Grotesque Mutations marks a new chapter for Public Grave, blending brutal slam and groove death metal with apocalyptic themes. In this interview, they discuss their evolution, inspirations, and upcoming plans.
Musically, we aimed to refine our signature groove even further and give slam an even more significant role in our sound.
2. Grotesque Mutations paints a vivid picture of a world overrun by zombies and grotesque atrocities. What inspired you to dive so deeply into this apocalyptic narrative?
The apocalyptic theme is a natural continuation of the impending doom we introduced in Cadaverous Resurrection. The grotesque imagery serves as a metaphor for the depths of human depravity and the many perversions mankind is capable of. It offers a theoretical vision of what could happen if a (zombie) apocalypse were ever to become reality.
3. The track Human Organ Harvesting explores some particularly grim themes. How do you approach writing such intense and graphic lyrics?
The extreme nature of our lyrics stems from a deep fascination with everything that doesn’t fit into the illusion of a perfect world. Life has many dark sides, and unfortunately, humanity is capable of horrific acts. We try to capture this horror through open-ended themes and wording that allows for interpretation while portraying these scenarios as brutally as possible.
4. Do they reflect a larger commentary on survival and morality?
The moral and existential aspects of survival are open to interpretation. Essentially, we depict a theoretical (but possible) scenario in which people will do anything to ensure their survival, even if it means sacrificing others. Our personal stance, however, is that atrocities of this magnitude already happen in the real world, and that’s precisely why they should be discussed. That being said, outside of our artistic expression, we strictly oppose any form of violence or cruelty.
5. Your sound bridges the gap between slam and groove death metal. Can you tell us more about how you developed this style and how it evolved on the new album?
Our style is shaped by the diverse influences of all band members and their evolving musical preferences. This led us to the desire to create a synergistic blend of death metal and slam, combining the strengths of both genres.
6. You had the opportunity to perform internationally at the Tolminator Festival in 2024. How did that experience shape the band, and what did it mean for your growth as artists?
With every show, we grow closer as a band and aim to improve our performance. Tolmin was a special experience for us—it was our first time playing abroad, which meant we had the opportunity to introduce our music to an international audience. At the same time, we had to adapt our performance to the circumstances, especially considering the language barrier. It was a challenge, but also an unforgettable experience that will continue to shape and influence us as a band.
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These collaborations came to life through our personal connections. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of meeting some incredibly talented musicians, and it was a natural step for us to involve their talents in the recording process. We pre-produced rough versions of the designated tracks and sent them over to the artists, allowing them full creative freedom. They recorded their vocal parts and sent them back to us. From there, we carefully selected and integrated the parts that we felt fit best into the final versions of the songs.
8. As a self-released album, Grotesque Mutations showcases a polished and heavy production. How did you achieve this sound, and what challenges did you face during the recording process?
We worked closely with Michael Kraxenberger, who provided both technical expertise and creative input, helping us maximize the potential of our material. The album went through multiple iterations to ensure we achieved the best—and therefore the only acceptable—final result.
9. Your music clearly draws influence from icons like Kataklysm and Six Feet Under. What other bands or experiences have shaped your sound and vision over the years?
Definitely Dying Fetus, Begging for Incest, and many more…
10. Having performed alongside legends like Behemoth and Testament, how do these experiences influence your stage presence and energy during live shows?
Watching these legends perform is always a huge inspiration to push ourselves both musically and performance-wise. We constantly observe other performances and take elements we can use to refine and improve our own show.
11. With Grotesque Mutations set to drop on February 28, 2025, what are your plans for promoting the album?
We launched an extensive pre-order campaign, which has already received great engagement. Additionally, two singles with accompanying music videos will be released shortly before the album drops. We’ve also partnered with Against PR to distribute the album through various channels and generate maximum exposure.
12. Can fans expect a tour or any special events to celebrate its release?
A full tour isn’t in the works at the moment due to various personal commitments and the fact that music isn’t our full-time job. However, we will celebrate the release with a special party on March 15, 2025, at one of our favorite local venues, where we’ll share this milestone with our die-hard fans. Additionally, several standalone shows (TBA) have already been confirmed, and, of course, the new songs will be an integral part of our setlist.
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