Mick Sultana (Mortal Sin)

I recently conducted “part one” in a series of interviews featuring Inferno endorsing artists. Mortal Sin’s Mick Sultana was kind enough to be the first whom accepted my interview invitation.

Trevor Discombe: Thanks for sparing some time for Inferno Guitars Mick, I know you are very busy. You’re aware that I’m a big Mortal Sin fan and have been since the 1980s, so this is a pleasure for me. To begin, I’d like to ask how you first got involved with Mortal Sin and were you a fan of the band before hand?

Mick Sultana: My involvement with Mortal Sin started in mid 2003, when I received a call from my old guitar buddy Joe Buttigieg, who at the time was playing in the band, asking if I was interested in joining to complete the line-up. Joe and I had previously played together in Addictive so I felt at home straight away. I was also a fan and friends with the remaining original members, as we had played many shows and tours alongside each other in the day. We also rehearsed at the same studios so we were pretty much on the same level right from the start.

Trevor Discombe: Could you tell us about some of the bands you have played in before Mortal Sin?

Mick Sultana: The only other band I’ve played with is Addictive, so Mortal Sin is my second gig. I’ve never really understood how musicians can jump from band to band year after year because in some ways it’s like starting over again as far as the groundwork is concerned, unless of course you’re a “hired gun” type of player or get a better offer haha… but then I guess it’s a question of loyality at the end of the day.

Trevor Discombe: So how long have you been playing guitar?

Mick Sultana: I first picked up the guitar in 1985 at the age of fifteen, two years later I joined my first band Addictive which spanned from 1987 until 1996. After that I kind of went into musical retirement from 1996 up until 2003. Finally from 2003 onwards is where Mortal Sin comes into the picture. The simple answer is twenty-four years, where does the time go?

Trevor Discombe: I personally like your guitar playing style. Who are some of your main musical influences and favorite artists?

Mick Sultana: I grew up listening to Kiss & AC/DC but by the time I had started playing I was more into the thrash movement, with the likes of Megadeth and Destruction – who were probably my main infuences at the time. Im not generally a huge Death/Black metal fan but there are some exceptions like Amon Amarth’s latest album, Twilight Of The Thunder God is simply awesome. Anything and everything you listen to is an influence to some degree… I also like classical players such as John Williams and Jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery. My personal favorite guitarists out of respect would have to be Marty Friedman and Randy Rhoads, who both have this great ability to take you in and hold your attention.

Trevor Discombe: How do you see the metal music scene today, both in Australia and overseas?

Mick Sultana: I think the metal scene is pretty strong right now and generally more accepted today, apposed to the ’80′s. The Australian metal scene in particular is good but I still believe the bands never get the recognition they deserve on a global basis. It’s really interesting overseas though, it all just seems to be taken a lot more seriously.

Trevor Discombe: In your time with Mortal Sin you have shared the stage with some legendary metal bands. Could you please tell us about some memorable tours or concerts?

Mick Sultana: Looking back it’s hard to believe some of the shows and festivals we’ve been lucky enough to play the last few years. The Inferno Festival, Oslo Norway 2008 for example was the last show of the European Tour with Overkill, which was headlined by Destruction. Not only was it the first time I got to see them live but I shared the stage, chatted and had a beer with them. Some of the festivals have been amazing too, both Wacken ’06 and ’08, Head Banger’s Open Air, Jalometalli in Finland, Metal Mania with Megadeth, as was the Anthrax Tour and shows back home with Slayer, Testament, Judas Priest and the up coming Australian tour with Kreator.

Trevor Discombe: At this time, what would be some of the biggest highlights in your musical career?

Mick Sultana: Show wise I’d have to say the European tour with Overkill and playing Wacken Open Air will stay with me forever. For me personally, I really believe the recording studio is the most important part in anyones musical career. Let’s face it, once its all said and done, when touring is all but a distant memory, only the recordings remain.

Trevor Discombe: You mentioned previously that Mortal Sin are writing some new material, could you tell us a little about that and when fans can hope for a new CD release?

Mick Sultana: The new material so far is a lot thrashier than the last release. Although Nathan Shea and Luke Cook have been in the band for several years, at the time of recording “An Absence Of Faith” a good part of the material was already written, so Mortal Sin’s next effort will show a lot more of their influences and shine throughout, also bringing some heavier elements onboard. As far as a release date is concerned, we were aiming for late 2009 but a 2010 release might be more realistic.

Trevor Discombe: You also mentioned previously a South American tour for Mortal Sin?

Mick Sultana: Shows for the South American tour are currently being booked and it’s growing into a decent sized tour. It should also be noted thats it’s the first time Mortal Sin will play in these regions so we are really looking forward to it.

Trevor Discombe: Do you have any advice to offer younger or less experienced guitar players in bands?

Mick Sultana: Yeah I do… Don’t do it, stay away haha! It can be an extremely tough industry and it’s only getting harder in this “ipod age”. It’s also a lot of sacrifice, hard work, it’s costly and it absorbs a lot of time. On a high note, its a creative path and a good outlet in life if you follow your dreams. It really all comes down to what you want from it – if you’re expecting the world then be prepared for some major dissapointments. Be sure to love what you’re doing because it doesn’t love you back very often. How’s that for encouragement?

Trevor Discombe: As you play in one of my favourite international bands, you also endorse Gibson and you have played two different Inferno guitars, your opinion is quite valuable to me. What would you say to those who may be concerned about the sound or playability of an Inferno guitar?

Mick Sultana: Im very proud to be assosiated with and to have obtained an endorsement deal with Gibson guitars but for someone looking into Inferno guitars as a cheaper option, they will be pleased with both the sound and playability. From my experience, Inferno is a promising, quality guitar at an affordable price with a very comfortable setup. I definitely recommend Inferno Guitars in this price range.

Trevor Discombe: Again, many thanks for your time Mick and all the best mate.

Mick Sultana: No worries Trevor, thanks for the interest.