over execute every phrase by turning a simple melody into a 150-note acrobatic exercise. Difficult, yes... but not pleasant to listen to.

Prior to NAIL, you and Cindy were members of the multi-platinum Canadian band Helix. How did you join the band and why did you leave?

I was asked to engineer/co-produce the Helix "Rockin' in my Outer Space" CD which was recorded at our studio here in London. During the sessions I found myself contributing a fair share of the guitar solos etc and at one point I was asked to become the lead guitarist for the band. Brian (Vollmer) was also preparing the 30th anniversary concert which was subsequently released on DVD, and wanted a female back-up singer to assist with the vocals on some of the songs Helix had recorded on past albums which featured other female recording artists. Cindy was asked to contribute and after several rehearsals Brian simply decided to ask her to become an official group member rather than just the "backup singer".

We were with the band for 2 years before it became logistically more and more difficult to run a business and a

recording studio, as well as commit to being available to do the growing number of gigs that Helix was now getting. When we first joined, the band was playing once or twice a month, with a 2-week a year away from home tour schedule. I also operate an instrument repair shop which is actually my chief source of income. Increasing gigs away from London (ie western tours etc.) made it virtually impossible to operate the business efficiently, and quite frankly the daily revenue of the business exceeded the budget that Helix was operating on as far as salary-per-member was concerned. This meant that for quite a few gigs I was actually losing money in order to play. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy playing almost more than anything, but the bills have to be paid as well, so ultimately it was a shared financial decision that led to me having to leave the band. In Cindy's case it was pretty much the same thing, budget was an issue, so she was in some ways also a casualty of "corporate downsizing" as much as anything else.

We're still on very good terms with Brian and the parting was quite amicable, although I think at the time there was some disappointment felt all around.

Who else have you shared the stage with in your career?

Over the years the various bands I have been involved with have played everything from small clubs to festivals with audiences of 30,000+. Sharing the bill with acts such as Motley Crue, Motorhead, Alice Cooper, Black Label Society, Yngwie Malmsteen, Dio, Sammy Hagar, etc to name a few. These festivals frequently have over 50 bands on the bill!

How long have the members of NAIL played together?

The core of the band (C, Dale and I) have played together in some capacity or other since our childhood!

Dale and I played in a high school band many years ago, and the three of us have known each other for over 20 years. NAIL is the culmination of everyone's experience focused in one specific direction, and I guess it's fair to say that the concept was formed in early 2007, but in all fairness it has only recently become a functional "band" with the addition of our bassist, Darcy, so that we can actually carry it out of the studio and onto the stage.

How would you describe your style?

Contemporary melodic progressive metal with classic metal roots with female vocals. You'll find many influences within the style, elements of Tool, Rush, Black Sabbath etc but C has a unique voice that is at times reminiscent of Ann Wilson meets Geddy Lee. No one really sounds like her and therefore the marriage of the music with her vocal makes a very unique blend.

You're a versatile musician who can play in many styles/genres. What is the allure with metal?

I enjoy sitting in my backyard with an acoustic guitar, around a fire singing Beatles songs etc, having a couple of beers... When I am onstage with bass/drums/electric guitar I want to play fucking LOUD!!! The best expression of loud guitars can be found in Metal/Heavy Rock music. As a "live" performance I like the energy of loud music, but only if coupled with some dynamics. The most enjoyable musical journey for me is one that encompasses very quiet dynamics all the way to screaming guitar solos! Progressive metal makes use of many of these facets and as a musician it's