by Alexandra Mrozowska
— Sr. Columnist —
Back With A Vengeance is a title of a new album recorded by David Reece alongside Bonfire guitarist Frank Pané and Purpendicular members Malte Frederik Burkert and Berci Hirleman. However, the singer – known from such acts, as Accept, Banglore Choir, Tango Down or Bonfire – doesn’t seem to be in particularly vengeful mood as he looks back on his career and mistakes made along the way. Looking forward is what he focuses on these days instead, now that the new Sainted Sinners is out – but as he reveals in his interview for Hardrock Haven, it’s only a beginning of what 2018 holds in store for David Reece…
Hardrock Haven: David, the last time we chatted was when you performed with the Italian musicians – Mario Percudani, Stefano “Skool” Scola and Alessandro Mori – under the moniker of Reece-Percudani Group. What’s happened to this collaboration?
David Reece: To be honest, RPG is just a project between friends although I maintain a great working relationship with Mario Percudani and Tanzan Music Studios. Mario produced all the vocals on the new Sainted Sinners album Back with A Vengeance.
Hardrock Haven: In 2016, you and Frank Pané (Bonfire) put together Sainted Sinners. In what circumstances did you join forces and how does the collaboration continue in personal terms?
David Reece: He came to my home in Italy after I left Bonfire and asked if I would be interested in working with him. I wasn’t sure because after Bonfire I was pretty sick of the whole situation but when he played me the first idea I was really surprised and agreed to put Sainted Sinners together with him. I respect Frank as a guitarist and songwriter so it’s one reason why we’re still together and I respect Malte and Berci too. Projects never do anything but records for me – I’m an entertainer and need to play live. But as we’re more than a project, it allows me to be a complete singer and frontman.
Hardrock Haven: Back With A Vengeance is your second album under the moniker of Sainted Sinners, due to be released this February. What was the goal behind the album and why did you continue with a small label instead of a major one?
David Reece: First, to prove we’re not just a project. Secondly, El Puerto showed us as a label they believe in us and are willing to support us. They were Frank’s friends – to be honest, I have never heard of them until then. But big labels don’t pay attention to new artists and El Puerto has stood behind us since the beginning. The goal for me was to do a follow-up to our first album – better this time around which isn’t easy to do. But I feel we’ve accomplished it with a great new album. This time Malte – our bassist – produced the album and mixed it. He wasn’t happy with the bass sound on the first one and for his first production, I feel he did a great job. Other highlights of the album are that this album is more guitar-driven and Frank really shows his ability as a guitarist. Another for me is that my vocals sound great because once again Mario Percudani and I worked together on the vocal production. He’s an amazing talent and really inspires me to deliver my best performances.
Hardrock Haven: What’s inspired the lyrical content of Back With A Vengeance and what do you think are the benefits of your songwriting collaboration with Jon Wilde?
David Reece: I always write about what I see around me and what I am feeling so it is a statement of who I am as a person. I have written lyrics with Jon Wilde for some 10 years now. I think he is one of the best around because he knows how to write a story. I love co-writing with him because the formula works and he understands what I’m thinking. The benefits are that there’s another creative source to inspire me and give my best to each song.
Hardrock Haven: Beyond your work in Sainted Sinners, you’re also said to work on your solo album, reportedly entitled Mavericks. Is there any update on it?
David Reece: Yes, it’s called Maverick at the moment. I signed a multi-album deal with Mighty Music out of Denmark. I’m very happy because I’ve been working on the songs since the summer of 2017 and I am recording with Marco Angioni at Death Island Studios in Denmark. He also will besides produce play guitar and contribute to songwriting. The other guitarist is Martin Jepsen Andersen – the two guitarists are amazing! My bassist on the album is Malte from Sainted Sinners and on drums is Phillip Meis, both amazing as well! The songs are heavy and modern. Also, I have three songs I wrote with Martin Frank and one with Ale Del Vecchio which will be on the album. I’ll add keys to some songs by the great Andrea Vergori as well. We are planning to release my solo album in November 2018 and I am booking shows starting in Europe in October.
Hardrock Haven: 2018 also marks the scheduled European tour built around revisiting your Accept days. How important is that part of your legacy to you? In general, which part of your career was the most important?
David Reece: I have always loved that part of my legacy and after many requests to do this I decided to give that great album the attention it deserves! I have many shows already booked and can’t tell you how excited I am to perform this music live! I’m proud to be referenced to that album [1989’s Eat The Heat] as it gave me the open door to do what I am doing now. I have few regrets in my life, musically… one is Bonfire, to be honest. That was supposed to be special but it wasn’t. It was a mistake for me and caused much stress in mine and my family’s lives. I’m free now to create, to speak my mind and write what I believe in and am thankful for this every day.
Hardrock Haven: Speaking of concerts, Is there any Sainted Sinners tour in the pipeline as well?
David Reece: Yes, we began in Switzerland in January and we have more shows through February then I go out and tour the Eat The Heat album beginning in March… so many shows this year and I’m really happy about it!
Hardrock Haven: During your recent shows, you’ve performed a lot of cover versions of well-known Rock classics. While singing to a song which went down in genre’s history, do you still have its original version in mind or do you try to put your own mark all over it?
David Reece: I feel that if I cover someone’s song it is because it usually has an influence on me as a singer. So I try and deliver the song to the best of my ability but of course, I do add my style to them when I can. I’m humbled to sing some songs and be told that I did them well! Recently a Canadian radio DJ complimented me on “With A Little Help From My Friends” which made me smile.
Hardrock Haven: Beyond all that, what else does the future hold in store for David Reece?
David Reece: I ask for good health, many shows… I want to keep channeling good songs and continue to work with real and good people.
Hardrock Haven: Is there anything you’d like to add in the end?
David Reece: Just that I thank you and all your readers for your continued support and it gives me strength each day to carry on!
Visit Sainted Sinners online: https://www.facebook.com/SaintedSinners/
