TORMAN MAXT
Questions asked by Jon Wilde, added to Rock Realms 15th May 2011.
Progressive rock/metal band Torman Maxt have a new album entitled "The Problem of Pain: Part 2" out. The release is a concept album that retells the story of Job from the Old Testament. Sounds interesting huh? We thought so too so roped guitarist/vocalist Tony Massaro in to answer some questions.
Hi Tony, thanks for taking a moment to answer these questions. Hope you are well?
Tony: We are doing great! After three long years and many hours of studio time with the last album, the last few months have been great because we have had a chance to do some promoting and work on some new music.
What’s the history behind Torman Maxt? How did the band form and what’s the background of the various members?
Tony: Well, I have known Vincent and Dominic my whole life!! (Ha Ha, lame joke – you know we are brothers.) We jammed around as teenagers and in 1987 moved from Ft. Myers, Florida to Southern California to be closer to the rock and roll capital of the world – Los Angeles. We made demos for a few years and met Martin DeBourge in 1989. We gigged around, did more demos and tried to get a deal. Finally, in 1991 we decided to record our own album. It took a while, but we finished “Just Talking About the Universe…So Far” in 1993.
By 1995 we had written the follow up album “The Foolishness of God”, but due to personal reasons, Martin felt he couldn’t put the time that was necessary to record the album. After having written most of the vocal melodies for the two albums, I decided to do the vocals on the recording.
Who were the early influences?
Tony: As brothers we were all originally into metal. While we all have varying interests, the two main bands the three of us all really loved were Rush and Led Zeppelin. Dominic tends to venture out into the more experimental area, while Vincent loves the true prog stuff like Dream Theater. Black Sabbath , Iron Maiden and King’s X are also major influences.
Did you know what sort of sound Torman Maxt was destined to have at the start, or has it developed a lot since you began?
Tony: Great question. In a sense yes, but it took quite a while to develop. We were always drawn to the more complex arrangements of Rush and Sabbath. While Sabbath is heavy, it is still very melodic. We have always tried to blend the dark power chords with the cleaner slightly distorted electric guitars and then add a touch of acoustic guitar. From the beginning of my songwriting days, I have always been interested in layering vocals and guitars.
How would you actually describe your sound to somebody who hadn’t heard you before?
Tony: Black Sabbath meets Rush with a twist of Zeppelin fast forwarded to the 21st century. Lots of electric guitars, lots of acoustic guitars and everything else in between!
How long did new album “The Problem of Pain: Part 2” take to write and record, and how easily did it all come together?
Tony: The Problem of Pain Part 1 and 2 were actually written at the same time as one album. It was taking quite long to record due to the number of songs. Then a friend of mine suggested splitting it into two parts, similar to the Lord of the Rings movies. It was a great idea in one sense, because it created light at the end of the tunnel. On one hand, I am very glad that we split it. However, on the other hand, I think it works better as a whole. We got some complaints on Part 1 because of some of the repeated motifs. When one hears the album together as a whole, the repeated parts make sense as the set up to the story.
I actually started writing it in 1997 during the recording of The Foolishness of God. Everything conceptually fell into place nicely. After releasing Part 1 in 2007, I was hoping to be done in 12-18 months. It actually took three years.
How do you feel it compares in terms of style and quality to part 1, and in term to your other couple of releases?
Tony: Stylistically, I think it is very similar to Part 1, simply because it was written at the same time. However, I feel like instead of just repeating the same album for Part 2, we delved into some new areas and timbres. I really opened things up with my lead playing on Part 2, much more than on any of our three previous albums. The opening track is one of my all time favourite Torman Maxt tracks. I feel like it is all over the place, yet cohesive at the same time.
How do you typically go about writing a song? Are you a jamming band or more methodical? Talk us through a typical track...
Tony: In the past, I would typically come up with the basic structure and concept and then we would work out the bass and drums. In our early years we did lots more jamming. However, due to our schedules and time limitations, our sessions tend to be much more specific and goal oriented. The lyrics are focused around the life of “Job” from the First Testament Biblical story.
Is this a story that has always inspired you and you’ve always wanted to create a musical work around it, or was it more of a sudden inspiration?
Tony: When I first heard Rush 2112 I was immediately inspired by the idea of a concept album. I remember thinking at the time “…if I ever had a band, I would try to write an album like this.” After starting the band, I had always wanted to do a concept album, but simply felt like I didn’t have a story worth telling. Then in about 1995 the idea of Job came to me and I started to seriously consider how to go about it. I think it is a fascinating story, no matter what your religious beliefs are, and one worth telling and hearing. Everyone can relate to suffering and asking the question ‘why’.
Do you do anything special or unusual in the studio to get your sound?
Tony: I have worked hard to develop my guitar sound using a Line 6 pod. Other than the drums, all other tracks were recorded in my home studio directly into the computer. There are no true amplified guitars or bass tracks except for some acoustic guitars. I love experimenting with the slide and for Part 2 I utilized an E-bow for the first time and really loved it. Additionally, I work hard on blending guitar tones to create a thicker more layered sound.
Do you have a favourite track or moment on the album?
Tony: My favourite track it the opening track, “Job’s Lament” because it goes in every direction. I have two favourite moments. The first is the outro solo at the end of the first track because it sounds like the guitars are talking to each other. The second favourite moment is the opening sequence to “God Speaks” with the church bell and drums going in and out. I really think it creates a great atmosphere and sets up the song nicely.
Do you enjoy the whole studio/creative experience, or do you prefer getting up on the live stage?
Tony: I am happiest in the studio. I would love to play more, but it is very difficult economically.
What is one of your live shows like? What should fans expect from one of your performances?
Tony: What I do love about our live show is that our songs are stripped down to the three piece and the drums and bass really get to shine. Fans can expect to really hear the power of the rhythm section and really get a chance to hear all of the breaks and complexity of the arrangements. It is very heavy.
What have been the highlights of your career so far?
Tony: The highlights are when people write and tell you that you connected with them on a deep level, both musically and spiritually. Also, we got an 8 out of 10 review from Classic Rock in 2007 and got our picture in a major rock magazine.
Do you already have in mind what story the next album will tell, or is it too soon to be thinking about that?
Tony: For sure it won’t be a concept album. However, there are a couple of conceptual songs. Additionally, I am thinking about having a 30 minute symphony of guitars with no vocals as a part of the album.
Any question you love being asked that I’ve missed? If so, what’s the answer?
Tony: I simply love when anyone asks a question and I get a chance to share my thoughts and feelings and make a connection and help them understand what we are doing musically so they can appreciate it a deeper level.
What are you up to once you’ve finished answering these questions?
Tony: After I finish these questions I will be picking up my guitar to write.
Anything else you would like to mention?
Tony: Yes. If you or any of your readers know of any promoters who would be interested in having Torman Maxt come and play some shows or festivals, we would love to hear from you. Thanks for your time. Thank you for this opportunity! It is a great blessing. I very much appreciate your interest in Torman Maxt and your willingness to let me do this interview.
Thanks again to Tony for his time.
