A Talk With RICK RENSTROM
Well, first of all we've got our vocalist Wade Black and he was in Crimson Glory and also in Seven Witches. I, Rick Renstrom, do the guitar parts for both Leash Law and Rob Rock.
Than we have our drummer by the name of Richard Christy and he was in bands as Iced Earth, Burning Inside, Death and Control Denied. Last but not least on bass,we have Stephen Elder and he's also the bass player for Rob Rock!
Who came with the idea to start up a new Metal band and how did it all started?
First,Wade and i met at a club called ''Boomers'' in Tampa.I had asked to sing on a track for my solo album. When we did the recording, it went great and we started talking more of the possiblities. Once we got everything in order, i went to town and wrote about nine songs worth of music and Wade came back with lyrics for everything. All in all, there's eleven songs plus more stuff Wade and i havent even worked on yet. Another album's worth, for sure!
LEASH LAW is the name of the band, what does it mean?
LEASH LAW is something that we have to keep pets from running around on the loose. In a lot of ways, humans themselves need this type of law. We're just here to enforce it.
We know you also as the guitarist from Rob Rock. Are you still involved with that band or did you make a decision to quit with them?
Yeah sure! I am very much involved with Rob. He has helped me get my solo deal and i also play five solos over four songs on his new record. I will be at the Bang Your Head festival with Rob in June. I havent made any decisions to leave Rob Rock. As long as he needs me, i'll be there!
Can you give me a discrobtion of what kinda Metal band Leash Law really are? What are the influences and a few words please about the lyrics.
Leash Law brings a lot of the classic,true Metal style with a very modern edge. When you hear it,you can hear the influences, but we created something fresh and very new. Some influences you light hear are Judas priest, Iron Maiden, Dio, Rainbow, Yngwie Malmteen, Primal Fear and King Diamond.
The lyrics are very now and up to date.Wade wrires about major events and topics that the world is dealing with. He also writes about things that are close to him. I can guarantee you will be able to understand very easily, what he has to say.
I guess you guys are working with full force on new tunes. How are the recordings, does everyrhing goed well so far?
The songs are coming together extremely well. I have tried to write songs that will fit Wade's vocals. We are currently on the lookout for a record deal.
The recording's start soon after a deal is set.
How long do we have to wiat on that first release, any dates?
No exact date so far but i would like to see it out by the end of 2003...late summer or early fall.
Are you a typical US Metal maniac or intersted in some other music styles too? What are your favorite bands?
Besides classical, my collection only has metal in it! Since i am musically trained, i do however keep an open mind and listen to anything put in front of me. My faves right now are Primal Fear, Metallium and At Vance!
There arent too many Metal stores in Florida, and even with the internet, it's so hard to keep up with all the new bands coming out.
What is your biggest lifetime experience during your Metal career?
So far, i'd have to say singing my first record contract and playing to 3000 people at a festival while touring with Rob Rock. I can guarantee that the upcoming BYH festival in Germany this year might be the biggest thing for me..i can't wait!
Any expectations for the future ,what kinda dream would you see come true?
I would love to see my solo record sell at least 50,000 copies.
It may be though, but i feel it has what it takes to be a really big album.
Of course ,i can only expect LEASH LAW to really get things going.
We have a strong line-up ,plus we will have a few well known guests.
I know, it's going to be big!
Thanx for your time brother! Something you want to say to our MTI readers?
I just wanna say-HAIL and KILL and STAY METAL to everyone out there and please check out my solo album entitled 'Bitter End' . Out on Mascot Records for all of Europe on the 9th of june 2003!
KEEP YOUR EYES ON LEASH LAW TOO, WE'RE COMING TO GET YOU!