Former professional wrestler. Writer. Creator. Metallica enthusiast. This edition of Fistful of Questions goes out to Lawrence for Hell Ever After.
What is your full name?
Lawrence Duran Gomez
Do you have any aliases?
I pro wrestled under the moniker “Salvatore Morocco” and “Tango Torrez” so the nicknames Rocco and Tango were pretty cool but I rarely get called those anymore.
If you had an alias what might it be?
I love the title “Impressario” for my role in creating and composing a “rock opera”
What bands are you actively involved with?
Hell Ever After is my only project. I have a lofty and ambitious goal with it. So anything I do will be Hell ever after related, or at least hell ever adjacent.
What was the first instrument that you played?
We had a drum kit in my attic growing up. But we never got it fixed, or whatever it needed. So I instead picked up my dads guitar and I never looked back!!!
Tell me about one of your first musical memories?
My life is pretty much all music. So the memories are literally endless. So I will have to go with one that has become a part of me. My wife and I got engaged at a Metallica stadium concert here in Buffalo, NY. I can’t think of a better musical memory than one that united my favorite person and favorite band, then led to my becoming a married man. Best decision ever.
What was the name of the first band you were in?
My first official full lineup and playing shows band was called “Catalyst” that was my sophomore year in high school. But I had been trying to put a band together since the 7th grade.
Tell me about the genesis of Hell Ever After.
I have always been torn in so many directions. It was cool in that I got a lot of different experiences. However, it was also detrimental that my skills and drive weren’t funneled into a single vision. It wasn’t until I saw the movie “phantom of the opera” in the late aughts that I had an epiphany; this is what I need to be doing!!! A musical or “Rock Opera” would allow me to write both music and a story(2 things I had always done but separately), it would also include my love for the theatre. The stars aligned that day. I even had some old tracks that never went anywhere and an idea; an average schmo ends up in hell with no idea how and a strong belief that he should not be there. It was all coming together. So naturally, I immediately started pro wrestling!!! Makes sense I know. All the while the opera was stewing in the back of my head. I feel that pro wrestling was a necessary detour as I learned a great deal about psychology, physical story telling and being over the top. Finally nearly a decade later it was time to hang up the boots as the story could no longer be put off. And in early 2018 I began the official writing process for what would become “hell ever after” fast forward a few more years I had 6 tracks(disjointed as I have not written this linearly) and the title came natural as it completely sums up the story, my views since turning vegan and the lives we are living politically; but that’s a different story. I finally started putting a band together for it right before Covid struck. But I still managed to land all the best members for the project and we hit the stage right after the lockdown. I do believe that everyone was not only on board with the rock opera, and theatrical aspect, but sold on the idea solely on that knowledge as the story was(and still is) not known through the songs available to the public and even it’s members.
What inspired the name Hell Ever After?
It just came to me one day. It perfectly sums up both the story I am telling as well as the way life is playing out with the state of our world, and planet, at this point.
How long did it take you to write and record Act I?
I have not been writing it linearly. I am writing the entire opera at once. Tackling whichever piece I get inspired to work on. I did however need to finish ACT I in order to keep the production rolling toward conclusion as well as promote a complete work. I decided to break it into acts as an album in 2022. This led to a number of great leaps in the process. The number of tracks, 3 acts at 6 tracks a piece. The length of each act; 40 minutes per LP. Etc. I completed the official writing of Act I in November of 2023. We rehearsed it then started pre production in January 2024. Official tracking began in May 2024 and completed in July 2025. The long process allowed me a large window to make adjustments and tweaks up til the final day of recording.
If you could insert yourself into any one band what band would it be and why?
Wow, I love so many bands for so many different reasons. It’s so tough to pick one especially with a reason….. I’m gonna go with Necrogoblikon, because it looks like they just have so much fun. They also make badass music!!!
Have you ever heard a song and immediately wished you had written it? If so… What was the song and artist?
All the time!!! All my favorites have at least one song where I wish it was in my band’s catalog. I can think of 2 without batting an eye.
Metallica- one. Because, in my opinion, it’s a perfect metal song.
And then Pink Floyd’s “goodbye blue skies” due to its perfect blend of sad and beautiful. It also has a very relevant theme. It’s scary how much it still fits the global climate.
Do you have any non-metal musical inspirations?
Very much so; I love classical music. Composers like Sibelius, Mozart, Lindt and Grieg have greatly influenced my sound. I also love musicals; Any Rogers and Hammerstein is stellar. Andrew Lloyd Webber inspired me to make my own Rock Opera.
What’s a non-metal song that you'd like to do a cover of?
I have a long list of tracks I want to do. I think we are going to record one in between Act’s 1 and 2. Since this is a complete work of 3 albums, we might even do a fourth album of all covers if we feel like doing another album once the story is done. Dave Matthew’s band’s “Grey street”, Zager and Evan’s “in the year 2525” and Everly brothers “I do my crying in the rain” are 3 non metal covers that will be on that album if it comes to fruition.
What band have you played with that has really impressed you with their live show?
Cemetery Echo is a band here from Buffalo that have their own unique vibe. The stage presence and choreography is excellent!!! There are a number of great bands I enjoy watching Grizzly Run, Inertia, Wasted Space; etc. but Cemetery Echo stood out!!!
Do you have a favorite venue to play at?
There’s a place here in the Buffalo area that we have always had stellar shows at. But we keep losing venues for various reasons. I am hoping for the chance to get onto some bigger stages. We have yet to be able to open things up and see what this band is truly capable of.
Do you have a pre-show ritual?
Regrettably no. I’m usually running around like a chicken… I have costumes, makeup, lighting, choreographies, and gear to make sure it is in order. I guess that would be my ritual. This past show(album release 10/10/25) is the first show where I did not have to sacrifice an aspect of the show because I couldn’t pull it all off. That was a very satisfying feeling.
