Guitarist 'METAL' MIKE CHLASCIAK Issues SEBASTIAN BACH Studio Report

Guitarist "Metal" Mike Chlasciak (HALFORD, PAINMUSEUM, SEBASTIAN BACH) has issued the following update:

"Wanted to start a limited number of studio diaries for you all that write me about the progress of our/Baz's [Sebastian Bach's] new album, 'Angel Down'. Not a problem from this side and thought it would be much easier to put this into a diary-type format for everyone instead of answering single e-mails.

"Let me just pick up from yesterday.

"Today, our resident king of rumble manipulation, Mr. Steve DiGiorgio [bass], came in well determined to finish off the remaining of his bass parts for the album. I must say ... I have never seen a bass player just plow through the songs as only DiGiorgio can. I have witnessed Steve's abilities first-hand during the recording process for PAINMUSEUM's 'Metal For Life' album, where Steve did 11 tracks within two days. Wish I was kidding for all of you aspiring bass players out there, but I am not. So, anyhow ... Steve ripped through any remaining songs that needed touch-up or complete bass line. Since all of the songs are recorded live for this album, we are looking for the general vibe of the track and later touch up on any parts needing any additional attention. I have never done an album in this fashion. It's always drums first, guitars next, bass and then vocals. But not for this album. By live I mean that we are all set up in the studio — two guitars, drums, bass, Baz, and we go through each song several times live (i.e. at the same time) to capture the best performance. Although it can be a scary situation, it is also extremely rewarding. Nothing beats a songs that just 'has it' that was recorded live ... the feeling of an entire band playing as one, strength in numbers, all for one, one for all.

"After Steve completed his parts, we set up the band again to record one of the ballads for the album. Now I might be biased and I won't spoil the surprise with the title, but we all got goosebumps upon hearing back the playback. Yeah, it's one of those ...... I hope you are all ready. So while the rest of us dismissed ourselves into several other activities like catching up on phone calls and trips to the local liquor store, Baz worked with Roy Z on several vocal tracks for the ballad. Talking about damn electric ... I hope you are all ready.

"The evening turned into guitar tracking madness. Today I have decided to complete tracking 'Take You Down With Me'. My setup was my usual pain inducing system .... Randy Rhoads Jackson V into a Marshall JMP-1 Pre Amp/ EL34 100 Watt Power Amp combo, into a vintage 4x12 Marshall cab with 25 watt speakers. I am happy to be one of the proud metallists not afraid to plug into a Marshall with a Jackson. I did two rhythms on the left with this set up. For the right side, I have exchanged the amp set-up and went into a Laney amp that was modified for the king of metal himself ... Mr. Tony Iommi. If it's good enough for Tony, it's good enough for me and the blend of Marshall on one side and Laney on the other made for a killer sound. The song shreds, and it is always it is my metal pleasure to record with the talents of our drummer Bobby (Jarzombek) and DiGiorgio in the rhythm section. Does it get any better?

"The evening was slowing down about 2AM with Padron tequila shots among me and the rest of the brave souls left at the studio in the evening. It was time to pack it up. Tomorrow, Bobby and I will be shooting some live videos for Ferrante Power Equipment/FPE.com site, spotlighting some of the equipment we have been using in the studio. FPE's owner John is an artist rep for some of the companies' products that we endorse, including Evans Drumheads, D'Addario Strings and Planet Waves cables and accessories. Rest of the day will be followed by what else? Bach screaming his brains out and me terrifyng everyone with more guitars."