Scorpio: Hi, Tony! How are you? I've heard it's very hot in England right now (questions were sent on August 8th - ed.).
Tony Dolan: I'm better than ever, and yes, it's real hot in England at the moment! Unusual for us! I've heard it's pretty hot there too?
Scorpio: Yeah, quite hot too. So, let's talk about your band ATOMKRAFT. I think younger readers might not remember this band. Could you tell us the history of ATOMKRAFT?
Tony Dolan: ATOMKRAFT was started by myself and a guy called Paul Spillett in 1979. We had a punk band at first, then became a metal band! We recorded demos and played shows with guitarist Steve White until 1983. Then I moved back to Canada. I returned to reform the band in 1985 and enlisted Ged Wolf on drums and Rob Mathew on guitar. We recorded demos and later signed to Neat Records. We released 'Future Warriors', our first LP, in 1985. More power metal than thrash, I guess? We released 'Queen of Death' in 1986 and the single 'Your Mentor'. In 1987 we released 'Conductors of Noize' and a live video from Hammersmith, England. We toured Europe and England throughout this time with everyone from VENOM, EXODUS, NUCLEAR ASSAULT, AGENT STEEL — played with TESTAMENT, DESTRUCTION, NASTY SAVAGE, STRYPER, ONSLAUGHT, EXUMER, SLAYER and lots more!!! Our most notable achievements historically, I suppose, are that we were the first British thrash act! Our Total Metal Demo from 1983 became an underground classic! We were the hardest-working British thrash act. First British thrash act to play behind the former Iron Curtain! (Poland - ed.)
Scorpio: Why did ATOMKRAFT split up?
Tony Dolan: When we finished touring in 1988, we had a new album ready to go, a new video shot, and were out of contract with Neat Records. Our singer decided to leave the band at that point — for love!!! The bass player at the time, as I'd switched to guitar to thicken up our sound live, decided to get even more into drugs, and I decided that I'd had enough! Also, I received a phone call at that moment about possibly joining Venom as a full-time member too!!
Scorpio: What are the other members currently doing? Do you meet them from time to time?
Tony Dolan: Steve White, my original guitarist, is running a theatre in Newcastle as the master carpenter. He's also godfather to my daughter! The singer we used on the last release is now working as a butcher. Don't know about the others, except Ged Wolf (drums) — he has his own label called "Demolition" and I see him and speak to him a lot! In fact, I'm working for him, as I'm not only doing bass for the new Mantas album but we're doing a new ATOMKRAFT album as well!
Scorpio: So can we say that ATOMKRAFT is back on stage? Who's taking part in the new album?
Tony Dolan: I have finished recording the new album demos and we begin recording the drums for the album in a week or so. Right now I don't want to reveal the rest of the band, so let's just say a familiar face or two may turn up! We will be playing next year around the festival circuit, I believe. If the Mantas project has any downtime!
Scorpio: Next year you will release an ATOMKRAFT anthology. What will it be?
Tony Dolan: The ATOMKRAFT anthology will consist of 'Future Warriors' (the first AK album), the 'Queen of Death' EP, the 'Conductors of Noize' mini LP, and the very first ATOMKRAFT demos heard in the USA. The first time ATOMKRAFT will have ever been available on CD!
Scorpio: What is the reason you still promote ATOMKRAFT and try to revive it?
Tony Dolan: As I've told you, I am currently recording a new ATOMKRAFT album which I hope to release at the beginning of 2004. I loved my band and thought we could have done so much more and so much better if we'd had a better record company! I still think there are fans that have been denied ATOMKRAFT, and I want them to hear us!
Scorpio: What do you know about the fans of ATOMKRAFT?
Tony Dolan: The ones that loved us are still around and eager for the anthology release. They are dedicated. The other fans, I guess, are yet to discover us. They will soon! We always had such great fans. Not everyone liked us or made it easy for us, but the ones that did were very loyal to us!
Scorpio: And what can you say about the years before ATOMKRAFT — your childhood? Your first rock record, your favourite bands, school, and so on...
Tony Dolan: My childhood was a bit fucked up! My parents split when I was 9 years old. I had a very difficult relationship with my father. It's not so bad now but could be better, I guess! We moved from England to Canada after the split but returned to England near the end of the 1970s. My first rock record was Kiss Alive and Kiss Alive 2. My favourite band at school was the California punk outfit called the DICKIES. I was real into punk at the end of the '70s. Then came MOTORHEAD and my life changed forever!
Scorpio: Ged named his record company 'Demolition'. What's the connection with your nickname?
Tony Dolan: I was dubbed 'Demolition Man' in 1979 by my original guitarist — that's why they call me that! I used to destroy things on stage! Guitars, amps, cabs, etc. Ged called his record company after me and the song I wrote, also called 'Demolition'!
Scorpio: Your years in the legendary VENOM. How did you get there? Did you enjoy the years in VENOM?
