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Cannibal Corpse - Alex Webster

02/03/06 || Global Domination

This interview was done by ex-staffer/cocksmoker WeSatan.

_When it comes to brutal death metal, it doesn’t get much better than Cannibal Corpse. When I first got the idea to do interviews for the site in addition to reviews, the first band who popped into my head was of course, my favourite, Cannibal Corpse. I’ve been a fan of these guys for like 4 years or so, my first album from them being “Bloodthirst”. I was hooked, so the oppurtunity to question these guys about all types of random shit was one I wasn’t dumb enough to pass up.

On March 21st, their new album, “KILL”, hits the shelves, and I’ll be first in line to snatch it up._

Global Domination: First off, thanks for granting me the interview. I must admit, I’ve been a fan of your entire catalogue so this interview means a ton to me and hopefully I won’t rant on like a kid during this interview, kinda like I am now, damn. Ok, thanks for the interview, haha.

Alex: No problem. I might have to keep these answers kind of short though, since there are so many questions.

I know you’d probably rather shove bamboo-chutes under your fingernails than answer ANOTHER question about Jack Owen’s departure from the group, but what was your initial reaction to him leaving? Was this something you could see coming for some time?

Yeah, he had seemed a little unmotivated for quite a while, but it was always hard to tell with Jack. He’s a pretty quiet guy. He also wrote a bunch of songs for “The Wretched Spawn”, so that made us think he might be motivated again, but obviously that was not the case. Anyway, if he didn’t like being in the band anymore, I guess it’s for the best that he quit.

When did you guys decide that you wanted Rob back in as a permanent member? And how weird was it touring with Jeremy during the next tour, seeing as you had been touring with Jack for like what, 15 years? Were there any strange feelings, not necessarily hostility or resentment, but just a strange feeling?

Rob called us after the “TWS” tour finished up and asked about rejoining. After thinking about it for a few weeks, we picked Rob over Jeremy. It was a tough call, as Jeremy is a great guy, and a great guitar player, but Rob’s former membership in Cannibal probably tipped the scales in his favor the most. As for touring without Jack, it honestly has been just fine. Jack had been losing interest for a while, so having somebody excited like Jeremy or Rob standing next to us on stage was very inspiring. (a full statement from Jack is available on our website in the NEWS section at www.cannibalcorpse.net).

After utilizing Neil Kernon on the previous 2 albums, what was it about Erik Rutan that made you guys pick him to produce “Kill” (which by the way is a killer album title)? How would you say things were done differently, if any?

Well, from a pragmatic point of view, it was easier to record (and less expensive) by staying home in the Tampa Bay area and recording at Erik’s studio. Of course, that was only part of the reason. We really loved the work Erik did on Hate Eternal’s “I, Monarch” and also on the “Into The Moat” album, so we knew we had a great talent to work with who just happened to be a close friend who lived nearby. We also knew that Erik would bring a different sound to the band, and that his experience as a death metal guitarist would add to his production of our album as well.

Ok, the guys at Global Domination are probably sick of hearing me rant about Pat’s awesomeness, and I know I’m dying to hear what you guys have done with the new one. My only question is, with the fact that Jack wrote some of the music on previous releases, did you all have to compensate for the one less guitarist, or did Pat just write in Jack’s place as well?

Well, Rob and Paul each wrote a song for “KILL”, so it wasn’t a problem.

Would you mind hinting as to which tracks from the new album we might hear live when you guys tour the states?

Too early to say really, but it’s looking like “Murder Worship” and “Make Them Suffer” for sure.

Ok, maybe one more question about Jack. When he left the band, he said something to the effect of, “My heart isn’t in death metal anymore.” He then followed this by joining forces with the guys in Deicide. What did you think when you heard this? Have you talked to Jack since then?

We see Jack all of the time in Tampa, he’s a very cool guy. What he does, and the reasons he does it are his business, not ours. We wish him well in whatever he does.

Over the years, you guys have written a lot of songs. Is there anything you guys look for when selecting newer songs for setlists? Maybe a riff that would be great live? Or a chorus?

It’s hard to say. Just whichever songs seem to stand out, and also the ones that the fans request he most. Another thing is we have to make sure we can play the song really, really tight before we play it live.

