| Interview by Burt Wolf with vocalist Josh Albright, bass guitarist Tim Knouff, drummer Matt Francis & guitarist / backing vocalist Joseph Darling for MALEBOLGIA. Interview done May 17th, 2015. |
MALEBOLGIA HAS BEEN AROUND SINCE 2000, COULD YOU GIVE US SOME OF THE BANDS
HISTORY AND HOW YOU GUYS GOT TOGETHER?
Josh: I have a bizarre history with the BOLGE.... I've been in and out since 2001, recorded a demo, guest vocals,
guest performed, and just plain hung out with the guys. Joseph and Kevin invited me into the band in 2001, which
was my first foray into Death Metal, and my first show was with DYING FETUS....that's a tall tree to climb. I
had a blast, and we continued on. Circumstances changed, I bounced, and then a couple years later, the guys
asked me back. We had a completely different line-up, but we rocked the hell out of every place we played. I
moved up to DC and began playing with THE OSEDAX, which made it completely prohibitive to play in NC (I did
try, but the drives were insane), so we mutually parted. A number of years later, I moved back to NC, and here I
am, with my brethren. Funny story: In college, I was in a class with Joseph's then future wife. We were outside
having a smoke one day, and she was talking to me about music. She said her boyfriend was in a band, and I
should go see them some time. I kept asking her questions about the band, and finally figured out it was Joseph
and MALEBOLGIA, who I had started practicing with the week before.
Tim: Well I am not an original member. That honor goes to Joseph and to a certain degree, Josh. I joined the band
back in 2008. Prior to MALEBOLGIA, I played in a Rock band and a Bluegrass band in Greenville, NC. One of
the bands I was in crossed paths on a few occasions with an earlier line-up of MALEBOLGIA, so I was familiar
with them back then. A lot of people were. There wasn't a lot of raw, Death-Grind bands in the scene around that
time. I remember watching them play once and it was just the sheer speed that blew me away (along with
everyone else in the room). At the time, I was a huge fan of Metal, but I wasn't schooled enough on extreme
bands like most of the others around me. I became friends with then drummer Kevin. Fast-forward several years
to where I moved to the Triad area (home base for MALEBOLGIA) and I bumped into Kevin again at a
MASTADON show. He mentioned that their current bassist Elmon was joining the circus (no lie) and they were
looking for a bass player. They gave me a shot and I am still here.
Matt: I am the band newbie. I met these guys in 2011, a short time after I moved to NC. We were introduced
through Peter Hassellbrack (BLOODSOAKED) and we hit it off, so here we are.
Joseph: MALEBOLGIA started off as a side project. Kevin Hedgecock and I had always liked Death Metal but
had never played in a Death Metal band, so we decided to form what ended up being MALEBOLGIA. After
jamming for a little while we realized we enjoyed it and decided to make it a full time band adding members to
complete the line up. We experimented with different styles eventually ending up with a dissonant sound that we
loved that became MALEBOLGIA’s sound.
WHY WAS THE NAME MALEBOLGIA CHOSEN AS THE BANDS NAME?
Tim: Joseph/Josh has this one.
Josh: SPAWN, though later in our "career," the founders read Dante's Inferno, and we crafted a story for the
band based on that.
Joseph: Kevin was really into the SPAWN comic books at the time and MALEBOGIA was a character in the
comic books. I didn't really know anything about the comic books but after some research I realized it was a
really interesting word; actually made up by Dante’. Male - meaning evil and Bolgia - meaning pit, describing a
level of hell from Dante’s Inferno. We both agreed on the name.
HOW WOULD YOU BEST DESCRIBE THE STYLE AND SOUND OF MALEBOLGIA?
Tim: The easy answer is Death/Grind. I don't consider us very technical (although, Matt (our drummer) can get
very technical). We are more raw. Sometimes "raw" is code for "sloppy" to some. I get it. But let's call it "dirty".
We don't play clean. Our notes are not perfect. But I have always liked imperfections. It's real.
Josh: It's just fucking Metal.
Joseph: MALEBOLGIA’s sound is basically a bunch of fuck ups, while experimenting with different chordings
and rhythms. It was accidental but we loved the dissonant sound we created and the energy from the rhythm
sections and decided to expand upon the chaotic sound of the combination of those two.
HISTORY AND HOW YOU GUYS GOT TOGETHER?
Josh: I have a bizarre history with the BOLGE.... I've been in and out since 2001, recorded a demo, guest vocals,
guest performed, and just plain hung out with the guys. Joseph and Kevin invited me into the band in 2001, which
was my first foray into Death Metal, and my first show was with DYING FETUS....that's a tall tree to climb. I
had a blast, and we continued on. Circumstances changed, I bounced, and then a couple years later, the guys
asked me back. We had a completely different line-up, but we rocked the hell out of every place we played. I
moved up to DC and began playing with THE OSEDAX, which made it completely prohibitive to play in NC (I did
try, but the drives were insane), so we mutually parted. A number of years later, I moved back to NC, and here I
am, with my brethren. Funny story: In college, I was in a class with Joseph's then future wife. We were outside
having a smoke one day, and she was talking to me about music. She said her boyfriend was in a band, and I
should go see them some time. I kept asking her questions about the band, and finally figured out it was Joseph
and MALEBOLGIA, who I had started practicing with the week before.
Tim: Well I am not an original member. That honor goes to Joseph and to a certain degree, Josh. I joined the band
back in 2008. Prior to MALEBOLGIA, I played in a Rock band and a Bluegrass band in Greenville, NC. One of
the bands I was in crossed paths on a few occasions with an earlier line-up of MALEBOLGIA, so I was familiar
with them back then. A lot of people were. There wasn't a lot of raw, Death-Grind bands in the scene around that
time. I remember watching them play once and it was just the sheer speed that blew me away (along with
everyone else in the room). At the time, I was a huge fan of Metal, but I wasn't schooled enough on extreme
bands like most of the others around me. I became friends with then drummer Kevin. Fast-forward several years
to where I moved to the Triad area (home base for MALEBOLGIA) and I bumped into Kevin again at a
MASTADON show. He mentioned that their current bassist Elmon was joining the circus (no lie) and they were
looking for a bass player. They gave me a shot and I am still here.
Matt: I am the band newbie. I met these guys in 2011, a short time after I moved to NC. We were introduced
through Peter Hassellbrack (BLOODSOAKED) and we hit it off, so here we are.
Joseph: MALEBOLGIA started off as a side project. Kevin Hedgecock and I had always liked Death Metal but
had never played in a Death Metal band, so we decided to form what ended up being MALEBOLGIA. After
jamming for a little while we realized we enjoyed it and decided to make it a full time band adding members to
complete the line up. We experimented with different styles eventually ending up with a dissonant sound that we
loved that became MALEBOLGIA’s sound.
