This is the "we wish we were a webzine" section of the site. All DMHC subscribers can post interviews they've conducted here. As with all the other sections, if you're a subscriber, go find someone who knows how to play an instrument and drive them nuts with your stupid questions so you can post the result here, and if you're not a subscriber yet, subscribe and get in on the fun!

All interviews below were submitted by Jenn Matthews. Jenn's an editor for the Metal Mafia zine. Check out their website... or else. Burial The Gathering Disfigured Mortal Decay All That Remains -NEW! Ciborium -NEW! Shadows Fall -NEW!

By Jenn Matthews

Jenn: Let the games begin...Okay, give me some Burial history, how you guys got together, when etc... Ian: Ok, well, Burial got together in 1995. The original members were Nick, Matt and Jamie and this kid Dan on vocals. They had another bassist, but they really hated him, so Nick asked me to try out. By that time, we had a guy named Donnie (who's on the CD) on vocals. I joined the band in December of 97 and we recorded the CD a month later. Jenn: Is that the only CD you have out now? Ian: Yes. It's the only CD we have out, but we have a cassette demo of our four newest tracks that was never intended for release. We gave some out at Milwaukee to promo our time slot. A couple of the tracks will probably show up on the website, soon. Jenn: Are you going to record anything that will be released soon? Ian: Well, we are hoping to finish writing at least 9 songs for a new full length. Hopefully in the spring of 2000, we will have something new out, and it might be on an underground label, if we play our cards right. Jenn: If you had your pick of a label to be on, who would it be and why? Ian: Shit, only one label? I'd have to say United Guttural, because from what we've seen, they promo the shit out of there bands, and Rich is a really cool guy. We just met him in Milwaukee. He's just seems totally down with the underground scene, and the band roster on UG is fuckin' sick! Jenn: Rich is a great guy, totally into the scene, I have known him for years, has a lot of plans for the label. Do you guys have any songs on any computations out there now? Ian: No, we really don't. I mean, we get mail from overseas asking us to contribute tracks for some comps, but it just seems to sketchy. We'd totally love to be on any comp that is legit. Mail us or email us if you want Burial on your comp! Jenn: How did you like playing Milwaukee this year? Was it your first time? Ian: Well, Milwaukee was an experience. I'd heard horror stories from other bands about playing it, but we decided what the fuck, it's great exposure. We played in Juneau Hall, and the sound was terrible!! And, because of the schedule, we were on at the same time as Nile and Immolation!! There weren't many people there, but the ones who were seemed to dig our shit. New Jersey was way better, though. Jenn: Do you have any other shows coming up soon? Any big festivals? Ian: Yeah, we have a huge show with Dying Fetus in Worcester, MA on the 2nd of October and supposedly we have a show at the Phantasmagoria in MD w/Pessimist and Disinter. They both should be killer shows. We are really looking forward to going back down to Maryland, 'cause people down there were totally into our sound. We played at Hal Daddy's with Pessimist (who also put us up at their singer Rob's house--Hails!!) and people were just going nuts! We couldn't believe it. We'd also like to play the 2nd March Metal Meltdown.

Jenn: I remember, I was there at Daddy’s!! Awesome show!!! What kind of criticism do you guys get, if any at all? From zines, and people at shows, etc.? Ian: Hey, thanks Jenn! So far, we've gotten great reviews, we've been very well received by the underground. We've gotten a few negative ones, but what the fuck, you can't please everyone. I'm just happy that people are taking to the time to listen to us and we are overjoyed that people dig our style of death metal. People at shows, well it varies. It depends on our sound, if the soundguy dicks us or not, but when we are on our game, people really seem to want to hurt each other to our music. Jenn: What is your favorite place, state, bands to play with and why? Ian: I think hands down our favorite place to play is Maryland, for the reasons I mentioned earlier. We were really surprised at the crowd's reaction, cause around here, people are more into hardcore or deathcore. It's tough to be a traditional death metal band playing shows in that environment. We loved playing with Pessimist and Lividity. Pessimist are really cool guys, and their music is just insane! Lividity are a bunch of cool fuckers, too. There's a band from around here, Sacrum, we play a lot of shows with them. They are like heavy, slayer influenced thrash. They are really good. We are good friends with them. Jenn: Who are some of your favorite bands? What are you listening to these days? Ian: Wow, there is so much cool shit out there these days. I'm currently listening to the new Deeds of Flesh, Waco Jesus, Fleshgrind, Cryptopsy, Angel Corpse (they are one of my fuckin' favorites), Krisiun, Lividity, Pessimist, Nile. I try to mix it up a bit. I go through phases where I will listen to nothing but one band for a few weeks, then move on to another. Jenn: How long have you been playing bass? Who are some of your influences? Ian: I've been playing bass for 8 years. Some of my influences are: Geezer Butler, Cliff Burton, that guy who used to play with Death and now plays for 6 Feet Under, man, there's just to many to think of at one time. But those guys are some of the important ones. Jenn: Favorite concert you have ever been too? Ian: Hmmm, that is a good question. I would have to say Cannibal Corpse/Angel Corpse/Meshuggah when they came to Springfield last summer. (I was at the Philly show!