Medieval Steel, the legendary torchbearers of epic heavy metal, have long held a revered place in the hearts of fans worldwide. Since their electrifying debut in the early 1980s, their powerful anthems and timeless storytelling have embodied the very spirit of the genre. With soaring vocals, thunderous riffs, and lyrics steeped in fantasy and valor, the band has carved out a unique legacy that continues to inspire generations. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the history, inspirations, and enduring passion of Medieval Steel as they discuss their journey, the evolution of their sound, and what lies ahead for the masters of epic metal.

TheNwothm: Greetings! Can you first introduce yourselves and where you re from?

M.S: Current lineup is me, Bobby Franklin – lead vocals, Jeff Miller – guitar and backup vocals, Tyler Miller – bass/guitar and backup vocals and Brad Dilbeck – drums…..Memphis, TN

TheNwothm: How did the band form all the way back in 80’s!

M.S: It just so happens, one winter day, I was working on my vehicle outside, where we lived, singing along with the radio, songs like Heart, Led Zeppelin, Trimphet etc. and a guy from several apartments down came down and said you have an amazing voice. Would there be any way I could record you? a couple days later, I went to his apartment he had a reel-to-reel recorder, I just sang some songs and thought nothing of it. Well it turns out, he was a friend to a guy named Chuck Jones, he gave that reel-to-reel to Chuck and he was blown away. A couple days later, I got a knock on my door and it was Chuck standing there and he said “you have a great voice and we need to start a band”! so begins the journey!

TheNwothm: Why did you choose the name Medieval Steel?

M.S: After we found the right players and was working on new material, we needed a band name. Several names were tossed around…..Medallion was one, it sounded too commercial. So the guy that had the reel-to-reel said how about Medieval Steel we said we’ll use it for now until we can come up with something better.  It stuck and it never changed.

TheNwothm: Were any of you involved in other bands or projects before forming or joining
the group?

M.S: I was singing with a band around the Memphis area but it was nothing serious. 

TheNwothm: Memphis isn’t traditionally known for metal. How did being based there shape
your music and opportunities?

M.S: You are right it is not a metal enclave but at the time there were a few bands trying to do metal but none stood out like Steel. But I will say this that this part of the country is heavy blues influenced so there is no escaping that being part of a persons writing. Thats why I try to sing with feel, soul and commitment put into a heavy metal platform.

TheNwothm: And are there any local bands or artists who influenced Medieval Steel?

M.S: No

TheNwothm: Your 1984 self-titled EP remains a classic. Can you share some memories from
its recording and the inspiration behind songs like “Battle Beyond the Stars” and “Medieval
Steel”?

M.S: At the time, of the recording, the building the studio was to be housed in was not ready, so the owner had the studio setup in his 1950’s old style house with the high ceilings. One thing I do remember about these records is that I recorded the vocals in the bathroom which had great acoustics.

M.S: Battle Beyond the Stars – was my take on a movie called the Last Star Fighter and Medieval Steel is based losely on the movie Conan the Barbian! 

TheNwothm: Your music often deals with themes of battles, bereavement, and medieval
fantasy. What draws you to these subjects?

M.S: I feel I was a Medieval Warrior in another life

TheNwothm: Your discography spans decades, from the 1984 EP to your latest albums like
Gods of Steel (2022) and Blood Moon (2024). How has your sound evolved over time?

M.S: We try to stay true to the original concept, but as the band evolves, the writing changes from here to there but its still based on the same trajectory.

TheNwothm: How did the compilations The Dungeon Tapes and The Anthology of Steel
contribute to preserving your legacy?

M.S: The compilations, as you know, is many different recording sessions. At the time when the grund sound was kinda rulling the airways we still wanted to put something out so we put the compilations out. We asked our fans if we should go back and rerecord these songs with an updated sound and it was a resounding no.

TheNwothm: And out of your expansive discography what would you say your standout
releases are?

M.S: Of course, its going to be the EP that opened the door for us. We do feel good about all of our recordings, but Gods of Steel and Blood Moon are getting more attention maybe because they are newer, and people are just glad to see we are back.

TheNwothm: Looking over what you have released over the years do you each have any
favourite tracks?

M.S: Of course, the song Medieval Steel. I’m fond of To Kill a King, the song Gods of Steel, Great White Warrior from Blood Moon, Viking Wishing Well, War Cry and Into the Madness.

TheNwothm: How has the music industry’s shift from physical to digital distribution impacted an independent band like yours?

M.S: Thats a great question cause its definitely had an impact. In the old days, you could sell your cd’s on the platforms you can’t really do that any more. The kids today just want to go and listen and buy certain songs off that particular album and then put it on their playlist. We do still sell plenty of merchidise of shirts and cd’s at our live shows.

TheNwothm: Are there any hobbies or activities that help you unwind or recharge?

M.S: Yes, restoring old cars is my hobby and I love it!

TheNwothm: Can you tell us about the creation of your latest album, Blood Moon?

M.S: I would say that in the end of 2022, Jeff and I had a different line up, different drummer and different bass player. Near Thanksgiving of that year, in a 3 day period we wrote 5 songs from the Blood Moon album. By the spring of 2023 we had finished writing all of the material. Except for the song Blood Moon that one was difficult for me because of where I had to put the vocal line it just wasn’t fitting. We got in and recorded everything I did the vocals did Blood Moon last and Jason Gillespie just kinda suggested I put it in this place and it all came together, I don’t know why I didn’t think of that but it all fell together. Everything was recorded at American Studio in Memphis TN…..produced by Bobby Franklin and Jason Gillespie.

TheNwothm: Did you approach this album differently compared to your previous releases,
such as Gods of Steel?

M.S: No, I approach all of my recordings the same which is seriously. I will say that this particular Blood Moon was a lot of fun unlike Gods of Steel.

TheNwothm: Did you have a specific theme or concept in mind when writing the songs?

M.S: I usually will come up with a title and do a little research on the title then build content and story around it.

TheNwothm: What are your favourite tracks from the album?

M.S:I like all of them but my very favorite is Into the Madness

TheNwothm: And how do you think the albums reception has gone?

M.S: Apparently its going well, cause its sold out with Lost Realm they are on the 3rd pressing.

TheNwothm: What can fans expect from a live Medieval Steel show in 2025 and beyond?

M.S: You can expect alot of high energy alot of perfessionalism and loudness

TheNwothm: Musically what is next for the band?

M.S: We have festivals this summer, and going to finish the new material and record a new record Savage World.

TheNwothm: Where can fans buy your music and merch?

M.S: Buy the records from Lost Realm Records right now.

TheNwothm: Is there anything else you would like to mention?

M.S: Thank you for the interview and thank all of our Medieval Steel fans around the world for their continued support

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063473345315

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medievalsteelband