Scorpio: Hi! How are you?
Turbo J-V: Just fine, thanks!
Scorpio: Can you tell us something about your history?
Turbo J-V: We started in 1998 in Suolahti, a small town in the center of Finland. After a few demos, we got signed with Dynamic Arts Records. We released an EP in June 2002, which includes five songs. In summer 2003, we went to record our first full-length album, which will be released in October.
Scorpio: Your name, "MACHINE MEN." Is it an analogy with "IRON MAIDEN"?
Turbo J-V: No. The name comes from somewhere else...
Scorpio: So, now about your music. Why did you pick exactly IRON MAIDEN's "Aces High" for the cover song on the EP? Is it your most favorite track?
Turbo J-V: It was an idea that came up when we were rehearsing the songs for the EP. The song felt just right for us at that time. So we rehearsed it well and nailed it to the track. We've also played that song live as an encore. Great song!
Scorpio: I have to say, there's no difference between your version and the original. I think if someone makes a cover, they'd better change something. What's your opinion?
Turbo J-V: In one way, that's true. But we thought that we didn't want to butcher that song. I've heard so many bullshit versions of MAIDEN's songs, so it's better to do it well or do it a completely different way. We decided to make it the same way as on the original CD. It was the best solution for us, I think.
Scorpio: What can you say about your upcoming album "Scars & Wounds"? When will it be released?
Turbo J-V: As I said in the history question, it'll be released in October. At first, it will be released in Finland and some parts of Europe. Hopefully, it could eventually reach everywhere! The album is heavier and has more melodies. The lyrics are deeper than the ones on the EP. This is more like us, if you know what I mean...?
Scorpio: Which songs will be included on the CD?
Turbo J-V: We did eight brand new songs:
1. Against The Freaks 2. The Gift 3. The Beginning Of The End 4. Silver Dreams 5. Man In Chains 6. Betrayed By Angels 7. Victim 8. Scar & Wounds
Scorpio: Do you like working with Dynamic Arts Records? How did you meet each other?
Turbo J-V: So far, the collaboration has gone very well. The guys at the company are really true friends to us, and we get along very, very well! They heard our demo and signed us. That was the start... a very simple way.
Scorpio: Why does your vocalist try in some moments to copy Bruce Dickinson?
Turbo J-V: I think it's just his style. It's the way he sings. His voice is his own. He might sound like him, but what can you do? :) Mr. Dickinson is a very great singer, though.
Scorpio: Have you ever spoken or written to any IRON MAIDEN members?
Turbo J-V: Nope. Hopefully we can someday.
Scorpio: Some people say that heavy metal is dead. What do you think?
Turbo J-V: Maybe it's dead in the mainstream, but never in our hearts. It feels like it's waking up again, which is good in a way.
Scorpio: How do you spend your free time?
Turbo J-V: Playing music, drinking, having sex, hanging around with our friends and stuff... Thrashing around!
Scorpio: Happiest moment in your life.
Turbo J-V: Hopefully in the future!
Scorpio: A moment in life when you were most frightened.
Turbo J-V: We are never frightened! Except if Ozzy would change his style.
Scorpio: A little questionnaire to finish:
Turbo J-V: I asked our singer Antony to add his views too...
Turbo J-V:
Favourite drink — Beer Favourite food — Bread Favourite book — Motley Crue — The Dirt Favourite film — Rockstar Favourite cartoon — Judge Dredd Favourite metal group — METALLICA Favourite non-metal group/singer — none Most beautiful woman in metal groups? — Angela from ARCH ENEMY
Finnish Metal Albums Top 5: 1. MACHINE MEN — Scars & Wounds 2. FUNERIS NOCTURNUM — Code 666 Religion Syndrome Deceased 3. CHILDREN OF BODOM — Hate Crew Deathroll 4. TWILLIGHTING — Delirium Veil 5. STONE — Emotional Playground
World Metal Albums Top 5: 1. METALLICA — Master Of Puppets 2. OZZY OSBOURNE — No More Tears 3. W.A.S.P. — The Last Command 4. PANTERA — Vulgar Display of Power 5. IRON MAIDEN — Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son
Antony:
Favourite drink — Beethlehem Favourite food — Rice And Chicken Favourite book — Motley Crue — The Dirt Favourite film — Braveheart Favourite cartoon — porno version of Tarzan Favourite metal group — IRON MAIDEN Favourite non-metal group/singer — Kent Most beautiful woman in metal groups? — Tarja Turunen from NIGHTWISH
Finnish Metal Albums Top 5: 1. MACHINE MEN — Scars & Wounds 2. Timo Rautiainen & Trio Niskalaukaus — Rajaportti 3. HIM — Razorblade Romance 4. HIM — Love Metal
World Metal Albums Top 5: 1. BRUCE DICKINSON — Accident Of Birth 2. IRON MAIDEN — Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son 3. OZZY — Bark At The Moon 4. IRON MAIDEN — Somewhere In Time 5. BLACK SABBATH — Sabbath Bloody Sabbath
Scorpio: Final words:
Turbo J-V: Remember to get our new album Scars & Wounds! And remember to grab lots of booze!
Scorpio: OK! Will do! :) Good luck with the album release!