We spoke to Andrew Sutton from Indiana’s slammin’ brutal death metal band Engutturalment Cephaloslamectomy!
MPM: Hi Andrew, thank you for taking the time and privilege doing this interview. First off how are you doing and secondly those unaware of your contributions could you introduce yourself to what you do for the band?
ES: I’m doing well. Thanks for having me. I am the band’s founder, the songwriter, vocalist, guitarist. I was also the bass player and drummer on the EP, ‘8.1.2.”
MPM: In 2020, Engutturalment Cephaloslamectony released the debut full-length on Gore House Productions titled Glam Not Slam and I honestly thought it was a solid record front to back and I just can’t comprehend further how detailed and crafted the album is front to back. Was the process in writing the album difficult during the pandemic or was it a easy process to get comfortable writing the music?
ES: To be perfectly honest, all of the music written on Glam Not Slam was written between 2015 and 2018, long before the pandemic started. I will say that the songwriting and recording process happened during a difficult transition period in my life. However, I will say the songwriting process was relatively easy. But the recording process was incredibly difficult since our drummer lives in California and it was mixed in Russia.
MPM: Since Engutturalment Cephaloslamectony is signed to Gore House Productions whom are one of my favorite labels specializing in Brutal Death Metal, how was the chemistry been when you got signed to the roster and how does it feel being apart of a wonderful community for the extreme metal scene?
ES: The owner of Gore House and I are incredibly close and we talk all the time. We’re very happy to be part of Gore House Productions and don’t have any intentions of leaving the label any time soon. The scene has been very supportive of us despite our humorous overtones. Many people aren’t too fond of the overall “gimmick” of E.C, but we think the music speaks for itself.
MPM: You’re also the drummer for another Indiana based band called Visceral Throne and last material was released in 2015 titled Those Who Have Fallen Beyond the Grace of God. Are there any plans in recording new music for Visceral Throne anytime soon?
ES: Yes. We plan on releasing our next full length album next year through Dissonant Tapes, a label that I run. It will be a completely different animal as our earlier works though.
MPM: What songs off on Glam Not Slam would you consider to be highlights or favoritism in terms of consistency, structure and performance?
ES: Some favorites are probably I Bless The Slams Down In Africa and Knights in Slammin’ Service.
MPM: On the album Glam Not Slam, most of the lyrics reflect on parodies of other different bands such as Toto’s Africa on the song I Bless The Slams Down In Africa. What’s your inspiration in creating songs about humor and other contents?
ES: A lot of our inspiration comes from the scene itself. For instance, the song “No Ghey Black Metal! (Only Good Shit)” actually comes from an old Devourment shirt that had that on the back, which is really cringe but also funny a bit. That’s just one example, but it’s basically the case for a lot of our songs.
MPM: Since both Engutturalment Cephaloslamectomy and Visceral Throne both reside in Indiana, could you go over what its like in the music scene for the state?
ES: To be honest, we don’t really have a BDM scene here. We haven’t played shows here in many years. I just happen to live here but there is very little support from local people.
MPM: What was your inspiration in wanting to become a extreme metal musician?
ES: Being a part of the scene and going to shows since 16. My first death metal show ever was in 2003, which was Nile, Kreator, Vader, Amon Amarth & Goatwhore. Ever since then, I’ve been going to shows and it really made me want to be a part of the scene.
MPM: You’re also a owner for a company called Dissonant Tapes which specializes in brutal death metal and slam releases. Could you go over how that started out and about?
ES: It all came from the desire to release high quality tapes in a market oversaturated with garbage quality releases that are for novelty purposes only. I think we have made our point extremely clear that audiophiles can listen to tape and it’s not just for novelty.
MPM: Since shows are slowly making a comeback, what bands would you like to bring with you for future shows?
ES: To be honest, I don’t see us playing many shows anytime in the future. At this point, I am the only active member of the band and I don’t see myself being able to pull a Putrid Pile off with any level of sincerity. Maybe if we get some more active members, we could play live again, but at this point it’s uncertain if that will ever happen.
MPM: Since 2020 was a hard time for most of the bands not able to make a tour and started to create virtual concerts and livestreams, what have been some hobbies you like doing that others may not know about yourself?
ES: Collecting music has always been a huge part of my life since I was young. I’d say that’s probably the biggest hobby I have. The label also takes a huge part of my time up.
MPM: In your honest opinion, where you do see the extreme metal community go in the next decade or two and what releases from 2021 are you most anticipated for?
ES: Not too certain about that. I’m sure it will only be pushed to further extremes as it always has. As for anticipated releases, the most anticipated is probably the upcoming release from Brodequin. Also the new Lust of Decay album. Not too sure when either will be out though.
MPM: Do you prefer recording music in studio or perform live in front of audiences? If so, what be the reason for that choosing?
ES: I’d say most artists prefer the live experience because of the connection with the audience. However, recording can be just as rewarding. Seeing something you’ve worked on for a long time come into fruition is an amazing thing.
MPM: Before we wrap up the interview, thank you for taking the time doing this. Are there any last words or information you like to spread for the upcoming future?
ES: We will be back sometime in the next year with a new album and other new projects coming soon.
Interview by Jake Butler
