Interview with CASKET WRETCH
Welcome to the FILTHY DOGS OF METAL Webzine.
Tell us a few things about CASKET WRETCH (Members, Starting Year etc).
Casket Wretch started in 2019 from the ashes of Warhorde and Lord Alfred. Currently I'm the sole member with Tim from Lord Papus providing lead guitar work.
You have recently released your split EP with LORD PAPUS. What is the feedback from your audience as well as from the press?
Feedback has been very little, but mostly positive so far.
Label or DIY and why?
DIY this time around. I've had the pleasure of working with some very good labels. Barbarian Wrath, Preposterous Creations, Super Sargasso and Cult of Oblivion. DIY is just better for me. I can release what I want when I want.
Is there any funny or weird story from the recordings or from your live shows that you would like to share with us?
Might not be funny to most but, when writing Psychomanteum I thought fuck, this needs some sort of bell sound in the intro so being piss drunk I grabbed a brass bowl from the kitchen and started banging on it, and that's what you hear!
Do you prefer Vinyl, Tape, CD or Digital Format and why is that?
I prefer all. Tape might be least favorite, always afraid it'll break or come unraveled! I collect mainly CDs and vinyl.
Which are your main influences (Favourite Artists / Bands etc.)
I pretty much just listen to old hardcore and thrash. Motorhead and Venom would be the main influence but as far as song structure that goes back the old hardcore days. I would say Rudimentary Peni are a huge influence along with the first Bathory. Mostly extreme stuff from '79 through '86.
Which things do you think a band should sacrifice in order to succeed? Have you ever sacrificed anything in your life for a better future for your band?
You really shouldn't have to sacrifice if it's something you choose to do. Time is the biggest thing you're going to give up.
Describe your ideal live show as a performance band. Have you already experienced that?
I don't really enjoy going through the motions live. I would rather play for 10 or 15 minutes as an opener and just walk off the stage. And yes, I've done that many times.
What attributes do you think that a new Metal Band should have in order to gain identity and be unique?
It's hard for me to say. I don't believe in painting yourself in makeup or wearing spikes to be cult, I don't do the image thing. Just be yourself. People will either hate it or love it.
Do you believe that Digital Platforms help the new Metal Bands? Which, do you think, is the ideal way for a band to promote its work?
Not a fan of digital. It's a necessary evil. I would prefer the old way through trading and magazines but all those are dying.
Do you see any differences between the US Metal Market & the EU Metal Market (Labels, Bands, Fans etc)?
Most people that are interested in the release seem to be EU so they seem to be more receptive.
Tell us a few things about the New Underground Metal Scene in New York (Bands, Fanzines, Webzines, Metal Clubs etc.)
Honestly, I don't really keep up with the scene. I'm in the woods a few hours away from the city. It's very hard to find anyone local that is into it. New York City certainly has a strong Death Metal scene though.
Do you know anything about the Hellenic Metal Scene?
Certainly VARATHRON and ROTTING CHRIST. Very unique bands.
The last 3 years, worldwide in the world, we have faced many dark, strange & new situations in our everyday life (covid, lock-down etc.) Did all of this affect you positively or negatively?
I had to work either way during Covid. Life is just ups and downs from day to day. I'm generally a negative person who tries to stay positive.
What are your future plans?
I have a Warhorde and Lord Alfred split CD coming out on Barbarian Wrath. I've also started my own label, Screaming Alice. The first release is this Casket Wretch / Lord Papus split EP, co-released with Minizaka Records. Next up will be an obscure little demo release from a great local band circa 1986 then another Casket Wretch and Lord Papus split.
Thank you very much for your time & keep up the good work! The closure is yours.
Thanks for the interview! Expect more Mayhem and Weirdness form Casket Wretch in the future!
By Steve the Filthy Dog.
CASKET WRETCH CONTACT:
https://casketwretch.bandcamp.com/album/casket-wretch-lord-papus-split
https://www.instagram.com/p.h.567/