Meliah Rage was the creation of Anthony Nichols back in 1985. He wanted to make a blend of thrash, which was starting to make noise in San Fransico, with the sounds of the melodic metal he loved. Meliah Rage had a fantastic debut with "Kill To Survive" on Epic Records and put Boston on the Heavy Metal map. While the size of the labels changed, like with so many great bands from the "good times", Meliah Rage has lived on. They now have another offering by the name of "Barely Human" which everyone needs to check out.
Tony took time out to answer some questions for us and sounds like a great guy. I'm starting to think we need to hook some of these bands up on a massive D-Day's Revenge Tour. You think?
D-Day: You have a new album out called Barely Human.
Can you give us a brief description of the general sound/
style?
Nichols: Well I think it's pretty much what we've been
doing since the beginning......Power Metal with a splash
of speed metal and a few slow dark pieces.
D-Day: Do you guys have any touring or shows lined up in support of the album?
Nichols: I guess the higher ups are working on that right now. We're doing shows here and there in the northeast for now and a small European tour is in the works for the end of the year. Next summer (May thru September) we will be hitting the road for 5 months straight. This will include the US, Europe, Canada and maybe South America and Japan.
D-Day: If you were free to pick any 3 bands to create your own touring package to hit the road with Meliah Rage, who would they be and why?
Nichols: In reality terms or dream terms?? A Metallica, Ozzy and Meliah Rage tour would be nice....More realistic would be something like Metal Church, Iced Earth or Megadeth as those are some of my faves and I think we have a sound that match's theres.
D-Day: 1992 seems to be the year that so many bands went from stardom to being dropped. Did Epic ever ask you to change your sound to something more "grunge" or was it just a quick ax?
Nichols: Pretty much a beheading.....Nice and quick.......
....Hello Grunge!!!!!
D-Day: It’s been well documented that Sully, from Godsmack,
spent some time in Meliah Rage so I guess it makes for an
obvious question. What are your thoughts on "Nu-Metal"?
Nichols: It's tough to teach an old dog new metal!!!
D-Day: You mention in your bio that Meliah Rage is the rare metal band from Boston. Did you ever consider moving to San Francisco, L.A. or New York during your career, or was it ever even an option? Did the labels try to convince you?
Nichols: No......We were signed to Epic after 10 shows so we really did'nt need a strong local metal scene to get noticed.
D-Day: Are there any unsigned bands in the Boston area that you feel should get more recognition?
Nichols: I don't know about now but 10 years ago "Wargasm" had 3 great records that didn't get much attention because they were on small labels. They were a GREAT metal band.
D-Day: Does Meliah Rage now have its original line-up?
Nichols: Well Mike Munro the original vocalist decided not to return for "Barely Human" because he's now married with 2 young boys and could not commit to the road. We have a new vocalist now named Paul Souza who will stand up to any growling metal singer. Original guitarist Jim Koury and bassist Jesse Johnson are back along with former Wargasm drummer Barry Spillberg. 3 original members and 2 new guys for the easy math version!!!
D-Day: What would you consider to be the biggest thrill from getting signed in the 80’s:
a) Releasing an album on a major label
b) Making a video
c) Playing to live audiences with other great bands
d) Titties and Beer
Nichols: To this day i'm blown away that we have 3 records out on a major label. I will never take it for granted.
D-Day: We’ve had numerous stories in our other interviews about time on the road including broken bones, Spinal Tap moments and even giving a bum money so he could take a shit in a pay toilet. Have there been any exciting or funny incidents that stand out in your mind from your experiences?
Nichols: Too many to list. Jesse getting off of the bus in the middle of the night to take a leak and us not discovering he was'nt on the bus 12 hours and 300 miles later was funny!!!
Day: What are your thoughts on the state of metal today?
Nichols: Well I'm hoping the Rap Metal movement is over and can't wait for the new Judas Priest!!! No other thoughts.
D-Day: You once said that you wouldn’t want to be a band that puts out a record every year because it becomes hard to keep track of it all. So, what is the next step for Meliah Rage?
Nichols: Well of course put out a new record next year!!!! I do think if you put too much product out to quickly fans don't have that anticipation feeling for something new.
D-Day: Any parting words that you’d like to share with the fans?
Nichols: Well if you like yer Metal with some aggressive vocals, twin guitars and heavy yet catchy tunes try Barely Human for breakfast.
Thanks to Meliah Rage! Keep Rockin’!
All photo's courtesy of Meliah Rage
11/01/02
