IGNITOR’s latest album, Horns and Hammers, is a powerful blend of classic heavy metal and thrash. We discuss their creative process, influences, and thrilling collaborations.
1. Congratulations
on the release of Horns and Hammers! The album delivers a full-on
metal assault. How did you approach the songwriting process this time
around? Were there any changes compared to your previous records ?
-JASON -
Thanks. We love how it came out. The material shows growth in some ways even we
did not expect. Roberts riffs came to us in barrels. He really had alot of
cool parts to choose from. It inspired us all. The band were rehearsing without
me for weeks. They write in a room together, old school. Robert had a few
things put together already, and then the other guys worked on composition and
brought their...the old IGNITOR sound to it. They would send me rough demos.
Most of it would be basic raw recordings, some with just the guitar with a
click track. Sometimes I demand they record Pat ( drums) with the riff,
to give it some feel. It can be a bit stale, and un-inspiring if it is the
riff with nothing but a drum machine and the riffs. I dug deep with the lyrics,
and dark places took me on a journey of sadness and bloody deaths of warriors,
fighting for revenge,angry about who they came to be. Incest, and war , and
hate for your own family in my stories. very angry and brooding in someone's
mind's eye. I do not usually like my lyrics much, but these , I am quite proud
of. My melodies almost wrote themselves, with classic minor chord progressions
, the melodies ask for a certain flow. I feel like it was a fast work ethic, I
felt a bit of pressure, since the band were putting tons of energy into the
music. I had to get to work as they were churning them out fast. My
themes mostly coming from movies, TV, books, stories, sometimes it can be
one phrase that I will hear, then spawns an idea for the lyrics.
PAT - For
this record, Robert brought in a half dozen or so killer riffs that Stuart and
I built upon to create some demos for Jason to work on lyrics. Billy and
Robert helped flesh those out instrumentally at rehearsals.
2. The
album features an impressive mix of classic heavy metal, NWOBHM, thrash, and
even prog-metal influences. How do you manage to balance these styles while
still maintaining that signature Ignitor sound?
-JASON-The
sound of the band maintains itself. Don't get me wrong, Robert was truly the
inspiration on the record. His input and energy, unmatched, but, I must say the
sound of IGNITOR, I feel is coming from Stuart's playing and tone, alongwith
what Pat and Billy are doing in the rhythm compositions, are making it have a
certain feel. IGNITOR has been around a long time, but we have known each other
for over 30 years, so collectively, we have a certain feel of what it is going
to sound like, without ever having any plan , or talking about what a song will
do. Robert, bringing the touches that make it feel new and bring it to
life, only to amplify our sound..
PAT- Stuart
and I have been playing together on the regular for 20 years. Over that time
the band developed a certain stylistic way of playing heavy metal. It's
partially attributable to our choice of equipment and the crafting of our
songs. Drawing from our deep pool of punk rock, hard rock, and heavy
metal influences, as well as some younger bands, I think we found a sweet spot
that distinguishes our sound from most of our contemporaries.
3. You’ve
mentioned that Horns and Hammers sets a high bar following
your previous albums Haunted by Rock ‘N’ Roll and The
Golden Age of Black Magick. What were your goals for this album, and do you
feel you’ve achieved them?
-JASON-
There was not any new plan. It was a natural display of things that Robert,
Stuart and Billy were bringing in and molding. Pat would play the riffs and
push the songs through , to become something in the rehearsal situation. Pat
already knows what he might play. Stuart is great at suggesting things for Pat,
but he has a knack for there being the obvious pattern, playing the riff on the
drums, and making sure the patterns match the guitars. Same with the bass
lines. In short answer, it is still very natural. The goals were to write songs
together as a group. there is a certain sort of smell that we are looking for.
Like cooking food. It is again, natural for us to know what will work.
PAT - Our
goal has always been to have fun and maybe reach a wider audience, and this
album is just another step on that pathway.
4. The
title track, Horns and Hammers, is a speed-metal war cry. What’s
the story behind this song? How did it come together in terms of music and
lyrics?
-JASON
Horns and Hammers, is about a sort of tribe. They might have lived on the
plains, or in the mountains. They have enemies, they have families to protect.
they are warriors in seek of living their lives free and happy, but never
without having to keep an eye out for intruders, pirates and thieves.
revenge is constant, they have been pillaged so many times, their ancestors'
families ,had lives taunted by outsiders looking to wipe them out and take
their wares, their lands, and murder destroy them for power. The warriors in
this tribe are always on lookout, spies sent in to always know their enemies'
next move. They had hard lives, and strived to be safe, but that always takes a
lot of planning and work. Crafting their own weaponry. No gunpowder
available, it could be tribal survival.
5. Jason
McMaster’s vocals have been a huge part of Ignitor’s identity. What was his
lyrical inspiration for this album, and how did his approach shape the overall
feel of the record?
