C.O.P. UK (aka Crimes Of Passion) hit right on the spot with their new third full-length album. The fact is that their new album “No Place for Heaven” was named “Album of the Month” on Grande Rock, as it contains catchy melodic metal tracks that will make your day. We contacted singer Dale Radcliffe, in the middle of the tour with Helloween, to talk about “No Place for Heaven” and the band’s new plans…
Hi Dale. It’s nice to have you on Grande Rock. Third’s the charm they say. So how do you feel about your new album “No Place for Heaven”?
D: We are very proud of our third album, a real privilege to work with Sascha Paeth that produced some of our favourite bands, Kamelot and Ed Guy, being the tip of the iceberg, so to speak.
How did the cooperation with UDR occur? Is there any difference now that you’re on the roster of such a big metal label?
D: The relationship started, really on our tour with Saxon; we became good friends with Leo whom gained a mutual respect for Crimes Of Passion, seeing our dedication and enthusiasm to our music. The difference being on UDR as opposed to our previous is amazing. One thing I have noticed, wherever we go now, people are waiting outside venues with our CD to sign!! A real indication that thing are being done right.
Which are the differences between your previous and your new album?
D: OK, this could be a long answer!!!! But here’s the shorter version (lol). The second album is almost 100% as we wrote it. Charlie Baufeind changed very little and gave us more than the kick ass melodic metal album we wanted. Sascha’s approach was to be more involved in the writing as requested by our management (Leo). The intention for this was to extract and work on our more melodic side. OK, when some ideas were suggested, we weren’t totally sure of the outcome, but trusted the expertise of Sascha and his ability, and boy were we happy with the finished album!!!
Why there’s “No Place for Heaven”? How did you come up with the album’s title?
D: We wanted one of the song titles as the album title “Kiss of an Angel” was also on the cards, but “No Place for Heaven” had the majority band vote.
Tell us a few things about each track…
D: “The Core”: Simply a kick ass melodic metal track, and opener to our live set at the moment.
“My Blood”: Again, really the same as above, and also in our set…
“Kiss of an Angel”: A real melodic extravaganza, with an immortality theme.
“Take It to the Grave”: Again, an up tempo, melodic metal song.
“No Place for Heaven”: A real gem of a ballad, featuring Claudi that sang with Toby on Avantasias “Sleepwalking”…
“Burn Hell”: First tune we recorded with Sascha, a few learning curves on this one, mutually getting to know how each other works, so we feel this has a unique charm.
“Halo”: This is our kick ass all out metal tune, for no purpose than to remind people, we are still at heart a metal band… (lol)
“Catch Me If You Can”: The first single!! A real, fist in the air, feel-good anthem!!
“No Man’s Land”: A real strong power ballad (a personal favourite)…
“One in a Million”: Again, a real motoring melodic metal, anthemic chorus…
“Stranger Than Fiction”: The deepest song on the album, in my opinion. A real power ballad, showing our diversity and ability to be almost Journeyesq at times.
You’ve worked with Sascha Paeth (Avanatasia, Epica etc.) on your new album. Do you feel that he helped you to bring out the best of you? I’m sure you’re also satisfied with the massive production of the album as the listeners are, right?
D: A real privilege!!! The album speaks for itself I think!!!! (i.n.: It does indeed!!!)
A lyric video for “No Place for Heaven” and a concept one for “Catch Me If You Can” are already out. Will there be any other video release in the near future?
D: For sure, we’re not quite sure which will be the next, we’re spoiled for choice!! (i.n.: A good many tracks to choose from!)
You’re on a tour with Helloween right? How did that occur and are you kind of anxious to play in such a big and demanding audience such as the one who has been following Helloween all these years?
D: I’m actually part way through that tour right now, and I can tell you, it’s everything we wanted, we play to full concert halls every night, we are going down a storm and the guys in Rage and Halloween are just diamonds !!! It’s perfect!!! (i.n.: A dream come true!)
Does the fact that you’re under a big label and you’re touring with big metal names make you feel anxious for what’s to come? Do you feel any kind of stress or what?
D: I would never describe this as stressful, everything I ever wanted with a band is coming true, I am a music fan travelling the world living my dream, bring it on!!!!
What are your music influences as a band and a musician in general?
D: We are all fans of the classics that you will hear in our songs, Maiden, Dio and so on, but we are equally fans of bands like Avenged Sevenfold, so we feel we like to inject a little of this modern influence into it.
How would you describe you band’s music style to someone who hasn’t heard of the band at all?
D: Well, we do actually get described as Iron Maiden meets Avenged Sevenfold, especially live concerts, so I’d go with that… (i.n.: I do not quite agree but what the hell!)
What are your expectations from “No Place for Heaven” and what do you wish to achieve with C.O.P. UK at long term?
D: OK realistically, we think this album has got us noticed as a band to look out for; there is no doubt about it, the live response on this tour has proved that. We already know it’s selling well, just from the pre-order numbers, maybe we are millionaires now?! (lol) That would be a nice surprise to find when we get home??!
It’s time for our Weird Questions!!! How and why did Crimes Of Passion turn into C.O.P. UK?
