Lay Down Rotten interview

Answers by Jost

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

- After releasing three albums through Metal Blade Records we signed contracts with Apostasy Records (www.apostasyrecords.com) and we are about to release our 7th album "Deathspell Catharsis". Last week we played a very well received gig at the Masters Of Kassel Festival which was headlined by the mighty Sodom and right now we are very busy preaparing for our release shows in January.

 2.How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and also how does it differ from previous releases?

- Over the years we developed our own style. Every album represents an opportunity for us to improve our skills, our technique and also our sound and the concept of every album. Our sound and also our style is based on a well balanced mixture of mid tempo groove, blastbeats and Swedish Death Metal influences. 

 3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the new release explores?

- Every song on "Deathspell Catharsis" has its own story and its own topic. This is definitely not a concept album. For example, the album opener "Cassandra's Haunting" was inspired by the story of the tragic fate of the character from the Greek mythology, then there are Old School Death Metal lyrics such as "Blasphemous Rituals For The Perverted Flesh" and very metaphoric lyrics like the title track. I write the lyrics together with my brother Elmo and we always give it our best to write special Death Metal lyrics as we both worship the Metal of Death and want the songs to have strong words and for the fans to have something to digest lyric wise.

 4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name Lay Down Rotten?

- Lay Down Rotten is a strong and powerful name that stand for Death Metal. It is as simple as that. We know who we are and we know what we do that#s why these words in our band name represent our way in this genre.

 5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

- I will always remember our shows at the Party San Festival and With Full Force Festival, also our tours with Cannibal Corpse and Disbelief were very exciting and will always be very special memories.

 6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

- In January we will play two special release shows and right now we focus on booking shows for 2014. So contact us if you are interested in booking us and stay informed via laydownrotten.comand find us on facebook.

7.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of melodic death metal?

- It has been great. The fans are very enthusiastic. I received feedback from fans from Russia, Bulgaria, Spain, Portugal and I was especially moved by mails from fans from South America and we get a lot of great reviews from all around the world. I think it is awesome that the scene is alive and well and that alot of young dudes get to know Death Metal and become fans.

 8.What is going on with the other musical projects these days?

- Only our drummer is involved in a band called Miseo. They released an album in 2013 and they play gigs regularly. The other guys stay focused on Lay Down Rotten.

 9.What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

- Jazz and Ambient House... Just kidding. We stay Death Metal. We will go on exploring our soundwriting and our dedication to the music we love to play. Lay Down Rotten is Death Metal. We will never change what we are.

 10.What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

- Edge Of Sanity has always been a great influence on us but in general we love Old School Death, Thrash Metal, Black Metal and so on. I like authentic bands that play hard music. It doesn´t matter which kind of genre they belong to. Every band member has other preferences when it comes to hard music. 

11.Outside of music what are some of your interests?

- I am a big fan of video games and started back at a very young age with a Super Nintendo and now I am fully equpped with a Xbox One. I love it!

 12.Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

- Give us a like on fucking facebook. Geit in touch with us! Listen to our new album "Deathspell Catharsis"! Stay Metal!