Backstage Pass - The Black Cross Brotherhood - Interview

ATP

For the record, who's answering the interview?

THE BLACK CROSS BROTHERHOOD

Christopher Bowe - Lead Singer and guitarist

ATP

What is your band's name? How did you come up with that name?

THE BLACK CROSS BROTHERHOOD

The Black Cross Brotherhood. Jim (drummer) and I were kicking around names one night, and it just came out of my mouth. I just pulled the name out of thin air, and after we'd called Johnny and ran the name by him, he was ecstatic and we stayed with that name.

ATP

So who's in the band and what instruments do you each play?

THE BLACK CROSS BROTHERHOOD

Christopher Bowe/Lead vocals & lead and rhythm guitars
Johnny Compton/vocals and guitars
Jim Lawerence/Drums
Adrian Pace/bass

ATP

How would you describe your sound. What makes you unique?

THE BLACK CROSS BROTHERHOOD

It's very old school. Heavily Black Sabbath influenced. But also elements of Pantera and Corrosion of Conformity. A very doomy sound with some power groove and thrash. I think what makes us unique is that most bands these days are influenced by newer bands like Slipknot and Five Finger Death Punch. There's more emphasis placed on just breakdowns and being fast these days, with little attention paid to things like guitar solos and vocals. We're more the old school approach with power rock vocals, vocal harmonies, and great guitar solos. Also, both myself and Johnny share lead guitar duties, and vocals on a few songs, so we can be a little more diverse with the sound than others might be.

ATP

What bands have influenced each of you?

THE BLACK CROSS BROTHERHOOD

We've all got vastly different influences, but are able to find common ground with bands like Black Sabbath, Pantera, and Megadeth just to name a few. Myself (Christopher), I'm heavily influenced by Ozzy Osbourne, Ronnie James Dio, and Phil Anselmo vocally, while on guitar my influences include Randy Rhoads, David Gilmour, and Zakk Wylde. I also listen to a lot of big band and hard jazz like Maynard Ferguson, and Bill Chase. Johnny is influenced by guys as diverse as Dimebag Darrell and Buddy Guy. Jim's influences include Bill Ward, Vinnie Appice, Vinnie Paul, and Buddy Rich. Adrian's roots are in classic rock with influences such as The Beatles and Billy Joel.

ATP

How experienced are you on the stage, a virgin or whore?

THE BLACK CROSS BROTHERHOOD

Oh, we're definitely whores when it comes to stage experience. Johnny has been doing this for a long time, and with multiple bands at once. Adrian is no stranger to the stage either, as he was once in a band with the lead singer of another band that I'm currently in. Jim and I have been playing together since 2002, and prior to that, he was one of the founding members of Sister Kill Cycle, while I came from a jazz band and marching band background, having played in front of crowds of over 65,000 people.

ATP

How would you describe your shows?

THE BLACK CROSS BROTHERHOOD

An aural assault.

ATP

Tell us about your favorite show and why?

THE BLACK CROSS BROTHERHOOD

My favorite show was probably our 3rd show. The P.A sounded great, the monitor mix was perfect, and we played the songs to near perfection.

ATP

Tell us about your worst show and why?

THE BLACK CROSS BROTHERHOOD

The worst was probably our second gig. All of the things that went right on the 3rd show was a direct result of the fact that NOTHING went right on the show before. Mix was terrible, stage volumes were terrible, and half of us were drunk..haha!

ATP

Tell Us About Your Dream Show, who you'd like to play with and where?

THE BLACK CROSS BROTHERHOOD

The dream show would probably be any sold out arena opening for Black Sabbath and Metallica.

ATP

Do you have a street team and how can you join?

THE BLACK CROSS BROTHERHOOD

A street team is in the works. Contact us on Facebook for more info.

ATP

Do you have a record label and if not are you looking for one?

THE BLACK CROSS BROTHERHOOD

I have my own small label, The Syndicate Records, but would love to be signed to a bigger, more established label with some real backing.

ATP

What are your plans for the future, in a year, 5 years?

THE BLACK CROSS BROTHERHOOD

To keep destroying crowds with our brand of old school war bringing doom rock!

ATP

Finally, do have any words on what Arm The Pit means to you?

THE BLACK CROSS BROTHERHOOD

We're just now finding out about it, but I can say on behalf of all of us that we're extremely grateful and appreciative of what you guys do for unsigned bands. It means a lot to us to have you guys helping to get the bands exposure and getting the names out there. Without groups like yourself, a lot of great music goes unnoticed, so give yourselves a big pat on the back!