JOE STUMP – "You Don`t Need 8 Strings Or Be Tuned Down A Ton For Your Music To Have Balls"

Metal Temple recently caught up with guitarist Joe Stump (HolyHell, Exorcism) to discuss his new inetrumental solo album, The Dark Lord Rises. An excerpt from the interviews is available below:

On the new album: “I never claimed to be reinventing the wheel, I just channel the influences of all of my heroes and try to put my own stamp on it. My records are certainly a bit on the excessive side, but my motto is – anything worth doing is certainly worth overdoing. I`m well aware that there is a specific niche audience for this type of thing but I`m fortunate enough to have developed a loyal fanbase over the years and when players/metal fans and guitar enthusiasts  pick up one of my records they know what to expect and certainly won`t be disappointed.”

On 8 and 9 string guitars. “It`s a great option for many players and almost like a completely different instrument in some aspects. There`s a bunch of newer players doing some nice innovative things with them. It’s definitely not for me, I’m old school – a Strat and a Marshall is fine with me. As I tell all the younger guys I manage to do plenty of damage with 6 strings and 21 or 22 frets. On my new record I`m all business – it`s mean, aggressive and heavy as fuck. You don`t need 8 strings or be tuned down a ton for your music to have balls.”

Go to this location for the complete interview.

Stump is streaming the track “Hostile Takeover”, from his new album, The Dark Lord Rises, out now via Lion Music.

He recently spoke with BraveWords scribe Carl Begai and revealed some details of his new album: “It’s a killer with some very heavy stuff; thrash, speed, power, and even a black metal-tinged track, along with of course the badass Blackmore rocking shit and Yngwie induced neo-classical  fret frying. Also, a beautiful ballad dedicated and inspired by Gary Moore that’s one of the best things I`ve ever recorded as far as that emotional side of my playing goes.”

The tracklist is as follows:
“Hostile Takeover”
“Stratomaster”
“Out For Blood”
“The Black Knight Returns”
“Tortured Soul”
“The Dark Lord’s Allegro”
“Staring Into The Abyss”
“Concerto No. 2 In B-Minor”
“Neo Classical Shredfest No. 4”
“Battle Tested”
“Brothers In Shred” (bonus)

“Hostile Takeover”:

Stump will be a part of the inaugural Axes & Anchors music cruise, the most-rocking boat at sea continues to add to the already impressive lineup. Demon Hunter has just been confirmed to join the previously announced performers that include Zakk Wylde, Yngwie Malmsteen, Michael Schenker, Motionless In White, Flyleaf, Thousand Foot Krutch, Alex Skolnick, Tony MacAlpine, Adelitas Way, Randy Rhoads Remembered, Tracii Guns, Gilby Clarke, Mike Orlando and A Beautiful Disaster, Dario Lorina, Aranda, Black Knight’s Castle featuring Joe Stump, Pamela Moore, Falling Through April, Gabriel Ayala and Headstrum. Cabins can be reserved at AxesAndAnchors.com.

The cruise guarantees fans plenty of opportunities for meeting and hanging with their favorite bands on board, including free workshops on topics ranging from guitar and vocals to concert photography to stage clothing construction. Newly confirmed workshops include a drum clinic offered by Shaun Foist, the drummer for Breaking Benjamin. In addition, bass legend Rudy Sarzo will be moderating a clinic for bassists and Johnny Monaco of Enuff Z’nuff will be giving guitar clinics for players of all skill levels. Passengers are encouraged to bring their guitars on board for workshops and jam sessions. 28 workshops are already confirmed and currently listed online with more to be added before Axes & Anchors sets sail in February.

The five days and four nights cruise to Key West and Nassau, Bahamas will take place on the Carnival Victory. The ship offers free gourmet food and 24-hour room service, live comedy shows daily, and 40 live concerts on multiple stages. It also has three large swimming pools: King of the Seas, Triton, and Sirens, all including whirlpools in the immediate area. There is also a 214-foot-long (65 m) Twister waterslide that ends next to the King of the Seas pool. The cruise ship also has 13 bars, a salon/spa, a fitness center, and more amenities available.

All reservations include 4-nights lodging and taxes, all meals, all concerts, all open workshops, a professional photo opportunity with every artist, and more. Current promotions include a $150 per person rebate by paying in full, and the recently announced Stowaway Package, which allows 3rd and 4th passengers in a cabin who are under 21 to cruise for free when accompanied by two passengers over 25 years old.