WHY WAS THE NAME MALEBOLGIA CHOSEN AS THE BANDS NAME?
Tim: Joseph/Josh has this one.
Josh: SPAWN, though later in our "career," the founders read Dante's Inferno, and we crafted a story for the
band based on that.
Joseph: Kevin was really into the SPAWN comic books at the time and MALEBOGIA was a character in the
comic books. I didn't really know anything about the comic books but after some research I realized it was a
really interesting word; actually made up by Dante’. Male - meaning evil and Bolgia - meaning pit, describing a
level of hell from Dante’s Inferno. We both agreed on the name.
HOW WOULD YOU BEST DESCRIBE THE STYLE AND SOUND OF MALEBOLGIA?
Tim: The easy answer is Death/Grind. I don't consider us very technical (although, Matt (our drummer) can get
very technical). We are more raw. Sometimes "raw" is code for "sloppy" to some. I get it. But let's call it "dirty".
We don't play clean. Our notes are not perfect. But I have always liked imperfections. It's real.
Josh: It's just fucking Metal.
Joseph: MALEBOLGIA’s sound is basically a bunch of fuck ups, while experimenting with different chordings
and rhythms. It was accidental but we loved the dissonant sound we created and the energy from the rhythm
sections and decided to expand upon the chaotic sound of the combination of those two.
WHO OR WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR INFLUENCES IN MUSIC AND LIFE?
Tim: Musically, I am a massive FAITH NO MORE fan. I have always appreciated their approach to music. Most
Metal bass players will lean towards Cliff Burton, I lean towards Bill Gould, FNM's bassist. FAITH NO MORE
was my gateway into Metal and other weird music. From there I got into BAD BRAINS, THE MELVINS,
LIVING COLOUR, PRONG, lots of Grunge bands. First extreme bands I got into were CARCASS, NAPALM
DEATH, a little bit of ENTOMBED. But I don't listen to Metal exclusively. I get into different modes depending on
my mood. 80's Pop and later-era Hair Metal, Sinatra, 90's Hip Hop like TRIBE CALLED QUEST and BEASTIE
BOYS. Basically no different than anyone else. Gotta have variety. I am very influenced by architecture,
woodworking, large monster movies, and deep sea exploration. Who doesn't love that shit?
Josh: FAITH NO blah blah blah...way to go, Tim...fanboy. I have to say musically: PINK FLOYD (sonically),
AT THE GATES, SHOGUN, HARAKIRI (vocally). In life, I'm truly inspired by a lot of visual directors...none of
which I can name...but I know that I see stuff in Nolan films, in some Horror films, and I just get the chills to
where it makes me wonder "what if?"
Tim: Josh also likes HUEY LEWIS & THE NEWS.
Josh: Huey is great, shut your trap. Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel are even better. Oh, and long live WU!
Matt: My musical influences are vast, as Tim stated about his influences But heavy music has been there since the
beginning for me since childhood when my Father had me listening to BLACK SABBATH and STEPPENWOLF.
I remember bellowing "I am Iron Man" into a box fan to simulate the sound on the record... My older brother was
and is a huge VAN HALEN fan and he sat me in the passenger seat of his 1970's Camaro, put in "VAN HALEN II"
and said: "listen to this band, this is the best band in the world". My bro and Dad are both awesome musicians and
they inspired me and put up with those horrible first days of me smashing on a drum kit in my room. To that, I
thank them...
Joseph: I love the dissonant sound of bands like: HATE ETERNAL, ORIGIN, MORBID ANGEL, and
IMMOLATION. I thought combining those sounds with the raw energy of Grind would make a killer sound that I
would enjoy listening to. After all, we do this because we like it and enjoy playing this style.
YOUR LATEST RELEASE "REQUIEM FOR THE INEXORABLE” THAT CAME OUT IN 2009. HOW
WELL DID THIS RELEASE DO FOR YOU GUYS?
Tim: How "well"? Well, I didn't go out and buy anything with Death/Grind money, that's for sure. I mean, for me,
it wasn't about expectations to put the album out there and have it grow legs. We still have to put in the work and
play live and execute. We did get to share the stage with some of MALEBOLGIA's heroes as well as meet
countless other great bands and people. I am not sure if that was large in part to our songs or just persistent
nagging. I am very proud of that album. To have someone in a town that I have never been before that I have
never met identify with me through something I had a part in creating is pretty damn cool.
Josh: No fucking clue. I loved the album. I did some guest vocals. I got it for free. I hope it did alright.
Joseph: Honestly we have become millionaires and we have a luxurious life thanks to "REQUIEM FRO THE
INEXORABLE". This of course is a fantasy and we do this because we love this style of music. The record sold
modestly requiring two pressings so far from COMATOSE MUSIC. Everyone knows that Death Metal is not a
money making machine, however it is awesome that people in Germany whom I have never met recognized me
from that album and have stated that they have enjoyed it. To me this is the compliment that I could ever receive
and worth all of the effort.
THE RELEASE WAS PUT OUT BY COMATOSE MUSIC. HOW DID YOU GET HOOKED UP WITH
THEM AND HOW HAS IT BEEN WORKING WITH THEM?
Tim: We have been friends with Steve Green (owner of COMATOSE) for a while. We are also friends and fans
of his band ATROCIOUS ABNORMALITY. We funded the recording of the CD ourselves and Steve came
along, dug it, and helped us print it and distribute it. Steve is great to work with. Really laid back and a HUGE fan
of underground metal.
Josh: I dig Steve...can't really speak as to how we suckered him into putting out the record, but I dig him....super
nice dude.
Joseph: Tim’s response is accurate. Steve was very supportive of MALEBOLGIA as a band and willing to work
with us to release the album. We were very grateful for his support.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE MEANING BEHIND THE AMAZING COVER ART FOR "REQUIEM..."?
Tim: Thanks! I did the cover art with some layout help from my wife. There really isn't a meaning or a message
behind the image, but I wanted to do something striking and somewhat symmetrical. I am a fan of Michael
Whelan's work. He did the amazing covers for SEPULTURA's "CHAOS A.D." and I believe "ARISE". I love those
covers. I love the composition and the detail. The closer you look at those pieces the more you see.
Josh: Tim did an amazing job with this artwork, as he has with several promo posters. Take from it what you
want - that's always the beauty of Tim's artwork.
Matt: as far as imagery for MALEBOLGIA, I am very happy with the fact that we have a talented artist in our
band which gives us the ability to be self sufficient in that aspect but it is also important that our art is really
creative and suits the band well, which Tim does very well.
Joseph: The band got together at a Mexican restaurant and decided that Tim would be the best option to create the
art work based on his talent and past work that we had seen. He really did an excellent job and we look forward to
seeing what he comes up with for the next record.
Tim: It's basically going to be baby photos of me growing up in the Hamptons.
WHAT IS SOME OF THE SUBJECT MATTER IN YOUR LYRICS?
