Airforce are a band deeply rooted in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), with members who witnessed and helped shape this golden era of metal. With Doug Sampson (ex-Iron Maiden) on drums and Chop Pitman on guitar, the band has remained true to their roots, releasing albums that capture the essence of classic heavy metal.
Now, with their recently released Acts of Madness, Airforce are making a powerful comeback after five years without a new studio album. Amid unexpected challenges such as the pandemic and the tragic loss of their producer, the band has managed to transform adversity into creativity, delivering a body of work that blends the characteristic heaviness of NWOBHM with a more cinematic and atmospheric approach.
In this exclusive interview with Lino, the band’s vocalist, we explore his entry into Airforce, the evolution of the group’s sound, the inspirations behind the lyrics and the challenges faced during the production of the new album. Plus, we talk about the fan reception, the live experience, and what the future holds for this band that continues to honour the spirit of the NWOBHM.
M.I. - First of all, how did the opportunity for you to join the band come about? How did you meet the other members? Were you a fan of the band?
The whole situation arose when my Iron Maiden tribute band in Portugal (Iron Beast) was invited to play at the legendary “Cart & Horses” bar in London, the bar where Iron Maiden played their first show.
After the show, I was approached by Chop Pitman, Airforce's guitarist, who invited me to audition to join Airforce.
After a few weeks I returned to London, auditioned and was soon added to the band, they supposedly had more candidates but they cancelled the auditions.
Regarding the band, I only knew the drummer, Doug Sampson, because as a Maiden fan, I knew that he had played on Maiden's first album, “Soundhouse Tapes”.
M.I. - Have you always wanted to be in a band of this musical genre? What are your musical references/influences?
Yes, I always wanted to be part of a Heavy Metal band, in fact I belonged to a few in Portugal, but without much success.
My influences from the beginning have always been Iron Maiden and Queen, but over the years I have converted to Power Metal and Progressive Metal/Rock, but my base will always be classic Heavy Metal.
M.I. - Wasn't the age difference important in your decision to join the Airforce?
Honestly, I never thought about it, I knew they were all in their 60s, but that would also mean they would have more experience, so I accepted the invitation and I don't regret it.
M.I. – Acts of Madness marks the band’s first studio album in five years and it came out a few days ago. What inspired this record and how has the band evolved since Strike Hard?
This album had a difficult birth, between the death of our producer and the loss of the recordings due to that death, we had to regroup again and record a lot of the lost material. Then, of course, we suffered the pandemic and it became even more difficult.
In terms of inspiration, from my side, there was more freedom for vocal melodies and lyric writing, so I pulled the band out of their more “war” theme to a more cinematic and horror theme, which they loved, so on the next album I will be the lyricist for the entire album.
M.I. - How does Acts of Madness compare in sound and composition?
In terms of sound, this album differed a little from the previous one, as we had a new producer who had a different vision and sensitivity, and from what I know, demanded much more from the musicians.
In my case, it didn't require much because I recorded my vocals in Portugal, at Alex Vantrue's studio, and I only changed a few vocal lines in the pre-production phase.
The composition was practically the same, the band creates the backbone of the song, then they send it to me in Portugal, I create or sing the lyrics and we discuss metrics, melodies, cuts, and when we are satisfied the song is complete.
M.I. - What was the main driving force behind the themes and lyrics of this album? Is the writing of the lyrics done by any particular member or does everyone contribute? Mental health seems to be a common topic.
We didn't have anything in mind for the lyrics before we started composing, all the songs are recorded with “fictitious” lyrics just to get an idea of the meter, then each person writes lyrics to the songs they wrote or the ones they feel most connected to.
Regarding the themes, you could say that I write more about supernatural themes and the rest of the musicians write about different themes (war, mental health, films, etc.).
M.I. - Can you tell us about the composition and recording process? Did you approach it differently this time?
The only different approach was the producer's demands and ideas, otherwise we worked in the same way.
Usually in the songwriting process the person who comes up with the idea has the final say, but usually Chop Pitman or Tony Hatton will send me the nearly completed song and I have the freedom to create melodies and vocal harmonies and lyrics.
M.I. - Were there any specific challenges or breakthroughs during the production of Acts of Madness?
Apart from the death of our former producer and Covid, everything went normally. It took us a little longer due to tours with the British Lion and also with Girlschool and Alcatrazz.
M.I. - The album is being described as a great comeback. What makes it special in the current heavy metal scene?
Honestly, the only thing that is special is that it is genuine. There are countless bands trying to reproduce the NWOBHM sound, but for us the songwriting has never left that era, since 75% of the band is over 65 years old.
M.I. - Jezz Coad helped to complete the album after the original recordings were lost. What was it like working with him again after so many years?
