M.S: Hi Mike, it´s a pleasure to talk to you. How are you?
M.R: Fine, thanks, how is spain?
M.S: Fine, fine, thanks for the interview. Let´s talk about the new album,
What are the diferences between «Odyssey» and the new record?
M.R: well I think that he album is the heaviest and the most elaborated.
We had a lot of time to do it. I like a lot the guitar´s riffs, I´m really happy
with the result. It´s different, more melodic, the choirs are more elaborated,
all the staff it´s awesome.
M.S: The recording process was hard, you had to delay the releasing date,
now that it have been realeased, are you happy with the result? A lotime a long
way, 2004
M.R: As I said, I´m really happy with the result. The process it has being
hard, but for us it wasn´t hard We have had more time to do it, to compose,
to elaborate it. And you know how it Works. We started to work in 2004 and we
have finnally recorded in my studio, at home. And you know how it works, we
dind´t hace a schedule, nothing was programmed, everything was more relaxing,
someone got sick, other needed to rest… They were like vacations.
M.S: One of the things that you have always hihglight is the cover art work
if the records wit fantastic and neoclasics designs, but in «Paradise Lost»
the cover is more futiristic. What can you tell me about this change?
M.R: Well I don´t think it´s fantastic, it could be more modern, but not
futistic, I think more modern would be ok. The cover was made by a Canadian
Advertising Company. The guy who did the job, did a great work. I like a lot
the idea of the angel and hell and all mixed. I think that fits perfectly. I´m
really happy with the result. This guy had his own vision of the idea. We dind´t
care at first, we gave him the freedom to do what he wanted. I think that was
the best choice.
M.S: But the title «Paradise Lost», it´s the most «fantastic» one, What
did you want to say with that? Does it have an explicanation in the lyrics?
M.R: Well I think you should wait to listen to the cd.
M.S: What are your favourites songs from the album with the point of view
of the guitar player?
M.R: Set the World on Fire (The Lie of Lies) and Paradise Lost. The first
one it´s really great.
M.S: You have done an especial edition of «Paradise Lost» with a bonus DVD…
M.R: Well that does not depend on us, the bonus tracks and the fans editions.
The company. The Company decides all of this, we care about the music. I don´t
understand why in some countries we have to make extra staff, it´s something
I´ve never understood. I think that we have done some great questions and the
don´t need bonus tracks. To include live tracks that were recorde few years
ago it has nosense. The album should be the same everywhere. I don´t if the
reason why is beacuse of the sellings or the fans, I think that the company
is the one who knows that. Well, I suppose it´s something for the fans, I believe…
M.S: What do you think that «Paradise Lost» can give to metal scene now?
M.R: Well I think that it´s a great Symphony X album and you are going to
like it a lot, I hope so.
M.S: 13 years ago you recorded «Dark Chapter», Are you going to compose
another solo album?next year band vusy
M.R: The truth is that I would like to, but I haven´t found the time yet,
I´m very busy with Symphony X. I think that the next year I could do something,
I´d like to. I will find the time in the bus or something, time to compose,
and the truth is that I´m going to do something as soon as I have freetime.,
but you know how much time I have to dedicate to Symphony X.
M.S: You are actually going on tour with Echoes of Eternity and Sanctity,
How is working? What do you think about this bands?
M.R: To be honest, the decistion wasn´t mine or the band´s, the company
thinks that they are great for us and we trust them. I suppose that they are
pretty god but I haven´t listen to them much.
M.S: Alter that, this fall you are going to come to Europe with DT, is it
going to be a very ambicus tour, isn´t it? I guess you are very happy to tour
with them. What is tour relationship?
M.R: The best thing about this is that we are fans form them and they are
fans of us, so everuthing it´s ok. The best thing is that this people is really
good, as human beings. They always help us in everything and we have never have
something bad with them. Touring with them it´s a pleasure.
M.S: We asked Francine of Echoes of Eternity if they were going to be the
third band on the european tour, Do yo know anything else? Or will it change
depending on the city?
M.R: The company decides about this, I don´t know.
M.S: Do you know if you are going to come to Spain with Dream Theater?
M.R: yeah, in fact, it´s been al long time. All the dates are going to be
confirmed in a month, and I´m pretty sure that we are going to go to Spain to
one or more cities.
M.S: Dt shows usually longs about 3 hours. Will affect you?
M.R: Well we have a very good realationship with them and I´m sure that
won´t be a problem.
M.S: What are your plans alter american and european tour?
M.R: I think that we are going back to Usa to tour again, but I don´tknow
what tos ay, that is so far.
M.S: I´ve already ended, Would you liek to say something to our readers
and spanish fans? Thanks for your time see you soon!
M.R: ¡¡I want to see you all in our tour!! I hope you like our new album
they way I like it. See you soon!!!
Irene Horna / David A.
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