Municipal Waste can be pointed among the most dynamic and successfull bands
of Thrash Metal/Crossover genre. They released their third album called "The Art Of Partying"
and showed us the killer combination of Thrash Metal's noise and Punk's aggression again.
Tony Foresta who is the founder and vocalist of band, answered our questions recently.
MORBIDZINE: Hi Tony. Thanks so much for accepting this interview and giving your time to us. Congratulations on the killer album The Art of Partying! How are you? What has the band been doing since it was released?
TONY: Thanks! Well, since The Art of Partying came out, we went on a lot of tours with bands like The Haunted, Toxic Holocaust, and Suicidal Tendencies. We also filmed a music video with Troma. We’ve been trying to stay really busy.
MORBIDZINE: What about critics in Virginia and the rest of the U.S.? Did the album meet your expectations?
TONY: I think it did. We were all pretty happy with how the record turned out. Most people were impressed with it, so that’s a good thing.
MORBIDZINE: I and many fans think Municipal Waste is one of the best new-generation bands in the Thrash/Crossover genre. Your albums are fast, brutal, and mix Thrash’s technicality with Hardcore Punk’s aggression perfectly. How would you describe your music?
TONY: I like to describe it as punk kids playing metal. But honestly, we’re influenced by all sorts of music. I think that helps us stay creative.
MORBIDZINE: Your music reminds us of D.R.I., MOD, Suicidal Tendencies, Nuclear Assault, Bay Area bands like Exodus or Forbidden, German bands like Sodom or Tankard, and punk like Ramones, Dead Kennedys, Minor Threat... Which bands have inspired you most?
TONY: Shit, I could name a million, but here’s a few: Razor, Cryptic Slaughter, Capitalist Casualties, Excel, Void, Macabre, Hollow’s Eve, English Dogs, Sick Of It All, Gang Green, Tankard, Slayer, Testament, The Accused, Ripping Corpse, Sacrilege, Napalm Death, Geto Boys, Kreator, Malignus Youth, No Mercy, etc.
MORBIDZINE: You mix harsh and party atmosphere really well, with crazy shows and costumes. Where did that idea come from?
TONY: I’m not sure! People just started dressing up at our shows. We only dress up ourselves on Halloween — it’s a blast! I think kids just want to have fun, and we give them that kind of environment.
MORBIDZINE: What changed for the band after signing with Earache Records?
TONY: We have one more record with Earache. Signing with them helped get our music out worldwide. That’s helped a lot.
MORBIDZINE: Your cover art often shows monsters, zombies, horror, and chaos. Are these influenced by horror movies?
TONY: It's just stuff from our sick and twisted minds! We love comics and horror movies and wanted to bring that into our music. Makes it more fun to listen to.
MORBIDZINE: Your first EP Municipal Waste came out in 2001. How were early shows and reactions?
TONY: Smaller crowds, but the same reaction — moshing and craziness.
MORBIDZINE: You released a split EP Tango and Thrash with Bad Acid Trip in 2002, themed on Kurt Russell movies. Do you like Kurt Russell?
TONY: We just thought it was a hilarious concept! Never expected to be asked about it five years later!
MORBIDZINE: The band had lineup changes in 2004. Did that worry you about the band's direction?
TONY: Not really. Dave and Phil are talented and creative, so it was only an improvement. Our style shifted a bit, but for the better.
MORBIDZINE: Hazardous Mutation in 2005 made your profile explode. Many fans in Turkey discovered you through this album. Do you see it as a milestone?
TONY: I love that album, but I think we still haven’t made our Reign in Blood yet. We have more to come.
MORBIDZINE: “Guilty of Being Tight” reminds people of Minor Threat’s “Guilty of Being White.” Was it inspired?
TONY: We love Minor Threat! But it wasn’t really inspired by them — just the song title. We thought it was a funny play on words.
MORBIDZINE: The Art of Partying is proof that Thrash/Crossover is rising again. Many 80s bands are reuniting. What’s your take on Thrash’s future?
TONY: The second wave of Thrash is already here. I just hope it’s not a trend. If people are playing it because they love it, great. If they’re doing it to cash in, that’s sad.
MORBIDZINE: What are Municipal Waste’s future plans?
TONY: We’re touring Europe with Toxic Holocaust, then a southeastern U.S. tour with Iron Lung. After that, we’ll start writing a new album — it should rip!
MORBIDZINE: There are many Thrash/Punk fans in Turkey waiting for you. Would you come if invited?
TONY: We’d love to come to Turkey! I bet it would be a blast!
MORBIDZINE: Some Thrash bands in the 80s changed their sound for money. As fans, we’re angry. What’s your view?
TONY: I support musical growth — but if it’s done for the wrong reasons, it creates terrible music. Who wants that?
MORBIDZINE: Thanks Tony! We’re looking forward to your new releases. Final words?
TONY: Thanks for all the support!