Maryland death metal giants Dying Fetus are back with their first new album in six years, Make Them Beg For Death, which finally arrived earlier this month via Relapse Records. This brutal comeback is a testament to the fact that there’s no slowing down the intensity. Their ninth offering is brimming with blast beats and relentless ferocity. Metal Insider recently caught up with the band’s bassist/vocalist Sean Beasley to delve into the details of this release, the follow-up to 2017’s Wrong One to Fuck With.
Can you discuss the creative process behind Dying Fetus’ ninth album, Make Them Beg for Death?
It was a little different this time considering the end of the pandemic at the same time. Most of the riffs were there before the pandemic started. Then with so much time off, when we finally started practicing again, John had most of it together. Then we just started to arrange everything then add lyrics which bring certain changes, then again in the studio with minor changes. We did have plenty of time this go around to practice and be ready for the studio, so I think that helped the final product.
Can you talk more about the inspiration and concept behind the video for “Feast of Ashes?”
We kind of wanted to stay with the theme of the album cover. After already releasing two other videos we wanted to stay with the 80’s horror theme “look” since we didn’t do that in the other two. To have more of a narrative being played out instead of a live performance.
Make Them Beg for Death follows the previous album, Wrong One To Fuck With, how does the latest effort build on the overall themes and style of its predecessor?
It’s a Dying Fetus album and we do what we do. Every release is different but I guess some of the song structure is similar to the last one. I would say slightly more stomp riffage, and a little less technical, but what you would want in a Dying Fetus album.
Can you share some insight into the themes and stories behind these songs: “Unbridled Fury,” “Hero’s Grave,” and “Enlighten Through Agony?”
“Unbridled Fury” is someone at their end, daydreaming of committing violent suicide. More about unleashing mayhem than ending themselves. “Hero’s Grave” goes over the situation between helping someone in danger and the consequences to yourself in doing so. Whether physical harm, death, police, or accusations of something political or illegal. Huge barriers in helping your fellow man. “Enlighten Through Agony” reflects on the “elite’s” view of us all, and how that is reciprocated.
Dying Fetus have been a prominent figure in the death metal scene. How do you perceive the evolution of the genre, and how do you stay true to your roots while experimenting with new elements?
There have been changes as the music evolves. At the moment it seems like the more technical bands and the more straight-forward bands are the ones rising right now. Speed does not appear as important all of a sudden. As far as what we do, it’s just to keep all the usual elements in the music while trying different things.
With nine albums under Dying Fetus’ belt, what do you consider to be the most significant milestone for the band?
I would say after the Descend into Depravity release in 2009, when all the first week numbers came out. Us appearing on all the lists we have never been on before. Definitely felt different for us.
With the upcoming tour, how do you plan to bring the energy of Make Them Beg for Death to the live stage?
We do what we do, so we will all have some coffee before the show. We will be bringing out some lights and have a new stage setup.
Looking ahead, what are some goals for the future of Dying Fetus?
To keep bringing brutal death metal to all of our fans and everyone else who wants to check it out.
Is there anything else you want to say or add to your listeners?
Just thank you so much for the support for us to keep doing this. And to hopefully to see all of you soon.
Tour Dates:
10/17 Cincinnati, OH @ Bogarts
10/18 Pittsburgh, PA @ Roxian Theatre
10/19 Philadelphia, PA @ Brooklyn Bowl
10/20 Richmond, VA @ Canal Club
10/21 Greensboro, NC @ Hangar 1819
10/22 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
10/24 Orlando, FL @ The Beacham
10/26 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
10/28 Austin, TX @ Come And Take It Live
10/30 Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
10/31 Phoenix, AZ @ The Marquee
11/01 San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
11/02 Los Angeles, CA @ The Belasco
11/03 Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst
11/04 Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
11/05 Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory
11/07 Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot
11/09 Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall
11/10 Lawrence, KS @ The Granada
11/11 Minneapolis, MN @ The Lyric at Skyway
11/12 Chicago, IL @ Concord Music Hall
11/13 Detroit, MI @ St. Andrew’s Hall
11/14 Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
11/15 Rochester, NY @ Water Street Music Hall
11/17 Brooklyn, NY @ Warsaw
11/18 Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live
