I don’t think it to be necessary to spend too much time convincing you Don Doty as an ex-DARK ANGEL member has firmly establishedhimself as one of the most prominent metal vocalists. Currently, Don is working with a totally new music entity called ELIMINATE. The band is now working on their debut album and thus, I think this is a good reason to ask Don about a couple of issues concerning his new band. This year is going to be abundant in summer festivals, so I do hope we`ll get a chance to see ELIMINATE somewhere. OK, this band doesn’t consist of random people and the music they make is thrash metal of high caliber. Well, enough of this beating about the bush. Lads and ladies, the master of ceremonies himself: Don Doty.

1. Hi Don. When we talked last time, DARK ANGEL, thanks to you initiative, had been re-activated. Interestingly, the band offered Ron, not you, the position as front man. It wasn’t very nice, as it was you who`d initiated the band`s reunion. Also, you helped the band with a number of important live shows such as, Sweden Rock Fest or Keep It True. Regardless, DARK ANGEL didn’t even invite you as a guest musician to any concert of theirs. Does it mean that some "old wounds still bleed," or what?

You know it’s funny, I kind of knew how things would turn out. It really didn’tbother me. I even told Eric to take off and go with them. So it’s cool and I really don’t want to keep rehashing old news the fans want what is coming up. I like the fact that nobody wants the drama. It leaves for a clean break. I want to focus on Eliminate and go play some live shows for the fans. We have an awesome manager and he has some really good ideas.

Now if I mayclarify something you may recall me doing an interview stating why I left DA. I believe I said because I didn't want the temptation of women and drugs and to set the record straight, it was not said because I see myself failing. It was because there was no money in it to pay the bills. Which only left women and drugs to pay the bills.And I was not cool with that.

I have talked to many people since I have been back and for some reason those lies are still going around. Everyone has told me they can clearly see I'm not on drugs, and I’m serious about my music.

In a way it`s good what DA did because now I can write what I want and how I want it. I think the fans are going to like having some new old school metal.

2. Thus, in spite of all these unpleasant circumstances, I am happy to see you didn’t give up, but created a new band – ELIMINATE. And the line-up is damn strong, if you ask me, as it’s you and some other metal scene veterans: Joe Cangelosi (Whiplash) – drums, Scott Owen (HIRAX) - Guitar, Henry Elizindo (DEVASTATION) - Guitar or John Signorelli (SUBVERSION) – bass. How did you manage to get such a strong bunch together, eh? It is absolutely amazing that ELIMINATE`s line-up is so effin powerful.

Well I would have to say it’s because all the guys are down for the music. No one is trying to stand out we all just love Metal and want to play. It has been a while since a band like Eliminate has been out.

3. Rumour has it that your line-up was to be enriched with Napalm Death`s Mitch Harris. Any comments?

Damn you hear it all, well Mitch is another Metal maniac and he spoke with Sasha about doing a little something with Eliminate and he even wrote something for Eliminate really good may I say. But Mitch could not make some of the schedule and he had his own shows to do.

But he is welcome any time to come on down. I am sure we could through something together and the fans would love it.

4. When you play live, you perform ELIMINATE`s new songs as well the songs from DARK ANGEL`s first two albums. These are the albums you participated on. For many fans, this must be an amazing experience to hear these songs with you being the front man. I am pretty sure you`re happy about the fans` reaction; on the flipside, you must surely be disappointed with the members of your ex-band, right?

Yes and no. Let me start by saying it was very cool hearing the fans sing along with the old tunes and even better after the show I heard them singing the new one we did.

As for the old members of DA I'm over it I don't have a problem with them. I’m sure the fans are as well. Nobody likes drama. So I prefer not to talk about it.

They can go and do what they want. And I’m free do what I want. I'm making a lot of new friends and it’s cool to see metal heads coming together.

5. Ok, let’s talk about something different, which is your new "child" – ELIMINATE. You played live at, among others, Grindcore Festival in LA/CA. Tell us some more about this concert, please. It lasted for two days, and apparently there were plenty of awesome bands playing too, including HIRAX for instance, right?

Yes it was an awesome show, and got to see some people from back in the day. You know this whole thing has just been one good thing after another.

And due to Sasha being on tour over in Europe we had Joe step in from Whiplash. We have some real talent here I mean Joe had 3 practices with us and one of those was the day of the show. Now looking at the tapes you would never know it.

6. In one of the interviews you said something about playing live together with POSSESSED and EXODUS. Did you manage to play with these bands?

Wellyes with Possessed Jeff and I are friends and still talk. Who knows you may even see a show with us together. As for Exodus I believe Scott played with them.

7. How is it to play live again, after all these years? Tell us about your recent shows, where else did you perform?

Well there is nothing like a live show that is for sure. I felt right at home like I had never left. The fans were all into it. There were people singing and a pit was rolling what more could one ask for. So far that has been the only show we have done. We are scheduling more shows now that we have management.

8. As said, ELIMINATE`s playing more and more live. You`re playing some new stuff of yours too. Tell us where exactly you, as a band, are right now, when it comes to recording of your new album. When is it going to be out? What label`s going to release ELIMINATE`s debut album?

