I'm doing okay. I don't like my job, but that just motivates me to keep creating music.
How would you classify your music? Do you agree with the reviewers who are trying to describe your musical genre?
I would classify my music as death metal with black and doom influences.
Who are your top five musical influences?
Incantation, Morbid Angel, Marduk, Tsjuder, Autopsy.
What do you want fans to take away from your music? Is it just a mood, or do you hope to communicate specific ideas?
The music is mainly created on a whim, but there are specific ideas I choose when it comes to certain songs. Most of the lyrics have to do with feelings of low self worth, unfortunate circumstances that can happen, and revenge. Basically the negative emotions one can feel. There are some positive lyrics about overcoming obstacles hidden in the albums too.
Can you tell us about Absurd Populace?
Absurd Populace was created with the intention to break the traditional death metal boundaries and incorporate new styles. I slowed the tempos down and added more experimental parts like unorthodox chords and clean singing. There is even a song with just a standard rock drum beat and no double bass.
What do you love and hate about the music business?
I enjoy meeting people and going to shows. I appreciate that I can release material independently with full distribution anytime I want. I understand that wasn't t an option many years ago.
However, I do not like the false promises and backstabbing that I have dealt with in the music business. That includes promoters who change the guidelines for live shows the day of so they can get more money, especially if they try to blacklist you from playing because you didn't fill their pockets even though they originally didn't ask you to. I'm speaking from experience here.
What is the best concert you have ever been to? What do you enjoy most about playing live?
That is a good question because I have been to many great shows. One that stands out is Marduk, because that was my first club show I went to at age 18. I just remember not being able to look away because it was so intense.
For playing live, I enjoy when everything goes well with no issues. What I mean is that all members are locked in on stage, the sound is mixed right, and equipment does not malfunction.
How have you evolved as an artist or band over the past year?
I would say yes. I have recorded four albums in less than 12 months. Throughout the time period, I have experimented with different styles of writing, which are reflected on the albums. Songwriting is very natural for me now.
If you could meet, play a gig, co-write a song, have dinner, or get drunk with any band or artist (dead or alive), who would it be?
I would love to hang out with Trey Azagthoth of Morbid Angel. He seems like a cool dude.
What's next for you?
I will be releasing the 4th studio album "Belligerent Retribution" on May 9, 2025. After that I am doing something special for the one year anniversary of the debut album, Universal Deterioration. There will be updates on the socials regarding that. I am taking a break from live shows for 2025, but plan to start playing out again with a full lineup in 2026.