Hi Geoff! The Devil’s Asylum is a striking title — what’s the idea behind it, and what does it represent to you?
The Devil’s Asylum was originally a horror script idea I have. When I finished the album I just thought it was a wicked title! The meaning behind it is things are getting so crazy the whole world has committed it’s self and were all living in the Devil’s Asylum! When fantasy and reality start to mimics each other. The music was written by myself and Jimmie Evans, I wrote the lyrics and Melodies… normally we dont finish with the title track but in this case it was sort of a grand way to end.
Did this record begin with a clear concept, or did the songs gradually reveal the theme as you wrote them?
I worked on almost all the music first it was a combination of riffs I had, riffs I created and parts Jimmie and I put together on 3 songs. Not with a certain concept just yet. When I decided to use all the movie script ideas for the words it started to take shape to the album we have today. It all happened from July 2024 start to Feb 2025 masters turned in.
Was there a single spark or moment that set the album in motion?
The day after I fired my last singer and guitar player.
In June 2024 for not showing up at a major festival they agreed to play in Mexico City was the spark that lit the fuse. I had to replace 2 players and finish s new album… I went straight to work!! My goal was to be ready to record by 2024’s end. The material flowed and a bad ass album was on the way. We got Denver and Chalice soon after and we were back stronger than ever in 6 months fully armed with a killer new line-up and one of our best albums! The Devil’s Asylum! It was a blessing in disguise!
“Dogs of War” is the first taste fans get. Why did you choose it as the lead single?
“Bloodbath” by Geoff Thorpe was the first single released on May 9th. It’s the lead off track on the album, a real banger with full power and also classic melodic 2-part guitars and vocals weaving in and out of each other in true VR style! This was our first choice for the single. Before I could say a word SPV/Steamhammer said “this song has to be the first single!” We were on the same page from the first note!
“Crack the Sky in Half” by Geoff Thorpe and Jimmie Evans was single # 2, released on July 2nd. This song is all about reaching for the stars, living your best life and taking home the prize! That’s what VR is all about!
“Dogs Of War” by Geoff Thorpe is the 3rd single released Aug 15th. A song about all soldiers and Warriors of all wars throughout time. A classic VR old school feel. We felt these 3 songs were a great representation of the album. I wanna thank everyone who looked at 250,000 views of these songs on YouTube over the last 2 months. Full album out Aug 29th 2025.
Was there a moment in the studio where a song completely surprised you or went in an unexpected direction?
The way Chalice performed my original ideas and took it to the next level and Denver Cooper added some of the most shredding, Unpredictable solos after Larry killed 11 songs in 15 hours, with Robin sending in perfect Bass tracks, nothing had to be redone! I knew we had something special!
Looking back on the writing process, what was the toughest song to finish?
“Boring day in Hell” by Geoff Thorpe was a lot of work. I also did the vocals on that song and re-did the chorus a few times. In the end, I was happy with the way it turned out!
Which track on the album pushed you the most as a guitarist?
“In Blood We Trust” by Geoff Thorpe was a fast and tight ripper! I did all the rhythm guitar parts on the album. Those had to be super tight. After hearing Denver’s solo parts I had to step it up! Lol, he really killed it. I needed mine to hold its own so that was the guitar challenge song! It was a lot of fun!!
Were there any experiments — musically, lyrically, or production-wise — that were new territory for Vicious Rumors?
I feel 3 songs in particular are a fresh and a bit new for VR, “Abusement Park” by Geoff Thorpe and Jimmie Evans almost goes in a punk rock feel. The title track has a unique feel for VR and Boring Day in Hell also has something fresh to offer in the Old School Classic Heavy Metal Album style.
Is there a deep cut on the record that fans might overlook at first, but you think will really grow on them?
2 – deep cuts!! “Wrong Side Of Love” and
“Butcher’s Block” by Geoff Thorpe are very different from each other but in my opinion the classic deep cuts than can grow on you!
Your lyrics often deal with heavy topics — war, struggle, survival. What inspired the stories on The Devil’s Asylum?
Mostly the movie Scripts in a horror style.
