Interview with Vince Matthews (vocals), John Gallagher (guitar and vocals) and Sean Beasley (bass)
Q>>
Hello guys ! First of all, how about a brief history of the last couple of years?
It took three years to unleash the new Dying Fetus album and it seems that the
band went through some line-up changes...
A>> Vince Matthews -The last 3 years have been a rebuilding process for
Fetus. The first two years were basically the time we needed to feel each other
out and develop a chemistry between all of us. The third year was spent organizing
and composing the material for our new album. I admit three years is a long
time between album releases but we feel that a great album will make it worth
the wait. We wanted to spend extra time on "Stop at Nothing" to ensure
a quality product that would live up to its predecessors.
Q>> Despite
the line-up changes, Dying Fetus still deliver their special Death Power Hardcore
music. Who writes the music and the lyrics and did your "work strategy"
change over the years?
A>> John Gallagher -The workers have changed but not the strategies. The
lyrics for "Stop at Nothing" were written mostly by Mike Kimball.
Former member Bruce Grieg also contributed lyrics on two of the songs. I write
the majority of the music and create the framework for the songs. It's a collective
effort with the creation of the song titles and topics.
Q>> A couple
of years ago, Dying Fetus released a few albums on its own label: Blunt Force
Records. Does this label still exist? Tell us more about that...
A>> John Gallagher - Blunt Force Records carries the four early Dying
Fetus albums and Finland's Deep Red's first album. Blunt Force is run by Tracie
Brokus and myself. We are planning on releasing future Dying Fetus EP's and
7 inches. We also carry Dying Fetus clothing and distribute other Metal CDs.
We are currently in the process of rebuilding our website; check out http://www.bluntforcerecords.net/
We will sign more bands if we can find some hardworking and promising acts,
so please contact us if you are in a serious band.
Q>> In Europe,
it seems that the band's reputation constantly grew since the release of "Destroy
the Opposition" in 2000. I get the feeling that Relapse Records was the
right label for Dying Fetus. Do you agree? Are you happy with the way Relapse
promotes your work?
A>> Sean Beasley - I feel Relapse have done an outstanding job with the
promotion of this band. Seeing the ads throughout our travels lets us know they
are certainly doing their jobs.
Q>> How do you see the future of your act? Do you already have some information
on the September tour through Europe?
A>> Sean Beasley - As time moves forward we are developing into a well-oiled
machine that is playing tight and giving off more and more energy live. We are
pushing ourselves and constantly growing as a band. The upcoming September European
tour with Hate Eternal, Deeds of Flesh and Severe Torture is going to be a blast
for us. All the bands are great people and excellent musicians. Keep an eye
on our website for show updates.
Q>> How do
you guys pick the songs you're going to play any given night or tour?
A>> Vince Matthews - Songs like "Praise the Lord" and "Kill
your Mother" will always be in our set list. We will also play requests
if we are well practiced on the requested song. Many fans love to hear "Skullfucked"
and "Killing on Adrenaline." We try to mix in new songs but also try
to perform the songs that get the pit moving and the fists flying!
Q>> Are you
now professional musicians? If not, how can you combine the living of a band
such as Dying Fetus and the everyday live?
A>> John G - We all have sidejobs that help us pay the bills. I have Blunt
Force, Sean does carpentry work, Erik is a Mack truck driver, Mike works on
Macintosh computers and Vince also does carpentry on the side. A side job is
a necessary part of this lifestyle for most Death Metalers; one has to plan
his time wisely to make it all come together.
Interview written
by Georges.