Tim: Joseph/Josh has this.
Josh: I can only speak to a couple of songs, but in "Beast Of Euphoria" we are speaking to addiction, and the drain
it has on your life...in "Infesdead" we are speaking to the mind-rape that pop culture throws upon us all, and in
"Born Of The Nephilim" we are toying with media and personal manipulation. Everything has sort of a personal
vibe to it if you dig in, but we are definitely not finger-pointers.
Matt: The older ones got violent…
Joseph: I really enjoy writing lyrics that mean something to me personally. It’s really hard to give it all you have
when you don't feel any emotion in the lyrics you are performing. One of my personal favorites from "REQUIEM
FOR THE INEXORABLE" is "Cultus Paraciticus" which deals with people who drain the life out of you by
creating problems and leaching off of people to satisfy their own need for power and control. (This song is about
my mother-in-law).
WHO WRITES THE MAJORITY OF YOUR MUSIC OR IS IT A WHOLE BAND COLLABORATION?
CAN YOU TAKE US THROUGH YOUR WRITING PROCESS?
Tim: It is a whole band effort. Typically, at least these days, Joseph or myself will come in with some riff ideas
and we build from there. Pretty typical stuff. But within the riffs, which I find unique is that Joseph will often base
a riff off of a proposed vocal pattern rather than just a cool guitar line. Considering that he also does some vocals,
it makes the vocals and the instrumentation nestle nicely together. We often will come up with ideas at home and
either we will meet up at Joseph's and make some rough records to see if the ideas work. Quite often now, Matt
will come up with riff ideas based off of his drum ideas. He has been really crucial with taking our riffs and
turning them into something ridiculous (in an awesome way of course). Josh will also come in and help with
arrangements as well. We don't really dictate what each other will do. We try to allow each other to come up with
their own parts. It's a democracy.
Josh: Tim's full of shit. I come in with my flute and tambourine to write all of the songs...the other guys are just
parrots who mimic what I play for them.
Tim: Welp....Josh just let the cat out of the bag. Our secret ingredient has been revealed. I will say that it helps
that Josh is working on some JETHRO TULL facial hair. All of this helps with the craft of Metal.
Joseph: Tim explained this process very well. I would add that Matt Francis has added significantly to enhance
the dynamics of the material. Often times I write based on drum beats that Matt is just fooling around with.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE SUPREME BRUTAL LEGIONS SPLIT YOU GUYS DID IN 2006?
Tim: Joseph?
Josh: Joe will remember better, but there was this awesome guy that we were in touch with in Thailand - he tried
to get us to come over for some shows, but we couldn't make it work at the time. He put out that mix, and really
wanted us on it, so we added songs from prior demos that he remastered for us. It was a pretty sweet deal, and
gave us some international recognition.
Joseph: Josh is right. The release in Thailand was made on cassette tape which was amazing! (Considering MP3’s
and CD’s had already taken over). I wish the songs on that split had been recorded with better quality but with the
time we had and the deadline for submission, we had to use previous recordings. Later that year VRYKOBLAST
PRODUCTIONS re-released the recording on CD in Japan. We really appreciate both releases as it gave us
another opportunity for international exposure. (even if no one is using cassette tapes anymore).
IT HAS BEEN OVER FIVE YEARS SINCE YOUR LAST RELEASE. IS THERE ANY NEW MATERIAL
IN THE WORKS?
Tim: Yes! It has been a while, hasn't it? We do have new material. Songs that I'm really excited about playing live.
The new stuff I find to be much more dynamic and mature. There isn't as much of a focus on how fast we can
play but more on song writing. But yeah, its been an up and down journey. As with anyone that plays or has
played in a band, it can be a difficult thing to keep going. Especially in the lucrative business of extreme music.
Between losing members, teaching new ones, losing those, moving practice spaces, plus various life catastrophes,
health issues, it has been a real test. Do we still go on? I've asked that question on several occasions. But the
answer is always yes. We love playing this music. We really love the material we are writing. This is fun for us. I
have zero interest in making money from this or even becoming popular. I just really like making a lot of noise and
being creative with my friends. Everything else that comes along with being in a live band (the business stuff) is
secondary. I am really looking forward to when these new songs are recorded proper so that I can sit down and
enjoy them as a listener and then share them.
Josh: The new material is sick, if I do say so myself. Still working out vocal patterns and lyrics for everything,
but the songs have so much more pointed movement, and they seem to make a lot more sense than they have in
the past. It also feels like there is actually a solid thematic to the newer material, so I won't curse myself by saying
"watch out for a 'concept' album"...but watch out for a concept album.
Matt: Yes. We are very close to being ready to record.
Joseph: Thanks for the painful reminder. (just kidding) We have been working hard to write some of the best
material we have written up until this point. We regret that it has been five years, unfortunately member changes
have impeded our progress. Rest assured we have material in the works and are planning to release a new album
soon.
WILL WE SEE A NEW RELEASE ANYTIME SOON? WILL IT BE PUT OUT BY COMATOSE MUSIC?
Tim: I'm not sure when, but I'd like to have new stuff recorded this year. As far as COMATOSE, that is a strong
possibility. We will have to talk with Steve when the time comes.
Josh: I'd like to say we'll have the material done by late summer, to record in the fall.
Tim: Musically, I am a massive FAITH NO MORE fan. I have always appreciated their approach to music. Most
Metal bass players will lean towards Cliff Burton, I lean towards Bill Gould, FNM's bassist. FAITH NO MORE
was my gateway into Metal and other weird music. From there I got into BAD BRAINS, THE MELVINS,
LIVING COLOUR, PRONG, lots of Grunge bands. First extreme bands I got into were CARCASS, NAPALM
DEATH, a little bit of ENTOMBED. But I don't listen to Metal exclusively. I get into different modes depending on
my mood. 80's Pop and later-era Hair Metal, Sinatra, 90's Hip Hop like TRIBE CALLED QUEST and BEASTIE
BOYS. Basically no different than anyone else. Gotta have variety. I am very influenced by architecture,
woodworking, large monster movies, and deep sea exploration. Who doesn't love that shit?
Josh: FAITH NO blah blah blah...way to go, Tim...fanboy. I have to say musically: PINK FLOYD (sonically),
AT THE GATES, SHOGUN, HARAKIRI (vocally). In life, I'm truly inspired by a lot of visual directors...none of
which I can name...but I know that I see stuff in Nolan films, in some Horror films, and I just get the chills to
where it makes me wonder "what if?"
Tim: Josh also likes HUEY LEWIS & THE NEWS.
Josh: Huey is great, shut your trap. Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel are even better. Oh, and long live WU!
Matt: My musical influences are vast, as Tim stated about his influences But heavy music has been there since the
beginning for me since childhood when my Father had me listening to BLACK SABBATH and STEPPENWOLF.
