Is Monster X a straight-edge or a
crust band?
We're basically a Hardcore band. We do consider ourselves to be a posi youth
band also, but most importantly we are a DIY band. We are not a crust band, I think there
are very few that actually exist anymore. To me crust bands are bands like Amebix,
Devitated instinct, Misery, etc...
The cover of your Ep shows crusties,
metallheads, punks, sXe'rs having fun together at a show, but do you really believe unity
could be achieved or are there too many differences between each cliques? Many other New
York bands before used to preach about unity but I have a feeling they were usually quite
intolerant towards different people or music styles?
I don't think that those early NYC bands were actually even into unity, they
preached it, but when I went to shows as a metal head in the mid 80's, I got fucked with
big time. I know that unity is not realistic in our fucked up scene, the factions are too
different. I think the only point we were trying to make in the drawings was that
different people could enjoy the same bands, and still get along.
Now that you attained the status of a
"cult band", don't you fear Lost'n'found might put out a Monster X discography
bootleg?
I don't really understand what you mean by a "cult" band, but if
you mean a "bigger" band, no I'm not concerned with Lost'n'found, I doubt he
even knows we exist. Besides that we're trying to not let anything go out of print, so our
stuff is always in print. The one record that is out of print right now is the Human
greed/Monster X split. But that should be in print again within a year.
You have songs about the environment,
but on the other hand you put out records which are made of plastic and waste a lot of
chemicals, you go on tour which requires a lot of gas for the van, etc.. Isn't there a
contradiction here?
I guess it depends on how you look at it, I never considered us to be a
environmental band, we want to bring points to people who are blind, we choose to educate,
those who may not see things in the right light. Though we are tolerant to different
opinions, and views. Anyway Monster X do not play a lot of shows, or even have a CD out
yet, but we are not perfect, and do not wish others to be!!! Just be yourself, and use
your mind!
How is it according to you that many
American bands usually never reply the mail and that many Americans never actually
communicate or write long letters, etc?
These American bands you speak of should be forced to the ground and have X's
branded on their heads!!! Motherfuckers (just kidding). Some bands just have nothing to
say. I don't think it's just Americans, it's people from all over this world who can't
relate to one another, then can not communicate. Can you blame people!! Would you want to
talk to flat out racist, if you could avoid it!! People are different, that's all.
What would your reaction be if you
walked by someone on the street wearing a a) Infest shirt b) Ice of base shirt c)
Screwdriver shirt?
I walk right by, maybe would make a comment to the Infest guy about his cool
shirt, but for the most part I'm not going to judge people by the T-shirt they wear
(unless it's a HC band). There are just to many people in our world, different trips, that
you can't react to them all, you'll drive yourself crazy!!
Your artwork usually portrays very
negative or pessimistic things like destruction's, etc; that doesn't sound very positive
for a straight-edge band, does it?
I think we do spread a positive message, through our lyrics and actions. Our
covers for the most part are "evil" looking cos of the fact that we're all metal
heads at heart. We as youngsters growing up were into Judas priest, Iron maiden, Slayer,
etc...So we are attracted to cool looking cover art.
Would you like to put out a CD
discography on my label?
No, we have way many obligations right now, I do appreciate your asking,
that's very nice, and flattering. I don't think Kent wants the Ebullition 7" on a
disk, we are planning to do a LP/CD next on Hater of God records. Who knows when we'll
write the songs though, cos Devon's in Europe (at the time of the interview) playing bass
for Dropdead, and Jeff's up north going to school right now. John and I are doing a
project band called Weapon X (just him playing drums + vox, and me doing guitar + bass);
we hope to write enough songs to record a 7" or a split.
You all play in different bands apart
from Monster X. Usually when people start playing in side projects it usually mean they
are not satisfied with their band and want to try something else. Is Monster X gonna split
up soon?
No, not at all, it's just we all love doing music so much that we need other
things (ways) to vent music. Monster X is always a part time thing cos of the fact that
someone is always off doing something (school, tours, etc...). Right now I also play in
Devoid of faith, John does Herbivore, Jeff quit Deadbaby + ECA to take Monster X full
time, and Devon is in Drop dead right now, I don't know how long it will last. Monster X
is + always will be one of the most important things in all our lives. We want to tour
Europe next summer, and I don't see a breakup anytime soon.