General Pattons

General Pattons

Christian metal band gives to community Daily Record/Sunday News Article Launched: 10/09/2008 08:44:06 AM EDT
Risen is a local Christian metal trio that is working on an album and lining up a benefit tour. (Submitted) Members: Ben Fair, guitar and lead vocals; Joe Forney, percussion; Rick McVicker, bassist and vocals Who we talked to: Fair How did you guys get together? There was a competition a long time ago . . . in Shrewsbury. Joe, my drummer, came and Rick, my bassist, came. Rick was actually in the competition. Joe came to watch. Joe and I went to high school together. One day, we decided to jam and stuff. I had a song I was working on, and Joe was perfect for it, and we just clicked really well. He recommended Rick to be the bassist because they had played before, too. Ever since, we've all just have been playing music for God. We have been together I'd say for about four years. Describe your sound and style. We play metal music and heavy rock, and what we try to do is to bridge that gap between the kids who are listening to that stuff. But the messages they're listening to are messages of destruction and stuff, and our lyrics are about hope. What are your musical influences? I listened to everything. I didn't really listen to a lot of Christian music when I was younger. Different events kind of changed my life, and then I realized I needed to get my life straight. That's when I really started getting into music a lot. I realized I needed to play music for God because that's who inspired me. (Joe's) very well-rounded. His main (influences are) Latin and jazz and some rock. Rick has some punk and funk and some rock, too. I have southern metal and rock and blues to me.All that mixed together has really clicked very well. Have you guys been playing out in the area a lot? Oh, yeah. We've played in York, Maryland, Lancaster (and) Gettysburg. We've played at battle of the bands. We've played at churches. We did a benefit show for my niece, who...

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