FAITH FACTOR

Interview
FAITH FACTOR

A talk With
NORMAN "SKI" KIERSNOWSKI (Vocals)
(Questionnaire by Stefan)

Whereas I clear up my memory, I still knows very well that I was walking the streets of Belgium's capitol named Brussels...it was somewhere in the late 80s and I was on the hunt for some real Metal stuff. There was a second hand record store, on regular basis I came here in hope to find something interesting 'vinyl' that could oblige my ears. While diving into many boxes filled with both recent and rare items, I saw an album I wasn't familiar with...name of the band was Deadly Blessing - title ''Ascend From The Cauldron''.

But I was very familiar with the record label who released the album, New Renaissance Records, well known for some other great releases such as Anvil Bitch, Dream Death, Indestroy, Blood Feast, Post Mortem, Soothsayer,...I took my chances, grabbed Deadly Blessing's LP out of those boxes and paid for it. Back home I followed my way to a place a called 'my Metal domain', immediately after, I gave Deadly Blessing a spin...'Search and Destroy' played on and I was so damn satisfied with what I heard - I was completely out of control. Name of the game was US Power / Speed Metal with Thrash influences...

The music was outstanding to me, even better was their singer SKI. With his legendary high pitched vocals, he conquered my heart and Deadly Blessing became one of my all time US Metal faves. The band's still active, unfortunately their frontman Ski left the ranks and teamed up with another band called Faith Factor. I'm very grateful to him because he was able to answer some of my questions... here we go:

Hi Ski, I've been very delighted with your presence here on MTI - how are you brother?

Hey brother in Metal! Wow man, things have been really blessed for me and Faith Factor and my brothers in Deadly Blessing as well. It's been a blessing in disguise, for both bands, god is really moving things along for faith factor at a real nice pace, and we cant wait to finish the new CD ''Against A Darkened Sky'', and get out into the concrete jungle.

Before you've entered the Deadly Blessing camp, you were a navy seaman reservist, right? Can you first tell me some more about that. What about the training schedules those days?

Well I'm not to proud about that time in my life, but I'll answer that question honestly. 1981 after graduating high school, I joined the navy reserves September 16Th. off to boot camp in Chicago. Man does it get cold there, we were marching at 5:AM with towels wrapped around our faces. It was so cold, anyway after boot camp, off to aviation hydrylic school.

In Memphis Tennessee while I was there learning I had heard AC/DC was in town on the ''For Those About To Rock Tour''. Man I wanted to go so bad, but if I left base I had to leave in my uniform, crackerjacks they were called, and there was no way I wear my uniform to an AC/DC concert - so I put some civilian clothes in a bag, and sneaked of base. It was a great concert...when I got back, they caught me, made me do extra watch duty. No biggie was well worth it - after a few weeks, I said to myself this isn't for me, but to late - I signed the contract.

I was stuck, so at that time I said, I'm done with this and left. Now during wartimes if you did this they would shoot you on the spot. But today they throw in you in the brig (jail) but they had to catch me first so I went home for a couple weeks. I knew they were gonna come and get me, so I turned myself in...they flew me back to Memphis Tennessee, threw me in the brig, then sent me home. Since I joined as a reservist, that's all they could really do, so now all I had to do is show up on to the base 1 time every month and 2 weeks a year. Go out to sea in a ship, I was really good for a while, did what I was told, show up on time all the time, and then I got itch.

I wanna sing in a band again, well one off the good things about this whole navy thing is 'Search And Destroy' was written at sea. It was a warm summer nite and I was standing watch at the bow of the ship, a fighting fregat...it was around 12 midnite I think. Then all these lyrics started popping in my head....Hear I am, looking out at sea, hear I stand watching out patiently..., so that's where that song came from, way before Deadly Blessing did. As far as the training it was easy, not physical, more mental then anything.

So, you said goodbye to that form of life and wanted be a singer in a Metal band. Your first band ever was Tormentor if I got that right. What kinda style of music did they play those days Ski?

Actually my first band was a Rock band called Zygo. We were a A to Z cover band with some of out own originals. I cut my teeth on learning how to sing there, copying Steve Perry from Journey, Steve Walsh from Kansas, Dennis Deyoung from Styx...then later on Halford, Dickinson, and Tate. So now our set was a mixture of Hard Rock and Metal.

Tony was a big horror buff, and he saw this movie with a young Sharon Stone and Ernest Borgnine, it was called ''Deadly Blessing''. He said, hey guys we should call our selves Deadly Blessing and write out own stuff, screw playing other peoples songs...let's do our own - we agreed, the rest is history.

Point was, you guys were a Christian Metal band. How important is being a Christian for you Ski. Are you a faithful visitor of the church on regular basis?

Deadly Blessing, was never a Christian band, and back then I was not a Christian. But the song 'Deliver Us From Evil', I was inspired to write that after I learned about a band called Stryper. I was like wow these guys kick but and there singing about god, I can do this. Never knowing back then that God has his thump on me looking at the world, full of sin and hate. Time to save your soul, it's never to late, see who that came about. On April 1st - 2000, heard the knock at the door and it was Jesus.

