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Lightning Strikes COVER STORY
COVER AND CONTENTS PHOTOS BY AMJAD FAUR
upfront
8 metal muthas Filling the void with love
14 hannes grossmann Marching to his own (blast)beat
10 low culture He’ll never order a bagel with cream cheese again
16 midwife Heaven can wait
11 no corporate beer Diversify your palate
18 graveripper Radiating excitement
12 in the studio:
exhumed
20 flotsam & jetsam Never watered down
Friends who slay together stay together
22 i am the night Hi the Night, I’m Dad
features
reviews
24 king woman Baby blues
32 withered Let’s get physics-al
26 drawn and quartered History repeats
34 hammers of
65 lead review Are things looking optimistic for Swedish death metal gods At the Gates’ pessimistic new album The Nightmare of Being?
28 oxygen destroyer Godzilla vs. Death Metal 30 craven idol History re-repeats
misfortune
The bastard son is all grown up 36 q&a: fear factory Guitarist Dino Cazares shares the latest patch notes for Fear Factory 2.0 40 the decibel
hall of fame USBM lightning rod Nachtmystium craft the psychedelic sound that would send them on their long, hard road to hell with Instinct: Decay
66 album reviews Releases from bands that believe black is the new black, including Amenra, Mayhem and Xasthur 80 damage ink October rocks
Decibel (ISSN 1557-2137) is published monthly by Red Flag Media, Inc., P.O. Box 36818, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Annual subscription price is $29.95. Periodical postage, paid at Philadelphia, PA, and other mailing offices. Submission of manuscripts, illustrations and/or photographs must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Postmaster send changes of address for Decibel to Red Flag Media, P.O. Box 36818, Philadelphia, PA 19107. © 2021 by Red Flag Media, Inc. All rights reserved. ISSN 1557-2137 | USPS 023142 Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. 2 : AUGUST 2021 : DECIBEL
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REFUSE/RESIST
August 2021 [T202] PUBLISHER
the pandemic, I went to the fridge—as I had done each night since the first week of the pandemic—and reached for a beer. I don’t remember what all the options were, but one was a big 13.5% ABV stout called Finally Legal from one of my favorite breweries, Weyerbacher. I’d been saving it for a couple months, waiting the right moment when I could actually enjoy it, and that evening I decided I would drink that fucking beer whenever it was safe to hold live events again. For over a year that solitary bottle sat untouched like a postponed concert ticket in my family’s refrigerator, prompting my wife to ask, “what’s wrong with this beer that you refuse to drink?” This might seem like an oddly specific declaration to any rational person, but back in March 2020, like most of you, I was reeling badly from the pandemic’s now well-documented impact on live music. While all of us at Decibel were extremely fortunate to have been overwhelmed by other mountains of work, the void from the lack of shows was still conspicuous. And it didn’t get any closer to shrinking as I rebooked new lineups and rescheduled dates for Metal & Beer Fest: Philly twice, both of which were scrapped well before they could be announced to the public. In late 2020 when we eventually miraculously secured the September 25-26 dates for Philly, we were—like every other single person booking live events then—basing our decision on an unappetizing cocktail of guesswork, projection and hope. As the early months of 2021 unfolded and vaccinations rose and COVID cases plummeted in the United States, I quietly solidified yet another festival lineup. The dream wasn’t dead. In late May—over 15 months after we slammed the breaks on 2020— Decibel finally announced the full Metal & Beer Fest: Philly lineup. While all of our event announcement days are special occasions for our team, this one was borderline euphoric. And the fact that ticket sales were absolutely bonkers made the bottle of the appropriately named Finally Legal I cracked open that evening that much sweeter. Or maybe it was the cocoa nibs. Either way, get vaccinated and come punish me in three months about the fact that you preferred the unannounced festival lineups. albert mudrian, Editor-in-Chief
Alex Mulcahy alex@redflagmedia.com
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Albert Mudrian
albert@decibelmagazine.com
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
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BOOKCREEPER
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CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS
Chuck BB, Ed Luce Mark Rudolph
