Interview with Vengeance
12 June - 2004

For those who don't know Vengeance, they were one of the most popular Thrash metal bands from the christian metal scene ever. In the years of Thrash metal (which was from the end 80's to the beginning 90's) some bands showed great talent, Vengeance was one of them. But Vengeance died and got lost. Now the line-up from the first two albums will play a reunion concert at Summer Madness, only vocalist Roger Martinez won't participate, an interview with the replacing vocalist, Scott Waters from Ultimatum!

JesusMetal: Vengeance will reunite this summer for playing a concert at Summer Madness and you'll doing the vocals for them, why did they choose you?

Scott: In 2002 Ultimatum were performing at the Extreme MartiGras. Larry Farkas and Glen Mancaruso of Vengeance were also performing at that show with their band at the time, S.A.L.T. Ultimatum performed a cover of Burn which got the attention of Glen. He came back stage after our performance and we chatted for a while. It was then that he said, "if Vengeance ever does a reunion, you should do the vocals." Two years later I get a call from Roxx Productions, who is managing Vengeance for this reunion, asking if I wanted to sing for them. Being a longtime fan, I was honored and said I would love to do it.

JesusMetal: What was your reaction when they asked you?

Scott: I'm pretty pumped about it. As I said, I am a big Vengeance fan and have been since 1988 or so. It's pretty exciting for me.

JesusMetal: How have you been practicing lately?

Scott: I have been doing mini Vengeance concerts in my car and while I am working out at the gym. Since I live in New Mexico and Roger Martin lives in Tenessee, we won't be able to practice together as a band until about a week or so before the show. Everyone is having to practice to the CDs on our own. However, Doug, Glen and Larry are getting together currently to practice together.

JesusMetal: You were already a metalhead before Vengeance came into the scene, how did you find out about this band?

Scott: I have been a metalfan since I was a grade school kid in the 70's. I became a Christian in 1987 and was on the lookout for Christian metal other than Stryper. I went into a Christian bookstore in NJ, popped Human Sacrifice into the deck, and BAM! I was a fan.

JesusMetal: What's your favorite Vengeance release?

Scott: Hard to say. I like Human Sacrifice and Once Dead almost equally. If I had to pick one, I'd got with Human Sacrifice for it's sheer intensity, speed and the fact that it was one of those albums that really impacted my life.

JesusMetal: You also sing in the metalband Ultimatum, and you've covered the song Burn from the Vengeance album Human Sacrifice, would you say Vengeance influenced Ultimatum?

Scott: Oh yeah! Robert, Steve and myself are all big Vengeance fans from way back. Roger Martinez was a huge influence on my lyrics and the way I present myself of stage. I wouldn't say Ultimatum sounds like Vengeance, but they were certainly one of our influences.

JesusMetal: Unfortunately Vengeance was before my time, could you tell me something about how the christian and the secular scene responded to Vengeance?

Scott: Shock! Outrage! Christians were calling them demons. I remember reading a book called What's Wrong with Christian Rock that made all sorts of wild claims about the band. They were like no other band in the Christian scene at the time. Christians misunderstood them, but metal fans like myself were glad to have them. They opened the door for many other bands as well. I remember seeing them on the Once Dead tour. They were just monsters on the stage. Hair hanging down to their butts, swinging it around, doing windmills. It was awesome! They were playing at a club and there were a lot of non-Christians there. They were bold in presenting their faith.

JesusMetal: Thrash was big those days with bands like Believer and Sacrament, how was Vengeance between those names?

Scott: Vengeance and Believer were two of the few bands that crossed out of the "Christian scene" and reached a secular market. Believer and Vengeance are quite different in style however, although I would say they were equally awesome. These were two of my favorite bands in the late 80's and early 90's. There were some great Thrash bands in those days. The Crucified, the Moshketeers, Seventh Angel, Deliverance, Detritus, Living Sacrifice, etc.

JesusMetal: You'll do 2 concerts on one night, isn't that really heavy? How are you planning to do that?

Scott: It's not that big of a deal. The way I sing with Ultimatum is a bit different than how I will sing with Vengeance. With Ultimatum I sing more high and shrill, whereas with Vengeance I will be singing more low and gutteral, not unlike I did on the cover of Burn. Also there are several hours between the two shows, so I have some time to rest. I have pulled double headers with Ultimatum before as well. Last time we played in L.A., we played two shows in one night. It's not that big of a deal.

JesusMetal: Is there any chance Vengeance could be recording again after this reunion? If so, will you do the vocals on that too?

Scott: Yes, it's possible. We have talked about recording a few new songs. I have even hinted around to Larry Farkas about the possibility of re-recording Cage from the first Die Happy CD with thrashier vocals. Doug has said he is writing some new songs and has hinted to fans on the web that Vengeance may be performing these at the Summer Madness show.

JesusMetal: I heard there will be a DVD out of this reunion, have you got any further details about this?

Scott: They will be recording the show for a possible DVD or CD release after the show. I don't really have any more information than that. If anyone is interested, they should go to the Roxx Productions site and let them know there is interest in a DVD release. I'll give you the link at the end of this interview.

JesusMetal: Why was it kept quiet for so long who would be the vocalist?

Scott: I don't know. I suppose to build up some interest and suspense and possibly to get people talking about the show. As of doing this interview Roxx still hasn't officially sent out a press release about the vocal position.

JesusMetal: Could you give any hints of which songs you'll be playing live? Will you focus on the first two cds (Human Sacrifice and Once Dead) in the play-list, or will there also songs be played from the later two (Destruction Comes and Released Upon the Earth)?

Scott: Nothing will be played off of Destruction Comes and Released Upon the Earth. Those were Roger's albums. We will be focusing mostly on songs from the first two albums with a few other surprises as well.

JesusMetal: How've the reactions been so far about the reunion?

Scott: It seems pretty positive. I know there will be some who think it isn't a true reunion without Roger, but 4 out of 5 original members isn't bad, especially when these were the guys who put Vengeance together. Many longstanding bands who have been around for decades have less original members. However, for the most part, the reaction I have seen has all been positive. People seem pretty excited about it.

JesusMetal: Vengeance is a band from the 'good old days', do you think the concert in this year will really interest people who didn't listen to metal in the days of Vengeance?

Scott: Good question. I have no idea. I think this show is mostly for the longtime fans who have been wanting this for so long. Vengeance has this die-hard fanbase. I think that is who Vengeance will be playing for.

JesusMetal: Any final comments?

Scott: Thanks for the interview. I am anxiously looking forward to this show. I know the Lord has plans and will be glorified. Be sure and check out the band's official forum at http://p204.ezboard.com/froxxproductionsfrm9 Also, be sure and check out Ultimatum's web site and forum at: http://www.ultimatum.net. Thanks again.