INTERVIEW: Funerus

Funerus was the first band to be interviewed by the editor of Diabolical Conquest webzine which came to be known as Transcending Obscurity in its latest avatar. Back then the album ‘Festering Earth’ was out. The year was 2003 and Funerus wasn’t as well known. Circa 2015 and you find the band having a cult status, a couple of more releases out on different labels, and more importantly, an Asian tour for the first time including the rising country of India. Peter Kotikalapudi in collaboration with Kunal Choksi (editor) get in touch with John and Jill McEntee to find more information on their activities.

Transcending Obscurity (Peter): You are embarking on your ‘Black Death over Asian tour’. How does it feel? Is this your first time in Asia? What is your perception of the Asians?

Funerus: It feels great to be a part of this thing! We played some shows in Japan years ago, but other than that we have been to Asia. I have always had an interest in the Asian cultures so it will be great to visit these countries!

TO (Peter): I noticed a flurry of posts on my social media platforms by excited metalheads when your band was announced as the headliner for Pandemonium fest in particular in Delhi. Please tell us how the tour came about?

Funerus: The tour came about because John and I planned a vacation. It’s our 15 year anniversary this year, so we wanted to do something big. We decided to do an Asian cruise, and since we were already going to be here, we thought we would make a tour out of it!

TO (Peter): In the past decade, many metal bands have played shows in India, ranging from popular bands like Iron Maiden, Metallica, Megadeth to even relatively underground bands like Impiety, Manzer and Wormrot. Were you aware of the metal scene in India before getting booked for the shows? What are you looking forward to at your shows in India?

Funerus: I knew there was some kind of scene in India because of the “Diabolic Conquest” website. I used to post on the message board and knew there were people from India over there. I am most looking forward to playing the shows for our supporters and meeting a lot of new people!

TO (Kunal): Do you think the metalheads in India would be receptive to your style of music? Most metalheads are weaned on classic thrash metal, and of late, even Pantera and newer metalcore stuff. Do you think that proves to be a detriment for Funerus? What do you perceive of the modern styles in metal?

Funerus: Yes I think the metal heads will like Funerus, we have a lot of catchy songs and we are much easier to listen to then some of the other genres of metal. I don’t think that being what we are is detrimental to the band. It makes us happy to play the way we want to play and I think that comes across in the live performance.

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