Patrick Mameli has been the face of Pestilence for many years. As one of the originators and now with the reformation he can be charged with starting up one of the great death metal bands twice. Created back in 1986, Pestilence was a thrash band that progressed over the years to become more death metal oriented while increasing their technicality and adding jazz-fusion. After several successful albums, which lead to their increase popularity, in 1994 the band decided that they reached a high point in creativity. With a bit of conflict within, they decided to split up and each member went their own way and focused on other projects. In 2008 Patrick decided to reincarnate the band and promised to release a new album. It may have taken 16 years but Pestilence and Patrick Mameli are now back with a new disc branded "Resurrection Macabre" and it picks up where the band left off. Join me as I chat with Patrick Mameli as we talk about this amazing new disc, upcoming shows and more... Metal Fanatix: Hey Patrick! Welcome to Metal Fanatix! How are you doing? Patrick Mameli: I’m doing just fine and hope you are too!!! Metal Fanatix: Let’s get right into this interview…I know that it’s been quite some time, but what was the original idea that you strived for when you created Pestilence? How did you guys measure up to your original idea on your first couple records? Patrick Mameli: We wanted to be the European answer to Death, but soon figured out that we had to create our own style which we finally realized on "Testimony of the Ancients." Metal Fanatix: Over the last 5 years or so we've seen several prominent death metal bands get back together. Did these reformations spark your interest? Is there a different goal that you went for this time? What was the reason why Pestilence is back together?
Metal Fanatix: Pestilence fans have been starving for your brand of metal for years...what took so long? Patrick Mameli: Just being tired of the industry, expectations and constant criticism about how we should sound, behave and so forth. Metal Fanatix: Congratulations on the new album! We at Metal Fanatix are eating it up, and I'm sure so are all your rabid fans. For those that have yet to hear “Resurrection Macabre,” how would you describe it? Patrick Mameli: Pure Pestilence. Our most mature and brutal album with a technical edge. Metal Fanatix: Now the album is out and you've had some time to reflect on it, how happy are you with the out come? Patrick Mameli: I must say that we are all still very pleased and happy with it. We ourselves can even listen to it without being too critical about our playing, hahahaha. We love it. Metal Fanatix: Are there any particular songs that you like above the rest? Or do you like them all? Patrick Mameli: I love "Neuro Dissonance," "Devouring Frenzy," "Fiend" and "Dehydrated II" the most, but pretty much all are top notch.
Patrick Mameli: It took me about a year recording and programming new material in my little studio and really just trying to create typical Pestilence riffs 2009 . Staying true to our own style was the norm. It felt quite comfortable. Metal Fanatix: I love those quirky, sorta jazz-like solos that you guys use. Was there a major influence in writing them or did they just come out naturally for you? Patrick Mameli: For me, I play everything without thinking out melody lines or anything. Just spur of the moment thing. I only think about the possibilities of notes in that particular cord. Patrick U. thinks more about lines and melody before recording them. His leads are kick ass! Metal Fanatix: When my friends and I heard that you guys were getting back together and putting out a new album, we were ecstatic! How has the response been so far for “Resurrection Macabre”? Patrick Mameli: The response was been really amazing so far and let’s hope the U.S. will follow! We just finished the European Tour and can’t wait for the Maryland Deathfest. Metal Fanatix: I'm sure everyone that has heard this new album is ready to come see you play these new tracks live! With your upcoming performance at the Maryland Death Fest, what can people expect from Pestilence? What do you expect to see from your fans? Patrick Mameli: We can’t wait to play these new songs live to the fans. We also know that a lot of fans are waiting for the older tunes and they will get that as well!!! But we really hope they can embrace the new songs as they are as good or even better than the older material.
Patrick Mameli: We are doing a bunch of festivals this coming summer but I must say that I don’t have a fave since we are so fresh again playing these songs live. Metal Fanatix: If you had to pick one song that you wrote, that describes you, what would it be? Why? Patrick Mameli: No song since they don’t portray my personality at all, but musically I like all the new songs especially "Devouring Frenzy." Metal Fanatix: What is your proudest musical accomplishment to date? Patrick Mameli: I love the C-187 project, but not too many people seem to care. Metal Fanatix: Do you guys keep in touch with your former bandmates? Like Marco and Martin for instance… Patrick Mameli: No. Metal Fanatix: Where do you see Pestilence 10 years from now? Patrick Mameli: 10 years older. Metal Fanatix: What is the official beer of Pestilence? Patrick Mameli: Well, the rest of the guys don’t drink beer that much, so I can only talk for myself. I just love Grolsch Kanon (canon) with 11.6 % alc.
Patrick Mameli: I love anything fresh, technical and well thought of, like Meshuggah. I also like Malignancy and Hate Eternal just to name a few. Metal Fanatix: If you had the power to smite any band and erase all the music they have ever written, who would it be? For what reasons? Patrick Mameli: I don’t think that something could be that hideous that it should be erased since someone created it and is valid to this person. Metal Fanatix: Well Patrick, we are getting close to the end of the interview right now. I want to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to do this interview. You've been awesome! One last questions for you though. Do you have any final words for the Metal Fanatix of the world? Patrick Mameli: Thank you so much for this intie and hopefully bringing joy and brutality to your country and fans!!! Metal Fanatix: Thanks dude! Long live Pestilence!! To keep up with all the latest news & much more on Patrick check out the following websites: http://www.pestilence.nl/ - Official Pestilence Site http://www.myspace.com/pestilenceofficial/ - Pestilence MySpace Site © Jeffrey D. Adkins May 2009 Not to be re-printed in any form without written permission. |
