New Shitfun With Autopsy

Words are limited to describe the influence Autopsy has had on Death Metal musicians and audiences for over 22 years. Preposterous to think that a group of brooding stoners has had such an impact on heavy music Reifert and his ghouls have. Influencing everyone from Nihilist, who quickly became Entombed in a matter of a week, to Napalm Death and half of the blossoming Swedish scene such as Carnage. The stench of the aura Autopsy has been spreading this year is highly infectious. Cover your eyes and open your nose.

What has the band been up to so far this year?

Chris: We've been pretty damn busy really, not that I'm complaining. We played Maryland Death Fest, recorded a new ep, played the Party San and Hole in the Sky festivals, all the while being filmed for our upcoming dvd and now we're working on stuff for the next album. Besides that stuff, we've managed to get some eating, drinking, smoking, sleeping and other assorted ordinary things. Maybe next we'll build a spaceship but we're probably too lazy for that.

Describe the new EP release ‘The Tomb Within” and how the music reflects the present day and recent reunion.

Chris: When you hear it you'll scream, vomit and fart all at the same time. . It's ten gallons of brutal in a five gallon drum. Need I say more? Well, maybe. How about buy lots of copies of it. One for each day of the week. Anyways, it reflects how we feel should sound whether it's 20 years ago or right now. The sound and soul of the band is exactly the same as it always has been. Dark and horrific.

Could you explain how the studio sessions went this time around?

Chris: It was a kick ass time as usual in the studio. There's the pressure to get it right, the endless listening to the same parts over and over again, but I love all that stuff. The whole studio experience is like magic to me and I never get sick of it. I can say we are all quite satisfied with the results and I hope other people dig it as well.

You are hailed as “Gore Legends” and “Godfathers Of Death Metal”, these are your dedicated and true fans opinions. How does that make you feel?

Chris: Like raising a beer in salute! Thanks for all the nice words and get ready for even more sickness and brutality! Cheers.....

Bands such as Cannibal Corpse and Deicide refer to Autopsy as a musical influence, what bands have influenced you the most?

Chris: Well that sure is nice to hear. Fuckin hell yeah! Again thanks. As far as Autopsy's influences, we try not to sound like anything but ourselves but I know when we first started the band we listened to lots of Death, Slayer, Repulsion, Terrorizer, Trouble, Master, Cream, Alice Cooper, Frank Zappa, Candlemass, Pentagram, Robin Trower and other different things. Really, the most important thing has always been to keep it heavy, crushing, dark and brutal.

What is your opinion of the new trends in Metal? What stays and what should go?

Chris: I can only speak for Autopsy so it doesn't matter what other bands do that revolve around trends. We've always stuck to what we do best and are pretty good at ignoring stuff that is irritating. Haha!

In your opinion how do you think Metal has changed in the last 20 years?

Chris: I think the heart and soul of metal are the same. That feeling that you get when you hear a band that just kicks your ass. I still get that great feeling when I hear something heavy and special and I suppose other folks do as well. That's the main factor. Besides that, there are more bands than ever naturally and things can happen really fast with the internet. Metal is alive and screaming.

Name and describe the first band you have seen live..if you can remember

Chris: The first real show I saw was Iron Maiden, Saxon and Fastway in 1983. Hell of a show there! All three bands ruled. Due to my age (heh heh) I've been fortunate to see lots of shows that people would kill for.

lame question but..Name the best / biggest / most brutal Moshpit you have ever been in haha 

One that stands out to this day was Slayer on the Reign in Blood tour. I got in there for a few songs and got pummeled by elbows, knees, fists, feet, etc. along with everyone else of course. It was extremely violent and a killer show altogether. There have been others but that one was really insane.

If you could have been involved in the writing, production or recording of any album, which would it be and why?

Chris: The next Autopsy album. It's what we are living for over here and we can't wait to get that beast recorded and out into the world. It's gonna be a savage, foaming, bloody creature indeed.

Tell us more about future plans, new releases and upcoming tours for the band.

Chris: There's quite a bit going on right now. The new ep is almost out, we've been filmed for an upcoming dvd, we're working on the new album stuff, there's some reissues coming out, a few shows will be set up for 2011 and there will also be a special 20th anniversary edition of Mental Funeral later next year. We've been busy as fuck, you could say!

Thanks for your time. Any last words?

Chris: Thank you for all and cheers to all who are reading this. There's more death metal on the way! Yyyeeaarrgghhhh!!!!