Standing apart amongst a multitude of similar-sounding band(name)s, the San Diego-based quintet recently wreaked havoc in Europe in the course of yet another extensive tour. In the aftermath, DISGORGE came Back to the Grave by the hands and words of main gruntsman Levi Fuselier.

BTTG – Hello Levi. Would you care to make a brief presentation of the band and its history to the readers of Back to the Grave (you can refer to the period after your recruitment, if you prefer)?

Levi – We reign from San Diego, California, have been in the scene now for nearly a decade. Now that was brief!!

BTTG – The DISGORGE line-up has not necessarily been stable through the years. In which way has it affected the band’s development? Or was it not looked upon as a hindrance to the band’s progression? Is the current one a suitable basis for stability?

Levi – Well, DISGORGE has had a few member changes in its day mainly vocals! It just seems that the past vocalist just could not keep up with the touring demands of the band. When I joined the band, the first thing the guys asked me was could I keep up with a heavy touring schedule. Which was no problem for me! As far as the development of the band, I think DISGORGE is at its best milestone yet; the band has matured musically from Cranial Impalement to the new material thus far despite member changes over the years.

BTTG – You are a recent member yourself. What is the atmosphere like within the band? Apparently, you fulfil the band’s request of a sick and twisted vocalist (I can confirm that!), so what exactly led you to joining the ranks of DISGORGE and what can you tell us about your past experience in the music business (SABBATIC BEAST, etc.)?

Levi – I was living near New Orleans singing for SABBATIC FEAST, which was crumbling due to members leaving the band and just lack of desire to continue writing Extreme music. So, I was in need of a change and Disgorge Had come through town on The Bloodletting III Tour with DEEDS OF FLESH & SEVERE TORTURE. I made it to the show that night, saw Jamie singing with them and thought to myself “Fuck, these guys are heavy as A motherfucker, I should move to California and try out for DISGORGE.” Which is what happened and is where I am today!

BTTG – In addition to being brutal, DISGORGE is also evidently technical. How would you best describe this symbiotic relationship (technicality and brutality) in DISGORGE terms? And what is the ultimate meaning of playing live in a band such as DISGORGE?

Levi – Well, we always try to write the best composed material possible, being brutal & technical can get muddy if you don’t mix it right. So we are writing more thoughtfully on this next album, making sure that we make a song sound complete. Most bands these days are Brutal and Technical, but the songs never sound complete. We are trying to avoid sounding like the fastest noise if possible. Also the vocals will be more understandable for the most part – that should shed light to the Chaos of the music. And when we play live, we try to release all the dark visions that the music portrays.

BTTG – We have recently been presented with an European tour featuring DISGORGE, INSISION and SUFFOCATION, amongst others. What is the balance of the tour? Which were the best/ worst moments of the tour and what did you think of the Oporto date (venue, audience, etc.)?

Levi – That was a fucking great tour; we bunked with the guy’s from Incision so we got to see plenty of them. They where really cool guy’s and we got along real good. SUFFOCATION is just the sickest band to tour with, every night they mangled everything in sight! About Portugal, I think it was one of the sickest nights of the tour. The venue was eerie, Porto was a beautiful city, I had a great time and they have the sickest crowd around for sure.

BTTG – What did you know of the European scene beforehand and what major differences do you establish between Europe and the States as far as the scene (and, of course, the people) go? It looks like there are really huge festivals around there. Why do you think people in the States are less ‘devoted’ than Europeans?

Levi – We have been to Europe several times but this last time was with SUFFOCATION, so we felt honoured to tour Europe with them. I think the scene is a hit or miss, I wish the US had a more excited crowd and Europe is a little more into the music. Here in the States, so many people have negative comments on almost every band in the scene, either they are too heavy or not heavy enough. I think Metal Fans should appreciate the broad spectrum just a little more.

BTTG –DISGORGE have worked with BRODEQUIN’s Jamie in the past (for touring). How did it come about and what were the practical results of the cooperation? Also, what is this CINERARY project all about? Please refer to any side bands/ projects from the DISGORGE members.

Levi – Jamie filled in on some tour obligations that DISGORGE had at the time, he was lending a voice if you will. But BRODEQUIN is his main gig. As far as CINERARY, Rick was a session drummer and may have done a couple of live shows but his focus is on DISGORGE.

BTTG – What are the prognosis for Parallels of Infinite Torture so far? What can you tell us about the studio, the songs, the plans, and all of that? What are your own expectations regarding the change in vocalist (and, in your case, of band)? Which limits are you most tempted to push further (paraphrasing your biography)?

Levi – Parallels will be a concept album much like Consume [the Forsaken], but focusing more on Torture in every aspect: mentally, physically and bring DISGORGE to a new passage of right. The vocals will still be guttural but have more pronunciation than past attempts; I think this is very needed to continue maturing as a band. Pushing our limits farther has to do with new formulas the band has incorporated into the writing process. We have added some elements never before done by DISGORGE, so hopefully these new techniques work for us.

BTTG – «DISGORGE» is not exactly an uncommon name for obscurer metal bands. I can think of at least two others – one of them Mexican. Are you in contact with any of them and what have you got to say in that particular matter? How do the American DISGORGE stand apart?

Levi – Well we have been DISGORGE since 1992, I really wish these bands would think up some other names instead of using ours. It has already been taken, move on. I mean, why don’t they just call themselves CANNIBAL CORPSE, they may get a little further!!

BTTG – What is the lyrical essence behind DISGORGE? (or is there no concept?) Do you follow the traditional gore semantic field or is there an innovative edge to the lyrics?

Levi - We cover all aspects of metal: some lyrics are gore driven, some venture beyond human nature, but when I write I think of all kinds of different scenarios.

BTTG – Tell us about your top 5 albums of all times and the reasons behind your choices (you can expand the list at will).

Levi – 1) SUFFOCATION/ Effigy Of the Forgotten – Most influential album of all times

2) DEICIDE/ Legion – Most evil album to date

3) KATAKLYSYM/ Temple Of knowledge – most insane shit I have ever listen too

4) CRYPTOPSY/ None so Vile – just fuck’n fast

5) BROKEN HOPE/ Bowels Of Repugnance – disturbing gutturals from hell

6) CANNIBAL CORPSE/ Butchered at Birth – just gross

BTTG – Please describe a set of what you would consider to be “parallels of infinite torture”. Who would the elected victims be? Which torture techniques are the most efficient in your opinion – psychological or physical?

Levi – Parallels will be the final confrontation between worlds, I mean like a final war of the heavens. The acts of torture are many, from psychological and physical. It takes off from where Consume The Forsaken ends, explaining the end of the followers of God into realms of immaculate suffering. Some song titles are Condemned to Sufferance, Descending Upon Convulsive Devourment and Revealed in Obscurity.

BTTG – The interview is drawing to a close, so why not take a chance and leave your last words (!) to the readers?

Levi – Thanks for the interview and the relentless support. Hope we get the chance to come to Portugal again soon!! [Rumour has it that DISGORGE will be touring Europe alongside MARDUK sometime next year - M]

www.disgorge-usa.com

By Morgana - Back To The Grave August 14, 2004

E-Mail Interview

Photos – Disgorge 2004

BACK TO INTERVIEWS SECTION