Interview by Kris Peters
When the genesis of a band consists of musicians paying homage to one of the greats, then you just know from the outset something special is brewing.
But when that band comprises members from that same band they are paying musical respect to the end result is infinitely more grandiose and exciting.
Starting life to finish recording and releasing music originally penned by Dio - by none other than drummer Vinny Appice, bassist Jimmy Bain, guitarist Vivian Campbell, and keyboardist Claude Schnell - Last In Line reunited along with vocalist Andrew Freeman to perform the Dio songs they originally recorded. The band released a studio album of original material without Schnell titled Heavy Crown in February 2016.
From there Last In Line grew more into a band of their own volition, still performing music from that great era of rock, but adding a touch of their own spice to the mix to give it their own unique flavour.
The band are preparing to release their third studio album, Jericho, on March 31 and on the back of lead single Ghost Town have promised more of the rock fuelled greatness for which Last In Line have continued to stage their name and reputation.
Current bass player Phil Soussan joined HEAVY earlier in the week to talk about the new album and the enduring legacy of Dio.
"Very happy with the album," he nodded. "It's been a very long time coming because we had to put this together during a trying and difficult time - as I'm sure everybody can appreciate - and I think we came out with something that we're proud of. Actually, better than I thought it was going to be because we had no idea how it was going to be with all of the hurdles and restrictions that had been placed in front of us during the process of coming up with this record."
"I think people who have listened to the second album noticed a definite progression from the first album," he continued. "Obviously, sadly, Jimmy Bain is no longer with us and he was very much part of that first album. I originally was asked to come in to finish some shows for which there had been some obligations from the first record and during that time we realised there was a great chemistry going on with this band. Then the second album came up and when that was written, obviously I brought in some different influences and so people would hear the progression from that first to the second album and I'd like to say that we continue that trajectory to where Jericho now is. So it's different from the second album and it's definitely an evolution from what we did on that record. I think it's really nailed certain things that make this band unique and different from others."
In the full interview, Phil talks more about the new album, writing to a formula, continuing the legacy of one of the biggest rock outfits in history, recording the album live and what that means, the early days of Last In Line, his joining the band, his relationship with Jimmy Bain and how that influenced his decision to join Last In Line, touring plans and more.