Genre: Metal

Black Metal Box’s MNotez Interview:

• MNotez: How long have you been together? How did the band form?
• Black Metal Box: Black Metal Box was formed in 2007. But has new members as of July 2010. One original member (Mantooth) is left.

• MNotez: What are your names and rolls in the band?
• Black Metal Box: Front Man – Howie Shaw, Andrew Bulock – Guitar, Kevin Mantooth – Guitar, Larry Myers- Bass, Von Munzinger – Keys, Jimmy Bones- Drums

• MNotez: What motivated you all to start playing music?
• Black Metal Box: We all have it in our hearts , and always have. It’s out life and passion to perform and write music.
  
  Von -When I performed Fur Elise for the opening of my 5th grade play…. I got my first performing rush… and new that this is what I wanted/needed to do… MUSIC!!

• MNotez: Who were your musical influences, idols, or bands growing up that have helped mold you into the musicians/band you are today? Or helped mold the music that you play?
• Black Metal Box: Kevin – There are so many to list, we would have to go back to the roots of metal.. Ozzy and Black Sabbath come to mind, And then there is Metallica.
  
  Andrew – Megadeth for the crushing yet melodic riffs, Iron Maiden for the harmonic sensibility and huge writing dynamics, Dream Theater for their creativity and fusion of styles
  
  Von – As a classically trained pianist, I must first give credit to Beethoven, As well as bands that have aspired me include the classic rock Queen, Journey, Scorpions and of course METALLICA, Megadeth, Dream Theater, Stone Sour

• MNotez: What’s the greatest concert any of you have ever been to, or performed? Any venues or cities that you really enjoy playing at over others?
• Black Metal Box: Kevin & Von – Would have to say Metallica. Just epic energy.
  
  Andrew – Type O Negative

• MNotez: What’s your biggest motivation while playing on stage?
• Black Metal Box: Kevin – The pounding sensation of the natural drug that your mind and body produces. If you could bottle that emotion up, you would make millions.
  
  Andrew – Convey the emotions behind a song to the audience, play the parts correctly
  
  Von – I’ve always said, when performing… Every musician should try and steal the light, capture the fans eye… if everyone does that… THEN YOU GOT A SHOW… so when I play I try to do just that!!!

• MNotez: If you could play with any other musician or band… who would it be? (past or present)
• Black Metal Box: Kevin – I would again have to say Ozzy or Metallica.
  
  Andrew – Marty Friedman.
  
  Von – NONE…. BLACK METAL BOX RULES!!!

• MNotez: What do you want your fans to think or feel while hearing your music?
• Black Metal Box: Kevin – To feel our heart, soul and passion that we feel when we’re writing the music. To be connected to us.
  
  Andrew – I want them to feel what we’re feeling when we play it and what the writer(s) were feeling when it was written
  
  Von- I want them to come on a journey with us… I want them to see , feel, drop jaws… and most importantly leave with a story.

• MNotez: What are your brands of choice for your instruments? What have you always dreamt of including into your arsenal someday?
• Black Metal Box: Kevin – Ok here is a list: Krank Amps, Tama Drums, Korg Keys, Schecter Guitars, Musicman Bass.. y’know the good stuff.

• MNotez: What’s your favorite song to play live? And do you have a different favorite recorded song?
• Black Metal Box: We think that would be two answers.. “Freight Train” and “Fallen”

• MNotez: How do you believe the internet helps the music industry or you as a band?
• Black Metal Box: It’s one of the greatest marketing tools on the planet next to radio… you can market anywhere in the world with a computer.

• MNotez: Any unique hobbies any of your like to do? What do you like to do when not jamming out?
• Black Metal Box: Kevin – We are pretty normal guys, we bike, golf, fish , hike watch football, workout and go to clubs, and of course play music.
  Andrew – Hiking, biking, shouting obscenities in my front yard.
  
  Von – I always love to practice my keys and work on different technical aspects of the piano and lovely melodies.

• MNotez: Anything else you wish to say about yourself or your music? Anything to say to your fans?
• Black Metal Box: We all have great passion to connect to our fans and communicate as much as possible. If you become a fan, we will keep your music needs fulfilled and will keep writing kick ass music so you will keep listeneing. We love our fans VERY much!!