A couple of
weeks ago, I had an opportunity to contact Tamzid Hossain/Defiler, the
vocalist/frontman of Bangladeshi Death Metal Act Morbidity, to obtain a copy of
their demo, entitled - "Pits Of Eternal Torment". These guys practice
the very primitive style of pure death metal, deeply rooted to its ancestors,
very traditional and it is certainly an acquired taste. Not everyone can relish
and savour the ancient art of decayed metal of death unless and until they
already have a substantially good listening background. This demo is the debut effort
from the band to establish themselves in the extreme metal underground as a
band of substance.
‘Pits Of
Eternal Torment’ was released on 10th April, 2012. It was made
available in cassette by Imperium Productions (Germany) that had already released records of
established acts like Coffins, Deathevokation, Sonne Adam and Invidious. This demo
contains 4 tracks and is 11 minutes 26 seconds long.
Demo starts off
with the a track entitled – ‘Morbidity’, the song explodes into ferocious
blasts and very traditional guttural vocals, in vein of Kam Lee, just after a
small catchy intricate intro passage. Riffing is artful and lead work is very
proportionate and well balanced! In the end, you might end up getting a vibe of
Kaamos, altogether. It’ also perfect when it comes to the degree of rawness of
production, though you can decipher everything at the same time, without compromising
on its filthiness! Guitar tones are as crushing as you can get, no wonder they
often coin their sound as ‘Skullcrushing Death Metal’.
Track two is
named – ‘Let There Be Chaos’. This song has got some of the most infectious riffs that
refuse to go out of your head long after you turned it off. Great lead
structure, perfectly balanced drums that is brutal at the same time being
organic, Vocals are straight out traditional gutturals, extremely well-executed
by Defiler.
And then comes
the 3rd song – ‘Pits Of Eternal Torment’ and I must tell you,
friends, there is nothing as beautiful and artful I have heard in some times.
It is a masterpiece. Structure is very simple though, the song bursts in with a
mind-numbing opening riff, sounds very associated with early Finnish scene,
Captivating and extremely infectious, as the song continues it unfolds the magnificent
song-writing skill and charismatic guitar work. Everything meticulously blended
into something that can last the test of time. That’s the true triumph of a
band!!
The 4th
track is a cover. A live footage of Nunslaughter’s ‘Killed By The Cross’ performed
and recorded during 'Death Skull Ritual' Festival in Dhaka organized by ‘Primitive Invocation’
– An extreme metal cult from Dhaka, Bangladesh. Perfectly covered and what I
like about it is that you can actually hear crowd responding to it and cheering
them all along. Crowd seem to love Morbidity.
In a vast sea of
new wave bands, trying to recreate Death Metal sound of early 90s or late 80s, Morbidity
separate themselves from the rest by maintaining their root deeply planted in the heritage of east, Bengal and its shadowed era of tribulation and arts. If you listen to the title track of the demo, you will understand this well. Primarily influenced by the Swedish scene and
rest of the Scandinavian extreme scene too, may be also a little dash of old American scene,
Morbidity in a nutshell is Death Metal in its simple but excellent expression, have kept its individualistic essence that shows us who they are and where they are from! It’s
artistic, highly engrossing and robust. The demo artwork is sheer example of band's
vision of macabre artistry. Pits Of Eternal Torment is definitely a successful demo for its originality, sheer virtuosity and preservation of ancient dark arts, and does keep our interest intact on the band for upcoming EP/LP. Defiler have already mentioned that Morbidity would be soon hitting the studio for next record to be released under Me Saco Un Ojo Records(UK). We, brothers, from Putrid Ascendancy wish Morbidity a great success in all of their future endeavours.
For those who crave for new bands that capture the
old spirit of ancient death, that have distinct ideologies and individuality, Morbidity would be highly recommended!
Open The Crypt: : An Interview With The Mighty Finnish Death Metal Act - KRYPTS
Krypts is an old school inspired death metal act from Finland, who have taken the extreme underground by storm. Their two groundbreaking releases, Open The Crypt(Demo, 2009) and KRYPTS(EP, 2011) thus far, have been heralded as the pioneering works of the NOSDM movement, resurrecting the morbid art laid by Mighty Finnish Acts like Demigod, Sentenced, Abhorrence, Adramelech, Convulse, Gorement to name a few. Putrid Ascendancy recently caught up with the band.