D: The management and label wanted a shorter and simpler logo, we thought of all sorts of alternatives, but nothing shone through. C.O.P. was suggested, along with a logo idea, and we thought the logo idea was great and in reality it means we are still Crimes Of Passion. The UK tag is really so people know we originate from the home of some of the greats, Maiden, Saxon, Priest and so on.
If you were an animal, which animal would you be and why?
D: Pussy, need I explain? Ha Ha… (i.n.: Not at all mate!)
Which are the best 3 Heavy Metal albums of all time according to you?
D: Hmmmm, OK I can already hear your disagreements but for me, the landmark inspiration moments in my life are: Queen – “A Night at the Opera”, Yngwie J Malmsteen – “Trilogy” and Iron Maiden – “Somewhere in Time”… (i.n.: Who can disagree with these 3 choises?!)
Which do you consider to be the best male vocalist in metal history?
D: For me it’s undoubtedly Jimi Jamison (Survivor)… ( love the power, emotion, clarity and accuracy of his work… (i.n.: Jimi was one of a kind!)
Fill in the phrase… “Heavy Metal music wouldn’t have evolved the way it did, if it hadn’t been for…”
D: You crazy people out there wanting, not just music, but a way of life and whole culture that stops us being normal!!!!
Best pick-up line that has worked for you several times in the past?
D: “Excuse me love, do you think my sleeve smells of Chloroform?”…
What’s the worst thing you can say right after sex?
D: “Thanks Mum”…
You have the opportunity to sleep with a movie-celebrity/porn-star of your choice. Who would it be & why?
D: Where is this interview going???? OK Buggs Bunny, y’know when he dresses as a lady bunny and you get that funny feeling in your stomach? OK, just me then? (i.n.: WTF?!!)
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
D: John Williams Star Wars soundtrack, with the question, “does this soundtrack sum up the crazy sh*t that’s really going on up there?”…
If you had the chance to travel in time… where would you choose to go? To the past or the future and why?
D: Back to the 80s and live the days of Dokken & Ratt being played weekly in my local rock club…
Who is the sexiest female Rock Star of all time?
D: Hmmmm, Doro’s kinda had it a long time, without losing it I guess…
Which one of the Seven Deadly Sins you consider yourself to be?
D: Dopey or sleepy I guess ha ha…
Imagine that your girlfriend/wife is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react? ☺
D: I think you mean, how did I react? And it wasn’t a ring; she installed a Sex dungeon, so it was a win, win situation xx… (i.n.: @?!!)
Thx for talking to Grande Rock. Close this interview in your own way. Wish you the best for the future to come. Take care!
D: It was fun and a pleasure, anytime!! Thank you for you and your readers support, now go get the album and see what I’m talking about!! Take care – see you seen in a town near you!!
D: We are very proud of our third album, a real privilege to work with Sascha Paeth that produced some of our favourite bands, Kamelot and Ed Guy, being the tip of the iceberg, so to speak.
How did the cooperation with UDR occur? Is there any difference now that you’re on the roster of such a big metal label?
D: The relationship started, really on our tour with Saxon; we became good friends with Leo whom gained a mutual respect for Crimes Of Passion, seeing our dedication and enthusiasm to our music. The difference being on UDR as opposed to our previous is amazing. One thing I have noticed, wherever we go now, people are waiting outside venues with our CD to sign!! A real indication that thing are being done right.
Which are the differences between your previous and your new album?
D: OK, this could be a long answer!!!! But here’s the shorter version (lol). The second album is almost 100% as we wrote it. Charlie Baufeind changed very little and gave us more than the kick ass melodic metal album we wanted. Sascha’s approach was to be more involved in the writing as requested by our management (Leo). The intention for this was to extract and work on our more melodic side. OK, when some ideas were suggested, we weren’t totally sure of the outcome, but trusted the expertise of Sascha and his ability, and boy were we happy with the finished album!!!
Why there’s “No Place for Heaven”? How did you come up with the album’s title?
D: We wanted one of the song titles as the album title “Kiss of an Angel” was also on the cards, but “No Place for Heaven” had the majority band vote.
Tell us a few things about each track…
D: “The Core”: Simply a kick ass melodic metal track, and opener to our live set at the moment.
“My Blood”: Again, really the same as above, and also in our set…
“Kiss of an Angel”: A real melodic extravaganza, with an immortality theme.
“Take It to the Grave”: Again, an up tempo, melodic metal song.
“No Place for Heaven”: A real gem of a ballad, featuring Claudi that sang with Toby on Avantasias “Sleepwalking”…
“Burn Hell”: First tune we recorded with Sascha, a few learning curves on this one, mutually getting to know how each other works, so we feel this has a unique charm.
“Halo”: This is our kick ass all out metal tune, for no purpose than to remind people, we are still at heart a metal band… (lol)
“Catch Me If You Can”: The first single!! A real, fist in the air, feel-good anthem!!
