My uncle gave me some 7”s and compilation tapes when I was about 8 or 9. Stuff like rainbow, thin lizzy, as/dc, foreigner, deep purple, maiden, sabbath, ufo, zz top that kind of thing. When I was 9 my favourite band was UFO…

Who personifies Metal the most for you – and why?

Fans and bands who have to struggle to listen to Metal through either extreme poverty or repressive political regimes in their country. Ireland was fucking rough and tough in the 80’s when we grew up listening to Metal but compared to some countries we had it easy…

What’s the best Metal album ever in your opinion?

Almost impossible for me to say really…here are a few of my favourites – iron maiden – iron maiden, exodus – bonded by blood, holy terror – mind wars, bathory – blood fire death, venom – welcome to hell, rotting Christ – triarchy of the lost lovers, candlemass – epicus, manowar – into glory ride, black Sabbath – Sabbath bloody Sabbath, metallica – ride the lightning, megadeth – peace sells, dissection – storm, morbid angel – altars, too many to mention thankfully…

Which is the most important Metal band of all time for you?

Hard to say but I think it’s Iron Maiden. From 80-88 they are more or less untouchable and both brave new world and the new one are awesome albums. And after being into hard rock they were the first Heavy Metal band I really loved….

What does Heavy Metal mean to you in general: Lifestyle or music?

Without any doubt. Lifestyle. I am a metalhead and proud of that. I don’t feel limited by that in any way and I don’t feel the need to prove anything to anyone.

What’s the future of Metal, what’s the next thing to come?

I don’t know, Metal has become so diverse. Taking in traditional bands all the way to new bands like Isis or Dillinger escape plan. The scope has become much wider in recent years.

What was the craziest thing you ever did as Metal musician?

Who knows…Spend so far 16 years of my life with those guys in the band o). You do everything because you feel it inside you. No amount of money can compare to the adrenalin rush you get.

Which country is your favourite country to tour in – and why?

I’m not too sure, some countries we do well in others not so well. Travelling new places, meeting people, that’s the reason why we do it. Definitely not for the money as we never made anything o). Germany has always been good to us…

What was the biggest mistake you ever made in you career?

Hard to say. Perhaps being on 4 different labels has been a mistake and it would have been better to be on someone like Metal Blade back in the beginning but this is the way things have turned out. No regrets…you live and learn.

What was the highlight of your career so far?

When Imrama our first album was released back in 95. Finally getting a copy was an incredible feeling. Anytime I walk stand on a stage and see people being moved by the music, hear what the band means to people. It’s an incredible and pure feeling to stand onstage in another country and sing “The Coffin Ships” for example.

What are the 5 most essential Metal albums of all times – in no special order?

Essential ?.

That you should own ?….hard question

Iron Maiden – Number of the beast

Judas Priest – sad wings of destiny

Black Sabbath – black Sabbath

Venom – welcome to hell

Slayer – hell awaits

Or something like that !!!!!!