On a recent stop in Florida, the six-piece band known as Chimaira simply ripped through their set. The pit was immediately whipped into frenzy and left the crowd exhausted. Prior to the utter mayhem, Fears sat down with lead guitarist Rob Arnold to get some insight on these Cleveland, Ohio based metallers.

Fears was granted the opportunity to interview Cannibal Corpse on the last day of the Metal Blade Records’ 25th Anniversary tour, but at the last moment, plans changed and the interview was canceled. Then an e-mail was received stating an interview could be arranged, but it would have to take place the day before the previous scheduled day via the telephone.

Phone tag between bassist Alex Webster and myself took place throughout the evening, but no contact would be made that night. However, after all was said and done; a meeting did take place the next day in Orlando, Florida.

I want to thank Alex greatly for granting Fears some of his time. No interviews were to take place on the last day of the tour, but Alex was gracious enough to make an exception.

Christopher Mygrant and Cannibal Corpse Bassist, Alex Webster Christopher Mygrant and Cannibal Corpse Bassist, Alex Webster

Bassist Alex Webster! Bassist Alex Webster!

Cannibal CorpseCannibal Corpse

“RELENTLESS” so says vocalist James Eason when asked to describe DROID

After completely listening to DROID’s newly released endeavor, one will get the sense of returning to the days of when metal music possessed something special - a singer with vocals laden with emotion (James Eason) backed by hard-driving, neck-snapping riffs (Jamie Teissere and Bruce Childress) and a solid bass and percussion foundation (Duke and Nick McWells). Signed to Korn guitarist “Munky” Shaffer’s Emotional Syphon Recordings label, the band’s self-titled debut surely is a standout of 2007.

While stopping in Tampa for the Family Values Tour , Fears had the opportunity to not only attend the gig, but to speak with vocalist James Eason. We caught up with James about an hour after the band’s second stage headling performance and as the phrase goes – here is what he had to say.

Fears: How is the word success defined by you? Has the band, in a sense, “made it”?

James Eason: No where near it. We have to pay our dues for a lot more years to come. I think once you think you’ve made it, it would seem like kind of a way to stop being creative. Stop driving yourself to do more things. But U2 made and they still make great records, so my statement could be wrong.

So I am sitting at the computer surfing the web with the stereo cranking out some classic, yes I said “classic”, eighties hair/glam metal tunes. It is a CD that contains bands like Bullet Boys (Smooth Up In Ya), Faster Pussycat (Bathroom Wall, Slip of the Tongue), Jackly (Dirty Little Mind), Poison (too many to list) and a host of other feel good performers that made the eighties metal scene what it was - great. As I continued to read an article, a familiar guitar riff comes across my ears; it is the opening to Never Enough by L.A. Guns. A song, that at the time, I had not heard in years. I quickly grabbed the remote, turned it up and sat back and relived the good ol’ times. Upon the song’s completion, I started doing my investigation on how I would be able to contact any member of the band in order to conduct an interview.

After reading some older interviews, I discovered that there are actually two bands performing under the L.A. Guns moniker. One contains drummer Steve Riley and vocalist Phil Lewis. The other version of the namesake has guitarist Tracii Guns leading the way. Well, to make a long story short, I e-mailed what looked liked the management company for the band. I did not receive any reply for about two weeks, when one day while retrieving messages from my voicemail, I hear the following: “Yeah, this message is for Chris. Chris, this is Steve Riley from L.A. Guns and I hear you would like to do an interview.” Steve leaves me his cell number, which I ring as soon as I finish listening to his message. Him and I set a time and day and below is the outcome of our conversation.

Most individuals have fantasized of what it would be like to be up on stage singing or performing for thousands of screaming fans -- I know I have. Who hasn't strummed the strings of their favorite air-guitar? Who hasn't once held those imaginary drumsticks and wailed wildly in the air keeping beat with their favorite song - I am going to presume, we all have. However, who really knows what it is like to live the life of a musician and being more specific, a "rock star". Oh we hear the stories and read the reports, but who actually has the insight of that lifestyle? Well, let me tell you, I have a pretty good perspective of the other side after watching a well put together documentary titled, "Waking up Dead."

I received an e-mail promoting the film and just by the subject title, I thought it might be interesting. I delved a little further and discovered the filmis main "star" was former Saigon Kick and Skid Row drummer Phil Varone.

Waking up Dead is a project that documents Phil's trials and tribulations during the height of his drug use and rocker lifestyle. The film follows him during his stint with Skid Row and gives the viewer a backstage glimpse of the literal highs and lows of a lifestyle that most people would trade almost anything to live.

Fears was able to schedule an interview with Phil and for about 30 minutes, we spoke about his life before and after drugs and how this once drug dependent drummer has cleaned up and of all things, is now a stand-up comic.

Mike Riggs, a.k.a. Riggs, is the founder, lead guitarist, and vocalist for the band Scum of the Earth (although he states he wishes not to be the latter) formed in 2003 after he departed ways with Rob Zombie . S.O.T.E. released its debut album "Blah...Blah...Blah...Love Songs for the New Millennium" in 2004. Known for the ex-pli-ci-tee of it all, Riggs and Scum push the limits not only lyrically, but visually as well.

Riggs recently spoke with Fears Magazine and offered his thoughts and comments about the band’s latest endeavor (Sleaze Freak) and more.

Fears: First and foremost, is the follow-up to Blah...Blah...Blah...Love Songs for the New Millennium (Sleaze Freak) completed?

Riggs: Just about.

Fears: How long did it take to put it together?

Riggs: Oh I despise just doing the vocals; I don’t even want to be the singer. I tried to find somebody else to be the singer for the record, but the record company wouldn’t let me use’em. A super rad singer that’s a kind of mix between the dude from Mudvayne and Phil Anselmo. A really good singer.

{rokbox album=|SCUM OF THE EARTH| title=|Mike Riggs from SCUM OF THE EARTH-Photo by Jeff Kroll }images/stories/2007/MUSIC/SCUM/riggs02.jpg{/rokbox}