First of all a huge congratulations to your long-awaited excellent debut album Master of Brutality, how has the response been so far from the media and your growing army of fans?

Tatsu (Bass) :Thanks! actually,we got MEGA reactions again from all over the world!

After have released a number of eps and demos since you formed the band, you have had the title Master Of Brutality in the can for quite a few years. What was the main reason that the Church Of Misery fans had to wait this long for the album?

Tomohiro (Guitar):Many many reasons here...haha...We need to care to keep quality every materials. Also recording Full-length album in Japan really need Big costs. So we should avoid making albums...

Tatsu:and now,We got a mighty singer as you know. We decided the time is coming.

In the past you have released eps on Bad Acid, Mans Ruin,Game Two and a couple of other labels that you have contributed material to, but you signed with Southern Lord Recordings, how pleased are you with the deal and the promotion from the label so far to the album?

Tomohiro: We were making contact with Greg/SouthernLord for a long while. haha...I always use half broken FAX machine. there're a lot of ideas for making new materials. and finally,we did. Yes,I'm satisfied with the deal.

Tatsu: Sure,the Lord did awesome job! we love it.

In the past you have always made bone-crushing doom metal in the vein of Saint Vitus, early Black Sabbath, The Obsessed,Witchfinder General, Pentagram etc. This album is even more so..are you pleased with the final mix and the sound of the album?

Tatsu: well...surely NOT final mix,haha! but we tried to show our Doom style. I feel we did it,and I'm proud of the album.

More on the past, you used to be called Salem for quite a few years until you changed the name to Church Of Misery, with Salem you were over in europe after what I have read. How much did Salem meant for Church Of Misery in the early days in terms of following and the media response? and for those who dont know anything abot Salem fill them in on a brief history.

Tatsu :NO! wait! Salem was my past band! no relationship...I broke up the band by my self.and form C.o.M. to play Doom Rock.

Lyrically it deals very much with serial killers, this time its about 4 individuals Ed Kemper, Peter Sutcliffe, Herbert Mullin and John Wayne Gacy. Ed Kempers voice is featured in the first track. In the past you dealt with similar subjects along with other things. Personally I dont follow, since you are more of an expert on those individuals than I am do you feel that these subjects suits perfectly in the sound that you have?

Tatsu: I must tell you it was just my personal interest,anyhow these theme are fitting our sounds,we believe.

Tomohiro: Sure,the idea gave us mighty originality in this scene.

More on the artwork, Frank Kozik at Mans Ruin have helped you. You have worked with him also in the past, how pleased are you with the artwork of the album and how did you manage to get him interested in the first place?

Tatsu: I'm really into his artworks! so We need to try to get him interested.

Tomohiro: So,we told Greg/Southern Lord what we want! Haha and he tried to order his artwork... haha, he worried it took long long times. and it became true!:)

Tatsu: Kozik and Steve/the lord did good jobs to the art!

I did mention your fantastic blend of bone-crushing doom metal, you are in my opinion a very much original sounding band. In my opinion you are also inspired by the original Japanese heavy bands in the sound you create, bands like Flower Travelin band, Flied Egg, Blues Creation etc. do you agree about the combination?

Tatsu: Yes! surely we love these Japanese heavy rock bands, especially Blues creation.

Tomohiro: yes,Tatsu gave me dubbed tape of them... I couldn't believe! haha,it was really awesome sounds! The Guitarist smash me away.

In the past you have made fantastic covers of War is our destiny(Saint Vitus) Race With the devil( Gun) along with a few others.This time you do Cities on flame by Blue Öyster Cult, a stunning version I must say. Was Cities on flame planned before the recordings or did it come while you were working with the album and are you pleased with the outcome of the cover?

Tomohiro:well,Tatsu always check a lot of bands,and find the songs to cover. It's always best choice as you know:) this time he told me "hey,let play this!" I thought "cool! but I need to practice..." anyway I pleased, without Guitar tracks!

Tatsu: so,we always plan the cover song before start recordings. If we choose SABBATH songs,we'll be able to record quickly, but I never play cover songs of them.Sabbath is our sanctuary...

Tomohiro: sure,we sometimes jam sabbath songs,but it must be just for fun.

The Japanese scene is nowdays much more interesting compare to the 80s, in the 70s there was all those original bands like Blues Creation etc. in the 80s Loudness etc. came out of course those bands had their share of input but the heavy aspect have made a huge comeback now with yourself, Millarca and Eternal Elysium etc. what is your opinion about the progression of the Japanese scene?

Tatsu: Japanese underground scene is always moving. I know them well,but difficult to tell you the progression...

Tomohiro: anyhow, Japanese music scene is not for Doom rock!haha we're better know over seas,actually. also there're a lot of great band,but they couldn't get true support from Major companies.

You have been around now for quite a few years, created quite a buzz in the doom underground scene but after what I have heard and read you have still not played one single show under the name of Church Of Misery in Europe or US correct me if I am wrong here, now after the release is there a chance now to see you live in action overhere?

Tomohiro: Yes,we think about it for a long while. I know some American Fans are waiting for us!

Tatsu: sure,If we could tour the states and Europe, It must be really cool...

Tomohiro: but there're some reality problems. costs,communications,and others...haha

Looking back on the eps you made it in the past and the contributions, with those you have got yourself a quite a solid fanbase, I guess the following and the fanbase will be even stronger with the release of Master Of Brutality, what is your opinion?

Tomohiro: We're proud of the new material. I just hope every fans enjoy that!

Tatsu: Sure,we're happy now,ha!

Finally about the next plans for Church Of Misery, whats up for the moment any new eps on the way when is the next album out any material ready for that any touring plans etc.etc fill us in on the next plans that you have now.

Tatsu: Well, We're planning next material. I can't say when we do that,but it should be soon. also we'll keep playing shows in Tokyo. Just wait and look forward our next move,please!

Tomohiro: Yes! I can't wait to see our next material! haha...

By Gabriel Lilliehook

For more Church Of Misery info check out the official Church Of Misery page or contact the band by email tomonish@momo.so-net.ne.jp

To order their latest album Master Of Brutality contact Southern Lord at southernlord.com or by email southernlord@yahoo.com