Interview with Steve Tucker of Morbid Angel
I had almost forgotten about this interview but thankfully I came across it not to long ago. The only thing I regret about this interview is not having any follow up questions to some of his replies. Now, if I can only find the interview I did with Trey I’ll be one happy editor! Maybe one day I’ll find them all? Mike – 2004
The Outcast: I must first compliment you guys on an excellent release. Even though you’re still somewhat new to the band, I feel this album should have been the follow up to “Covenant”. It has that certain feel to it that I think “Domination” was lacking, your opinion?
Tucker: First off, thanks!! I am very happy with the record!!! I think “Covenant” was an excellent record and possibly Morbid Angel got a bit side tracked after it, but every record is a growth experience and leads to the present sound!!! I think the vibe on “Gateways…” is excellent!!
The Outcast: I would have to agree. It seems like up and coming bands and even some older bands are writing albums that have that technical-faster-than-a-speeding-bullet approach to the music. What made you guys change the pace? I think it sounds fresh and this is easily one of the better albums to come out in a long time.
Tucker: Again thanks!! We really didn’t think about the speed of the record at all. We are never concerned with what everyone else is doing!! That is cool for them!! We do what we want to do!!!! We didn’t feel like we changed the pace at all on this record. There are some of the fastest riffs that we have every written on this record, just not a whole lot of blast throughout all the songs. We used it more for certain sections, with the exception of a few songs……
The Outcast: Were you given more artistic freedom with this release as far as music and lyrics go than the previous?
Tucker: Yes!! I wrote nothing on “Formulas…F.F.” I contributed quite a bit on this record, although we really wrote a lot of it together.
The Outcast: Did you and Trey share the lyrical aspect to this release, or was it mainly his input?
Tucker: Actually, lyrically, it was mostly me. I wrote lyrics to 8 out of the 9 songs.
The Outcast: Do you and Trey have similar beliefs in life (spiritually)? If they differ, is there ever a problem in the lyrical approach?
Tucker: Yes, we share a lot of the same base beliefs, although we have individual beliefs on spirituality. This is very important, and this is for each to interpret them selves.
The Outcast: What are your beliefs exactly, if you didn’t already explain it above? Or would that be too much to ask?
Tucker: I feel everyone’s beliefs are very personal and original. So to explain exactly, would be to tell anyone more than I care to!! Though, I will say my beliefs revolve around paganism.
The Outcast: What is your opinion on Jesus Christ and what he stood for and the fact that He proclaimed to be the son of God?
Tucker: David Koresch claimed the same thing and so did Charles Manson!!!! (But Koresh did not rise from the dead, did he? Manson is still alive, so he’s “excused.” -2004 – Mike)
The Outcast: What do you know of the alphabetical album titles? “A-lters of …”, “B-lessed…”, “C-ovenant” etc…. D-E-F-, and now G. I’m sure you’ve noticed the scheme of things. Is there a purpose to this, or is Trey just trying to be “cute”? Does he actually believe that he’ll make it to Z? (Trey actually answered this question when I interviewed him. It wasn’t anything I was expecting at all. I expected something “big” behind it but it was basically that “little something” that some bands have, some examples; Iron Maiden having Eddie, Megadeth having Vic, Motorhead, Overkill, Kreator, etc. – 2004 -Mike)
Tucker: Is that an actual question or are you just trying to be cute?? And do you really think I will answer it???
The Outcast: It’s an actual question. How did the tour with Pantera come about? It seems like Pantera is starting to take out more underground acts on tour, first Satyricon and now Morbid Angel. What are your hopes with this tour?
Tucker: Phillip A. called and said they wanted to take us out on tour, so here it is!! As for their reasoning, I think Phil is very into heavy extreme music. Our hopes are that we will expose some kids to some of the more extreme music than they are used to and possibly hunger for it more!
The Outcast: Out of all the Morbid A. songs written when Vincent was in the band, what song/songs do you like singing to the most? My all time personal favorite songs are “Maze of Torment” and “Lord of All Fevers and Plagues.”
Tucker: Singing wise, I like “Rapture” and “Sworn to the Black.”
The Outcast: What is your opinion on religion?
Tucker: What religion? I think Christianity is for slow minded fools.
The Outcast: What are your beliefs on Satan and God? Do you think they are actual beings?
Tucker: Well, Satan is a Christian demon, and I am not a Christian, therefore I have no need for their myths. The idea of god in no way relates to Christianity with me.
The Outcast: What do you hope to find after you die?
Tucker: Peace and total contentment in my soul.
The Outcast: What do you think would be the worst way to die and the best?
Tucker: I think the worst way to die would be by not being ready to die!!! The best would be to be ok with it and be satisfied with life.
The Outcast: What is your opinion on Christian metal? Do you think it is a contradiction?
Tucker: I have no opinion on it. I think Christian anything is silly and limiting.
The Outcast: What have your experiences been like with Christianity, if any at all?
Tucker: I come from a Catholic background, and it is for fools who care not to think for them selves!!!!
The Outcast: What do you want written on your epitaph?
Tucker: “TUCKER.”
The Outcast: Do you think that by listening/singing lyrics that are about death, Satan, destruction, gore, sex, etc… can influence someone’s state of mind? Maybe making their lives/moods/state of mind a bit negative because they’re exposed to it everyday?
Tucker: Well, if you consider these things negative. I think everything affects us, but I do not sing about such negative things. It seems that some people perceive things as negative that I do not.
The Outcast: Do you think that by watching movies like “Faces of Death”, “Traces of Death”, and other movies along those lines, that it makes people view death as a joke? Maybe making them lose the meaning to life so to speak? Not valuing life anymore?
Tucker: Well, I think anytime you are constantly exposed to something, it becomes un-shocking, but don’t people have to buy these videos or rent these videos? Aren’t they deciding to see this stuff? I think everyone’s value on life is very different, so I cannot truly answer this. Maybe it makes the finality of death become clearer to some, and there for makes them value life more than they had before seeing the video.
The Outcast: What is the one question you hate being asked ever since you took over Vincent’s spot? Do you get any slack at shows, people yelling; “Vincent!! etc…”
Tucker: I hate being asked this exact question!!!!!! And no!!
The Outcast: What can we expect from Morbid Angel in the future?
Tucker: You can expect us to keep pushing forward, and never growing stagnant!!
The Outcast: Any closing words?
Tucker: Thanks for the interview!! See you on tour!!