As Florida-based death metal pioneers Cannibal Corpse approach their fourth decade of existence, drummer and founding member Paul Mazurkiewicz recently took time to reflect on the group’s extensive career. During an appearance on the “Wildman” podcast hosted by Jacob Ridenour, the musician discussed his current outlook on life and the enduring legacy of the band.
When asked about his current personal life, Paul Mazurkiewicz shared a positive perspective (as transcribed by Blabbermouth):
“It’s going pretty good. I can’t complain. I’m just taking it day by day, of course. You just gotta live life to the fullest, I guess, no matter what, when. But yeah, no, [it’s going] pretty good overall. I’m in a good place right now personally, with the band, all that kind of stuff. So, yeah, I can’t complain — I can’t complain whatsoever.”
Addressing the continued success and rigorous touring schedule maintained by Cannibal Corpse, the drummer acknowledged the milestone of reaching their 38th anniversary. He also highlighted his long-standing partnership with bassist Alex Webster, noting they are the sole remaining original members.
“I appreciate it, man. Thanks. Yeah, that’s what we wanna do, of course. That’s what we’ve been doing for many years now. It’s crazy to think that we’re going on the 38th-year anniversary of the band. And, of course, myself and Alex [Webster, Cannibal Corpse bassist] being the two original members, being there since day one. But, yeah, what a ride it’s been, what a journey. And, like you just said, the fact that we’re still around and relevant and we feel that we’re making good music and fans are coming out to see us all, that kind of thing. It’s a great feeling. And we’ll just keep going as long as we can. Obviously, at some point, it’s gonna have to end. But like I said about just how I’m doing, [we’re taking it] day by day. And that’s how everything goes — day by day. But either way, it’s going great. We’re happy to be where we’re at and have the fanbase that we have and all those kinds of things. So, man, it’s an amazing, amazing thing.”
Looking back to the band’s inception, Paul admitted that long-term longevity was never an initial consideration. Given their young age at the time and the lack of precedent for extreme metal bands sustaining multi-decade careers, the prospect of playing in their fifties seemed highly improbable.
“Well, you definitely don’t think that you’re gonna be in a band this long, obviously, when I look back. We were just basically teenagers when we started, so your mentality is a little bit different in that regard. None of the bands around at that point — there’s no band that’s been around for 50, 60 years at that point. So you’re going, ‘Oh, well, that’s crazy to play in a band when you’re 40, 50 years old. That doesn’t make sense. How can you do that? Why would you do that?’ Obviously, you want the band to succeed, you wanna go as long as you can, but I think you’re thinking your shelf life or just your life of the band is gonna be a lot shorter than it could be.”
He elaborated on how his early expectations contrasted with the reality of his current life:
“I remember thinking, like, ‘Oh yeah, when I’m 40…’, which would’ve been 20 years after the fact the band started, ‘Yeah, I’ll be old. I’ll be 40 years old. Am I gonna be still wanting to play this? I’m gonna settle down, have a family, all that kind of thing. So, yeah, it’s weird that you had those thoughts, of course, back then, so you never thought that you would be still here doing it. And I’ll be 58 this year, and who would have ever thought that I’d be still playing drums in a death metal band and then [that we would still be doing] as well as we’re doing and all that. We’re still relevant and we still have, like I mentioned earlier, a great fanbase and we’re doing amazing — probably better than we ever have in those regards. So, yeah, no, not in your wildest dreams did you think that you’d be here still doing it at this point in your life. So, yeah, pretty wild.”
When examining the underlying motivation that continues to drive the band forward, he cited a profound passion for the music, drawing comparisons to legendary rock acts that continue to perform well into their later years.
“If you start doing this, you love it and that’s your passion and that’s what you wanna do. And then I think that’s why you become an artist in any capacity, What we do, of course, as musicians, well, that’s why we got into it. We wanted to do this. This was our passion. This was our love. And then once you get your foot in the door and you’re doing well and all that, why would you wanna stop? I mean, I’d say most people don’t. There’s gonna be some people that do, obviously, [who say], ‘All right, I’ve had enough. I wanna retire, do something else.’ Okay. But I’d say for the majority, and that’s why you got the bands still kicking it that are out there — any of these bands. The Rolling Stones or whatever, they’re 80 years old and they’re still doing it. Why would you wanna stop? This is your life. So I think you’re gonna do it as long as you can, for the most part… But, yeah, you’re just gonna take it as long as you can. I think we feel the same way. It’s just gonna come down to health and all that. Can we do it for another five years, 10 years? I mean, who knows? Because, like I mentioned earlier, we never thought we’d be doing it at this point in our lives. So who’s to say we can’t do it longer or won’t be doing it longer? So, yeah, it’s pretty wild, but it’s who you are and it’s a part of you. So you just wanna make the most of it. You only live once and you might only get this opportunity once.”
Cannibal Corpse released their sixteenth studio album, Chaos Horrific, in September 2023 via Metal Blade Records.