DEADLY BLESSING

That's the day I became a born again Christian, it is now my way of life...bible, church, fellowship, it's very important to me. It's not about religion, it's about relationship with the one who created me, every Sunday in church, every day reading the bible and praying to the father, for strength and direction.

The beginning and the end, the alpha and omega, the author and the finisher of my life, my father in heaven, and my brother Jesus who died for my sins, the God of second chances, no matter how many times I screw up, or backslide, and sin again...he will always forgive me, and get me back on the right way to live this life that I have been given, and what my purpose for this life really is.

We see ourselves as ''Gods Metal ministry''... he gives us the desires of our hearts, which is Heavy Metal music, and the love for him, which are the lyrics in the songs. We honour and praise him with, he's given us a tool to preach his word to help save souls, and give fans a choice, to believe in something. If they so choose to, we are prayer warriors and defenders of our faith, and the faith of Heavy Metal - see it's a 2 edge sword, we are disciples of decibels and yes, we are metal messengers, but we don't beat you down with a bible and say all you sinners repent or you will burn in hell.

We let the Metal do the talking, and the holy spirit, do the preaching - now don't get me wrong, if after a show someone comes up to us and says, I'm tired of living this way, so how do get to know god and his son, we will pray on the spot with you, to become a new creature in Christ, and be born again.

We're living in a cruel world full of war, hate, pain, misery and many other things that doesn't make any sense to me. Through your eyes Ski, what to change to make this world more comfortable?

Well just think about this...if everyone in this whole world, were to turn there lives over to God, there would be no war, hate, pain or misery. Religion separates gods people, Christianity brings them together, do you really think that when people get to heaven, there's the catholics, baptism, muslim. Do you really think God separates his children? No, he simply says: here are my sons and daughters, evil is here to cause confusion, a spiritual warfare is all around us, but it's all of a matter of faith and if you believe it, so if every accepted God there would be heaven on earth.

When you're not on the road to play Metal music, what keeps you busy - do you have a daily job to do?

Yes I have a day job, I drive for DHL, see how much I love Europe. I make a living at supporting it, I have a wife Michele and 2 kids - Ski 3rd (or Norman 3rd) 13 YRS and a daughter Kaitlyn - 12 yrs old I have a dog named Bandit, a Jack Russell, 2 cats named Angel and Spooky and 2 fish.

Practice with Faith Factor 2 nites a week, and a praise and worship band Koininea, answering fan mail, shopping for festivals to play, workout stay in shape, keep my endurance up, health and stage presence, go to a lot of ball games for the kids sports team and coach a flag football team.

Is it only Metal music that you play when you're home. What about your CD collection...which copies in it?

No not all the time 75% of the time, but I like a lot of other Christian bands. Metal is the first flavor, but to me a good song is a good song, no matter what style it is. In the Christian world a lot of people are comparing us to bands like Recon and Sacred Warrior...in the secular world it's we're a Judas Priest and Iron Maiden kinda like Metal band.

In my CD player right now is Rob Rock's ''Garden Of Chaos'', Demon Hunter - Storming The Gates Of Hell and the all instrumental workings of ''Against A Darkened Sky'' with no vocals - for me to practice with.

I've mentioned it before, my heart explodes from pleasure and joy when I heard you for the first time playing with Deadly Blessing...''Ascend From The Cauldron'' ruled the world for me back then and it still does these days. Which memories you have from that era Ski?

I would have to say, when we first ink the record deal with New Renaissance, and we started recording ''Ascend From The Cauldron'' then Ann flew me and Tony to California. I remember the day we left flying out of Philadelphia, right over the top of the Monsters Of Rock Tour. We went there to do interviews and raid the warehouse. Oh and we smoke a joint with Carmine Appice, and meet Weird All Yankovic at Universal Studios. Had dinner at the Rainbow, while Poison was playing at The Whiskey next store. When we opened for Lizzy Borden and Savatage twice, that was cool.

What's the most unforgettable moment you've experienced while you were in Deadly Blessing?

Without a doubt coming to Keep It True 4 and meeting all the fans of an album almost 20 yrs old, and seeing a homemade Deadly Blessing patch sewed into denim and leather...fan right next to Maiden and Priest. What an honour that was all the help that Juergen Hegewald from Hellion records and Oli and Tarik gave to us. We felt like rock stars, and the overwhelming beauty of Germany, the hospitality of towns people...I was a bit shocked on how many people spoke English.

Here's the truth about that!

CD came out in 1988, I was getting married in '89, no problem right... Well I leave my union paying job to go on tour with Queensryche so we thought, the tour never happened. I had to go back to my future father in law to get my job back. I got back a job (not the job I once had) so here I am this long haired blond working in a steel mill. It was so boiling hot, I had decided to shave my head to stay cool.