I remember bellowing "I am Iron Man" into a box fan to simulate the sound on the record... My older brother was
and is a huge VAN HALEN fan and he sat me in the passenger seat of his 1970's Camaro, put in "VAN HALEN II"
and said: "listen to this band, this is the best band in the world". My bro and Dad are both awesome musicians and
they inspired me and put up with those horrible first days of me smashing on a drum kit in my room. To that, I
thank them...
Joseph: I love the dissonant sound of bands like: HATE ETERNAL, ORIGIN, MORBID ANGEL, and
IMMOLATION. I thought combining those sounds with the raw energy of Grind would make a killer sound that I
would enjoy listening to. After all, we do this because we like it and enjoy playing this style.
YOUR LATEST RELEASE "REQUIEM FOR THE INEXORABLE” THAT CAME OUT IN 2009. HOW
WELL DID THIS RELEASE DO FOR YOU GUYS?
Tim: How "well"? Well, I didn't go out and buy anything with Death/Grind money, that's for sure. I mean, for me,
it wasn't about expectations to put the album out there and have it grow legs. We still have to put in the work and
play live and execute. We did get to share the stage with some of MALEBOLGIA's heroes as well as meet
countless other great bands and people. I am not sure if that was large in part to our songs or just persistent
nagging. I am very proud of that album. To have someone in a town that I have never been before that I have
never met identify with me through something I had a part in creating is pretty damn cool.
Josh: No fucking clue. I loved the album. I did some guest vocals. I got it for free. I hope it did alright.
Joseph: Honestly we have become millionaires and we have a luxurious life thanks to "REQUIEM FRO THE
INEXORABLE". This of course is a fantasy and we do this because we love this style of music. The record sold
modestly requiring two pressings so far from COMATOSE MUSIC. Everyone knows that Death Metal is not a
money making machine, however it is awesome that people in Germany whom I have never met recognized me
from that album and have stated that they have enjoyed it. To me this is the compliment that I could ever receive
and worth all of the effort.
THE RELEASE WAS PUT OUT BY COMATOSE MUSIC. HOW DID YOU GET HOOKED UP WITH
THEM AND HOW HAS IT BEEN WORKING WITH THEM?
Tim: We have been friends with Steve Green (owner of COMATOSE) for a while. We are also friends and fans
of his band ATROCIOUS ABNORMALITY. We funded the recording of the CD ourselves and Steve came
along, dug it, and helped us print it and distribute it. Steve is great to work with. Really laid back and a HUGE fan
of underground metal.
Josh: I dig Steve...can't really speak as to how we suckered him into putting out the record, but I dig him....super
nice dude.
Joseph: Tim’s response is accurate. Steve was very supportive of MALEBOLGIA as a band and willing to work
with us to release the album. We were very grateful for his support.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE MEANING BEHIND THE AMAZING COVER ART FOR "REQUIEM..."?
Tim: Thanks! I did the cover art with some layout help from my wife. There really isn't a meaning or a message
behind the image, but I wanted to do something striking and somewhat symmetrical. I am a fan of Michael
Whelan's work. He did the amazing covers for SEPULTURA's "CHAOS A.D." and I believe "ARISE". I love those
covers. I love the composition and the detail. The closer you look at those pieces the more you see.
Josh: Tim did an amazing job with this artwork, as he has with several promo posters. Take from it what you
want - that's always the beauty of Tim's artwork.
Matt: as far as imagery for MALEBOLGIA, I am very happy with the fact that we have a talented artist in our
band which gives us the ability to be self sufficient in that aspect but it is also important that our art is really
creative and suits the band well, which Tim does very well.
Joseph: The band got together at a Mexican restaurant and decided that Tim would be the best option to create the
art work based on his talent and past work that we had seen. He really did an excellent job and we look forward to
seeing what he comes up with for the next record.
Tim: It's basically going to be baby photos of me growing up in the Hamptons.
WHAT IS SOME OF THE SUBJECT MATTER IN YOUR LYRICS?
Tim: Joseph/Josh has this.
Josh: I can only speak to a couple of songs, but in "Beast Of Euphoria" we are speaking to addiction, and the drain
it has on your life...in "Infesdead" we are speaking to the mind-rape that pop culture throws upon us all, and in
"Born Of The Nephilim" we are toying with media and personal manipulation. Everything has sort of a personal
vibe to it if you dig in, but we are definitely not finger-pointers.
Matt: The older ones got violent…
Joseph: I really enjoy writing lyrics that mean something to me personally. It’s really hard to give it all you have
when you don't feel any emotion in the lyrics you are performing. One of my personal favorites from "REQUIEM
FOR THE INEXORABLE" is "Cultus Paraciticus" which deals with people who drain the life out of you by
creating problems and leaching off of people to satisfy their own need for power and control. (This song is about
my mother-in-law).
WHO WRITES THE MAJORITY OF YOUR MUSIC OR IS IT A WHOLE BAND COLLABORATION?
CAN YOU TAKE US THROUGH YOUR WRITING PROCESS?
Tim: It is a whole band effort. Typically, at least these days, Joseph or myself will come in with some riff ideas
and we build from there. Pretty typical stuff. But within the riffs, which I find unique is that Joseph will often base
a riff off of a proposed vocal pattern rather than just a cool guitar line. Considering that he also does some vocals,
it makes the vocals and the instrumentation nestle nicely together. We often will come up with ideas at home and
either we will meet up at Joseph's and make some rough records to see if the ideas work. Quite often now, Matt
will come up with riff ideas based off of his drum ideas. He has been really crucial with taking our riffs and
turning them into something ridiculous (in an awesome way of course). Josh will also come in and help with
arrangements as well. We don't really dictate what each other will do. We try to allow each other to come up with
their own parts. It's a democracy.
Josh: Tim's full of shit. I come in with my flute and tambourine to write all of the songs...the other guys are just
parrots who mimic what I play for them.
Tim: Welp....Josh just let the cat out of the bag. Our secret ingredient has been revealed. I will say that it helps
that Josh is working on some JETHRO TULL facial hair. All of this helps with the craft of Metal.
Joseph: Tim explained this process very well. I would add that Matt Francis has added significantly to enhance
the dynamics of the material. Often times I write based on drum beats that Matt is just fooling around with.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE SUPREME BRUTAL LEGIONS SPLIT YOU GUYS DID IN 2006?
Tim: Joseph?
Josh: Joe will remember better, but there was this awesome guy that we were in touch with in Thailand - he tried
to get us to come over for some shows, but we couldn't make it work at the time. He put out that mix, and really
wanted us on it, so we added songs from prior demos that he remastered for us. It was a pretty sweet deal, and
gave us some international recognition.
