Interview with Flames of Fury frontwoman Angelica Vargas

Flames of Fury is a up-and-coming New York/New Jersey-based metal band with one demo and one EP to it's name. Blessed with a extremely potent sound that is equal parts traditional heavy metal and (melodic) power metal(!), Flames of Fury has been tearing up the scene since day one and (as it stands now) they show no signs of slowing down! Just recently I had the distinct privilege of interviewing this group's powerful lead singer, Angelica Vargas, and I would like to encourage all of our readers to check this band out in a live setting if you ever get the chance! Also, be sure to pick up a copy of the band's 2013 self-titled EP. It is a really good release!

Andy-Please introduce yourself and tell us about how your band first came together.

Angelica-My name is Angelica Vargas, aka Angelica Valkyrie. I’m the lead singer for Flames of Fury. The band first came together back in 2009. I was singing a song Jason Perez was working on and I sent him some music and lyrics I’ve written in the past. Seemed like we both wanted to work on some extremely powerful metal music and we have very similar musical interests and influences. After that point, it was clear to start a band. We came up with a name, wrote some killer tunes, found some kickass bandmates along the way and… voila! Flames of Fury was born.

Andy-And the name? Is there a special meaning behind it or was it just chosen for how cool it sounds?

Angelica-A little more of Column B than Column A. The name sounds cool and is an accurate description of what our music is all about. We decided to go with a flame idea for the band name one night. I was in the studio wearing a shirt with a flaming heart on the front. We kept shooting off names with fire in it but they just weren’t hitting the mark. So I went home and made a list of every single Flame-related band name I could think of and sent it over to Jason. Flames of Fury stood out and it’s been our name ever since.

Andy-For someone who has never heard your band before how would you describe Flames of Fury?

Angelica-A nuclear explosion of melodic riffs, blasting double bass and guitars so fast, they’ll kick you in the face! And speaking of kicks, our shows have lots of high flying kicks and action throughout.

Andy-Besides high flying kicks (!) what is a typical show like for your band? I mean if there is such a thing!

Angelica-Ha-ha, everyone gets a kick out of that! Other than a lot of energy on stage, we are the type of band that stays true to what’s been recorded on the album. We are a very straightforward traditional band. We don’t use a lot of special effects or backing tracks; just two guitars, bass, drums and vocals. At this point in our career, we don’t feel all that stuff is necessary to put on a good live show. What you hear is what you get.

Andy-Who are some of the bands that you've shared the stage with and would you just love to play with if given the change?

Angelica-We’ve shared the stage with some AMAZING bands like Primal Fear, Rhapsody of Fire, Doro (twice!), Stryper, Kill Devil Hill, Ross the Boss (from Manowar and The Dictators) and many others. I think it would be amazing to share the stage with Iron Maiden one day

.Andy-That would be one hell of a show! Are there any essential items for when Flames of Fury does road shows? (I'm talking anything from food and alcohol to books & music)

Angelica-Thus far, the longest trip the band has taken for a show was when we performed in Baltimore during the Flight of the Valkyries festival. On the road, I like listening to audiobooks on Audible. The stories of Conan the Cimmerian is great to listen to. So are the 33 Strategies of War and The Book of Five Rings. 

As far as drinking, we prefer to be sober before a performance. My band mates might enjoy a beer or two before or during a performance but that’s about it. We are not into drugs at all. Our music can be pretty crazy and we need everyone to be at the top of their game to deliver a good performance. Me personally, I try to drink lots of water before hitting the stage. 

After a show, however, is a very different story! I’m known to enjoy Guinness J

Andy-I can appreciate that! As an artist who are some of your influences Angelika?

Angelica-As a singer, I would say Bruce Dickinson and Pat Benatar believe it or not. She would have been a great metal singer! As both a singer and a lyricist, I greatly admire and am influenced by Ronnie James Dio. His voice rang clear as a bell and has a way of reaching into your soul. I think his lyrics will haunt and mystify for years to come.

Andy-I couldn't agree more. Ronnie James Dio was truly one of a kind. I am sure glad that I had the chance to see him live. But anyway, how about the band? What are some of the group's that have influenced Flames Of Fury?

Angelica-Black Sabbath would be at the top of the list along with Iron Maiden and Judas Priest.

Andy-Those are some great influences to have! Changing gears somewhat here, but your last EP came out in 2013. Are you working on anything new now?

Angelica-Yes, we are working on our full length album called "Firestarter" . We hope to release it soon. In the meantime, we decided to release an epic lyric video for one of our songs from our 2013 EP. We can't wait until out album is ready so we can release even more material. We have enough songs for multiple albums already, so keep a look out for "Firestarter" !

Andy-And what can fans expect from your new album?

Angelica-Our last album was a small taste of a few different songs; one power anthem, one mid-tempo head banging song, one slower melodic song, etc. This album is the best of the best; all killer, no filler. Sure, you’ll still hear some variety in our songs but as a whole it’s a high energy album from start to finish.

Andy-I look forward to hearing it. Where can our readers find out more about your band?

Angelica-You can find us on Facebook, check out our YouTube page or go to our website at www.flamesoffury.com

Andy-I like to close interviews by letting the artist have the last say. Is there anything that you would like to add? Have a favorite road story to share? Would you like to say a word or two to all the fans out there? Whatever it is the mic is all yours Angelika!

Angelica-Sure, I would like to add two final thoughts to this interview. Firstly, I would like to thank all of the fans that have been with us from the beginning of our journey. Thank you for your support and believing in us, and keeping the flame of Metal alive. Long live heavy metal!

I would also like to say something to those that are thinking of pursing music, or pursuing anything in life; find your path and take it to the limit. It won’t be easy but then again, nothing in life comes easy. Don’t let life drag you down. Always hit the ground running in whatever you do and don’t let anyone or anything stand in your way.

 \m/

Angelica Vargas

Flames of Fury

Lead Singer and Songwriter

Valkyriestorm@gmail.comwww.

Flamesoffury.comwww.facebook.com/flamesoffury

Andy-That's great advice Angelica! Thank you for taking the time out of your schedule to talk with us..