Interview with Steve Handel of Seventh Calling

  Seventh Calling is a heavy metal band with two EPs and three full-length albums to it's name. The group's latest release is "Battle Call" and it is geared towards metalheads who love their music to be all at once classic and modern. A little while back I had the opportunity to talk to guitarist/vocalist Steve Handel. I want to thank Steve for taking the time to chat with us. Be sure to keep an eye out for my upcoming review of "Battle Call".  

Andy-Could you please introduce yourself and tell us how Seventh Calling first came about.

Steve-"My name is Steve Handel, and I am the lead vocalist/lead guitarist for Seventh Calling.  The idea of Seventh Calling come about from the simple enjoyment of performing heavy metal music live."

Andy-Seventh Calling is such an interesting moniker choice. Can you tell us how you settled on that name?

Steve-" Of sorts, it was kind of like names in a hat so to speak.  Names just kept getting crossed off of the list until the name Seventh Calling was rested upon.  It sounded the most like a heavy metal band name out of all the others."

Andy-Musically-speaking there is a lot going on when it comes to your sound. I hear traditional heavy metal, melodic metal, power metal and some thrash as well as a lot of old school influences. The thing is that's just me.  How would you personally describe your style? 

Steve-"Yes there are quite a few old school influences.  I would personally like to think of this as Seventh Calling style heavy metal." 

 Andy-Following up on that question and all, who are some of the band's influences? As a whole and I guess individually. 

Steve-"As a whole, just some of the influences and favorites are, Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Mercyful Fate, Metal Church, Judas Priest, Dio, Black Sabbath, Primal Fear, Slayer, Saxon, Accept, Scorpions and so on. Many more than that as individuals for our influences.  

Andy-Your first album came out in 2006 if I'm correct and "Battle Call" was just recently released. When you look back how much change do you see when it comes to Seventh Calling? Is your band where you imagined it would be?

Steve-"Yes, after working through all of the years from the first record and all of the problems that I was able to overcome to hold the group together I would say that I am right where it should be for now." 

Andy-Speaking of your new album "Battle Call" (which I do hope to review sometime down the road!) how has the response been?

Steve-While I have only had a chance to listen to it once through I do like what I hear. "The response has seemed to be good to the album.  I hope that it continues and we keep on rolling!"

Andy-Was this a difficult album to record or are you guys old pros now that your on album number three?

Steve-"No it was relatively easy to record.  Once we had all of the material written and performed for a bit of course.  Hardest part is always writing the material first." 

Andy-Do you have any favorite songs on the new album and if so why?

Steve-"Not really.  I like em all at this point.?

Andy-Will you be touring behind your new disc?

Steve-"We have been doing some shows since the record was released.  Nothing too major yet, but we are hoping to see that change.?

Andy-It's hard to believe, but 2016 is already more than half over. Is there anything that the band really wants to get done before 2016 comes to an end?

Steve-"Yea! The writing process for our next record, and to continue playing live." 

Andy- I like to let bands have the last word. Is there anything we didn't touch on that you would like to add?

Steve-"We encourage the heavy metal fans of the world to join our BATTLE CALL by finding us on our official www.facebook.com/seventhcalling and also find us on Itunes, Amazon, CD Baby and more!  Or simply stop by our official merchandise page www.seventhcallingofficial.bigcartel.com to order up your shirts, patches and more direct from us! KEEP THE HEAVY METAL FAITH ALIVE!"