Pig Destroyer interview: "Τhere is a possibility that we would do something like "Natasha" in the future"

Once they changed the face of extreme music, with the violent masterpieces "Prowler In The Yard" (2001) and "Terrifyer" (2004), the undisputed masters of grindcore of the new millennium, Pig Destroyer, returned this year by releasing a new masterpiece. "Book Burner" deservedly won a place among the top 30 releases of the year for Rocking and in connection with this distinction, we spoke with Blake Harrison (samples, effects), who among other things, we talked about the new record and generally about grind and its evolution.

It's been less than two months since "Book Burner" was released. How do you feel about that and what kind of response do you get?
The response has been amazing. We’re very fortunate and grateful for the outpouring of support that we’ve been getting.

I think in "Book Burner" you followed a more straight-forward approach: Sharp as razor songs with clean but mean production and much less thrashy riffs. Considering the huge success of "Phantom Limb", why did you choose to change your sound?
When we were discussing the idea of writing for the new record, we just really wanted a more lean and mean stripped down grind core sound. Something fierce.  The songs just came out as short, it wasn't a conscious decision, but I wouldn’t say that we really changed our sound. I mean there are elements of each of our records in this record.

How did the collaborations with Kat Katz, Jason Netherton and Richard Johnson come up?
We’ve known all of those people for a long time, JR decided that he wanted some other vocalists to get some other stuff done so we chose them, they are all very talented and since we know them, it was pretty easy to work with them.

I loved Bryan Harvey's drum work but Adam Jarvis' drumming is something extraordinary. Is he going to be a permanent member of the band?
Yes, Adam is a full time member of the band and we’re super excited to have him on board.

Hayes' short story "The Atheist" which is included in your limited edition cd and vinyl, summarizes the meaning behind "Book Burner". Who are the real book burners in real life and what's your opinion on religion?
I’m not too sure who the book burners are in real life, you know, maybe the extreme right. My thoughts on religion? I think that people should be free to practice what they want. The problem begins when those same people inflict their beliefs or value systems on other people.

"The Bug" starts with some of the most interesting intros I've heard, a sample of Henry Miller's "Gob Of Spit". Was that you that chose this? What does it mean for you and why did you choose the particular quote?
It’s always been an amazing quote in my eyes. We just thought that it was a nasty comment on art. Which it is.

The artwork is amazing and while it’s beautiful, it predetermines for something scary to come. Whose idea was that?
That was JR really, the artist had had that piece sitting around for a while and JR remembered it and thought it fit the record.

"Natasha" was pretty fantastic and was a perfect demonstration of your sheer brilliance as a band for doing something so great despite being 'outside of your field'. Was that just a one-off experiment or is there a possibility to listen something similar from you in the future? I wouldn’t want you to change your sound but I have to admit that I‘d love to listen a 10 minute or so song as nightmarish as "Natasha" to end your next record.
Thanks, I mean it was an experiment, but there is a possibility that we would do something like that in the future. We would never stray from our grindcore roots too far, but that style is also an influence on us as well, so as long as it’s dark and heavy, we might try it again.

Here in Rocking.gr, "Book Burner" was voted among the best 30 records of 2012 and landed on #7 making it the best metal record of the year because no other metal record is above it (in my personal list was the number 1 record of the year). Do you want to state something about that?
It’s amazing, it’s so flattering to be voted on these lists. We’re very proud of the record and to have people respond to it is amazing.

What is 'grind' to you? Is it just about playing fast or is it a way of life?
It’s a way of life, I mean, we’re all older now and we have real jobs etc., but you have to love this genre to play it.

With you as pioneers, grind evolved greatly the past decade. Do you see that too and if yes, how do you explain it?
I agree with that, as far as an evolution, no genre can remain exactly the same forever, or else it gets stale, it gets stagnant. Look at any genre from hip hop to doom, there’s always new blood that comes along and adds something new, that has a fresh take on it.

Pig Destroyer became famous for the excessive use of noise samples and noisy production, while other grind bands such as Liberteer use folk elements. Do you think there is room for even more experimentation in the grindcore genre?
Absolutely, you know the sky is the limit, art should never be limited and there is room for purists, but there is also room for experimentation and expansion.

From what other bands besides grind or forms of art do you gain influence?
All kinds of stuff as a band we listen to jazz, ambient music, hip hop, experimental. You know we’re just people that like and appreciate music.

Hatebeak was an interesting band where you used a parrot in vocals. What was that all about? Was that just a parody or some kind of a statement?
It was basically a way for us to have a little fun and poke some fun at metal… nothing too intense.

What other plans do you have from now and on? Any plans for a European tour maybe, with any chance to make stop in Greece too?
We’re working on plans for next year, and we’re planning on doing some stuff in Europe. I wouldn’t rule out Greece, it’d be amazing to play there.

Now that 2012 is almost over, which are the best five albums for you?
Black Sheep Wall- No Matter Where It Ends, Gaza- No Absolutes In Human Suffering,  Blacklisters-BLCKLSTRS,  Napalm Death- Utilitarian, Phobia-Remnants Of Filth

That's it Blake. Thank you very much for your time. The last words are yours.
We’re very grateful for all of the support, cheers and beers.