Chad Bowar: How has your sound evolved from your first album to World Controlled?
Mark Duca: The first album was recorded live in the living room of our house, in 12 days. World Controlled is our first studio recording, and we spent more time with this recording, I think about 6 months or so and the sound quality is much better I think than the first release but I like both albums equally. Crucify The Priest has more elements of death metal and black metal with hints of thrash. World Controlled is more hardcore anger. Each one reflects different times in our lives. But I think both CDs are Bludgeon-ing, so when you put them in your CD player on shuffle, you have all you need.
Talk about the new band members and how you found them.
Carlos Alvarez: Let’s start with our new bass player C.S (Chris Studtmann). C.S is a 350-give or take pounds- 6 foot 5 giant chef from Elmhurst Illinois. C.S. has been one of the few giants to walk to the earth for thousands of years, and now has been a dear friend to me. He came from a band called God Size, who he played with together with his brother E-ride, guitar player and singer, who just recently passed away (RIP). Mark and I knew by adding C.S. would add a great new sound to a fresh new start of the world of Bludgeon. With a little persuading, with lots of fresh red meat, and lots of beer, he agreed upon entering Bludgeon.
Blaze (Ryan Blazek) is the newest edition to Bludgeon, since the beginning of '06. People are already saying that he played the drums to World Controlled, but he didn’t. And when you hear the 3rd album, which is already half written, then you’ll know and hear the difference. With influences that range from Buddy Guy to Fear Factory, we played together off and on for many years, in an old band we used to play together in, called God Help Us.
What inspired the title World Controlled?
Mark: There's always some type of control whether you're the controller or you’re being controlled. It seems like more and more we're being controlled or watched, telling us what to buy, what not to buy, with advertisements and TV commercials, cell phones, and cars with GPS, cameras at stoplights and intersections. Is this what a new world order is? It's more like a world controlled.
The album has been out for a few weeks in Europe. What has the response been so far?
Mark: The response is great. The fan support is always there in full force ready to pulverise any venue. The press is also good. I like to read what people are saying, it lets us know how they feel.
How was the recording experience with Joey DeMaio different this time around?
Mark:- The first album was recorded live in the living room and World Controlled is our first studio recording,
How did you first meet him?
Mark: He got his hands on our demo CD from a local radio station. The DJ gave it to him and some time later, we got a call from Joey. At first we were like, "yeah right this is Joey" but it really was Joey. Later he flew to our house in Chicago, and we gave him a private show and the rest is history.
What are your summer tour plans?
Mark: We plan to play some festivals in the summer and possibly jump on some ongoing tours. We definitely want to get on the road; it's on the top of our list! The fans are always ready and raring to go and you know there will be a pit for sure!
How did you get started in music?
Mark: That would be thanks to Testament’s first album, The Legacy.
Who were your influences and inspirations?
Mark: There are too many to name, but a few are, Slayer, Testament, Exodus, Cannibal Corpse, Slipknot, Deicide, DRI, SOD, Anthrax, Lamb of God, Kreator.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Mark: Heavy metal will never die!
