LIEGE LORD
MATTHEW VINCI
Liege Lord from Stamford, Connecticut started under the name Deceiver. They played Judas Priest covers before changing their name to Liege Lord. In 1985 the band released their debut Freedom's Rise which was a power / speed metal affair. In 1987 it was time for their second release called Burn to my touch and in 1988 Joe Comeau (later of Overkill & Annihilator) joined the band and Liege Lord recorded their legendary speed metal-album Master Control. I have spoken with Liege Lord's bassist Matthew Vinci.
We can begin with a small presentation of Liege Lord
We were just a garage cover band playing our favorite metal songs and when we began to write our material and get a record deal from two indie labels.
Tell us a little about how it was to record and release your debut album Freedom's Rise from 1985.
It was very exciting. We were pretty young. early 20's.
Is it true that the Black Dragon label terminated your contract because they thought your second album (Burn to my touch) was "too thrash oriented"?
They did not terminate, our contract was for one LP. they send us your new demo and we'll listen. And then yes they passed on it saying it was to thrash and some less than complimentary comments about our singer Andy Michaud's style.
How did you get in contact with Metal Blade Records?
I contacted Metal Blade and with magazine and fanzine reviews and an LP already out, they signed us for a two album contract.
In 1988 you recorded your last album called Master Control, how do you feel about that record in retrospect?
In retrospect I feel it was the best all-around album by Liege Lord. Best songwriting, best vocal performance, best production.
On your last album (Master Control) Joe Comeau joined the band, changing vocalist can be tough so how was that transition?
I agree a new singer in rock band can be a hard adjustment, but not in our case, Joe came in put together great harmonies, professional style. We were so much more happy with that than what we had before. I'm sure there are people who liked Andy's style but they can't argue that Joe was a better singer.
Why did Liege Lord disband?
Liege Lord disbanded because you have to remember there was no internet, we has no handle on what was going on, we just knew the LPs were not in the stores, we were getting no promotion, metal, especially underground metal was not very popular as it once was in the states in 1989. Things just fell apart.
After the break up Joe Comeau joined Overkill and later Annihilator. He has made quite a career for himself, dont you think?
Sure Joe kept pushing, that's great that he did all that.
What have you been up to since Liege Lord disbanded?
Well, guitarist Anthony Truglio never stopped playing he has worked with Helmet as well as solo work, I have working as a photographer but now I'm playing again after 20 years!
You played last years Keep it True, how was that festival?
Keep it True was fantastic, it was the reason we got back together and after that festival we felt like we should keep going, write new music, play more.
Will there ever be a fourth Liege Lord-album?
Yes the fourth Liege Lord album is in the works, we are more than half writing the material.
What's the highlight of your career?
The highlight of our career was getting onstage at Keep it true, We had done nothing for over twenty years and there we were. Pretty amazing.
What's your plans for the near future?
Near future is get that new music out and do more shows, especially in Europe.
Any last words for our readers?
Fans of the old music will be happy to hear the new music it will be right where we left off. Thanks. !
By/Ruthless
(22-04-2014)
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