Interviews About Albums: Surgery - Living Dead (2023)

In this new interview, we sat down with the Slovakian Old School Death Metal band Surgery to ask some questions about their album "Living Dead". 

1. What can you say about this new EP/CD?

Working on our new album was quite a challenge. We poured countless hours into crafting each song, ensuring every note resonated with the emotions and ideas we wanted to convey. There were moments of frustration, but also immense joy when pieces started falling into place. It was a collaborative effort that demanded dedication, creativity, and perseverance from each member of the band. The process was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but the end result feels incredibly rewarding, knowing the hard work and passion we invested in creating something we're truly proud of.

2. What is the meaning of the EP/CD name?

Watching horror and zombie movies has been a shared passion of ours, and it greatly influenced the direction of our latest album. The album title was inspired by the iconic George A. Romero's 'Night of the Living Dead,' a film that left a profound impact on us. We wanted to capture that eerie, thrilling essence within our music, creating an experience that pays homage to our love for the genre while crafting something uniquely ours.

3. Which one is the composer of the CD/EP?

Within our band, every member holds a distinct role, contributing to our music as a cohesive unit. We operate like a well-oiled machine, where each person knows their part, working together seamlessly to bring our collective vision to life. While Rado may be a founding member, he doesn't assume the role of a boss. Instead, we function as a team, collaborating on every single song. It's this collaborative effort that defines us, allowing us to blend our individual talents into a harmonious whole, ensuring that each piece of music reflects the dedication and creativity of us all.

4. If you had to pick one song, which one would you pick?

Choosing the standout track from our album has been a challenge because we poured our all into every single song. However, one reviewer encapsulated it perfectly when describing 'Death in You' as a quintessential representation of our band. This track encapsulates nearly everything that unfolds throughout the album. It's a piece that embodies the essence of our collective effort, showcasing the range and depth we aimed to achieve in each composition.

5. Is there a special message in this EP/CD? If there is what it is?

Our album is an album with a special message, akin to a horror enthusiast immersing themselves in a film. We aim to offer an escape—a space where listeners can dive into our music and leave the concerns of the world behind. In our songs, we don't delve into politics, religion, or lifestyle. Instead, our primary goal is to ensure that people have a great time while listening. At our concerts,  the energy transforms into one massive mosh pit.

6. Are there some lyrics that you'd love to share?

I understand that crafting a great piece of writing is an art, and I don't believe I've reached the level to be an exceptional wordsmith just yet. However, I take my writing seriously and cherish each piece equally. I'm an avid reader, and I'm striving for my love of books to assist me in crafting better texts in the future.

7. Which inspirations have been important for this album? Like musically or friends, family, someone you'd love to thank especially?

The core of our album revolves around lyrics inspired by horror movies. While we're rooted in old-school death metal, our musical taste extends beyond. We draw inspiration from various metal genres, aiming to blend death metal with other extreme styles, creating a compelling sound. The verdict on our success lies solely with our listeners. Thank you to all our fans for being with us every step of the way; they are the reason we continue to create. We also extend our gratitude to Štefan Skokan for his tremendous work; being a member of Surgery would have been much more challenging without him. A huge thanks also goes out to our families; without their patience and love, Surgery wouldn't exist at all.

8. Something to add?

We believe that we've delivered a great album for our dedicated fans—one they'll enjoy revisiting. And we hope that through this conversation, we'll gain new fans to grow, progress, and build an amazing metal community together.