Generally acknowledged by the American and European rock press as the most prolific musician in heavy metal today, lead guitarist David T. Chastain is justifiably proud of The Voice Of The Cult, the fourth album by his band Chastain. Marking a progression in his music, the group's leader feels this Cd "Is more upbeat, and demonstrates a positive feel. The title track, "The Voice Of The Cult," is a song he describes as "a song for the metal masses, the underground network of fans." This ode to his followers "tells how the music will never die, and speaks for the metal 'cult'." Thinking back to the first Chastain band album, Mystery Of Illusion (released in March 1985), the Cincinnati, OH resident feels: "The songs on that album had more gothic themes --kings and queens--and the music was more spread out amongst the other band members. With my instrumental album (Instrumental Variations, his debut solo LP released in October 1987), I had a platform to express my own musical abilities."

If anyone knows all the ins and outs of the making of this record, it is Chastain himself. In addition to fronting the band, he writes all the music and most of the lyrics, and serves as producer. And, with his growing experience comes a greater degree of confidence that now allows the other members of Chastain to showcase their talents. It is a quartet of professionals in whom the guitarist has ultimate faith. "This band consists of the best and most talented combination of musicians of any band in the world," he believes.

The facts bear him out. For the fourth time on vinyl, vocals are handled by the mysterious and power-lunged Leather while bass is aptly provided by Mike Skimmerhorn. Drummer Ken Mary--who has been with Chastain since their second recorded effort--once again fills that seat.

Says fellow Cincinnatian Skimmerhorn: "On this fourth Chastain LP, I had more freedom to play what I wanted to, my own chops and licks, a more personal, fancier style. On the last two albums, my bass playing was flashier to show off more of my ability. The third record gave me a few solos, which I wrote. I was freer with my playing."

In the past year, Chastain did a good deal of touring --about 50 dates throughout the United States. The touring dates were scheduled in between recording projects. "Within that time frame, I did my solo instrumental LP, spent a year developing Chastain and put more emphasis on that band," the guitarist says. "Now Chastain is a stronger band because of that, and we know what each other is capable of musically."

Another musician might feel overtaxed writing and producing for so many simultaneous commitments, but not Chastain. "I always try to do something meaningful and different," he affirms. "We don't sound like anyone else. When you hear a Chastain song, you can't say it sounds like anyone else. We have a more mature attitude within the songwriting."

Tipping his hat to band mate Chastain, Skimmerhorn feels: "The production sound is better of The Voice Of The Cult, and David's producing is getting better each record." While Chastain continues to write all the music and most of the lyrics, Leather wrote the words for "Share Yourself With Me" and "Soldiers Of The Flame."

He describes a few of the tracks: "'Live Hard' is my view that you should live for today and not worry about tomorrow too much. There's no guarantee, you just never know. I look back on things I should have done and didn't have time to do. I don't mean you should go out and get blind drunk, but you should live each day to it fullest. 'Chains Of Love' I wrote because I have seen people in relationships where they're massively in love and hate with each other at the same time. It's either extreme pain, or pleasure. "'Fortune Teller' is loosely based on a real experience. I met a fortune teller who did a couple of readings for me that were very exact, so she inspired the song. I'm not sure I believe in them, but probably there are some who are real to some degree. 'Child Of Evermore' is about Nostradamus. I've always been interested in him, and his forecasts. 'Take Me Home' relates the idea of living through multiple lives so you can return to your place of beginning, like reincarnation. Even in this present existence, if people search within themselves, they will find many answers."

Chastain plan on touring in support of the release of The Voice The Cult, a prospect which bassist Skimmerhorn likes. Noting that there are distinct differences between in-studio and on-stage performances, he says: "I never really play live exactly as it's recorded on the recorded on the record; I never have. I'm always experimenting on stage. I don't go back to the album to learn the parts the way I played them in the studio, but throw in my own style as I feel it in concert."

Chastain reveals that the would like to tour Europe. Despite never having performed overseas, he finds himself a major guitar hero in the foreign press. "At first, my European record label sold me more over there than in the U.S. Now, with a consistent base in Europe, American sales are higher. Our sales have totaled 100,000 over the past 15 months which is great for an independent label (Chastain and CJSS record for Leviathan Records in the U.S., and Roadrunner Records in Europe). Each album outsells the last," he proudly reports.

All the years of hard work have afforded Chastain some changes, but nothing drastic. "There have been many life changes," the guitarist reveals, "although we've become financially dependent enough so we're not forced to do anything we don't want to do. "The most important critique to me is from the press and our fans," Chastain honestly confides. "I totally appreciate all the positive press we've been getting, and it's been running about 99% positive. The fan mail is very important to me. I cherish that as much as I do a glowing review."

Future plans include a Chastain tour over the summer and another all-instrumental album in the early spring of 1989, Chastain reports. The musician really sums it up when he states: "We're still trying to put out the highest quality music we possibly can, and for each album to progress from the previous record. With sales figures growing steadily with each release, our fans must agree. That's what Chastain is all about.

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