- Jenn) The place was packed! It was my first time seeing Angel Corpse, and they totally blew me away. Cannibal just killed that night! A lot of people are with the trend now that says that they suck, but I couldn't disagree more, they are the kings. It was either that show or Cinderella/Winger and the Bulletboys back in 1989! No, I'm only kidding. That show was gay! Jenn: This is the big important question of the evening..... drum roll please... Ian: 3 inches. Is that what you were looking for? Jenn: (my mouth is on the floor) Ian: Haha Jenn: Hehehe… What do you think of Biohazard??? Ian: Hmmm. Biohazard. I haven't really heard any of their stuff since State of the World Address. I used to totally dig them, but when they started teaming up with Onyx or whatever, I got real disgusted. We had Mata Leao at the radio station where I used to do a show, but I thought it was kinda dull. How is there new one? Jenn: Awesome!!!!!! But come on, am I going to say anything bad??!!! Jenn: Okay, anything else you would like to add Ian? Ian: Well, if anyone wants a copy of Mourning the Millenium, we still have some, so just send us $8 and we'll mail you one. Our new shit is coming along, so look for a full length in the spring. Thanks very much, Jenn, for the interview. And even though you are a Biohazard fan, I won't hold it against you. Jenn: Hahaha, thanks Ian!!! BURIAL PO BOX 2216 WESTFIELD, MA 01086 IANBURIAL@AOL.COM https://www.angelfire.com/ma/BURIAL

By Jim Mills

Jim: Do you do anything to warm up your throat? Anneke: Yeah, well usually just before the show, I warm it up before singing a little bit, but I’m usually too lazy for it but I only do it when I’m on tour, so I drink herb tea, it’s all good! Herb tea with lemon and stuff like that but the most important thing is to be healthy in general, you know? Because the instrument is your body, sleep good and eat good and there shouldn’t be any problem. Jim: Exactly. So do you work out or do any training? Anneke: I should! A few months ago, I quit eating sugar and candy because it takes away your energy. I got very tired because I was very much a candy eater. So this is very good and my step 2 should be to work out a little bit. Jim: I have a whole bunch of questions here and some of them are kind of goofy too. Anneke: Okay Jim: But they aren’t like the Grimoire of Exalted Deeds, are you familiar with that magazine? Anneke: Noooo… Jim: Okay Anneke: Is that bad? Jim: You will have to ask Matt Bower [Century Media publicist] about that. Jim: Is there a certain song that you guys play first to warm up the show? Anneke: Yeah, well now a days we start the set the “The Big Sleep” which is a good one for me because then I can warm up my voice. Jim: There are a few songs on the new record that seem directed towards a lover or boyfriend or girlfriend. So I was going to ask you if that was the case with someone you are seeing? Anneke: Yeah, there’s the song “Frail” which is about that stuff but it can also be about giving your self into a feeling which can be like the love thing. It can be about anything, but it’s defiantly about love. Jim: Okay, when do your lyrics and the concepts come to you? Anneke: Well at the month, could be on anything, the train,watching TV,when sleeping, but the best ones usually come when I’m sleeping and I wake up with an idea in the middle of the night and you write it down within 5 minutes but that’s not often. I usually have sit down at my desk and write hundreds of sentences and pick out the best ones. Jim: Who influences you musically? Anneke: Everything!! Like the people you see, the music you hear, the situation you are in, it could be heavy subjects but it could also be light subjects just the stuff you like. The stuff you think about while day-dreaming. It’s also for the rest of the guys. Jim: Do you watch movies a lot? Anneke: Umm, yeah when I have the chance I do. Jim: Do you have a day job? Anneke: No, not really. My day job is the Gathering. Jim: Really? Our band Dark Funeral, are you familiar with them? Anneke: Yeah, I’ve heard about them. Jim: They came over to the states and did a couple of shows and I found out they all have jobs and a lot of bands now days still keep their day jobs. I was just curious to know if you still worked. Anneke: Usually if we don’t make the money with the band, we do day jobs, but now for a half of a year, we could live from the band so that was perfect. Jim: Do you play any instruments? Anneke: Guitar. I played guitar on the last album. Jim: Who do you listen to now, what bands? Anneke: I’m really, we are really into the latest RadioHead and Massive Attack. Stuff like that. Today, I bought the latest Queens of the Stoneage. Jim: I haven’t heard them yet. Anneke: Really? It is really good if you the like the stoner stuff like Queens, Kyuss, Celestial Season. Madonna is really good. Jim: Really? Anneke: Yeah.

