Autopsy have been the Godfathers of Gore since their formation in 1987, and despite a lengthy reprieve from the extreme metal scene that lasted fifteen years, have continually inspired generation after generation with their visceral and chilling mash of death and doom metal. With the release of the tremendous Macabre Eternal in 2011 and the imminent release of The Headless Ritual this year, I was given the privilege to do an e-mail interview with the band to see what lurks beyond Autopsy’s legendary status and what goes on in the minds of such sadistic geniuses.
Alex: There was a considerable length of time between recording Shitfun and Macabre Eternal, and now you’re planning to release The Headless Ritual. How does it feel to be back recording Autopsy material after such a long period of time?
Autopsy: It’s all a big blur to me, like much of my life… We’re fired up, freaked out and juiced… Just the way it should be… Brace yourself, because we’re going to assault the holes in your head mercilessly!
Alex: What is the feel of the new album? Is it picking up from where Macabre Eternal left off, or are you looking to achieve something different?
Autopsy: It’s an Autopsy record so you may know what to expect to some extent… It’s noise, filth, brutality, etc… A bit of mindfuckery at play… Just crank it up and take the ride, that’s what I say… Uunghh!
Alex: How would you describe your song writing process and has it changed over the years?
Autopsy: We write, therefore we bleed.
Alex: What inspires your subject matter and how do you keep it fresh and unique when so many other bands use similar ideas?
Autopsy: The Bay City Rollers are our chief source of inspiration, obviously! No, you don’t buy that? Maybe there’s just something wrong with us… Well, that’s certainly true, but otherwise we know how to tap into the bubbling mass of weirdness that lies inside our minds and souls… That’s it… No secret formula, just embracing the ever present sickness… Don’t try this at home, kiddies! Oops, I mean do!
Alex: There are a lot of bands in the British metal scene that list bands such as Entombed, Possessed and Autopsy as their main influences. Why do you think that is?
Autopsy: Good taste, perhaps? Haha! Fuck, I dunno… Good metal is good metal no matter where you’re from… There are tons of British bands who have influenced bands from other places as well… It all goes in circles ultimately… Jump in and take a spin!
Alex: How do you feel about the extreme metal scene today?
Autopsy: I’m on top of the moon shitting rainbows of course!
Alex: There will be fans still following Autopsy from when you first formed, but since the release of Macabre Eternal, there will be a younger generation that are maybe hearing you for the first time. Have you noticed a change in your fan base?
Autopsy: I have noticed the younger generation rearing their ugly little heads indeed and I think that’s fucking great… It would suck if all the old farts died off and there was no one left to enjoy this stuff, ya know? Plenty of these young crazies are right up front at our gigs going apeshit, which rules… It’s great because they seem to know all the lyrics and everything, so I can look at them if I get lost and get a cue… Convenient, huh?
Alex: Are you planning on doing a UK tour or playing any of the UK metal festivals in the near future?
Autopsy: No touring as usual… Haven’t done that since ’93, although we’ve haunted places all over the world with select events that left destruction and insanity in their wake… At this point we’re not booked for any overseas gigs, but keep your eyes, ears and skin peeled because you never know what’s going to happen.
Alex: What bands do you enjoy listening to at the moment, and are there any that you would particularly like to perform with?
Autopsy: I listen to way too much stuff to list here… It’s crazy… I will say the bands we’ve played with this year so far have all been fucking bat shit amazing… That means Bolt Thrower, Benediction, Noothgrush, Black Breath, Bone Sickness, and Scolex… All total winners, heavy hitters and all around cool people… I consider us lucky to have shared the stage with these nut cases.
Alex: Is there a song of yours that you think defines Autopsy completely?
Autopsy: The one in the middle of course!
Alex: What are your all-time favourite albums?
Autopsy: Severed Survival, Mental Funeral, Acts of the Unspeakable, Shitfun, Macabre Eternal, All Tomorrow’s Funerals and The Headless Ritual… Shameless self plugging, anyone?
Alex: If you could replace the soundtrack to any film, which one would it be and why?
Autopsy: How about Fantasia. Can you imagine Mickey Mouse conjuring magical madness to any of our tunes? Haha! Waiting on that call from Disney any minute now.
Alex: Is there any advice that you would give to a band just starting out?
Autopsy: Turn back before it’s too late! Still here? Good, you’ve passed the first test… Now, just keep showing up… That’s the main thing… Show up and let the chaos fly… Oh yeah, don’t listen to the likes of me or anyone else… Carve your own path and stick to it… Put your heart, soul, blood, guts and nightmares into it… And stay away from those goddamn drum triggers or anything else that makes your music sound like plastic.
The Headless Ritual is now available for purchase. You can read my review of it at this location.
Autopsy online:
Valkyrian Music 