You have a brand new album out called: “World Controlled”. This is your second album, but to people unfamiliar with you and your music, could you please fill us in?
Mark - Bludgeon started in late 93. I was in another band at the time, and it took some time to get all the right pieces, but it all came together. We released some demo tapes and then made our first CD. That's when Joey came into the picture. One more change was made and in 02, when Carlos joined the band, we released "Crucify the Priest". Now with the new CD - "World Controlled" there are some new additions to the band, CS and Blaze. Now the puzzle's complete.

What’s the biggest difference between your new album and your debut album “Crucify the Priest”?
Mark - "Crucify" was our first CD and has more element of death metal and black metal with hints of thrash. "World Controlled" is more hardcore anger. Each one reflects different times in our lives. But, I think both CD's are Bludgeon-ing, so when you put them in your CD player on shuffle, you have all you need.

What kind of expectations do you have for the new album?
Mark - We make music because we love it. We don’t expect anything from anyone.

What’s the song you consider most representative of the new album and why?
Mark - “Carnage Begins” - that song has a little of everything in it.

In what words would you describe the music and moods of Bludgeon for someone that has not heard you yet?
Mark - Bludgeon, the name, kind of says it all. The music is Bludgeon-ing.

Who and what inspires you when you write a song? Walk us through the creation of a song?
Mark - All kinds of things inspire me when I write. I write what I feel. I usually write the lyrics last, the music comes first.

Which subjects do your lyrics refer to, and who writes them? And what inspires you when you write your lyrics?
Mark - Like I said before, I use what’s going on in my life or around me in general.

Where did you record the album and who has produced and mixed it?
Mark - We recorded it at Haus Wahnfried. Do you have to even ask? Joey DeMaio. And as you can see from the video that’s on the CD, we had a blast doing it. It was mixed and mastered by the great Dirk Kloiber.

Do you feel that your sound will evolve in some different direction, in the future, or you will still follow the same path?
Mark - We will always evolve as musicians, but the music will always be hard and heavy, and meant to be played loud.

The music scene really changed between the 70's, 80's and 90's. What would you say has been your strongest influence?
Mark - I like all those eras of music. From the 60’s well in to 2006.

Which song do you consider to be the best one you have ever written?
Mark - I love all my songs equally; they’re all my babies.

How did you end up with the name Bludgeon?
Mark - It's what we do, we Bludgeon you! We Bludgeon our instruments and the music hits you with a Bludgeon-ing force!

Do you have any touring plans for 2006?
Mark - We plan to play some festivals in the summer and possibly jump on some on-going tours.

Let’s speculate – you have been granted a free slot on a tour of your own choice – who would be your ideal touring partners?
Mark - Slayer, Testament, Exodus and Bludgeon!

You are signed to Joey DeMaio’s Magic Circle Music label – how did you end up there?
Mark - He got his hands on our demo CD from a local radio station. The DJ gave it to him and some time later, we got a call from Joey. At first we were like, "yeah right this is Joey" but it really was Joey. Later he flew to our house in Chicago , and we gave him a private show and the rest is history...

Name an album, person or event that has had a huge influence on your life … and why?
Mark - Testament’s The Legacy, that album made me choose to play guitar instead of the drums.

What are you doing besides Bludgeon, job wise as well as hobbies?
Mark - I love to spend my time on the computer and with my dog, his name is Bludgeon too! He’s a Rottweiler.

Which music do you listen to at home?
Mark - I listen to all kinds of music. There’s just too much to list, but I’ll tell you this, when I’m in my car I plug in my I-pod of over 1000 song and put it on shuffle.

What albums or bands do you believe have had the greatest impact on the history of metal?
Mark - For me personally, it would be bands like Sabbath, Zepplin, and Slayer.  

Kenn Jensen

Album available on Magic Circle Music.

Click on the album cover to see more info on Bludgeon.