Joseph: Josh is right. The release in Thailand was made on cassette tape which was amazing! (Considering MP3’s
and CD’s had already taken over). I wish the songs on that split had been recorded with better quality but with the
time we had and the deadline for submission, we had to use previous recordings. Later that year VRYKOBLAST
PRODUCTIONS re-released the recording on CD in Japan. We really appreciate both releases as it gave us
another opportunity for international exposure. (even if no one is using cassette tapes anymore).
IT HAS BEEN OVER FIVE YEARS SINCE YOUR LAST RELEASE. IS THERE ANY NEW MATERIAL
IN THE WORKS?
Tim: Yes! It has been a while, hasn't it? We do have new material. Songs that I'm really excited about playing live.
The new stuff I find to be much more dynamic and mature. There isn't as much of a focus on how fast we can
play but more on song writing. But yeah, its been an up and down journey. As with anyone that plays or has
played in a band, it can be a difficult thing to keep going. Especially in the lucrative business of extreme music.
Between losing members, teaching new ones, losing those, moving practice spaces, plus various life catastrophes,
health issues, it has been a real test. Do we still go on? I've asked that question on several occasions. But the
answer is always yes. We love playing this music. We really love the material we are writing. This is fun for us. I
have zero interest in making money from this or even becoming popular. I just really like making a lot of noise and
being creative with my friends. Everything else that comes along with being in a live band (the business stuff) is
secondary. I am really looking forward to when these new songs are recorded proper so that I can sit down and
enjoy them as a listener and then share them.
Josh: The new material is sick, if I do say so myself. Still working out vocal patterns and lyrics for everything,
but the songs have so much more pointed movement, and they seem to make a lot more sense than they have in
the past. It also feels like there is actually a solid thematic to the newer material, so I won't curse myself by saying
"watch out for a 'concept' album"...but watch out for a concept album.
Matt: Yes. We are very close to being ready to record.
Joseph: Thanks for the painful reminder. (just kidding) We have been working hard to write some of the best
material we have written up until this point. We regret that it has been five years, unfortunately member changes
have impeded our progress. Rest assured we have material in the works and are planning to release a new album
soon.
WILL WE SEE A NEW RELEASE ANYTIME SOON? WILL IT BE PUT OUT BY COMATOSE MUSIC?
Tim: I'm not sure when, but I'd like to have new stuff recorded this year. As far as COMATOSE, that is a strong
possibility. We will have to talk with Steve when the time comes.
Josh: I'd like to say we'll have the material done by late summer, to record in the fall.
HAS MALEBOLGIA PLAYED OUT A LOT? WHERE ARE SOME OF THE PLACES YOU'VE PLAYED
AND WITH WHO?
Tim: We haven't played out in a while due mainly to getting our line-up secure and strong as well as focusing on
writing new songs. But we have played up and down the east coast a lot. But we have played with countless
bands. National acts as well as some very awesome up and coming bands. My faves were this show we played
with SUFFOCATION and a bunch of shows we did Josh's former band THE OSEDAX.
Josh: We played out a lot when I was in the band.... I haven't seen much of the BOLGE since, but we'll hit it
again.
Joseph: Josh, when have you ever seen the “BOLGE”? Honestly we are dying to play out. This is actually what I
love most about playing in a band. Unfortunately the member changes have prohibited us from playing out recently
but we are very excited and close to be in a capacity to be playing out soon.
ARE THERE ANY GOOD BAND / ROAD / LIVE STORIES YOU COULD SHARE WITH US?
Tim: Everyone that has had the privilege of playing in a band, especially a Metal band, knows that not all shows
are going to be totally bangers with kids flying around going ape shit. There are going to be some stinkers. We
were doing a small run of shows up and down the east coast and we had a date fall through. Well a buddy of ours
got us a pick up show somewhere in PA, I think it was Allentown. So good news, right? We get there kinda early,
scope out the place, grab a bite thinking that we are hopping on an existing show. Two dudes show up, which is
actually more than what was expected. The bartender asks us to go on and if we can play a three hour set. Three
hours?! This is Death/Grind! A long set for us is like 25 minutes - 30 minutes tops. So we, with our chins intact,
got up on stage, played one song and then announced "Thank you everyone (haha "everyone"). We are going to
take a short break (like 20 minutes). Stick around!" We would take a long break. Come back, play another song or
two and then make the same announcement again. We did that a few times and stretched the shit out of that set,
like six 3 minute songs into 2 hours. I think we played a couple songs twice and told a few jokes too. After that
came the headliner. This dude materialized out of one of the barstools, I wasn't even aware he was there the whole
time. I thought it was just someone's jacket piled up on the bar. He hobbles up on stage and proceeds to vomit up
drunken covers of country KID ROCK and NIRVANA songs. He also vomited. We couldn't get paid (haha!
"paid") until the "headliner" finished, which meant either he sobered up or passed out. We eventually got paid
enough to buy some potatoes for tomorrow morning's breakfast and some gas. So it was a win/win. I'm going to
let Joseph tell the "dildo show" story.
Josh: Nah, I'm gonna steal this from Joe. We played this show in Providence with a band that was up-and-coming
but then disappeared. The bathroom was insane... it was like a cubicle in an office, and the toilet was on a
pedestal...so when we got there, and we all had to drop deuces, you would mount this throne to do the deed.
Then, the first band was this gynormous chunky dude that had a projector playing childhood 8mm film. The band
we went to play with was getting big at the time, but the entire mosh pit was filled with dudes Hardcore dancing
with large colored dildos, beating the hell out of each other. Believe it or not, they were a Death Grind band....
Tim: And people say the future generations of our country are destroying our values...sheesh.
Josh: It's sexual freedom, Tim... C'mon.
Joseph: Tim and Josh are right, that was one of the weirdest shows but one of my favorite stories is a time we
played in New York City at a place called Public Assembly where the only restroom had a bare red bulb for a light
and half a curtain for the stall door. Matt Lovett (former lead guitarist) had to take a deuce and could not wait. I
remember walking down the hall to the entrance of the venue seeing half a curtain and two of the whitest legs you
have ever seen with pants around the ankles. Thats right the curtain covered the top half of the stall opening, but
everyone knew it was Matt Lovett taking a shit. That was awesome. Additionally I must add a short story of a
show we didn't play in Washington D.C. (canceled due to satanic imagery). The promoter invited us to a party
because he felt bad about the canceled show. We agreed and had fun hanging out with some cool people. After a
few hours some of the band members realized Josh had been missing for quite a while. We started asking around
and no one had seen him. A little later that night a couple of guys who had gone for a beer run came back to the
party and said “Hey dude, we found your vocalists out by the highway and brought him back.” We said, “What?”
and sure enough Josh had drunkenly wandered off and ended up on the highway somewhere in DC on foot.
Thankfully he was returned to us in pristine condition thanks to some concerned and alert fans.
Tim: Matt [Lovett] was not happy about that.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU'D THINK PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU?
