Michael Wilton of progressive metal band Queensryche sat down and answered some questions with THE METAL PIT. Michael is long time guitarist for Queensryche who in March of 2009 released their 12th album AMERICAN SOLIDIER which is a concept album which features voice overs from current and former American soldiers. He is also working on releasing a solo album and he continues work on a side project band SOULBENDER which released their debut cd in 2004 and are working on a new release. He will also be a guest guitarist on the solo cd from Metal Church frontman Ronny Munroe due out later this year. .
 

Metal Pit : What are your thoughts on doing a concept album from the point of view of a American Soldier?

Michael Wilton:   

We have had much success with conceptual and thematic concepts. This one seems so strong in that it has no bias opinion just the stories of the soldiers weaved through the conceptual journey.

Metal Pit :   Geoff Tate recorded conversations he had with past and current soldiers for the inspiration of the lyrics for the album. Did listening to these interviews influence your guitar playing at all on this release?

MW:         Yes indeed, for example on the song “At 30,000 Feet.”   The bomber is ready to unleash hell. Then there is a silence before deployment that is how I viewed the soaring double solo.

Metal Pit :       Will you be playing the whole album in its entirety in concert?

MW:               We will be performing 6 to 8 songs from each of the 3 albums. We have 2 master set lists that include all the songs from those albums. So if you go to back to back shows you will see all the albums in there entirety.

Metal Pit :      Outside of new songs will the band be playing a catalogue wide selection of songs or keying on certain releases?

MW:             We will be performing songs from Rage For Order, Empire and American Soldier plus a few extras.

Metal Pit :   What are some of your favorite songs on the new cd?

MW:         At 30,000 feet, Unafraid, Man Down and Remember Me.

Metal Pit :   Queensryche is one of if not the first true progressive metal band. How does it feel when you hear bands like Dream Theater and others state you as a major influence on them?

MW:         I think that is really cool that a certain aspect of Queensryche can influence bands.

Metal Pit :   This is the 12th album in the career of Queensryche. Looking back over your career is their anything you wish you personally could do over again or change?

MW:          I would of used the original mixed version of The Warning by James Guthrie (The Wall).

Metal Pit :    You have toured with many different bands over the years. Is their certain bands that you had the most fun touring with? 

MW:       I really enjoyed the “and justice for all” Metallica tour. Actually I think I might have had too much fun. I actually stopped drinking for 3 years because of that tour.

Metal Pit :    You have a solo album coming out this summer on Rat Pak Records. What can fans expect from this release?

MW:     It will be an extension of my cerebral meanderings. It will have some high octane; it should be a lot of fun.

Metal Pit :  Will you be doing a tour to go along with this solo release?

MW:         I have no idea. Queensryche is doing some heavy touring as of lately but I am sure I will be able to do some select shows.

Metal Pit :     Is this something (solo album) you have wanted to do for a long time or was it something that came up in the last few years?

MW:           I think in the last few years with the advent of more independent record labels it has become more appealing. Plus I have a bitchin Pro Tools recording studio which I can use to record the CD

Metal Pit :   What are your thoughts on METAL music today?

MW:          I like most of it. Slayer, Slipknot, Lamb of God, Children of Bodom. Mostly bands that can really play their instruments.

Metal Pit :     When your not playing music what do you do for fun or relaxation?

MW:          I go to the gym and work out. I also Snow ski and I like to golf.

Metal Pit :      What are some of your favorite bands to listen to?

MW:            Testament, Lamb of God, Derek Trucks, Mogwai and Tool.

Metal Pit :     Looking back can you say what one band, guitarist or album was really the one that inspired you to be a guitarist?

MW:          I can say a few really inspired me. Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Duane Allman and Van Halen.

Metal Pit :    How important is it to make use of the internet and sites like Myspace, Facebook and Twitter? 

MW:         Technology moves at a rapid pace so if you can use it to your benefit all the better for your longevity.

Metal Pit :    Will there be another Soulbender cd?

MW:           Yes. I am 6 songs into it and plan on finishing it sometime this year.

Metal Pit :     What does the future hold for Michael Wilton?

MW:           I am plenty busy at the moment so I do not want to start any more projects until I finish the ones I have at hand.

Metal Pit :     So far what has been the biggest highlights in your career?

MW:          I’ve had so many but I think a few are Playing the Grammys, winning the MTV viewers choice award and playing in front of 120,000 people at the Rock in Rio festival.

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Michael Wilton Myspace     www.myspace.com/michaelwilton
Queensryche Myspace       www.myspace.com/queensryche
Michael Wilton Website      www.michaelwilton.com