Black Celebration: An Exclusive Interview With JAMES RIVERA Of JAMES RIVERA'S METAL WAVE
By
George Dionne,
Podcaster
Monday, August 21, 2023 @ 9:16 AM
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Photo Credit: Larry Barragan
JAMES RIVERA'S METAL WAVE was created by HELSTAR frontman James Rivera. For the last couple of years the ensemble has performed '80s New Wave classics and rarities while putting their own Heavy Metal stamp on them. After numerous delays, the band's first covers album has finally seen the light of day.
New Wave Gone Metal was released on July 28, 2023 through Massacre Records. I had the chance to speak with frontman James Rivera on the eve of the album's release.
Highlights include:
-Discussion of New Wave Gone Metal album
-2 year delay of its release
-Having to hide his New Wave fandom in the '80s
-Seeing DEPECHE MODE live while on an acid trip
-The similarities between Metal & New Wave
-Making the covers their own, while saving some elements
-Favoring UK & European New Wave acts
-Signing with Massacre Records
-Touring and live show plans
-New HELSTAR album on the way
-35th anniversary of their Nosferatu album
-What is JAMES RIVERA'S METAL EXTRAVAGANZA & JAMES RIVERA'S METAL ASYLUM?
-And much, much more