Well 2 weeks after I did this, I was getting the cold shoulder from everybody in the band. The manager says if it were up to me you would be outta this band cause now you look like a hardcore singer, not a heavy Metal one. The tension was so bad between me and Deadly Blessing, I decided it was time to leave. I thought 15 yrs later I find out the real reason, from the horses mouth - I run into Tony one day, he says:

Hey Ski can you give me some lesson on how to sing, I want to be a frontman. I said okay Tony I'll help you out bro. I go over to his place, looked him dead in the eye and I say to him Tony, what was the real reason you guys asked me to leave blessing, he looks at me and says, you really wanna know why Ski? I said yes I need to know the truth, OK then the real reason we got rid of you was not because of the hair, we could of lived with that, it would grow back. I couldn't stand you getting all the attention for Blessing, Ski this - Ski that...I was jealous of you, and you had to go. I

It was like someone had punched me in the stomach, I felt like throwing up, I just said Tony I forgive you, it's in the past, let's get on with your singing lessons now.

Deadly Blessing goes on with another front man and released an EP after all entitled ''Psycho Drama''. Great US Metal songs on it - to me ''AFTC'' was better. What is your opinion about that?

I helped write most of the songs on that EP, they wanted to go into a thrasher style of Speed Metal at that time. We had a good amount of songs for the second Deadly Blessing album ''Strange Twist Of Fate'' - I think like 7 songs were fully written and arranged, but never recorded...what a shame. Not even rehearsals tapes laying around, that was gonna be a killer album, it would of gave ''Ascend From The Cauldron'' a run for its money songs like 'immortal', 'Strange Twist Of Fate', 'Warrior Unknown', - Eye Of The Beholder' was a killer song Nick and I wrote together. I can't remember them all but they were killer, at the time of that EP, Wayne was gone and so was Nick, it really wasn't Deadly Blessing and same goes for the 4 new songs recently wrote together to.

We played all 4 new songs live at Swordbrothers festival, 'Bullets', 'Cascade In Pain', 'Shadow In You' and 'Redemption'...to me never like the old Blessing music. But I did what I could to them the best - I could 4 more songs never to heard either, the way I sang them but the music will be heard on the new Blessing CD, with the new singer Steve Childs, who is by the way a born again Christian too, a great guy and a good singer. Reminds of Ray Alder/ Dickinson and definitely ''Ascend From The Cauldron'' blows away ''Psycho Drama'', even ''Strange Twist Of Fate'' would of done that.

Years passed by, a deadly silence descends over the name Ski...what kept you busy during these years of absence actually?

2 Yrs after Deadly Blessing, I got over the hurt and came back with a vengeance. I wanted to prove to myself I still had the gift, and would put together a band to blow away Deadly Blessing. I found these guys called Altered State, they were all DB fans. When they heard I wanna sing for them, I got the part right away, I always thought that if Blessing would of stayed together that long, we would of progressed to an altered state level.

Now these guys could really play, this should of been the talent level Deadly Blessing evolved to grew all the hair back, more leather and studs...I was in the best physical shape of my carreer, vocals were in tiptop shape - ready to take on the world with the new band - yeah, Ski was back, better then ever. 6 song demo in the pocket, shopping for labels, opening up for Trouble, Lizzy Borden, everything was on the right track, then reality set in, me and the drummer Todd, had a fight, I said me or him, and since they were childhood friends and I was the new guy.

I lost again, I wasn't a Christian then, I didn't know how to forgive, nor did my heart want to, a great 6 song demo, with songs like 'Mindsrealm', 'Leading Me Blindly', 'Judge For Yourself', 'Winter Warlock', 'Off With His Head' and 'Mental Rage'. It was funny when i was at kit 4 this dude comes up to and says, ski you gotta put altered state back together and come back p lay for us, that was awesome to hear

It seemed you were living on another planet, wrong thought - you appeared and took us all by surprise when the news went around the world of Metal...Ski is back with his new band called Faith Factor. A short briefing history concerning band's early days should be good to know.

It all started 7 yrs ago with a band called Factor Five, and things went bad and we broke up. 7 yrs later we all got back together, but this time we were all born again Christians - it was amazing, how god put this band together, so in 2005 we started writing songs. By 2007 we released our EP ''777'' on 7/7/07. We name this EP ''777'' because it is the number of completetion, and a holy number. Since the release of ''777'', we have gotten nothing but good reviews from you guys and BWBK...

We sent out 100 CDS for promo, and have sold about 700 copies so far. We only printed 1,000 EP's and there almost all gone. We have also been invited to play KIT 11, I was so honoured to be ask to play again, Oliver really liked our EP. Even though we sing about God and spiritual things, it's the music that is accepted first. I don't really think most fans care about what you sing about, they just want something to bang there head to, an forget about the problems, and have fun.

On drums is Dan, we call him DJ - this is amazing how God healed him from 2 broken knee caps in 4 months. We were getting ready to record the EP and he was playing hockey, and got checked into the boards, broke both knee caps...we were devastated, so we prayed about it. What should we do, get a replacement, or wait for god to heal him? We waited, and kept on writing while he was down. He's a quiet and a microbiologist, he's also the jokester in the band.

On 1st guitar is Chris, he' the professor, he writes the main bulk of the music, plays keyboard, and back up vocals - kind of keeps to himself, and a very good family man.

