Glam-metal.com spoke to EXCITER guitar legend John Ricci recently about a number of topics. A few excerpts from the chat follow:

Glam-metal.com: You just released your latest effort called Thrash, Speed, Burn on Massacre Records February 22nd. Can you tell us about the new CD?

Ricci: "The new record, Thrash, Speed, Burn, was to re-establish us as one of the pioneers of speed and thrash metal. I guess it was a sort of reminder to younger metal fans where the whole speed thing came from. Not that we have anything to prove but the intensity of this record is evident and it`s honest. We always try to get this freight train vibe like in our live performances. It was the first time we have recorded in digital but the final product came out sounding garage old school. I don't know if that’s a good thing or bad thing? Some reviewers like the production some don’t. You can’t please everyone! Our new singer, Kenny Winter from Brooklyn, New York, is a great addition to our line-up. I write the songs for the most part. Kenny’s interpretation of the songs has added an exciting fresh angle in the Exciter tradition. The sales figures for this record since the release date Feb.22, 2008 are impressive and our record co. Massacre is quite pleased with the numbers."

Glam-metal.com: This year marks the 25th year anniversary since the first release Heavy Metal Maniac. How do you think the band has progressed musically since that time?

Ricci: "I feel the band today is a lot stronger than the '80's. Musically were better and more focused. The writing style has remained the same to please our fans. We've progressed with our songwriting ability and our teamwork not like the old days where there was a clash with many decisions that had to be made. This current line-up, Rik, Clammy, Kenny and myself, are better friends and respectful to each other’s ideas. We go through a voting process when it`s time to make a decision not like the original days where one guy wanted to call the shots. As a result, we are a better `functional` band.

Glam-metal.com: What is your relationship like with former drummer Dan Beehler?

Ricci: "Dan Beehler and myself are not on speaking terms and haven’t been since 2004. It's a long dragged out story, I’ll tell you the story over a beer some time!"

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