PA: Across countries, continents, pervading oceans, the love for extreme metal unites us
all. Greetings from Putrid Ascendancy.
Krypts: Ave, Putrid Ascendancy.
PA: We would love to know how Krypts came into being. What led to the formation, and subsequent survival of Krypts?
Krypts: It was some time after our previous band had dematerialized, that Otso and I thought its time to reanimate our plan of playing death metal. Ideas were changed, first songs created and not soon after Ville joined the group. We were dissapointed to our previous musical conjurations and wanted to create something darker and what would feel more like us - and Krypts was spawned. The reason why we're still standing, is because everything works well between the three of us.
PA: As a band, what pioneering acts, have been the most influential to your sound? What has, and continues to shape Krypts’ abstruse take on death metal?
Krypts: Well many of the early Death Metal bands have influenced us, but the biggest are obviously the Finnish ones. Each of us have their favorite bands from black-, death- and doom metal, but we all share the interest in early Finnish bands. That's why the sound feels natural for us.
PA: What is the lyrical concept behind your esoteric take on death metal? What are a few recurring themes you have build your songs upon?
Krypts: Think there's more than one way to perceive lyrics, so will not share much light to the matter. Also my writing style is what it is, so the subjects are not that hard to figure out. The lyrical consent surround mainly on man's weakness before the unknown, death and horror - spiritual and material, true and fictional. Kinda similar to subjects of what H.P Lovecraft wrote and I can't deny his influence. Each song is its own story and the concepts are highly one with the songwriting.
PA: 'Open the crypt' inundates everything in its path, intrepidly progressing from strength to next. A brilliant demo. We would like you to elaborate on the song writing, recording, reception, and the 'behind the scenes' aspects related to it.
Krypts: The real song writing process started in autumn 08, as Otso and I started to look what kind of riffs we already had. Most were completely reworked and earliest ones date back to 06. From that point on can't remember much, except that 'Open the Crypt' was created few weeks before we started the recording process and at first I didn't even want to put it to the demo. Otso is the master behind all of our recordings and at the time being he was still living with his parents, so everything except drums were recorded in his bedroom. Not much Ritual Magick were included...
On the day when I came to record the bass, the plan was not to record anything else, but it all went so well that we thought to try vocals as well. In the end we had everything done except "Open the Crypt" because it was still missing some lyrics, so we took few beers and wrote the missing parts. Never could have expected such a good feedback! Still surprised how much people dig the release, even if for us it's just the first step.
PA: The probity of your music, your polemical stance on true extreme metal is
commendable. What makes you stay true to your roots?
Krypts: The sound, the riffs, the atmosphere...
PA: What in your opinion, are the strengths and weaknesses of Old school death metal? How do you overcome the weaknesses, if any?
Krypts: Can think only strengths when thinking bands around the early 90's, but nowadays some bands seem to forget what makes early Death Metal unique. It's as if they are trying to copy paste "old school death metal" with Sunlight distortion and cheap riffs.... For some we might as well fall into this copy category, but for me the creation process is something which comes from within and it's all that matters. The way to overcome that is by playing Death Metal - not "old school death metal"!
PA: What according to you, is symbolic of a perfect death metal record? What attributes does an album require, to come good in your opinion?
Krypts: Perfect album is an entity where of course the music itself it what matters the most. Demigod's Slumber of Sullen Eyes is a great example. The cover art, lyrics and most importantly sound, atmosphere and riffs are one dark and twisted unity, making the release a whole. But the musical requirements for good death metal album vary and have no limits.
PA: Do you think heavy metal has a distinctive worldview different from that of otherforms of music? Do you think the worldviews and ideologies of artists shape the kind of music they produce?
Krypts: As metal has grown global and commercial no, there are no specific values or worldviews. In underground this is a slightly different thing though, because people at least share the noncommercial basis. Also some band's have been formed around a specific ideology what most do not agree with, be it a religious or political. Surely artists own personality and ideologies are drawn into their work, willingly or unwillingly, and usually the works where the personality is present are the greatest ones.
PA: There are so many different variations of "metal" that incorporate completely different types of music, some of them lose base with the "traditional" styles. Extrication and subversion of hybrid genres like core, djent and the like have come to be an essential part of the new wave of old school death metal ideology. What is your take on the hybrid genres currently sucking the life out of the music we worship?
Krypts: They are good humour. Just look at the music videos the Core bands etc. produce (and they do make lot of 'em!), haha! Can't believe they're serious and can never take them as one.