Jim: How do you feel about power metal? Anneke: Umm, I like it to a certain extent you know? It gives you energy and I like that but I would never buy it. Jim: You think it is cheesy don’t you? Anneke: Yeah it is! Jim: (laughing) Anneke: Don’t you think? Jim: Yeah we have some power metal on the label. Anneke: I mean it’s kind of like all kinds of music if it is done well, it’s good you know? It’s like power metal is not my cup of tea. Jim: Have you ever been approached to do, or join an extreme metal band? Anneke: No. Jim: Would you ever do one? Anneke: No, I don’t think so because it’s not really what I want to do, if I would have my voice do anything, it would be something I really, really liked you know? Cause that’s what it is all about!! I think if I wouldn’t be in this band and making money and having a really good time, then I would have to so stuff with other people but now I have a choice you know? That’s cool. Jim: So when did you join the Gathering? Anneke: I think about five years ago. Jim: How did they find you? Anneke: We had a mutual friend. The guy I use to date, he knew the Gathering and he to me that they were looking for a singer so then they arranged it cause I was in a jazz folk band who was called Bed Breathing and we were playing and than the mutual friend got is a gig in the town where the Gathering lived and they came and saw is and they asked me to participate in an audition and I was chosen. Jim: Are you religious at all? AN- Mmm, lot really. I believe in myself. Jim: That’s good, we like that. Anneke: Okay. Jim: Who’s your favorite producer that you worked with? Anneke: I think that would be the latest one, Andy. He’s great. He has a vision and his way of making music and his way of talking about it, we really like it. He’s really a thinker and he loves the music, you know? Jim: From what I noticed, the vocals on Mandylion and Nighttime are much more infront of the music where as on the new record they seem a little more fuzzy and soothing. Anneke: Yeah. Jim: For me my main style of music and is Death and Black metal, but you guys are my favorite bands. Anneke: Oh that is cool. Jim: You guys have such a big appeal to the metal fans plus to the music industry period, people like Fowley (Deceased), are you familiar with him? Anneke: Yeah, yeah. Jim: He is a fan too. Anneke: Yeah, I know. Jim: I find it kind of weird who some the fans are that the Gathering attracts. Does it bother you guys that you guys could have mass appeal but you guys don’t? Anneke: (Laughing) Well, see the way it’s going now, it is really going well and Holland we are kind of a national band and the vast of Europe sees us as underground metal. But whatever and it’s going really well because we got a lot of different people going to the shows but at the same time, if we were at a major label, we would get a bit more exposure because of the connections outside of Holland, but I don’t know. I think it would be better at a non-metal label you know, but than again, in the metal scene they really like us, so I think we have to focus on everybody, but for us the problem is just not only metal, but also everybody else. Jim: Are you into sports at all? Anneke: No, not really everyone likes soccer so I got to the games every now and then. Jim: Does Century Media plan to have you guys do any shows over here in the states? Anneke: It is very difficult because it is so big. A couple of years ago, we had an offer to play with Type O Negative and it would have cost is soo much money. So we don’t want to lose so much money just to play here in America. http://www.gathering.nl

By Jenn Matthews

Anyone who knows me, knows I praise this band every chance I get. Ever since the first album came out, I thought they were amazing. The new CD is awesome and if you don’t have, what is wrong with you?? But seriously, they are a great band, all the guys are so cool, and the music is great. You have to get into them! Jenn: I have some questions this time, I'm not winging it!!!! Ryan: NICE!!!!!!!!!! Jenn: How is the new CD doing? Are you happy with it, sound wise, etc? Selling well? Ryan: We are extremely happy with the new CD. We really killed ourselves getting that God Forsaken thing together and it’s finally out and people really seem to enjoy it. As far as the sound, I think Brian Griffen is the best producer as far as death metal goes. He knows what sounds good, he's completely professional and he's pretty fuckin' gay. As far as selling, the last sound scan I checked we sold 557 million copies worldwide, who wouldn’t be happy with that? Jenn: Ha ha ha ha, 557 million copies? You guys are doing quite well then!!! Ryan: Well actually, our publicist told us that as of this morning we outsold the Beatles, Elvis, and Slim Whitman. Quite an accomplishment. Jenn: How was playing Milwaukee this year? Ryan: Milwaukee was totally awesome. The only thing that sucked is that we had to play at the same time as the Misfits, and we are all really into the