Abnormality are a death metal band from Boston who mix classic death styles with a more technical approach to create a savage audio brutality. The band have recently released their new album Sociopathic Constructs and we had a chat with vocalist Mallika Sundaramurthy to hear all about it as well as how the band started, live plans, touring history and death metal in general.
Your new album Sociopathic Constructs is out now. How did the creation and recording of the album go?
Sociopathic Constructs was released May 10th. It took us about a year with the writing process, as is usual for us. The recording went smoothly.
Who did you work with on the album and what did they bring to the Abnormality sound and the sound of this album?
We worked with producer Peter Rutcho, who we’ve been working with since 2010. This time he also collaborated with Shane Frisby, at BrickHitHouse Studio. Together they achieved a modern but also aggressive sound that suits the music we’re making.
Is there a particular reason the album is named Sociopathic Constructs?
Sociopathic relates to our idea that the people who are drawn to power tend to be sociopaths. Constructs relates to the many ways in which the few and powerful control the many. This general theme runs through many of our songs.
Who did the artwork for the album and what does it signify?
I did the artwork myself. I’m a professional artist outside of the band. I wanted to capture the feeling in the music and the song concepts.
What subjects do the songs on the album dwell on?
The song subjects range from conspiracy theories, future dystopian stories, pedophilia, political commentary, etc.
The album strikes you with relentless brutality throughout. Do you think this is your heaviest album yet?
We think it just might be our heaviest album yet!
You’ve just done a video for the song Curb Stomp. Can you tell us a bit about the video?
This song is about the problem of pedophilia in our society (especially in Hollywood and the Catholic church) and how it affects victims throughout their lifetimes. In our song a victim gets revenge on his childhood abuser.
How did the band start in the first place?
Jay and I started the band back in 2005. I was looking for a heavy and extreme project to get involved in. Jay and I had a shared vision of what kind of music we wanted to create and added more members after that.
Who are some of the biggest influences on Abnormality?
Our biggest influences are bands like Morbid Angel, Cryptopsy, Suffocation, Carcass, Dying Fetus, Sepultura.
How did you get into death metal initially?
I started listening to death metal about 20 years ago as a teenager. First I listened to rock, hard rock, metal, then death metal. I was craving heavier and more extreme music.
What album has had the single biggest effect on you as a musician?
Suffocation- Pierced from Within
You’re touring Europe on the summer once the album is released. Are you looking forward to hitting the road and what can fans expect from the live shows?
Yeah, we are really excited to play the new song and to make a return in Europe after 5 years.
Will you be playing a lot of material from the new album?
Yes, definitely! At least half the set list will be new songs.
The tour includes appearances at some festivals including Obscene Extreme. Have you had much experience playing at festivals?
Since the past 14 years, yes we have played many festivals. This will be only our 2nd time at European festivals though.
If you could choose five bands to play at a festival with Abnormality, who would you choose?
Hmmm… Behemoth, Slayer, Cannibal Corpse, Cryptopsy, Judas Priest.
What are your touring plans for the rest of the year after that?
We don’t have plans for the rest of the year yet.
Abnormality have toured with the likes of Suffocation, Napalm Death, Pig Destroyer and Soulfly. Who have been your favourite bands to tour with and why?
Probably Suffocation were our favorite to tour with. They are our bros! We’ve known them for quite a few years now.
Who would you love to tour with in the future?
I think it’s about time we toured with Cannibal Corpse!
What was the first death metal gig you ever went to and what was the experience like?
I think it was Six Feet Under in like 1999.
What has been the best death metal gig you have ever seen?
That’s tough, there have been so many great shows over the years. One of the most memorable for me was the first time I saw Cryptopsy(with Lord Worm) in 2006.
How is life on Metal Blade and how did you come to be on the label?
Life is good! Metal Blade have been awesome to work with. I couldn’t think of a better label for us. We are honored to be on their roster among so many legendary and influential bands.
Were you a fan of the label before you signed to them?
Yes definitely! So many classic and timeless albums came out through Metal Blade. We were thrilled when we got the opportunity to work together.
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