Kevin (editor): I wouldn't use the word surprised. We've worked our asses off to get people to check out the zine. I'd say I'm more excited that people are as passionate about the zine as I am. I have to give a lot of credit to the cover artists who have donated their work. The first impression people get of Codex Obscurum is the cover art by Mark Richards, Mike Fisher, Mark Riddick, Manifester, and Matt Putrid. The killer covers these guys have drawn has made it a lot easier to convince people to check out a print zine. Of course once they buy the zine we have to deliver with entertaining content and the evolving team of writers who work with me have done a hell of a job.
Do you see the role of zines as being different now than they were when you were first getting into metal?
Kevin: I can only speak for Codex Obscurum. I think we try to maintain the passion of older zines but the internet has changed our role a bit. I hope we are an alternative to boring online metal sites that are just there to suck up to record labels and push what they want them to push. All the writers for Codex are free to write about whatever bands they want and we won't take unsolicited Interviews. The purpose of our zine is to talk about music we enjoy not what a record label is trying to sell that month. That's why we also don't accept money to print ads. The goal is to try and maintain a level of integrity.
Have you noticed any big changes in the metal scene as a whole since when you first became involved with it?
Kevin: There are a lot more people into metal right now. That's for damn sure. I started exploring underground metal in the early to mid 1990's and it wasn't exactly the most popular form of music at the time. It seemed a lot more dangerous back then. But again I'm sure the internet ruined a lot of that. Now with a few key strokes you can find out everything about a band. It kind of ruins some of the mystique. I'm probably complaining about the internet too much. I mean it does make being a metal fan easier too. I search for new demo's online every day. I probably wouldn't know about half the bands I do if it wasn't for message boards.
Can you tell us about your plans for future issues?
Kevin: I'm going to try to keep up with our pace of a new issue every three to four months. It's tough and running Codex Obscurum is a full time job but I think we can do it. I have the artist for issue #6 already set up and I'm in talks with someone for #7. I don't want to give too much away. I like to announce everything right before the issue goes on sale so people get excited about it.
Codex Obscurum covers a lot of different styles of metal. What are some of your favorite local bands?
Kevin: A few of my favorite local bands are Blessed Offal, Sangus, Church Burn, Frost Rot, Nightbitch, Grue and PanzerBastard. I will probably get shit if I don't mention that some of our writers also play in Composted, Abnormality, Sexcrement, Dysentery and a few other local bands. Also I've been waiting about seven months for Brian from December Wolves to send interview questions back to me. I'd say December Wolves 'Completely Dehumanized' is my all time favorite local album.
Is there anything else you wanted to add or mention?
Kevin: Just that people should buy the zine at Codexobscurum.bigcartel.com. It's only $3 +s/h. We are taking preorders on issue #5 now. They'll be mailed out in the next couple of weeks. We have interviews with At the Gates, Dead Congregation, Krieg, Brutal Truth and much more. I think we are getting better with every issue so expect good things in the future and if you see me at a show buy me a beer.
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