Final Decree is a Heavy/Thrash Metal band founded by guitarist Glenn Rogers. In the Fall of 2016 Glenn gathered together some friends who are the core of a new band. Glenn Rogers is best known guitarist for such metal veterans such as Primal, Heretic, Hirax, Steel Vengeance, Deliverance,Vengeance Rising, Die Happy brings you his newest project to life Final Decree. Based at Garden Grove, CA Final Decree are reigniting the heavy/thrash metal sounds brought to you Vengeance Rising all those years ago. Recently we did an interview with Glenn, he speaks about his musical career, his new band (Final Decree), the upcoming debut album and much more.
TMR: Hello Glenn this is The Metal Resource from Holland, how are things going there in Garden Grove, CA?
Glenn: I’ve been busy working on things with this band. It’s been a little crazy trying to nail down a steady line up.
TMR: You are a veteran musician in the metal scene, who played in many bands (Steel Vengeance, Heretic, Deliverance, Vengeance Rising, Hirax, Once Dead): But for the readers among us who do not know you, who is Glenn Rogers and how did you get into metal?
Glenn: I started playing in bands in the late Seventies. I was around twelve years when I started playing guitar. My sister Nancy had a friend from work who is married to a guitarist named Vic Johnson. He plays with Sammy Hagar in The Circle. Vic used to take me around to see bands like Sound Barrier he took me under his wing and showed me the ropes. From there I started playing in local bands. Most of my friends were into Metal and we all went on to play in some bands on some note. Brian Korban of Heretic, and formerly of reverend was and is one of my best friends. We all grew up in the scene.
TMR: Last year you started a new band, Final Decree: Tell us the brief history of Final Decree, and who are the other band members ?
Glenn: I started the band so I could have my own thing going on. It’s been a little difficult getting the right members to fit in. So right now I have my long time friend Steven James on drums. Steve was with me when I was playing with Doug and Roger Martin before they became Vengeance Rising. On bass I got another old friend Cesar “Killer” Ceregatti. Cesar played with me in Steel Vengeance. He is the best bass player I have ever played with. The vocalist is another friend and veteran Metal voice from the band Kantation Martin DeBourge.
TMR: Why the name Final Decree ? Is there a story behind it ?
Glenn: One of the first Metal bands I was in was called Blind Decree. This was the band I was in before I started working with the guys in Vengeance Rising. They went on and changed their name to Dissenter. Look on Metal Massacre 9 for the track Blood Under Heaven. So the idea is this is going to be my last band. Blind Decree was my first and Final Decree is my last.
TMR: Who writes the music/lyrics in Final Decree ? … how do you get in the mood for writing music? And which bands/situations have influenced you for writing music and lyrics ?
Glenn: It’s mostly me with the music, but the lyrics I’ll leave to the singer. I do have a say in content. I am a Christian and the lyrics should reflect a positive view or a warning about what is going on in the world. When I write music it just comes to me when I start playing. God blessed me with an ear for riffs.
TMR: What are some key principles or phylosophies that you hold onto as foundational stones as who you are as a person?
Glenn: First I am Christian. That’s my foundation that I grew up with. Second is knowing I am human and will always make mistakes . The last thing is try to have a good time all the time. Nobody’s perfect.
TMR: I can imagine that you have experienced a lot of things over the years. Is there a highlight you will always remember ?
Glenn: I think it’s about the people I have met on the way. Fans and other musicians from all over the world. I hope to meet more.
TMR: And the worst thing were ? (if there is one)
Glenn: Getting older , and losing my hair. Mainly not being able to play as good as I use to.
TMR: What is your favorite drink and food ?
Glenn: I like meat… BARBQ beef, chicken, and pork. NO FISH. I don’t drink alcohol so I have to say ginger ale is my favorite drink.
TMR: So what makes you laugh?
Glenn: Reading what people fight about on social media. No clue of what’s really going on in the world.
TMR: What is your biggest fear ?
Glenn: My family getting hurt.
TMR: What are your top 5 favorite bands/artists of all time along with their best album?
Glenn: 1. The Beatles Revolver 2. Iron Maiden Number Of The Beast 3. Pink Floyd Wish You Were Here 4. Black Sabbath Heaven And Hell 5. Jimi Hendrix Axis Bold As Love.
TMR: What are some of the things you like to do away from the band?
Glenn: I go ice skating with the family every weekend , and I love the movies.
TMR: Speaking of recording, currently you are working on your debut ep, that will be released later this year. What can you tell about it?
Glenn: Well it’s turning into a full length, Labels don’t really want ep’s. I hope to get in the studio in August or September . I had some lineup problems but I got it sorted out now.
We will work with my good friend John Haddad at Trench Studio. John has recorded most of my work too date. He is the best.
TMR: About the cover artwork. Do you think it is as important as your music? Does it visualize the lyrics of your songs or what’s the actual story behind its concept?
Glenn: Art is important to the over all concept of a record. It says what you are about. The Final Decree concept is mainly about your actions have consequences. Good or bad you have a choice.
TMR: How do you promote your band and shows ?
Glenn: I mainly use social media to get the word out. Back in the day we had to go put flyers on poles at the local high school. Now I use FaceBook to pass out flyers…
TMR: Tell us about the hardrock/metal scene in your area please?
Glenn: It’s healthy. We have a lot of bands playing all the time. It’s good place for music. If your good. I saw Saxon and UFO come through and it looked sold out. People are a bit picky when it comes to the shows they go to.
TMR: What’s the big difference between playing live in the 80s, 90s and nowadays
Glenn: The main difference is the gear. I wish I had an EVH amp back then. Always had to use some sort of pedal or pay a lot of money to have an amp mod done. The clubs are basically the same they make bands pay to play. That way they don’t have to pay the headliner out of their own pockets. It’s not worth it to me. I wont pay to play.
TMR: How do you prepare for a show?
Glenn: I don’t do anything special. I just tune up and play a few scales about 10 min. before showtime.
TMR: What is your favorite concert that you saw and what made it so good?
Glenn: Bang Your Head Fest 2003 was my favorite. Mainly because it was my first gig in Germany and I got to see some of my favorite Metal Bands. Dio and Twisted Sister headlined it.
TMR: What is the most embarrassing music on your phone or in your collection and how do you justify it to others?
Glenn: I like John Denver. I don’t need to justify it.
TMR: What is the dumbest question you have ever been asked?
Glenn: I just answered it : ) Too easy….
TMR: As a band today, what do you think is the biggest challenge you face?
Glenn: Finding a way to stop free downloading. A small band needs every sale they can get. I don’t make any money at this. I spend it like crazy because for some reason people seem to like what I do.
It cost a lot to produce a cd. To see it up on the web and available on YouTube before you have a chance to earn your money back is just not cool. But I wont stop because I love to play music.
TMR: Do you have any plans for the near future?
Glenn: The plan is to get this band ready for the studio and after we record we will plan some live shows.
TMR: Glenn thanks for your time and the interview. We wish you and Final Decree all the best… Is there anything you wanna say at last ?
Glenn: I want to thank you for the support and interest in what I am doing. Keep the faith and keep it simple.
Weblinks:
Final Decree: Facebook
Glenn Rogers: Facebook