LNJ get to know …

I cruise the internet when I'm bored (big surprise, right?). One the places I frequent is a messageboard called "Christian Metal Realm." This week we interview the guy behind the Realm, Arttie Parker.

Arttie, can you tell us what you've been up to?

You mean there are people who might want to know more about me? LOL! Listen, I just want to say that I am completely blown away that you would want to interview me after Dale Thompson of Bride and Jamie Rowe of Guardian/Adrian Gale! I mean, those guys are incredible, talented stars of the scene, and I am really nobody! Seriously, though, I am flattered … thanks. Now you are guaranteed to be on the next CMR CD!

Well, of course, the easiest place to find me is The Christian Metal Realm on EZBoard. By the way, the new address is ChristianMetalRealm.com. I also own/run a professional wrestling message board on EZBoard called Inside The Squared Circle, and I am an administrator at the Ultimatum Board. The wrestling board is just a hobby and I run it very clean … no swearing, nudity, etc. Anyone can feel free to stop by!

As far as what I have been up to: work (I am a counselor for troubled teens), collecting CDs, lifting heavy metal, and listening to heavy metal!

Arttie you started The Christian Metal Realm message board. What made you start something like this? What do you envision for this board in the future?

Well, for starters, I did not START the Christian Metal Realm. The board was originally started by a guy named Jake, who also happens to be from Nebraska. It was an off-shoot of the old Tourniquet board that had fallen completely apart and was spammed/flamed on an almost daily basis.

I was one of the first people to post on the CMR, and soon became an administrator. After a year or so, Jake decided to give up the board, and turned it over to me. We changed some of the staff around, added some forums, deleted some forums, did some serious trial and error, promoted the board all over EZBoard and the 'Net in general, and we really took off.

I have owned it for a couple of years now, and we have grown considerably! In fact, we are probably going to add our 2000th member sometime early this summer, I would guess! Most importantly, I want to state that the Christian Metal Realm is a LOT more than just me. I couldn't even imagine running the board without my administrators and moderators who have stuck with me through thick and thin! Thanks gang! And of course, without the posters, the Realm would just be dead cyber-space.

As far as what is in store for the board, well, I am always looking to expand. I recently set up the domain name www.ChristianMetalRealm.com, so the board is accessible that way now. Hopefully, I will soon be able to begin turning the Realm into a full-service site. If you want some "inside information," I am currently talking with some people about starting a Christian Metal Realm web radio station so people can bang their heads as they bang away at their keyboard. The Christian Metal Realm compilation CD VOLUME II is also in the works. And I have other ideas swimming through my head all the time.

Rumor has it you're like an Arnold Jr. or something. In our first LNJ Get To Know interview, Dale Thompson of Bride told us how much he could bench. So how much can you bench? Who would win an arm wrestling contest: you or Dale?

Arnold, Jr., huh? Well, I am a competitive bodybuilder, but I am certified natural (drug-free), so I will never be the size of the Austrian Oak. I am 5'8" or so, weighing about 217 pounds. When I compete, I will drop down to about 190 or so. Not a big Arnold fan, either. I prefer Dorian Yates and Jay Cutler. Arnold couldn't have touched them.

As for Dale, he says he can bench close to 500 pounds, and that is impressive! I have benched 455 before, which is more than Dale said he was benching when he was roughly my age, (I'm 35 in March), so maybe I'll catch him. Plus, I think he's bigger than me, so that's not fair! LOL! But in arm wrestling … I think I'd take him. I was a competitive arm wrestler at one time, and never lost right-handed in my weight division (though I did foul out once by "popping" my elbow off the table). BRING IT, DALE! YOU GOIN' DOWN! We'd do it for charity, and I'll sign and sell Dale's arm on eBay! LOL!

You recently released a compilation CD from your site entitled "Thorns Of Redemption," that included Liberty n' Justice, of all bands. How is it doing? Which tracks do you listen to the most?

Yeah, you still owe me $20 for letting you be on there, bro! LOL! The CD is called "Thorns Of Redemption" and is limited to 300 hand-numbered copies. The music is from bands that post on the CMR, and the artwork was also done by a Realm member who posts as Elderhess. It has only been out for a few months now, and roughly half of the CDs are gone. Now, in all honesty, several of those went to the bands who were on the CD, but we have sold many. The Ultimatum Distro has the discs (you OWE ME SCOTT!) as does Nordic Mission. Of course you can order them directly from me through the Christian Metal Realm by either sending me the money or donating $12 to the Realm to help keep it ad-free.

As for future releases, yes, we are planning on doing Volume II. In fact, I already have tracks 10 or 11 roughly laid out in my head, with several more bands planning on jumping on board as well. Look for some "big" names from the Christian metal community to possibly show up, though I don't want to drop any names and then have them fall through for some reason. Regardless, Volume II should be as much fun as Volume I: Thorns Of Redemption was. I am looking forward to it. Wanna be on it again? Would love to have you!