Bloodbath, Abusement Park, Butcher’s Block, The Devils Asylum, all originally for movie Scripts.
Did any real-world events shape the mood of this record?
“Dogs of War” is a direct connection to all wars!
Man Thrives, Man Dies, all he knows is the art of wanting more… it must be a flaw in our human DNA.
Do you see the album as reflecting the times we’re living in, or as something more timeless?
My ideas for the movie is what came first. THE DEVIL’S ASYLUM is about the world going so crazy that walls are build around all population as the entire planet is committed to the Devil’s Asylum with all the wards of the Asylum being all the land mass worldwide… government and royalties are flying over head and realize at the end there in there own Asylum… yes its a nightmare with no light at the end. Today’s current situation tends to lean towards the Asylum being a real possibility.
You’ve kept Vicious Rumors alive since 1979. What was the hardest moment where you thought the band might not make it, and what pulled you through?
Losing Carl Albert was the lowest point for me! He died way to young. Larry and I after a year decided we had to many things left to do! More music to make! Although Carl’s Death was the lowest moment. It also was the drive to pick it up and take it further!
With so many lineup changes, was there ever a new member who completely surprised you by taking the band in an unexpected direction?
No, I’m not looking for anyone to reinvent the band. I always look for team players with a similar work ethic and drive. That’s hard enough to find. Chemistry is everything! We have a great one now!
You’ve shared stages with legends. Who impressed you the most offstage, when the spotlight wasn’t on?
I’d have to say its a toss-up between Dio, Lemmy, and Klaus and Rudolph of Scorpions. Dio looked you in the eye when he talked to you! So smart and inspiring! Lemmy was the real deal he treated you the same in any almost any situation. Klaus and Rudolph came to our show in SF after we met them at their concert. They were so fun to hang with. Real good people!! There’s a lot more but I’ll go with this group of extraordinary people for now!
Vicious Rumors has been called “underrated” by many fans. How do you personally see the band’s place in metal history?
VR our certainty one of the original pioneers of US power/speed Classic metal since 1979! Our reputation is based in high-caliber musicanship and strong songs! We’ve influenced many bands from Arch Enemy to Napalm Death. Even some black metal bands started out on Soldiers of the Night. Its been an honor for over 46 years! Lol but in one word…
Underrated!! Lol
Was there ever a complete disaster — on tour, in the studio, or live — that you can laugh about now?
Oh God yes!! You can read all about it in my upcoming book! “March or Die” the ongoing story of 50 years in the underground of Heavy Metal. Coming out in 2026.
Is there a show in Vicious Rumors’ history that you’d relive in a heartbeat if you could?
So many great gigs I’d love to re-live!! From big festivals to small clubs! The only bad gig is the one you don’t do!
Touring is a grind — what’s one ritual or routine that’s kept you sane on the road?
If I can get 6 hours of sleep a night I’m good for months at a time! Save the all-night parties for the fans! We have a show tomorrow! Lol.
After so many years, what still excites you about heavy metal?
I love to play and hear my guitar and voice nice and loud on stage, through a PA system, that feeling of being tight and deadly with the band! The energy that goes back and forth from the fans. What’s not to love! Heavy Metal Rules!!!
You’ve seen metal go through ups and downs. What’s one thing the new generation of bands gets right, and one thing they’re missing?
I love seeing bands performing at a high level with a professional presence! A lot of young bands get that right! Some bands take the pre-recorded playback too far! I like to see a band play live! If there’s a few imperfections so be it… Otherwise it can get stale…
Has your definition of “success” changed since you started in ’79?
Absolutely!! I expected everything when I started. Now I appreciate everything!!!
Do you ever think about legacy — what you want Vicious Rumors to stand for long after you’re gone? Thank you for your time!
I hope my legacy will be that VR played with fire and passion, festival’s or small club’s and all things inbetween and they never let us down!! Thanks to all the VR fans in Ukraine! I hope to play there some day! I’m proud of you for standing up for yourselves and a lot of people stand with you!!
Metal on
Geoff Thorpe
Vicious Rumors
https://www.facebook.com/ViciousRumorsThisIsMetal
https://viciousrumors.lnk.to/TheDevilsAsylum
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