CLOVEN HOOF

CLOVEN HOOFisn’t just any band with a new record out – ‘Heathen Cross’ – they’re one of the original groups associated with the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement, formed in the heart of the industrial West Midlands, England in 1979. When you can lay claim to that, and still be blasting eardrums in 2024, you have my complete respect and admiration, not that they didn’t before. CLOVEN HOOF just keeps getting better and better with age.

As previously mentioned, the band just released their new record “Heathen Cross” via High Roller Records featuring the powerhouse vocal weaponry of singer Harry Conklin whom metal heads will know from JAG PANZER and SATAN’S HOST. “Heathen Cross” is a milestone in the band’s career, they’ve never sounded better. I have no doubt this record will make many critic’s “best of 2024” end of year list. For rivet heads and power metal fans alike, CLOVEN HOOF is a pre-requisite band to know to understand and appreciate not just metal, but the genre of rock in general. Many thanks to Lee Payne for doing this interview. He’s a class act and a true gentleman. 

WORMWOOD CHRONICLES: Please introduce yourself- and thanks for your time answering these questions.

LEE PAYNE  This is Lee Payne from CLOVEN HOOF and it’s a pleasure to talk to 'Wormwood Chronicles webzine.’ 

WC: Congratulations on the new record, it's fantastic! I've heard the band say it's the best record of CLOVEN's career. What sets it apart from previous records in the catalog?

LP: I think it is the most perfect HOOF album yet for a number of reasons. It was recorded in the old classic way, having the band play live in the studio together. This was to capture a performance with live energy and not simply record songs perfectly in time. Today, too many albums sound sterile with a processed sound; they are pro tools recorded all the way, and they are made largely with computers and samples. There is no human element or warmth, and we wanted high energy with power and passion. Patrick Engle produced "Heathen Cross", and he captured the band's essence to perfection. 

Also, the drums were great. Some previous albums were too busy drum-wise in my opinion, and Ash, our drummer, sounded solid and powerful, keeping a rock-steady beat. What you leave out is just as important to let the songs breathe. I hate cluttered drums getting in the way of everything; they should not be a lead instrument; drums keeping the time is their role first and foremost. Less is more, and above all keep it simple and heavy! And the album features the best vocals ever on a CLOVEN HOOF album, thanks to Harry. He delivered a stellar performance.

WC: Harry Conklin's vocals on this record are amazing. How long had you considered approaching Conklin to sing for CLOVEN HOOF?

LP: When it became too costly to have an American-based singer due to Brexit and Covid. I immediately contacted Harry’s lovely wife, Christine, who is a CLOVEN HOOF fan. I had heard she had married Harry and was based in Greece. Flights to Greece were half the price of American flights, so it was financially viable. I asked Harry if he would like the role and thank goodness he said yes. The rest is history, as they say; these things are meant to be written in the stars.

WC: Is this a one off or is Conklin a permanent band member?

LP: No, Harry will be the only singer for CLOVEN HOOF from now on. I only wish we had worked together sooner.

WC: Who else besides Conklin had you considered for the vocalist job?

LP: Only Harry, but I once asked Tony Martin, ex BLACK SABBATH, he, declined because he said he was not into touring for long periods. A lovely guy. (He would have been excellent in the role!--Dr. M)

WC: Listening to the new album, it sounds like the band is reinvigorated and firing on all cylinders. What brought out the fire in all of you?

LP: I think recording live together in the studio played a big part. Just like SABBATH did in the old days, on “Paranoid”. It gives a human element to it that is sadly missing today. The grooves are charged with excitement and a dark and heavy vibe. In many ways, it was a return to our roots,

WC: Do you have any plans to tour the States or play festivals over here either this year or next?

LP: Yes, next year we want to play in the States and Canada, and just about everywhere. CLOVEN HOOF is at our best live onstage, we feed off the fan’s energy. It is like a mirror; we reflect off each other, and the more they go crazy, the harder we rock out!

CLOVEN HOOF