Filling The Void With ANDY LAPLEGUA From COMBICHRIST

Interview by Kris Peters
Norwegian-American aggrotech/industrial metal band Combichrist are
known for their intense, aggressive sound and energetic live
performances.
Led by frontman Andy LaPlegua, the band blends heavy electronic
beats with industrial metal guitars, often incorporating elements
of punk and even some orchestral arrangements. Their lyrics
frequently explore controversial themes with a mix of dark humour
and provocative social commentary, but it is in the live arena
where Combichrist shine. Their shows are the stuff of whispers the
world over for their brutally intense precision, an experience
Aussie fans have not been subject to for a couple of years
now.
But that is about to change in not too many sleeps when Combichrist
bring their Down and Under Again Tour to Australia's capital cities
over three consecutive days from September 18. HEAVY recently sat
down with LaPlegua to go into more details.
"It's just been too long, man," he began, almost apologising for
the time between visits, "and I'm really looking forward to
it."
We ask him what has changed with the band since that last
tour.
"A lot," he smiled. "I mean, it's a lot and nothing. There is my
concept and my idea of why and how and everything. I create, you
know, it's like this is my canvas. I paint, and I do my thing, and
I don't really care what's cool or not. I'm just going to do my
thing regardless. So that hasn't changed. My mindset is the same. I
still just kind of do. I hate to repeat myself is most of the
thing. So with that said, it should be something new all the time.
So maybe being something new all the time is maybe what's the
same?"
In the full interview, Andy shared more insights into the changes
within Combichrist in that period, including the addition of new
band members Todd Hansen (drummer for Australian tour) and Jamie,
as well as Elliot's transition from crew to a full-time band
member. He emphasized the importance of live performances as a
shared experience between the band and the audience, highlighting
the challenges of performing in unfamiliar venues and the need for
connection to avoid feelings of isolation on stage. Andy also
mentioned the band's plan to perform a mix of old and new material,
with a new release expected at the end of August.
Andy provided an update on Combichrist's new album, Desolation, and
discussed his creative process, which involves drawing inspiration
from a variety of genres while avoiding the temptation to replicate
past sounds and more.


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