When you ask a self-proclaimed Satanist, famous for his articulation of church-fuelled anger, questions alluding to the current state of global politics and the world in general, ‘I say piss on ‘em all’ is pretty much the summarised version of the response you were expecting. CHRIS DRIVER bears the brunt of Floridian death metal stalwart and DEICIDE vocalist/bassist GLEN BENTON’s famous wrath.

Hell hath no fury like the scorn of middle-aged Satanists currently in his third decade of selling anti-Christian records to disenfranchised kids all around the world and still getting banned from places spread just as far and wide.

“I totally agree with blowing the motherfuckers up – don’t get me wrong – but I say we shouldn’t be trying to put in another US puppet regime somewhere,” says Benton, expanding on his original statement. “Now our government has got its lips pressed against every other government’s ass, and we’re forced to be the world police and now we’ve got to deal with their fucking hatred.”

“I thought our world was run by governments. Are they run by government, or are they run by church organisations? It’s like every government in the world has got its hands tied by fucking religion,” continues Benton who seems barely in control of his rage.

Having just had the first single from his latest full-length The Stench of Redemption pulled from the rotation of major music television stations in both the US and Britain, Benton’s anti-Christian sentiment is more potent than ever. The video, Homage For Satan, which depicts a demonically possessed priest bleeding from the mouth, was pulled first in Britain where it was labelled too offensive and banned from general viewing.

“It’s called religious freedom,” says Benton of the constant fuss surrounding his viewpoint. “It’s in the constitution but no one seems to be fucking bothered by that.”

But the cranky vocalist seems surprisingly unconcerned, “It’s just that now the Catholic Church isn’t as powerful as they used to be. I throw it back at them man ‘cause they ban my fucking shows, they do things to stop me getting my music out there and I’m not supposed to speak out against what they do?”

Although steadfastly maintaining their war on religion, Benton’s band has undergone some fairly significant changes in recent times. After nearly two decades with the same guitarists, the current album sees new shredders Jack Owen and Ralph Santolla join forces with Benton and drummer Steve Asheim to produce what Benton says is an album he’s proud of in its entirety.

“We’ve all known each other for years. For me and Steve, after what we’ve dealt with over time, having two professionals come in and do the job is very satisfying for us,” affirms Benton. “We all got along together and everybody had a good time and all the artistic energy was flowing.”

But the feisty frontman doesn’t share the same enthusiasm about all the recent changes. Benton, who once described his relationship with Roadrunner Records as ‘a thorn in their ass’, explains his new and improved position on bands and their record labels since signing to Earache in 2004.

“When you were a kid and you’d ask your old man for some money, but you’d have to bust your balls before he’d give it to you. That’s basically how it is. They’re the parent and you’re the child and whenever you need something you’ve got to call them up and throw a fucking fit.”

Deicide’s The Stench Of Redemption is out now through Earache/Riot

Be first to comment on this article

Write Comment
Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Poster's IP addresses are logged.
Name:
Comment:
Code:*