Misfits. The show itself went really well though. I love Milwaukee because you get to see all of the people you talk to over the years and their all there AHHHHHHHHHH!!! I love it. The party after the show was probably the most legendary part of the whole trip though. Jenn: Did you get to see any cool bands? Ryan: Yeah, I saw Candiria, who as always kicked fucking ass, I got to see Gorguts who totally blew my mind as far as technicality, Dying Fetus, as always was amazing, but in all honesty, I thought the band that put on the best show was Internal Bleeding. That was the best show I’ve seen those guys play in a long time. Totally amazing! Jenn: Where is the Hulkster? I think you guys had someone new right? Ryan: Well the Hulkster was relieved of his duties in October of 1998. He is a great guy and we still talk to him once in a while, but he missed a few shows and no matter how happy and foolish we try to present ourselves, we are really serious and we just couldn't tolerate it. The one really huge thing we fucked up was the fact that we didn’t list him as playing on the album when he did. It got fucked up somehow. I felt totally horrible about that because he is a really nice guy and definitely deserves credit for playing on the CD. We haven’t found a replacement yet but the whole one guitar player deal has been working pretty well. If any one wants to try out, let me know. Jenn: What made you pick to do Dirty Deeds as the cover on the CD? Ryan: Well actually, we just decided to throw that song on because we recorded it years ago and we always thought it sounded ridiculous and there are some cool guest spots on it. Frank Rini sang backing vocals and Chris Matiuk (420) played the solo that no one here can play. We were all like 16/17 when we recorded that version. Keep your ears open though. We are doing some pretty crazy covers on future releases. We just got asked to do "Punk Rock Girl" on a Dead Milkmen tribute album that the Dead Milkmen are putting out.

Jenn: You also do November Rain right? Ryan: No, we do My Michelle. That is going on the next album we do. I'm gonna kill the secret, but we’re doing a whole bunch of covers as secret songs on our next release. Jenn: Any big shows coming up, any more festivals or anything? Ryan: We are playing the St. Louis Slaughterfest in two weeks. but after that we are taking some time off from shows for a while to write some new tunes. Jenn: Favorite show you played this year and why? Ryan: That would have to be either the last time we played in Maryland with Dying Fetus. The atmosphere was great. There weren’t a whole lot of people there but we had such a good time .John Gallager came up and sang My Michelle with us, Frank Rini came up and sang a song with us. It was nuts. And them after the show we went back to Dying Fetus's house and got completely ridiculous. We played in Quebec a few months ago and that was an incredible experience as well. Jenn: Tell us about the movie you are going to be staring in? Ryan: I don’t know about starring, but John Luyster (our Guitar player) and myself are going to be in The Toxic Avenger 4. We don’t know of we are going to be extra's or have speaking parts, but we will be in it. Jenn: You are still playing golf, right? How often do you get to play? Ryan: Actually I haven’t even had a chance to plat this summer , but I m going to try to get a few games in before the end of the season. Jenn: I have been told you wear a Hawaiian shirt every now and again. Can you explain this? Ryan: Yeah, they're fucking awesome, I don’t know I really think that Hawaiian shirts are the most foolish looking vestments on earth, but for some reason I love the way they look. Jenn: Ha ha ha ha! What CDs are you listening to currently? Ryan: Well I’ve been listening to this Arthur Lyman CD, its like weird beach jazz from the 50's. I think the one thing that I am obsessed with now is MR. BUNGLE. I got to see them live last week and it was like a religious experience. I recommend that everyone see them. GODLIKE. As far as death metal, the new Regurgitation is phenomenal. Those guys are sick. The new Internal Bleeding, still does it for me too. The new Mortician kicks some serious ass as well. And everyone should check out the new Malinancy. SICK. Jenn: Besides the band, what else have you been keeping you busy? Work, School? Ryan: Yes. That’s all I can say to that. Work is nuts, school is nuts and it starts again soon and I can’t take it. Jenn: What is next for the band? When are you planning on releasing another CD? Ryan: We are hoping to have a new CD out in the Fall of 2000. We are doing some other little trinkets though to keep people happy. We will have a new song on an upcoming 7" in a few months. Jenn: Okay Ryan, this is the end, anything final you would like to add in? Ryan: God bless the United states Marine Corps. and I guess that will do for now. everyone write us or email us or check out our web page. Thanks for the interview Jenn. Ryan 92 Park Avenue Hicksville, NY 11801 http://www.disfigured.net htmldiefie666@aol.com

