COFFIN TEXTS (Eng.)
– Hello Robert, thanks for answering to our questions. What’s COFFIN TEXTS currently up to?
R.C- Were getting ready to start performing live, working on live setl list for upcoming shows and working on new material
– First of all, why did you pick the name of “Coffin Texts” for the band? Both its origin and meaning.
R.C- I believe the words have spiritual power and contain magic allowing us to continue as a band and also helps me write songs with the meaning in mind such as why they were written on Egyptian coffins in the first place? To guide the souls of the deceased to bliss or to be devoured? That’s the question that all of us ask before death takes us away. Can we escape our Karma? Or is there another way? Escaping the inevitable? Escaping the laws of balance? How do we accomplish this, That is why I use the words to represent our group.
– COFFIN TEXTS was formed back in 1995 but you didn’t release your debut album until 2000. Why did it take you so long?
R.C- We had a line-up change that could not be solidified. After Marz Castro left the band in 2002 to pursue Demolition, and in early 2003 we had Ariel Alvarado (Scrapmetal, Draconis) drumming for the demo in 2003 and not long after he left and we had 1 -2 years of finding a drummer. In 2008 we asked long time friend Emilio Marquez (Asesino, Possessed, Ex-Sadistic Intent) to take the drummer position and here we are. We also ran into problems recording this album. We had started to record “The Tomb Of Infinite Ritual” in 2009 but due to producer problems and hard drives crashing more then 3 times, we were delayed till last year, thanks to John Haddad for saving this album and production.
– And now, 12 years later, you have unleashed your sophomore release, “The Tomb of Infinite Ritual”. Will we have to wait another decade until your next opus?
R.C- No were back on track at the moment. We go new stuff already in the works and should have something by the end of the summer.
– Your lyrics have always dealt with Egyptian themes; how did you come up with this idea and how did you get interested? Due to this, how do you feel about the eternal comparisons with NILE?
R.C- As for Nile and Coffin Texts being compared, I don’t see it. It 2 different monsters. We don’t write about the same stuff, we don’t sound anything alike. As for writing Egyptian themed songs, I don’t plan out these things, they just happen. Sometimes by being inspired by watching or reading something that has to do with Mummification or anything that has to do with afterlife, I start writing. I doesn’t necessarily need to be about Egypt.
– On your new “The Tomb of Infinite Ritual” I noticed an overall better instrumentation but, how do you think has your evolution been since your debut record came out?
R.C- The writing has changed because I helped write ½ of “Gods of Creation, Death & Afterlife” and Richard wrote all of “The Tomb of Infinite Ritual” and I’m very happy with the differences in albums because I don’t like albums sounding too much similar. There always has to be something different or exiting about albums, kind of like reading books. No one likes reading the same book over and over, right? On the next album, Richard and I will be working together to come up with the new album now that we have a solid line-up
– In general I think is a well-cared album, more thought out in songwriting terms. How was this process like? Considering you have stated several times your debut album was done pretty fast, maybe for this new release you were able to take some more time?
R.C- We had 7 – 8 years to think this album out. 2 of those songs were supposed to be on “Gods of Creation..” but Richard broke his figure right before we were to re-record “Gods” and those songs got pushed back to “Tomb” so yea, we had PLENTY of time to tweek all the songs. We recorded “Tomb” 4 times due to the album getting erased because of hard drives crashing and unknown forces against us. In other words, We demoed the album 4 times.
– This being said; are you 100% satisfied with the final outcome?
R.C- 100%
– Production is also great this time around, fits your music perfectly. Would you mind to shed some light on how was this process like and who took such duties?
R.C- John Haddad (Hirax, Abysmal Dawn, Winterthrall) was the mastermind in this process. He did an amazing job and were really happy he was willing to work with us.
– All this about your new effort being said; how could you describe “The Tomb of Infinite Ritual” in just 3 words?
R.C- Brutal, Haunting and OBESE!!!
– Besides the comparisons with NILE, some people has compared you to MORBID ANGEL as well, and in this case I think there are certain musical similarities, due to this I would like to know what are your thoughts on their latest offering.
R.C- Morbid Angel? Why thank you! That’s a new one for me. Maybe because of the blast parts? Not sure what parts in what songs sound similar.
– All of you have played and are still playing in other band, for example you recently joined the reunited MALICE. Is it easy to deal with the activity of all your bands?
R.C- The activity of the bands very because of releases and label support, so as for me running into scheduling conflicts, it doesn’t really happen.
– And talking about MALICE; how and why did you join the band? As I said, the band reunited some years ago and have just released your “comeback” album; how are you feeling about it?
R.C- I was approached by Jay Reynolds shortly after Masters Of Metal performed in Germany @ the Keep It True festival to record and take over the live show duties for their prior bassist. As for why, I like Malice and I think the new album is totally MOLTEN METAL.
– Finally; what are your near-future plans? You have been a quite active band on stage but, do you think there would be any chance of seeing you guys in Europe anytime soon?
R.C- I do hope one day Coffin Texts can tour Europe, I guess if were in demand, that will help the band reach that goal.
– That’s all from my side, thanks again for taking your time to answer our questions. If you now want to add some final words; feel free to do it.
R.C- On behalf of Coffin Texts we want to thank Queens of Steel for the interest and Support. Horns up!!! checkout our video for the track “Final Transformation”.
