No compromise. Never selling out, Ken Orth is no stranger to rock n’ roll. Within the realm of his band Wycked Synn, Ken has had the oppurtunity to perform the genre of music that is near and dear to his heart. The undeniable influence of 80s metal pioneers simply oozes through the speakers when spinning Wycked Synn’s debut CD, The Vision. Set to release Wycked Synn’s sophomopre release in 2005, Hardrock Haven’s John Kindred took the oppurtunity to see what Ken and his band are up to.

John: The Vision has been out since 2003. Wycked Synn has been through a lot of ups and downs from then and until now. What keeps you motivated to continue carrying on?
Ken: "Well the ups and downs have really been minor. Actually the positives far outweigh the negatives. I’ve been taking my good ‘ol time writing and not rushing anything in order for the new record to be top notch. Also, I’m adding nearly 500 sq. ft., to my recording studio, and that project is taking a little bit of time. Once it’s done, it will be a major asset in the recording of the new album."

John: You are now on a new label, Deadlocke Records. Why the change?
Ken: "Deadlocke is, how can we say this, DEAD! They are no more. We have a handful of label options right now and will make the decision when the album is done. Signing a deal right now would mean more deadlines and stress, and I don’t need any of that. We are working at our own pace this time around."

John: How do feel The Vision was received by music fans and critics?
Ken: "All the pressings sold out fast, and that tells me (along with all the emails and reviews) that people enjoyed The Vision a lot. And I’m very glad of that. Chavis folded, and the pressings have temporarily stopped."

John: Coming back to the music scene how has the industry changed? Stayed the same?
Ken: "The mainstream sucks. The promoters screw you whenever they get the chance. We are doing this for fun and enjoy playing our own music to whoever would like to hear it. There are no sacrifices made in this band and never will be. If one member in this band financially can’t do the tour then none of us will. It’s as simple as that. We all have day jobs and mortgages that need to be paid and pay them we will."

John: Gone from the group are vocalist Gary Grant and guitarist Gary Carrillo. What led to the parting of ways?
Ken: "Gary Carrillo has been going through very rough times and has basically left music for the time being. His father just passed away, and I wish him the best, and I hope he is strong. Here is the big news; Gary Grant is back in Wycked Synn! When it comes down to it, in the beginning, myself and Gary were Wycked Synn since nobody else was in the band yet and our song writing together worked out very well. Gary has started working on the new material in which he will change around a few things I’m sure. I can’t wait to hear what he comes up with. Once my studio renovations are complete, then we will start final tracking for the new record."

John: You are back at it again working on Wycked Synn’s sophomore release. Do you have a working title? What can fans expect from the new CD? Is there a release date set?
Ken: "The new record, in my honest opinion, will smoke The Vision! Fans can expect a very guitar-driven, melodic, vocal explosion of an album. The original title was going to be In for the Kill, but a certain solo artist released an album last year with the same title, so I think we are going to change the name."

John: Are all members able to contribute to the recording this time around?
Ken: "Oh yeah……100%!"

John: You have a special guest on the CD, Jay Parmar, how did you coax him to fly over from England and record with you?
Ken: "Jay is one of the coolest, non-egotistical guys I know and an incredible guitar player. I e-mailed him one day and asked if he’d do some shredding on one of our tracks, and he gladly said yes. I got him the tracks, and he recorded his parts in England at his studio and then sent them back to me. He is very professional, to say the least. Lookout for this guy in the future; he totally shreds!"

John: How did you arrive at Wycked Synn for a band name?
Ken: "Doodling on a piece of paper!"

John: At this stage of your career, are you happy with the direction that you are going in?
Ken: "Very happy. The band is in complete control of everything on the new record and working stress free. It’s great!"

John: What can fans look forward to from Wycked Synn in 2005?
Ken: "A new record and, if the promoters are fair, then a tour will follow."

John: Have you been able to land any endorsement deals?
Ken: "Actually, I let all that stuff kind of drop for the time being. Once the record is released, I’ll start making some more phone calls and hopefully snag a few endorsement deals."

John: Any new changes in equipment that you are using for recording and live gigging?
Ken: "Peavey Triple XXX’s, ESP custom guitars, Genz Benz cabs are still my arsenal of choice."

John: A lot of tragedies have hit the world lately. What are your feelings on the recent murder of Dimebag’s Darrel Abbott?
Ken: "Dime was/is an icon! I was fucking floored to hear of his murder. I hope Nathan Gale is burning in fucking hell right now for what he did. Darrell left a hole in the metal community that will never, ever be filled again. Rest in peace, Darrell. Rot in hell forever Nathan Gale!"

John: Anything that you would like to add that I didn’t ask?
Ken: "I almost won the lottery the other day! Missed it by two numbers. Seriously, I hope the fans check out our upcoming release because I think we will supply them with the music they lust for and will give their ears a metal orgasm. Real melodic metal is Wycked Synn’s way of life and it will never change…period!"

John: Thanks for taking the time to talk with me. I can’t wait to here the new CD.
Ken: "Thank you so much John for your ongoing support. Its people like you who keep the real music alive. Rock on, brother, and I’ll talk to you soon. CHEERS!"