Ringworm Interview

Before there was abuse of category titles there were band's that didn't have any easy name to be called when consisting of different types of music and some of these band's still don't have that easy name to be called. This is where Ringworm comes in. The band has been around for well over ten years now, they've seen the marketing highlights of heavy music come and go yet they still stand vigil in their position at the true core of the underground. Before there was metalcore, there were band's like Ringworm who constantly fly under radar and have no reason to tell anyone what they did before it was done because if you are aware of what's really going on around you with what you listen to you know where it already came from.


The band's latest effort "Justice Replaced By Revenge", and the same no bullshit ferocity that Ringworm has been known for this past decade, the band continues to play what they know best and how they know best. Revenge is the name of their game, they are not to be fucked with especially not their music hence why Ringworm is still pounding out album after album that has always incorporated the elements of the best of hardcore and old school filthy thrashing metal without compromised. The hate just keeps getting stronger as the Human Furnace will tell you.


The Gauntlet: Are there plans for more touring following your run with Converge, Darkest Hour and The Red Chord?

Ringworm: Well, we intent on being out as much as possible this coming year in support of the new record, Europe, Japan, united states, Australia, everywhere.

The Gauntlet: Given how long you guys have been around has touring become another way of living?


Ringworm: The thing is, we haven't even come close to our full potential. We have been around for over 10 years, but we never really toured alot and in the early years we weren't nearly as serious or focused as we are now. So i hope we can go ALOT different places with our music.


The Gauntlet: What are the central themes on "Justice Replaced By Revenge" beside what the title might completely imply?

Ringworm: Well lyrically i write about all aspects of my life. usually the not so pleasant emotions. Usually the emotions that can't be acted upon legally, i guess, haha. Plus I'm a pretty morbid person in general so i have tendency to put a dark twist on everything. Musically, we aren't out to reinvent the wheel, or make new school critics sit-up on their hind legs and drool saying "now THIS is where it's at!" We never cared about any of that. We just make music that we like. If we wanted to jump on the" we want to be iron maiden, train" we certainly could. (We grew up with maiden, we didn't just hear it 5 years ago). Or, the "look how many notes i can play, shit. Anyway, i digress.


The Gauntlet: What is the concept for the video of the title track "Justice Replaced By Revenge"?

Ringworm: Well, the song has alot of different meanings to it. It can be construed on a few different levels. Although we are not a big political band, there's alot of political connotations to it. The concept is basically a shot at "holier than thou" authority figures, but it also takes the side of the ironic vigilante, as well as exploring a twisted society. It's a short song, so it was hard to fit alot in the video. Plus, the version that gets aired is so cut-up, alot of the good stuff never gets seen. Plus we got to video strippers for 4 hours, for about 7-10 seconds of airtime, hahaha. And, in no way, is that a bad thing.


The Gauntlet: How was it working with Don for the video of "Justice Replaced By Revenge?"

Ringworm: Don's a great dude and a very talented guy. He was very open to alot of my ideas. And he knows how to make a dollar stretch without looking like you did. I did all the video storyboards for him so it made alot of things way easier. Its was fun, I'm definitely looking forward to working with him again for the next one. You'll be seeing his hand print on alot bands videos soon.


The Gauntlet: Do you believe in revenge?

Ringworm: Yes, revenge. In all ways, shapes and forms.


The Gauntlet: Do you believe this is a stronger effort than your previous ones, what makes "Justice Replaces By Revenge" different?

Ringworm: Where as our last record was more of a record to find ourselves as a band again, being reborn, if you will, the new one for us, is a more powerful, clear and focused effort, after we re-established ourselves.


The Gauntlet: Where did you get the name the Human Furnace?

Ringworm: No comment


The Gauntlet: I hear you own your own tattoo shops.

Ringworm: I own 3 shops in the Cleveland area. 252 TATTOO. The best. Check the site www.252tattoo.com


The Gauntlet: Have you ever tattooed while on the road?

Ringworm: I've been known to bring my stuff on the road, from time to time. If we're out for an extended time period, i make it a point to.



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Tags:  Ringworm  , Human Furnace, interviews

Dave Huffy    October 26, 2005