-JASON- I
watch too much TV. I do not read enough, but I have alot of books. It is
important to me to have a starting point. Most of the time, it is started,
inspired by a phrase, or a story line I saw, or read about. Then,
sometimes, I just start with word play and it makes sense later on after a
swirl of phrases that just come from my head, without any outside verbiage, or
story. I must admit, that some phrases are taken from something I will
research, and I might even take phrases from the journalist, and put it into a
roll out of phrases I create from their phrasing, or their info about the
topic. I believe I watched too much Game of Thrones, when I read through
some of the lyrics for this record. The title track almost seems to fit that
admission, but, it does not. Suicide Anthem, is taken from an actual place and
story. There is a forest/jungle, in Japan, found at the base of Mount
Fuji , called Aokigahara ( ay, yoki- gah- hah- rah) Forest., some
call it Sea of Trees. Long ago, the volcano above spewed lava and it
filled the basin below. Over 100s of years, the hardened lava floor grew over
with twisted root trees and ground coverage, super thick brush/ unlevel
grounds, making it hard to just walk through this forest. The elders of
families would be led there, and left for dead, when they became ill, and the
families could not care for them any longer. In the last century, depressed and
or drug addicted people would go to this forest to commit their final act of
taking their life. People go there to walk, or run for exercise., Some become
lost and are later found dead. A place that is real, that exists , made for the
story line for Suicide Anthem. the lyrics almost wrote themselves.
6. There’s
a diverse array of tracks on the album, from the gothic Suicide Anthem to
the cowbell-driven Shattered Crosses. How do you keep the energy
and creativity flowing with such a wide range of styles?
-JASON-
it truly has to be in the writing of Robert and Stuart. Their riff writing
sessions are creating the beginnings of something that works, or will not work.
I feel like a lot of bands might have the same song tempo for more than a few
songs on their record. This happens to IGNITOR sometimes as well, but we do not
think about that too much. The grooves, tempos and composition is vital. The
dynamic of the riff, and feel. the stop start riff and phrasing of what the
band is doing, will tell me immediately what my lyric and or my melody needs to
do. It inspires what everything else needs to do. We feel we know what
sounds like IGNITOR, and what does not.
PAT - We
don't want to be constrained by formulaic songwriting, without sacrificing the
stamp of our definitive brand of US heavy metal. You won't ever hear
Ignitor play EDM or pop, that's a promise, but we aren't afraid to show our
rhythmic and melodic chops when it's warranted.
7. The
track Ferocious the Martyrs features guest keyboardist Gabriel
Guardian. What was it like working with him, and how did his contribution
enhance the song’s atmosphere?
-JASON-Robert
had the song, pretty much intact, and brought it into the fold. Important to
this, was what Pat and Billy were going to do to the song, to naturally make it
IGNITOR. Robert knows the Immortal Guardian guys, we have done shows together,
and are friends. Robert reached out to Gabriel to collaborate and add the keys
to the track. When I heard the track, it was later in the writing sessions, and
was the last lyric I wrote for the record. It became one of my favorites. The
song had the held out notes with the old Hammond B3/ Wurlitzer/ Leslie
(spinning speaker) tone that Deep Purple kinda had on alot of their classic
songs. I feel like it gave me room to tell a story about how views on wrong
doing can make someone stand up for something, and put themselves in harm's way
for that very belief system. It could be political, it could be to save face
for a movement, it could be anything that takes a fight, but can be a complete
and ultimate sacrifice, only to raise the awareness needed. This has happened
throughout history as we know. The power revealed within oneself, and can be
used not only in vain, but to create awareness to a cause that almost needs
this kind of sacrifice for it to become a real known threat. A martyr can just
be a token, and laughed off. This is not that. It is the power to move a
societal way of thinking. That personal internal power of mind and body to take
the bullet, to complete a mission, is an unbelievable commitment. It is a
monster inside, that most of us never realize. The track somehow made me
go this way
PAT - I
love this track, it reminds me of listening to Uriah Heep while smoking hashish
with my pals in high school.
8. You’ve
got a cover of Saxon’s Machine Gun on the album, which
includes guest appearances by Ross The Boss, Marc Lopes, and Gabriel Guardian.
What was the experience like collaborating with such legendary names in metal?
-JASON-Saxon
is a major influence on metal. They are a no frills hard Rock/ Heavy Metal band
that is long running since the 70's. they written all styles of the genre, but
keep the groove and the power all there, all the time. Machine Gun is a fast
paced solid Metal tune we all love. Robert suggested it, and none in IGNITOR
even blinked an eye at the idea to cover the track. Gabriel is not on the
track, but, the work with marc and Ross came from Robert's connection and
friendship with Ross, and Marc, I met in Germany at last years KEEP IT TRUE
RISING festival, where my band WATCHTOWER went on right before METAL CHURCH (
Marc sings for METAL CHURCH, LET US PREY and ROSS THE BOSS). Marc and I
met briefly, and after we got back to the states. Metal Church guitarist Kurdt
Vanderhoof, gave me Mar's contact info so we could stay in touch. Marc lives in
the Boston area and my other band DANGEROUS TOYS, played near his home, just a
few weeks after we met in Germany. This DT show would be where we learned of
each others connection with being into alot of the same stuff. He is an
incredible singer and personality. I reached out to Marc to do a duet for
MACHINE GUN, and Robert had the idea to get Ross ( manowar) on guitar for the
track. True irony, that Marc and Ross are both in Roos's band "ROSS THE
BOSS". he did a ripping guitar solo on the track, and Marc sent in his
vocal tracks and collectively, we had created something special on this version
for the classic Saxon song. Marc also has his own video, digital creative
company called SONATHERIA. So Marc had a lot to do with the awesome video
we made for MACHINE GUN, that will be released later this year.