On 2 second guitar is Blaine...I called him pastor Blaine, he's very spiritual, walking God fearing , Jesus loving man, a very pivitol point man...shoot ball to him , and he will score for you.

On bass we have Joe, big man with a heart of gold...he is the slayer of darkness, a mean pounding thunder comes from him.

All brothers ready to deliver some decent US Power Metal by the grace of God, right?

Oh man we are armed and ready to take on the concrete jungle, were shopping for any festival we can find. We really feel God is directing us towards Europe, but we will go where ever we are called to go secular or Christian. See we have both markets covered with a band like ours. One of my hearts desires is to play Poland, because of my family heritage, and I have family I never met yet in Poland. So that would be cool to me, to meet up with my blood relatives the Kiersznowski.

You don't have to be a Christian to play in this band, but you have to believe in God. You have to be a good musician, and you have to be dedicated to the mission, not everyone in this band is saved yet, but gods working on it, and that's good enough for us. We're not here to judge, or condemn...were simply here to bring light to the darkness.

We would like to add a fulltime keyboardist, to add a symphonic element to the music, but our lord has not brought that person to us. Who knows maybe he just want us to be as loud as we can with what we have.

By the way, how's the current Christian Metal scene these days through your eyes Ski? Totally different than it was way back in the eighties to me. What are your own faves actually?

Right now Christian music as a whole is really big today, there are over 200 festivalls in USA alone, as a matter of fact were playing one called cornerstone festival 2008, in Bushnell Ill. This is the first year outta of 25 yrs of this festival that secular Metal band Cage, and Seventh Calling are playing to - I hope to get there in time. I love Cage, Sean and his bass player claim to be Christian to see them. There's another one in Norway called Nordic Fest - we gotta get on that one to someday, but i don't think there are as many Christian Metal bands like ours, were old school Heavy Metal, with a lot of power and might...the bands today are of all makes and models, all styles of music from A to Z with Christ centered lyrics.

Last year, Faith Factor showed up with a very first 3 track EP called ''777''. All works that take my breath away. You're still in very good condition brother. Those 'legendary' high pitched vocals still pleases my heart and soul - you're still stay on top of my all time vocalists for sure. How can somebody hold on this way of singing for decades. What's the secret behind?

Thank you for the kind words. As far as me doing what I able to do for so long. First - you have to take care of the temple, which is gods body, eat right exercise, no smoking or drinking. Second - work out everyday, sit ups, push ups, weight training, jogging, Third - practice , practice, pray, pray, pray... I'm not in control of my life, God is... I've been blessed with this gift, of vocals and song writing not bad for a guy who never took a singing lesson in his life. I've been singing since I was 15 and now I'm humble to say I'm 45...I'll be 46 on August 14 Th. 2008. Well, after all the bibles says Noah lived until 950 yrs old -could you imagine me screaming that long haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa amen.

Did the EP scored very well both in the US and Europe? What's the different between both countries?

We sold a lot more in Europe, then in the US and that's because America follows fads, not there heart - True Metal lives throughout all of Europe. The EP was mainly to shop for a record deal and management deal, we weren't really gonna sell it to fans, but the demand was there, so we had used the ''777'' EP for two purposes. We have gotten very little response in the UAS form the secular market, but the Christian market went bonkers over it - were so old school, that it's new and different to them. Like I said, we're the Judas Priest of the Christian Metal Realm.

You have a lot of European followers especially Holland, Germany and of course we Belgians like the sound of Faith Factor, right?

Oh yea and there's Greece, Norway, Italy, UK, Poland and many more parts were not aware of yet.

Hey Ski, there is a new album in the works, right? Do you guys have signed a major record deal meanwhile?

Yeah, the new album is called ''Against A Darkened Sky''. We're still with Metallic Archangel records, we're always looking for a better deal but I have talked to some people in the industry. It just seems better to not look for a record deal and look for a licensing deal instead. This way we keep control of what goes out and what gets paid for, plus with the internet - CD Baby sells all over the world now, and you get to keep 91% of the profit.

So money wise, we all invest in the recording, pressing and distribution - we have full control. It would be nice if we found a label who really got behind in what were doing - we don't wanna be rock stars - we wanna be Godstars...our treasures are not on this earth, they are stored up in heaven - our jobs is to bring souls to Jesus, and if we are blessed buy the fruits of our labour, let thy will be done.

Well were shooting for 11/1/08 2 weeks before kit 11, throw it up on www.cdbaby.com and let it go from there, most likely bring them to kit 11...we had a deal going on with Pure Steel Records, but we felt they wanted to much up front, for no money, so we are trusting in God again to pull through for us - so you know we have no preference on secular or Christian label, we just want a fair and good deal, I never saw a dime from ''Ascend From The Cauldron'' and I wont allow that to ever happen again!!!

Be sure we at Metal To Infinity look forward to give extra attention to that release. By the way, what is your own opinion about a webzine like us? It's not that professional but I give a damn about that. We like what we doe and give support to those who are very important for us...US Metal is our main mission to complete.

I honestly love your webzine, it's cool looking, and very informational, and most of all Metal!!!!!!!!!