Tony Dolan: I left ATOMKRAFT in 1988 after we toured in Poland. We had shot a video and recorded a new album, "Atomized"; we'd had a very successful tour. Our singer left when we returned home to England, and I lost sight of our cause. I received a call from the Venom camp just about the same time, asking if I would be interested in joining, as Cronos had left for America. I said I would, but only if Mantas would return, as I couldn't picture a VENOM without either Cronos or Mantas. Plus, Mantas was my friend and we love playing together. He came in on the project and Mantas and myself began to write the "Prime Evil" album. I had already written "Parasite", "Blackened Are the Priests", and "Carniverous", and we completed the rest of the album.
Scorpio: I've read a VENOM interview where Cronos said that the album "Prime Evil" (when you were in the band) is a bad record. He also said some not very warm words about you. Why? What do you think about Cronos?
Tony Dolan: Cronos can say what he wants — everyone is entitled to their opinion, right? For every time I've heard someone say my period in Venom was bad, I've heard people say my period in Venom was great! So who knows! I enjoyed being in Venom. I got to play all those classic Venom songs, so who wouldn't have loved that? If Cronos thought 'Prime Evil' was a bad record, he should have another listen to "Calm Before the Storm" or "At War With Satan" or "Possessed" or his solo stuff! I personally like all of that material. It's not great material, though. The great Venom material was penned by Mantas and very early on — that's why you have "Welcome to Hell" and "Black Metal". I don't care what Cronos said or says about me!! I really don't. If people think I'm a better singer and bass player than him, that shouldn't worry him — he's Cronos and I'm not! As for the claims — my friend thought the crowd were chanting "You're not Cronos" etc. on the live '90 video! Well, he's just dreaming! I never had anything but a great relationship with the crowds. They loved what I was doing out there. Sure, they knew I wasn't the original front guy with Venom, but they didn't give a fuck. They knew that I could more than handle Venom songs! I don't need to or want to slag anyone off! I don't have that kind of time to waste, and I don't need to waste any energy on anyone who for whatever reason feels less than me! Their problem, not mine!
Scorpio: What do you think about all these old thrash metal bands' comebacks?
Tony Dolan: Personally, I love it! I don't know why they ever went away. There were some great bands and some great stuff, and I was sad when it looked like it was all over. Also, I think there were the odd acts that could still give it to some bands around today! Maybe it's nostalgia for me, but I welcome them back to a new crowd!
Scorpio: What music do you listen to now? Which young bands deserve attention, in your opinion?
Tony Dolan: Death metal band ADVERSARY from Elkhart, IN, USA. Everyone should hear these guys, and they should be picked up soon!!! I listen to all sorts — nu metal, gothic, death, black, thrash, rock. There are so many bands out there, I think they all should get a break! Long live music!! If a record company won't do it for you, then get off your ass and do it yourself. Don't let those fucks dictate what fans are gonna listen to or buy!!
Scorpio: Do you think it's easier now to promote a metal band than in the times of your youth?
Tony Dolan: There is more acceptance generally now than when we were around originally. People are more accepting than they used to be, and I thank METALLICA for that. They made metal of extremes acceptable to the general public. "Enter Sandman"'s success did a lot for all the genres too!
Scorpio: What about your participation in the Mantas project?
Tony Dolan: I have just recorded bass guitar for the new Mantas album, due out in January 2004. Next month we are shooting the first video single from the album. We plan to be in Europe and the US next year playing.
Scorpio: What is the project's name — MANTAS?
Tony Dolan: MANTAS the man has named his band MANTAS as well. I can't tell you about the personnel yet — Mantas doesn't want to disclose until the album is completed. In MANTAS there is a singer, another guitarist, a drummer, and then of course me on bass guitar and Mantas on lead guitar. It's kind of a SLIPKNOT meets SEPULTURA kind of thing, I guess! It's cool though, and we're all dying to get out and play. We'd love to do Ukraine, so if anyone is interested, tell them to contact me through my site, tonydolan.net, and I'll get them in touch with Mantas and myself personally. OK? (Hey, organizers, that's for you! - ed.)
Scorpio: And what does Tony Dolan do now, besides music?
Tony Dolan: Another movie — I am in the new Russell Crowe ("Gladiator" - ed.) movie out in November. I play the ship's carpenter, Mr. Lamb.
Scorpio: Wow, you're a film superstar! When will I see you at the Oscar awards? :)
Tony Dolan: Well, 20th Century Fox is hoping that this new movie will snatch a couple of Oscars (I won't be getting nominated!), however I will get there if the film does well! You will see me there then!
Scorpio: OK! I will watch the ceremony on TV! Wave at me with your hand.
Tony Dolan: No problem!
Scorpio: And what's the title of this movie?
Tony Dolan: "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the Earth". (Don't miss it on the big screen! - ed.)
Scorpio: Tell me about your previous movies.
