TORANAGA

MARK DUFFY

English old schoolers Toranaga started back in 1985. In 1988 they released their debut mini-album on Peaceville records called Bastard Ballads. Two years after they released their second album God's Gift, which was released on a major label called Chrysalis. But when the 90's arrived new musical winds blew in over Europe and Toranaga disappeared.

During the last decade Toranaga has been gigging on and off and in 2011 they released their first release in 21 years, the Cynical Eyes EP. In 2013 They released another full lengh-album called Righteous Retribution. I've spoken with vocalist Mark Duffy.

From left to right: Andy Burton, Steve Todd, Mark Duffy, Shane Haigh & John Rodgers

We can begin with a small presentation of Toranaga.

Toranaga were part of the UK thrash metal scene in the late 80's early 90's. We released a mini album on Peaceville Records and full length album on Chrysalis records.

How did you come up with the name Toranaga?

The name Toranaga came from the TV series Shogun, Toranaga was a character (warlord)

Lets start from the beginning, You didn't record any demo before creating the Bastard Ballads-album?

The only demos we did were on a 4 track in the rehearsal room, mainly just to listen to ourselves and the song arrangements. A lot of the songs changed when Mark Duffy joined the band when he suggested some time changes and speeded up some of the songs.

You opened for Manowar on their UK tour? Tell us about that. Do you think that Toranaga was "discovered" on that tour?

The tour with Manowar was great and we definitely won over a lot of people on that tour and made a name for ourselves. It also helped for people to see us live after Bastard Ballads came out.

You got signed by Chrysalis, a major label. How was their support for Toranaga?

Our A&R guy at Chrysalis was great but it was hard for him to get us support from the label. Chrysalis was probably not the best choice for a metal band (they were reluctant to put any money up for tour support.)

God's Gift (!990)

What bands had the biggest influence Toranaga's sound?

The bands that influenced Toranaga were Black Sabbath, Dio, Iron Maiden and AC/DC.

Did your albums sell well back in the days?

We have not got a clue how many albums we sold as no one told us, but the album is still selling today ( it was released in territories that we didn't know about!)

Why did you disband in the early nineties?

The band disbanded because our guitarist decided he wanted control on everything and wanted to change the line up! It wasn't good being a band when you know he's looking to replace you! So Mark Duffy and Andy Burton left the band.

What have you been up to all these years? Were you still involved in the music business or what?

Toranaga still continued for a while with Andy Mitchell and Steve Todd trying out various vocalists and bass players, but nothing came of it. Mark Duffy has been in a few bands called Xseed and Face the Unknown. Andy Burton retired from the music business until 2010 when he got Mark and Steve together with two new guitarists (Shane Haigh and John Rodgers) to reform Toranaga.

You released the Righteous Retribution album last year, how has it been received by the fans and media? Are you satisfied with the album?

We're very pleased with the new album we've had the best reviews for it than any other album we've done and a lot of fans love the album judging from the response we've had.

How do you feel your new album stands up alongside 'God's Gift' and youre independent debut, 'Bastard Ballads'?

We really do think it's the best album we've done. We've kept the identity of the band and not strayed too far from our sound. Although we think God's Gift has some great songs, it was a let down by the production and mix which was done by our guitarist Andy Mitchell.

How was it to play the Keep it true-festival in Germany?

Keep it True is an amazing festival. We loved doing it and we want to do more shows in Germany. It's got a great concept of bringing old bands back along with soe new bands. The crowd are fantastic and really support all the bands that play. We had people from all over the world coming up to us to sign their Toranaga albums, some from Japan with the limited first Bastard Ballads with the white cover. We couldn't believe it!

Toranaga - The Shrine

What's the highlight of your career?

We had a few highlights, one being the Hammersmith Odean gig supporting Manowar. The show was delayed so when we went on the place was full. By the end of our set we had people up on their feet cheering, we definitely got that crowd into the band. Keep it True was another highlight because we didn't expect such a great response. especially after not being around for a while. So many people coming up to us wanting things signed and praising the show. That really made our day!

What's your plans for the near future?

Our plans are to continue with the band to let people know we're back together. (Not many people are aware of it) and do more gigs. (Hello gig promoters!)

Will there be another Toranaga-album?

There will definitely be more Toranaga albums. We are writing some new songs now for the next album.

Have you got any funny story to tell, if anything weird has happened while touring or so?

Our manager gave us some energy lozenges before one of our shows that then seemed to make our bowels go into overdrive! Steve was doing a drum roll with a big cymbal crash at the end of a song only to do a great big wet fart at the same time! we all ran to the toilets at the end of the show!

Any last words for our readers?

Spread the word

TORANAGA ARE BACK!

By/Ruthless

(07-04-2014)