcome to the FILTHY DOGS OF METAL Webzine.
Tell us a few things about STEEL RANGERS (Members, Starting Year etc).
Hello Filthy Dogs of Metal , we started the band in 2008 , we were 3 at the beginning. We came from extreme metal bands mainly (Redrum + Defunctus). After several line-up changes, we're 5 now and it's a great team for sure ! We started as a Glam Metal band and after many years we play now a mix of melodic hard rock/heavy metal with an AOR touch . Oriented 80's/90's.
You are going to release your album ''Scarred For Life''. Tell us a few things about this project.
Yes , can't wait to get this new album out ; 5 years after the last one ! This new album will be different and will bring some new stuff like violin and keyboards parts !!! It will be released on June 4 . A great novelty too, is the incorporation of an epic song of 8 mn . « Scarred for Life » will be our saddest one in our history . Some extreme metal parts are hidden in few songs ;-) .
Label or DIY and why?
After reflection, and label propositions , we decided to released our album by ourselves ! We are music fans first and CD/Vinyls buyers … so we don't wanna sell our albums more than 10/12€ ! especially when you pay everything.... label or not !!! It's a lot of work to do . We released our albums through our own stucture called NM PROD . So.... 100% DIY.
Do you prefer Vinyl, Tape, CD or Digital Format and why is that?
Most of us prefer physical formats (CD, Vinyls, Tapes) and our audience too ! We sell 90% (physical) against 10% of digital. Why we prefer CD, vinyl, tapes ?? 1st because we were born with , second because it's simply respecting the artists. After being on digital platforms, I can tell you that they're real thieves !! … You pay the right to be robbed !!!
Your music style is Hard 'n Heavy Metal. Which are your main influences (Favourite Artists / Bands etc.)
We have many influences in different kind of music , I'll try to give you some : Saxon, Iron Maiden, Gojira, Helloween, Survivor, Cannibal Corpse, Journey, true black metal, synthwave, Sortilege, Stratovarius, Steelheart, Annihilator, ...
Which things, do you think, a Band should sacrifice in order to succeed? Have you ever sacrificed anything in your life for a better future of your Band?
Personally , I've sacrificed everything for the last 20 years. You always have to buy something and take day off when you play far from home . We lose more than we win !! I personally prefer that than a normal life .
Describe your ideal live show as a performance Band. Have you already experienced that?
Just have fun on stage and backstage! We experienced some funny moments but it's a secret ! Most of Us are the same in regular life as on stage !
Which attributes, do you think, that a new Hard 'n Heavy Metal Band should have in order to gain identity and be unique?
I think think you should be the same under all circumstances ! Many new bands are false … Social media often show you a false image of bands. Only long-lasting bands are good examples.
Do you believe that Bandcamp and other Digital Platforms help the new Hard 'n Heavy Metal Bands? Which, do you think, is the ideal way for a Band to promote its work?
Digital platforms are good to spread your music but they steal the artists ! Bandcamp is a great compromise ! Direct contact with your support ! You pay the just price to the artists.
Tell us a few things about the New Underground Metal Scene in France (Bands, Fanzines, Webzines, Metal Clubs etc.)
Well, the Metal in France has a higher level than 30 years ago ! We always have legends like : Trust, Sortilege, Heavenly, Gojira , Loudblast, Blackrain, ... but also many great underground bands like: Snake Eye, Manzer, Dιsillusion, Darkenhold, Shannon, Seth, Gang, Dreamcatcher , …. I advise you to listen to them ! Less ans less clubs on the other hand . Several webzines + Rock Hard France/Metallian (magazines) .
Do you know anything about the Hellenic Metal Scene?
I read many interviews/reviews from Hellenic metal scene , the most popular ones are : Firewind, Sceptic Flesh, Rotting Christ, .. but in my CD collection I'v also : Wolfcry « Nightbreed », Wild Rose « Dangerous », ...
I'm a big fan of the Greek radio « Rock Melodic Radio ». as well.
What are your future plans?
In the immediate future , release our new album and a new video we're shooting right now. After the pandemic nightmare, playing everywhere !!
Thank you very much for your time & Keep up the good work! The closure is yours.
Thank you so much for your interview and support ! It's really important for us ! Hello to the people of Greece ! True metalheads for sure !! Don't forget the release of « Scarred for Life » !
By Steve the Filthy Dog.
STEEL RANGERS CONTACT:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063692111301
https://steelrangers.bandcamp.com/music
https://steelrangers.bigcartel.com/