The Metal Crypt - Malevolent Creation Interview

Interviews

Interview with Phil Fasciana (guitar)
Interview conducted by Barbara Williams (Crowley)

Date online: September 18, 2003

Hailz! How are you doing and what are you up to?

I just woke up and I'm doing this interview. We'll be leaving for a Brazilian Tour in about 8 hours. I'm in a bit of a hurry!!!!

Last time I saw you play was in El Paso, but you now just finished your European and Brazilian Tours this summer. How did it go?

We did a bunch of tours this year and they were great. Our Brazilian Tour was postponed due to some visa problems, but we leave today for the re-scheduled tour!!

Which songs do you like most playing Live?

I like them all; we only play the most brutal songs that we have. If I had to pick one song, t would have to be "Infernal Desire" It's really fast and people really get into it when we play it.

You have done a lot of shows over the years. How do you feel about playing live? Are there any particular memories from the touring you would like to mention?

We have done tons of tours since this band started in 1987 and they were all crazy. But the last few European Tours with Marduk and Immolation were probably the best in a while. I don't have enough time to mention all the fucked up thing's that happen to us on tour!!!

When you play live, do you try to stay close to the studio version or do you like to change things up?

We try to stay as close to the original recording, but depending on how drunk we are, sometimes the songs take on a new sound!!!

What's next? Are you planning on any more tours or will you be spending your time at home for a while?

After we get back from this Brazilian Tour we are done touring for the year except for a few Florida shows. We are working on the material for our next album which we will start recording Feb 1st, 2004.

You have been together for more than ten years now, but can you remember the first time you performed in front of an audience?

Yeah! It was at a place called the Metal Shop in North Tonawanda, NY. We opened up for Canadian punk band, SNFU. It was awesome; we had to play 2 songs twice because we didn't have enough songs.

Are you self-taught or had you taken formal lessons?

I took lessons for about a year when I was 12. Then I just figured it out on my own. I still don't know what the hell I'm doing!!!!

What was your first concert you ever attended?

My first real metal show was Ozzy Osbourne's "Diary of a Madman Tour" in 1982.. It blew me away and changed my life. My father had to take me and my friends because we were too young!!!

"In Cold Blood", "Still Born" and "Retribution" were quite a success for you. How did "The Ten Commandments" go over? Are you satisfied with the sales?

From what I know," The Ten Commandments" is our best selling album. You have to remember back then Death Metal was new and there were not a lot of bands. Now it is totally different and nobody is really original anymore.

Any new albums in the works or about to be released?

We are working on the material for our 9th studio album and I am also working on material for the 3rd Hateplow album.

If so, do you have an album title in mind at this point?

No titles just yet.

I love your CD covers for most of your albums. How important would you say is CD art?

It's not really that important because it's the music that counts. But a cool album cover never disappoints anyone either!!!

Do you feel that Death and Black Metal bands have it more difficult to gain recognition compared to those who play other types of metal?

Yes because there is a lot of competition and bands just keep copying each other.

Have you gotten any gifts from fans? Which would you say would be the coolest or weirdest?

The coolest gifts I get are either photos or weed. The weirdest gift I ever got from a fan was a kiss on the lips by some dude in Croatia. Unfortunately, I had to punch him in the face and knock him out for that stupid move!!!!

The music scene really changed between the 70's, 80's and 90's. What would you say has been your strongest influence?

I actually pull influences from all 3 eras! There always was good metal coming out during those times.

Which bands are on your list of favorites? If I were to look through your CD collection, what would I find?

You would find thousands of metal CDs!! Some of my favorites are Dark Angel, Destruction, Kreator, Slayer, Sabbath , Maiden, Priest and Napalm Death.

What kind of books do you read? Any good books or movies you would like to mention?

I don't really read books much. I don't have the time, but I do enjoy reading metal mags and guitar magazines.

Besides Metal, what kinds of things do you enjoy doing and what other types of music do you listen to?

Well, I run a record label and have 2 bands, but in my spare time I like to golf and drink at the local pubs!!!! I don't really listen to any other music besides metal either!!!!

How is the music and being Malevolent Creation connected with the person you are? Is your band image a reflection of you or completely separate?

We are all pretty normal quiet guys when we are sober, but all the aggression and hatred we have is released through our music. Our music is a huge release for stress!!!!

Malevolent Creation has become a name in the metal scene and you have obviously succeeded as a band, so do you have any words or advice to young bands and musicians who are just starting out?

Work hard, play even harder, and get a good lawyer before signing any kind of contracts!!!!

What's in store for your band? What are your plans or hopes?

We want to do a few more albums and conquer a few more countries before we throw in the towel. We have some big plans for the future; hopefully things will work out.

Any last words to fans?

Thanx for the interview and go to our website for any additional info or merchandise and look for a new slab of murder to be released sometime in May 2004!!!
Keep On Killing !!!!!
Phil Fasciana

www.malevolentcreation.cjb.net
www.arcticmusicgroup.com
www.arcticmusicgroup.com
www.hateplow.cjb.net

Other information about Malevolent Creation on this site

Review: The Will To Kill

Review: Warkult

Review: Invidious Dominion

Interview with guitarist Phil Fasciana on December 30, 2018 (Interviewed by Luxi Lahtinen)

Interview with guitarist Phil Fasciana on October 10, 2023 (Interviewed by Luxi Lahtinen)