Great reviews and interviews, and I like how you go back to the dayz of denim and leather, flashbacks. Man, that keeps me young, and yes your support is much need to those who grace your pages. Without you and the fans, there would not be us. And as the bands must never take that for granted, no matter how big we get - always take time to talk and sign, take pictures with all of the fans of Metal music.

you will be the first webzine to get a copy of the new CD as well as the Lizzy Borden tribute CD...you my Metal brothers keep it true!!!!!!!!

November the 15^th Faith Factor will blow the stage apart with a stunning US Metal performance I think. What are the expectations by now and any news about the song list? I know it's quite early to ask that but I'll take my chances Ski.

Wow I like your bold ness to this question...I can let some of the info out but not at all, gotta keep you hanging for something.

Well all the songs on the EP a few of the new one and some ''Blast From The Past'', everyone is very excited. And has planned the family vacations around this festival...I think Dan and his girl will be in Germany 1 week before we come, see the sights and enjoy the beauty of Germany - the rest of us will how ever be leaving the States on Thursday, arriving Friday.

Play Saturday, leave sun be home by Monday to get back to our day jobs, it's gonna be rough and fast, but it'll be worth it. Wish we could stay longer and do another show in Poland, but we have to get back to our jobs.

Sharing the stage with Flotsam and Jetsam, Artillery, Tokyo Blade, Girlschool, Forte,...WOW what a bill!!

Yeah, it's gonna be fun...I love Flotsam and Jetsam and never seen them live - It's an honour to be on the same stage as all those bands, with us its not competition cause we all are flying the flag for Metal, and that is our calling. Just some of us use different kind bait, were fishers of men, Metal men and women !!!!!!!!

Deadly Blessing will play at the next edition of Headbangers Open Air which is also one of the best European Metal fests, this year's edition means a real invasion of US Metal bands. Will you be there too Ski?

No, unforgently we were told since we are playing kit 11, we were not allowed to play HOA 2008 but that would of been great. Maybe DB would of let me get up and sing 'Search And Destroy' with Steve Childs, that would have been. Maybe they will have us next year, you do know when band like ours do come to play. No one pays for flights, just hotel and a performance fee, so were always putting money out to come play these festivals and hopefully we make it back or break even with merchandise. sales, but the opportunity to play and get the message out means more then the money.

Oli is a big Deadly Blessing fan and if Oli likes you , you get to play his festival. I asked him is Faith Factor Metal music worthy enough to play for you and he said yes, are you available to play on Nov. 15th 2008, and the rest is history yet to be made.

I asked Martin Brandt, writer for Heavy Order was if we played any songs from Deadly Blessing what do you think the fans would wanna here, he said I'll put a song poll up on metal forum, and he gave the statistics so we will put something together. To honour my past achievements, let's just say it's called the Deadly Medley. You will have to wait to see what the fans voted for, I'll take the 3 highest rated songs and play them live, you wont be disappointed.

Hey man, this is it. We're longing to Faith Factor's new album...meanwhile I wish you all the very best, also I'd like to thank you for your precious time. Spread some final words before leaving please. Thx again!!

Onward and upward my Metal brothers and sisters in Metal and in Christ - Metal blessings, not deadly - Ski

Black Night Meditations Radio Interview, with Ski, from Faith Factor - Click here...

1. How long have you guys known each other and how long have you been together as a band? Where are you from?

Faith Factor in it's current line-up has been together for just over a year. Some of us
have known each other for a year, and some of us have known each other for more than 20 years. We hail from the Metallands of Southern New Jersey.

2. What bands did you guys listen to growing up and which ones influenced you the most?

Each of us have our own influences, but we range from Priest, Maiden , Queensryche,
Yes, Kiss, Lizzy Borden and Stryper.

3. What would you like the listener to gain or get out of listening to a Living For Today CD?

Well, it truly is two fold. For Christians, knowing that the lyrics are sacred, just simply to enjoy and worship God. For the Metal realm, it's the music they love, so God's purpose to share with them the life of his son Jesus, a message of hope and salvation, to begin fresh, forgiven of your past.

4. Let everyone know about your latest project. How smoothly did the writing and recording process go with this release? Any tour plans in the near future?

Wow, 7/7/07 - there's a lot to be thankful for here ..... We recorded in Jersey at Soundhall Studios under engineer Steve Parks, a Christian man with a lot of patience!
The EP 7/7/07 includes "Prayer Warriors", "The Angel and the Butterfly" and
"Deceiver". Our mis was mastered by Rob Colwell, from Bombworks Records with an act of kindness and friendship. And our brother in the Metal Faith, Lon Patella from Metallic Archangel Records. When we needed to record, Lon's faith, in Faith Factor, was the answer to our prayer, of releasing this awesome EP. Since the release, we have written eight of ten songs, and are blessed to be heading back into the studio in the beginning of 2008. Our debut album is entitled "Against the darkened sky", where God will continue his message.

              October 13th, was our EP release party at the Cherrywood Rock Club,
              in Blackwood, NJ, with "The fall of man" and "Resurrection".

