ANIMETAL USA Interviewed At NAMM (Video)

February 13, 2012

Jose Mangin, host/producer MTV.com's web-only show "Headbangers Ball" (and program director/DJ on SiriusXM Octane and Liquid Metal),conducted an interview with ANIMETAL USA — the American counterpart to ANIMETAL, the Japanese heavy metal band which specialized in metal covers of popular Japanese anime/tokusatsu theme songs — at the Dean Guitars booth at the 2012 NAMM (National Association Of Music Merchants) show, a massive music-products convention which took place January 19-22 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California. You can now watch the chat below.

ANIMETAL USA is:

* Mike Vescera (OBSESSION, LOUDNESS) - Vocals
* Rudy Sarzo (BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, OZZY OSBOURNE, QUIET RIOT, WHITESNAKE, DIO) – Bass
* Scott Travis (JUDAS PRIEST, RACER X, FIGHT) - Drums
* Chris Impellitteri (IMPELLITTERI) - Guitar

Travis was unable to make ANIMETAL USA's Loud Park concert in October 2011 due to his touring commitments with JUDAS PRIEST and was temporarily replaced by former SLAYER/TESTAMENT drummer Jon Dette.

ANIMETAL USA released its self-titled debut album in Japan on October 12, 2011 via Sony Music Entertainment.

Commented Impellitteri: "I should clarify what ANIMETAL USA are doing musically for those of you that are saying 'WTF??'

"ANIMETAL USA is taking this music very seriously by mixing dark thematic and classic anime songs with our own original metal riffs, screaming vocals, shredding guitar solos, and intense drum and bass section. On a few songs, we even used some short but iconic metal riffs written by some of our own favorite legends of metal in order to further excite the listener. It is definitely interesting to bring all of these forms of metal to the anime world, which is an amazing and intense culture in itself!

"And no, this band is not a comedy band like STEEL PANTHER. We are taking this very seriously and putting in a lot of time and effort with Sony to create a mix of intense metal music, anime, and theatrics! Plus we are working very hard to build an international fan base!

"Currently ANIMETAL USA is reaching a mass audience and exposing a brand new generation to metal that would not have been possible if we would have taken the traditional route. I think we have been exposed to over 25,000,000 people by playing live shows and TV specials during the month of October alone. So we are definitely bringing metal to a very wide audience that may not have embraced it otherwise.

"Lastly, since we had to create so much original music for ANIMETAL, we are considering releasing an extension of this band called DEATH STAR which musically will be 100% original. Either way, there will probably be two forms of music released by the four of us in the future! ANIMETAL and DEATH STAR!"

"Animetal USA" track listing is as follows:

01. Uchuusenkan Yamato
02. Gatchaman No Uta
03. Mazinger Medley
04. Makafushigi Adventure!
05. Zankokuna Tenshino Thesis
06. Aiwo Torimodose!!
07. Ganbare Dokaben
08. Pegasus Fantasy
09. Yuke Tigermask
10. Fight! Kinnikuman Go Fight!
11. Yukeyuke Hyuma

Interview:

"Uchuusenkan Yamato" video:

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