By Jenn Matthews

Jenn: Are you an original member of Mortal Decay? Anthony: Yes, I started the band in late 1991 with original vocalist John P. Guitarist John Hartman joined soon after so he is considered an original. We are the only two left. Jenn: What happen with your former singer Kelly? Anthony: Kelly was out of work for a while and that made it hard for him to come from NY to practice and without practice, you can’t progress. He’s a great guy and did a lot for us, but we felt that letting him go was the thing to do. Jenn: Who is singing for you now? Anthony: We just finished about 15-20 shows with our original vocalist Johnny. He was helping us out and it was something he wanted to do as well, but he is attending school and has a band of his own and cannot be a permanent member and do the extensive touring that we want. So right now we are trying out people and nothing is set in stone yet. Jenn: How was the Cleveland fest in May? Which bands did you catch. What did you think? Anthony: The Cleveland show was SICK!!! Excellent bands, great friends, Jack Daniel’s, who could ask for more? Fetus played a great set, Internal Bleeding (the new stuff rules), Vomit Remnants from Japan were awesome (the “Sickening Erotic Fanaticism” tattoo on the one guys leg impressed me), Cryptospy as usual were amazing, Cephalic Carnage were impressive… a lot of great music that weekend. Jenn: How many CD’s does Mortal Decay have out? Are they still available? Anthony: We have out 1997 release “Sickening Erotic Fanaticism” available, and July 29th at this years Milwaukee Metal Fest 99 we are releasing out demo CD “A Gathering of Human Artifacts”, that has all three demos re-mixed and re-mastered in order, 72 minutes long and 17n tracks. We are still working new stuff and plan on recording and label shop soon. Jenn: How long have you been playing drums? Anthony: I‘ve been playing seriously for around 8 ½ years. Jenn: What kind of set do you have? Anthony: I play Tama drums, Zildjian cymbals, Vic Firth sticks, DW5000 bass pedal, Pearl hardware ( I better get paid from those companies for that!!!!) Jenn: Who are some of your influences? Anthony: Neil Peart and Rush have been my biggest influence. I remember my older brother playing me them when I was around 8 years old and ever since I’ve worshipped them, especially the playing of Neil. Carther of The Dave Matthews Band is another big influence, Dave Weckel of Chic Corea. I listen to so many drummers for so many different reasons. These are three all around bands that I enjoy. Jenn: What bands are you listening to these days? Anthony: The bands listed above, Dream Theatre/ Liquid Tension, Macabre/ Gordian Knot, King Diamond/ Fate, Portishead, Immolation, Death, Voivod, Sarah McLauchlan, Morbid Angel, Cynic… That list goes on as well. Jenn: Who are some of your favorite bands you have played with? Anthony: Doing shows with Deaden is always a lot of fun, Internal Bleeding are a great bunch of guys and they’re almost as good as me reciting Jerky Boys calls, Disfigured are a lot of fun, just to name a few. Jenn: What is the furthest you have traveled to play a show? Anthony: We’ve played Milwaukee, Iowa, Canada. They all seemed like it took forever to get there. It’s a good thing we played shows on the way and back, it makes it seem shorter. Jenn: What you guys do for a living? Anthony: We all have jobs, nothing worth mentioning but we have good paying jobs that give us off for shows when we need it. Jenn: What do you do in your spare time? Any hobbies besides drumming? Anthony: I love to listen to and play jazz, a lot of basketball, work-out and jog, go out and get drunk once in a while, read true crime books. I love to keep busy. Jenn: Anything else you want to add? Anthony: Buy our “Sickening Erotic…” CD, as well as out “A Gathering of Human Artifacts” CD. They are $15.00 dollars each, (postage included), and a BIG thank you to you Jenn for the interview, I appreciate you thinking of us- See you soon!!!!!!! MORTAL DECAY C/O ANTHONY 415 OAK STREET AUDUBON, NJ 08106 USA ALL THAT REMAINS By Jenn Matthews What bands did All that Remains come from originally? Dan: Our guitarist Chris was in a few bands that did really well in our area since about 1989, who were Plastic X, Slowpoke and Hedred. Phil was the ex-singer of Shadows Fall and played guitar in Perpetual Doom before that. Our other guitarist Ollie was in a progressive metal band called Netherworld. Mike played in Slowpoke and Hedred with Chris, and I was in Exhumed (from MA) and Scattered Remnants. How did the band get started? Before Phil split with Shadows Fall, he started writing songs more in the direction he wanted to go in. Then when they stopped playing together he was taking guitar lessons from Chris, so they hooked up. Around the same time, he asked me if I was interested in playing. Then we picked up Mike through Chris. After about six months of playing