New ICED EARTH Guitarist: 'I Can't Wait To Start Learning Some Of My Favorite Songs'

Metal-Realm.net recently conducted an interview with new ICED EARTH guitarist Ernie Carletti. A couple of excerpts from the question-and-answer session follow:

Metal-Realm.net: How did the joining process work for ICED EARTH work? I imagine you met with Jon Schaffer, but how did it all work? Was there a tryout? Did he get a hold of your work? What?

Ernie Carletti: "Jon found out about me through one of my endorsements, Bernie Rico Jr. Guitars, www.ricojrguitars.com. He [Bernie Rico] and his Dad, Bernie Rico Sr., founded B.C. Rich. Bernie had recommended me to Jon one time when they talked and Jon ended up checking out my website and we contacted each other at that point. I basically owe the hook up to Bernie! He has been a huge supporter of my playing and wanted to help me as much as possible and did!! Jon and I talked, found we had lots in common and then scheduled an audition. I flew out to his studio, held the audition and flew home a couple of days later. The audition went great and we had gotten a good amount of work done and he made his decision at that point on me and now the real work begins! (laughs)"

Metal-Realm.net: I believe as of now the ICED EARTH lineup has yet to be completed. Even so, have you gotten together with the band yet? If not, do you have any idea of when you guys will start to get things going?

Ernie Carletti: "Jon is auditioning other members as we speak, as soon as he decides on the other members, I imagine practice will begin. I live kind of far from Jon, so we will have to figure out a good rehearsal schedule."

Metal-Realm.net: Kind of a follow up to the previous question, but have you began to practice older ICED EARTH material? If so, what are some of the songs you enjoyed playing the most?

Ernie Carletti: "That hasn't been decided yet either, there is such a huge catalogue of songs for us to go through. Jon knows what the fans love, so I have kind of held off on trying to learn all the songs! (laughs) I can't wait to start learning some of my favorite songs though..."

Metal-Realm.net: What are you looking forward to most by joining ICED EARTH?

Ernie Carletti: "Playing and recording with these great players! Sharing the road with them and getting the chance to play for their fans! Jon has told me how emotion and true that ICED EARTH fans are, and I look forward to meeting them on the road and trying to give them the best performance that I can every time."

Read the entire interview at Metal-Realm.net.