MILLENIUM - WILL PHILPOT

💿 Hi, it’s a pleasure for us to have on Hardrockheavymetal WILL PHILPOT, guitarist of MILLENIUM, the well-known NWOBHM legendary band! Let’s start talking about the early days of the band..When is this all begun? Which bands have influenced you?

MILLENNIUM was formed in 1982 by Mark Duffy (vocals) and Pete McArdle (guitar). They recruited Steve Mennell (drums), Dave Price (bass) and Dave Merrington (guitar). The band recorded their first demo in July 1982 at Guardian Studios the demo contained two songs Magic Mirror and I'm on Fire. Later that year they went on to record a second demo again at Guardian studios the band recorded three songs Steal your Heart, Rock was meant for me and Nightmare (which later became The Devil Rides Out). In 1983 Guardian Records released a compilation album featuring Millennium, Spartan Warrior, Tokyo Rose, Risk and Incubus. The album contained three Millennium demo tracks Magic Mirror, Steal Your Heart and Rock was meant for me.

In July 1983 Millennium started recording their debut album again at Guardian Studios. The band released their debut album in 1984 on the Guardian Record label to much critical acclaim. Unfortunately Dave Merrington decided to leave the band. Millennium soon recruited local guitarist Mike Muskett a former member of the band Skitzofrenik . The band recorded a number of demos between 1985 - 1988 and disbanded in June 1988. Vocalist Mark Duffy went on to join Thrash Metallers TORANAGA releasing albums through Peaceville Records and Chrysalis Records.

In 2014 No Remorse Records re-released Millennium's debut album followed by a second album released in 2016 titled "Caught in a Warzone" this album was made up from recordings the band made throughout 1985.

There are many bands/music that have influenced over the years including Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult, Budgie, Queen, Rush, Demon, Angel Witch, Venom, Holy Terror, Exodus, Razor, Sibelius, Suk, Philip Glass……..

💿 We're listening to your new album called "AWAKENING". We're very satisfied about this new work...proud of your roots but looking to the future..Can you tell us somethin’about this platter and this composition process?

“AWAKENING” took two years to write, rehearse and record. The tracks were largely a joint effort between Will and Mark. We demo the material then present it to the band. We recorded the album in France and mixed it here in the UK. It’s a very heavy, upfront album that has NWOBHM values with a modern production.

💿 The real "news" in music industry is the return of vinyl; What’s your feeling about this classic format and the current music business?

Physical formats like CD and Vinyl are brilliant but you have to make your music accessible for everyone. “Awakening was self released as the label we were signed to wanted to delay til next year. We would love to find a label for our next album. We are rehearsing the new material now and it is sounding great! The next album will definitely be released next year. We have talked about doing an EP prior to releasing the album but we will have to wait and see.

💿 We love the cover of "AWAKENING"? Who made it and what it means?

A company called Bloodbath did the artwork for “Awakening”. We chose the picture from their website purely because we liked it and thought it was a striking image.

💿 What do you think about renewed interest for NWOBHM and Traditional HM music? Love for vintage or a new golden era?

Heavy Metal is magic whether it is old or new. Music turns full circle occasionally. I think nostalgia is a good thing. The great thing about Metal is that it is timeless and is followed and supported by millions of loyal and dedicated people.

💿 Can you tell us somethin’about your next live projects to promote the new album? Are scheduled any gigs?

We hope to play as many European festivals as we can. We have a two week tour supporting Helgrind in April 2018. This will take us to Germany, Belgium, Austria and Holland.

💿 Thank you so much for your time! See you soon on Hardrockheavymetal!

Many thanks for your interest!

Keep on Metal!

Will Philpot

#millenium #nwobhm #uk