A while ago, completely out of nowhere, it was announced that the Warlord name would be revived under the tag “Warlord 2024” with Mark Zonder’s participation, of course. A first gig was set for Germany, a second one for Volos and maybe some more will be announced in the coming weeks. The reaction from the fans has been, in the vast majority, negative but the cup of anger overflowed after the announcement of the imminent release of a new album under the Warlord name. Long-time, die-hard fans of the band who greeted the news of the concerts with disappointment but maintained a moderate attitude couldn’t stand the news of the upcoming record and the first wave of reaction took the form of an avalanche. Here we attempt to put in order some of our thoughts and comment on what is happening and what is worrying the fans of the band which is so dear to the Greek audience.
Some time has passed since then and we have always honoured the Patriarch’s memory in the usual places with tributes and discussions about his works and days. Until the aforementioned news of the reinstatement of the Warlord name and logo exploded like a bombshell. First, there is talk of a tribute to the Patriarch’s memory. Absolutely respectful. But why use the Warlord name? Even the most superficial fan of this music knows very well that Warlord was the Bill Tsamis’ vision who wrote everything in the smallest detail. It goes without saying that Zonder has every legal right to use the Warlord name as he was a co-founder and is an integral member of the band’s family. But he has no moral right to use the Warlord name. It’s like if, for example, Dave Murray went out and made an Iron Maiden album without Steve Harris or Phil Campbell made a Motorhead album without, of course, the late Lemmy. Using a different name – even that of Mark Zonder’s Warlord – wouldn’t have caused so much reaction.
Third and most important. There is talk of old ideas that Tsamis penned that will be on the album. Indeed, some of the titles sound familiar. But all those who know the late guitarist’s way of thinking know that he would never let half-finished and rough ideas enter a Warlord album. Also, the reissue of “The Hunt For Damien” included Tsamis’ supposed last two songs. Why is there this “unethical” treatment of his legacy? And I’m not even commenting on the fact that Tsamis’ sound cannot be reproduced by any guitarist. Obvious and unequivocal things.
In conclusion, I will say this: when in the mid-90s, when the Bill Tsamis had some compositional ideas in his mind again, he was approached by the German label Hellion Records and suggested to release them as Warlord. He replied that those songs with his late (then) wife Vidonne didn’t have the same feeling as Warlord and besides, Zonder was not present! Again…Zonder was not there! Couldn’t Tsamis have used the Warlord name and had more commercial exposure? Easily! He didn’t do so because Zonder was missing. Now that Tsamis is missing, however, Warlord (2024) continues. People have the power. Let them disapprove or applaud this move.
Sakis Nikas