              Saturday the 10th of November, Faith Factor will be performing at the
              True Metal America Concert series, "November Reign", with "Gods
              of Fire", "Lazarus", "Icarus Witch" and "Azrael's Bane" sponsored
              by Chavis Records.

              Faith Factor will be performing at this coming year's Cornerstone Festival,
              rocking the Sanctuary tent, with Pastor Bob, and we will be making a joyful
              racket, to say the least!

              God's will for Faith Factor is proven boundless, by the recent announcement
              from Keep it True festival, where Faith Factor will share the stage with
              Metal greats "Flotsam and Jetsam", "Girlschool", "Tokyo Blade" and
              other great Metal acts from Europe and Japan. The concert is set for
              November 15, 2008, in Wurzburg, Germany.

5. Do any of the events going on in the world today such as the war in Iraq or other subject matter come into play when you are writing your lyrics or do you mainly focus on man's relationship with God? What inspires you?

We mainly focus on Man's relationship with God. Our inspiration is the love of God.

6. How would you guys describe your music? How far do you think you have progressed as a band since you first started?

US Powermetal.   When Faith Factor formed prior to my audition several other
musicians were involved. When the band members were locked down, six of us
recorded the EP. Currently there are 5 members of Faith Factor, and they are, Norm
(known as "Ski" - the incomparable former vocalist of Deadly Blessing), Joe
Manghan on bass, Chris Matusieski on lead guitar and keyboards, Dan Jefferson
on percussion and yours truly, Blaine Booth lead guitar. With props given, we have truly been guided by God's hand and we are progressing as a true Metal band should with clear goals, God's guidance and the many new friendships that await us.

7. How would you describe your band and how would you describe the feeling knowing that you can help someone who's lost through your music and message?

Jesus + Powermetal = Faith Factor We jam for the Lamb

There is no greater joy for us then to plant the seeds of the great commission to share
our lives and help others to grow in their relationship with God. The feeling is humbling
when given the opportunity to lead someone who is lost and hurting, thru hope and prayer, to salvation thru Jesus Christ. It's how our testimonies are born.

8. What's the story behind the bands name?

Faith Factor simply implies our question to you, "What is your faith, what do you believe
in and at what level in that belief are you?"

9. This is the speak out portion of the interview. You can air your thoughts about anything you want. Let everyone know what’s on your mind about any subject you like.

I would like to speak of a book we are currently studying at our monthly Faith Factor
prayer meetings. It's called "The Great Compromise" by Pastor Greg Laurie. We
feel it is a must read, especially for new Christians, a book that will certainly open your
eyes, and Pastor Greg has a real today feel in his teaching and shares with you, the snare of compromise and how we sometimes are tricked into sin. We share the passion
that Pastor Greg has for building our never ending relationship with God, and the book
is simply awesome.

10. What Music have you guys been currently listening to?

Ready?
Temple of Blood, Promise Land, Mortification, Ultimatum, Within the Fire, Brim, Feast
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Joe Manghan from Faith Factor Interview about Faith Factor's debut EP and upcoming album Against the Darkened Sky July 26, 2007

Faith Factor's new EP came out on July 7, 2007 and I asked Faith Factor's bassist Joe Manghan the following questions pertaining to their new EP and upcoming album Against the Darkened Sky:

1) Please introduce yourself and your band, Faith Factor?

Hello my name is Joe Manghan, I live in the USA I will be 38yrs. old on Aug. 20th and Iplay bass and co write songs and lyrics for Christian Power Metal Band “FAITH FACTOR” Faith Factor is not just me by FAR I have 5 other Christian metal brothers also and they are: SKI-vocals, Blaine-guitar, Chris-guitar, Jim-guitar, Dan-drums! I also have to mention the pilot of Faith Factor is JESUS CHRIST!!!!

2) How does it feel to finally have your first EP done and released?

I must say it feels great and the response has also been awesome. It was a lot of hard work, but also a lot of fun!!!!!

3) What were you trying to accomplish with your debut EP?

To get our name out there create the buzz and to let the people know exactly what FAITH FACTOR was all about!!

4) What is your favorite song on your new EP?

I actually love them all, but if I had to pick one it would be “Prayer Warriors” The reason for that is , Prayer Warriors is exactly what we are ”Army for God, Brothers in Christ”

5) Can you give me an estimate of when you next album, Against the Darkened Sky, will release?

I would love to do that but alas we have a saying and belief in FAITH FACTOR. “ALL IN GOD’S TIME”. We do our utmost best to try and live by that. Believe me it’s not an easy thing to do. But we have realized that God’s timetable is not our timetable. I can say this, as soon as we know when, we will let everyone know.

6) What can we expect with your first full-length album Against the Darkened Sky?

Pure Power Metal Hailing our King of Kings!!! It’s what we do best. Why try and fix something that is not broke.

7) How did you come up with the name Against the Darkened Sky?

Well, when Ski and myself put Faith Factor together we wanted to have a vision as to what we were all about. So we prayed about it and the Lord laid it upon our hearts. What the title means is “No matter how dark things get in your life, there is always the LIGHT (hope) through JESUS CHRIST!!!!!!

8) Any last words/comments for your fans?

