Balistic’s “The Parson’s Tale” is a theatrical metal journey through the seven deadly sins and virtues, hosted by Lucifer. Reunited since 2018, the PA band blends prog, funk, and piano with complex chords and vivid storytelling. Featuring Mark McNelley, Angie Pepper, Brian Kneasel, Dave Fox, and Don Hosler, this ambitious concept album delivers a wild, operatic ride. Nominated for Best Metal Band 2026 at CPMAs.
-Interview- (9/8/26)
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound?
Balistic started around 1992 playing metal and punk covers. We listened to a lot of the prog and classical metal stuff like Testament, Yes, Rush, Malmsteen etc.
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
I would like to have the people say “wow that song made me think about…”fill in the blank. We often get a lot of musicians who are fans. That’s pretty gratifying.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
Our influences have melded into an heavy metal Pink Floyd with Alex Lifeson on lead guitar and produced by Steve Harris from Maiden. Our latest album “The Parsons Tale” is a genre bending rock opera which should be a Broadway play!
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
That’s a tough one. Periphery. Maiden. Alter Bridge.
5. What's your thoughts on AI generated music?
As long as people keep liking it and Spotify and Apple doesn’t label it, it’s going to get bigger. Labels would love to generate hits by clicking a button. Since you can hardly sell CDs anymore, or only get a few cents per download, that’s how the movers and shakers will stay in business. As fans, you get what you pay for.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Metal?
There’s some great stuff out there. There’s also plenty of cookie cutter stuff. I heard a great saying. “ Your music doesn’t suck. It’s just not for me.” If you’re using the same programs, the same amps, the same mic pre, the same pedals, the same vocal style, well newsflash! It’s going to sound the same!
7. What’s the current local music scene like there in Pennsylvania?
I’d say it’s way different than it was when we started out. Balistic played over 1000 shows in just a few years. Now, it’s casinos and large venues with the latest tribute band. Those bands can be great. There’s a few venues that will put on an original band bill around here. So it’s not a complete wasteland around here. It’s actually pretty vibrant. There’s a few groups around here that will be signed to a major label soon, I guarantee it.
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
Abysmal.
9. What’s next for Balistic?
We are writing more as we speak. Balistic will concentrate on getting more shows next year. We are working toward a management deal. That would be a great help. We were recently nominated for Best Metal Band 2026 by Central Pa Music Hall of Fame, which shocked us to the core. I’m hoping to be worthy of that.
10. Any shoutouts?
I want to thank Jeff Karli of Moving Audio Imagery. Eric Wirsing from the band Solar Federation for working with us. Butch Boyer from the band Spinebelt. Matt Creter from Creter Music. Steve Knight from the podcast The Knight Shift. The CPMA award staff. PA Musician Magazine. Don Belch from the band Gallowglas for mixing and mastering our album. Last but not least Kira Schlecter, a writer for Heavyhags.com who immediately heard what we were trying to do with this last album and promoted us relentlessly.