PA: Of the last ten years of metal, what are the standouts for you? What about other genres -- what were the most influential and best works?
Krypts: Runemagick has released their latest and best three full-lengths, Reverend Bizarre's whole discography, Let us Pray and Witchcult today by Electric Wizard and The Devil's Blood have spawned many really great and influential releases. Not to forget the reunion of Pagan Altar. The list could go on and on, but for the past year the most influential records have come outside metal, mainly from artists under Anima Arctica label.
PA: What NOSDM (Post-2000) bands would you recommend to the old guard of the genre? Which new acts in your opinion, are worthy enough to carry forward, the torch of extreme metal, to spread forth the insurgence and bring forth the revival of the genre?
Krypts: There are so many bands coming and going that don't really have time or intrest to check them, so to this question you propably know the answer better than I do. Just to name some: The Finnish brethen Stench of Decay & Swallowed, in Uppsala - Sweden there seems to be life of its own, in UK: Cruciamentum & Nethilith, Anatomia and French Manipulator (highly recommend his new release) are just few.
PA: India, although in limitation, has build up a small, yet dedicated underground, catering to and for the survival of extreme metal in and around the subcontinent. Krypts has managed to build up a niche fanbase in the Indian underground, with many considering it to one of the pioneers of the death metal revival. What can we expect from Krypts in the foreseeable future?
Krypts: Its great, yet in a way strange, to see such strong support to underground from India. The scene there seems to be really dedicated indeed! But pioneers? Hah! Can't really relate to that - still a deep bow for those who see as one.... For know we are recording our debut entitled "Unending Degradation". Most of the instruments have been captured, arts are being made by Timo Ketola / Samu S. and hopefully it'll see its birth around summer solstice. It will feature 3 songs from the demo and 4 new ones, a combination of our old and new, even doomier stuff. Already have and idea what shall emerge after it, but how it will manifest will left to be seen...
PA: As a tradition, we at Putrid Ascendancy have always put forth a question demanding our interviewee to reveal their top 5 album of all time.
Krypts: Impossible question. Otso and I try to look into it with a perspective of albums what are someting unique. In no order:
A: Reverend Bizarre - In Recrytory of Bizarre Reverend
A & O: Slumber of Sullen Eyes, Shadows of the Past, Nesphite (impossible to decide wich one of these is the best)
O: Candlemass - Epicus...
O: Many Black Sabbath albums
O: Amorphis - Early releases
A: diSEMBOWELMENT - Transcendence Into the Peripheral
That's six but we shared one.
PA: Thank you for this interview! We brothers at Putrid Ascendancy appreciate your efforts for the furtherance of the vicious seeds of extreme metal!
Putrid Ascendancy would like to extend the hands of gratitude to KRYPTS for this interview!
If you have a band and you want to be featured on this blogspot, do write to putridascendancy@gmail.com.
CEREMONIUM needs no introductions in the underground. The legendary Death/Doom outfit that started its doom laden journey as early as in year 1992, have created some of the most crushing Death/Doom assaults in the history! The band put a stop to its musical journey around in 2003 for some unavoidable reasons, The reason being Brandon Diaz (Vocals/Guitars/Keys) was fighting cancer.
Nihilist Webzine (El Salvador) Editor and Putrid Ascendancy(India)Administrator Oscar Miranda Griffin spoke to Thomas Pioli (Guitarist) recently. We present you the brief conversation.
NW/PA - I'm the Editor of Nihilist Webzine from El Salvador and Administrator Of Putrid Ascendancy Webzine/Community from India, Its is an honor to interview Ceremonium, Welcome! Thomas!!.
Thomas: Thank you, Oscar, for the interview and cool words. Need coffee..!
NW/PA - Ceremonium has been extremely underrated band from the 90's, Could you please tell us how Ceremonium was formed?
Thomas: I just had a vision what this band would be. Im glad I found the right people. It was in 1992, and there was this death metal fest in NJ with Goreaphobia, Ripping Corpse, and others. I met Oscar and Vic for the first time and like minds think alike I guess. We rehearsed death metal that we loved. Jon of Deteriorot helped us on drums until we found Chris and Brandon and this was our first full lineup.
NW/PA - The album "Into the Autumn Shade" for me is one of the first works that introduced me to the genre "Death/Doom Metal". How long did it take to record the material and if you found it difficult to find a label interested in launching the material?