The band had known Jezz for a long time, having worked with the band on the “Judgment Day” album. The only difference with me was that he paid more attention to vocal harmonies, demanding different nuances.
M.I. - The singles Among the Shadows, Westworld and Cursed Moon show different facets of the album. How do these songs reflect the overall direction of Acts of Madness?
We chose these songs solely because they were the ones we thought were the “strongest” to be singles, however they also show a “newer” style that Jezz wanted to give to the band’s sound.
M.I. - Acts of Madness is described as a work that addresses both struggles and victories. Is there a track that represents this spirit in a special way?
I believe that people have responded well to “Among The Shadows” and “Westworld” which polarizes our opinion, as they are songs with very opposite themes. However, I think that the re-recording of the song “Heroes” has a special meaning, as the band always wanted this song with my voice.
M.I. - The music video for Cursed Moon was recently released and it is a powerful single. Can you tell us the story behind it? What was the creative vision? Does this song set the tone for the rest of the album?
The story is very simple, I wrote the lyrics from the perspective of a person cursed by Lycanthropy, because when Tony sent me the music to create the harmonies and lyrics, it was really the first thing that came to my mind. The music sounded like something nocturnal, ..
M.I. - After so many years, and despite the years of activity, this is only the band's third album. Do you know why? What still motivates Airforce to compose and perform?
What happened between the beginning of the band in 1986, its end and in 2016 its rebirth, was really the personal lives of the musicians, something that happens with most bands. However, they always wanted to play again, and it was pressure from Iron Maiden fans that forced the band to start activities again.
M.I. - Acts of Madness is dedicated to Pete Franklin. What do you hope listeners feel when they hear this album in his memory?
Well, anyone who knew Pete Franklin knows very well that he was an honest person, an exceptional musician (Dirty Deeds) and an Airforce fan, and several songs on the album were recorded with him. He gave us several ideas for the direction of the composition, so we couldn't help but give him credit for everything he did for the band.
M.I. - Does this album have your personal touch? Are there any Portuguese influences?
This album has more lyrics and harmonies and ideas of my own than the previous one. But it's interesting that you ask that, because our future album, that we're already working on, will be conceptual and I'll create the entire concept, so there will be some parts of the History of Portugal.
M.I. - With the release of Acts of Madness, you are already confirmed for the Harder Than Rock festival in Croatia. Can fans expect a tour to promote the album? Are there any other festivals or countries you are particularly excited to play? Are there plans to play in Portugal in 2025?
Unfortunately, we won't be able to play in Portugal, but our manager is focused on promoting some tours this year with other bands in our style.
M.I. - You recently played at the Movistar Arena in Bogotá. What was the experience like playing for South American metal fans and how did they react to the new material?
It was spectacular. The audience in South America is really different, around 10,000 people always supporting. We had a good reaction, and we were left without any merch, we sold out everything.
M.I. - What is your favorite song to play live, and why?
Band of Brothers, because all the fans sing the song in unison and is a surreal experience.
M.I. - For you, as a member, what was the craziest or most memorable moment you've had on tour?
For me, maybe all the nights I spent talking to Steve Harris from Iron Maiden, about various subjects including old Iron Maiden stories.
We did 4 tours with British Lion and after the shows the two bands always met up in the dressing room talking and drinking, an experience that will definitely be repeated.
M.I. - Airforce is deeply rooted in the NWOBHM, a movement that had a lasting influence on metal. How do you see the evolution of the genre and where do you think the band fits into the current scene?
The style has had a bit of a resurgence in the past few years, and I applaud that, but no one can replicate a style better than someone who has actually experienced it. When they send me songs I'm always surprised by their sincerity.
M.I. - What sets Airforce apart from other NWOBHM bands that are still active today? Do you think these bands are living up to the NWOBHM legacy?
Maybe the fact that we haven't played for many years, which gives us more vitality now that we're back and have fewer responsibilities outside the band. I'm the only one working in this band, they're all retired, so they have more availability to play and tour.
M.I. - The band attracts different generations of metal fans. Have you noticed any changes in the audience at your concerts?
In conversation with the other members of the band, they confided that they really notice that there is now a greater diversity of ages in the audience, which makes them very happy. But this sound will always appeal more to those who really grew up when this style was bigger.
M.I. - If you had to describe Acts of Madness in just three words, what would they be?
Ancient, trial and pride.
M.I. - What does the future hold for Airforce beyond this album? Are you already thinking about the next steps?
A new album on the horizon and some tour proposals with some very big names in the scene.
M.I. - Thank you very much for your time and availability. Do you have a final message for the readers of Metal Imperium?
If you like Heavy Metal of the NWOBHM, listen to Airforce and support the musicians who after 40 years still play for pleasure.
Thank you for your support.
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Questions by Sónia Fonseca
