The Metal Crypt - Eternal Ruin Interview

Interviews

Interview with Ryan and DeeJay
Interview conducted by Barbara Williams (Crowley)

Date online: July 18, 2003

Hailz and how are you guys doing?

Ryan: Great, thanks for asking.

DeeJay: Hung over…

You are originally from Pennsylvania. Did you move to Maryland entirely for the sake of the band?

Ryan: No! Me and Joe are from MD. We only were in PA because of ex-members and practice space (PA- Fucking commonwealth state.)

You replaced Brian with Joe Ridgely, but still refer to him as a friend. Was it difficult to make such decision?

Ryan: Yes, of course, but it's just business! I still value Brian's opinion on what Eternal Ruin does, and we still hang out and smoke and shit…

I learned of you because you won the Featured Artist poll on Maddog Radio. Can you see where this may have contributed to a growing fanbase already?

DeeJay: There has definitely been a surge of visitors to our website since we were featured, and everyone seems to be down with our shit.

On your first demo you have Vinnie Matthews from Dying Fetus on back up vocals. How did you get in touch with him for this?

Ryan: It wasn't a matter of getting in touch with him to do it, but just a matter of [the fact] that Vinny is a close friend of mine.

Your current album is in the making and there is a mention of a split CD with Leukorrhea. From what I have heard of both bands, it will be bad ass. How soon will you have it finished and on the market?

Ryan: Well, you know how this shit goes! The split was originally slated to be released in June, but now it's July. Plus the cover art which is being done by Kahori at Death Art (www.death-art.com) should be completed as we speak, but as for any other delays, you never know. All of Eternal Ruin's stuff has been submitted to Amputated Vein. Check their site and ours for the release date.

DeeJay: We are also currently writing new material for a full-length, and will hopefully be ready to head in the studio during the fall.

What is the name of the new album?

DeeJay: We haven't settled on a name as of yet for the full-length, but either Validating the Past or The Human Toll.

Who designs your art work and what do you have in mind for the design of this release?

Ryan: The Almighty JonZig. Basically, just the band name; there is so much just on the name alone to work off of.

How do you write your music? Is there a set guideline or do you write what you feel as you go along?

Ryan: Pretty much as we go. DeeJay or Nolan toss out an idea or riff and then I add my two cents, and then it's pretty much brutality after Eric and Joe put the finishing touches on.

How do you get the inspiration for writing your lyrics?

Ryan: Just livin' life seems to be enough.. so much torment and suffering… the amount of content is endless just by putting your feet on the floor each day.

One of the elements of your heaviness derives from the drumming. Is meter (staying with tempo) the more important component for you or do you just get into the music itself and play what you feel?

DeeJay: I believe that tempo is secondary to what exactly we are playing as far as the riffs and arrangement. We come up with the ideas and then decide how fast we want it.

Will you be part of the Maryland Death Fest?

DeeJay: Uhh... Hopefully we will be a part of the MDF next year. It's definitely a sick event, and we have the backing and keep in touch with the guys who put it on. We'll find out more as the year progresses.

Which cities have you played?

Ryan: We've played some shows throughout Maryland, Jersey, PA. Hopefully in the fall or early winter, we will be playing in Japan and possibly heading to the Illinois Death Fest.

Any plans to go on tour? If so, where and when and with whom?

DeeJay: As of right now, we are mostly concentrating on writing new shit for our full-length and playing shows here and there around our area. We all have full-time jobs, but if the opportunity arose, we'd probably be down.

Which songs do you like most playing Live?

Ryan: "Forced to Contend" and "Open Defiance"

DeeJay: I like ‘em all, but mostly "Excreting Hate" and "Children of a Depleted Humanity"

What made you guys decide to play in a band? Had it always been a dream? Who or what inspired you?

Ryan: I've been playing in bands for about thirteen years, but none of which have been to this caliber. So, yes, it has always been a dream. Kiss was my first big inspiration in the late 70's.

DeeJay: I was first inspired by old Metallica, Sepultura and Entombed. While I was living in a small town in Maine before relocating down here, there wasn't much to do ‘cept drink, do drugs, and play music. A few friends and I always jammed out, but I was never in a band as dedicated as Eternal Ruin. I joined up with these fucks in October, and it's been a brutal ride ever since… It was always a dream to just play on a stage somewhere, and that's been fulfilled with ER, so basically I'm living it.

Have your parents and friends always been supportive?

Ryan: Pretty much so, but sometimes it's hard to get your friends to support you when you play live! But it's all good…

DeeJay: Absolutely. My parents always supported me in everything I wanted to do, and even though they ain't really into death metal, they are happy that I am doing what I love to do.

Besides Metal, what other types of music do you listen to?

Ryan: I enjoy some Led Zeppelin and Iron Maiden, but those occasions are rare.

Outside of playing Metal, what kinds of things do you enjoy doing?

Ryan: Pullin' tubes and squeezin' boobs (hah). Basically gettin' high as hell, watching some porn, y'know.. the American Dream.

DeeJay: I like fucking with computers.

What are the future plans of your band?

Ryan: To write and record for many years to come and be a steady part of the underground scene. In short, to pulverize the mainstream, and expand the realms of unchartered hate.

Any last words to fans, enemies or anyone else?

Ryan: To the Fans!!! Thanx so much for the support! Keep it Sick. We will!!!

To the rest of the fuckers that have turned their backs on me in the last ten years: Fuck You! I get the last laugh. Barbara, thanx for your time and consideration for this interview. See you on the other side…