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Online DECIBEL WEB EDITOR
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Vince Bellino Adrien Begrand J. Bennett Dean Brown Louise Brown Chris Chantler Richard Christy Liz Ciavarella-Brenner Chris Dick Sean Frasier Nick Green Raoul Hernandez Jonathan Horsley Courtney Iseman Neill Jameson Sarah Kitteringham Daniel Lake Andrew Lee Shawn Macomber Shane Mehling Duhr T. Norton Andy O'Connor Dutch Pearce Forrest Pitts Greg Pratt Jon Rosenthal Joseph Schafer Rod Smith Matt Solis Kevin Stewart-Panko Eugene S. Robinson Adem Tepedelen Jeff Treppel J Andrew Zalucky Bradley Zorgdrager CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
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To order by phone: 1.215.625.9850 (10 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST) To order by fax: 1.215.625.9967 To order online: www.decibelmagazine.com Decibel (ISSN 1557-2137) is published monthly by Red Flag Media, Inc., P.O. Box 36818, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Annual subscription price is $29.95. Periodical postage, paid at Philadelphia, PA, and other mailing offices. Submission of manuscripts, illustrations and/or photographs must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Postmaster send changes of address for Decibel to Red Flag Media, P.O. Box 36818, Philadelphia PA 19107. Copyright ©2021 by Red Flag Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. PRINTED IN USA
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One night during the second week of
READER OF THE
MONTH
Austin, TX
Decibel knows plenty of tattoo artists, but no tattoo removal professionals. How did you get into this field?
I had just received my nail technician/artist license in December 2019, but COVID hit and shut down all the salons before I could find a good job. Schools here opened up before salons did, so I looked for options to expand my knowledge in the beauty industry. I wanted to come out of the pandemic with something a little more and not just sit on my ass. Spas offer a wide range of services, so I found an academy to learn laser hair and tattoo removal, along with a few other courses. However, when salons opened back up, the first job I found was at Pigment Dermagraphics and Laser. I’ve been there since October. It felt like fate the way it all fell into place. I absolutely love my job; I make my own schedule and the shop is a positive and supportive atmosphere. I was even encouraged to explore MORE, and as of April, I
6 : AUGUST 2021 : DECIBEL
became certified in permanent cosmetic tattoos, lip blush and eyeliner. All while still doing nail services in the evenings from my home studio. I get high from making others feel good about their bodies. What is the worst tattoo you ever removed from a client?
This started a great conversation at work. Mine, in particular, wasn’t a badly done tattoo; it was very much professional heavy black ink (requires multiple sessions), but more just really poor placement. A client wanted to remove his ex-wife’s name, which seems like no big deal, but her name was directly above his “member.” You’re based in Texas, which is a state that “opened up” earlier than most this year. Have you caught any shows yet, or have you been sitting tight?
Small local shows started at outdoor venues started back in November here in Austin; I’ve
Wolves in the Throne Room grace the cover of this issue and Nachtmystium are in the Hall of Fame and on the flexi disc. Where do you stand on the USBM genre?
I love it! I saw WITTR at the first Psycho Las Vegas, and many times since. [Guitarist] Kody [Keyworth] is a good friend, so this is serendipitous. Finding them took me down a road of music discovery I have really come to enjoy. I really get into dark ambient energy. I was able to catch Panopticon at Austin Terror Fest 2019. I’ve seen Deafheaven a few times now as well. Goatwhore is also a staple—I’ve seen them too many times to count. I feel they also fall into that genre. I could go on, but those are a few of my current favs. I’m pretty damn stoked on that flexi!
Chuck BB is the illustrator of the graphic novels Black Metal, Vol. 1, 2 and 3 For more info and art, head over to chuckbb.com
PHOTO BY TYLER LAGALY
Andrea Michelle
caught a few. I just traveled to Arlington to see Frozen Soul play at Division Brewing. They released a great new beer called FrostHammer, with the label art designed by [bassist] Sam [Mobley] herself. The show was nuts—just epic, so many emotions. Honestly at a loss for words to describe what it felt like to be a part of that again. They played one for Riley Gale, too. Can’t wait to see them again, along with Creeping Death and more in July at Wrecking Ball Metal Madness!