together and trying to find another guitarist we found Ollie. You had a three song CD that you gave away at Milwaukee last year. What was the feedback you got from them? The feedback we received was real good. We ended up burning more CD's and getting rid of them at other shows since then. When is the new CD suppose to be out? We just got it mastered a few weeks back and need to figure out some things like art work and money. It should be out really soon though. How long did it take to record? Way too long. We recorded it up here in MA at Planet Z. Just before Phil was supposed to record his vocal tracks, he got really sick. We had blocked off a good few weeks of off time, but ran out. We had to wait for a couple other bands to record there until we could get back in to finish up. Overall I think it ended up taking four months. Are you happy with the way it came out? Do you like it better than the three song CD? Did you do the songs on the three song over, or just use the original recording? Very happy, Zeus who recorded it, did a great job. Over all, yes. I do really like the way the 3 song CD sounds also. Yes, we did do the three songs over. We didn't have Ollie when we recorded the first time and he really contributes to the sound we have now. You are currently working with Scott Lee, aka Ogre. What is he doing for you guys? Are you happy with his support? Scott is really helping us a lot from getting us shows, helping with merchandise and money to help us record. We are real thankful for his support. He's a good friend. Who are some of the bigger bands you have opened for? Some of the bigger shows you have played? Immortal, Krisiun, Arch Enemy, Satyricon, Angel Corpse, Nevermore, Internal Bleeding and we were able to play the New England Hardcore and Metal Fest and the MA Metal Fest this year. You guys are a metal band, what was the crowd reaction when you opened for Immortal or Krisun? It didn't seem like we were making too many friends while we were playing. I don't think anyone was planning on a local opener. We did end up selling all our CD samplers and T-Shirts though, so it couldn't have been that bad. What are five CD's you are listening to right now? Emperor-IX Equilibrium, Soilwork- The Chainheart Machine (Good Choice! Jenn), God Forbid- Reject the Sickness, and a couple oldies, Obituary- Cause of Death and Grave-Soulless. Favorite show you played so far and why? Probably the MA Metal Fest in early May. We got the chance to play on the main stage and the kids seemed to be really into it. We had a good response. We also got to meet a lot of cool people and see some really good bands. Was there a show that was least memorable and why? Yes. Our first show. We just couldn't click as a band for some reason. One of those nights I guess. Do you guys have any big tour or shows coming up soon? We have a good amount of shows booked around the New England area for the next couple months, and we are suppose to be playing the Milwaukee Metal Fest in July. Any final words? What merchandise do you guys have available? We are suppose to start printing this week so by the time this comes out we should have hats, jackets, t-shirts, stickers and a CD. Thanks a lot for the interview Jenn and anyone interested, get in touch! All that Remains 32 Everett Street Easthampton, MA 01027 Phil- DRECTASSLT@aol.com Ogre- Infinit413@aol.com http://members.xoom.com/Ogrepage/main.html Ciborium By Jenn Matthews Jenn- How and when did Ciborium start? Ryan- Ciborium started basically a few years after I was out of my diapers. It's been over 5 years since the formation, back in my days in middle school. One day while opening my lunchbox I thought it would be cool to start a metal band. I think that's how it happened Jenn- What kind of diapers did you use? Ryan- I don't recall, I'll have to ask my mom and get back to you on that ASAP. For now, we'll just say Huggies. Jenn- You have just recorded your new CD. How did that go? How many songs are one it? Tell us about that Ryan- It went great. I've been waiting years and years to get that god forsaken CD recorded, and it's finally done. We ended up getting an amazing production from an engineer that nobody has ever heard of. We ended up keeping 7 songs for the CD once we were finally done. A few hits that can be found on the soundtrack of reading rainbow and Teletubbies include "In Vagina we Trust", and "Make them Die Slowly" Jenn- Are they going to be on The Box or MTV anytime soon? Ryan- Yes they are, Carson Daly called me up a few hours ago and said we are competing with Britney Spears and N'Sync next week on total request live. Please vote for us! Jenn- Where their any problems while in the studio? Ryan- Yeah, Shad had to take a shit once and I told him that the time he was on the toilet was very valuable because we were paying a lot of money per hour. Other than that, amazingly no problems. Jenn: Did you have any demo's released previously? Ryan: We sure have, there are hundreds of copies