9. The
cover art for Horns and Hammers was created by Claudio
Bergamin, who has also worked with Judas Priest and Burning Witches. How did
you connect with Claudio, and what message did you want the cover to convey?
-JASON-I
met Claudio at a convention called HEADBANGERSCON, in 2018, in Portland, Or. he
was one of the artists, alongside other guests, myself, eddie Ojeda, Ron Keel,
Dirk Vanburen, Eddie Munster ( Butch Patrick), david Ellefson, etc.. Claudio
and I just started talking, and I had seen his art and he was so cool and down
to earth. We started working together not long after. he has done art for
almost all of my bands now. Two CASSIUS KING album covers, a few shirt
designs for Dangerous Toys, and now a new IGNITOR cover art piece. The song
DARK HORSE and IMPERIAL BLOODLINES come into play with this character I sort of
created. He is angry, he doesn't like himself or the demanding and twisted
general he works for, who happens to possibly be his father.. He is a
product of incest, and of hate. he is the best warrior/soldier in his army, but
he is a loner in his depression. If you truly look into his eyes on the
cover art, it is obvious, to me anyway, that he is offset, he is not happy
at all. He is the "Dark Horse" that he rides. scars on his soul and
his body. The constant taste of blood on his lips. Claudio nailed it on this.
it is more about the sad warrior on the road of bones, than it is a knight with
his horse. that can come off quite boring, as power metal cover art can do.
This is something different, if you are really paying attention to the songs,
and the cover art. They are supposed to tie together. i hope people read this,
and take another look and another listen. Read the lyrics.
10. Can
you tell us more about the live recording of Hell Shall Be Your Home?
What made you decide to include this live track, and how does it reflect the
energy of an Ignitor performance?
-JASON- Record at a funny named venue in Austin Texas. the venue is Kick Butt Coffee. A humbly sized haunt in the northside of Austin. A great place, a good PA system and fun people running the shows there. They have a state of the art recording facility, with great video production as well. We didn't even know we were being recorded back then in 2019 at that show. Ernie, the house sound guru, sent our friend Dave Prewitt ( Dave TV, look him up, he is a legendary local music supporter for almost 3 decades) and dave sent a rough mix to me. I found out he had all of the stems/ tracks, I sent those to Stuart and Stu mixed the show. came out awesome. and you can get the cd or listen to the show on all streaming platforms. Metal on Metal wanted a bonus track. We gave them HELL SHALL BE YOUR HOME, from that live show. The covid pandemic hit the weeks after that show. We were lucky to have that recording to release as a live record "BEFORE THE PLAGUE" just as everything shut down, and we had to cancel shows. I am glad we can share that song on the new IGNITOR record. make note that this song is only on the METAL ON METAL RECORDS version of "Horns and Hammers". the US release on REVOLTVINYLRECORDS.COM will have MACHINE GUN as the bonus track.
11. The
vinyl version of the album will include a bonus track and has been mastered
specifically for that format. How important is it for you to deliver a unique
experience for fans who collect physical media like vinyl?
-JASON-
Yes, the vinyl version as well as the US release on REVOLT VINYL RECORDS, will
have MACHINE GUN as the bonus track. I am a firm believer in the ritual,
the taking out of the vinyl plater, to believe it is the closest tangible
thing to the actual sound going into the microphone, the amp, the stick
hitting the drum, the pounding on wood and wire, that a music fan can get.
pressing a little button on a device, a baby can do that. the ritual is not
dead. and some feel like they need to spoil themselves by just snapping
their fingers to be entertained by someone else's intellectual
property. Vinyl is a great way to enjoy the power of music. Cds are a close
second and yes, a bit more convenient, but there is still a sort of ritual.
there are zero snapping of fingers, and the sound is not exactly as intended,
as it is for vinyl. It is super expensive to produce vinyl product, but having
small orders of it, even, to satisfy the mighty few who believe in the
ritual, is worth it to me.
12. Looking
ahead, what’s next for Ignitor? Can we expect a tour to support Horns
and Hammers? Are there any future projects already in the
works?
-JASON- We
plan on playing some shows to celebrate this record. if we get offers to do
more than the shows we can do at our convenience, we are always, always,
alwasy...open to entertain the idea of festival offers and special events, to
play our brand of IGNITOR metal.
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