I've been a fan of Mark Riddick's art for years. His visceral images of zombies and all manner of abominations has always struck a chord with me. Reminding me of the album covers and posters I used to see in the tiny Metal record store on the way home from school. My fragile egg shell mind being warped and twisted vile monsters and rotting flesh. The art that made me fall in love with all things Metal all of those years ago. So when I got the chance to talk to Mark about his one man band Fetid Zombie, I jumped at the chance like the rabid fan girl that I am. If you've never heard the twisted music of Fetid Zombie, your missing out. TheEP, Abort the Messiah, sounds like a Priest's immortal soul being pulled apart by rabid festering hell hounds. The full length album promises to be just as brutal. Leaving me counting the days til it's release. 

You've been illustrating for the better part of 20 years now, do you find it difficult to keep up the intensity of your work after all of this time?

Yes, I do find it difficult to keep up with the intensity of requests and demands on my time in regard to my artwork. I’ve found that I must be more selective with the projects I accept because I have other commitments to attend to, such as my family and my day job as a graphic artist. As far as intensity in the subject matter of my work—no, I do not find this difficult to keep up with. I’m always searching for new concepts and ways to push my themes and skill level into new but related realms. An artist or creative individual never ceases to improve upon his or her work if it’s driven by passion.

Would you ever turn FETID ZOMBIE from a one-man project to a full band?

No, I don’t think so. Engaging in a solo effort allows me the convenience of writing and recording at my own leisure or when inspiration strikes. I just don’t have the time to coordinate rehearsals with other members or any such thing. I do however collaborate through e-mail with other musicians on occasion. For instance, my first full-length effort, “Pleasures of the Scalpel” featured the following guest musicians: Jim Malone (ARSIS), Matt Pike (UNBURIED), and Steve Miller (LOCULUS). My second full-length opus, “Vomiting in the Baptismal Pool,”—which will be published later this year—features guest spots by Steve Miller (LOCULUS), Kam Lee (DEATH, MASSACRE, BONE GNAWER), Mike Majewski (DEVOURMENT), Brian Forman (UNBURIED), and Don of the Dead (NUNSLAUGHTER.)

You tapped Daniel Desecrator for the new FETID ZOMBIE logo. Why did you decide to bring on another illustrator for the logo?

I absolutely love Daniel’s organic illustration style! He is one of my favorite illustrators and I completely trusted his vision for the new FETID ZOMBIE logo. I’m very satisfied with his incredible efforts.

For a short EP, “Abort the Messiah” is some super intense shit, how will “Vomiting in the Baptismal Pool” expand on “…Messiah's” intensity?

Thanks so much for your kind words on my EP. “Vomiting in the Baptismal Pool” picks up exactly where “Abort the Messiah” left off. You can expect a medley of brutal semi-technical death metal coupled with blackened thrash metal assaults. The biggest difference you will hear is in the production and the replacement of the drum machine with a human drummer, courtesy of BrianForman of UNBURIED.

“Ride the Goat to Jerusalem” is a great song, but I have to wonder if the song was written to be as tongue and cheek as it plays?

I’m pleased to hear you enjoyed the track; it’s really not meant to be as tongue and cheek as it appears. It’s simply a vicious criticism of the holiest land where ironically violence and negativity never ceases to exist.  

 
Are there any plans to tour as Fetid Zombie?

Never, I’m not particularly fond of playing live nor would I ever have time for such an endeavor.

The zombie uprising is upon us and you've just found out Jesus is the leader of the undead horde. How would you take him and his band of undead Evangelicals out?

Crucify them all.

Assuming that you’re able to handle the zombies and take out Jesus, what would your plans for mankind be?

Democracy—it’s not perfect and it never will be but it seems to function relatively well in most parts of the world. I’m certainly a proponent of free speech and thought; even though I might be intolerant of the mindsets and beliefs of others I still recognize the importance of self expression.

Anything you want to add before we wrap?

Thank you very much for your time and support! All the best with your online publication!