Chaos, destruction, obscurity, horror, war and blasphemy…
Grinding out death metal since 2003, Chile’s Atomicide are set to unleashes a tornado of ancient South American darkness with their next album, Chaos Abomination, on 30 January 2015. MR’s Jason Guest talked with bassist/vocalist Atomizer about the new album, its writing, its development, the ideas behind it, as well the bands that they all play with alongside Atomicide, and chaos abomination… as you do.
Thank you very much for taking time out for this interview and congratulations on Chaos Abomination.
Ave The Midlands Rocks.
Chaos Abomination is your second album. What did you want to achieve with it?
In fact Chaos Abomination it’s our 3rd album. Many think of it as the 2nd but it has to be clear that the first Atomicide album was Atomic Genocide but due several reasons at that moment it came out as a split with Ejecutor… Later on, Spreading The Cult Of Death came out as the second. On this particular album we wanted to accomplish a more powerful sound, that’s why we went to Santiago (Chile) to record it at DM6 studio.
Does it mark a progression since 2013’s Spreading The Cult of Death?
Yes, there is a huge difference as far as the sound and composition without losing the real essence of Atomicide, a raw, fast and direct metal.
Did you have an idea of how you wanted the album to sound or did each of the tracks and the whole thing take shape as it was being developed?
Everything was clear. DM6 has a very characteristic sound especially in drums… full devastating!!! So it all came out as we expected to.
Can you tell us about the album title, its meaning and its relationship to the music?
It reflects Chaos as destruction, annihilation, horror and desolation, which goes fully related with the sharp and abominator metal of Atomicide.
Is there a theme, a concept, or a philosophy that underpins the album?
Chaos abomination!!!
What are the lyrical themes? And what inspired them?
It has always been about chaos, destruction, obscurity, horror, war and blasphemy.
Can you tell us about the album artwork? Who’s the artist? And how much direction did you give him in its design?
It is an oil painting made by the artist Daniel Corcuera. The idea for the design was mine but Daniel is the demon who makes it real. It reflects what I explained before. Chaos as destruction, annihilation, horror and desolation. I sent him the idea with a pretty rustic drawing (a piece of paper with a pretty basic drawing pointing out what I needed in oil). Daniel is an incredible artist, well known worldwide for his drawing, painting and tattooing. He caught it all perfectly.
Which is more important to Atomicide, the music or the lyrics?
Both equally.
When writing, do you work together, trade ideas, or compose by yourselves and present finished tracks to each other?
In Atomicide, I have always been in charge of creating themes but when we come to rehearse, we all work to improve them.
Guitarist Deathbringer joined Atomicide in 2013. What has he brought to the band?
Deathbringer has been involved in Atomicide since late 2009. By then he only participated as a session player but as you said it, in 2013 he became a member of Atomicide.
You all work or have worked in other bands. Does Atomicide offer something that those bands perhaps haven’t?
A. Prophaner has his own horde called Hades. This was the first horde that we formed in late 1996 until 2001. He exhumed it a couple years ago and they currently are playing and recording. He also participated in others hordes like Death Skull, Necropsia, Unholy Temple… Deathbringer also participated in Hades for a while and previously in Diabolikal. I also participated in Hades in its first years (96-01) and also in Death Skull and Unaussprechlichen Kulten (their album is reviewed here; the band interviewed here) but currently I’m totally committed to Atomicide.
How does the Atomicide of 2014 compare to the Atomicide of the early days?
Far more chaotic, obscure and faster.
Do you ever revisit your earlier releases? If so, what do they mean to you now?
I guess I never hear them. Just when we rehearse an old theme for a show.
How did you come to work with Iron Bonehead? Do you plan to stay with the label for future releases?
I had worked with Iron Bonehead before when he released the 7” of Death Skull. I met Patrick in Berlin 2012 when I went on tour with Unaussprechlichen Kulten. An excellent experience, a very good organizer. So I did not hesitate about asking him to release our new album with Iron Bonehead. I hope to continue working with him in future works.
Any plans for live shows?
Yes, we have scheduled a mini tour for January and February to promote the album in the central and south of Chile. There are only 4 dates, due to our works and the distance between cities we don’t have enough time to do more. In March we have planned a couple of dates in the north of Chile and then going to Lima, Perù. Everything is settled, we just have to confirm the dates.
Early days I know as the album is yet to be released, but is their more material in the works?
The album we’ll be released in vinyl format by Iron Bonehead, on CD by Dybbuk Rec. and on tape by Death Division Rituals.
Thanks again for taking time out for this interview. Do you have any closing words for our readers?
Just to say thanks your interest in Atomicide. And remember the album will be available 30 January 2015.