Yes, THANK YOU for being patient and stay tuned there are better things to come. And remember: JESUS + POWER METAL = FAITH FACTOR!!!!!!!!!!

New Jersey based Faith Factor deserves to rank with the more exciting Christian metal bands to hit the scene in recent years. Forming in the fall of 2005 but not releasing its debut 3 song EP until the summer of 2007, Faith Factor brings a classic power metal sound inviting a comparison to Sacred Warrior, Recon, Jacobs Dream and many others. In follow up to the review of the bands EP I included as part of the August 12, 2007 update to Angelic Warlord, I conducted an online interview with Faith Factor lead vocalist Ski – former frontman of Deadly Blessing – who goes into detail in regards to his musical background, the bands history and future recording project entitled Against A Darkened Sky.

What are some of your favorite bands and vocalist that you listened to while growing up? And how did they inspire your music?
Well, when I was real young, around 9 years old, I got a record player for Christmas, but I didn’t have any records so I went to the local department store called Korvetts. I was walking around in the music section, and I saw these 4 painted faces. I thought this looked cool I’ll buy it. As you know, it was the first Kiss album and it blew me away. So from there my other favorite metal bands and vocalist were Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Queensryche, Halford, Dickenson and Tate.

When did you start singing and when did you know that you wanted to front a rock band?
I started singing around age 12, just messing around on my acoustic guitar. My best friend Mike, who was a drummer in a band called Zygo, needed a drum tech so he taught me the ropes. One day at rehearsal the singer didn’t show up, so (they) asked me to fill in. The first song I ever sang was “Cat Scratch Fever”. After they heard what I could do, I was the new lead singer for the band. Then I went to see Kiss for the first time on the Dynasty tour. Some band called Judas Priest was opening up. From the time I heard Halford scream, I said to myself “that’s what I wanna do”. The rest is history.

How did you come up with the name Faith Factor? Does it have any special meaning?
While on tour with Deadly Blessing in Puerto Rico, I heard the call from God to sacrifice and follow me. The Lord said stop glorifying yourself and give me honor and praise for the gift of music I have given to you. So needless to say, you don’t mess with God. The name Faith Factor was given to me by our Lord. What it means is- what is your faith, what do you believe in and at what level in that belief are you

Tell me about the history of Faith Factor. Specifically, when did the band form and how did its members meet?
We formed in February of 2006. All the members are Blain, Chris and Jim on guitars, Joe on bass and on the drums Dan. We all knew each through the years playing all kinds of local cover and original bands. Joe actually played in the rock band Zygo with me and Jim was also in a Judas Priest tribute band with me but never worked out.

How would you describe the music of Faith Factor?
We consider ourselves a US Christian power metal band.

Faith Factor just released its debut 3 song demo. Are you satisfied with the way the EP turned out and how has the response been so far?
For our first EP we’re happy with it and the response has been all good so far.

Can you tell me a bit about each of the 3 songs on the demo?
OK, “Prayer Warriors” is what we as Christians should be doing everyday. “The Angel And The Butterfly” is gonna mean something to everyone in different ways and “Deceiver” is a warning from satan

I understand that Faith Factor is currently at work on a full length follow up effort entitled Against A Darkened Sky. How is work progressing on the project? And how will it compare musically to your demo?
Yes, we are working on a 10 song full length album called Against A Darkened Sky. Our goal right now is while we are shopping the EP to record labels, Christian and secular, to continue writing for the new album. If we cannot land a real good deal, if God blesses us to release (the album) ourselves we will. Well, we have recently lost Jim our guitar player due to personal reasons so right now Blaine and Chris are picking up the pieces. We are looking for a keyboard player to add atmosphere and mood. If God wills it- it will be. If not we will move forward. If God is for us, who can be against us. Here is a little taste of what will be on the new album: right now we have 6 songs complete, written and arranged (but) not recorded. They are “The Light Replaces Darkness”, “Armor Of God”, “Divine Temptation”, another power metal ballad called “In Remembrance”, the epic “Ascend Unto Heaven” (11 minutes plus) and “The Rapture”. A new song called “In Gods Shadow” (is) in the writing stages now and 3 others waiting on God’s blessing. Musically, the same US Christian power metal.

Thanks so much and may God bless you all,

Ski

To read more about Faith Factor or to order the bands EP: www.faithfactorband.com. Samples: www.myspace.com/faithfactorrocks.

Angelic Warlord interview

TO START THIS FRIDAY "QUESTIONING OF STEEL" SERIES, LET'S PRESENT YOU AN AMERICAN BAND CALLED "FAITH FACTOR" THAT WILL BRING YOU TO HEAVEN IF YOU ARE INTO CLASSIC US HEAVY METAL! I'M PROUD TO DO THE FIRST OFFICIAL INTERVIEW FROM THIS BAND AND THE FACT Mr. SKI (FROM THE CULT "DEADLY BLESSING" BAND) IS THE FRONTMAN IS MORE THAN AN HONOUR FOR ME! SO NO NEED TO WRITE A LOT RIGHT NOW ABOUT "FAITH FACTOR" I WILL REVIEW IN FEW TIMES THE FIRST DEMO EP! SO WELCOME TO THIS NEW CHRISTIAN "80's HM" BAND WE MAY SEE ON EUROPEAN STAGES NEXT YEAR! RIGHT NOW THE ONLY BAD THING IS THAT THE 3 TRACKS "FAITH FACTOR" PROPOSE ON THEIR PAGE ARE CUT… HOPE MR SKI WILL TRY TO PUT ONE COMPLETE SONG ASAP…! ANYWAY THE FEW MINUTES WE CAN HEAR ARE VERY PROMISING!