Thomas: Thanks! Back then there was not so much interest for doom/death but again this is just metal. We had "Nightfall in Heaven" 7" EP out and a demo by then, so there was the label's interest. As always true underground warriors prevail. Fadeless Records were starting up and we had pen correspondence. They picked us up for the first album and it seemed more interest that came from Europe back then as opposed to the States. You had to push more effort when we first started. I think our sound was definately more Euro, plus traditional metal bands.
NW/PA - How was the scene of New York back then?
Thomas: It was the best! NY rules! With NY there wass a certain mindset and dedication in metal and its always there. So many bands were releasing killer albums and it was inspiring to be around.
NW/PA- What were the main influences on the sound of Ceremonium?
Thomas: Carnage, Entombed, Abhorrence, Funebre, Demigod, Crematory, Bolt Thrower, Paradise Lost, Mercyful Fate, the list is endless.
NW/PA - You played with legendary bands like "Rottrevore, Unleashed, Napalm Death" to name a few. How was the experience playing wih them?
Thomas: Sick. Rottrevore's classic drum roll, instrumental, Johnny's horn, the wipe outs, 90s death metal was total class and it was an honor being on any of these bills. They are great people and were great experiences. Its hard rehearsing a set and preparing for a show, however its pays off in the end getting out there for a frenzy.
NW/PA - Death/Doom Metal as genre, has changed much today than before. In early days this genre did not see much support coming their way. Tell me how do you feel about this change, being a member of a band of early 90's?
Thomas: I will tell you this. I once had this talk with Scott Koerber who was doing a book on doom/death with a top notch lineup in it, and I thought many English bands favoring a brutal style went softer at one time or another. Could be because of the tea they drink...Try more beer??? I dont know...I have always leaned towards the heavier side of things, even when it can be melodic. I am very conscious of it. Honestly doom can be so powerful, even with one single note. Pink Floyd is a great example. Less is more feeling. Though I do play faster music these days.
NW/PA - After the release of debut album, why did you decide to take a break for almost 5 years to release the next album?
Thomas: It was not a break. Ceremonium were playing lots of shows, even various fests in this time so we were productive. I think the band took a long time to write songs, basically having standards of what was created. We didnt rush. I guess it did hurt us to a certain degree for not having it out sooner. Actually the band recorded "No Longer Silent", only 3 years after the first album. This version was not released though. Chris and Tom Wilkinson former Immolation guitarist wanted to start up a label although the idea fell apart before releasing our album. They wanted us to record at Vortex Studios which was owned by Chris' brother and Immolation did a promo there as well. I would say the results were very satisfying and it was awesome getting the chance to hang around these dudes. After being in this label limbo it hit me to start up my label Destro Records and this became its first release.
NW/PA - In the beginning of the year 2000, you released "No Longer Silent" and it was in the same line of previous work and was excellent. How difficult or easy was it to mix the album? Since new decade brings new technology to enhance the sound.. !
Thomas: Yes, I agree technology brings changes, sometimes for better and often for worse. I think 'No Longer Silent' is well recorded and would have been better with more time spent on recording. It was analog and this is my preferred technique. We also had Dan Lilker doing the pre-production work for us and those pointers helped. It captured our sound, its heavy and raw. When tuning down so low, theres a fine line between how the sound can be without losing power or clarity. We got Darkthrone's "Cromlech" keys ound almost identical so props for the quality gear!
NW/PA - In 2003 you decided to leave the band is a state of "pause" because Brandon Diaz was fighting cancer. The decision to leave the band was unanimous or there were some who disagreed with that decision?
Thomas: This was difficult. Obviously within a band there are tensions with relationships and it takes a toll after years. I dont want to comment on it as its personal, and I guess nobody disagreed. I tried to be there when I could and people need their space.
NW/PA - Could you share with us some anecdote related to Ceremonium?
Thomas: Sure, When Vic first met me, he remarked I look like I could be from Sweden, This ensued a prolonged talk of discussing killer acts, the Stockholm Syndome!
NW/PA - Do you think that Ceremonium had the merit that it should be mentioned as one of the bands that created the blueprints of genre "Death/Doom Metal" with Sorrow and Winter of New York Scene, Do you think Ceremonium still did not get its due?
Thomas: I feel it mattered to those who respected death metal. It was exciting in those days, writing mail, and the trading. Today everything is tech oriented and is quick fix. Its faster to do certain things with less effort. Although I still check out newer bands.
