Interview

Speaking With Eye For An Eye Frontman Tom Norris

Eye For An Eye are an upcoming heavy metal band from the British town of Swindon, a place just over an hour's drive from London. They will be releasing their debut album, "Downfall" on April 19th through Rising Records and have been touring heavily recently to promote the release. I recently got the chance to ask lead singer and guitarist Tom Norris about the album, the band, influences and where he sees the band going in the future.

Diamond Oz: When did the band begin and who are your key influences?

Tom Norris: The band started a year and a bit ago. It started off with just me and Chris. We had some trouble finding a drummer then Rich came outta know where and told us he wanted to play (laughs). Our key influences are Down, COC, Alice in Chains and probaby Black Label Society.

Diamond Oz: Why did you choose to go with the name Eye For An Eye?

Tom: We were at our friends house trying to come up with a name. We were reading through books and trying to think of something. At the time we were listening to Tom Waits and 'Eye for an Eye' came up. It was kind of a reflection on how me and Chris were feeling at the time so it it was really good.

Diamond Oz: Before Eye For An Eye was born, you and Chris were in the band 51 Wreckin' Crew. Do you see Eye For An Eye as a continuation of 51 or as a different thing entirely?

Tom: EFAE is the grown up version of 51 Wreckin' Crew. I believe that if 51 had carried on me and Chris would have left at some point to do this anyway. 51 was great at the start but after so many songs about getting drunk it gets a bit old y'know? (laughs) So i guess when it fell apart it was good for me and Chris (didnt seem like it at the time mind) because we could now do this.

Diamond Oz: Why did you decide to add a second guitarist to the band while you were recording your debut album "Downfall"?

Tom: The door has always been open for a second guitarist but finding a decent guitarist, who fits our style and doesn't mind coming into a signed band with an album and a tour coming up is actually pretty damn hard to find (laughs). A few people wanted to do it but it never went ahead. Tom is an old friend of mine so it wasnt hard to decide whether or not he should be it. He brings more power to our sound and allows me to focus on vocals more while playing live. A second guitarist was always needed, it was just finding the right person.

Diamond Oz: On "Downfall" what can the public expect in terms of lyrical content?

Tom: Theres everything in there man (laughs) from a bank robbery, to thugs rioting, liars and backstabbers. I worked hard when i was writing the music for the album man and I'm pretty proud of some of the lyrics and I'm hoping it will be something that people can sing along to and relate to.

Diamond Oz: How would you describe the music of the album and who would you say the music will appeal to most?

Tom: I think theres something in there for everyone. We are a Stoner Rock band but we've moved slightly away from that in a few songs. We've played to people who might not normally like Rock or Metal and we've gotten a response. So I think there's something in there for everyone.

Diamond Oz: Are there any special plans to help promote the album such as a music video or record release show?

Tom: No real plans for a music video. We are working on a record release show, we want to make a big deal out of it y'know? So we're planning it as we speak!

Diamond Oz: You have already gained a strong reputation for your commitment to touring, are there plans to perform in other countries or at any festivals this year?

Tom: I think that touring other countries is the next big milestone for us. We've spoken about that as a band and everyone is really excited about that so it's going to be done and hopefully it will be done this year. As regards to festivals we have put our name forward for a few and we're waiting to hear back, nothing is set in stone though.

Diamond Oz: Which song/s on the album are your favourites and why?

Tom: Mine are "Seven Gods of Chaos" and "Brother." I'm not sure why but I really like those songs (laughs).

Diamond Oz: Growing up, who were your biggest inspirations musically?

Tom: To start with i listened to a lot of Metallica and Sabbath. But then i saw Black Label Society at Ozzfest 2002 and my eyes just opened (laughs) and then the next day I went out and bought a BLS album and didn't stop listening to it for months. Its BLS that got me into the music I love playing and nothing else compares to them in my eyes.

Diamond Oz: Who would you personally like to tour with the most?

Tom: BLS haha one day maybe! Godsized would be awesome to tour with though.

Diamond Oz: Do you see Eye For An Eye's sound changing in the future?

Tom: I dont think it will change all together, though we might write the odd song that makes you think 'this isnt EFAE' but we'll always stick to our roots.

Diamond Oz: What do you think the future holds for the band?

Tom: I'm hoping it holds big things! We've all worked very hard so far and we plan to work even harder. The album is massive for us, we still can't believe its all happening. It won't be our last though.

Diamond Oz: Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. Is there anything else you'd like our readers to know?

Tom: Get your asses online to order the album! Thank you for your support. We love you all and we hope to see you in your town.