Did you ever buy that “bass with storage space” in that market in Mexico that was shown on the “ The Wretched Spawn” DVD? If so, do you play it on occasion?

No, but wasn’t that thing fucking cool? I think I should have bought it. It has to be sold by now…..

*Of all the songs you guys have written, which would you say is the:

a… most fun to play?
b… most difficult to play?
c… song which you say to yourself, “Hell yeah, we wrote that song, and it dominates!”*

a: Maybe “Pit of Zombies” or “Perverse Suffering”
b: “Frantic Disembowelment” or “Brain Removal Device”
c: Ah, I don’t know… there’s no way to answer this question without looking like an egomaniac! Maybe “The Time to Kill is Now” from the new album, or “Murder Worship”. I’m pretty happy with those ones…

Has there been any talks of who might be opening for you guys when you tour the states in support of “KILL”? I saw you dudes with Napalm Death, Macabre, Goatwhore, and Kataklysm, and damn, that show was intense. If you had to choose, would you rather do a tour with 3 good bands and one great band, or a tour with 2 other excellent bands? And if you haven’t secured any of these bands, I can think of 10 bands who deserve more exposure, feel free to check out our site, hahaha.

We’re doing Sounds of the Underground, and then in November we’ll be doing a headlining tour of some kind in the USA. Sorry, no word on openers yet, but there will be some heavy bands, don’t worry about that for a second. As for how many, as long as the bands are killer, the more the merrier I guess!

Would you guys ever consider doing Gigantour, or any other traveling festival?

I guess I just answered that one!

When might we see the “bootleg bigfoot footage” of George while recording “Gore Obsessed”?

That was actually during the the “TWS” sessions, but anyway, Jack has the footage, so you’ll need to ask him!

If you could go back in time, and change any decision you had made, whether it be music-related or anything else, would you? If yes, what would it be?

I can’t think of anything in particular. I guess any bad decision, I would like to go back and fix. Wouldn’t we all?

Who were your musical influences growing up, whether it be metal or non-metal?

When I was very young I listened to my Dad’s Elvis and Chuck Berry records, and also Scottish bagpipe music. No kidding. I started to listen to metal when I was like 11 or something around that age. The first bands I liked were Accept, AC/DC, and Mötley Crue.

What was it about death metal that drew you in and made you want to listen to/play it?

It was just so heavy. I had never heard anything better (I still haven’t).

Would you say the lyrics have toned down a bit since Chris’ departure from the band? Did you guys ever say to yourselves, “He was treading territory that was crossing the line”? Was he a very sexually-frustrated or deprived guy to hang around with?

We might have a little, but the lyrics are still really violent. We didn’t want to write about things we were uncomfortable with just to one-up Chris. Any of the lyrics Chris did that “crossed the line”, we accepted, of course, as they are on our albums. But of course they were very dark and disgusting, which fit our music well. It’s important for people to realize that we do not advocate violence or any of the things in our songs. They are just horror stories for entertainment only. I doubt Chris was sexually frustrated, the girls always seemed to love him. I think he was just trying to write good horror, and for him I guess that female victims worked better for his stories.

“Musical differences” was cited as the reason Chris Barnes was let go. He’s now in Six Feet Under, which is considerably easier musically, not in a bad way, but in the sense that it’s not as technical or complex. Would you say that he wanted Cannibal Corpse to be this type of band before his departure?

No, we didn’t want to play music that was simple like SFU. We always wanted to be a fast band that was somewhat technical as well, and with George, we are able to do that. Chris is obviously better off with SFU.

How much would Pat consider selling that 7-string V for? That guitar is a beautiful work of art, hahaha.

I don’t think it’s for sale, haha….

Are there any newer bands that really make you want to jump up and headbang?

Aeon’s “Bleeding The False” album is our favourite right now. It’s the best new death metal out there, very catchy but also super sick and heavy.

( Note from WeSatan: And guess who’s forums are hosted of this site? Nothing but the best here on Global Domination… )

There are a lot of people out there who “just don’t get it.” They just can’t fathom why talented musicians would play music that is so intense and brutal. These retards often would rather have these musicians play something pleasing to the ear. Here’s your chance to give them all the finger and/or explain your reasons for writing/playing such brutal (excellent) music.

