Kaine will be celebrating 5 years of the Reforged line-up with a special gig, and live album recording at Three Wise Monkeys, Colchester on Friday, May 19th, 2023. Joining them will be guests Osmium Guillotine, Killerkorp, and Heathen Kings.
The current incarnations of Kaine formed in May 2018, and have since released two studio albums Reforge The Steel (2019) and After Extinction (2022) as well as the Extinction After EP (2023), Kaine EP (2021), Falling Through Freedom X EP (2022), The Waystone EP (2020) and two live albums. The band has headlined Colchester Arts Centre, opened Burrfest at a sold-out Dome in Tufnell Park as well as toured the UK in support of the legendary Lillian Axe and Riot Act in 2022. Recently the band supported NWOBHM legends Trespass and Cher/Whitesnake Guitarist Joel Hoekstra alongside Brandon Gibbs of Devil City Angels and Poison fame.
This week’s rehearsals at Unit One will be purely in preparation for May 19th. The band plans on debuting some new tracks for the event, which will be recorded for a new live album by Talon Payne of Gallow Wood Studios.
Advanced tickets for the event are still available here.
We haven’t been booked for any tours, support slots, larger venues, or for any festival appearances in 2023 so if you wish to catch us live, it will be at our local gigs only.
We did investigate future tour support bookings following our tour with Lillian Axe and Riot Act last year, however, we didn’t get any interest for any future supports. As is usually the case, there was no interest in our band for playing any of the medium to bigger size festivals in the UK/Europe for 2023 either. We are disappointed that we weren’t able to follow up last year with a further tour, or some bigger gig and festival offers, but this is the nature of the business and we will work harder this year to try and progress.
If you do want to see us live this year, we will be playing our usual small venue shows as and when we are offered, these will largely be free entry gigs, or for a low ticket price. Our first (and so far only) of these for 2023 is in Chelmsford this month and you can find more details of this event here. We will continue to be as honest and upfront with our supporters about our situation. We hope to see you at a gig soon!
What have been your favourite moments from your three years in Kaine so far?
For me, the highlights of my time in the band have probably got to be the 10-year anniversary show at Colchester Arts Centre and Burr Fest at The Dome in London with my favourite of the two being the 10-year show, which has been the gig with the best crowd so far.
I also got a dent in my new car trying to find somewhere to park at night in the rain for a crappy hotel that was possibly also a drug den so there’s that too.
How have you changed since joining Kaine?
I own more shirts without sleeves and more music equipment.
But seriously, I feel that I’ve become more confident and comfortable when performing on stage. Before joining Kaine, I pretty much stood still, not doing much. Obviously, I’ve still got room for improvement but I’m getting there. For the next album, I’ve adopted the use of a pick for most of the new songs as I feel the sound of it suits some of the material much better. It’s also given me the chance to get more familiar with a pick as I never really used one in the past, with the only song prior having me sometimes use a pick was “Loudwire” on Reforge. Also apparently a lot of venues have crap monitors for bass players, If I even get one that is. I recall one venue claiming that they can’t put the bass through the monitors, so that was fun.
What were your experiences recording Reforge The Steel?
Most of the main writing for Reforge had already been done prior to me joining the band. I mainly just worked on my own basslines. But I feel that a lot of the time everybody is subtly changing what they play over the course of weeks or months of playing the same songs. Even some of the songs that we have recorded already are played differently than what’s on the album versions.
Recording Reforge was fun as we hadn’t really been working together as a band for very long, although Rage and Liam had been working together for a little while before Toby and I joined. And Toby and I were previously in another band together for a couple of years.
All the rehearsals and gigs leading up to the recording of the album did not prepare me for the seemingly endless guitar harmonies that were added to the songs on Reforge, however.
How about The Waystone Anniversary EP? How did you find working on that?
The Waystone was pretty fun to record, as a lot of the album had subtle changes with everyone throwing their own takes and different influences on the original versions of the songs.
The title track was probably the most difficult to learn and remember each part, what with how many different sections the song has and the different time signatures for certain sections. We also came to a decision of changing the original bass focus intro and making the song more concise. I think it’s the only time in any of the songs we’ve recorded that feature bass tapping except for my version of the bass fill in “Fall of Jericho” when we play that live. Even so, the final recorded version was different from the original version I initially wrote. As I initially wrote it on the six-string bass, utilising the high C string but In the end, I recorded it on the five-string and decided to not go as high.
What have you contributed to the new Kaine album?
On the new album, I’ve got a song that I wrote most of but had some input from the rest of the guys, I also have another couple of ideas that I just haven’t put into music yet.
And obviously, I’ve been mainly writing and playing my own basslines for each song but have been simplifying them somewhat to suit the different nature of the new material. The new album has been a different experience to write, as most of it wasn’t written beforehand with us learning how to play it.
