Iconic metal drummer Vinny Appice is back and as heavy as ever with his new band, Kill Devil Hill. I caught up with Vinny and guitarist Mark Zavon at the band’s hotel before their show at legendary rock club Dingbatz on their recently completed 2012 U.S. Tour. “I always wanted my own band,” Appice stated. Now, he’s got it.
Appice started working on drum tracks that he recorded prior while he was rehabbing from shoulder surgery in late 2009. Vinny eventually recruited Mark to play guitar, and the rest just fell into place for the band. As for creating a distinct sound, Mark said, “We just got in a room, and what came out is what it is. We didn’t try to sound like anything, we just did what we do best.”
Kill Devil Hill was formed in 2011 by legendary heavy metal drummer Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath, Dio, Heaven & Hell). Appice recruited an awesome lineup, featuring Mark Zavon (W.A.S.P.) on guitar, Dewey Bragg (Pissing Razors) on vocals, and the one and only Rex Brown (Pantera, Down) on bass. The band issued their self-titled debut album back in May 2012 on SPV/Steamhammer Records, which landed at #9 on the Billboard HeatSeekers Chart, #41 on the Billboard Top Hard Music Chart, and #50 on the Billboard Independent Album Chart. Go grab a copy and get ready for the newest version of heavy. – by Matt Bishop