of our "Abomination" demo floating around all over the place. I'm the only one left from the line-up on that recording. That demo was recorded in early 1998. Jenn: Are you selling them? Ryan: Yeah, they are still for sale Jenn: How is that different from what you are playing now? The style has changed quite a bit. Ryan: Oh yeah, it has changed like 100%. If you were to hear the demo and then hear the new line-up, you would not even know it's us. It was more of a death-core type sound back then, now it's a million mile an hour straight up death metal. I think the sound has also changed due to the guest appearances from Little Richard and Lionel Richie Jenn: What band would you compare yourself to back then? And now? Ryan: That's a good question. You're trying to stump me here. Ryan: Back then, I couldn't think of anyone to compare us to. The new sound reminds me of stuff like Cryptopsy, Dying Fetus, yet keeping a good bit of an original sound. Oh yeah, and Wilson Phillips. Jenn: What is the scene like in MD? Ryan: The scene here fluctuates. There are many more bands to play local shows with these days. Bands like Tortured, Decapitate, Severed Head, Dying Fetus, etc. Sometimes show turnouts can be massive, other times they are less that great. I guess that's the way it goes just about anywhere Jenn: How many people average come to a metal show? Ryan: To give an example, on one Friday in March we played a show and about 125 people showed up. We played the next night about an hour away (still in MD) and only about 40 people were there. Jenn: Are they many places to play? Ryan: Not really, and I'm pissed that the best club in this state recently shut down. They were totally supportive of the metal scene, so I hope it doesn't hurt the overall scene in Maryland. There are shitty hole in the wall places like Hal Daddy's that rip bands off and talk shit about everyone. Jenn: What about VA? You are close to there. There is Twisters and Jaxx. Did every play there? Ryan: Yeah, we've played at Jaxx. Wasn't a very pleasant experience, but it was still a nice club with a nice sound. I've heard good things about Twisters in Richmond. Jenn: Why wasn't it a good experience? Ryan: The doorman was giving me shit for bringing my guitar in through the front door. I just told him to chill the fuck out and that we didn't need to use a backdoor like Metallica. He must like the concept of the backdoor, in other terms that is. Jenn: Okay, what was your favorite band or show you have had so far? Ryan: Well the show we just played with Dying Fetus and Malignancy was the most violent show I've ever witnessed. People were just slaying the whole time, it was great to see. It was cool to recently jam with Lividity, also. Those guys are killer to hang with. Jenn: Do you bring a lot of out of state bands out? Ryan: Yep, all the time. I think I've been involved with bringing it a large percent of out of state bands passing through in some way or another. If any band needs a show here, I'm the one to contact. Jenn: Who are some bands you have brought out? Ryan: Lividity, Malignancy, CorpseVomit, Fleshgrind, Entorturement, Disfigured, Internal Bleeding, etc. Jenn: Any show or band you have played with which was a bad experience? Ryan: Well as you probably know, we are some of the most down to earth people to get along with. 99% of the people or bands we interact with are totally cool with us. Unfortunately, just recently we had a little run into with a band that will remain nameless. I will say this though. The following items are related to this band: Finesse, Oil of Olay, just for men gel, and tight clothing. Jenn: Are you doing any big shows or tours any time soon? Ryan: Oh yeah. Not really a tour, but a lot of out of state shows including shows in Ohio, New York, and Illinois with Disinter, Mortal Decay, and Regurgitation Jenn: Have you gotten any killer CD's lately? Ryan: Yeah, i got an advance copy of the new Vomit Remnants and it shreds. I pretty much try to make sure any CD I get is killer. I'm expecting the new Britney Spears sometime soon. Haha. Jenn: Well kid oh, that is it for me, anything else you would like to add? Ryan: I would like to say that I'm bored and please write to us to keep me busy. Thanks a lot for the interview and the support. Are you bored? Are you tired? Are you going to visit again? Jenn: Who said that to you? Ryan: Biggie Jenn Matthews. Also, I'd like to add that I'm starting the "Buy Jenn a new sofa fund" - Please send any donations to the following address: Ciborium - PO Box 10296 - Parkville, MD 21234 Jenn: Thanks and please contribute to the fund, my futon is horrible Ryan Taylor ryan@ciborium.com AOL Screen Name: RTciborium http://www.ciborium.com Shadows Fall By Jenn Matthews How is the new release on Century Media doing so far? * Very well, thanks! As far as I have been told, sales have been exceeding expectations and college radio has been very kind to us so far. You have been #1 on the CMJ charts for the last