Icarus Witch interview

Pittsburgh's Icarus Witch are one of those bands who loved 80's style classic metal . They carry on the sound and spirit from bands of that in their music today. I recently had a chance to interview guitarist Quinn Lukas and ask him his band's latest album, their influences and more.

MM-Tell us a little about the history of how Icarus Witch came to be.
QL-Our bass player (Jason Myers) was living in L.A. at the time and was moving back to Pittsburgh with the idea of what kind of band he wanted to put together.In 2004 with the introduction to former vocalist Matthew Bizzilia Icarus Witch was given birth.

MM-Who are some of your influences?
QL-Mine personally are bands like Deep Purple,Uriah Heep, Badlands, Thin Lizzy, Sabbath (Dio years). Their is just something special about those bands and that music.


MM-Who came up with the band name? Is there any significance to the name?
QL-Jason Myers came up with the name. The name was bestowed upon us via divine intervention by the dark gods of heavy metal. Or it just sounds cool.


MM-You made some recent line-up changes. Tell us about the new members and where did you find them?
QL-Yeah,after our last tour we decided to replace original front man (Matthew),it was all do to differences in artistic direction and both parties had different ideas on what this band should be. Now the problem we who could we get to not only fill these huge shoes but make the witch even better. We hired Mr.Christopher Shaner,I played in different bands with him over the years and the guy just has it. He is a complete showman with pipes that can make the sky fall. We also added a second guitarist,when preparing for the Dianno tour we knew we would need a second gun slinger. I instantly thought of Ed Skero. This guy is the real deal,none of that pansy tickle the strings bullshit. Ed instantly made the band sound fuller and thicker,a great addition.

MM-What are some of your favorite tracks on the “Draw down the moon” and why?
QL-My favs would be the title track itself,I love the way the song flows and the break down in the bridge. Black Candles,this song is so powerful live. It always gets the crowd pumped up and singing along. Funeral Wine, I just love the solo,haha.

MM-What was it like touring with Paul Dianno?
QL-Touring with Paul was fantastic. I mean you have to look at it from my perspective,I'm playing some of my favorite music with the man that wrote and recorded it. It was an amazing experience and we get to do it again this winter.

MM-Who would you love to share a stage with?
QL-I would love to jam with Ritchie Blackmore or Jake E. Lee.



MM-Tell us about some of your most memorable shows?
QL-Playing with Heaven and Hell. that was absolutely without a doubt one of the greatest shows I've ever played. It was to be one Ronnie's last though unfortunately.I'm so touched that we had that opportunity to play with him.


MM-What do you think about the metal scene in general these days? Is it getting better, worse or just sitting still?
QL-It is definatley getting better,I see more promoters,shows and clubs these days. So if people continue to support the scene then it grows.

MM-What is the metal scene like in the Pittsburgh area?
QL-The same, more clubs, promoter and shows.


MM-Any great unsigned bands there that you would like to mention?
QL-Skero and Jingles.

MM-If you could only listen to three albums over the next month then what would you pick?
QL-Deep Purple Perfect Strangers,Badlands (Badlands) and Queensryche The Warning.

MM-What are some of the best albums you have heard so far in 2010?
QL-Y&T FaceMelter


MM-Pick the band from the following pairs that you prefer and tell why you picked them.
QL-
Thin Lizzy or UFO
-Thin Lizzy,The dual guitars.

Cauldron or Enforcer
-God, that's tough. That's like saying which could you do without,denim......or leather.

Diamond Head or Saxon
-Saxon,you get Denim and Leather both.

Iron Maiden or Motorhead
-Maiden, I gota represent.

MM-Anything else that you want to say about your band, your music or any other topic?
QL-We need to bring back the time honored tradition of girls flashing the band. Tits and ass dammit!