UNBURIED
Interview with Matt Pike & Mark Riddick by Dea.
DEA: HELLO
MATT! WHAT'S UNBURIED UP TO RIGHT NOW?
Matt: I'm taking a shit right now. Rebecca is working, and Mark is at home. I
don't know what he's doing.
HOW'S THE DEMO SELLING SO FAR? HOW MANY HAVE YOU SOLD TO DATE?
MATT: The demo is doing very well. We've sold a lot of tapes, about half of them
are gone, and "Tortured Remains" has been out for only three months!
I'M VERY IMPRESSED WITH REBECCA'S VOCALS. WAS IT HARD SWITCHING FROM A MALE
TO A FEMALE VOCALIST? WHEN YOU PLAY LIVE, WHAT ARE PEOPLE'S REACTIONS TO SEEING
A FEMALE SINGING SO HEAVY?
Matt: The change in singers was for the best! Our first show will be in
February. I'm sure everyone will be very surprised when they see Rebecca sing.
ON THE DEMO, IT IS WRITTEN: "MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDS THAT YOU PLAY THIS
DEMO LOUD". IF SOMEONE DOES NOT PLAY IT LOUD, WHAT WILL HAPPEN? WILL IT
BLOW UP?
Matt: Yes, your fucking house will burn to the fucking ground! So play the
fucking demo loud!!!
Mark: We added that statement for the benefit of our listeners (save for any
hearing damage). It is easier to experience our offerings if our hymns are
broadcast at a loud level. Hence, the true essence of our music may be revealed!
The only thing that might be blowing up, in this case, are your stereo speakers.
YOUR BASS PLAYER IS NONE OTHER THAN THE INFAMOUS MARK RIDDICK. DOES HE DO ALL
OF THE ARTWORK FOR THE BAND?
Matt: Yes, he's the MAN, the one and only!
Mark: It is refreshing to hear that my name is still known in the scene,
especially since I've had a hard time staying involved these past four or five
years (with college, and now with work taking up most of my time these days).
Yes, I have done all of the artwork and graphic design for Unburied thus far.
Rebecca is also a very good artist and I hope that her skills shall be
integreated into our cult as well.
YOU'RE USING THE DRUM MACHINE RIGHT NOW. DO YOU EVER PLAN ON GETTING A
DRUMMER? DO YOU THINK A DRUM MACHINE CAN DO MORE COMPLEX DRUMMING THAN A HUMAN
CAN?
Matt: Yes, it's possible! It depends on the programmer and the drummer, I guess.
Mark: Actually, the drums on "Tortured Remains" were programmed on a
synthesizer rather than a drum machine. It would be a relief for all of us if we
cold obtain a live drummer, however, the apathy in our local scene prevents us
from doing so. We have talked with Erik Sayenga (Witch-Hunt) and it seems as
though he may fill in for possible live shows. We shall wait and see. To answer
the second half of your question, no, neither a drum machine nor a synthesizer
can match up to a human. Humans are far more intelligent and complex than
machines or any kind of synthetic reproduction.
WHAT WOULD BE THE PERFECT TOUR FOR UNBURIED TO BE INCLUDED IN?
Matt: I would like to tour with any brutal, intense, underground bands! Possibly
Regurgitation, Witch Hunt, Landfill, 13, Internal Bleeding, Entropy and
Unburied! That would kick ass!
Mark: On a rational note, we are not ready to tour. We would need to complete
and refine more songs before attending a tour. Ideally, it would be hard for me
to think of bands to tour with as it seems that death metal isn't as rampant as
it used to be. I believe I would prefer playing shows with some underground
bands rather than bands signed to major labels.
DESCRIBE UNBURIED IN FIVE WORDS.
Matt: Brutal, hate filled, Death, Sludge.
Mark: Vengeful, ruthless, hateful, crushing and relentless.
WHAT BANDS ARE IN YOUR STERIO RIGHT NOW?
Matt: I don't know. I'm still in the bathroom.
Mark: I've been listening to an interesting mix lately. I have mostly been
listening to various medieval ensembles, performing traditional hymns from the
Middle Ages. What else. Vienke (dark ambient/industrial, very bleak and
minimal), Ataraxia (brilliant neo-medieval from Italy), Hagalaz Runedance
(Norwegian folk music), Ant-hology (double CD compilation of industrial,
experimental, and noise music from the Ant-Zen record label), the new Absu mini
CD (total speed metal attack) and Desederii Marginis (cold dark ambient
industrial music from Cold Meat Industry).
ARE YOU INVOLVED IN ANY OTHER UNDERGROUND PROJECTS BESIDES UNBURIED?
Matt: No!
Mark: Yes. My main project is entitled the Soil Bleeds Black, wherein I compose
neo-medieval/folk music. I have three digipak CD's out (on various European
labels) and one double LP vinyl. I'm currently searching for a new label to
release the next album. I also perform in an experimental industrial art project
called 15 Delights of Dionysus. I have two official cassette releases out on
European labels and have also performed two live art installations in a gallery
in North Carolina.
OK, THAT'S ALL OF THE QUESTIONS I HAVE FOR YOU. IF THERE'S ANYTHING I MISSED,
FEEL FREE TO VENT NOW!
Matt: Thanks for the interview, Dea, stay brutal! Everyone get in touch, NOW!
"Tortured Remains" is on sale for only $5 U.S., $6 world. Shirts with
the cover also available for $13. Support the underground!
Mark: Thanks for your supportive efforts!
UNBURIED
P.O. Box 301
Herndon, VA 20172