Tim: I'm not sure. I mean, I guess I'm not a stereotypical Metalhead. I'm not a big partier. I don't drink, smoke, or
do any drugs. I just became a huge fan of golfing. Is that strange though? Buzz Osborne of THE MELVINS golfs.
Doesn't one of the dudes from SKINLESS golf? Golf is pretty Metal, isn't it? I mean you're swinging around clubs
called "irons.
Josh: Tim is way too subtle...he makes incredible stuff out of wood...artistic, retarded, crazy, Escher-esque stuff.
Don't let him sell you short. I'm an urban artist... I can do all kinds of crazy shit with spray paint. I have vertigo,
so head banging is always fun. All of us have kids at home, so we're not really Death Metal, we are Dad Metal.
Joseph: One of the things that people find surprising is that I play in a Death Metal band at all. I have to maintain a
professional image of myself due to my work and usually never discuss my musical preferences or extracurricular
activities. In the Death Metal scene most people are surprised to know that I am family man and have a
professional career.
WHAT WAS THE FIRST ALBUM YOU EVER BOUGHT?
Tim: DIRE STRAITS "BROTHERS IN ARMS" and DURAN DURAN "SEVEN AND THE RAGGED TIGER".
Josh: ICE CUBE "PREDATOR". I'm that Metal.
Matt: With my own money, METALLICA "RIDE THE LIGHTNING”.
Joseph: I grew up in Venezuela, South America, where official recordings weren't necessarily readily available. I
believe the first “tape” I purchased was a mix tape from a street vendor of GUNS 'N' ROSES which included
various tracks from "APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION", "USE YOUR ILLUSION" I and II.
WHAT WAS THE FIRST CONCERT YOU EVER WENT TO?
Tim: JESUS JONES and NED'S ATOMIC DUSTBIN at The Showcase in Raleigh, NC
Josh: EARTH, WIND & FIRE at the Anaheim Bowl in Los Angeles, CA
Matt: David Lee Roth on his "SKYSCRAPER" tour in the 80's. I'll never forget seeing Steve Vai live. Incredible!
Joseph: My first show ever was a local fest in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela, with the headliner being AUTOFAGIA.
In the states my first Death Metal show was MORBID ANGEL on tour with VADER.
SINCE THIS IS ALSO A HORROR WEBZINE I HAVE TO ASK WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE
HORROR MOVIES AND WHY?
Tim: I love Horror movies! I mean I love the standards like THE SHINING and THE EXORCIST. Funny story
there. I grew up Roman Catholic. I went to Sunday school and all that. Well, our priest was the technical advisor
for THE EXORCIST. He was one of the priests that was there to perform the actual exorcism on the boy that the
film was based on. My Sunday school watched that movie (my first time seeing it) in church. Watch that movie in
an old Catholic Church. That beats IMAX any day. My favorite movie of all time is THE THING. Nothing beats
that. The mood, the effects. It's so good. I'm a fan of Monster movies. JAWS, ALLIGATOR, THE HOST, THE
RELIC, PUMPKINHEAD, GODZILLA. I say any movie becomes a thousand times better if you include
Monsters. Adam Sandler should take note. His career would take a good turn if he would adopt my theory. I like
what Guillermo Del Toro is doing. His approach to Monsters is great. As far as new films, there is a film called IT
FOLLOWS that I want to check out. Also DIGGING UP THE MARROW looks cool.
Josh: THE THING!!!!! HELL YES, TIM!!!! (That really needed to be in all caps, I swear). Don't get me started
on Horror movies. The gory-er the better. I only watch these once a year, due to the excess nature of them, but
my favorites (I've spent so much money gathering them!) are CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST, FUNNY GAMES
(Original), LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT (Original), and I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE (Original). I'm also a huge
HALLOWEEN and HELLRAISER fan - and Tim hit the nail on the head...Monsters make every movie better -
that new GODZILLA, along with SUPER 8, THE THING (prequel), and CLOVERFIELD....awesome. Monsters.
Yes. Zombies rule too... I just love Horror...period. Even shitty Horror makes me happy...unless it's that bullshit
TWILIGHT garbage.
Matt: My favorite type of Horror movie has always been the Zombie flicks. It started when I first saw RETURN
OF THE LIVING DEAD, when I was a kid. My favorite movie is defiantly the original 1978 George A Ramero
film, DAWN OF THE DEAD.
Joseph: I don’t really like porn. Oh wait you meant “Horror” movies. I am more into modern Vampire and Zombie
flicks that focus on a scientific explanation of those conditions.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE BAND GWAR (MY FAVORITE BAND) AND THE PASSING OF THEIR
LEADER DAVE "ODERUS URUNGUS" BROCKIE LAST YEAR?
Tim: Such a huge loss. I have had the honor to meet with him as well as share the stage with him a few times.
When I was going to art school in KC, our sculpture tech. was the lead costume and prop builder for GWAR. I
got to wear Balsac the Jaws of Death's gear once. I still don't see how they play in that stuff. But yeah, I'm a huge
fan. I started out with "AMERICA MUST BE DESTROYED" and then went back and got into " HELL-O" and
"SCUMDOGS...". The fact that GWAR is a Grammy nominated band is so killer. I will never care about the state
of current music, or popular music, or the garbage that is played on the radio. The fact that I can say GWAR is a
GRAMMY NOMINATED BAND says it all. Love those guys.
Josh: I saw them once. I've never really listened to them. I completely respect them, and had a blast the one time I
did see them. It's always sad to lose a fellow musician, and even sadder when it's a controllable cause that costs us
a brother. I dig GWAR.
Matt: Dave was a huge loss. I've been a fan of GWAR for many years and have been to many shows. I'll miss
that for sure. "Hey kid, smoke some a dis, GWAR does it all da time”!
Joseph: I can honestly say I don’t think I have ever heard any of their material. However, I have heard of them
extensively and realized they have had, and continue to have a huge impact on many people in the scene.
WHAT DO THE MEMBERS OF MALEBOLGIA DO WHEN NOT DOING ANY WORK FOR THE BAND?
JOBS, HOBBIES, ETC...?
Tim: I destroy furniture. I manage a test lab for a furniture company. I test furniture to make sure it meets certain
codes and standards by slamming large weights into them. It's pretty cool. As I said before, I love golf. I also love
woodworking, welding, and drawing. Bubble wrap is pretty cool too.
Josh: I build websites, manage social media campaigns, and surf the web. My fiancée has 3 kids, and I spend a lot
of time screwing around with them and making their lives miserable so that they will grow up into awesome little
Metal heads.
Joseph: I am a porn star. Just kidding. I am a project manager in the Aerospace Industry. This pays the bills.
Additionally I love playing Steam Platform computer games with my wife and son. If anyone is interested, my user
name is J_Malebolgia. Hit me up and we will spray and pray together.
WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO NEXT FROM MALEBOLGIA? HOPEFULLY A NEW ALBUM?
