Chuck Woodard, guitarist and co-founder of the American power metal band Kyrie Ellison, answers to our questions.
Back in 1988: there’s was a local radio program that would play local bands. We formed to jump into the guy’s studio to record a song for airplay. Bottom line: the guy made money for studio time and we never got airplay. Land Of The Stories Untold came out of it…so it was a WIN!
Tell us about the name Kyrie Ellison. How did you come up with it?
Inspired from the Fates Warning song title (kyrie eleison.) We changed the spelling, made up our own story, and gave ourselves a character to use for creativity and imagery!
Who are your main Musical influences?
Black Sabbath, Fates Warning, Queensryche, Iron Maiden, Mercyful Fate/King Diamond and countless other bands of that era.
How would you describe your music?
A haunting storytelling power metal
What are your songs about and what are your main sources of inspiration?
We tell stories about the negative and positive sides of life. Nostradamus, prophecies, psychics, horror stories, and movies: in general. Major tragedies of the past: Titanic and current events.
Which song and album you wish you’d written?
Song: Diary of a Madman
Album: King Diamond’s Abigail
Currently, my mp3 player is tuned into online stations that are kind enough to add Kyrie Ellison to their rotations. I’m discovering new bands and great music everyday through them. So thank you!!
Which band has disappointed you through the time?
People and bands evolve, I get that. I guess I’d have to say: Queensryche. We all want the original 5 members to get in the studio and re-create a Mindcrime sounding album…doesn’t look like that’ll ever happen. They lead the way for all of us prog/power metal bands and we have their first 5-6 albums to use as a blueprint.
Mark Zonder was high on that list but you can cross him off, since he’s on the record! I don’t know it’s a tough question. I guess, Dirk Kennedy (singer of Hittman) he’s a great guy with an amazing voice.
Queensryche – Empire tour. C’mon, seriously, if you weren’t impressed with the first go round of Operation: Mindcrime live with the original Queensryche…you don’t get metal!
What is the best and the worst moment of Kyrie Ellison?
Worst: revolving doors of drummers and singers. Best: releasing our debut album.
What is your opinion of downloading free music from the web?
It is what it is and it can’t be stopped.
It’s a combination of old songs from the late 80s and early 90s plus, a couple new songs written within the last year. We write: in-your-face power metal (with haunting overtones.) Having Mark Zonder and Chris Caffery contribute, far exceeded our expectations. Some fans have described us as a modern day Iron Maiden…we’re honored!!
There’s no way to pick one! That’s for the fans to debate. We just write music we’d want to hear!
Which are your plans for the future?
Continue promoting the album, film a video, and if we are awarded the right opportunity for gigs: we’d love to hit the stage live!
Kyrie Ellison lineup:
Mark G David (bass)
Chuck Woodard (guitar)
Paul "Warrior" Joseph (guitar)
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