What is your favorite thing about touring?
We have not toured yet. We haven’t even gotten out of out city!!! So if you’re reading this, check out our album and live shows on YouTube) if you like us, book us, we’ll come to your town!!! But if I had to say what I think my favorite aspect is, it would probably be meeting all the new people!!! I still meet people at every show even in our own area. It’s Fantastic!!!
What is your least favorite thing about touring?
Probably sleeping in cold and uncomfortable locations….. eating like crap, I’m vegan so that would be extra difficult. Also, fears of something going wrong so far away from home.
Is there a city that you love to hit while on tour?
Very much so!!! We would like to make it to Chicago, Salem, Portland, New Orleans and San Francisco.
What’s the weirdest experience you’ve had on the road?
I have been on the road significantly from my pro wrestling days…. And mind you this wasn’t even that crazy, but it was definitely a whole thing. The GPS, while trying to find a venue, took us to a national park. We were so confused. They were so confused. We had to, old school, stop at gas stations and ask the clerk for help.
The year is 2012. Where are you at and what are you listening to?
I’m about to have my first pro wrestling match. I grew up loving wrestling and getting to do that was an amazing experience. I’m also in a Misfits tribute band called “Wulfsblood” with some buddies. They asked me to join. I didn’t even really know much misfits stuff. But I played the role of Jerry Only and it was an awesome fit and great experience. Those shows were wild!!!
What advice would you give young musicians that are just starting out in the music business?
Put in the time. Hone your craft. Attend events in your “field” and network. Everything else will come. I allowed myself to get distracted in too many different ways. I’m trying to make all those side missions worth it by pulling in all those experiences and skills acquired to justify the procrastination on writing this opera. I think it’s working. It’s turning out great. I just wish it was complete and I could be working on the “musical” aspect.
What is an absolute band killer?
100% of the time it’s attitude. It’s good to be confident but overly cocky leads to drama and conflict.
Have you ever recorded a song that you really didn’t like, but somebody else in the band really did?
I have some songs from my older bands that I’m not too keen on these days. But at the time I really enjoyed them.
If you were to start your own music festival what would be the name of that festival and who would be the three headlining bands?
Nice, I already want to do a “Hell ever after fest” have it be 2 stages. One stage would have all the bands that comprise HEA then headlined by HEA. The other stage would have the bands I like in the area. But I am going to have my own festival with anyone on the table to perform. I would most likely call it something ”hell day” and its inaugural headliners would be ghost, king diamond and Slayer. We’d have to be on it too. Maybe right before Ghost, lol.
What’s the longest time you’ve gone without bathing?
I know I’ve pulled a lengthy break, but not ridiculously long. Maybe like 3 days. Definitely not longer than 4.
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?
I’m not overly secretive. I’m pretty open about mostly everything. So I can’t really think of anything for this one.
Is the Fistful of DOOM show in the top 10 of your favorite music podcasts?
Absolutely!!! I gonna listen now!!!!
Do unicorns sleep standing up?
They gotta right!? That horn is dangerous!!!
Give me three albums that I should listen to immediately, if not sooner.
I have no idea if these are albums you have heard or not. But I’m going to try to make them more on the you might not have heard spectrum. They are Sadus “swallowed in black”, Devastation “Idolatry” and Dead to fall “the phoenix throne”
You’re driving cross-country and you can only listen to one album the whole time. What album will it be?
It’s probably gonna be Pink Floyd “the wall” . It's lengthy and it never gets old!
You are writing a book about your life thus far. What is the title of that book?
“Get your shit together” the story of Lawrence Duran Gomez
What is your favorite song by Taylor Swift?
I'm torn between “look what you made me do” and “Imgonnagetyouback”
Slipknot or Rammstein (if you had to choose)?
I’m definitely going with Rammstein. I know they have had some controversial antics over the years. But musically and visually I think they are superior!
Doobies or Boobies (if you had to pick one)?
No one should be faced with such things.
Waffles or Pancakes (if you had to pick one)?
I guess it would be pancakes. But it’s a field goal win in overtime.
Star Wars or Star Trek (if you had to choose)?
Definitely Star Wars!!! Though I have enjoyed the OG, next generation and DS9 tv shows. As well as the modern movies. I just think SW has better characters and stories.
Favorite band t-shirt you own?
I have a poison the well T-shirt that Jeff from PTW gave to me. It’s a sentimental one for sure. I’ve worn to death a number of my other faves a cannibal corpse and autopsy shirts specifically come to mind.
Favorite meal?
Currently it’s a tie between Spaghetti with impossible meatballs and Tofu garam masala
Favorite book?
I’m still trying to find the time to read Moby Dick!!
Favorite movie?
I am a huge movie buff. I have 3 go to all time favs
In no particular order Predator, Tombstone and Jaws.
Favorite album?
There are a great number of albums I love and even mentioned some in this interview previously. So I’m gonna go with Metallica “… And justice for all” everyone always goes to “Master” and that album is phenomenal. But “justice” just sticks out for me personally. The riffing, the drum rhythm, the vocals and lyrical content. It’s my fav!!!
Favorite video game?
I’m not a huge gamer, but, I do love all the resident evil games!!!
Favorite Professional Wrestler?
I have 2. They are the greatest, imo, to step through the ropes. The character, the ability, the mic work; they are Ravishing Rick Rude and Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig. RIP.
Massive thanks to Lawrence for taking the time to answer my questions. I appreciate you doing so. As for the rest of you, kindly click on the link below and feast your ears on ACT I by Hell Ever After. You are in for a treat!
~El Pedo Caliente (aka Uncle Jameson from the Fistful of DOOM show)
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