NW/PA - Do you have any plans to return with Ceremonium and playing live shows or may be a compilation in future?
Thomas: No shows planned, The plan now is to release "Dreams We Have Written". It will be a double CD compiling all the bands material; both albums, EPs, and rare stuff. The way for people to grab these shreds of misery once again and cool packaging for the supporters. It should be out on Weird Truth Productions in March/April 2012...Get in touch.
NW/PA - Wasn't Destro Records supposed to release this compilation?
Thomas: No Weird Truth Productions is releasing it: www.weirdtruth.jp
NW/PA - You have participated in a live concert with Incantation, tell me how was that experience to play live for Incantation?
Thomas: Yes an US tour in Golgotha days, and Brazil in 2003. They were positive experiences in general playing killer shows, meeting cool people. Sharing stages with Entombed, joining 13 as luck would have it were exciting times.. Negative things I wont comment on. You learn from working with different people.
NW/PA - You are involved in another band named "Thevetat". Can you tell us about this band?
Thomas: Thevetat has been on my mind for a few years in some shape or form, really getting together in the last few months. Its a death metal band, I guess in the 90s traditional style. I had some players at various points then they fell apart, and even now am putting a lineup together. It will take patience. The new songs are crushing and Im looking forward to getting a proper release out. Its different than most things I have done before.
NW/PA - Well, Thomas I need to ask this question as its a fixed question for all interviews we conduct!!. What are your 5 favorite Extreme Metal albums of all time?
Thomas: This could change quicker than weather...Bolt Thrower "Realm of Chaos", Morbid Angel "Altars of Madness", Pestilence "Consuming Impulse", Immolation "Here in After", Kreator "Terrible Certainty".
NW/PA - As the editor of Nihilist Webzine and Administrator of Putrid Ascendancy, I want to thank you for your precious time and this informative interview. Best wishes for Thevetat and Ceremonium!!. Hails!!!
Thomas: Thanks again Oscar. It was a pleasure. Keep it metal and hail Satan.
Putrid Ascendancy and Nihilist Webzine wants to extend their gratitude to Mr. Thomas Pioli for this interview! If you have a band and do want to feature on our webzines, Do write to us, putridascendancy@gmail.com
The Ancient Cult of Death had been finally resurrected from the tomb of slumber of more than a decade! It's a great moment for the true followers and fans of one of the most magnificent and influential Death Acts from United States!
Exmortis was formed in 1987 in Maryland and released its two cult demos 'Descent into Chaos' & 'Immortality’s End'around 1988-1989. Such influential releases had put them in league of major players as Morbid Angel or Death, and found them over increasing number of underground followers. Exmortis went on playing live with top notch Acts like Deceased, Goreaphobia, Dr. Shrinker, Ripping Corpse, Prime Evil, Internal Void and countless others. In the prime of their short lived career, Exmortis finally broke up under unfortunate circumstances in the late summer of 1990. After disbanding Exmortis still made comebacks with completely different line up and once with an alias name 'Bloodless' to avoid legal issues of Exmortis copyright. But nothing was stable till 2010 when Brian Werking got back the copyright of Exmortis as it was available and music was beginning to churn out again. Exmortis sprouted much talk in late January, 2011 with release of 'Unhallowed Graves', which was a compilation of fan favourite songs. Also 'Darkened Path Revealed', complete discography re-mastered and released by Necroharmonic Records by May 2011.
And finally Exmortis released its first new material after more than a decade in December 20th, 2011. 'Resurrection.. The Book Of Dead' EP was released by none other than cult Spanish record label, Extreem Music. Exmortis is presently writing materials for its upcoming untitled full length to be released by Extreem Music.
Recently Putrid Ascendancy spoke with 'The Man' behind the sinister cult of Exmortis, one of the most prolific and iconic figures in Death Metal. Here we present you the brief conversation with none other than great BRIAN WERKING.
PA:Greetings from India, We at Putrid Ascendancy welcome you, Brian.
BW: Thank you brothers, It’s an honor to do this interview with you guys. Good work with the blog.
PA: As we reckon Exmortis to be one of the most twisted, fast, influential bands to emerge out from the USA, Can you tell us how the seeds of Exmortis were sown?
