Manchester Rocks

Drowning Pool Interview

Thanks to C.J Pierce for taking the time to answer our questions...

Your fifth album ‘Resilience’ is due to be released 2nd April, what can we expect from the new album?

There's definitely more Metal on this album them any other. More guitar solos and more double bass. I think as a whole more or less we cover all the styles we've had on previous records. There are a few tunes that sound like they could have come right off our 1st CD. And with addition of Jasen Moreno we've added some new styles in the mix as well. It's definitely slamming all the way through.

How did new lead singer Jasen Moreno become the front man of Drowning Pool?

We've known Jasen Moreno for years. He came up on the scene in Dallas with us. His band actually toured with us off and on over the last 10 years. So we already had a great relationship with him. As far as Jasen becoming the front man for Drowning Pool he submitted an audition like everyone else. We didn't know he was auditioning. His CD came up and of course we knew who he was and the label/ management were very on fire about his audition. Jasen came into the rehearsal room and just blew us away. He took the time to learn every Drowning Pool song off of every CD we've ever made. Totally out of respect to all of our fans and past singers.

Has Jasen had significant musical influence on the new album?

When Jasen came into the writing process we already have a lot of ideas on the table. I think his influence on the band comes from his approach and delivery. With every idea we shot his way he would stop what he was doing, attack it and send it back within a few hours. He's great at bouncing ideas off of. Jasen also has the widest range of any singer we've ever worked with so it really opened up the doors for us to try anything musically.

You’ve had a few lead singers fronting Drowning Pool, does it take a while to adapt when someone new comes in?

With each new singer we've had in the past there's always been that "getting to know you" period. Even with Dave Williams we had to find our core sound. Then obviously with the last 2 additions we had the "this ain't going to work" period. Which led us to Jasen. Honestly we got right on it the second he walked in the room. It was instantly like we've been working together for years. We've probably written more songs this last year with Jasen then we have our entire career. It's definitely a nice change to work with someone else who is as equally passionate about writing music as we are.

You guys will be here in the UK in April for your tour with Fozzy, you excited for the tour?

You know I can't explain enough how excited we are to be Rockin out in Europe again. Especially with our buddies in Fozzy. It's been five years since we've been there. Way too long. Another advantage with our new singer. Now we'll be able to go back to Europe on a regular basis. We've meet some of the coolest rock fans in the world over there and we look forward to hanging out with everybody again!

Any UK festivals planned or any you’d like to play at?

We'd love to play all the Festivals. I'm not sure what the summer plan is yet but management has mention going back and catching some of the end of the summer festivals.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

Musical influences... You know that's always been a tough one to answer. Lets see. I started off with Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and AC/DC. Then Metallica, Slayer, Testament and of course Pantera. Went through a Black/Death metal phase. Then of course there were a few 90's bands like Alice in Chains and Soundgarden. I guess it's best to say what I'm listening to now. I'm really into Opeth, Slipknot and Stone Sour just to mention a few.

What’s the best thing about being in a heavy metal band?

You know there are so many great things for me being in a Metal Band. Obviously I get to do what I love and I am truly grateful for that. But I think If I had only one answer I would say one of the greatest things about being in a Metal band is I love being at a rock show. Whether or not its our show or another bands show it's just great hanging out with cool people. With other like minded Rock and Roll Metal Heads like myself.

If you weren’t doing this for a living, what would you probably be doing?

You know I don't do anything else but write and play music. I have no other hobbies or passions. Just music. That'll all I'll do. That's all I've ever wanted to do.

What’s the first album you ever bought?

The first album I ever bought. I already had the Black Sabbaths, Led Zeppelins and the AC/DC's from my dad. I bought a few that first purchase. I bought Testament "New Order" Mötley Crüe "Shout at the Devil" and Metallica's "Master of Puppets". I kinda knew what I was in for musically but honestly I thought all those album covers were badass!

What have Drowning Pool got planned for the future?

Drowning Pool's plans for the future. World domination! Ha... The plan is to keep touring, keep writing and keep releasing new Music. Hopefully on a more constant basis. We're more solid now as a band then we've ever have been. Like I said before its nice to finally having that missing piece of the puzzle we haven't had in over 10 years. Looking forward to hanging out with all the cool Metal Rock fans! Come rock out with us!

Purchase tickets for Drowning Pool's upcoming tour here: http://www.seetickets.com/search?q=drowning+pool&search=

Check out their video for One Finger One Fist