Interviews: Evil Incarnate

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Old School Death Metal band Evil Incarnate from the USA. Check out this band and follow them on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you plan it or come out just like that?

EvilMike: Originally I was calling the band Apollyn and figured out the scene already had a black metal band named Apoolyns Son and at least another band was also using Apollyn. I wanted an original and previously unused name and the logo had to be readable and unique. Being that most of our main influence for this genre had come from bands with satanic lyrics and imagery I knew it also had to be in this way so I eventually settled on Evil Incarnate. I had done some reading and read the term and also it was made popular by the Michael Myers character and Halloween movies.

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

EvilMike: To me, it had the perfect combinations of Evil. It had grooves, double bass, doom, and also speed. I knew I could really stand out well and enjoy what I was doing. Everything from The Devil from early Suffocation, Cannibal Corpse,  and Dying Fetus to Entombed and Dismember. All the coolest shit from one end of the World to the Other was in fact, whether anyone noticed or not, the devil's music. It was gore-fueled and sick! Of course, lyrically we took more of a black metal edge and of course, death metal bands like Deicide, Vital Remains, Necrophobic, and Morbid Angel are more lyrically similar to what we did.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

EvilMike: The band has been through several lineup changes. 2027 will mark 30 years. I didn’t know any of the other original members until we were introduced and the same thing through the remaining years. Now currently my drummer Patt Maxwell I have actually known since we were 12. My current bass player Rick Garza I met online and we then met in person at a metal fest. A funny story of our first meeting at this festival is a Punk was intentionally trying to injure people who simply wanted to watch the bands. This guy didn’t care if it were men, Women, or even Minors. Well, Rick and I were front stage and this punk wanted to break my neck apparently. I looked up and saw him look straight into my eyes as he jumped as high as he could in the air to land with all his weight and an elbow like he was a Pro-WWE Wrestler onto my head and neck. I have a fast reflex so I actually caught him and then spun around with him, lifted him higher and power bombed him directly onto the Concrete floor with all I had. He lay there for a minute cringed and holding his back so Rick and I smiled and watched the band again. Out of the corner of my eye (head on a swivel at a show people) I saw him taking it out on a smaller teenager. They were punching each other cause the kid was fighting back and they fell onstage and bumped into me. I just drove my elbow into his face and neck while Rick was pulling him so the kid could escape. After this security tossed the guy out. fun first meeting!

4. Each band member's favorite band?

EvilMike: I know I Love Judas Priest and Slayer but for sure Swedish Death Metal. I actually have so many. I know Patt has always been a huge Iron Maiden fan and Overkill and Kreator and really digs Cradle of Filth. I know Rick is old-school metal also and loves what we like too but for him Definitely, he will say Running Wild & Grave.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

EvilMike: It could usually be a Movie or if I was hearing a Nee Album I really enjoyed or at some concert. But, generally, I never have a problem writing riffs when I start practicing. Lyrics are harder because you can burn out writing them too many too often.

6. Where was your last gig?

EvilMike: Our last shows were in legendary Cleveland Ohio and also New York near the Amityville Horror house area in Long Island.

7. Where would you like to act?

EvilMike: Acting? I definitely would enjoy doing some stand-up comedy.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

EvilMike: I recently did a Live Interview on YouTube with J Dawg of HellsHeadbangers Records but it would be great to have a front cover of Decibel Magazine or something like this.

9. Whom not?

EvilMike: Any publication that Despises Freedom for all whether you like what they say or not.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

EvilMike: I remember my first time being nervous because guys I looked up to were watching but I never had this happen to be in the band. One of the first things I do is a ritual. I walk up on a stage I will be playing later, pace it, and say to myself this motherfucker is mine! So maybe this helps but I read in Black Belt Magazine growing up a reprinted article from Bruce Lee where he said the very first thing anyone should do when they open their eyes in the morning is tell yourself you are awesome and you are Badass, something to this effect. It was about confidence. Maybe these tips help but I’m sure they have always helped me. Just remember to stay humble and respectful because no one likes an arrogant asshole. Confidence is great as long as you are cool.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

EvilMike: Everyone and everything metal I have heard since I was 9 or 10. Black Sabbath had sick riffs always! I enjoy brutal death grind and slam riffs as well as the OGs. Black metal also has some cool shit but my favorites will remain originals like Celtic Frost and Bathory.

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

EvilMike: HAH! Man, I’m sure I blocked a few on social media getting weird. Honestly, nothing is standing out to me at the moment because I talk to so many people constantly and have met so many but I did have a prison inmate convicted of satanic murders writing for a while back before Facebook was around and he was getting out soon and wanted to start up a new church with me. I wasn’t looking to go to prison and had little kids then so didn’t think it was wise to have him in my house.

13. What do you think of your fans?

EvilMike: Our fans are serious! Our fans are the best fans! We have many people who want every single thing we ever did and every single version of it. We have many people who will tell you we are the best and we have cult legend status. Not everyone can experience this, it’s a great feeling. Especially knowing our album BLACKEST HYMNS OF GODS DISGRACE went to the same level as many Huge bands as far as status in the scene. We are called by many THE KINGS OF BLASPHEMY so for sure we have carved a permanent Scar.

14. What do you think of our site?

EvilMike: The first time I saw this I said DAMN! This guy is a pro! Looks fucking awesome and you do such great work. I love the attention to detail.

15. Something to add?

EvilMike: Watch for coming Show announcements. This band is gonna be around for a while we have work to do. We will announce new management in January 2024. After this, our new demo will be released as well as partnering with booking agencies and label announcements. Follow us on social media because you will never know what’s next. Thanks for the promotion and opportunity, cheers!