Official announcement: Matthew Barlow joins forces with PYRAMAZE

Claus / Intromental

20 years of uniting the powers of metal
We're extremely pleased to announce that former Iced Earth vocalist Matthew Barlow has joined forces with Danish/American metal act PYRAMAZE. Below you can find a statement from both Michael Kammeyer (band-founder, guitarist, main-composer) and Matthew Barlow:

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Statement from Michael Kammeyer:

I'm very happy to finally announce our new singer.

Matthew Barlow (former vocalist of the American metal band Iced Earth) will be taking over the job as Pyramaze vocalist. I've been in dialogue with Matt about his comeback for a few months now, and after we've been getting to know each other better and doing a few test demos where Matt has re-recorded a couple of our old songs, we've come to the conclusion that we are a perfect match.

I've always regarded Matt as one of the very best voices in metal, and i was (as any other fan of his incredible voice) saddened by his departure from the metal scene a few years ago. Therefore I'm proud to say that Matt is back, stronger than ever, and from now on officially a part of the Pyramaze Fellowship.

We are currently in a song-writing mode, and we expect to enter the studio early 2008 with Matt behind the mic. I hope and believe that old as well as new fans will welcome Matt into the Pyramaze line-up. I now leave you with these great news, and with Matt's statement below.

Cheers!

M. Kammeyer / Pyramaze

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Statement from Matthew Barlow:


Brothers and sisters... The last time I made a statement to the metal community it was one of sorrow but certainly not one of regret. There are people, things and experiences - once not thought possible - that I have attained in the last several years. It's an extension of friends and family that has truly made my life whole, and one that I would not jeopardize for fame and glory.


That thought in mind, I was posed an interesting proposition by a true talent in heavy metal. Honestly, I had not heard a lot about Pyramaze, when I received an e-mail from Michael. After our initial correspondence I began to realize that this was a guy that really had his head in the right place - a musician who was in music for the music. Michael spoke to me of his band - a bunch of guys who want to put out solid music but would not sacrifice their souls to attain greatness. This is by no means a slam on I.E. or any of the great musicians I have worked with in the past. It simply means that the music industry can suck you in, chew you up, and spit you out if you don't keep firmly planted on the ground. Pyramaze are working class metal heads with something to prove! Metal is what they live for but it is not their livelihood.


Needless to say, I was instantly intrigued by Michael's delivery. Especially considering the nature of my career choice of late. I wondered if Michael had really thought the courting process through. I'm sure that there are some people that never really understood my reasons for leaving the industry and certainly don't like who or what i represent in my current vocation. There is also the fact that Pyramaze has been rather stereotyped as a prog-metal act and I as Satan / Paul Stanley. What kind of crazy mixed up world is this????


Well... The way I see it... I'm in a point in my life, where I love what I do for a living and for the first time, I can support myself and my family doing it. Now for the other great thing... That's how this band thinks. There is no expectation of co-signing (under the name Mephistopheles) in order to have your record sell. The record will sell if the music is great. The music will be great, because the guys doing it, want to do it... For all the right reasons. Pyramaze has proven that!


I sense hesitation... And rightly so... After all, there are a lot of I.E. fans out there that still just don't get it. I would imagine that there are also Pyramaze fans that love what Mr. King did for this band. Hell, I love what he did for this band! I think that the guy is a true talent and feel the same about Tim Owens (that's Ripper to you!). I also feel, that in the same way I.E. fans have taken Tim into the fold, I too can find a place within the Pyramaze family. I would venture to say that Pyramaze, already unique and uncompromising, will not be placed inside of a prog-metal box once the sparks start flying.


I am really looking forward to working with Michael and the guys!!! I also look forward to hearing feedback from the brethren and sisterhood of metal.


Up from the ashes, back from the depths, when the voices have risen, fire becomes flesh!


Barlow.
 
Well explained from Matt. He truely seems to be a class act, and I now better understand why he feels it's possible to join Pyramaze. Thats really cool, and I can't imagine after reading that, any iced earth fan could be like "WTF MATT I H8 U DIE".

It's great that he can return to Metal (which he's obviously passionate about) and do what he loves to support his family as well. We should all be so lucky :)

Gratz Matt, and I for one, wish you a successful return.
 
When was the last time there was a huge vocalist shift in which all the parties seemed to be supportive of each other? Think back to the Van Halen days, and compare to the recent words from Lance and Barlow. I'm impressed, and I can't wait to hear the latest from Krucible, Iced Earth, and Pyramaze.

Steve in Philly
 
When was the last time there was a huge vocalist shift in which all the parties seemed to be supportive of each other? Think back to the Van Halen days, and compare to the recent words from Lance and Barlow. I'm impressed, and I can't wait to hear the latest from Krucible, Iced Earth, and Pyramaze.

Steve in Philly

Well for one thing, you have LANCE who is one of the classiest guys around, and one of the most honest, and supportive of all things metal You would expect nothing less from him. Matt is of the same mold as Lance as far as his attitude and respect for others. so what more could you ask for. Two of the most repected and honest, and down to earth frontmen in metal, who share a love of music, and have a mutal respect for one another. HAIL TO BOTH OF THEM:worship: :worship: :worship: :worship:
 
Glenn, i beseech thee, get Iced Earth for the main show next year and have Shane get Pyramaze for the showcase. :)
Showcase? I think Pyramaze + Barlow + a 3rd CD = main stage. Look at how Ray's presence has lifted Redemption's status. I suspect Barlow's addition will have a similar effect. I'd guess Pyramaze will be squarely in Glenn's sites for next year, as a 3 slot band (minimum). If it turns out to be Matt's only stateside appearance in '08, Iced Earth fans will come from far and wide.

Zod
 
Showcase? I think Pyramaze + Barlow + a 3rd CD = main stage. Look at how Ray's presence has lifted Redemption's status. I suspect Barlow's addition will have a similar effect. I'd guess Pyramaze will be squarely in Glenn's sites for next year, as a 3 slot band (minimum). If it turns out to be Matt's only stateside appearance in '08, Iced Earth fans will come from far and wide.

Zod

I said showcase because of the repeat rule, not because I don't think they're worthy. :)
 
You are correct. However, I could make an exception if the circumstances were right....

and if the circumstances were right, I doubt you'd have much resistance from this particular crowd. :Smug:

And I personally think this would ROCK! BRING IT!!!
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The repeat rule was extended to 2 years some time ago from what I understand, I apologize in advance if I'm wrong.
I did not know that. Thanks.

You are correct. However, I could make an exception if the circumstances were right....
I won't pretend I understand all the complications involved in building a festival line up. But I'll be more than surprised if they're not playing next year (assuming scheduling, money, etc. isn't an issue). Just seems like a perfect fit.

Zod