Crimsonfire (Louie Gorgievski)
Interview November 2006

HRH: Hey Louie, thanks for taking the time to talk with Hardrock Haven today. To start with, for our readers who are not familiar with Crimsonfire, can you give us a bit of the band's background?

Louie: Well, we are a five piece Prog/Power Metal band from Melbourne, Australia. Our existence came into effect in the winter of 1998 and until this day we remain as the original line up. The story of our formation is quiet unique actually, with a hint of fate, chance, coincidence and classic metal album that caused the initial spark, but if I tell it we'll be here all day - (check the full story on www.crimsonfire.com.au).

Before Crimsonfire we all were in various bands, some in Metal bands, cover bands and even teaching music, but one thing that we all have a passion for equally, is Metal.
Our inspirations are drawn from various Metal bands, such as the likes of IRON MAIDEN, QUEENSRYCHE, HELLOWEEN, DREAM THEATER, , SYMPHONY X, AYREON etc. …

All these inspirations are entwined, thus creating the Crimsonfire sound we give to the Metal world. The great thing about being in this band, and probably a rare thing - is that we all share the same vision, enthusiasm, level of commitment, and a great friendship, on a personal and professional level.

HRH: Something tells me you are a Queensryche fan; maybe it's because I read the article you wrote about Crimsonfire opening up for Queensryche in Melbourne this past July. What was it like playing in front of your idols?

Louie: Definitely a RYCHE fan and I think that every Metal head out there would have heard of QUEENSRYCHE and come across there legendary presence within the Metal industry at some point, certainly everybody I know has.

I guess the little write up explained and captured the surrealism we all felt at the RYCHE show, I mean opening a show for an international Metal act is cool, but hanging out and opening for a band in my opinion that has helped shape Power Metal and many music careers, was truly an awesome experience and such a big highlight in our careers to date. I don't think we will ever forget that day - no chance.

HRH: Your debut CD was released about a year ago, to rave review all over the planet. So are you working on a new CD at this time, and if so, when can expect to hear the new music?

Louie: The response around the world has been phenomenal, thanks to the fans, magazines, fanzines, all the journalists such as yourself at HARDROCK HAVEN, who have taken the time to review the album and giving it an great wrap and an honest opinion - cheers to all and a job well done in the name of Metal.

In terms of new material, we have a handful of new tracks that we've been road testing at the last couple of shows, resulting with some great responses. We're in the midst of writing new songs, and I'm currently researching some new topics-(lyrically).

Our current plans are to play some more shows, write more music and get into the recording studio in the New Year, so that hopefully this time next year, you will be reviewing the second Crimsonfire album.

HRH: Has your sound changed at all from your debut CD to the new music you are composing?

Louie: You know, as a band and individually we always try to better ourselves and try and capture the essence of the moment. This year has been a major success for us in all aspects; we are more confident and understand what it is that we want and what we want to deliver to our fans. We've been experimenting and exploring new sounds, song structures and time signatures to challenge ourselves and create new emotions and something different to inspire our fans.

Basically, the new tracks will evidently show a more mature Crimsonfire with an atmospheric, progressive and a heavier edge, and we can't wait to record them.

HRH: You are the singer and the lyricist as well. How important is it to you to be able to play a major role in exactly what you are singing?

Louie: It's extremely important for me to believe in the words that I'm singing - otherwise it defeats the purpose. Being on the frontline and the voice of Crimsonfire I am the one representing the band, so whatever I say or do is a reflection on how the band is perceived through our music, so its my responsibility to research the topics, and get into character - in order to express the desired emotion.

Having studied literature and developing a love for writing/reading poetry since my early teens probably makes it a little easier, I must say. But the main thing is, the guys in the band are very supportive, confident and believe in my thoughts, ideas and choice of words. Giving me the freedom to express myself lyrically is an opportunity for me to add to the emotion in the music, the way I do it best - with words and melodies.

HRH: Who are your major influences as a singer, besides the obvious answer of Geoff Tate.

Louie: Geoff is certainly an influence, there is no doubt … but there is one guy who completely changed my perception on music, singing and is pretty much responsible for the beginning of my vocal and Metal career - and until this day I continue to follow his career after first hearing his voice about 18yrs ago.

An album he released in 1998 titled CHEMICAL WEDDING played a major part in the inspiration to form CRIMSONFIRE, believe it or not.

There are many influential singers out there, that's for sure - but in my opinion, there is nobody like this guy…………………and he needs no introduction.

HRH: Your first release was an independent release. Are you actively seeking label support at this time?

Louie: Releasing the album through Majestic Rock Records in Europe and Japan has been great for our career, they've been an awesome support team -promoting the album and putting in the right places, A&R director Geoff Gillespie is a true professional and an asset to the band and he brings a wealth of knowledge, contacts and 25 years of experience, we know we are in great hands. Our support team in Australia / New Zealand who is Riot Music have also been great. We are happy with both companies and the way things have been dealt with,

We need more of them to bring more metal across the world, and drown pop music … hah ahah …………

HRH: You just completed a gig last weekend, Oct. 21, along with PTB and The Eternal. How did that gig go?

Louie: It turned out to be an awesome Metal night for all three bands. Initially it was to be an experimental night, as we were road testing a new venue and having a night which consisted of three Metal styles (hardcore/doom-Goth & power metal).

We thought we'd do something different to get more people through the doors and expand the CRIMSONFIRE fan base - and that exactly what we did…

We think Metal should be celebrated as one - no matter what shape or form, last weekend proved just that, and it was the beginning of something that will be done more frequently.

HRH: Do you have any more gigs coming up?

Louie: We have a few things lined up - possibly interstate and around Melbourne - dates yet to be confirmed.

HRH: Are there any plans to record any of your gigs and maybe release a DVD?

Louie: We currently have a 20 minute promotional DVD documentary on the band and our debut album, its pretty cool - giving an insight of the recording of the album, our thoughts and inspirations behind it.

I can see it coming out with the re-release of the album - possibly at a latter stage, but no plans to release it just yet.

HRH: What's next for Crimsonfire? Any plans on shooting a video, perhaps touring other countries besides Australia, etc?

Louie: Our schedule for the next few months consists of new music as well as possibly shooting a video - which we need. We had plans to shoot a video at the beginning of the year, but our busy schedule didn't allow us to - this time there is no excuse.

With tour plans and leaving the Australian shores for an international tour, well it's certainly inevitable beyond the middle of the coming new year, I guess we have to wait and see, nevertheless 2007 will be a big year for us, now that we've arrived - we are here to stay.

We may see you guys at the major Metal festivals near you - very soon…………

HRH: Is there anything I left out that you'd like to leave for our Hardrock Haven faithful?

Louie: CRIMSONFIRE would like to thank every person who bought the album, supporting us and supported Metal - we always do our best to give our fans the best.

And a big thank you, to DERRIC MILLER and everybody at HARDROCK HAVEN for giving us this opportunity to share our story and vision.

Stay Metal………………

Cheers,
LOUIE GORGIEVSKI - CRIMSONFIRE