Interview with death metal band from USA - MAUSOLEUM.
Answered Robert Yench (bass), thank you!
Recenze/review - MAUSOLEUM - Defiling the Decayed (2024):
Ave MAUSOLEUM! Greetings to the catacombs of Johnstown, in Pennsylvania! As I was preparing for this interview, I found all the albums I have from you over the weekend. I found out (and a friend confirmed it) that the first record that came through was "Cadaveric Displays of Ghoulish Ghastliness" from 2003. You know what's interesting? I haven't found a single weak record in your entire discography. How is that possible? Do you have a recipe for that? You've kept the bar of quality so high for so many years.
Thank you for the kind words! We're thrilled to hear that our music has made such an impact.
In terms of maintaining consistent quality, it really boils down to staying true to our passion and vision. We always aim to create music that is raw, intense, and authentic. We never settle
for anything that doesn't truly represent our sound. I believe that our dedication and love for what we do have helped us uphold a high standard across all our releases. I appreciate the compliment on the sound of *Defiling the Decayed*! We recorded the album a my own studio, which gave us the freedom to take our time and experiment with the sound. Our goal was to achieve a gritty, dense atmosphere that reflects our style, and by recording.
We had to wait 13 years for the last album, "Defiling the Decayed". You released it on Moribund Records and I must admit I was very impatient. Why did it take you so long? Was it money? Time?
Thirteen years is a long time, and I understand why fans were impatient. It means a lot that you stuck with us. The delay wasn’t due to any one factor; it was a mix of things, like life getting in the way, other projects, and wanting to make sure we delivered something we were genuinely proud of. We didn’t want to rush it. Time and resources definitely played a role, but ultimately, it was about making sure "Defiling the Decayed" was the album we wanted it to be. We’re grateful for the patience and support, and we hope the wait was worth it.
Anyway, the new CD "Defiling the Decayed" is out and immediately became one of my most played albums. Listening to it, you feel like you've stepped back in time to the 90s. It is excellent! How was it made? And how does MAUSOLEUM create new material?
I'm thrilled to hear that you're enjoying *Defiling the Decayed*! Our goal was to capture the raw, 90s vibe while still bringing a fresh perspective. Making the album was all about staying true to our roots. We invested a lot of time in refining the sound, and focused on the atmosphere and riffs that define our style. When we create new material, it typically begins with a riff or concept that captures the mood we want. We then add in drums, bass, and lyrics, layering them until it feels right. Our music is heavily inspired by horror, the occult, and the macabre, giving it a dark, eerie edge. It's a collaborative process, and we take our time to make sure each track is as strong as possible.
I always liked the sound of your albums. "Defiling the Decayed" is no exception. Where did you record? How did you achieve such a dusty and dense sound? Does it sound to me like it was recorded in analogue or am I wrong? Interestingly, I find the sound of the recording very similar to the previous album "Back from the Funeral" (2011). Do you have a lot of say in how the record should sound or do you leave it to the sound masters?
In-house, we were able to do just that. Although the album wasn't recorded in analog, we made every effort to capture the warm, organic feel characteristic of analog recordings. The intentional similarity in sound to *Back from the Funeral* was our way of maintaining continuity while also pushing things forward. I had a significant amount of control over the sound, from the recording process to the final mix, which allowed us to ensure that the album captured the vibe we were aiming for. It's all about striking the right balance between the heaviness and the atmosphere, and I believe we achieved that balance with this album.
I'm an old-school fan and I'm very big on record covers. "Defiling the Decayed" is signed as always by the excellent artist Rick Zesati. The motif is so cool to me that I put it on my desktop on my computer. Can you tell us how the motif relates to the music on the album? How did you guys get together and how did the cover for the album come about?
Playing in other bands definitely helps too— it gives each of us an outlet to explore different sounds and styles, which means that when we come back to MAUSOLEUM, we’re bringing fresh energy and ideas, but with a clear focus on what makes our music unique. It's great to hear that you appreciate the cover art so much! Rick Zesati has been a fantastic collaborator, and we're really proud of what he created for "Defiling the Decayed." The cove art is meant to visually represent the themes of decay, death, and the macabre that run throughout the album. It captures the sense of dread and unease that our music aims to evoke. We had never worked with Rick before, but I admired his style. So, when it came time to create the artwork for this album, he was a natural choice. We discussed the overall vibe and themes of the album with him, and he just ran with it, bringing those ideas to life in a way that perfectly complements the music. The decaying, ghastly imagery on the cover ties directly into the title and the lyrical content of the album, creating a cohesive experience for the listener. It’s dark, haunting, and it sets the stage for what you’re about to hear.
