A Virus Beyond Heavy

Many of you may know Andre Michel Karkos (A.K.A. Virus) as the lead guitarist from the the American Industrial Heavy Metal/Rock band Dope. While Dope is on hiatus, awaiting for the right time to comeback with a solid record and a world tour. Virus has kept busy taking his career to new levels as musician, as a producer, and as a mentor. We recently had the chance to meet with him and chat about his current endeavors.

In the past few years Virus has stayed busy working as a producer, and was recently involved with the band Prong when he remixed the song "Looking For Them". He is also part of the band that performs on stage on the Broadway hit show Rock Of Ages and will soon join Spiderman, also on Broadway.
Additionally, Virus is a mentor for young kids who are aspiring to become professional musicians, and is heavily involved in various "Schools of Rock" in the Pennsylvania area. In the past he has arranged field trips with the kids, in which they got to meet Zakk Wylde from Black Label society and learn about what it's like to be on the road on a touring band.

At present time, Virus is getting ready to hit the road as guest guitarist for Belgium's own Lords Of Acid on their upcoming US tour. In case you didn't know, Lords of Acid is a post-Industrial/Acid House/Techno band formed by Praga Khan, who is one of the pioneers of the Rave sounds that lead to the creation of New Beat and Acid House.

Here is an exclusive interview we recently did with Virus, in which he discusses his past, his present, and his future as a professional musician. We want to thank Virus, Tim Martinez (DJ Tim No 37) and Evil Steve! \m/



Related links:
Dope's Official Site
Lords Of Acid Official Site