“SUPPORT BRITISH HEAVY METAL” has long been the motto of London’s favorite New Wave revival masters, MONUMENT. With twin guitars, soaring vocals, and galloping rhythms, the band has rekindled the NWOBHM spark, keeping it alive and thriving. Monument continue to support Heavy Metal as they schedule their newest release, inspired by British rock legends, DEEP PURPLE.
This February 2013, Monument will release a brand new cover of Deep Purple’s 1970 hit single, “Black Night,” a tribute to Jon Lord, featuring Bob Katsionis (Firewind, Outloud) on keys.
The single was mixed by Akis K. and Peter Ellis, with mastering by Scott Atkins (Cradle of Filth, Sylosis), and will be released via Transcend Music.
The infamous Deep Purple keys player passed away unexpectedly from cancer this past summer, aged 71. “In my mind, people like that are immortal, said Monument vocalist, Peter Ellis. “The world lost a true master.”
The single will be available electronically through iTunes & Amazon, with all proceeds to benefit The Sunflower Jam*—a charity organized by the families of Deep Purple, whose aims are to promote health and healing for children and adults.
ZT had a chat with Monument vocalist, Peter Ellis, and Firewind’s Bob Katsionis, on the recording process, and why they support The Sunflower Jam.
ZT: How did you get involved with the Sunflower Jam? Why donate all of your proceeds to them?
Peter Ellis: It really made sense to do it, as this single is our tribute to Jon Lord, and he was a big part of the Sunflower Jam charity. Donating all money from our sales to the charity and supporting their cause is our little way of saying thank you.
Bob Katsionis: The whole charity is a movement which helps people unite, and prove than we are not just numbers and profile pictures. It’s something very common here in Greece and I was very happy to be part of it.
ZT: Peter, how was it working with Bob Katsionis, and vice versa? You two are not unfamiliar with one another—veteran collaborators, no doubt?
Peter Ellis: Working with Bob is always very easy, the guy is a total pro, and gets things done quickly and efficiently. He already knew what he needed to do, so we literally just sent him the track and said, “Do your thing!”
I had been thinking about doing a Deep Purple cover for a while, and when I heard of Jon Lord’s passing, I thought that I really should do this with the band, in his memory. Deep Purple is such a huge influence on every member of Monument.
On working with Monument:
Bob Katsionis: Actually, I owed a big one to Peter after his monumental performance on my cover of Iron Maiden’s “Moonchild,” for Greek Metal Hammer. [Voted best cover on Metal Hammer Greece’s “Beast over Greece” Iron Maiden tribute album, December 2012] So, I couldn’t say no! I knew the song pretty well, and I nailed it in 30 minutes—nothing impressive behind it!
ZT: Best part about collaborating with other artists?
Bob Katsionis: I love the exchange of ideas, music, spirit, and attitude. It helps me get better, rather than playing with the same people for all of my life. I mostly collaborate with other artists.
ZT: What are we to expect from Monument in the near future? Whispers of a studio album, we hear?
Peter Ellis: After the” Black Night” release, we are going into the studio to record our debut album. We are in the process of doing pre-production for it at the moment, and I feel we have something really special in our hands!
It will be very similar sonically, and in terms of songwriting, to the E.P. I really can’t wait for people to check out the new songs and hear their feedback! We are also doing some festival appearances in the following months, and there’s more cool stuff to be announced soon!
Keep supporting real British Metal!
*The Sunflower Jam promotes “holistic and integrated care for children, young people, adults and their families, with a range of acute and chronic emotional, mental and physical conditions. You can visit: http://www.thesunflowerjam.com/ for more information!