“No Man’s Land”: A real strong power ballad (a personal favourite)…
“One in a Million”: Again, a real motoring melodic metal, anthemic chorus…
“Stranger Than Fiction”: The deepest song on the album, in my opinion. A real power ballad, showing our diversity and ability to be almost Journeyesq at times.
You’ve worked with Sascha Paeth (Avanatasia, Epica etc.) on your new album. Do you feel that he helped you to bring out the best of you? I’m sure you’re also satisfied with the massive production of the album as the listeners are, right?
D: A real privilege!!! The album speaks for itself I think!!!! (i.n.: It does indeed!!!)
A lyric video for “No Place for Heaven” and a concept one for “Catch Me If You Can” are already out. Will there be any other video release in the near future?
D: For sure, we’re not quite sure which will be the next, we’re spoiled for choice!! (i.n.: A good many tracks to choose from!)
You’re on a tour with Helloween right? How did that occur and are you kind of anxious to play in such a big and demanding audience such as the one who has been following Helloween all these years?
D: I’m actually part way through that tour right now, and I can tell you, it’s everything we wanted, we play to full concert halls every night, we are going down a storm and the guys in Rage and Halloween are just diamonds !!! It’s perfect!!! (i.n.: A dream come true!)
Does the fact that you’re under a big label and you’re touring with big metal names make you feel anxious for what’s to come? Do you feel any kind of stress or what?
D: I would never describe this as stressful, everything I ever wanted with a band is coming true, I am a music fan travelling the world living my dream, bring it on!!!!
What are your music influences as a band and a musician in general?
D: We are all fans of the classics that you will hear in our songs, Maiden, Dio and so on, but we are equally fans of bands like Avenged Sevenfold, so we feel we like to inject a little of this modern influence into it.
How would you describe you band’s music style to someone who hasn’t heard of the band at all?
D: Well, we do actually get described as Iron Maiden meets Avenged Sevenfold, especially live concerts, so I’d go with that… (i.n.: I do not quite agree but what the hell!)
What are your expectations from “No Place for Heaven” and what do you wish to achieve with C.O.P. UK at long term?
D: OK realistically, we think this album has got us noticed as a band to look out for; there is no doubt about it, the live response on this tour has proved that. We already know it’s selling well, just from the pre-order numbers, maybe we are millionaires now?! (lol) That would be a nice surprise to find when we get home??!
It’s time for our Weird Questions!!! How and why did Crimes Of Passion turn into C.O.P. UK?
D: The management and label wanted a shorter and simpler logo, we thought of all sorts of alternatives, but nothing shone through. C.O.P. was suggested, along with a logo idea, and we thought the logo idea was great and in reality it means we are still Crimes Of Passion. The UK tag is really so people know we originate from the home of some of the greats, Maiden, Saxon, Priest and so on.
If you were an animal, which animal would you be and why?
D: Pussy, need I explain? Ha Ha… (i.n.: Not at all mate!)
Which are the best 3 Heavy Metal albums of all time according to you?
D: Hmmmm, OK I can already hear your disagreements but for me, the landmark inspiration moments in my life are: Queen – “A Night at the Opera”, Yngwie J Malmsteen – “Trilogy” and Iron Maiden – “Somewhere in Time”… (i.n.: Who can disagree with these 3 choises?!)
Which do you consider to be the best male vocalist in metal history?
D: For me it’s undoubtedly Jimi Jamison (Survivor)… ( love the power, emotion, clarity and accuracy of his work… (i.n.: Jimi was one of a kind!)
Fill in the phrase… “Heavy Metal music wouldn’t have evolved the way it did, if it hadn’t been for…”
D: You crazy people out there wanting, not just music, but a way of life and whole culture that stops us being normal!!!!
Best pick-up line that has worked for you several times in the past?
D: “Excuse me love, do you think my sleeve smells of Chloroform?”…
What’s the worst thing you can say right after sex?
D: “Thanks Mum”…
You have the opportunity to sleep with a movie-celebrity/porn-star of your choice. Who would it be & why?
D: Where is this interview going???? OK Buggs Bunny, y’know when he dresses as a lady bunny and you get that funny feeling in your stomach? OK, just me then? (i.n.: WTF?!!)
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
D: John Williams Star Wars soundtrack, with the question, “does this soundtrack sum up the crazy sh*t that’s really going on up there?”…
If you had the chance to travel in time… where would you choose to go? To the past or the future and why?
D: Back to the 80s and live the days of Dokken & Ratt being played weekly in my local rock club…
Who is the sexiest female Rock Star of all time?
D: Hmmmm, Doro’s kinda had it a long time, without losing it I guess…
Which one of the Seven Deadly Sins you consider yourself to be?
D: Dopey or sleepy I guess ha ha…
Imagine that your girlfriend/wife is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react? ☺
D: I think you mean, how did I react? And it wasn’t a ring; she installed a Sex dungeon, so it was a win, win situation xx… (i.n.: @?!!)
Thx for talking to Grande Rock. Close this interview in your own way. Wish you the best for the future to come. Take care!
D: It was fun and a pleasure, anytime!! Thank you for you and your readers support, now go get the album and see what I’m talking about!! Take care – see you seen in a town near you!!