BLACK LABEL SOCIETY bassist John JD Deservio recently spoke to Boston writer Deb Rao to discuss his new project CYCLE OF PAIN on Reform Records featuring himself on bass, and keyboards, Gregg Locascio, lead vocals, rhythm guitar, Joe Taylor (who plays with DORO PESCH) lead guitar and Rich Monica on drums.

Congratulations on the new project Cycle of Pain. How did the project come into fruition?

Deservio: "I've always recorded my music. Whether it’s by myself or with some bros. So I had a bunch of music and played it for these cats at Reform Records and they dug it. I had Cycle Of Pain in 99 with a different line-up. Me, Joe T. (guitar) and Gregg (vocals) were the latest incarnation in 03.

We were also in a band together when we were fuckin' 15! Playing Maiden tunes and originals then! So I got the deal and what better people to be a band with then my brothers forever! And they kick fuckin ass Trust me! So here we are!"

Who is in Cycle Of Pain?

Deservio: "The live band is myself, bass, vox, keys, Gregg Locascio, lead vocals, rhythm guitar, Joe Taylor (who plays with Doro Pesch) lead guitar and Rich Monica on drums."

Now you have just launched a new MySpace page. Tell us about the site.

Deservio: "It’s just getting up and running! Just some preliminary artwork on there now. All the shits coming in the next 2 weeks! Including artwork, music, pics, and videos."

How would you describe the sound of Cycle of Pain?

Deservio: "Definitely, metal/hard rock with great musicianship, deep grooves and everybody’s killing it."

How did you come up with the name of the band?

Deservio: "It's basically my life! It's a never ending Cycle Of Pain! All our lives actually!"

Now Cycle of Pain will have a music master class in Sayreville, NJ on Saturday, February 9th. Tell us about the event? How can the fans get tickets to this exclusive event?

Deservio: "Actually, it's a music master class. My singer will be playing drums with me and a buddy of mine is playing guitar. We're going to jam and I’ll explain things, like a clinic. We'll jam a COP tune, that's all. It’s going to be a great clinic though.

Tickets are 75$ but parents can get in free with the kids purchase: info@aariusstudios.com."

Any more shows on the Horizon?

Deservio: "The record wont is out till May so not till then probably."

Any plans to go into the studio and record? Any record deals in the works?

Deservio: "The record label is Reform Records. We've been recording for a month now. Shit's slammin!"

What are the touring and recording plans of Black Label Society this year?

Deservio: "I know were going to South America in, March past that I’m not sure. Maybe a record in the fall?"

You recently attended NAMM. Tell us some of the highlights from the event. Did you get to perform at any jams this year?

Deservio:" I played every day at NAMM this year! It was awesome! I played for Schecter, Hartke, Samson and Zoom.

The highlight was playing the Samson party with LUTHER VANDROS' band! That shit was funky!"

Did Cycle of Pain get to perform at NAMM this year?

Deservio: "No, we won't be out for a little bit".

Are their any other projects that you are working on? Have you seen Vinnie Moore lately?

Deservio: "I have a bunch of bass jams and jazzier funkier music that I’m going to get to do eventually as well. That shit I really get to shine on my bass. I got some of those tunes up on my website. I talk to Vinnie all the time!"