couple weeks now knocking out PANTERA. What do you think about that? What other charts are you scoring well on? * I think it's amazing really. Never thought that would happen. Right now we've been #1 on that chart for 4 weeks so it's definitely going strong. We are also 2 weeks running at # 1 on the FMQB charts and a few others are going strong as well. When was the CD recorded? * We actually began pre-production in July of 1999 so all of this material is already a year old. Recording this one was definitely a long process but it was well worth it. How did you get in touch with Century Media? Was there any other label interest? * There were some good people helping us shop the new material to labels after Brian joined the band and we recorded some demos. It almost seemed that CM came to us in a way. They definitely had what we were looking for though. Give us some band history, how long you have been together, how many members you have gone through... * We have been doing this since the beginning of 1996. Jon and myself started writing and arranging material before we found others to fill out the lineup. He had played some tapes of ideas he has for a new band and I liked what I heard. In the past we had a vocalist (Damien) and bassist (Mark) that were there to help us write and record. Dave was also just temporary but he liked what was going on so he decided to stay on full time. Paul and Phil joined about the same time, which was about a month before recording "Somber Eyes to the Sky". Phil left due to "creative differences" in fall 1998 and Brian signed on in December of 98. [Phil is now singing for All that Remains, also based out of MA-Jenn] When was Somber released? Is it still available? Who repressed it? * Somber was "officially" released on March 9, 1998 on my own label, LIFELESS records. It is still available and most underground catalogs (Relapse, Very, etc) carry it. It was re-released on CD and vinyl in Europe by Genet records from Belgium. Where did the name Shadow's Fall come from? * It was based on a short comic series from the early 90's of the same name. The themes and art in that series reflected the bands direction at the time. You are having a lot of tours coming up. How do you think you will fit in with All out War and God Forbid? * I think it will be a great tour! It is a good mix of different styles. You are also playing with Dismember and Krisiun. How do you think the crowd will react to you? * I think it will be ok although those bands are quite a bit more extreme than we are in terms of music but I'm very much looking forward to it. I love death metal so if all else fails at least I'll get to see some killer bands every night! What are some of your favorite bands that you played with? * We have played with sooo many great bands but some of the best shows were with some of the more "mainstream" bands like Fear Factory, Sevendust, Anthrax, etc… Also the Vans Warped Tour was GREAT!! It is also good to play with friends though such as shows with Cryptopsy, Skinless, Staind, and sooo many others. You are President and CEO of Lifeless Records, tell us about that. Do you have a favorite band from the label? Tell us about the distro too. * Well, I think I take on too much at once!!!! Hahaha. But I run the label to help out bands that have a lot of potential but need help with promotion, distro, business, etc.. I can't choose a favorite but the bands that are currently making some noise are Torn Asunder, Catheter, and 6 Thirty 7 [Who is my favorite-Jenn]. Also, other bands/labels merchandise can be ordered through LIFELESS. You also do Lifeless Zine. How many issues do you have out? What do you like the best about doing the zine? * Only one issue has been released as a preview to the second issue which will be much more elaborate. The best thing about the zine is the good it does for the scene, bringing new bands to new fans, etc. What are some of your other side projects other than the band, the label, the distro and the zine? What other bands do you play in? * There are a few side projects that I work on in my spare time (which isn't that often). A modern rock band called "Paynes Grey" and another which I can not discuss right now. But all of this takes a back seat to SF so it's hard to get anything done with them. Right now I'm not worried about it. How long have you been playing guitar? * 11 years What CD's have you been listening to lately? * The new stuff from VADER, BEN FOLDS FIVE, CRACK UP, and STUCK MOJO. Also I've been on a bit of a power metal kick lately (Stratovarius, Hammerfall, Jag Panzer, etc). And of course the classics from GIN BLOSSOMS, BETTER THAN EZRA, MY FRIEND STEVE, and SUFFOCATION. Anything else? * Thanks to everyone for their support and we'll see you on the road!!!! Shadows Fall http://members.aol.com/shadfall ShadFall@aol.com P.O. Box 10312 Holyoke, MA 01041 USA Lifeless Records http://lifelessrecords.8k.com lifelessrecords@yahoo.com, P.O. Box 10312 Holyoke, MA 01041 USA