Two years after the release of Bride‘s final album “Incorruptible” Dale Thompson (known as vocalist for Bride from 1983–2013) is back in the music scene with his new band/project The World Will Burn that he started together with Alan Zaring. In the interview below, Dale talks about his new band The World Will Burn, the debut album “Severity” that comes out this Christmas, and much more.
TMR: Hello Dale this is ‘The Metal Resource’ from Holland, how are things going there in Auckland ?
Things are great here, we just started our summer months and the wife and I look forward to lots of nature walks.
TMR: For the people who do not know you, who is Dale and your new band/project please.
My new band is The World Will Burn and I am the vocalist.
TMR: Tell us the brief history of ‘The World Will Burn’.
Several months ago Alan Zaring a good friend of mine sent me some music he had been working on. I found it to be really cool and melodies came to me right away. I asked Alan if he wanted to ehar what I had came up with. He is in the States so everything had to be done through the internet. Once he heard my melodies he told me he had a CD worth of material would I be interested in doing the vocals.Of course I agreed and we started the writing and recording process.
TMR: Why the name ‘The World Will Burn’ ? Is there a story behind it ?
We are living in very troubled times and it just seemed like an appropriate name for the time period we are living.
TMR: What is the difference between Bride and The World Will Burn?
Bride is a higher energy band whereas TWWB is more methodical in its groove. The songs are arranged a bit different. Completely different mindset of the two bands.
TMR: How did you get into metal?
Metal was an accident for me. I used to play acoustic guitar and one day I plugged it into an amp with a distortion device and when I heard it I never wanted to play clean again.
TMR: Who writes the music/lyrics in ‘The World Will Burn’ ? … how do you get in the mood for writing music? And which bands/situations have influences you for writing music and lyrics ?
Alan writes and plays all of the instruments with the exception of a couple guest guitarist who lay down some solos. My brother troy plays some solo and so does Tim Bushong who is engineering the project. TWWB is not a project really influenced by any one band but I think a Black Sabbath meets Royal Blood vibe can be heard at times.
TMR: What are some key principles or phylosophies that you hold onto as foundational stones as who you are as a person?
I simply try to follow the leading of the Lord and do the things that would encourage others to seek truth and follow a path of honest. My wife keeps me firmly rooted in reality and I seldom menatlly get lost lol
TMR: Is there already a highlight you will always remember, since the beginning of ‘The World Will Burn’?
I have had to record my own vocal in my lounge since I am not using a recording studio. I find it funny that I am sitting in my lounge screaming like a madman. I can only imagine what the neighbors think. Plus I had to teach myself how to use the recording device. That was like rocket science.
TMR: So what makes you laugh?
Steven Wright for one, Mr Bean, babies laughing, it has to be funny and i will laugh.
TMR: What is your biggest fear ?
That I have no fear
TMR: What are some of the things you like to do away from the band?
I enjoy painting, writing on my books, the wife and I do lots of walks and exploring together when we have the time.
TMR: Tell us about the hardrock/metal scene in your area please?
I have no association with it. I tried to start a band when I first got here but found no compatible players.
TMR: Speaking of recording, your debut album “Severity” will be released this Christmas what can you tell us about the album [such as the recording process, the songs, label etc.]
The songs all have a nice flow together. There is a real balance and a theme of inner examination lyrically. I record the vocals and then send the file to Alan who then sends it to the studio.
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?
I painted the CD cover and it shows the world on fire because I feel like it is burning as we speak.
TMR: What would be the ultimate cover tune for ‘The World Will Burn’ ?
The cover that I painted for it.
TMR: What is your favorite concert that you saw and what made it so good?
Ronnie James Dio.
TMR: What is the most embarrassing music on your phone or in your collection and how do you justify it to others?
I only listen to really cool music I have no backstreet Boys in my collection if that is what you are asking.
TMR: If you could pick a band to tour with, who would it be? And where would the tour go?
Devin Townsend or Muse and would do a U.S. tour through all 50 States.
TMR: What is the dumbest question you have ever been asked?
Too many to answer
TMR: What are the biggest obstacles for bands ?
Time and money.
TMR: As a band today, what do you think is the biggest challenge you face?
Promotion, getting the word out to an audience that would enjoy your work.
TMR: Any (tour) plans with ‘The World Will Burn’ for the near future ?
It seems unlikely.
TMR: How do you prepare for a show?
Chill out drink water that’s about it. I might do 50 push ups before going out on stage.
TMR: Dale thanks for your time and the interview. We wish ‘The World Will Burn’ all the best … Is there anything you wanna say at last ? [any final statement ?]
Thanks for the opportunity to allow me the privileged to share my work with your readers. I know people are really going to enjoy TWWB.
The songs ‘The Me Dying’ & ‘Absolute Power’ can be streamed on the bands website. The debut album “Severity” can also be pre-ordened in their store.
Weblinks: Website