1/ Could you in few words give us information about you (the place you are from, the year you started, your release(s), your ages) ?
And did you played before in some other bands that did a release (Demo, LP, 7', CD..) ?

Hi, my name is Ski, x lead singer form the band DEADLY BLESSING, I am from the USA, I will be 45 on aug 14 th, I've been a singer my whole life, I started out in a rock band called ZYGO in the 70s, we were a cover band that did everything from aerosmith to zepplin. After ZYGO there was DEADLY BLESSING, OBLITERATOR, ALTERED STATE and now FAITH FACTOR and I have, demos, and 2 records out with DEADLY BLESSING, and our first EP just came out with FAITH FACTOR on 7/7/07

The band is not only "Ski" but you will find with me three great killer guitarists

"BLAINE", "JIM", "CHRIS", plus "JOE" on bass and "DAN" on drums!

2/ How could you describe your music? Do you have favorite themes in your songs?

FAITH FACTOR music is Christian power metal, heavy, aggressive, melodic, crunchy, progressive no prog. All of our songs are spiritual, scripture based, and positive, and testimonial, in order to bring people to Christ.

3/ Who chose the name of the band (and does it means something particular?).

The lord put it on my heart to call his band FAITH FACTOR, what it means is, what is you faith, what do you believe in, and at what level in that faith are you

4/ How is the Traditional HEAVY METAL scene in your country (State) ? Give us some Traditional Metal bands from your area you know.

The traditional metal scene here in the tri state are, Philadelphia, New Jersey (WHERE WE ARE FROM) New York , is very minimal most band from this area are new metal, death metal.

5/ How many concerts did you played? Did you already open for "important bands" ?

FAITH FACTOR has not played out yet, but I am talking with the guys from "Keep it True, Swords Brother, and 777" festivals for next year…

6/ about your next recording, tell us some words about the artistic part and musical part, when should it be ready?

Well our first EP is in the books now, we will start preproduction on the next album, we will use the EP as our calling card to get signed with a good label, our next album will be a 10 song CD, the album will be called "Against a Darkened Sky", 6 songs already written, the 7 th song started, and we will still be in the power metal realm!

7/ Except the CD what are your 2007 projects or actualities?

We plan to hit the concrete jungle, and bring Jesus metal to all, play as many shows as we can, hopefully cornerstone and creations festivals too.

8/ How do you imagine your band in the future? Are you ready to do a lot of sacrifice to climb the steps to "success" or do you prefer to take only the good moments without thinking about "tomorrow" ?

Our future is in God's hands, what ever he wills for us we will accept. If we are blessed for the fruits of our labor so be it, our only mission, is to bring glory to God first, and as many souls to the lord, that will be our success

9/ Give me some of your 80's HEAVY METAL bands you are really fans? (I know you could give tons, so try to give some of the Best)

For me in the beginning, it was kiss, van halen, then judas priest, iron maiden, queensryche, stryper, recon, sacred warrior, barren cross, now jag panzer, iced earth, pillar, skillet, kutlass,

10/ Imagine the day "Monsters of Hard Rock" like ACDC, MAIDEN, JUDAS, MANOWAR, KISS, SAXON, SCORPIONS or ACCEPT will "disappear"… Which actual bands could you see as TRADITIONAL METAL heir ?

jag panzer, iced earth, faith factor

11/ How should be the perfect HEAVY METAL groupie? And more seriously is it important to have "Die Hard" fans around you? Do you have many?

Well groupies days are over for us, but die hard fans never die, I have alot of fans from the DEADLY BLESSING days, they are all waiting for there FAITH FACTOR EP, they love what I did for blessing, I'm doing the same thing, with a better massage and purpose now

12/ What could be the "Heavy Metal War Cry" of your band ? (Not necessary something you will use as a slogan or motto, it can be just a word or a sentence that gives an apt description of what you are about and what you stand for)

prayer warriors, come join us now, army for god, brothers in Christ

13/ Imagine I give you 3 wishes to change something in your band immediately…What could be your choices?

1: we could all grow our hair back 2: Add a killer keyboard player to add mood, and element, 3: tour support

14/ Give us the address of your Website and your MYSPACE page !

http://www.myspace.com/faithfactorrocks

15/ Tell us how to buy your CD, do we have to contact you directly? If you have something else to add it's the moment !

You can go to the site, and order the EP, shirt or poster, we are defenders of the spiritual, and metal faith. We sing about God cause we believe in him, we're not out to offend anybody, Jesus is not coming until everyone knows his name, were just helping the process along. God bless and thanks for our first interview ever !!!