Interviews: Mazzaroth

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Melodic Death Metal band Mazzaroth from the USA. Check out the interview and follow this band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Was it planned, or did it just happen organically?

The band name is Yiddish for the constellations. Originally, the name was called Pantheon, but I found it too generic. There was a man whom I was writing about who had the idea for mazzaroth, but unfortunately, he passed away. It felt right to change the name to his image for his honor 

2. Why did you choose to play this genre?

There was a huge amount of melodic death metal bands in the Rochester local scene, ancalagon and sarcous come to mind. Unfortunately, a lot of them have moved on to other things, and I felt as if it was my duty to occupy the genre that was once so prevalent in our scene 

3. Did you know each other before forming the band?

Funny enough, it's currently only me right now, all of this material was composed by me, so if you are looking for a job, hit me up 

4. What is each band member's favorite band?

Unfortunately, you're only going to get one answer. For death metal, Pestilence is one of my favorites; Testimony of the Ancients is probably one of my favorite albums of all time. But for the one band that I would say is my favorite, Primus is my all-time favorite band 

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Cosmic horror from HP Lovecraft, who happens to be my favorite author, various stories of the Old Testament due to their grim nature, and, funny enough, a little bit of ancient history 

6. Where was your last gig?

I'm still waiting for a band to play this out, figured I would put the music out there, and if people like it, I'll make it happen in their city 

7. Where would you like to perform in the future?

I would love to play some of the festivals that are around the United States. Legions of Metal in Chicago is an amazing event that I played at with Dyspläcer. Bob, who runs it, is a great guy who is amazing to work with 

8. Which artist or band would you like to collaborate with?

I would die a happy man if I ever got the chance to play with Pestilence on tour. Other than that, there is a band in England called Risen Prophecy that happens to write some of the most thematic music I've ever heard, and just to have a chance to see them would be insane 

9. Is there anyone you wouldn’t want to collaborate with?

I'm a pretty easy-going guy, don't think I would put up a stink about anyone playing with me, really 

10. Have any of you ever experienced stage fright? Do you have any tips for beginners on overcoming it?

I personally never really had it. The best I can say is go as hard as possible, and you won't be able to notice the people in front of you while playing, your head banging will blur it out, and the crowd will go harder for it 

11. Which bands have influenced you the most?

Dissection is a staple in my writing style. I don't think I'll ever come close to what they have created, but I'll try my best to do it. A lot of the '90s death metal bands are huge in my style as well. Morbid Angel, Pestilence, Carcass, and Death, to name a few 

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

For my band Dyspläcer, one of our fans drove from Nashville to Detroit and bought us a motel cause he knew we hadn't showered in like 3 days. That was a gift from God 

13. What do you think of your fans?

Anyone who likes what I produce is great in my opinion. I love them for their devotion, I just hope that they follow me from Dyspläcer as well 

14. What do you think of our site?

I think it's an excellent platform that covers a wide genre of music, and there's certainly a lot to discover through these interviews 

15. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Magic is real, and don't fuck with it too hard, or it will bite you in the ass