Avigal is best known for his tenure with the bands Picture, Horizon, and The Rods, acts that were excellent vehicles for his bluesy yet anthemic heavy metal range, but 2009 finds Sammy delivering just as strong tracks as his classic performances. Sammy is back on the scene with the enthusiasm and energy of a younger musician tempered by veteran focus. The new song "Unbroken" features cascading yet razor sharp soloing from guitarist Dicky Reome and a no nonsense AC/DC-esque main stomp groove, while Sammy launches his voice over the precipice of meaty guitars and chopping block rhythms. It's sure to be just one of many enticing highlights of the group's forthcoming release Gates Of Hell, currently in the mixing phase.

It was very cool to have an email correspondence with Sammy about the forthcoming Gates Of Hell album and to discuss metal and his life in general. Read on and support real, no frills heavy metal.

MORGAN Y. EVANS: Sammy, what's up, man! The two new tracks from the forthcoming Avigal debut Gates Of Hell sound great. “Unbroken” is really pushy and anthemic. What did you want to accomplish going into the recording of the album and how did you want to present yourself musically in 2009? Was there extra pressure on you as the band bears your name?

SAMMY AVIGAL: Hi Morgan, I’m glad you like the two tracks. They represent what the album is all about. The band bears my name, but there is no pressure. It’s more of a challenge, because this time the music, the lyrics, the recording, and the production are all my responsibility. That’s the way that I want it to be, it is the first time an album as a total work represents what I’m about musically and as a person, and I am very in peace with it.

MYE: Tell me about meeting guitar player Dicky Reome. He's got some really no-nonsense leads. How'd it all come together and result in this end product?

SA: As I mentioned in the short bio on my MySpace, I auditioned a few guitar players, and could not find what I was looking for. Just by accident a friend of mine played a CD for me, from a local band named No Reason, I heard the guitar player and I was very impressed. The guy was Dicky Reome, I contacted him and he was kind of surprised because he was a fan. Once we got together, we clicked so well that it was a pleasure just working together. It’s been three years now, and the partnership between us is still very strong.

MYE: Can you discuss your involvement with The Rods upcoming comeback CD and working with Ronnie James Dio on two songs? I know you moved forward to complete the Avigal record instead, but will you still be featured on this new Rods CD out this year as well? Obviously Carl from the Rods is playing drums on your Avigal debut as well.

SA: Carl and I stayed very good friends since my Rods days, while trying to record the new album, they couldn’t get it just right. So Carl asked if I could help them get it off the ground, and that’s how I got involved. Ronnie came in sang two songs, and it was great to finally meet the man. Once the basics were done and we got a direction, I knew that they could continue by themselves, my time was up and I moved on to the recording of the Avigal CD.

MYE: Where did you track the Avigal CD? What was the vibe like in the studio between everyone?

SA: The Gates Of Hell Avigal CD was recorded in our studio, Studio 911. The vibe was great, we were writing and recording at the same time. Because it is our studio we didn’t have any time limit. We took our time, and we recorded each song as many times as needed ‘til we were happy with the results. While creating the music we felt that we were creating a masterpiece, and the mood was great. We liked the challenge and it motivated us to work really hard. At the moment the recordings are over, and I’m busy doing the final mixes.

MYE: That's great when you are in that perfect creative zone where you feel good about what you are making and know it is true to you as well. Very cool! What's the significance of the title Gates Of Hell, for you? I mean, not everyone likes to give stuff away or it could be just straightforward as a description of the fiercer aspect of the band's sound. Just wondering.

SA: There’s a little story behind the title, few years back I was short on cash and I got me a job working at a factory. Place was called Marietta, and it was in Cortland, New York. I'd never worked in a factory before, and I was kinda shocked the first day I went there. The long lines, everybody had to wear a hairnet, and the place looked very strange to me. I remember going home that day, and the first thing I did was write the lyrics “Welcome to the gates of hell.” Oohhh! It’s so scary out there.

MYE: Do you mind talking at all about any times when music was difficult and you pressed on anyway or it found it's way back to you? I know you've mentioned before how the Guardians Of The Flame project made music fun for you again.

SA: Music for me is a lot of fun. It’s creativity, it’s theatrical, and it’s very rewarding. But, sometimes you work with the wrong people, there’s a lot of egos in the music business . And in some instances, a bad situation can be torturous. And I had some bad experiences. Working with Jack, Ned, and Joe was fun again because we knew each other from way back when. And we met and worked on the Guardians Of The Flame album in the studio for a month knowing that it is a one project only. So the atmosphere was great, and we had a lot of fun. In getting Avigal together, I choose members with great musical abilities, but also good and reasonable people who can work as a team, and have a lot of fun.

MYE: What, besides music, do you enjoy most about life these days. Any hobbies or activities that would surprise people?

SA: Besides music I am a big Manchester United football fan. I try to watch all their games, and it makes me happy when they win, and sad when they lose. I like working as a web designer, I do that for fun and I enjoy doing that very much. I am currently third year in college, studying psychology and am very much interested in people. And like to understand them, I love people.

MYE: Have you heard Pharaoh's last album Be Gone? They are a bit faster than some of your stuff but also very soaring vocals. It was incredible. I think you'd like it. You guys should so some shows! People would flip out! What are some bands these days or artists you admire, older or newer, whatever you wanna mention?

SA: Never heard of Pharaoh before this interview, but reading the question I got curious and searched on Google and found the MySpace website for the band, listened to some of their songs. They are a really good band. I contacted them and we are friends on MySpace now. I do like to listen to the Beatles, Pink Floyd, and I was introduced to heavy metal by Deep Purple, a band who had a huge influence on my musical tastes. Disturbed is another good band that I like listening to.

MYE: I saw Disturbed put on a really good show a few weeks ago. What are the biggest themes of Gates Of Hell musically or conceptually that fans of your past work can look forward to, besides what you've shown with the two preview tracks on your MySpace?

SA: The music is also melodic metal, good and heavy riffs, with melodic vocals on top. The lyrics are usually based on the experiences in my everyday life.

MYE: How do you take care of your voice after or before singing some of the harder stuff? Any tricks or tips for people? You have a very “real” yet big voice.

SA: I really don’t do anything special, before or after a gig, I don’t drink alcohol before a gig, it burns my throat, and I try not to over-eat before a gig, it makes me feel stuffed, and lazy.

MYE: What are you most looking forward to about the release of Gates Of Hell?

SA: Acceptance and recognition of the hard work we put in it. Some cash could be helpful. We got to pay the bills, man. But mostly touring. Playing live is the best feeling in the world and I can’t wait!!!