Mystic Prophecy & Firewind

[glpg80]

I want to thank you ahead of time for doing this, it is an honor to have the chance to do a Q&A, wish we could jam

I am a large fan of your early work in Firewind and Mystic Prophecy, I even imported Regressus from overseas and play it often in my truck

1) How did you come to write the song "Of Fire and Fury"? What inspired you to write that riff? Just something off of the top of your head?

2) Any specific melodies or songs that you have composed that have meaning behind them?

3) How did you find Mark Cross when forming Firewind? Are you still friends even though he has left the band?

4) How did you come to meet Bob Katsionis? Would you say that the time practicing back and forth helping/challenging one another is a direct contribution to your abilities as a musician?

5) Do you remember what gear/amplifier was used to record the 2003 album Regressus when you were in Mystic Prophecy? That tone is amazing.

6) If you did not play guitar, what instrument would you play instead and why?

8) Do you have wood preferences in guitars? If so, what are some of your favorites for fretboard material, body, etc?

9) And lastly, when you're not on tour, what gear/amp setup do you like to play at home or in the studio?


Thanks ahead of time, Take care of yourself

-Matt

 

[Gus. G]

I want to thank you ahead of time for doing this, it is an honor to have the chance to do a Q&A, wish we could jam

I am a large fan of your early work in Firewind and Mystic Prophecy, I even imported Regressus from overseas and play it often in my truck

1) How did you come to write the song "Of Fire and Fury"? What inspired you to write that riff? Just something off of the top of your head?

exactly like that! came naturally from jamming.

2) Any specific melodies or songs that you have composed that have meaning behind them?

cant think of any right now.

3) How did you find Mark Cross when forming Firewind? Are you still friends even though he has left the band?

I knew him from being around and playing with various bands. Haven't spoken to him in a long time.

4) How did you come to meet Bob Katsionis? Would you say that the time practicing back and forth helping/challenging one another is a direct contribution to your abilities as a musician?

Bob emailed me about 9 years ago and told me he was available for a collaboration or whatever. We met, became friends and jammed. Rest is history.
I definitely think we both push each other to become better at what we do. We love trading licks and I think we learn from each other a lot.

5) Do you remember what gear/amplifier was used to record the 2003 album Regressus when you were in Mystic Prophecy? That tone is amazing.

I think it was an ENGL.

6) If you did not play guitar, what instrument would you play instead and why?

no idea.

8) Do you have wood preferences in guitars? If so, what are some of your favorites for fretboard material, body, etc?

well, look @ my signature models and you'll see my preferences

9) And lastly, when you're not on tour, what gear/amp setup do you like to play at home or in the studio?

I got all kinds of stuff. I like my Blackstar HT-1 and HT-5.

Thanks ahead of time, Take care of yourself

-Matt