Are you looking forward to hitting the studio in the coming months to record it?
Well, I can’t really say I’m not at this point, can I? Anyone want to take bets as to how many extra harmonies Rage and Toby add to the songs?
In all seriousness, being in the studio can be frustrating when you keep messing up the same take, over and over but at the end of the day, it’s great fun.
Are you excited to play live again, now the band is clear to play again?
Since March 2020, we’ve had a total of 1 gig, which was a Livestream only gig a couple of months ago. I can’t wait to be back out playing especially with the 13 or so gigs we have booked for the next few months this year. It’ll also give me a chance to use my new Spector that has been in the past few rehearsal videos in a live setting for the first time.
What are your ambitions with Kaine moving forward?
Well hopefully, as well as all the gigs we currently have booked, it would be great to get to play some larger venues, even as a support act for some more well-known bands. Of course, a tour or two wouldn’t hurt either.
I’d also like to try and get an endorsement of some kind from one of the brands I use, even if it’s just cables.
What would be your dream gig?
For a dream gig or scenario, think it’d have to be headlining a sold-out tour, not even necessarily in massive stadiums or venues. Just decent-sized venues with great crowds, doesn’t even matter where in the world they are.
Kaine will be playing back to back NWOBHM legends events on the 30th and 31st of October 2021. Kaine will return to Gravesend, Kent for the first time since 2019 at Leo’s Red Lion and will be making their first appearance in Newcastle since 2014 with their first ever gig at the legendary Trillian’s venue there.
On the bills will be bands such as Sacriledge, Rhabstallion, Witchfynde, Troyen, Millennium, Battleaxe and Airforce.
Today’s feature is on Lead Guitarist Toby Woods who joined the band just under two years ago. A guitar teacher by trade, he stepped in after A Crisis of Faith and helped write and record the latest album Reforge The Steel and this is what he had to tell us…
When did you start playing guitar?
I started playing at age 6 taking lessons at primary school. The first few years were on a nylon string classical guitar which I didn’t enjoy as much as I thought I would but at age 8/9 I got my first electric and that’s when it became a obsession.
Former Megadeth lead guitarist Marty Friedman with his hero Toby Woods
What were your biggest influences starting out?
The reason I play guitar is because of the Darkness. I remember wanting to learn to play because I wanted to be the guitar player for the Darkness. AC/DC have always been a massive influence to me. As for metal, the first album I ever bought was Metallica’s Black Album so they have been a big influence on my playing as well. When I first started playing electric, I used to copy James Hetfield’s picking hand, gripping the pick with two fingers. Nowadays, anyone can tell you I’m hugely obsessed with Marty Friedman. Hes definitely my biggest inspiration at the moment.
Fellow East Anglian’s… The Darkness
You are a guitar teacher by trade, how do you enjoy teaching?
I really enjoy it! It’s really special to be a part of someone else’s musical journey and helping them to progress. Plus I get to play guitar for a living, what’s not to love.
How can someone book a lesson with you?
The best way to get a hold of me is to email twguitarist@gmail.com that’s where I deal with all of my lesson bookings and any music business.
Needs more harmonies….
You are a guitar enthusiast, how many do you currently own and what models and set ups are you using?
I currently have 6 guitars: Gibson SG Standard; ESP EX standard; ESP LTD Gus-200; PRS SE Marty Friedman; Jackson Marty Friedman; and a Sigma acoustic. My collection has downsized massively. I decided to get rid of most of the guitars that I wasn’t playing. I’m a big fan of EMG pickups, the Marty Friedman set being the best set of pickups that have ever been made! I use D’addario 11-52 on everything along with Dunlop strap locks. I’ll hopefully add to my collection again soon.
And which amp are you currently using and why?
I’m currently using a Hughes & Kettner Tubemeister Deluxe 40. It’s a really great sounding head and it’s small which is a massive plus. I went to Andertons with Isaac to get a new Head and Cab and after trying a few different brands, we plugged in the Hughes & Kettner and it blew every other amp out of the water. I only use the lead channel boosted with a Boss SD-1. It’s quite the tone. Every guitar sounds great through it as well. It sits well in the mix with Rage’s guitar tone and Issac’s bass.
Kaine X Live
What were your musical endeavours prior to joining Kaine?
I had a lot of performance experience at secondary school playing lead guitar in our Schools AC/DC tribute band which was a lot of fun. Then when I got to college I was in a band with Isaac that we’ll get to in the nest question.
Toby and Isaac performed together in Cannon prior to joining Kaine
You and Isaac were originally in a band together called Cannon, when did that start?
