An Interview with Max Kolesne of Krisiun

Sepultura may be one of most well-known metal bands to emerge from Brazil, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best, or the heaviest. As far as I’m concerned, that distinction goes to Krisiun, the death metal trio from Ijui, Rio Grande do Sul.

Krisiun has released nine killer albums since forming in 1990. Drawing on such classic influences as Sodom, Kreator, Morbid Angel, and Slayer, the Brazilian death metallers have forged a sound that is as catchy as it is crushing.

I had the great pleasure of being able to ask drummer, Max Kolesne, a few questions about what 2015 has in store for this excellent band. 

Derek:  It’s been four years since your last studio release; did you have an overabundance of songs ideas to choose from for the new album? Do you think the Krisiun sound has changed or evolved since ‘The Great Execution’?

Max: It’s been four years of constant touring across the earth. And we only started to write the new songs last year. I don’t know if we had like an overabundance of songs ideas, but we were definitely very inspired when we started to write and build up the album. The process was just the same we have done since the beginning…We gather in our practice room, put the ideas together and jam a lot, until we feel the songs are consistent. We have introduced some new ideas for sure, there’s more thrashy riffs,  catchy vocal lines, more “skank” drum beats and tribal-like beats…It’s definitely our most dynamic and diverse album, but still  has lots of  savage brutality, speed and intensity…The performances sound very ” live” without computer enhancements or whatever, so the instruments sound very natural. It’s fuckin metal to the bone.

Derek:  You’ll be appearing at Brutal Assault 2015. Will the audiences there get to hear some material from the new album?

Max: Oh yeah, we can’t wait to play Brutal Assault and all the other great festivals! We are ready to destroy everything! We will play new songs for sure!

Derek: With ten albums to your name is it difficult to pick a setlist?

Max: Yeah dude, there are many songs that I’d love to play live that we did never play before…Especially some songs from ‘Black Force Domain’…We will definitely make a new set list for the next tours…But some of the newer songs like “Combustion Inferno”, “The Will To Potency”, “Blood of Lions”…You know, it has to be on the set list.

Derek: Brazilian death metal has a very distinct and recognizable sound. Why do you think that is?

Max: I think some of the “true” Brazilian death metal bands carried that kind of savage vibe and rawness of old school real death metal…Unfortunately, some of my favorite Brazilian death metal bands quit…I think if those bands would still be around they’d be doing good nowadays…

It’s a shame that some great bands split up and give up their dreams…

Derek: With the new album coming out you’ll be starting a new touring cycle. Hopefully that means we’ll be seeing you in US very soon? I know of a lovely city by the name of Lawrence, Kansas where you would be more than welcome! (hint hint)

Max: Man, we have already a tour booked in North America in September 2015; the tour is called “Devastation on the Nation”, we will be sharing the stage with brutal acts such as Origin, Aeon, Alterbeast , Soreption and Ingested. This is going to be a hell of a brutal tour! Can’t wait! Unfortunately we won’t be playing in Lawrence, KS, man…But if you can make it to one of the shows, we can hook you up on the list.

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?

Max: Man, I’m not a cereal person; usually my breakfast consists of strong black coffee, fried eggs, bread and bananas. I don’t have a favorite band t-shirt right now…Lately I’ve been wearing an ‘Altars of Madness’ (Morbid Angel) shirt a friend gave me…Unfortunately I always end up losing some of my bad-ass shirts on tour…I like both equally. When I was a kid, I grew up surrounded by dogs and cats– my family always had animals in the house, so I learned how to respect and like both…I think the combination of having a cat and a dog is perfect.

Derek: Thanks again for taking the time to talk to me! I really appreciate it and I can’t wait to hear the new album! I know it’s going to be awesome!

Max: Alright brother, I appreciate your support and respect! We’ll see you sometime on the road of metal!

Krisiun on Facebook

Check Out “The Will to Potency” from “The Great Execution”