Tracks I listen to the most? Come on, you can't make me do that! The important thing is that there are 16 different bands that all post on the Christian Metal Realm, and they represent all different styles of hard rock/heavy metal, from thrash to death to hard rock to modern rock to classic rock to experimental metal to doom. Something for everyone … and 13 or 14 of the songs can not be found anywhere else, including the Liberty N Justice track!

Okay, we got to ask, we know you bought Liberty n' Justice "Welcome to the Revolution" CD (we cashed your check), what did you really think of this CD and we recently saw your list of CD's you own and it is not there, where did it go?

Well, as you know, I have a HUGE CD collection, and it is not even close to being all listed online, so don't sweat it, I still have it! (I also have LNJ's "Bargain Bin.") What did I think of the "Revolution" CD? Honestly, it was really hit or miss for me. Some GREAT singers are on that disc, including a great track with Lou Gramm of Foreigner. I like the tracks with Michael Sweet, Jamie Rowe, Mitch Malloy, and Ken Tamplin. John Schlitt sounds great, too! Dale Thompson sounds like he is singing on an Extreme song, which is cool for me, but I know he didn't like it. But come on, Justin … SCOTT WENZEL ON A RAP SONG?! LOL! And Rick Florian, too? Something against singers of bands with "White" in the name? Fenholt's song didn't really do anything for me, nor did Volz or Bob Carlisle. Like I said, pretty hit and miss for me. I am looking forward to the new CD when you get it out! One suggestion … GET JACK RUSSELL FROM GREAT WHITE TO SING ON IT!

Last of Arttie Parker …

last CD you bought

Probably some import Great White stuff that I have been searching the 'Net for. I am a HUGE Great White fan and am trying to complete the band's entire discography, both US and internationally. Bought Billy Idol's new CD a few weeks ago as well.

last time you prayed

I've been praying a lot lately. My fiancee's father was recently diagnosed with cancer and just came out of a MAJOR surgery, praise God! I try to pray every night, if for no other reason than to let God know that I am a sinner and don't deserve His forgiveness, but I am thankful for His Son's sacrifice and for all that He has blessed me with.

last message board you visited beside your own

Oh man, I'm all over the 'Net on message boards! I'm a member of 20-some-odd boards. Last one besides the Realm or the Squared Circle? Ultimatum, for sure, but since I also help run that board, I would have to say Raized On Rock was the last board I was on.

last time you listened to "Welcome To The Revolution"

Today, in fact! Not lying! It had been a while prior to that, but with 2200+ CD's, sometimes things don't get rotated in or out that quickly.

last time you worked out

about an hour and a half ago … Chest day.

last concert you attended

Well, we don't get a lot of concerts in Nebraska. I went to Stryper last year, which was an awesome show! Recently saw Great White/Firehouse/LA Guns, as well. Last show, however, was Motley Crue in Omaha back in April. AWESOME SHOW!

This looks like a great year for Christian metal / hard rock with so many reunions. Which one are looking forward to the most and why?

That's tough. Guardian has always been one of my favorite bands, and Holy Soldier were INCREDIBLE with Steven Patrick on vocals. Love Sacred Warrior as well, and who can knock Stryper or Whitecross? And don't forget Saint! I email Josh from time to time … cool guy! Plus, I know Don is working on a new Neon Cross album, Ultimatum is working on new stuff, and didn't Leviticus get back together as well? The Once Dead reunion (Vengeance Rising with Scott from Ultimatum on vocals) is way cool, and they are working on new stuff as well! Not really an answer though, huh? LOL! Ummm … I'll go with … errr … GACK … uhhh … Holy Soldier. At least I could still hear Jamie sing with Adrian Gale. I can't wait to hear Steven again!

Name the 3 highest points and the 3 lowest points of your life to date.

Highest points: Getting engaged to Marie; giving my life to Christ after having fallen away as a teen; and even though I don't remember it, being adopted into the best family I could imagine.

Lowest points: Basically becoming a full-blown alcoholic when I was in college (what a waste); losing my radio job to a satellite company (corporate radio sucks! LOL!); being accused of a crime I didn't commit.

If you could put together an all-star band, who would be in it and who would be playing what?

Wow … my own band! I guess I'll make a thrash band.

We have a messageboard on our website, LibertyNJustice.net. How can we make this thing more popular?

Promote, promote, promote! Put the link in your signature on EVERY board you post on, e-mail it to all your friends and contacts, put it in your CD liner notes, whatever! Heck, the CMR even had an ad in HM Magazine at one time! Get other boards and sites to link to yours. That's huge.

What do you spiritually believe?

I believe that Jesus Christ gave His life for me, regardless of whether I deserve it or not! I believe that He will come again to judge us all, and I often wonder just how far away that judgement is. I believe that I am forgiven in spite of all my shortcomings, and I believe that I am truly blessed and loved. I believe that the Bible is the Word of God, and I believe that far too many people put off their salvation when it is right there in front of them. God loves us all, regardless of what we have done, and He wants us to love Him and accept His gift of eternal life. It was related to me like this: If you win the lottery but never claim the prize, you can't ever spend it! The same with salvation and eternal life. It has been given to us, but so many people don't accept it for some reason. And like a winning lottery ticket, there will come a time when you can no longer claim the prize. DON'T WAIT!