Good question. Right now we are writing and scraping. After we get a song down we listen to it over and over. Then we do some changes or if we don’t like scrap it.

As for a record that will be a little later this year. There are a couple a labels we are addressing now so we will have to see how it goes.

Maybe a short demo just to get some songs out. Then the album and the tour. That is how we used to do it.

9. Tell us some more about ELIMINATE, please. Do you have any album`s working title? How many tracks is this album going to consist of? Where`d you record it, and who was responsible for the recording session?

I don’t have all that for you yet. But the caption will be "We find our calm in the storm" I'll get back to you on the tracks.

10. In the 80s, most of metal album covers, including Darkness Descends were produced by Ed Repka. Do you think it is a good idea to talk to this guy about making ELIMINATE`s debut album cover too? Any ideas as for the album cover itself, by the way?

Yes, I have a pretty good idea on what I want and how it will be set up. Let’s see what you come up with in your own mind using the caption "We find our calm in the storm". (Hint the black pearl may be in it).

11. Before the album is out, do you think about doing any video clip? It always helps with album`s promotion, I guess. Any ideas how to do it?

Yes we will be doing a couple of videos. And John is one of the best out there. He has some strong ideas we have been going over.

12. A year ago, a clip promoting your upcoming album was out. Well, judging by what we see, we are surely dealing with some A-league technical thrash metal. Don, I suspect your music is going to be (more or less) influenced by DARK ANGEL. Is Darkness Descends any kindof an influence then? Like, you know, some sort of a benchmark? Or, you`re not going to be influenced by this album at all? Except for, of course, so characteristic vocal of yours?

I guess if I am going to be influenced by something or someonemight as well be me. This way I can stay true to the fans. I am going to try and give a little

Of old school mixed with what I think metal has progressed to in my own head. Not that it will be right or wrong it is what it is. If you like it cool. If you don’t then find something you do like. And turn it up.

13. Thrash metal lyrics usually deal with such issues as pollution, social matters or politics. We are living in really dangerous times, these days. Almost every day, we hear about terrorist attacks or military conflicts. I guess you do care about what is going on here on our planet. Can you please tell us what ELIMINATE`s lyrics are all about?

I don’t want to be labeled if you know what I mean. If we write about a race car or about a third World War. Just know we will do our best and give it all we got.

14. Today, old school metal seems extremely popular again. It is strong again. More and more young people listen to old and classic albums. They wear old fashioned denim jackets with band patches of groups formed 30 years ago. Also, plenty of old band become active again. All this seems super encouraging for other maniacs (musicians, metal fans), what do you think?

I think your right and there is an uprising. Just like back in the day we just want to be heard. And the abuse of authority needs to stop.

15.I am curious to know what you think about new albums from SLAYER, HOBBS ANGEL OF DEATH, EXODUS, OVERKILL, HIRAX, TESTAMENT, and SANCTUARY, as seen from today`s perspective. Is there any album released during the last 2-3 years which gripped your attention? What do you think about SATAN`s “Atom By Atom”?

I thought that they all held their own. And SATAN you can’t go wrong with. Besides I’m still trying to figure out who the Guitar player looks like. (Lol)

16. You`ve always stressed Ozzy Osbourne is your main influence when it comes to singing. Did you manage to see BLACK SABBATH during their farewell show The End? What do you think about their latest album XIII?

Ozzy and Tony made a great pair as Jim and I made a great pair. My first concert was Sabbath with Dio while promoting "The Mob Rules," but I always liked Ozzy for his stage presents. Also for the fact he just got up and sang even when he forgot the words. Nobody gave a shit. Shit, he picked a bat up and bit its head off. That is a front man that holds nothing back. He also always worked the crowd and got them into it. that is how I see myself I am there for the fans and I want to make sure that if you come to a show it will be one that you remember and talk about for the rest of your life. I think that is what I was trying to say.

17. Don, tell me honestly what you`ve been listening to lately?

Metal, Dup step, Talor,even some Rap, see I got a bunch of youngster that hang around, boys and girls. That’s what happens when you have kids. Mine are past the point from where I started. So I listen to what they have on. They all know I’m just a Metal head.

18. Yes, you`ve been dealing with metal music all your life. Well, it is pretty hard (I suspect) to make a living from playing music. Well, tell us, if it is ok with you, of course: what`s your job?

This is my job now. When I do something I’m all in. Besides what does it cost to live anyway? OK I banked enough to retire so let’s have some fun. Lol.

19. Well, STAR WAR`s new episode is out now. People are literally crazy about this movie. Did you see it already? How did you like it? I am personally disappointed with this movie a little bit. Yeah, this episode is, to some extent, influenced by episode IV. I think it is going to be pretty hard to try replacing Darth Vader, what do you think?

Ok, have not seen it yet. So Iwillget back to you on it.

20. Time to wrap up, I think. Thank you very much for your time. Feel free to say anything you want to our OMMM readers. Thanks.

Just the usual I appreciate the support from all the fans. I’m hoping to be getting some tour dates soon. And will let you know.

Leszek Wojnicz-Sianożęcki