An Interview with Matt Harvey of Gruesome
If you’re anything like me you went into involuntary spasms of pure joy when you heard the new track, “Hideous”, from Gruesome’s upcoming full length release, “Savage Land”. The band is a glorious throwback to early 90s death metal, specifically the kind found on first few albums by Florida’s Death. Gruesome’s roster is no less awesome with ex-Malevolent Creation drummer Gus Rios, Possessed guitarist Daniel Gonzalez, Derketa bassist Robin Mazen, and guitarist/vocalist Matt Harvey of Exhumed. Matt graciously agreed to answer a few questions about the new album the future of Gruesome.
Derek: Hi Matt! Thank you so much for granting an interview! To start things off, can you tell a little bit about when and how Gruesome came together?
Matt: I met Gus when EXHUMED did a couple of shows with DTA (Death to All) during our Suffocation tour. We were having issues getting into Canada, so while our friends in SUFFOCATION and JUNGLE ROT continued into the Great White North, we stayed stateside and picked up a couple gigs with DTA and ANCIIENTS. At any rate, Gus played “Baptized in Blood” with the guys and killed it. We got to shooting the shit backstage and stayed in touch. We jokingly talked about doing a band in the vein of early DEATH and I didn’t really think much would come of it. I wrote the first tune, “Gangrene” as more of a joke than anything, but about a week later, I came up with “Savage Land.” After sending Gus some very primitive demos, he sent me back some really good drum tracks – I mean really good. I was kind of taken aback and started to see something that could be worthwhile. He recruited Dan (Gonzalez, guitar), and they did the demo out in Florida. I recorded the vocals in California, and once we had a demo… very quickly we had an album deal and enough material for a record. Robin entered the picture shortly after the demo and completed the puzzle, and the tunes just kept coming really quickly. After doing the first few songs, there was a lot of creative momentum, and Gus and Dan are both consummate pros, great players, and audio engineers, which makes recording a breeze.
Derek: Your debut album, “Savage Land”, will arrive on April 21st. What little I’ve heard so far sounds absolutely awesome! It’s straight up glorious, old-school Florida death metal! How would you describe the album to someone that hasn’t heard Gruesome, yet? What’s your favorite track?
Matt: My favorite is probably “Hideous,” which I think is the last one we wrote. I think the writing has gotten better and better as time has gone on. As far as describing it I’d say imagine if DEATH put out an album in between “Leprosy” and “Spiritual Healing,” that’s pretty much where our sound sits.
Derek: The artwork for “Savage Land” is killer! It makes for gorgeous t-shirts, as well. Who is the artist?
Matt: We got Ed Repka to do the art – we knew that as a DEATH worship band, we had to have the guy behind the “Scream Bloody Gore,” “Leprosy,” and “Spiritual Healing” artwork. It was really just as important as the music itself. I mean, our logo is a DEATH tribute (ahem, rip-off), our music is a DEATH tribute (ahem, rip-off), and the whole thing wouldn’t be complete without the guy who made those album covers so memorable.
Derek: I love that the album is being released on cassette, in addition to CD and vinyl. I want to buy a cassette player just so I can I have the experience of listening to this badass old-school death in true early 90s fashion! Are the cassettes getting snatched up in pre-orders?
Matt: Apparently the cassettes are going quickly. I don’t really get the cassette revival personally, but it’s definitely a novel thing, as far as that sort of collector thing goes.
Derek: Will Gruesome be touring in support of the album?
Matt: We’re in the process of figuring that out. We want to support the record and play the tunes live, it’s a logistical challenge between me being in California and everyone else being in Florida, plus everyone’s schedules are difficult to wrangle with different bands, jobs, etc. So hopefully we’ll find something that will make sense for everyone and be fun to do.
Derek: Will Gruesome be doing more albums or is this a one-off project?
Matt: We signed a multi-album deal with Relapse and we did have two additional songs written that we didn’t have time to learn for the record, so I expect there will be more gruesomeness to come. I’m sure there’s a few of Chuck’s riffs we haven’t twisted and re-invented yet, haha!
Derek: Now it’s time for The Marvelous Three Round of Questions! What’s your favorite breakfast cereal? Most metalheads have large concert t-shirt collections. What’s your favorite band t-shirt? And last but not least, are you a cat person or a dog person?
Matt: I knew I was biologically an adult when I stopped eating stuff like Lucky Charms. I really like Basic 4 or just good old fashioned muesli. Sorry, I know that’s a bit dull. Hmmm… my favorite shirt? That’s tough. I’ll do a top 3. #1 my first ever metal shirt is my METALLICA glow-in-the-dark Electric Chair shirt with the “Kill ‘Em All” cover on the back. I still have it and still fits me. #2 My original SODOM “Obsessed by Cruelty” shirt. I found this for $12 in a second hand shop in San Francisco in the 90s. Been wearing it with pride ever since. #3 My MASSACRE original “Infestation of Death” shirt that I got from Kam Lee about 15 years ago. He found a box with a few of them in his attic. It’s a bit tight, but if I keep up on my crunches and cardio, I can still squeeze into the fucker. Honorable mention to my original CARCASS 1990 UK tour shirt, my KREATOR / VOIVOD European tour 1987 shirt, and my VENOM “Official Bootleg” shirt that I’ve had since 88. I like both dogs and cats, but ultimately I’m a dog person. My dog, Kona is 14 years old, and we still go on walks every day when I’m home. I draw the line at having him sleep in my bed though, that’s too stinky and weird.
Derek: Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions! I can’t wait to get my copy of “Savage Land”!
Check Out “Hideous” from “Savage Land”, due out April 21st
