ION INDIE MAGAZINE August 2014, Volume 3 | Page 33

up at Russell's place the first day we started working together with ten to fifteen or so tracks. Almost all were completed musically, with drums, guitars, bass and any scratch vocal ideas I had to the point. Then together, Russ and I work out all the lyrics and vocals together, and track them right there, at his place. We both simply put our mindset on Adrenaline Mob and that only. ION: Next CD. So the tour’s wrapped up. Do you have a projection for new music? How long of a break do you expect, doing other projects and such, before Adrenaline Mob takes center stage in all your respective lives? Mike: We are going to continue to support “Men of Honor” for some time. That was only the first leg and we are getting ready to hit the road again real soon. ION: As a fan of heavy music as well as a phenomenal player yourself, has the fan in you ever come out in a particularly funny way? I know being in a band with these guys has got to be awe-inspiring at times. Anything you’d care to share on that topic? Mike: Thank you for the compliment--very much appreciated. It's a pleasure to be playing with such great musicians and we definitely have a blast out on the road. I'm usually smiling ear to ear when I'm performing, which gives my love and passion for guitar and music away instantly. LOL. ION: You’ve known and worked with AJ on other projects in the past. Did that make the recording of “Men of Honor” any easier? Was there a natural comfort level working with him again? Same with the touring aspect as well? Mike: Yes, very much so. We have done so many things together and have played on and off for the last eighteen years or so. It made it simple to get in the groove of him being in Adrenaline Mob. He has an amazing feel, and his technique is monstrous. One of the best out there today. ION: Having worked with a rhythm guitarist previously, which configuration are you more comfortable with? Mike: I grew up on bands like VAN HALEN, BLACK SABBATH, OZZY, PANTERA, and so on, which all had one player, so I've been really drawn to that from day one. But it does sound great with all the killer dual players like IRON MAIDEN, AVENGED SEVENFOLD, and so on. It just comes down to what you're going for.