Tony Dolan: I was also in "Judge Dredd" with Sylvester Stallone. I played a convict who dies in a crash. They cut my scene a little, but I got paid, so who cares? I've also done some British TV — my last work was "Sherlock Holmes", where I play Dr. Watson — and also lots of theatre! From Shakespeare to comedy.
Scorpio: How much did you get for "Judge Dredd", if it's not a secret? :)
Tony Dolan: I can't say how much I got for "Judge Dredd", only because I can't remember, but it wasn't bad — I do remember that!
Scorpio: Is the scene with you at the beginning of the film, or somewhere in the middle? I'll try to get it and show you to my friends and say, "Hey! I know this man! I did an interview with him!" :)
Tony Dolan: The scene is near the beginning of the movie. I'm the shaved-headed guy sitting with Stallone and his co-star, Rob Schneider (as you may remember, in the spaceship on the way to Aspen prison)! Watch me die in widescreen! I have also done a low-budget independent film in the UK, but it's impossible to find!
Scorpio: And what is it about?
Tony Dolan: The low-budget movie was about being unemployed and having no hope or money! I play a very violent security guard!
Scorpio: Do you often visit Newcastle United matches?
Tony Dolan: Absolutely not!!! I love ice hockey! Something with far more violent contact!!
Scorpio: What have you heard about Ukraine and Ukrainian football?
Tony Dolan: I know it's good because I do watch the World Cup, but I don't know anything about your league! Good luck with your chosen sport though!
Scorpio: Thanks a lot! We really need it! (Having taken 3rd place in the group, Ukraine will not be at Euro Championship 2004 - ed.) Any other associations with Ukraine?
Tony Dolan: One of my best friends and next-door neighbour when I lived as a young boy in Canada was Ukrainian. I don't remember too much, but I ate with his family a lot, and he had a really hot sister, I remember! Ukrainian girls are very nice! I want to hear more Ukrainian metal too — can anyone recommend any new bands that are cool and up-and-coming?
Scorpio: Sure! I will write you by email, OK?
Tony Dolan: OK!
Scorpio: Now I'll name some British bands — you say a few words about what you think of them.
BEATLES - OK, I love some stuff but I'm not a big fan. I do have most of the albums though. I do think that Lennon was the main guy and not so much McCartney.
DEEP PURPLE - Great stuff. I am a big Gillan fan! We covered Speed King on the Temples album because I wanted to do a Purple cover! Hope someone liked my tribute? I'm no Ian Gillan, mind!
BLACK SABBATH - Rock, metal, gods. They rule, oh yes, for me they rule!!
IRON MAIDEN - I loved the first album, the second was OK, and I guess "Number of the Beast" wasn't bad, but I should be honest — I hated SAMSON, mainly because of Bruce Dickinson's voice, so when he went to Maiden! Well, you see why I'm not such a big fan! Also, I think when you've heard one Steve Harris bass run, then you've heard them all!! Still, at what they do, they are kings and they definitely rock!!
VENOM - "Welcome to Hell" and "Black Metal"... Classic. The singles and B-sides — great. My stuff with them I loved doing, but I think only "Prime Evil" and "Wastelands" were any good! The new VENOM stuff? Dated and poor copies of the scene today! They were great and should have stayed a "were"!!!
CARCASS - RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRR!
ANATHEMA - Same as above, I'm afraid!!!
MY DYING BRIDE - Yeah, OK! Not a massive fan!
Scorpio: What other bands would you like to mention?
Tony Dolan: ATOMKRAFT, MANTAS, ADVERSARY — and that's fine, except that I think St. Anger is fantastic and the new SLAYER DVD is killer. Oh yes, and long live DESTRUCTION! Go for it, Schmier!
Scorpio: Do you really like St. Anger? Don't you think Lars sold his drum kit just to buy some beer, and so he had to record drums using saucepans and frying pans?
Tony Dolan: Yeah, St. Anger! I think Lars used a shit drum sound compared to the usual polished METALLICA sound. However, they weren't trying to create a usual METALLICA album, were they! He went for a retro sound and a type of garage recording — you know, the type that most young bands with no money or a proper studio get, and independent record companies release or used to, and then these bands go on to become huge and make polished expensive albums, and the fans then say they aren't as good as they were. The early stuff is so much better! Don't you agree?
Scorpio: And to wrap up, traditionally — your final words!
Tony Dolan: Always stay true to yourself! If others don't feel like you do, move on — no one needs to stop breathing, that's just giving up. Fuck the system by using it to accomplish what you desire! Music is for us all, and if you have it inside, it will find its way out! If I can help anyone, then please contact me through my site and I'll see what I can do! Even if it's just ideas or advice on what not to do, I've always got an ear and time for you! Stay cool, and may metal in whatever form live with us forever!!! All the best of luck to you all. Tony 'Demolition' Dolan
Scorpio: Thanks for the answers! It was very interesting doing this interview with you!
Tony Dolan: Thanks to you and all the Portal's loyal fans! See you out there!