RR: I think the Midwest is our bread and butter market for shows. Maybe it’s the weather that fills the fans with anger. The crowd size and reaction never fails in places like Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin; they just love music. Plus, we also sell an amazing amount of merchandise where we’re there, so that helps.

MCB: The band has released two albums on independent label Bieler Bros.; do you feel more comfortable at an indie label versus a major?

RR: I think through Bieler Bros., we’ve gained more popularity at this point in our career if we would have been at a major label still. I know I am more financially sound at the indie label as well. I think you get way more attention, and just as many perks. At a major label like we were at, you are just one of 10,000 bands to them.

MCB: On the new record, Vengeance, there seems to more a political vibe on the record. With songs like “March Of War,” am I safe to assume that?

RR: Actually, I don’t think the album is that political. The only song on this record that is political is “Wake Up World.” A couple of the guys in the band are very vocal about their political stances, but I am the non-political guy in the group. Now, with a song like “March of War,” it's more of a personal statement for the band and for myself. It's for standing up what you believe in and doing your own thing versus anything political. And also, the new record comes across better live. We think we could play 10 of the 12 songs live and have it fit with our usual set, which is more than past records.

MCB: "Bullet With a Name" was a hit for you guys a couple of years ago, how did that song come together?

RR: I was roommates with Elias (Soriano, lead singer) at the time, and he had been humming lyrics and riffs for the song. One thing lead to another and the song came together real quick, in about 15 minutes and we took it from there. Sometimes, the songs that come together real quick work out best. If I have to think about the song too much, it usually doesn’t turn out good.

MCB: You guys did a Wrestlemania themed show in Detroit this past year, how did you guys hook up with WWE?

RR: It was through the maker of Raw vs. Smackdown (THQ Gaming), which had “Bullet” and “Alive & Kicking” in the game. We played a set as wrestlers took on fans and met a lot of great contacts in WWE through the THQ people. We didn’t get to make it to Wrestlemania in Detroit, but I am planning on hitting it up when its in Orlando next year.

MCB: Speaking of 2008, what are your tentative plans?

RR: We are planning on hitting the United Kingdom with Skindred in March, then coming back to the U.S. for more touring. But we plan to stay on the road all through 2008.

Nonpoint’s “Vengeance” record is currently out on Bieler Bros. Records. Check www.myspace.com/nonpoint for upcoming dates.