PESTILENCE. Interview with Patrick Mameli

Interview by Richard Keenahan

Hi Patrick, hope you are well and thanks for taking the time to do the interview. I just wanted to start off by saying how much I like the new release Exitivm it’s a stellar record and is sitting towards the top of my 2021 albums of the year. Solid Death Metal with these nice technical flourishes and it has a real groove to it. The solos are fantastic and rel ly add something to the song.

1) It’s been 3 years since the release of Hadeon and since then you’ve taken on new blood into the band, did this have any impact on the songwriting for the new album?

Not really, I have always been the sole composer for PESTILENCE. The only thing that`s different this time are a new set of players. They have to fill in the parts to their best ability. Their talent and musical abilities is what I`ve chosen them for in the first place. They were free to roam within the PESTILENCE boundaries. I`m very keen on keeping my style pure.

2) I’d like to touch on the recording of the latest album if I may? How was the new album recorded and what guitars and amps did you use?

The album was recorded at a friend’s house. His studio is called Pitch Note Studio`s. No further amps or cabs were used. We used our Kemper stage and went directly into the mixing board. Drums were recorded at Michiel`s home studio.

3) The album to me has a really clear production and a nice separation between the instruments, how important is it for you to get that balance instead of just giving people this wall of Death Metal?

This has always been one of my main concerns really. You can only do this when you have solid musicians. Clarity without losing power. After Consuming Impulse, I realized, that to become a band with a clear vision, you must create your own style. That`s the reason that I stopped listening to other DM bands. I do not want to be influenced.

4) Wit h Exitivm you’ve got those really nice keyboard parts adding depth to the songs, I’m thinking of Deificvs where they seem to add nice counterpoint to the vocals. Was it the intention to have them so much to the fore?

With every album I want to do something special that works for that album. I wanted it to be more dramatic. So this was a well thought of idea. I think it works really well.

5) You’ve been around since 1986 with 9 studio albums to your name and you’re still able to come out with so many killer riffs you must have a big vault of riffs, how has the song writing changed over the years?

I think it`s like riding a bike. And I stick with my idea of not listening to other DM bands. It keeps my head clear to come up with PESTILENCE riffs.

6) You’ve become known over the years as a band that has influenced countless bands with your desire to push the boundaries of what Death Metal can be. Where does that desire to push the boundaries come from?

I think it is within my genes to be always on top of my game and trying to, every day, to become a better musician, human being in general.

7) Now the album has been out for close to 6 months are you happy with the reaction from the fans?

I think that most people have been very positive about the release. To release an album that is timeless like Consuming or Testimony is very difficult. But I think that with EXITVM we succeeded in doing so. But wait until you hear PORTALS. I`m currently working on this beast. Working on the sixth song as we speak. You know, when I do check out new releases, I find most of them pretty boring and not with the holy fire they once had. PESTILENCE will make sure that never happens, or it`s time to quit.

8) In terms of listening to music are you still a metal fan or is metal more of a creative outlet for you?

I really only hear PESTILENCE music. I try to analyze the songs and see what can be improved.

9) Any new bands or artists that you’ve discovered over the last 12 months?

There are a few artists that I admire but they are not from the DM realm, rather jazz. Like Domi and JD Beck.

10) Consuming Impulse and Testimony of the Ancient sit with many metal fans as their favourite album or albums by Pestilence but ignoring anything after that. What is your view on fans who only want to listen to a certain time period of a band without really giving any albums that come later on any time?

Metalheads are very nostalgic. This can be both a blessing but also a curse. For me as a musician, it`s a real composer killer. I think that I became a better musician every hear. Some people like to ride only oldtimers, but that doesn`t mean an Audi R8 isn`t badass either.

11) With Streams of Ancient Wisdom Book due out soon, were you interviewed for this bookend if so did it bring back memories of the old days if so would you care to share any stories from that time period?

I remember our first US tour with DEATH and I`m proud we were able, at such young age to be successful in the States supporting a band like DEATH.

12) Do you think Death Metal is in a Healthy place going forward or are there too many bands trying to capture a certain time period without maybe the understanding of that time?

Only a few dinosaurs are left in the Old School DM game. They will go extinct in this world of information and emptiness.

13) What are your plans for Pestilence going forward?

First we all have to survive this “pandemic” in order to look ahead. Our shows have all been postponed so I have no idea right now.

14) Is there anything you would like to add?

Thanks for the interest in PESTILENCE. Hope there comes better times. Be safe and bless you!

Thank you answering these questions as a fan of the band it’s always hard to keep on track instead of asking questions that only a few people want to read about.