At this point Pig Destroyer has become a household name. The infamous and prolific grindcore act has created some of the most vile and destructive tunes that have ever (dis)graced my ears. Book Burner, their most recent effort, is nineteen tracks of some of the finest filth in all of Piggy D’s discography. I recently caught up with sampler and noise purveyor Blake Harrison to ask him a few questions regarding the new record, his involvement in the band and HATEBEAK.
-Lane Oliver
Hello Blake! How are you doing?
B-Hanging in there, I’m on a deadline at work, so I’m a little stressed.
Before joining Pig Destroyer prior to the recording of Phantom Limb, were you an avid listener of the band? How were you introduced to the band?
B-Of course I was. I was introduced to the band through Enemy Soil, a band that one of my old bands played with, it was a pretty early PxDx show.
How do you think Pig Destroyer has evolved over the years?
B-Every band grows to a certain extent, if not then it’s just stagnant. The song writing has definitely evolved, it’s more intricate. Before it was kind of powerviolence mayhem, which was great as well.
Pig Destroyer recently released their new record, Book Burner. Could you tell me a little bit about it? Writing, recording, etc?
B-Well, we wanted a more stripped down, leaner meaner record. Scott aimed for that in his writing and would demo the songs for us. JR lays his vocals down and then I come last, we did the same thing in recording.
How do you feel about the amount of positive press Book Burner is getting?
B-It’s great, it’s flattering, completely humbling actually. We’re very proud of it and are glad that most people seem to like it.
How do you think this record compares to Phantom Limb and how has your involvement in the band changed on Book Burner?
B-We focused on shorter meaner songs on this record, where as Phantom Limb has longer songs. I always try to do more and get a little more involvement. But it’s difficult sometimes. I don’t want to detract from the songs and want to add to it.
Is there a certain process you go through when selecting samples and creating noise for tracks?
B-No, not really, I just kind of futz around with a bunch of different things. Some fit, some don’t. It’s a little bit of trial and error for me, but I do what I can.
What are some of your favorite samples you have chosen for Pig Destroyer tracks?
B-Ahhh, I can’t really say where I get some of them. So…
On the track “The Bug”, there is a sample of a reading of a famous passage of Henry Miller’s “Tropic of Cancer”. Was there a particular reason why this sample was chosen and does it tie in to the album in any way?
B-It’s a cool sample. Just a great couple of lines about art in general. I wouldn’t say that it ties in directly with the record. There’s not a theme for the record per se.
Are you a big reader? If so, what are some of your favorite novels/authors?
B-I try, lately I’ve been reading a lot of Murakami, Cooper, and I constantly read Lovecraft over and over.
What other things does Pig Destroyer have going on? Any news on the split with Rotten Sound?
B-We’re going to be doing a flexi for Decibel magazine. As far as the Rotten Sound split, we’re still talking about doing that, there’s a bunch of stuff on the table, but nothing concrete right now.
Do you personally have any other projects you are involved in?
B-Not currently.
Is Hatebeak still active?
B-No, not right now. We keep talking about knocking the dust off of the feathers, but nothing yet.
How did the idea for Hatebeak come about?
B-I was between bands and we had the idea based off my buddy’s parrot, it was a fun project to do.
Does Pig Destroyer have any upcoming touring plans?
B-Currently we’re kind of mapping out what we’re going to be doing next year, trying to get out there a little more than we have been.
What are some of your favorite on stage antics?
B-This is a tough one, we just like to have fun.
Any final words of wisdom?
B-Just thanks so much for the continued support.
Book Burner is available now via Relapse Records.
