Published: February 8, 2006
Rockum's Gino Alache talks with Withered guitarist and vocalist Mike Thompson about Memento Mori, the band's beginnings, its diverse influences and the future of one of America's emerging extreme metal acts.
Following the release of Memento Mori, Atlanta extreme metal band Withered introduced a powerful blend of black metal, death metal, grindcore, sludge and crust that immediately distinguished them from their contemporaries. Formed in 2003 by longtime collaborators Mike Thompson and Chris Freeman, the band entered 2006 ready to bring its uncompromising sound to a much wider audience.
In this exclusive interview, Rockum's Gino Alache speaks with guitarist and vocalist Mike Thompson about the origins of Withered, the making of Memento Mori, the band's musical influences, its lyrical themes, the legacy of Social Infestation and the plans that lay ahead following the release of its debut full-length album.
Gino Alache: Congratulations on Memento Mori. First of all, how did Withered get its name?
Mike Thompson: Chris and I came up with it while throwing ideas around. We wanted something that reflected the feeling behind our music. Since our songs have a very dark and sometimes hopeless atmosphere, we thought "Withered" fit perfectly.
Gino Alache: Could you introduce the current lineup?
Mike Thompson: I'm Mike Thompson on vocals and guitar, Chris Freeman plays guitar and shares vocal duties, Greg Hess plays bass and Wes Kever is our drummer.
Gino Alache: Tell us a little about the beginnings of Withered.
Mike Thompson: Chris and I had already been playing together for nearly ten years in a grind/crust band called Social Infestation. Around 2003 that band slowed down because our bassist became busy with another project. We wanted to start something darker, with black metal overtones and more personal songwriting.
I had known Wes since high school, and we'd always wanted to play together again. After writing a few songs, we found Greg, who came to one of our Social Infestation shows. He jammed with us a few days later and immediately became part of the band.
Gino Alache: How would you describe Withered's sound?
Mike Thompson: It's really a combination of everything we love about extreme music. There are elements of black metal, grind, crust, sludge and early Swedish death metal. Lyrically everything is very personal, so the music means a lot to all of us.
Gino Alache: Which bands have influenced you the most?
Mike Thompson: Neurosis, Immortal, Grave, Entombed, Iron Maiden and Judas Priest are definitely among my favorites.
Gino Alache: You also spent many years with Social Infestation. What memories do you have from that band, and what do you think about the punk scene?
Mike Thompson: Social Infestation isn't actually over yet—we still hope to finish our third album someday.
We had the chance to play with incredible bands like Assück, Phobia, Spazz, Grief, Damad, Man Is The Bastard, Neurosis, Pig Destroyer, Disassociate and GodStomper. Those were amazing years.
As for the original '70s punk scene, honestly I don't know much beyond what I've seen in documentaries or movies. I'm a little too young for that. My punk background comes more from bands like Napalm Death, Doom and Discharge.
Gino Alache: What do you think about today's extreme metal scene?
Mike Thompson: Like every era, there's good and bad music. Right now I'm actually optimistic because there are many great bands out there. I just hope newer bands focus on creating their own identity instead of copying whoever happens to be popular.
Gino Alache: Originally you planned to release an EP called Order Born From Chaos. What happened?
Mike Thompson: Those songs eventually became part of Memento Mori. At first we were planning an EP, but Lifeforce Records wanted a full-length album instead. We loved the idea, went back into the studio and recorded additional material to complete the record.
Gino Alache: What subjects inspire your lyrics?
Mike Thompson: Most of the lyrics deal with the emotional struggle people experience when confronting death. That's why we called the album Memento Mori, which means "Remember death."
Gino Alache: If you had to choose ten albums that influenced you the most, which would they be?
Mike Thompson:
...And Justice for All – Metallica
Sons of Northern Darkness – Immortal
Dead as Dreams – Weakling
Times of Grace – Neurosis
You'll Never See – Grave
Clandestine – Entombed
Somewhere in Time – Iron Maiden
Killers – Iron Maiden
Painkiller – Judas Priest
Houdini – Melvins
Gino Alache: What can people expect from a Withered concert?
Mike Thompson: We always have a great time on stage. People tell us we're incredibly loud and intense. Playing live is where we really try to shine.
Gino Alache: What are Withered's plans for the future?
Mike Thompson: We're looking forward to touring as much as possible in support of Memento Mori. We'd love to make it to Europe later this year and basically play anywhere we can.
Gino Alache: Any final words for Rockum readers?
Mike Thompson: Thanks very much for taking the time to read this interview. If you've already picked up Memento Mori, thank you for giving us a chance. We hope to meet all of you somewhere on the road someday.
Gino Alache: Thank you very much for your time, Mike.
Mike Thompson: Thank you, Gino.