I’ll just give ‘em the finger, haha. If they don’t understand why we play death metal, I doubt any explanation would help. Fuck ‘em.

This question comes from 97% of bass players out there. What does it feel like to be recognised as being an integral part of your band because of your playing ability??

Well, it’s very gratifying. But I think there are a lot of other bassists out there who are great, and they need to get in the studio and fight for their right to be heard. That’s part of the reason people think I’m good at bass, because they can actually hear me. There are a lot of other great bassists who need to turn themselves up in the studio. Novy from Vader is one who comes to mind, he is so awesome, but I think he should be louder on their albums. Just my opinion.

( Note from WeSatan: Kinda reminds me of another bass-player over there in Florida. Can’t remember who though, hmm… )

How do you feel about the downloading issue nowadays? The RIAA has really tried to hamstring those who are downloading/uploading to and from these programs. Do you think things have improved, whether that being increased revenue from people buying more records or more people who had access to your music showing up at your gigs?

Well, it seems like we have better attendance at our shows these days, for what reason I’m not sure. It could be because of downloading, and the ease of getting information out there with the internet (tour dates, etc.). We would naturally like for people to keep buying our albums, but if they can get something for free, I guess it’s just human nature to do it. I’m not going to get on a soapbox about it. Hopefully our albums will be good enough for the fans of today to deem worthy of purchasing.

Care to comment on this issue regarding Denmark expressing their freedom of speech?

Freedom of speech is very important. I hope that fear of violence won’t silence anyone. That would be like a dictatorship without borders, which would be awful.

While we’re on the subject of politics, are you counting down the days like an inmate until Dick and Bush are ousted from office like I am?

Not so much. I doubt whoever replaces them will be drastically different, for better or worse.

Everyone likes to say what they would do if they were president, I know I’ve got a few ideas. What would you do that hasn’t been done or what would you do differently? Would this world benefit from being governed by metalheads (keeping in mind that the ones in charge are level-headed and sane, unlike some) ?

Yes, metalheads could run this country well. Really, anybody open minded that appreciates art and music would be a good change. Oh, and I don’t even smoke pot, but I’d still legalize it.

I hate to include this, but a fellow staffer has this porn addiction. Well it’s either an affliction or an addiction, not sure. He wants to know what the most FUCKED UP porn you’ve seen, he stresses he wants details so he can find it and download it.

I saw a comedy porn where an actress sucked a puppets cock and it shot fake jizz all over her. It was very fucked up. Some guy included it on the end of a VHS of metal shows that he sent me 12 years ago or so.

While we’re on the subject of crazy shit, you guys have been touring the world over for like 15 years. Do any memories stick out that still kinda make you laugh or freak you out?

Too many to list! But the Wacken fests are always great memories…

I seem to remember something abut you guys surpassing the million albums mark a couple years back or so. This is obviously a good thing for mainstream bands, so even moreso for a band with no airplay. How did it feel when you guys were told, and did you ever think when the band first started that you guys COULD sell a million considering your style of music?

Well, we never thought we’d get to where we are today, that’s for sure. As for selling a million units, keep in mind that that is worldwide, and includes all of our albums and DVDs, not just any particular one. So it’s cool, but it’s nothing like when a band sells 2 million of one album in the USA (like Korn or something).

( Yet another note From WeSatan: I’m having a problem thinking of many other bands who rule and have sold a million units. I’ll take that as modesty, haha… )

A fellow staffer (don’t worry, this guy doesn’t have the porn addiction) has openly mentioned that he couldn’t play bass to save his life. He was wondering how much you’d charge for lessons if you had the time to teach them?

I guess it’s like $25 on hour for most lessons these days, so I’d be happy with that. I wouldn’t charge any extra cash because I’m some kind of D-List celeb, haha!

Have you heard God Among Insects? Our boss/friend and mentor/role model is in that band you know. If you’d like I can send you the link to their site so you could check them out? ( Nice plug there, Wes – The Lord )

Isn’t that the band with the Vomitory guys? I haven’t heard them, but I’d like to.