For a band that has been playing since 2001, you have a pretty stable lineup. That's not very common. Have you never had submarine sickness? Did you never change your mind about how your music should sound? You know, some people like blondes, some people like brunettes. Then all you need is a few more pointed words. You each play in other bands too, you're experienced musicians. Someone once wrote that a band is like a family. How are MAUSOLEUM?
You're right— it’s pretty rare for a band to maintain a stable lineup for as long as we have, especially in the extreme metal scene. But I think what’s kept us together is a shared vision and mutual respect. We all have our individual tastes and influences, and we bring those to the table, but at the core, we all understand what MAUSOLEUM is about. Of course, there have been times when we’ve had different ideas or opinions on the direction we should take, but we’ve always managed to find common ground. We’ve learned to communicate openly and honestly, which is key. If someone feels strongly about something, we talk it out and figure out how to incorporate that into what we’re doing without losing sight of the band’s essence. I’d say MAUSOLEUM is very much like a family. We’ve been through a lot together, both good and bad, and that’s only made us stronger. We respect each other’s creativity and contributions, and that’s what keeps the band going after all these years. But on the other hand, there’s a certain nostalgia for the days when people would sit down with an album, listen to it from start to finish, and really dive into the lyrics and the story being told.
Today's time is good in that we have the internet. I mean, as in what, but at least I can remotely watch your concerts. It's not the same, the sound on youtube is always so weird, but from all available information - you guys mainly perform only in small clubs? I'll be honest, I'd really like to see you live, but there's no place. You're not going on tour? I would imagine you, MASTER and maybe you can take AUTOPSY. It would be a dream come true. No, seriously - what about MAUSOLEUM and concerts? How about a trip to Europe with a stop in the Czech Republic?
We understand that the experience of watching a live show online is not the same as being there in person, but we're glad that our fans from around the world can still catch a glimpse of what we do, even if it's through a screen. We have mainly played in smaller clubs over the years. However, we are open to the idea of expanding our live presence. A tour with bands like MASTER and AUTOPSY would be incredible, and it's something we’d love to make happen. We've had some conversations about doing more shows, and Europe is definitely on our radar. The metal scene over there is amazing, and the Czech Republic, in particular, has a strong fan base that we'd love to connect with in person. Touring is a big commitment, and we want to make sure that when we do it, we’re bringing our best to the stage every night. We’re working on figuring out the logistics and timing, but rest assured, it’s something we’re aiming for. Keep an eye out for announcements—we’d love to make your dream of seeing us live a reality!
Just yesterday I was talking to a friend in a pub about how crazy everything has changed in the last few years. Everyone has the internet in their pocket, young people are more influenced by pictures and videos than music and lyrics. Nobody reads much, we agreed that a lot of things are more superficial. Maybe it's different in America, but here in the Czech Republic I encounter it every day. It's no different in music. How do you perceive the changes in society as a musician? We have a lot of new technology, recording studios are better equipped, ideas can be sent over the internet.
It's amazing to see how technology has evolved and reshaped society, especially in the way we consume and create music. The internet and smartphones have made everything more accessible, but they’ve also contributed to a shift in how people engage with art and culture. Music, which used to be an experience that required focus and attention, often feels like it's competing with endless streams of content. It's true that, in many cases, visuals have taken center stage, and the deep connection to lyrics or the narrative behind a song isn't as strong as it once was. As a musician, this shift can be both exciting and challenging. On one hand, new technology allows us to record, produce, and share music more easily than ever before. Collaborating with other artists across the world, or even just within the band, has become much simpler. You can send ideas back and forth instantly, which speeds up the creative process and opens up new possibilities. There's a depth and intimacy in that experience that’s harder to find now, with so much content being consumed in short bursts. The impact of this shift might be more pronounced in the Czech Republic, as you mentioned, but it’s something we see everywhere. Music still has the power to deeply connect with people, but it competes with so much more now. For us, it means focusing even more on creating something genuine and powerful, something that can cut through the noise. We’re committed to staying true to our roots, telling the stories we want to tell, and making music that resonates with those who are willing to take the time to listen.Ultimately, while society and technology have changed, the essence of what we do remains the same. We want to create something that lasts, something that people can come back to and find meaning in, whether they’re listening on vinyl, CD, or streaming it online. One of the best parts of the '90s was the sense of community among fans and bands. We often went to small clubs or underground venues to catch shows.
