Pestifere Interview

1. For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?





2. So far you have released 2 albums, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on both of the recordings and also how do they differ from each other?

Each record is representative of how we played as a band at a given time.  “Liminal,” being our first record is raw, both in production and performance. Not necessarily in a bad way, but the recording process was very much a learning experience.

We tracked “Hope Misery Death” very quickly, which allowed us to maintain our excitement for the music.  While moments of “Liminal” were captured perfectly, some fell short for us.  “Hope Misery Death” on the other hand was captured as envisioned. 




3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

Our lyrics are inspired by our frustration with power structures, which disregard people and the environment.  The more we neglect and disregard our connection to nature, the more damaging we become to both ourselves and the environment we’re a part of. 



4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Pestifere'?

Pestifere means plague-stricken or plague victim. It fit well with our lyrical themes of the environment and of the human struggle.





5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?

Some of our best shows have been in basements here in Minneapolis.  Playing in small basements or warehouses seems to allow for more intense energy, for both us and the crowd.



6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

Immediately following the “Hope Misery Death” release we’ll be doing a couple weekend runs hitting Minneapolis, Rapid City, Colorado Springs, Denver, Sioux Falls and Milwaukee.  We plan on doing longer runs come fall and winter.



7.The new album was released on 'Eihwaz Recordings' are you happy with the support that they have given you so far?

Absolutely. Jim and Marty at Eihwaz have been fantastic.  We’re glad they saw something in the first record enough to work with us on a second. 



8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?

It’s a bit early to tell. Liminal was self-released so only had so much reach and promotion.  In time we’ll see what happens with the release of Hope Misery Death.



9. What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?

We all play in bands outside of Pestifere.  As far as releases go, Dylan’s band Suffering Hour will be releasing their new record “In Passing Ascension” through Blood Harvest Records from Sweden. It’s a great piece of cosmic blackened death.  Lucas has two other bands, both on the side of tech-death: Australis, which just self-released a full-length on Bandcamp and Sunless, which recently released a demo to the upcoming full-length.



10. Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

We have quite a bit of material for the third full length but it’s still in early stages to know what it will shape up to be.  We typically write without a specific vision in mind for an album but instead for the mood we want to express through each song. I expect any new release will be different from the previous though I guarantee our love for bands like Dissection and Sacramentum will always show through our music.





11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?


Dissection, Sacramentum, Death, Svartidaudi, Dead Congregation, Agalloch, Mgla, Negative Approach, Absu, Katatonia (old), Opeth, Thin Lizzy, Satan, Jim Croce, Brian Dack, Obsequiae, Wovenhand, Dawnbringer, Joanna Newsom, King Crimson. 



12. What are some of your non musical interests?
Things best explored outdoors.





13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Thanks for the interview!

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