Guitar International has issued an new interview with guitarist Paul Crook (MEAT LOAF, ex-ANTHRAX, SEBASTIAN BACH). An excerpt follows:

Q: I speak with a lot of artists and they tell me they no longer make new music because people are simply not interested in it and just want them to remain in the past. Meat Loaf has effectively ignored that. Why does he continue to make new music when he could tour every year on his past catalogue ?

A: "Because he’s an artist and he’s always looking to grow and be challenged. He always looks to better himself. You’re only as good as your last record."

Q: You’ve played with Anthrax and Sebastian Bach, both guitar-driven metal bands. Tell us how it was to transition to Meat Loaf?

A: "I’ve never felt like I’ve taken a back seat in Meat Loaf. Live, we play heavier and louder compared to the CDs. Meat Loaf likes crunchy guitar. He likes aggressive things. Musically, it’s very challenging; it’s complex beyond belief yet a lot of fun to play. Jim Steinman will never repeat the same chord. There will be a second verse, but it will be a completely different chord scenario, whether you’re adding an interval like a 7 or a 9 to the chord, it’s a different chord. 1, 4, 5, 6 as opposed to 1, 4, 5."

Robert: Are you still friends with the members of Anthrax?

A: "Oh, yeah. I love those guys beyond words. I still see all of them. They gave me a shot in the early ‘90s when I had no real experience. They took a risk on me and I’ll never forget them for that. I’m so proud to say that I was in Anthrax."

Robert: The new Anthrax CD, Worship Music, is fantastic. What do you think of it?

A: "Oh, my god. It’s unbelievable. In my opinion, definitely the best record they’ve ever released."

Read the full interview at this location.