It's a different world, also in terms of labels, publishing houses. MAUSOLEUM are a band that for me is synonymous with underground death metal. We have bandcamp, youtube, labels can spread your music faster and it reaches more people. But you know, vinyl is vinyl, cassette and CD has its charm too. Have you had to change your approach to releasing your music in any way? Or are you still going old school and the new stuff leaves you cold?
The process of releasing music has changed significantly over the years, especially with the emergence of digital platforms like Bandcamp and YouTube, which make it easier to reach a larger audience. However, for a band like MAUSOLEUM, preserving their underground roots and traditional approach is essential. They still highly value physical formats such as vinyl, cassette, and CD because they offer a genuine connection to the music that digital formats cannot replicate. While they acknowledge the advantages of new technologies and platforms, they maintain their original mindset of prioritizing authenticity and staying true to their sound. While they are open to using modern tools, they haven't lost sight of what makes physical formats and their music special.
You started the band in 2001. But all of you were at one time at the beginning of something new. I love the old school of death. I like that it's so dirty, raw. What was the '90s and your beginnings like? Please reminisce for us. What bands did you like to go to, for example? Who were your role models? Feel free to add a funny story, I'm sure you have plenty of them.
The early 2000s were an awesome time for us, but in retrospect, the '90s were a formative period filled with raw energy and a sense of discovery. The underground death metal movement during that decade was incredibly vibrant and special. We were strongly influenced by bands that were pushing boundaries and defining the genre. Bands like Morbid Angel, Autopsy, and Entombed were huge inspirations for us. Their music had a gritty, unpolished quality that we loved and aspired to capture in our own sound. Trey Azagthoth from Morbid Angel and Chuck from Death were massive role models for us. Their technical prowess and innovative approach to death metal were both inspiring and intimidating.
I ask this question to every band and I'm really interested in your opinion. What does death metal mean to you? How would you define it? On MAUSOLEUM records you can hear a lot that you put everything into your music, that it is played with heart. As a fan I feel that way. So death metal means to you...?
For me, death metal is more than just a music genre; it’s a profound expression of raw emotion, intensity, and rebellion. At its core, death metal embodies a spirit of exploration and defiance, challenging conventions and pushing the boundaries of what music can be. Death metal represents a convergence of aggression and artistry. It involves channeling the darkest aspects of the human experience into a powerful and visceral form of expression. The music is often characterized by its complex structures, crushing riffs, and guttural vocals, all of which create a deeply immersive experience for both the musicians and the listeners. What sets Death Metal apart is its commitment to authenticity and integrity. It’s a genre where musicians pour their heart and soul into their craft, often exploring dark, macabre, and thought-provoking themes. For us in MAUSOLEUM, Death Metal is about staying true to our vision and delivering music that reflects our passion and dedication. When we create music, it’s not just about the technical aspects of the sonic brutality; it’s about conveying a genuine sense of emotion and intensity. We want our songs to resonate with listeners on a deeper level and evoke a visceral response that goes beyond just enjoying the music. In essence, death metal is a powerful means of artistic expression that allows us to explore and communicate the darker sides of existence with authenticity and passion. It’s about creating something intensely personal and universally impactful.
Finally, a classic but important question. What are MAUSOLEUM planning in the near future? Can we look forward to some new album from your kitchen? Alternatively, and I firmly believe in this, will we finally see you somewhere on a club tour in Europe?
We've got some awesome plans for MAUSOLEUM in the pipeline. First off, we're super focused on promoting our newest album, *Defiling the Decayed*, and taking it to the live stage. We're in the process of finalizing the details for a series of live shows, and we're even considering some appearances in Europe. We're really eager to feel the energy and enthusiasm of our European fans firsthand, so we're actively looking into opportunities to tour there. When it comes to new music, we're constantly writing and evolving. Though we don't have a solid timeline for a new album just yet, rest assured that we’re always working on new material.The creative process is ongoing, and we’re thrilled about the ideas and concepts we’re exploring for our future releases. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming shows and new music.
Thank you very much for the interview. I really appreciate it. I'm an old MAUSOLEUM fan and you actually made one of my dreams come true. I wish you a lot of sold out shows, let your fans rip your hands off with merchandise and I will be looking forward to more of your music. I hope to see you live as well. May your personal lives prosper as well. MAUSOLEUM RULES!
Thank you for your kind words and support! Your encouragement means a lot to us, and we're thrilled to have been able to help make your dream come true. We can't wait to see you at our shows and value our fans' enthusiasm. Thanks again for everything!
Recenze/review - MAUSOLEUM - Defiling the Decayed (2024):
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