The first time I had ever heard of MONSTER X was through various people, saying things like, there's this straight-edge grind band with a pro-legalization stance, and they write intelligent lyrics. Having heard all that, and especially at a time when straight-edge became more of a jook thing, and the politics became more and more conservative, when there was politics at all, my interest in a band like MONSTER X was piqued. From their demo, first EP and everything since then, I am more and more inspired by this band. Their music is abrasive, and is even better and more structured than most grind bands around, and their lyrics always offer something interesting. Also, then to be a bunch of great people. The below interview was conducted through the mail, and answered by Nathan Wilson.
M.Avrg: Please start off with a band history,
how you met, and any past band experiences.
Nathan: Devon and I started off with another singer and drummer trying to play posi-youth
styled hardcore like Y.O.T., etc....Well, we sucked hard, and when we got John on vox
things just sort worked right. We've been around since 1992 under the name MONSTER X. I
was in a few bands before that, ROMPER ROOM REJECTS (S.F.), INTENT (N.Y.), Devon was in
P.N.A.
M.Avrg: What is a MONSTER X?
Nathan: A MONSTER X is a monster from old Gamera movies, he's the giant turtle monster. We
just thought it was a great posi-youth name. I was fighting for Weapon X (a comic book).
M.Avrg: MONSTER X is a straight-edge band
that is pro-legalization. Does this include legalization of other drugs besides pot? Also,
could explain your reasoning on this stance?
Nathan: That's a good question, and our opinions vary on this topic. I wrote the lyrics to
the song. and wrote it with the opinion that all, yes all, drugs should be legal. Devon
tends to disagree, but supports the idea of pro-legalization of pot. I think John and Jeff
feel the way I do. My reasoning for the stance is that I feel people are capable of making
their own decisions, and if someone hates, or wants to destroy their life, then that's
fine. As long as others are not hurt in the process. If someone wants to smoke crack,
that's fine with me, go for it. Just leave those of us alone who want to be productive.
M.Avrg: Have many people within the
straight-edge scene raised hell with you for your legalization stance?
Nathan: No! Dave of hardware zine argued some valid points with is years ago, but honestly
the support on this stance has been okay, but then again we don't playing your typical
straight-edge feasts. We usually play with bands like DROP DEAD, LOS CRUDOS, etc... Bands
who leave a positive message on the "scene".
M.Avrg: Why are you straight-edge?
Nathan: 'cause I've used and abused every thing, and it's boring. When I smoked pot and
drank, I was not productive I run a label, a store, play in two bands and maintain a
relationship with a girlfriend. If I were still smoking and drinking I would have never
accomplished any of this. Remember, productive not destructive I'm one person, and I'm
sure there's those out there who can be productive while smoking, etc... But I couldn't do
it.
M.Avrg: The song "Will To Die..."on
your new EP speaks of euthanasia and the right to die. Could you further explain the
message this song sends?
Nathan: Devon wrote those lyrics, and I think it basically is about people in pain, being
able to end that pain. Devon`s mother died about 8 months ago, and she was in pain, and
towards the end she suffered. I think this really effected Devon in the way he thinks of
human life. We support the work of Kevorkiam 100%.
M.Avrg: What is your opinion on socialized
medicine?
Nathan: I'm one without insurance so of course I would love to have socialized medicine.
But can the government and people honestly pay for it? I doubt it. I think regulations on
doctor's services and prices should be implicated. Doctors and the A.M.A. are fucking
thieves!!! Fuck them all!!
M.Avrg: What are some other projects members
of MONSTER X are involved with?
Nathan: Tons. Josh does HERBIVORE, his one noise band, as he also runs Hater Of God
Records. Devon is in Europe right now playing bass for DROP DEAD, he used to do EXPLODING
CORPSE ACTION, which was a death sci-fi grind band like CARCASS, with Devon screaming,
burping and playing bass. Jeff was in DEAD BABY and EXPOLDING CORPSE ACTION, but now goes
to school and plays with us. I do my label Gloom Records, and play in DEVOID OF FAITH.
M.Avrg: Who would win in a kickboxing match,
MONSTER X or DEVOID OF FAITH?
Nathan: That's a though one, I think we're all pretty wimpy though, and might just walk
away, and go get some Indian food at Shalimar in Albany. Though kick boxing is one of my
favorite sports?!!?
M.Avrg: What's one question that you would
like to be asked about MONSTER X?
Nathan: That's a though one, I don't now. Maybe what label we would dream of doing a
record on, or what bands we would love to tour with, I don't know, that's a though one.
M.Avrg: Future plans and closing comments.
Nathan: Our future plans are a split 7" with SPAZZ (out now actually! - ed), and a
possible LP. The LP I would love to be on Hater Of God, or Ebullition. Kent has really
treated us great. We are also doing a tour in Europe in the summer of '97. Stay in it for
life!!!. Reach us (with S.A.S.E.) at the Hater Of God address. HATER OF GOD /POBox 1371
/Troy, NY 12181.