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NECROFEST preview with promoter Zakk Mild



With a name like NECROFEST, this is the perfect subject matter for the Necrosexual to jum[ on. This first annual spectacle of ultra violence includes Denmark's Taphos making their US debut, live death match wrestling, and a slew of heavy hitters, at the legendary Saint Vitus Bar and Brooklyn Bazaar in New York City. The madness takes place on September 20 - 21, and comes highly recommended from the GRIM-1.  


The brains behind Necrofest is Oxalate guitarist and promoter Zakk Mild, who I spoke with last year at his third annual Metal Punk Death Fest at Saint Vitus Bar. Watch the video below, as it features dispatches from Zakk, Oxalate, Skullsplitters, Midmourner and Slashers.



Once again, I spoke with Zakk Mild on the eve of Necrofest. 

HELL-O Zakk! So it's been a year since your last Metal Punk Death Fest, which was featured in the New York Times. How's life?

I hope the Wall Street Journal does a write up this year, hahaha. Was pretty wild seeing a festival I helped book be in the New York Times last year, for sure. I have had a busy, great year. Lots of killer shows and good times. Also been working like crazy at my day job driving a truck and delivering music gear.


What should metal maniacs expect when they check out your first annual Necrofest?
Total nonstop extreme underground music experience. 3 venues, all of the best the underground has to offer. Death Metal Grindcore and No Ring Death Match wrestling.

What bands are you excited to see play at Necrofest, and why?

Taphos from Denmark are one of the best death metal bands around and also its their first ever US show!! Also Horrendous, Outer Heaven, Noisem, and NO/MAS are all acts I'm very stoked to see. 

What upcoming music releases are you stoked about?

The new Opeth for sure. I think this will be the best of the newpeth albums. Also, the new Blood Incantation album. Unreal Riffs writing and total death metal experience. They were almost on the fest. Maybe next year.

How are things going in the dank sepulcrum for your band Oxalate? I see you've added a second guitarist?

Yeah. Chris is working out great. He really brings everything we could need to the table plus hes a great dude. Oxalate is putting out our debut EP Infatuating Sickness on Halloween October 31st!! Very stoked to release this and for our set at Necrofest. 


Who is your favorite wrestler of all time?
STONE COLD FOR SURE. I know that's a vanilla pick, but he just meant a lot to me when I was in fourth to sixth grade. Total bad ass, and still seems to be. His episode of Hot Ones was pretty awesome. Also, his entrances were legendary.

 
Who is your favorite wrestling heel? 

Is there a better heel then Vince? Like, he is a heel in the WWE stories and in real life. Ultimate Villain thru and thru.


Name one riff that changed your life forever. 
"BLACK SABBATH" BY BLACK SABBATH. 10-year-old me heard it on a Walkman on headphones on my friend's porch.  It changed my life forever. I sat there and listened over and over again and my friends were trying to get my attention, but I was completely hooked. There are few things more formative for who I am today than that moment. 

What's one album that gave you a raging heavy metal hard on?
I think the moments when a band like Morbid Angel or Pantera clicked for me something like that could be said to apply.

What advice do you have to people who want to book their own shows?
Don't ever stop being persistent, exhaust every avenue, and follow your instincts. Be prepared to loose money and just make sure you truly love this game, because if you don't it will get messy for you. Try to have a place for touring bands to sleep...the road is a tough place, so anything you can do help the bands have an easier, more comfortable day is always greatly appreciated and remembered, and that is how repeat business happens. 

Anything you'd like to add? Thank you Zakk for going one on one with the GRIM1. See you in the pit.
Make sure everyones comes to Necrofest and thanks Necrosexual for taking a minute to talk to me!

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