SW: You (like many of the US thrash-metal pioneers) were heavily Influenced by the NWOBHM and European metal of the early '80s. Who were some of your major influences back then and do you still listen to these bands today?
KD: We will always be influenced by the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal and European Metal. Bands like, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Motorhead, Tank, Diamond Head, Angel Witch, Tygers of Pan Tang, Venom, Girlschool, Saxon, Samson, etc. were the driving force behind a lot of the early thrash metal bands in the USA. A big influence! It actually saddens me that a lot of the kids today don't respect or know about those bands. Hopefully because of bands like us, the kids today will search high and low to find these band's records.

SW: I know you were also a big fan of Riot. You must have been devastated when you heard about the passing of original Riot vocalist Guy Speranza...
KD: I still am devastated. Much like the NWOBHM bands... America has a lot of unknown heavy metal heroes that also influenced the early U.S. thrash metal scene. The Rods, Manowar, and definitely Riot featuring original vocalist Guy Speranza were a big influence on me. I would say that he is the most underrated American heavy metal vocalist of all-time. A very original voice accompanied by great songs! Any of the Riot records that he sang on are worth committing a crime to own. There was definitely not enough press written up about his recent death. Anybody who has ever heard the album "Fire Down Under" knows what I'm talking about. I would like to send out my condolences to Guy Speranza's family. I will miss his voice greatly. Luckily I have every record that he has ever sang on and I still listen to them all of the time! LONG LIVE GUY SPERANZA!!

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