An Interview with KRoM
Alchemist: How did your band get started ?
Ed Combs:
I actually started the band as one of the guitar players with this other guy
- who shall remain nameless - along with my friend "Bear" Flores, who played
drums. Then, Bear moved over to bass and his brother rude moved in as the
drummer. In a search to find the best chemistry and players, Rude and I
kicked his brother and everyone else out of the band. Over the years we
finally managed to get the line up we have been looking for. You can hear for
yourself on our CD which should be out around Halloween.
Alchemist: How did you come up with your name ?
Rude Dog:
We were known as Metal Heart for a while, but that didn't reflect our heavy
sound. We came up with a whole shitload of possibilities and eventually
settled on KRoM. We liked the name because it described things that we feel
were cool like a motorcycle, gun, wheels, or even teeth. The spelling was
altered to add uniqueness. The logo was discovered by Ed on accident on a
computer.
Alchemist: What is the main goal(s) of your band ?
Crispin:
Obviously we want a record deal, a major label would be nice, but we'll see
what happens. We would love to share our music with people all around the
world - those that love metal especially. If anyone out there knows of clubs
or radio stations that would dig our stuff, let us know and we'll be in
touch.
Alchemist: Who have you played with and where ?
Ed Combs:
Well, we have played with Nuclear Assault at Chicago's Vic Theatre. Also, a
lot of great local bands like Cyclone Temple, Mortar, and Stonehenge. We have
headlined the local metal and rock clubs. Some shows have been strange - can
you imagine us opening for Flock of Seagulls? The mosh pit didn't exactly go
over well with the Seagull's audience, but it was a hell of a good time.
Alchemist: How long have each of you been playing ?
Chris:
Ed Combs: Vocals 2 years, (guitar 8 years).
Rude Dog: Drums 14 years.
Crispin Tapia: Bass 16 years.
Chris Chubb: Guitar 8 years. The whole time locked in a closet.
Alchemist: Describe a typical day in the life of your band.
Rude Dog:
Work, eat, practice, sleep. Maybe work some sex in there somewhere. Repeat.
Alchemist: Who and or what are your major influences ?
Ed Combs: Everything from the Beatles to Pantera. You name it. Even Frank Sinatra jams!
Alchemist: What projects are you currently working on ?
Ed Combs: We are about to return to the studio to record a new demo/CD. It will
probably be 8 songs and about 40 minutes of metal. We are exploring
distribution deals in Europe and of course we hope to land a record deal.
Some of the tracks on the CD will be : Six Ways Since Sunday, Fear of Time,
and I'ts On.
Alchemist: What bands/albums are you listening to now ?
Crispin: Life of Agony, Prong, Death, and White Zombie are being listened to by
various band members. I still insist on listening to some jazz fusion too. Ed
doesn't like to listen to too many other bands to avoid being
over-influened.
Alchemist: Where do you see metal 5 years from now ?
Ed Combs: I picture heavy stuff really coming back. I think the grunge and alternative
scene will still exist but will become typical. The new underground will be
heavy, aggressive bands that can throw in a little groove/dance beat in the
music. Bands that just concentrate on riffs and then throw in meaningless
lyrics and melodies will not get far from the garage. Metal bands will
continue to change their music like Metallica did to concentrate more on song
structure and melody.
Alchemist: What role do think the internet can truly have in the metal of the future ?
Ed, Chris, Rude Dog, Crispin:
With the help of web sites like Alchemy Metal Net, bands like KRoM can get
international exposure (indecent or otherwise). Record companies are scanning
the Net just like we are. Thanks to Alchemy, we've gotten more responses than
all the advertising we've done in Chicago. Musicians, bands, and metal fans
can link up and get info on all the latest, coolest stuff like: club info,
radio stations, concert news, and new releases from metal bands. The
possibilities are almost endless!
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