We started that with some of our college friends in 2015/16. We had a good time playing lots of local shows and putting on gigs at college with some other college bands that we were friends with. Our best show was our EP release gig at Colchester Institutes Swinburne Hall with our good friends State of Millennia, who have recently release their first album. We promoted the gig our selves and it was filmed for a YouTube release which might still be out there somewhere. That was a lot of fun.
Did you record any material?
We recorded a five track EP called Time Machine which was fun to write and record but the band came to a natural end when we went our separate ways for University.
Cannon’s music video
You applied to try out for Kaine on the morning of the announcement of Saxon’s departure from the band, what drew you to want to join Kaine?
I started off as a fan of the band. I had all the albums before I joined so when the opportunity to join came up I jumped at it. I was rehearsing the songs in-between giving guitar lessons at the primary school that I teach at. I wanted to make sure I knew them as well as I could for my “informal audition”.
Fun and games at rehearsals…
After joining the band you played one gig with Stephen Ellis on bass, how was that?
That was a good gig. I was a little nervous with it being my first gig with the band but I new I was in good hands. Stephen is an awesome bass player so I was really pleased that I could share the stage with him.
From the Reforge The Steel photo shoot
You recommended Isaac Healy to the band a new line-up had been put together in a fortnight, what was it like to suddenly be in a whole new version of an established band, although also with Isaac who you knew?
It was extremely exciting. I couldn’t wait to begin playing and writing and cementing my place in the band. I new that Isaac would be a good fit as bass player as we have played and rehearsed together many times.
Performing in Bury St Edmund’s in 2019
How long have you known Isaac and how long have you been playing together?
We first met when Cannon started. We were on the same course at college but we were in different groups so we didn’t actually meet until the first Cannon practice. It turned out that we had a very similar music taste so we ended up going to a load of shows together with our friend Karl.
Cameron Heeps in action for Ipswich Witches
Your Ipswich Witches hat has drawn some attention, how long have you been a fan?
I remember going to the good Friday races when I was much younger but me and My Dad have been going to meetings regularly for the last three years or so. I’m glad everyone has been enjoying the now named “harmony hat”!
Toby performed lead guitar and the solos on Reforge The Steel
Reforge The Steel came together quickly after the new band had formed in a fortnight, how was it to record a new album so soon after joining the band and what are your favourite tracks and solos from the album?
The songs on the album came together really quickly which I think reflects on how well we all work together as a band. I’m very pleased with how it came out and i enjoy every song on it. I think my favourite solo is probably the one in “Wake”. This is because I tried to make this solo more melodic that some of the others. Whilst it’s always fun to shred away, somethings it’s great to put some feeling into the notes. I’m also quite proud the solo in “Black” because it was improvised in the studio so it has never been played the same again. My favourite track is “Reforge The Steel”. Its normally the song we open a set with so it’s always a fun one and packed with energy.
Toby on stage at Kaine X
You played both the packed out Kaine 10 year show at Colchester Arts Centre and Burr Fest with Kaine, how did you find doing those two big shows with the band?
The 10 year show was definitely an amazing time. It’s a venue I’d always wanted to play a show at and it being very close to sold out made it even more special. It was great to have so many people come out to see us and really enjoying the music. Because it was so close to where I live, it was awesome to have my Mum and Dad there who have always been very supportive of my choice to pursue music and have always done everything they can top help me, whether it’s driving me to gigs so I can play or buying for that new guitar for my birthday that I simply must have! I hope I did them proud.
Playing Burr fest was also awesome. To play on that stage in front of all those people, some who knew us and some who didn’t was truly special. Hopefully we made some new fans that day. Its was great again to have my Mum, Dad and sister there because it was my Mums birthday so it was really meant a lot that she wanted to spend her birthday in London to see us play. It was also great to have my Sister taking some great photos of us all whilst we played our set.
From Colchester Arts Centre supporting Skiltron and Ethereal Sin
Being from the area, the Arts Centre is a special venue to you, what bands have you seen there? Also, you watched bands at The Dome before playing there will Kaine, what bands did you see there?
My first ever gig was at Colchester Arts Centre seeing Dragonforce. After that gig, I said to my friends that I would one day play a show there! Since then, I have seen Cryptopsy, Crowbar, Limehouse Lizzy, Live Wire and of course Skiltron and Etheral Sin when we supported them. At the dome, me and Isaac have seen Man With a Mission and Band Maid there. I always thought that it would be an awesome venue to play as well. It was really special to stand on the stages that I have seen some of my favourite bands play on.
At Colchester Arts Centre earlier this year
You’re currently writing a new album during the lock down, you have put a couple of tracks together for it, how would you describe the new album so far and your tracks?
One of the tracks I’ve put forward for the album is purely a show off tune for me. It’s a power metal-y neoclassical shred fest that I put together a little while ago whilst listening to a lot of power metal bands like Dragonforce and Galneryus. The new album is shaping up really well, we’ve all been sharing ideas and writing tunes during rehearsals for a little while now and it’s been really fun bouncing ideas off of each other. I cant wait to get the songs finished so we can start to bring them out live and record them.
