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RIVERA BOMMA: "Infinite Journey Of Soul"

RIVERA BOMMA -  and their brand new release at Retroactive Records, "Infinite Journey Of The Soul". Musically, they are a very Neo-classical unit. They combine and play Yngwie Malmsteen vs. Loudness influenced metal which is obviously drawn from the members various background, but they have also added a certain Rob Rock and Barren Cross richness and breadth to their crunchy melodies... Find out more about the album, here's the two behind the moniker:  Rod Rivera & John Bomma...

How has the reaction to your latest CD been?

Rod: reactions has been great!! we are flattered by the emails, reviews and messages we have been getting world wide.

How long did this CD take to make from start to finish, recording-wise?

Rod: well it took about 4 years to make. but with lots of holds and issues in between. but we are glad it finally came out, so "good things comes to those who wait" !

What kind of 'sound', production wise, did you have in the back of your mind, prior to recording

Rod: we wanted to get a bit darker , heavier but still remain melodic. we feel great about what we capture. the musicianship level in this records is incredible.

What kind of input did the producer have during the process

Rod: we pretty much produced the record. Johnny and I wrote, compossed and made all the musical arrangements. as far as mix and master it was done by two other engineers.

And are you pleased with the final outcome? (sound - production wise)

Johnny: Very pleased.... But we will never be satisfied. But that is where the next Cd is for... lol..

Did the producer (or you) use any (weird) experimental miking and/or  recording techniques?

Rod: no, really basic. but it was the first time we recorded the whole record on pro tools.? We captured some of the live sound, but with pro tool everything is at the touch of your finger tips. so to take all that in the road on tour would be impossible.

Please inform us about your favourite songs off the album

John: My favorite song is the Maker..... It is very dark lyrically and the music is sooo heavy .. And then.... In Blood..... This song has my favorite bridge and chorus.... But truth Im a huge fan of all the great musicianship on the CD. Even if there was no Lyrics I would love the playing.... The boys blow me away..... Rod: wow, hard question. i cant pick just one. I love the new single " Empty Desire" and "Horizons End", Johnnys vocals are great and Mike bass playing is sick !.

Any overall theme of mood that you're trying to capture whil writing songs?

Johnny: We wrote about dark things that most folkes dont like talking about. A lot of this came from my counseling ministry.... And we wanted to encourage people that there is always hope in hard work of self. And by trusting in God..

Are there any 'crazy' behind the scenes anecdotes from these sessions that you can share with us?

Johnny & Rod : Yes there are !!!! but nothing we could share. lol. ; ) .

Did the record company interfere with anything on your "sound" and songs?

Not at all, Retroactive let us be..

Would you label yourself as the christian band, or the band with christian members/musicians??

Johnny: I would say we are Christians using the gifts God has given us.We write about whatever Gods leads us too, It is always prayer based when we write. I will leave the fans to decide the label !.

How would you describe the new CD to any potential new fan?

Rod: Melodic Hard Rock/Heavy Metal. Powelful operatic Vocals, Virtuoso Guitars, Lighting Roaring Bass ( Symphony X) & Thundering earth shaking Drums. Influence by the best of 70's & 80's Metal !!! check us out @ www.facebook.com/rivera.bomma and the new video single here @ http://www.youtube.com/watchv=nevmUs1Ykpo .

Who are your influences and heroes? (music-wise)

John: That would be Dio when he was with Rainbow.... Freddy Mercury/Queen..... Steve Perry/Journey.... Ann Wilson/Heart... And of coarse Elvis hands down. Rod: Paco DeLucia, Al DiMeola, Ritchie Blackmore, Michael Schenker, George Lynch, Loudness, Testament, Whitecross, I am a big 80's shredder hair metal fan !

If there's anything you'd like to add, say, please do:

We are so grateful to God for blessing us with a gift. And of coarse the fans that have been so supportive over the years. If we have changed one life, then all the hard work was worth it. And of coarse Rockunited for the interview. If you like what we do tell your friends about us, God bless you.- Rod & Johnny p.s. To preview, buy album & mp3 of our new cd visit http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/riverabomba .
PHRIXUS / Never A Hero

Interview by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom,
Photos from the band's websites  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/riverabomba  http://www.facebook.com/rivera.bomma/ 
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