While Heaven Wept: The H.o.S. Interview
(Page 4 of 6)
UD: Though I know you've stated that all the recordings compiled on the Chapter One 2LP weren't your ideal vision of how you wanted the songs on tape, are you able to recognize what genius efforts these were, now that some time has passed?
Tom Phillips: Well, I've come to appreciate Sorrow Of The Angels for what it was at least, but generally I won't be satisfied until I hear all the songs on tape the way I hear them in my head. This applies to both the production and the performance of all that material.
UD: You've actually been a member of Solstice in the past. When was this and what was your role within the band back then? Please, fill us in on this part of your history.
TP: I actually joined Solstice in 1995 and was with them until 1997, though most of our activity was throughout 1996. Essentially I was introduced to Solstice through my good friend John Perez of Solitude Aeternus, and happened to be over in the UK a short time afterwards with a local choir. Needless to say, I split on the choir, took a coach up to Yorkshire, and met up with Rich and the others. Having got along so well, and having a mutual respect for each other's music I jokingly said, if you ever need a singer just let me know (at the time Simon and I sounded uncannily similar). Sure enough three days later, Simon left the band, and while Solstice was down in London, Rich said to me, "if you want the job, you've got it." I accepted without hesitation. Needless to say I returned to England in 1996 and we rehearsed a bit, worked on some things that ended up on New Dark Age, and drank a hell of a lot of lager. Our collaboration that time was never as fruitful as it could have been because of the travel involved, the line-up instability, lack of label support, and my own inexperience being just a singer/lack of confidence. Fortunately, we're getting another chance, as discussed in the next question.
UD: It should be noted that you're also in the vocalist slot for the reformed Solstice--at this rate, you'll shortly be in every truly great doom metal band. How did this come together? How do you manage the logistics of it, with the great Rich Walker being over in England? Can you provide an early take on how this new Solstice material is going to sound?
TP: Rich decided a few months after disbanding Solstice that he still had more to say, and really only needed people who were truly devoted to making it happen, so he called upon musicians he respects and trusts to form the new line-up. What is interesting, for the first time ever, Solstice is a predominantly American band with members coming from Twisted Tower Dire, While Heaven Wept, and The Lord Weird Slough Feg. Because of this, Rich will be coming over here to record when the time comes, and will in the meantime simply provide us with demos and riff tapes through the mail. Work won't really commence on the new Solstice for several more months because of all of the other bands are busy touring or recording, and Rich is still focused on his NWOBHM inspired project Isen Torr for the time being. What I can say of the next Solstice release is that it will be entitled To Sol A Thane and will be a return to the pure epic doom metal of the Lamentations era, since Isen Torr is doing more of the battle metal thing. For ale, for Albion, for METAL!
UD: Who is Donna McKendree? The way you mention her in the liner notes of all the WHW albums, it sounds like she has had a massive impact on you and your music. Would you care to elaborate upon her influence or inspiration?
TP: She was my best friend and first true love. When that relationship came to an end it left a huge void in my life and many unanswered questions, which directly impacted the motive of WHW; the band became my vehicle for dealing with the grief, pain, and confusion that was left in the wake of that relationship's demise. It was not only the most crippling loss in my life up to that point, but it was also the death of my innocence. The entirety of the music from Chapter One of WHW was based upon that relationship. Until very recently I considered our time together to be the happiest moment of my life, and for anyone who cares, all of those questions were finally resolved in the past year, and Donna and I once again have a friendship. Although I am sure she would not be too happy about me talking about her here (laughing).
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