Playing The Dome for Burr Fest
Are you enjoying the creative freedom in Kaine?
It’s been really great to put my own touches on existing Kaine songs as well as being as creative as I can with writing leads when it comes to writing.
Isaac and Toby relaxing after a day in the studio tracking the EP
The band is releasing a new EP and live album this year, have you tried to give the Waystone EP your own flair?
I tried to put my own spin on the songs where I could. This was mainly putting in my own solos and re-working some of the leads to fit them in better with my style. Other than that, I kept all the essential parts as they were. The live album will also be great when it comes out. It was a lot of fun to record.
From The Bassment, Chelmsford
How did the B2 live album night go for you? Did you enjoying doing the new album in its entirety live?
It was a great show. It was really great to see so many people out to see us at the B2. It was awesome to play all of the songs live in one go. They’re all a lot of fun to play and seeing the crowds enjoyment made the show easy to play. Again, it was really great for my awesome Mum & Dad and wonderful Girlfriend there to support us a share another special Kaine moment.
Being heavily encouraged on stage…
You can hear Toby’s lead guitar work on the latest album Reforge The Steel by clicking here. There are still copies available on CD available from Bandcamp and is free to stream across all major streaming services (Spotify link included on the tab on this website). Toby also performed on the Kaine X Live Album and DVD which can be ordered here, as well as the The Waystone EP which can be pre-ordered here.
MetalTalk.Net reviewed Burr Fest 2020 *SOLD OUT* saying that “Colchester, Essex based Kaine got proceedings off to a rousing start with a thumping half hour set of steel-studded compositions which you just couldn’t not be impressed with. ‘Reforge The Steel’ is Kaine’s motto and although the heavy Metallica influence is plain for all to see, they cut it as their own entity with blisteringly passionate songs that they perform with a gusto.”
“[Kaine] put in a confident performance, certainly making sure that even though they only had half an hour to play, they were going to make the most of it. “
Kaine were recently interviewed for Burr Fest by Metal Talk which can be read by clicking the links below. Burr Fest takes place this Saturday from a sold out Dome in Tufnell Park, London.
“It’s definitely been a period of rebirth and revival for the band with Liam, Toby and Isaac coming in and then writing and recording ‘Reforge The Steel’. It’s a cliché but this is very much a new band, but equally because of the calibre of the previous line-ups we’ve also still got a lot to prove to people and people to win back who may have written us off. “
Blaze Bayley will perform a special Iron Maiden 25th anniversary set at Burr Fest 2020 which will take place at The Dome, Tufnell Park on March 7th. Tickets for the event are already selling fast.
Iron Maiden performing in 1996
Kaine were announced for the event late last week [Kaine – Burr Fest 2020] and will play alongside Absolva, Airforce, Tytan and Elixir.
Kaine have been announced for Burr Fest at The Dome, Tufnell Park (London) next year. Burr Fest is an annual charity event, held in memory of former Iron Maiden drummer, Clive Burr.
“So here it goes! The first act announced for Burr Fest 2020, opening the bill will be… KAINE!!! Formed by frontman/rhythm guitarist Rage Sadler, back in 2009, the band has gone through various line-up changes over the years. One thing has always remained though – Rage’s determination to produce genuine Heavy Metal with conviction. Having recently announced their latest effort “Reforge The Steel”, the band have so far released 3 fantastic studio albums. With such a solid catalogue behind them, I’m sure Kaine are destined for big things, and it’s thoroughly deserved! I’m very happy to have them on the bill this year, and know you’ll all love their set! So make sure you head down to the show early to catch these guys!”
Andy Holloway – Burr Fesr
Originally a member of Samson, Clive Burr played on the first three Iron Maiden albums, before playing in other legendary acts such as Trust, Elixir and Praying Mantis. Burr died in his sleep on 12 March 2013 in London, due to complications related to MS. The early idea behind Burr Fest, began when promoter Andy learnt of the death Clive Burr, knowing that this would likely see the end of the fundraising efforts. Clive was a fantastic drummer, and being a drummer himself, Andy was keen to see Clive’s legacy live on. Unfortunately, at that point, he had no idea where to start. It wasn’t until he teamed up with Erwin Lucas, an Iron Maiden fan from Holland, in 2015, that a plan started to form. The pair released the “Origins of Iron” compilation that June, with no less than 8 former members of Maiden attending the launch party. The response led to Doug Sampson rejoining Airforce after 20 years, to record new material which appeared on the group’s career-retrospective album, “Judgement Day”, which was released by Andy & Erwin’s WatchOut Records.