BW: Well, to take you back to the beginning, Exmortis was born in my bedroom at my parent’s house in 1987. I invited Chris Wiser over to jam and there it took off. He eventually had to switch to Bass Guitar because his guitar skills at the time weren’t up to standards, but he did a killer job at Bass. Chris first named the band Virulent Rage until I heard the word Exmortis in a few horror flicks I watched. I convinced him to make the name change. Anyway, later that year we got together with Ted, Lee and Mike to form a complete band. Ted quit the band for personal reasons. With Mike as our singer we recorded the “Descent into Chaos” demo in July of 1988. Soon after that Mike quit the band for personal reasons so we were a 3 piece act. While we were auditioning for a singer I started dabbling into vocals myself and we liked it so I continued to scream forth Blasphemies. A couple of weeks before we were to record the “Immortality’s End” demo in February of 1989, Ted rejoined the band. Since he wasn’t fluent with the songs I played all rhythm guitars and all the leads but one which Ted did. It’s the first lead in the song “The Resurrection”. We played some shows all while writing new material and broke up in 1990.
PA: The first two demos that Exmortis released were "Descent In Chaos" released in 1987 (it is among my personal favorites of all time) along with your second demo Immortality's End. Both were self released, now Brian can you tell us about the "legendary" Exmortis demos? Was it hard to find a record label back then?
BW: “Descent into Chaos” was released in 1988 and I thank you for the compliment on our work. We were unaware of the impact it was having on people at the time. We were just a couple of kids having a good time. As far as record labels were concerned, after the “Immortality’s End” demo was released CCG records out of the U.K. released it on a limited edition vinyl. We were supposed to get 200 copies of it ourselves but it never happened as they ripped us off… No other record label wanted us for some reason. I tried to get us signed to all of them at the time but kept getting ignored or getting rejection letters. Anyway, near the end Road Runner records started getting interested in us so I did pretty much what you would call a phone interview with them almost every night for a couple of weeks. It turned out the Immolation were going through the same ropes as us with Road Runner. As it happened, Immolation got the slot and Exmortis lost again with no deal.
PA: How was the Maryland Death Metal scene back then when you guys started off?
BW: There wasn’t a scene at all. We were the only true Death Metal act in the state at the time. We played shows with band from a plethora of other states in and around the Virginia to upper New York areas. There were some bands that wanted to call themselves heavy but they were only thrash bands which didn’t compare with the raw intensity the Death Metal brought.
PA: What were the bands that influenced Exmortis to start playing their sonic brand of death metal?
BW: The lyrics were heavily influences by horror and gore. The music was influenced by many of the major bands from back in those days. Let’s see, There was Possessed, Death, Slayer, Celtic Frost, Destruction, Sodom. We were lined up pretty much between the 1st and 2nd waves of Death Metal to hit the stage. So none of the bands like Entombed, Grave, Morbid Angel, Goreaphobia, Autopsy, Paradise Lost (the list goes on) really influenced us.
PA: Now this is one question I really wanted to ask you. Exmortis has shared the stage with many legendary bands like Dr. Shrinker, Deceased and Goreaphobia to name a few, how was it like playing with these bands back in the glorious days of death metal ? Death Metal as a genre has evolved a lot mostly in a negative way as we can see more and more bands trying to wank their instruments rather than concentrate on songwriting which involves a lot of passion and feel. What are your perceptions about the modern day death metal scene is there anyway that you can relate to it?
BW: Well, Nostalgic is what you think of it as but it was just a time in life for us. I guess you could call it nostalgic.. Anyway, The scene has changed and a lot of bands that sound nothing like Death Metal are claiming the genre. I don’t get it. Are they that blind to see the difference between their ancestry roots and the music they play today? I think they are but really can’t judge them like I have in other interviews. Hahahaha. Call me Judge Werking. I do think it’s a disgrace to the genre. Morbid Angel must be feeling pretty good these days because almost every band out there has major influences from them. To put it bluntly, I don’t give a rat’s ass what these kids of today do, I know where my roots is and they’ll learn to understand what true Death Metal is in the coming years because I’m going teach them. After all someone has to stand up and take the flag or keep the fire burning for us all.
PA: Now coming back to Exmortis again, why did the band decide to call it a day in the mid 90's considering the cult status you guys managed to achieve in such a short period of time?