( WeSatan: Close, but I can think of one bearded brute who would like some of the credit too, hahaha )

Ok, you’ve said you’ve studied other types of music in the past. What about the stuff you listen to? Is their anything in your collection that would surprised us? Alice Deejay maybe?

I don’t know who Alice Deejay is ( Oh man… You sure have fucken missed out on some raging shit – The Lord ), but I do listen to lots of different things. I recently bought a few Penderecki-albums, they have some very dark sounding music on them. Great stuff. I also listen to lots of bass albums, Michael Manring is probably my favourite. His album “Soliloquy” is a must for all bassists.

According to a forum member, Chris once kicked an audience member in the face for taping a gig. Is there any truth to this or is it complete bullshit?

That sounds like BS to me. I don’t remember anything like that happening. I don’t see much of what’s happening on stage while I’m playing, because I’m concentrating on the music, and I’m headbanging, and there is hair in my face most of the time, but it seems like if that had happened, I would have known about it.

In regards to your lyrics, hypothetically, if someone were to get retarded and act out, misinterpreting the message you guys portray, how do you think you might react? Obviously this has happened with more well-known bands like Metalica and Ozzy, but let’s be serious, there’s obviously a difference between the lyrical content of “No Remorse” (which you guys did a kickass cover of, by the way), “Suicide Solution”, and say, “Fucked With A Knife”.

I would be very unhappy about that. For that reason, we make a point of explaining in interviews that we in no way advocate the violence described in our songs.

On our site, there’s a bit ( A “bit” ?! Hahaha… – The Lord ) of friendly poking fun at Mike Poggione from Monstrosity. He claims to be amigos with you guys, maybe you’ve heard about our little game of internet tag/scrabble, maybe not. Have you got any funny stories about this guy? Did he ever try to show you the wonders of a 6-string bass?

Mike’s a great bass player, but we’ve never sat down and jammed together. One of these days when he’s in Tampa we should though. I’ve never heard of the internet tag/scrabble thing.

*Almost done, I promise. Choose between:

a. X-Box 360 or PS3.

b. Rosanne Barr or Janet Reno (as in to sleep with, not to make a song about).

c. Festival with 30,000 or small gig with maybe 500 (atmosphere-wise).

d. George when he headbands vertically or the helicopter.

e. Chris Barnes low growls or George’s energy (not to bad-mouth George’s growls or anything, they dominate).

f. Playing “Hammer Smashed Face” live or “Decency Defied” (as comparing old vs. new)*

a. PS3.
b. Rosanne.
c. 500.
d. Vertically(like old school Slayer).
e. George.
f. “Hammer”, but “Decency” is cool too.

So Alex, you’re also involved with Blotted Science. How’s that progressing and when do you think you might see some tours? How about a Cannibal Corpse/Blotted Science tour? How would you compare the 2 bands musically?

Blotted Science is coming along well. I only have a few more songs for the album to track, and then I’m done. CC and Blotted could not tour together, it would be impossible for me. Both bands require enormous focus, and there is no way I could focus on both simultaneously on tour. Blotted is strange and tech, and has no vocals. It is really heavy too though. You all know what Cannibal is like, so I won’t bother to explain.

So we all know Paul is one hell of a skin-basher. Did you guys ever consider “letting him out of his cage” so to speak? For example, letting him kinda go wild on a song or 2, where he’s just all over the place absolutely kicking ass. Would be interesting to see all aspects of the band playing incredibly difficult stuff for a song or 2, in my opinion.

Paul likes to play straightforward, and be the backbone of the band. However, on the newer albums, he has been stretching out a bit more. On “KILL”, He does a lot of stuff he hasn’t done before, and more rolls than usual.

*Ok, if I think of anymore questions like these, I’ll bust a blood vessel in my head, so I guess this is the part of the interview where I say, “Thanks a ton for taking part in the interview. It means a lot to me. You guys kick ass and I can’t
wait until 3/21”. Is there anything you want to close the interview with?*

Just to say thanks for the interview, I think I’m done typing for about a week, haha! Also, much thanks to our fans and supporters, without you guys, we ain’t shit. See you on tour in 2006!!!

/ Alex Webster, Feb. 26, 2006.

Interviews