LEPROSY, Violent Sadistic Gore/Death Metal from Pittsburgh,PA. These guys have been making BRUTAL Death Metal since 1988. With lyrics that disgust most people, GORE is a big focus with this band. I personally have followed them since Dec 99 when they were under a different name. They have a full length cd available titled "Spirtiual Enlightment Through Disembowelment" which is a must for any fan of Underground Death Metal. After a lineup change, LEPROSY is back playing live here in the Steel City and on the road. You gotta se them live. After reading this interview, make sure to check out their Offical Website, as well as their Fansite here at Bushmado Webzine.
January Featured Band: LEPROSY
Interview with guitarist and vocalist CHRIS PAWLOWSKI aka Corpse God
Interview by DJ BUSHMADO
BUSHMADO: Leprosy originated in 1988 right? There was a break though; can you give us a history of the band? What is the current lineup?
CHRIS: I started Leprosy back in high school in 1988. At that time we played Black /Death Metal. After a line up change, it turned to straight Death Metal. We jammed locally and in the tri-state area up until 1994. Playing w/numerous local and national acts, including: Cannibal Corpse, Malevolent Creation, Napalm Death, Entombed and so on. From 1995 – 1999 Leprosy went on hiatus, not dead just dormant.
In 1999, Jason Merschat and myself formed FREEK. The style was pretty much Industrial Metal. This particular style came to an end in 2001. There was a disagreement in the musical direction of the band that resulted in parting ways with Jason. At that time, we went back to our true calling of Death Metal. In 2002, it was decided to end FREEK and resurrect Leprosy. Since then, we have concentrated on brutality and gore.
The current line-up is: Corpse God – Fetal Shredder / Vokills, Carl Muffett: Bass, Dave Turner: - Keys / Samples and Mike Petrak – Blasts / Cannons
BUSHMADO: So I hear Leprosy will be returning the Pittsburgh Scene in Jan 04, how is the new drummer working out? What are some of the new song titles?
CHRIS: Mike is working out very well. He’s probably the most intense drummer we’ve had in a while. Not too take away from some of the other ones we’ve had in the past. As far as song titles, some of the new ones are entitled: Jackhammer Abortion, Fetal Grinder & Necro Incestuous Cannibal.
BUSHMADO: What kind of Brutality can we expect in the new Leprosy live show?
CHRIS: Brutality in it’s purest form… The new material is more brutal then ever! We also have a stage show in the works. Once it is ready, it will take people by surprise.
BUSHMADO: Will you still be playing the DEATH Cover "Pull the Plug" live?
CHRIS: Currently, we are not playing any covers. We are concentrating on all originals. Who knows though, it may make a comeback in the future.
BUSHMADO: What is your inspiration behind all the gore? And will you continue to keep the gore in your music? What got you into gore?
CHRIS: Horror movies introduced me to gore at an early age. As time progressed, I developed a continuing fascination with the human anatomy, suffering and death. As long as LEPROSY exists, gore and extreme violence will always be the root of inspiration lyrically.
BUSHMADO: Besides the new drummer, what else is new with the band? Any plans to record?
CHRIS: We are currently writing new material in preparation for the recording of: “Butchering The Human Carcass For Consumption. We are scheduled to hit the studio in Feb / March 2004. We also have a stage show in the works for venues that are large enough and willing to let us do it. It will be something to see when it all comes together!
BUSHMADO: Could you give us a detailed Leprosy Discography?
CHRIS:
“Dark Emperor” – 1990
“Infectious Death” – 1992
“Infanticidal Consumption” – 1994
“Spiritual Enlightenment Through Disembowelment” – 2001
“Butchering The Human Carcass For Consumption” – Coming 2004.
BUSHMADO: What are your thoughts on the Pittsburgh Death Metal Scene past and present?
CHRIS: As of now, I believe the Death Metal scene was at its apex in the late 80’ early 90’. The “death” scene appears to be picking up now, which pleases me very much. It’s about time it made a comeback into the Pittsburgh local scene. We need more Death Metal bands around here.
BUSHMADO: I know the "Spiritual Enlightenment Through Disembowelment" Full Length has been well circulated through the Underground, how was the response been so far?
CHRIS: From fans, labels & zines alike, the response has been great! This upcoming release should put us over the top.
BUSHMADO: Do you think Leprosy will ever make a music video or a home video? If so what are you ideas that would be in it? What Leprosy song would be best for a video?
CHRIS: We planned on doing a video in the past using footage of different shows. However, due to line-up changes it never came to be. We do have plans to release a video in near future. Not sure what it will all entail. However, it’s guaranteed to be gory. Choosing a specific song would be hard to do. As of now, I would use one of our new ones, tentatively titled “Jackhammer Abortion”.
BUSHMADO: What merchandise does Leprosy currently have available?
CHRIS: We currently have t-shirts, pins and stickers. You can check them out on our site @ www.goregods.com
BUSHMADO: Is Leprosy currently talking to any labels?
CHRIS: Not as of now. Once we finish recording “Butchering” we will begin our quest to get signed to a decent label.
BUSHMADO: Since the time I’ve followed Leprosy (dec 99), you've played alot of shows both local and on the road. Is there a show that sticks out as the most brutal and best Leprosy show you've played?
CHRIS: There were a lot of good ones but the one show that sticks out in my mind the most, was when we played with Cannibal Corpse back in “92”. The whole place was a huge pit! Bodies were flying everywhere! Sold all our merch before we even hit the stage. On top of all that, our previous singer vomited on the floor after our set. Very tasty!
BUSHMADO: Who is your favorite Serial Killer(s)? And Why?
CHRIS: Ed Gein. He was very creative with the leftovers. Although I pick Ed, there are a lot of other ones out there that I admire as well.
BUSHMADO: Top 6 all time favorite Death Metal Bands?
CHRIS: Death, Cannibal Corpse, Deicide, Carcass, Morbid Angel & Pestilence.
BUSHMADO: Top 6 all time favorite Death Metal Albums?
CHRIS: Death – Spiritual Healing, Deicide – Deicide, Bolt Thrower – War Master, Entombed: Left Hand Path, Grave – Into The Grave & Cannibal Corpse – Butchered at Birth.
BUSHMADO: Top 6 favorite Horror Films?
CHRIS: Dead Alive, Evil Dead, I Zombie, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Exorcist & The Re-Animator
BUSHMADO: Favorite Beer?
CHRIS: Yeungling
BUSHMADO: Favorite Liquor?
CHRIS: Rum
BUSHMADO: Favorite Video Game?
CHRIS: Resident Evil, love the gore!
BUSHMADO: What cds are currently in your playlist?
CHRIS: Death – Spiritual Healing, Slayer - Reign in Blood & Cannibal Corpse – Gore Obsessed
BUSHMADO: Anything you'd like to add or close with?
CHRIS: I want to start by thanking you for the interview. I also want to thank everyone out there that has been supportive of the band now and through the years. You guys are truly sick fuckers ! Your support is and always will be appreciated. We need to see more of you at shows. Come down and check out our upcoming show at the 31St Pub on Jan 17Th! Death Fucking Metal!!!
LEPROSY Links:
Official Leprosy Site www.goregods.com
Official Leprosy Message Board
Leprosy MP3s @ IUMA.com
OCEANS of GORE - A Leprosy Fansite (hosted by Bushmado Webzine)
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