Mark Zonder is one of the best and most recognizable drummers, which is evidenced mainly by his involvement in Fates Warning and Warlord.
On the occasion of the upcoming release of Warlord’s new album “Free Spirit Soar”, Metalwar.gr contacted the co-founder of the legendary Warlord. Read the rest below!
– Mark, greetings from Greece. We’re so far apart, but our love for music brings us
together.
– You know that you are one of the favorite musicians of the Greeks, not only for your quality but also for the connection, Greece – Warlord and of course Fates Warning. How do you feel about our country, and what have you learned over the years?
Mark Zonder: Greece has always been the country with the best gigs and crowd support. I first experienced it with Fates and then with Warlord. I remember it was like being the Beatles. Just crazy, supportive great fans.
-You participate in many bands, but the greatest interest for us is your involvement
with Warlord. How did you decide to release a new album despite the loss of Bill
Tsamis?
Mark Zonder: It took me awhile to get over and except his death. It was not easy. But Giles
had sent me emails and text that Bill had sent him about how he wanted to
have his music continued to be played. Never let it die. He had also told me
over the years that I should just get another guitar and play the songs live as
the people would want to hear them. I did not feel it was right to do that if he
was still alive.
Bill and I had been working on various songs for a few years but were not able
to get it to album stage because of his illness.
– From what we’ve heard so far, the new album will sound very close to what you’ve released on your recent records.
Mark Zonder: Well they are Bill‘s ideas and actually alot of his actual guitar parts that I have in my computer for when we were working on them. Off the top of my head Conquerors was started sometime in 2017. But yes, we purposely made sure
the sound was 100% Warlord.
– Will Warlord continue after the release of the new album and tour?
Mark Zonder: I am not really sure what the future holds. I love the fact of having a great live band that can go play the music of Warlord. If people want to hear it, we will play it. Remember it is not like Warlord had a long history of live shows! I just
love playing these songs live.
– How does it feel to play without your favorite collaborator?
Mark Zonder: Honestly it probably won‘t hit until we start playing live. Except for back in the 80‘s most of the albums were done remotely as we did not live in the same place.
– There are announcements for concerts in 2024 dedicated to Tsamis. How do you
feel about this?
Mark Zonder: Love the idea. There is no reason the music should not be played to the people. This is what Bill wanted. I am very very excited to present the music
to the public. It will be note for note Warlord. There will be no extended solos or new parts add, just the 17 Warlord classis.
– The new album will be released on May 10th. How do you expect the audience to
respond?
Mark Zonder: So far the reaction has been really good. Even if Bill was alive there will always be negative people.
– Will there be a concert in Greece?
Mark Zonder: Yes. Absolutely!!
– You have also released a new album with Veritas. How has the audience responded to this release?
Mark Zonder: I am just the hired drummer for these guys. Have done alot of work for them and they are very cool guys. You will need to talk with them about it.
– You have participated in many great and important releases throughout your long
career. Do you have any favorites? Are there any more significant ones for you?
Mark Zonder: The first A-Z album as it was along with the Slavior album something that I produced from start to finish.
– What does heavy metal mean to you?
Mark Zonder: I love all kinds of styles. Does not mean I like everything. Hard these days to classy music. But if it is good and touches me someway, I like it.
– What would you change or what would you like to experience again in your career over the years?
Mark Zonder: I would not change anything. But hopefully as it is planned I will be able to experience the crowd reaction to Warlord music again. The shows in Greece
will always be my special shows.
– Thank you very much for your communication and I wish you all the best for the future. The final words are yours.
Mark Zonder: Warlord will be live in Greece toward the end of August and Greece has always been the number one country for Warlord. See everyone soon!
Credits: Spyros Tribos