NOW SLAYING Wonder what Decibel world HQ has been rocking for the past month? Well, here are the records that we spun most while appreciating 15 consecutive months without a single guest list request.
Because not all of us were spawned in the darkest recesses of hell
This Month's Mutha: Juanita Pearce Mutha of Jason Pearce of Temple of Void
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a short, loud Italian woman who loves to cook, go to the casino and swear! I grew up in West Virginia. then moved to Detroit and married my partner in crime. We are going strong at 63 years of marriage! I raised two wonderful sons. I have four grandkids and three great grandkids. I love feeding and taking care of my family. Don’t mess with them or you’re going to have to deal with this feisty Italian! What was Jason like growing up?
Jason was a normal kid growing up—you know, a smart mouth know-it-all! He played soccer and football; he was really no trouble at all! No matter what he was doing or where he was going, he would be listening to music. I would yell at him, “You’re going to go deaf!” When did he first start to exhibit an interest in drums? Were you supportive?
Jason started at a very young age. At 5 or 6, he tapped on everything. He made a drum set out of my pots, pans and the garbage cans! I bought him his first set of drums at the age of 8. We supported him fully! Our neighbor was a drummer and Jason would go to his house and watch him play drums constantly. Mike Alonso [the Christpunchers, Flogging Molly] was a major influence in Jason’s life and drumming career. Jason played in bands starting at the age of 12. They would practice in our basement, and when his father would come home, I would flip the light switch to [signal him to] stop! 8 : AUGUST 2021 : DECIBEL
Temple of Void’s last album was their first to make our annual Top 40 list. How does Jason deal with the accolades his band is starting to receive?
Jason is very proud of his success. He is a very humble man. He loves the band and his bandmates, and especially all of the fans! The band has worked very hard to get where they are. I am 82 and I proudly wear a TOV hoodie! Temple have been busy over the last year writing their much-anticipated fourth album. How have you passed the time during the pandemic?
I have been busy playing slots on the iPad, cooking and constantly cleaning; that’s what us Italians do! It’s been very difficult during the pandemic not being able to spend time with family and worrying about Jason working at the hospital. The positive aspect is I created a few new dishes. I’ll have to invite you over for dinner! What’s something most people wouldn’t know about your son?
Jason is a registered nurse. He is a very compassionate and loving son, always there for us, and a great father to his son Anthony. He’s very generous and caring; you can always count on him! Don’t let those scary, mean pics he takes for the band fool you! I am very proud of the man he has become! —ANDREW BONAZELLI
Albert Mudrian : e d i t o r i n c h i e f Wolves in the Throne Room, Primordial Arcana Hooded Menace, The Tritonus Bell Cave In, Until Your Heart Stops Enforced, Kill Grid Incantation, Diabolical Conquest ---------------------------------Patty Moran : c u s t o m e r s e r v i c e Rage Against the Machine, Rage Against the Machine Helmet, Betty 10,000 Russos, Distress Distress Ty Segall, Reverse Shark Attack Night Beats, Hell in Texas ---------------------------------James Lewis : a d s a l e s Wolves in the Throne Room, Primordial Arcana Panopticon, …And Again into the Light Dismember, Like an Ever Flowing Stream Atheist, Unquestionable Presence Burst, Lazarus Bird ---------------------------------Mike Wohlberg : a r t d i r e c t o r Bo Burnham, Inside Tvær, Uvær Wolves in the Throne Room, Primordial Arcana Perturbator, Lustful Sacraments Ghost Lode, Terrestrial Bodies ---------------------------------Aaron Salsbury : m a r k e t i n g a n d s a l e s Gravesend, Methods of Human Disposal Knoll, Interstice Blood Incantation, Live Vitrification Various Artists, City Baby Attacked by Bats! WAKE, Sowing the Seeds of a Worthless Tomorrow
GUEST SLAYER
---------------------------------Knox Colby : e n f o r c e d Take Offense, Tables Will Turn Belbury Poly, The Owl’s Map Depeche Mode, Black Celebration Rim Kwaku Obeng and KASA, Too Tough/I’m Not Going to Let You Go Mortician, Chainsaw Dismemberment
PHOTO BY MORGAN PARRISH