Pestilence developed itself in a spectacular way in a few frantic years, despite relentless touring and promotional obligations. And... Patrick Mameli was never the one to play it safe. So in 1993 he started composing and recording what was to be the Spheres album. A growing fondness of fusion music found its way to the new style that Pestilence presented. In recent years the albums had been heralded as an adventurous and daring piece of work that was ahead of its time. Way back then it was misunderstood and fell on many deaf ears. It created tension in and around the band.

In 1994 the band came to a crushing halt. For many years Patrick Mameli, who had been such a vocal factor in the international death metal community, seem to have disappeared from the face of the earth. His appetite for musical adventure and stubborn character shaped the music of his new band C-187, that debuted in 2007. Although the album brought him no new successes, it marked his long awaited return to the world of heavy music. It did not take long for fans around the world to voice their desire for a return of the mighty Pestilence.

The result of many months of hard work is aptly titled Resurrection Macabre. The new album has everything to offer that a fan of Pestilence – old and new – possibly could wish for. And more. It has the dark atmosphere, brutal vocals, sheer power and technical skills – always the trademarks of Pestilence. Patrick Mameli stresses that his band is not going to take the easy ride of nostalgia. ,,I don’t want to rely on successes of the past. This is not a reunion, but a second life for Pestilence. That’s why we wanted to mark our comeback with a new studio album. Stylistically it goes back to the days of Consuming Impulse and Testimony of the Ancients, but it’s also apparent that time did not stand still. I am a better musician than I was back then. Compared to the old days the technical possibilities are limitless.”

Patrick: We definitely feel more focused, there’s a new lineup in the band, and we have kids now so it’s not like the old days. No more drinking and getting crazy. It’s a little more tiring. You know we hung out with the guys from Carcass and Napalm Death and it doesn’t seem like they’ve changed too much. They still have the long hair and everything. Maybe we’ve changed?

Patrick: Oh no, it’s not the kind of environment I want my kids to be around, they’re only three and five but my oldest said to me the other day, “Daddy, when you get too old for this, I’ll take over for you. I’ll start a new Pestilence”. How cool is that?

Patrick: We were just getting really fed up with the music industry. The label were on was getting really huge and we didn’t feel like we had any support from them. We couldn’t change our style at all and when we did Spheres we had no support from the label so we were just really fed up with them.

Patrick: Yeah, we just wanted to do something different and realistically it might have not been the best idea because we did lose some fans with Spheres.

Patrick: It’s not very much different but it definitely sounds like Pestilence. I didn’t listen to too much death metal when we were doing this album because I didn’t want to sound like everyone else. I composed all the songs but would check with everyone in the band to make sure they were okay with it. It definitely has a fresh raw sound to it.

Patrick: Oh, awesome, thank you.

Patrick: Well, our old bass player is back with us so that’s great and we have a new drummer and he’s just amazing. He’s this twenty-three year old and does these blast beats just non-stop and it’s awesome. I’m really happy with the lineup.  The click is definitely there, with Resurrection we had some session musicians come in and out so it was hard to get that vibe but it’s definitely there now.

Patrick: I really have no idea what to expect. Last year we tried to play the Maryland Death Fest but got sent back by immigration but our Visa’s approved now so we’re really happy to be doing that. We just hope people are open-minded to the new material. We know fans want to hear the old stuff which we’ll play too but we need to promote the new album too. We’re just very anxious and excited because it’s been so many years.

Patrick: When we came into the studio none us knew what to expect but it’s like riding a bike. Once you start getting into it again, you just bike. As long as it comes from the heart, that’s all that really matters.

Patrick: Yep, already have five new songs and getting ready to record that in September. Its way more brutal and an even further step for Pestilence.

Patrick: Everything progresses, it grows and expands. The popularity of the metal scene is either ultra-popular or totally underground. You can’t really get a grip on it. We’re on the up wave right now but it could go down next year. A lot of bands are super fast, their motto is: “You don’t blast, you don’t last”, and that’s great but we want to create memorable songs.

Patrick: Exactly, and a lot of the riffs are shitty and we feel if the riffs are shitty don’t play them. We want to write good songs and I think we’ve achieved that.

Patrick: People have had mixed emotions, some are still holding onto the past. They have to realize that people do change. Lineups change. Same with the reaction to Metallica, people have to understand that change is good. The musicianship on this album is excellent. Younger fans of metal who haven’t heard of us yet will pick up “Resurrection” and appreciate it. As long as the band is behind it, I’m happy.

Patrick: It’s weird but I hardly listen to music anymore. My boss, who’s younger than me listens to this techno stuff on the radio all day so when I get home I just want peace and quiet. My son loves jazz though which is awesome!

Patrick: we just hope that people come out to the shows and have a blast!

Patrick: it was great talking with you and I really hope you can make it out to one of our shows.

Patrick: (laughing) Awesome!

We would like to thank all that made this interview a possibility and to Patrick for blessing us with his legendary presence!