In recent years, The Stage of Dreams has steadily risen in the metal scene. They were 2022 Wacken Metal USA National Finalists and have shared stages with icons like Tim "The Ripper" Owens. Their EP *From the Shadows They Strike,* produced by Dave Hillis, paved the way for their latest concept album, *The Duality Conflict.* Recorded at Grammy-winning The Vault and mastered by Maor Appelbaum, the album showcases their growth and vision. In 2023, they brought *The Duality Conflict* to life in a theatrical Pittsburgh performance, complete with lighting, effects, and actors, bringing a unique rock opera experience to their fans.
Daniel: I’m glad to be a part of this interview, thanks for having me here.
“Killingback Woods” appears on our album “The Duality Conflict.” It has a swamp metal vibe and is a crucial setting in the story where a dangerous exchange occurs. To highlight this epic song, we are releasing a music video on October 31st.
- How would you describe your sound?
Daniel: I’d say this song has ebb and flow. It has a bluesy intro and solo section but also has driving parts and mosh grooves.
- What do you write about?
Daniel: Darker themes, doom destruction and hope are what I prefer. I always like to have that little thread of hope in the song surrounded by intensity and aggression.
- What do you listen to when you are home?
Daniel: Right now I’m really into Riot V and a lot of underground metal like Iron Flame, Visigoth, Haunt and Night Demon.
- Your favourite live performance so far?
Daniel: I’d say the back-to-back sold out shows when we opened for Ripper Owens at The Empire would be my favorite performances so far. It was Janelle’s first time performing with us and the crowd was super loud and the vibe was through the roof. The Empire in Akron, Ohio was my favorite place to play. Unfortunately, it was sold and is no longer a concert venue.
- Tell us a funny story that happened in studio or on stage.
Daniel: During our first Rock Opera performance the Stage Crew made several mistakes and miscues, and I was playing The Stage Master and had to compensate and improvise for them not turning platforms at the correct time or in some cases they would get things done too fast. I would be commanding them to do tasks they had already completed. “Hey, clean up that mess over there! Oh wait, there’s nothing there, lol. Stop being so efficient!! Whoever did such a fine job will be punished accordingly!”
- Your favourite albums?
Daniel: The New album Mean Streets by Riot V is absolutely one of my all-time favorites. On first listen I was like this is one of the best albums I’ve ever heard!!
I love the classics like the first six Iron Maiden albums, Judas Priest - Screaming For Vengeance, Pain Killer, Sad Wings of Destiny, and let’s throw some Sister Sin - True Sound Of The Underground in there too along with Rust In Peace by MegaDeth, Halford - Resurrection, Dickinson – Accident of Birth and Chemical Wedding.
- A musician you would like to meet for a beer?
Daniel: I also sing for an Iron Maiden tribute called Edward Be Thy Name, so it only makes sense that that person would be Bruce Dickinson.
- What would you ask for backstage, if you were the most important band on earth?
Daniel: Lobster after every show would be right at the top of my demands. A table would be set up and instead of a meet and greet, I would have a meet and eat. Anyone chewing too loudly would be taken away by security.
- What are your plans for the near future?
Daniel: Definitely, get some more Rock Opera shows lined up and get on as many live shows as possible. Keep writing and building up for the next album. Going on a tour and performing at a huge metal festival are part of our plans as well.