Planet Loud - Let’s get straight down to it. You announced the reformation of Pestilence early last year. Was it a difficult decision to make?

Pestilence - Not really, I knew that when I had my line up together, that this would be the strongest Pestilence line-up ever.


Planet Loud - You’ve been very vocal in saying that this is not a reunion. Why are you so keen to state that this is a reformation and not a reunion?

Pestilence - I don’t want to rehash/relive the past by playing it save and using the same line up as in the old days. We are now in the year 2009 and this should be the approach to the Pestilence music now.


Planet Loud - You’re releasing you first album in 16 years in March, what was it like being back in the studio as Pestilence?

Pestilence - The strange thing about it was that all the recordings were done seperately. First Peter came in and did his tracks. Then Tony and so forth… So when everything was recorded and played simultaneously together it sounded just great.


Planet Loud - So what can we expect from your new album ‘Resurrection Macabre’?

Pestilence - Well, it’s a typical Pestilence album, but more brutal than all the older stuff. It’s just upgraded to the year 2009. The production is clean, clear and very heavy.  


Planet Loud - Being the main songwriter and driving force for the band was it difficult to get back in the mindset to write a new Pestilence album?

Pestilence - Not really, it’s like riding a bike. I have plenty more ideas and riffs from where they came from!!


Planet Loud - After 16 years are you nervous about how the new album will be received?

Pestilence - It’s being received quite well as I understand from various comments and reviews in the zines and webzines. So no need to be nervous anymore about that. But no one can predict how an album will be received, look a the C-187 album. I thought it would be a great succes and it didn’t.


Planet Loud - During the time you’ve been away a lot of new bands have surfaced. Is there any that you particularly like, or in fact that inspired you on for this new record?

Pestilence - I try not to listen too much to metal. I don’t want to get influenced too much by it. But I do like bands like Hate Eternal, Dim Mak, Malignany, Meshuggah but to name a few.


Planet Loud - With that in mind, is there a danger that after all this time the band will no longer be relevant in today’s scene?

Pestilence - Well, of course, but the European tour has been a great succes and album sales and merch have been really good so I don’t worry about that. I reformed Pestilence because of the demand of the fans!


Planet Loud - Is likely to be the first of many new records, or is ‘Resurrection Macabre’ going to be a one off project for the band?

Pestilence - If the demand is there we will be there.


Planet Loud - Are there any plans to tour the new record?

Pestilence - We just toured all over the place. A  tour in the U.S. is in the making as well.


Planet Loud - With Pestilence back, what are your plans for C-187?

Pestilence - C-187 was a project anyways so no need for a follow up to that one. I still think it’s a super album.


Planet Loud - Thanks for your time. Hope everything goes well with the band..

Pestilence - Thanks for the interest and support.