BW: Well, at the time I don’t think any one of us knew the status we were given. I just noticed it about 6 to 7 years ago. It’s funny how you loose touch with your old friends then get reunited to find out that they’ve continued to do the same things throughout the years. I took a different route for many years and followed the corporate American ride. It was good while it lasted but when I was down and almost on my death bed the firm that I held so deeply to my heart let me down and fired me. I blame one person for this but I will not name him. Plus, he’ll never read this anyway. The fucker can rot in hell for all I care. Woe, way off the topic. Sorry. Anyway, it wasn’t much of a hard decision to make. We were thrown out of our practice facility just a month before we were supposed to play the very 1st Michigan Death Fest. It was a sad thing but we pretty much broke up at this time. Death Metal wasn’t a genre that most people wanted playing in their basement, no matter how much we paid them. Everyone went their separate ways at this time. Lee ended up gaining the most fame out of us all with him many appearances on CD’s in the past 20+ years. I admire him for that. He got struck with it through thick and thin.
PA: After the hiatus in 1990, Exmortis released an 7" EP entitled as "Fade From Reality" but shortly after it's release there was a big lull again. What were the difficulties which Exmortis faced back then?
BW: The 7” EP “Fade From Reality” was released by the cult Rage Records out of New York by Ed Farshtey Jr, and Joe Pupo in Late 1991. At the time I was married to Sharon from Derketa and times were tough for both of us. Even though it was a great time to be involved in the scene I recorded it all myself so there was no band backing me up on this. Therefore not much happened after its release. Not to say that my life took another change about that time. My father died and it sent me on a downward spiral which took me some time to recover from. By that time I was ready to go to college because I was tired of working for minimum wage in a couple of jobs just to scrape up enough money for Mac n’ Cheese every night with the occasional steak when I was lucky.
PA: Exmortis also appeared with an alias called Bloodless, for some legal reason in one compilation, how the problem got dealt with?
BW: At the time Chris (ex-bassist) re-grouped the band with all new people and bought the trademark to the name Exmortis so out of respect for him I decided to use the name Bloodless instead. Even though we all knew it sounded exactly like Exmortis and his version sounded nothing like it. Anyway we dealt with it smoothly. There were no fights over who had what. I didn’t care the he was using the name Exmortis because at least it was being used by someone I knew and was friends with.
PA: Brian, beside Exmortis, you did not play in other bands or any studio project or live shows for other bands. Exmortis meant a lot to you. We are glad you finally are back with much awaited resurrection of ancient death!
BW: Well thank you very much for that. It really means a lot to me to hear people like yourself say such kind words… Actually you couldn’t be more wrong; I did a couple of other things which weren’t Death Metal.I worked on a project with a colleague called “Static Images”. This music was more in the vein of early industrial/experimental music. We did quite a few songs together but never really had an official release. That stands to question though. I would like to release the material under my own label per say. I release my own material under the label Shockwerks Media… There has also been many songs throughout the years which I’ve created under the name “Shockwerks”. Unfortunately these songs were never released either. There is probably 90+ minutes of music that needs to be released. I don’t care if no one buys it but I just want to release it because it’s something I’m proud of. Shockwerks isn’t dead either. I plan on writing new material this year and hopefully having it professionally released. We’ll see how that goes. But you know, Death Metal will always be my love of music.
PA: Exmortis finally got a record deal with none other than the cult Spanish record label "Etreem Music " congratulations for that Brian, How did it work out for you guys?
BW: Let me tell you, Dave Rotten is one of the best people to work with. He’s true underground and not in it for the money even though I think he’s hiding a few Euros for a rainy day. He’s a great guy and wanted to release the Exmortis discography but it was released instead by Necroharmonic records… From what I understand from Dave it’s going much better than he ever thought it would. Sales and distributor action is hitting record numbers so I’m hopeful it goes into a 2nd pressing.
PA: "Resurrection.. The Book Of Dead" is hands down one of the best extreme metal release in 2011, along with Autopsy's "Macabre Eternal". It was recorded in Tampa which was once considered the mecca of death metal with so many great bands like (Obituary, Massacre, Death, Morbid Angel and Deicide to name a few who have released legendary albums which were instrumental in the establishment of Floridian death metal). Coming back to the question Brian can you tell us about the writing process for the EP? How did it begin and what were the ideas involved?
