The Embalmed
I just wanted to start things off, by saying that ever since I picked up The Embalmed’ CD of “Hooked On Demonics, I haven’t been able to put it down since…
Mourning Preacher: glad you fucking like it
But enough about me right now….
When did The Embalmed manifest itself on to the world? And who are the creators?
Preacher: Bluddy and me have been playing off and on for like 12 years; It’s just been a matter of timing. The band actually took shape April 2000. We were gigging in a month and a half.
What is the current line-up and everybody’s position?
Preacher: Bluddy Waters -guitars, Rev Fangs -drums, and I'm the throat/bassist. I do most of the booking, the website, and most of the other tedious shit. Bluddy and Rev do most of the promoting on the streets. Bluddy also goes to lot of shows looking for new blood to play with.
What is the origin of the name “The Embalmed”? Are there any specific reasons for calling yourselves that?
Preacher: we were originally Nocturnal Mourning but as time went on the name just didn’t excite us. "The Embalmed" is a much better fit. What pisses me off is how long it takes to come up with a name, and then most of the newspapers/clubs misspell it. How fucking hard is The Embalmed to spell?
Do you have one person who composes all the material and lyrics (The driving force)? Or is it a joint effort from everybody?
Preacher: either Bluddy or I will bring a riff or two, and then we begin drinking, performing rituals, etc. Rev Fangs will then begin creating his parts and usually then I will add some words just so it takes shape. Most of the lyrics I write, but Bluddy comes up with some cool shit as well.
What’s going on with you guys currently? I know that currently you released the much-anticipated “Hooked On Demonics” Do you have any other material out? IE: 7in splits, compilations, etc.
Preacher: "Hooked" is our debut cd, but we expect to have another cd done at the end of fall. We had so much material that we figured why not do a full length. The material that didn't make it to "Hooked" should be on the next one.
“Hooked On Demonics”, that’s an interesting title, was there a reason for that title? Or is it just a play off of the old,” Hooked on Phonics, worked for me!”?
Preacher: Actually we considered naming the band Hooked on Demonics. But we didn’t want people to call us H.O.D. As soon as we scrapped the idea, I wrote the lyrics. I had to use "Hooked on Demonics" just because it’s a great title.
Where did you record and how long did it take?
Preacher: The Recording Cathedral in Tarentum, PA. The whole thing took about 2 1/2 days. Paul Bastin was fucking great to work with because he liked our sound.
Are there any local or national acts that are influential in giving The Embalmed their sound?
Preacher: We seem to be influenced by just about anything good. A good song is a good song. Of course we're into Slayer, Morbid Angel, Six Feet Under, Sepultura, Sabbath, the Swedish death movement, and any heavy local groups like Freek and Broken Neck, but we try not to sound like a million other bands.
How is the “scene” out in Johnstown? What other cities have you performed in?
Preacher: Johnstown is underrated for the dedication that some of the local metal fans show. Although they’re just aren’t enough of those fans to fill a large club. We desperately want to take our show to Erie, The Burgh, and anywhere else that we can lay siege to.
How would you describe an “ Embalmed” live show?
Preacher: It hurts to watch. We just attempt to punish you for as long as your head can take it. It’s a visual and sonic orgasm.
In your opinion, what type of crowd does The Embalmed cater too more?
Preacher: We certainly cater more to hard metal and death fans just because we've given up doing anything popular. Older conservative crowds are really appalled by us.
What goes through your mind when your up they’re jamming up on stage? Does the crowd affect your performance?
Preacher: How do I get a refill? It’s cool when the fans react to our material. Bluddy really feeds off the energy of the crowd. I look back and see Rev smiling and I know we're doing something really special.
Are there any local acts out there, that you guys would like to jam or collaborate on projects with in the future?
Preacher: Man we're up for anything. I like jamming with different bands, especially when they are good. When another band raises the bar for the performance is when we really perform. As far as collaborating with local dudes, I haven’t had the opportunity to meet a lot of bands with similar tastes.
If you had the chance to tour with a national act, who would it be and why?
Preacher: Pantera, Slayer, Ozzfest, SFU, Soulfly, anything that fucking pounds. They all have good beer.
So what lies in the future for The Embalmed? What are some of your goals?
Preacher: Sell a few cd's, make a few dollars, play some new places. We'd like to be able to make a living at it, but I'm just excited to be playing. Also like to release a few cd's on a decent label.
Do you have any final words you would like to share with everybody?
Preacher: My absolute favorite bands usually don’t make gold records; in fact most are 100-200,000 sellers. I don’t get disappointed when mainstream people don’t like us. I could care less. I would rather play music I totally dig, than play ballads and covers. 50-100,000 albums sold sounds fucking great to me.
First off, I want to thank you for the interview…
Preacher: Thanks dude, it’s been a pleasure.
Preacher: your soul hooked... on demonics
Also, for those of you out there reading this, I usually keep the band interviews and CD reviews separate but in this case I have to make an exception to the rule.
“Hooked On Demonics” from The Embalmed is a must have for those of you that are not scared to delve into the realm of Death Metal. This CD is brutal from beginning to end. For those of you that fear being in the dark, you may want to keep the lights on and check underneath your bed before listening to this. You may just find The Embalmed waiting for you …
The Embalmed Official Site
Back To Interviews
Home
