It has been a few years since the last Dying Fetus album. The Maryland crushers are back with Wrong One To Fuck With. Drummer Trey Williams fills us in on the gap between albums, touring, the physical toll of drumming and other topics.
Chad Bowar: What led to the five year gap between albums, a little longer than your usual schedule?
Trey Williams: We were on the road a lot. Reign Supreme was well received, and that allowed us to tour extensively. And we decided to take our time writing this new album.
Was there anything unique about the songwriting process for Wrong One To Fuck With?
We did all the pre-production ourselves. I had to learn how to operate the recording software, which added time to production. We just wanted to make the strongest album we could.
Did you work with producer Steve Wright again?
Yes, we went back to Steve. We have a great working relationship with him. Over the years Wright Way Studios began to feel like home.
How did you decide on the album title? Several of the tracks would have made good titles.
Strength and intimidation were the key elements we wanted in the title. We tossed around a few ideas, but Wrong One To Fuck With is the one we used in the end, obviously.
You’ve released a couple of videos from the album so far. How important are videos today?
Honestly, I don’t know. I do know that the internet is filled with really opinionated people, so I’m sure they will have more direct thoughts on the videos. We really enjoy the videos we have released so far.
With how much the industry has changed in the band’s 20 plus years, how do you evaluate if an album is successful?
In today’s scene it seems like the first week sales are the real market hit. Bands still make the most of their money at the merchandise table. The merchandise has always been the real cash cow for bands like us. Only now CDs are becoming obsolete to a point. But they still sell. Jeez, I don’t really know how to answer this one.
How much attention do you pay to reviews?
We see them. We try not to pay that much attention to them. The real review is if the fans show up to the concert, and do they cheer or walk out? So far cheers have been the dominant response.
What were some of the highlights for you of the band’s recent European tour with Hatebreed?
Just hanging out, really. They are real road dogs and have a great attitude. Hatebreed was a influential band for me, so seeing them every night was great!
What’s the band’s level of awareness/popularity in Europe compared to North America?
I would say Europe is stronger. The whole continent seems to like bands and live music more. The North American scene can’t sustain the festivals or the overall atmosphere and appreciation for music. I would even say that Canada is friendlier to metal music that the USA. But I love the USA scene. It’s home, you know.
You only have a couple dates on your tour calendar now. What’s in the pipeline for the rest of this year?
Lots of touring, hopefully. We are booking a summer tour in the USA, and a fall headline tour in Europe for the fall.
Being an extreme metal drummer is extremely physically challenging. Have you had any injuries/issues due to that?
Sciatica and some numbness in my hands. But I usually hurt myself doing dumb shit like stage dives. The drums don’t really attack me, I attack them!
Seen any good movies or DVDs lately?
That Logan movie was sick!
What’s currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Brutal Truth, Trap Them, Hall & Oates (laughs).
Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
Come check us out. You will have a great time.
(interview published June 23, 2017)