Tim: Yes! Hopefully a new album!
Josh: New Album, new performances, new presence. We will not disappoint.
Matt: Definitely a new Album coming!!!
Joseph: We are definitely going to expand upon the idea initiated with the “alternative” tracks that have provided
such joy and entertainment upon those who have been privileged to listen to them. Those songs having a special
place in our heart ("Porno Song", and "Cock Rockin Fever"). On a more serious note, even though we love the
joke songs we are working hard to write material that we enjoy. After all, we do this out of love of the music, fun
with friends, and opportunities to play with our penis… uh I mean our all time favorite bands. We expect to begin
the recording process soon and we certainly hope that our listeners enjoys the end results. At this time we do not
have a time frame as we are insuring that we are putting forth the very best we have to offer. Our first goal is that
we enjoy what we do and hopefully others will too.
THANX A LOT FOR ANSWERING THIS INTERVIEW. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ADD ANYTHING TO
CLOSE OUT!
Tim: Thanks for having us!
Josh: We appreciate the time you've given to us...hopefully we're not letting you down!
Joseph: We appreciate the opportunity to share a little “BOLGE” with your audience and we appreciate your
support over the years. Keep it Metal. We look forward to seeing you on the road soon.
AND WITH WHO?
Tim: We haven't played out in a while due mainly to getting our line-up secure and strong as well as focusing on
writing new songs. But we have played up and down the east coast a lot. But we have played with countless
bands. National acts as well as some very awesome up and coming bands. My faves were this show we played
with SUFFOCATION and a bunch of shows we did Josh's former band THE OSEDAX.
Josh: We played out a lot when I was in the band.... I haven't seen much of the BOLGE since, but we'll hit it
again.
Joseph: Josh, when have you ever seen the “BOLGE”? Honestly we are dying to play out. This is actually what I
love most about playing in a band. Unfortunately the member changes have prohibited us from playing out recently
but we are very excited and close to be in a capacity to be playing out soon.
ARE THERE ANY GOOD BAND / ROAD / LIVE STORIES YOU COULD SHARE WITH US?
Tim: Everyone that has had the privilege of playing in a band, especially a Metal band, knows that not all shows
are going to be totally bangers with kids flying around going ape shit. There are going to be some stinkers. We
were doing a small run of shows up and down the east coast and we had a date fall through. Well a buddy of ours
got us a pick up show somewhere in PA, I think it was Allentown. So good news, right? We get there kinda early,
scope out the place, grab a bite thinking that we are hopping on an existing show. Two dudes show up, which is
actually more than what was expected. The bartender asks us to go on and if we can play a three hour set. Three
hours?! This is Death/Grind! A long set for us is like 25 minutes - 30 minutes tops. So we, with our chins intact,
got up on stage, played one song and then announced "Thank you everyone (haha "everyone"). We are going to
take a short break (like 20 minutes). Stick around!" We would take a long break. Come back, play another song or
two and then make the same announcement again. We did that a few times and stretched the shit out of that set,
like six 3 minute songs into 2 hours. I think we played a couple songs twice and told a few jokes too. After that
came the headliner. This dude materialized out of one of the barstools, I wasn't even aware he was there the whole
time. I thought it was just someone's jacket piled up on the bar. He hobbles up on stage and proceeds to vomit up
drunken covers of country KID ROCK and NIRVANA songs. He also vomited. We couldn't get paid (haha!
"paid") until the "headliner" finished, which meant either he sobered up or passed out. We eventually got paid
enough to buy some potatoes for tomorrow morning's breakfast and some gas. So it was a win/win. I'm going to
let Joseph tell the "dildo show" story.
Josh: Nah, I'm gonna steal this from Joe. We played this show in Providence with a band that was up-and-coming
but then disappeared. The bathroom was insane... it was like a cubicle in an office, and the toilet was on a
pedestal...so when we got there, and we all had to drop deuces, you would mount this throne to do the deed.
Then, the first band was this gynormous chunky dude that had a projector playing childhood 8mm film. The band
we went to play with was getting big at the time, but the entire mosh pit was filled with dudes Hardcore dancing
with large colored dildos, beating the hell out of each other. Believe it or not, they were a Death Grind band....
Tim: And people say the future generations of our country are destroying our values...sheesh.
Josh: It's sexual freedom, Tim... C'mon.
Joseph: Tim and Josh are right, that was one of the weirdest shows but one of my favorite stories is a time we
played in New York City at a place called Public Assembly where the only restroom had a bare red bulb for a light
and half a curtain for the stall door. Matt Lovett (former lead guitarist) had to take a deuce and could not wait. I
remember walking down the hall to the entrance of the venue seeing half a curtain and two of the whitest legs you
have ever seen with pants around the ankles. Thats right the curtain covered the top half of the stall opening, but
everyone knew it was Matt Lovett taking a shit. That was awesome. Additionally I must add a short story of a
show we didn't play in Washington D.C. (canceled due to satanic imagery). The promoter invited us to a party
because he felt bad about the canceled show. We agreed and had fun hanging out with some cool people. After a
few hours some of the band members realized Josh had been missing for quite a while. We started asking around
and no one had seen him. A little later that night a couple of guys who had gone for a beer run came back to the
party and said “Hey dude, we found your vocalists out by the highway and brought him back.” We said, “What?”
and sure enough Josh had drunkenly wandered off and ended up on the highway somewhere in DC on foot.
Thankfully he was returned to us in pristine condition thanks to some concerned and alert fans.
Tim: Matt [Lovett] was not happy about that.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU'D THINK PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT ABOUT YOU?
Tim: I'm not sure. I mean, I guess I'm not a stereotypical Metalhead. I'm not a big partier. I don't drink, smoke, or
do any drugs. I just became a huge fan of golfing. Is that strange though? Buzz Osborne of THE MELVINS golfs.
Doesn't one of the dudes from SKINLESS golf? Golf is pretty Metal, isn't it? I mean you're swinging around clubs
called "irons.
Josh: Tim is way too subtle...he makes incredible stuff out of wood...artistic, retarded, crazy, Escher-esque stuff.
Don't let him sell you short. I'm an urban artist... I can do all kinds of crazy shit with spray paint. I have vertigo,
so head banging is always fun. All of us have kids at home, so we're not really Death Metal, we are Dad Metal.
Joseph: One of the things that people find surprising is that I play in a Death Metal band at all. I have to maintain a
professional image of myself due to my work and usually never discuss my musical preferences or extracurricular
activities. In the Death Metal scene most people are surprised to know that I am family man and have a
professional career.
WHAT WAS THE FIRST ALBUM YOU EVER BOUGHT?
Tim: DIRE STRAITS "BROTHERS IN ARMS" and DURAN DURAN "SEVEN AND THE RAGGED TIGER".
Josh: ICE CUBE "PREDATOR". I'm that Metal.
