How did you guys get hooked up with Ski on your first album?

I've been a big fan of DEADLY BLESSING for some time now.

When I saw that they were reuniting (I think this was 2004) I found Ski's email address and sent him a message. "Deliver Us From Evil" was one of the songs I was considering covering on our debut album. I got the idea to invite him down to sing on it. I knew his voice was still in great shape from hearing him sing with FACTOR FIVE on the QUEENSRYCHE tribute CD, so I knew he could still do it. And I was not at all disappointed, he knocked it out of the park. It was really awesome to hang out with him that weekend and talk about singing, the metal scene, and all his experiences with his different bands. It was good to see that he was deep down a great guy too and I still consider him a good friend. In the earliest stages of FAITH FACTOR I was asked to join them on 2nd guitar but I had to decline for several reasons. I felt that I would best serve God with TEMPLE OF BLOOD right here in the South. But it turns out they didn't need me at all because they are doing really awesome work with their current line-up and I can't wait to see what the future holds for them.

Ski taught me a lot about singing and we still keep in touch.

How did you go about chosing the name of the band?

Hmm, I don't remember how I came up with it. I had another name at first, back when I was doing a solo project but it is not as good so I will never tell what that was.

When I told the band the name I had come up with some of them didn't like it but I did so we used it anyway. No one else had any suggestions.

Of course the name refers to the fact that our bodies are temples of (flesh and) blood.

How often do you guys practice each week?

We all play in other bands that practice every week. We only practice together as a band if we have something immediate coming up, like studio time or a gig (which we haven't had in a while). In those cases it's 1-2 times a week. We don't write songs during band practice, all the writing is done before we get together so that way when we meet up it is strictly about tightening up the performances and playing as a unit. If we're recording an album, we'll get together as much as possible usually.

Is everyone in the band a christian?

I don't think so.

Was the low vocal sound on Overlord intentional or was it a surprise to you as well? I personally love your vocals, but I understand why some don't quite get them.

Hmm, well it was mainly a result of the mastering which was something that I thought sounded fine when I heard it on my computer and sent it out for pressing. When I heard it in the car (where people typically have more bass) then it sounded a bit low. I don't think the vocal mix is as bad as some people claim (some people claim it makes the whole album worthless, which makes me think they must think I am the only important member of this band ... which I reject). But I tend to agree with the criticism and it won't happen again.

I personally like my vocals too. But someone who thinks all thrash singers have to sound just like Chuck Billy or the cookie monster probably don't wanna hear real vocal melodies because it's just not "brootal" enough for them. I think the vocals should be pulling their weight too, just like the music should. Funny how so many metal fans think only one or the other is important ... why not both?

Is your first album still available on CD?
If not, will it be reissued?

I don't have any copies of our first CD but radrockers or Girder Music or Nordic Productions might have a copy. You can always check Amazon or eBay. We have mp3s of it for sale from the first album on Amazon and it will be reissued on vinyl before too long.

Thanks.
It seems to be sold out everywhere. Found a used, as good as new, on Amazon for 18$, so I ordered that one.
Used to have the album but traded it away a couple of years ago, one of the few i have regretted trading away. Looking forward to hear it again.

It's a lot more expensive to buy stuff the second time around eh?

Glad you decided to give it another try.