Bob: I can only put it in the simplest terms, the fans can expect a no holds barred type of show. After all, we are sharing the stage with Exciter and Dave Shankel so we will, most definitely, be on our “A” game.

Chris: I know you’ve known John (Ricci) and Exciter for many years. How does it feel to be sharing a stage with them? That is a band that has always held the flag high for our music.

Bob:  It’s truly an honor, Chris. Exciter is one of the most important bands in the history of heavy metal music and we have been given the privilege to perform with them. After this show, I am certain more opportunities will come our way. Needless to say we are off to a great start.

Chris: So we’ve touched on it before, but it warrants revisiting: How does it feel to be at the Sleepy Hollow helm again? Does the unity keep strengthening as you guys create more music and throw around ideas?

Bob: Absolutely. It feels great to be fronting this band once again. This time, however, it will be a long run for me. Chris, this is not so much a reunion but it is more, most certainly, a continuation. This forthcoming body of work will surpass anything I have ever done in my career and, as you know, that covers a lot of ground.

Chris: I know there was also a brief foray into the Wycked Synn realm again, but has that been ostensibly shelved at this point?

Bob: Yes very brief (laughs). Well there is not much to say, really. To be honest, I don’t want to waste anyone’s time discussing the matter. I will say this, in the end; it worked out in my favor. So we’ll leave this issue for another time.

Chris: Also, before we venture into November 18^th and run the risk of not coming out alive, can you update us all on the Skull 13 album and when Pure Steel and High Roller will be releasing it?

Bob: SKULL 13 is completely mastered and I believe, by the time this article is published, it will be at the hands of both Pure Steel and High Roller Records. We will be announcing a release date sometime after our show with Exciter.

Chris: Has the album turned out to be what you expected or has it surpassed expectations it in any way?

Bob: It certainly has surpassed our expectations. The overall sound quality has a clear and precise sound, yet it has retained the natural rawness that we are known for. In this regard, we are very proud of this work, but as with all of the releases that I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of, and I am certain that the band feels this way, the fans will decide where this album will go.

Chris: You’ve played a couple of gigs and done a lot of press so far this year; is the familiar itch building again to get out there and tear it up?

Bob: Being an entertainer is a part of my being. Fronting a band like Sleepy Hollow is a privilege and blessing for me. So it’s not so much an itch as it is a continuance of what I have been doing for the last thirty-three years. As long as the fans permit me and as long as God wills it, I will always be here for the fans of Heavy Metal.

Chris: So are there any definitive or even blueprint plans to tour extensively when the album hits?

Bob: I don’t believe, at this point, that we will do any extensive touring but we do expect to perform quite a bit in 2012. For instance, we are already negotiating for several dates here in the U.S. including a return here to Chicago for 2012. We are going to tour Europe in a supporting capacity which will lead-up to our appearance at the Sword Brothers Festival in Andernach, Germany. Beyond that, well, only time will tell and of course it is all dependent on how well the new album will be selling.

Chris: So, back to Reggie’s for just a bit; what are you and the guys expecting when you hit our fair freezing city as far as the crowd is concerned? I know the buzz is really going about it (simply because Chicago Jay and I never shut up long enough for any other news).

Bob: Chicago has always been a great city for Heavy Metal and every time I’ve been there, it was always memorable. So of course, we’re expecting a great crowd and a great night for Heavy Metal. This should turn out to be a highlight of 2011 for all involved. As I said before this show is a true honor for us to be a part of.

Chris: For the fans out there that are sick vinyl collectors as I am will the Skull 13 release see a vinyl pressing? How has the new label been treating you so far?

Bob: Yes, SKULL 13 will be released on vinyl through High Roller Records and will be released on the same date as the CD and DDL versions which would be through Pure Steel Records. But again, we have to wait for the release date and we will hopefully have an announcement for everyone real soon. The labels have been treating us very, very well. We secured great deals with both and we expect to be with both for a long time.

Chris: You and I have spoken at great length about the state of the heavy metal medium in America today, but I have to tell you there’s some terrific bands popping up all over the country and it seems really prevalent this year. Maybe the tide is finally turning and bands are coming back with a vengeance. Do you ever see America regaining a firm foothold in the movement again like we enjoyed in the 80’s and early 90’s?

Bob: I have a great outlook for the future of Heavy Metal. I believe it to have a new found respect as of late. Especially with the recent success of the Anvil movie and the recent Big Four Tour. The seeds that were planted in Europe are slowly but surely making its way into our country again. In time, the world will be united once again and it will be because of bands like mine and fans like you. Heavy Metal is very much like Pro-Wrestling, meaning that it is very cyclical. It goes through its ups and downs but through the passion and devotion of the fans, it remains with us and it will for a long time to come.

Chris: Bob thanks so much for talking with us at Psalter again, and I look forward to seeing you and hanging out for a couple of days that will surely be epic. I have a feeling this show will be a local legend for years to come! Any last remarks for us willing fans?

Bob: I’ve been to Chicago before and I’ve had great success there, however, coming into town with Sleepy Hollow and debuting there with Exciter and Dave Shankel will be a crowning achievement with many more on the horizon. Chris I thank you and the fans of Chicago for believing in me and not letting me go off to pasture. I also want to thank the folks at Reggie’s for allowing us in and of course to you, Chris, and everyone at Metal Psalter. Finally, to one of the greatest friends I’ve ever had the pleasure of making, Chicago Jay. Thanks brother from the heart, God Bless all of you and Metal On!

Sleepy Hollow's Bob Mitchell - Chicago 2011

November 7, 2011

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TO THE TOP

(Click on Photo to Enlarge)

'89 Demo - A Legend Retold (1989)
Sleepy Hollow (1991)
1989-1992: Rest in Pieces -
                          Best of/Comp. (2002)

Bob Mitchell:  Vocals
Steve Stegg:  Guitar
Steve Brink:  Bass
Tommy Wassman:  Drums

DISCOGRAPHY:

CURRENT LINE-UP:

Formed October, 1989
Jersey City, NJ  USA
Label: Azra/Ironworks Records
Genre: Heavy Metal

Interviewer: Chris

Chris: Bob, as always brother, it’s great to talk with you again! Since later this month we’re going to be practically roommates for two days when you hit Chicago on November 18 for the gig with Exciter and Dave Shankle, is the excitement mounting?

Bob Mitchell: Yes, the excitement is most definitely mounting. We just came off of our return show in Syracuse, New York and it was a great show. A lot of the other bands that performed were awesome and that just got us going so by the time we hit the stage it was pure mayhem.  So we look forward to our debut in Chicago. It should be great as well.

Chris: What can the fans expect out of the return of Sleepy Hollow at Reggie’s this month?