Matt: With my own money, METALLICA "RIDE THE LIGHTNING”.
Joseph: I grew up in Venezuela, South America, where official recordings weren't necessarily readily available. I
believe the first “tape” I purchased was a mix tape from a street vendor of GUNS 'N' ROSES which included
various tracks from "APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION", "USE YOUR ILLUSION" I and II.
WHAT WAS THE FIRST CONCERT YOU EVER WENT TO?
Tim: JESUS JONES and NED'S ATOMIC DUSTBIN at The Showcase in Raleigh, NC
Josh: EARTH, WIND & FIRE at the Anaheim Bowl in Los Angeles, CA
Matt: David Lee Roth on his "SKYSCRAPER" tour in the 80's. I'll never forget seeing Steve Vai live. Incredible!
Joseph: My first show ever was a local fest in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela, with the headliner being AUTOFAGIA.
In the states my first Death Metal show was MORBID ANGEL on tour with VADER.
SINCE THIS IS ALSO A HORROR WEBZINE I HAVE TO ASK WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE
HORROR MOVIES AND WHY?
Tim: I love Horror movies! I mean I love the standards like THE SHINING and THE EXORCIST. Funny story
there. I grew up Roman Catholic. I went to Sunday school and all that. Well, our priest was the technical advisor
for THE EXORCIST. He was one of the priests that was there to perform the actual exorcism on the boy that the
film was based on. My Sunday school watched that movie (my first time seeing it) in church. Watch that movie in
an old Catholic Church. That beats IMAX any day. My favorite movie of all time is THE THING. Nothing beats
that. The mood, the effects. It's so good. I'm a fan of Monster movies. JAWS, ALLIGATOR, THE HOST, THE
RELIC, PUMPKINHEAD, GODZILLA. I say any movie becomes a thousand times better if you include
Monsters. Adam Sandler should take note. His career would take a good turn if he would adopt my theory. I like
what Guillermo Del Toro is doing. His approach to Monsters is great. As far as new films, there is a film called IT
FOLLOWS that I want to check out. Also DIGGING UP THE MARROW looks cool.
Josh: THE THING!!!!! HELL YES, TIM!!!! (That really needed to be in all caps, I swear). Don't get me started
on Horror movies. The gory-er the better. I only watch these once a year, due to the excess nature of them, but
my favorites (I've spent so much money gathering them!) are CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST, FUNNY GAMES
(Original), LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT (Original), and I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE (Original). I'm also a huge
HALLOWEEN and HELLRAISER fan - and Tim hit the nail on the head...Monsters make every movie better -
that new GODZILLA, along with SUPER 8, THE THING (prequel), and CLOVERFIELD....awesome. Monsters.
Yes. Zombies rule too... I just love Horror...period. Even shitty Horror makes me happy...unless it's that bullshit
TWILIGHT garbage.
Matt: My favorite type of Horror movie has always been the Zombie flicks. It started when I first saw RETURN
OF THE LIVING DEAD, when I was a kid. My favorite movie is defiantly the original 1978 George A Ramero
film, DAWN OF THE DEAD.
Joseph: I don’t really like porn. Oh wait you meant “Horror” movies. I am more into modern Vampire and Zombie
flicks that focus on a scientific explanation of those conditions.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE BAND GWAR (MY FAVORITE BAND) AND THE PASSING OF THEIR
LEADER DAVE "ODERUS URUNGUS" BROCKIE LAST YEAR?
Tim: Such a huge loss. I have had the honor to meet with him as well as share the stage with him a few times.
When I was going to art school in KC, our sculpture tech. was the lead costume and prop builder for GWAR. I
got to wear Balsac the Jaws of Death's gear once. I still don't see how they play in that stuff. But yeah, I'm a huge
fan. I started out with "AMERICA MUST BE DESTROYED" and then went back and got into " HELL-O" and
"SCUMDOGS...". The fact that GWAR is a Grammy nominated band is so killer. I will never care about the state
of current music, or popular music, or the garbage that is played on the radio. The fact that I can say GWAR is a
GRAMMY NOMINATED BAND says it all. Love those guys.
Josh: I saw them once. I've never really listened to them. I completely respect them, and had a blast the one time I
did see them. It's always sad to lose a fellow musician, and even sadder when it's a controllable cause that costs us
a brother. I dig GWAR.
Matt: Dave was a huge loss. I've been a fan of GWAR for many years and have been to many shows. I'll miss
that for sure. "Hey kid, smoke some a dis, GWAR does it all da time”!
Joseph: I can honestly say I don’t think I have ever heard any of their material. However, I have heard of them
extensively and realized they have had, and continue to have a huge impact on many people in the scene.
WHAT DO THE MEMBERS OF MALEBOLGIA DO WHEN NOT DOING ANY WORK FOR THE BAND?
JOBS, HOBBIES, ETC...?
Tim: I destroy furniture. I manage a test lab for a furniture company. I test furniture to make sure it meets certain
codes and standards by slamming large weights into them. It's pretty cool. As I said before, I love golf. I also love
woodworking, welding, and drawing. Bubble wrap is pretty cool too.
Josh: I build websites, manage social media campaigns, and surf the web. My fiancée has 3 kids, and I spend a lot
of time screwing around with them and making their lives miserable so that they will grow up into awesome little
Metal heads.
Joseph: I am a porn star. Just kidding. I am a project manager in the Aerospace Industry. This pays the bills.
Additionally I love playing Steam Platform computer games with my wife and son. If anyone is interested, my user
name is J_Malebolgia. Hit me up and we will spray and pray together.
WHAT CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO NEXT FROM MALEBOLGIA? HOPEFULLY A NEW ALBUM?
Tim: Yes! Hopefully a new album!
Josh: New Album, new performances, new presence. We will not disappoint.
Matt: Definitely a new Album coming!!!
Joseph: We are definitely going to expand upon the idea initiated with the “alternative” tracks that have provided
such joy and entertainment upon those who have been privileged to listen to them. Those songs having a special
place in our heart ("Porno Song", and "Cock Rockin Fever"). On a more serious note, even though we love the
joke songs we are working hard to write material that we enjoy. After all, we do this out of love of the music, fun
with friends, and opportunities to play with our penis… uh I mean our all time favorite bands. We expect to begin
the recording process soon and we certainly hope that our listeners enjoys the end results. At this time we do not
have a time frame as we are insuring that we are putting forth the very best we have to offer. Our first goal is that
we enjoy what we do and hopefully others will too.
THANX A LOT FOR ANSWERING THIS INTERVIEW. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO ADD ANYTHING TO
CLOSE OUT!
Tim: Thanks for having us!
Josh: We appreciate the time you've given to us...hopefully we're not letting you down!
Joseph: We appreciate the opportunity to share a little “BOLGE” with your audience and we appreciate your
support over the years. Keep it Metal. We look forward to seeing you on the road soon.