BW: I live in Tampa, Florida now and not Maryland… As far as it being one of the best extreme metal releases in 2011, I don’t know but I haven’t heard everything out there so I really couldn’t say… It’s funny because I write what I would like to hear and that’s it. Most people probably don’t know that but I write to satisfy myself and no other. It just so happens that other people like it as well. I’m happy as hell with that because I get to converse with people like you. It makes my day when I get an email asking for an interview or for a link to a review of some of my latest work. It’s mind boggling to me how it’s become such a hit. Like I said, I write for myself so does that mean I have good taste in music? Hahahaha…. Well, I started planning it back in early 2011. It was a thought at the time but when I picked up the guitar Exmortis just started screaming out of it. So, in the coming months I recorded the CD and had it mixed and mastered by Javier Fernandez Milla out of Spain. This is one of Dave Rottens friends and mine now. We exchange emails frequently.
PA: The Slaughter Begins is probably one of the most catchiest yet brutally fast and really haunting songs featured in the new EP . Ferociously fast and brutal riffs accompanied with the frenzied pounding of the drums like there is no tomorrow , it creates such an atmosphere where the listeners are taken back to the glory days of late 80's and early 90's.
BW: Exactly what it was intended to do. I never progressed past then musically in the Death Metal genre because I thought it was the time of it’s prime and I wanted to keep the same style we were known for. It helped a lot that I wrote all the music for Exmortis back then because I still have that very same style that shows in this EP… Plus I want to set an example to all these new kids out there that think they are really playing Death Metal. Join the flock of the ancients and you’ll understand but will you be allowed in? That’s the question… Will ancient Death Metal take over once again and flood the scene with billowing Death that it was always meant to be. I would laugh my ass off because it would drive the labels mad. They wouldn’t have the slightest clue what to do with it these days.
PA: Is Aanter Lee Coates Back on Drums?
BW: Lee will not be playing drums until the next CD.“Resurrection…Book of the Dead” was another solo project of mine. I’m the only person who played on that EP. I learned to play the drums somewhat and triggered everything. It’s unbelievable what you can do with today’s technologically advanced analog drum samples. I’ll bet you didn’t even know it was samples being played. I’ll let you in on a little secret. Most of the music you hear today, the drums are all triggered to get that sonic impact every time you hit the skins. Studios like that more than anything. Especially if the drummer fucks up on a note. They can then fix it really easily without the drummer doing anything. Digital technology… It’s the best thing to happen since TV was developed… Anyway, I don’t call him Aantar. His name is Lee and always will be. Aantar is his middle name. I think it comes from his Jamaican Ganja root’s…. Hahahahaha… Lee is a really good guy. His life has been full of trouble because of, well, I don’t really know why but, he’s a good drummer and started his career with Exmortis and so we meet again… He lives 5 minutes down the road from me. We are going to get together really soon to start working on a bunch of songs I wrote in the past couple of months.
PA: So what is next for Exmortis? Can we expect a new full length from Exmortis in the not too distant future?
BW: Part of the deal with Xtreem Music is that a full length CD from Exmortis be released in 2012. I want it out by the end of summer to early fall. So expect at least 35 minutes of brand new music on one CD in the near future.
PA: Do Exmortis have any plan for gigs in near future?
BW: We do not have any plans at all. There is going to be a stict recording period for Exmortis each year so expect to have music thrown at your face constantly. Playing live is something I would like to do but my life doesn’t have it in it near future. I told Lee that if we ever retire from work we can tour constantly. But the chance of that happening is slim because one of us mostly will die before that happens.
PA: We always have this fixation to ask 5 most favorite albums in extreme music that you call your personal favorites.. can you please take the trouble of naming them?
BW: Hahahahaha, Let’s see..
1: Carcass – Reek of Putrefaction
2: Autopsy – Severed Survival
3: Slayer – Reign in Blood
4: Possessed – Seven Churches
5: Destruction – Infernal Overkill
Let’s take it a little further
6: Kreator – Pleasure to Kill
7: Sodom - Persecution Mania
PA: Brian, we brothers in Putrid Ascendancy, are absolutely honored and really privileged to feel your presence in our lives! You are a great musician and brother we always admire and respect and We sincerely wish Exmortis all the very best in their future endeavors. Hails!
BW: Hails to you my brothers… Without your lives Exmortis would never have a stand in this fucked up world of chaos. Thanks you to all the fans out there that completely rule!!!
Vintage Press Gallery
OLD EXMORTIS GALLERY
EXMORTIS Death Metal Frederick, Maryland/Now Tampa, Florida, USA Current Label- Extreem Music
Putrid Ascendancy would like to extend the hands of gratitude to Mr. Brian Werking for this interview!
If you have a band and you want to be featured on this blogspot, do write to putridascendancy@gmail.com.
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