We all know there was some Stryper controversy late last year, what was your take on this whole situation?

Honestly, I think it is a sad situation, and I am in no place to judge. I don't think anyone knows what really happened except Stryper and the promoters. As the old adage goes: There are three sides to every story, in this case Stryper's side, the promoter's side, and the truth.

We know you love music, but have you ever played an instrument or sung in a band?

Oh sure. I have played saxophone since I was about 8. I even broke it out a month or so ago to entertain my niece and nephew. I also played drums a bit in marching band, though that was a sort of gimmick thing for field competitions. I'd sling my sax over my shoulder, pick up the drums, play them for a song or two, put the drums back, and then play the sax for the last song or so. I've always wanted to learn to play guitar. Messed around with the bass a bit, but nothing real. I also wrote some songs for a band a buddy and I were going to start in high school called Predator, but we never got around to playing a single note. I still have a notebook with the lyrics somewhere. I play a KILLER hummer-comb as well!

What does 2005 and beyond hold for Arttie Parker?

Well, I will be getting married on August 20th, so that is the BIG news of the year. Beyond that, who knows? I plan on the Christian Metal Realm continuing to grow, I think CMR Volume II will be released, hopefully no later than early summer … I don't know, though. I try not to plan too far ahead. I like to try to keep my eyes open for things. Maybe I will get to be in a metal band some day, huh? I hope to complete the novel that I started writing a couple of years back, but it keeps warping on me and becoming something different. I'd like to have more poetry published. I'd LOVE to get into a professional wrestling ring sometime! And I still plan on one day having the Nebraska state record in the dead lift, but we'll have to see if my knees hold out!

And finally, a Liberty n' Justice 4-ALL word association. We will mention a name or thing, and you give us your thoughts:

Steve Rowe (Mortification)

Love his ministry, love his thrash stuff, not into the grind core or extreme death thing.

Josh Kramer (Saint)

AWESOME voice! (Halford, who?) Cool guy to swap email with. Long live Saint!

Chris Dickens (Missionary One)

Chris is cool! Missionary One is on Thorns Of Redemption, by the way! Chris seems to be a man of strong convictions and beliefs, and I admire that. An asset to the CMR!

Ian Keith Hafner (Angry Little Freak)

Again, a cool guy who is also on Thorns Of Redemption! I enjoy Ian's honesty and humor, and I like his music. Again, an asset to the CMR!

Jack Russell (Great White)

Ahhh … threw him in there just for me, huh?! Love the man's voice, as you know. The epitome of bluesy hard rock vocals, for my money. I really feel for him and his situation with the Rhode Island night club fire. I know he is hurting and feels deeply for the fans who were injured or killed in that horrible incident. Really friendly guy when I met him.

Justin Murr (Liberty n' Justice)

Dirty rotten scoundrel! LOL! Justin is cool, and another asset to the CMR, though I wish he had more time to drop by! I admire what he has done with his HUGE all-star projects and am glad that he considers me an e-friend! Also on Thorns of Redemption and will hopefully be on Volume II!

Mick Rowe (nineteen88)

I loved Tempest back in the day, but I honestly have not really given nineteen88 a solid chance yet. I need to, or so I have been told. I liked some of his other stuff, but some of it was just not my thing.

Shawn Pelata (Line Of Fire)

KILLER voice! His old band, Oracle, is slated to be on CMR Volume II, by the way. He is a solid voice of reason on the Realm, and another man I consider a friend. A moderator on the Realm as well … K-OCATAVE rules! Can't wait for LINE OF FIRE! (now pay up, Pelata!)

Scott Waters (Ultimatum)

A man I consider a true friend, though we have not yet met face to face. Scott has been with me on the Realm from the beginning and is an administrator for us. We have talked numerous times on the phone, email each other all the time, and trade CD's like mad! We also have the same birthday! A true man of God in my eyes, and a strong vocal presence for one of my favorite bands, Ultimatum! NEW MUSIC BUDDY! WE NEED IT!

Oni Logan (Lynch Mob)

You know, I like his voice, but have not read a lot in the way of good things about him. And that is probably just sour grapes and "he-said, she-said" kinda stuff. His is the best stuff on Lynch Mob for sure. Would like to hear more from him.

Stephen Pearcey (RATT)

LOVE RATT! Another one you threw on there for me, huh? I think Stephen got the shaft as far as the whole Ratt lawsuit and such. No offense to Mr. Pearl, but Ratt is NOT Ratt with out Stephen on vocals. Rumors are floating around that he and the band may be reconciling, however, which would be way cool.

Tad Donley (Warrior)

Honestly, I know very little about Tad. I downloaded the song that his band has up, and it made me chuckle. I wish him and his band nothing but the best. I'll be interested to see where the band goes.