Unveiling the Depths of Metal: An Exclusive Interview with Eddie Munson of Corroded Coffin
In the dimly lit confines of a tucked-away studio, where the air is thick with the scent of aged leather, cigarettes, and the faint echo of amplified riffs, Stacee Reider finds himself in the presence of Eddie Munson, the enigmatic frontman of Corroded Coffin. Nestled amidst the clamor of their forthcoming album release, Eddie graciously invites Rolling Stone into his world, offering a glimpse into the labyrinthine journey of his band's 13-year tenure in the annals of rock history.
Stacee: Eddie, it's an honor to sit down with you amidst the fervor surrounding Corroded Coffin's latest venture. Reflecting on the past 13 years, what has been the most defining moment in the band's journey thus far?
Eddie Munson: Thank you, it's a pleasure to be here. Without a doubt, our most defining moment was when we first took the stage with Nirvana, back in '91, on the Nevermind tour. It was a baptism by fire, an electrifying communion between band and audience that solidified our resolve to forge ahead, no matter the odds. To quote Kurt "The energy comes out of us and it goes into the audience and they bounce it back and we just play catch with some vibes". They [Nirvana] have always had this sort of game of catch with their audience, even with Bleach. This tour really passed along that torch to us so to speak. All of those fans, ready to "catch some vibes" got to hear us first and really initiate that gameplay.
Stacee: Your music often delves into themes of darkness and redemption, resonating deeply with legions of fans worldwide. What fuels this creative fire within Corroded Coffin?
I can see in his hand, as he's thinking of his answer, he's fidgeting with some dice. They appear to be fantasy style, and they look very worn, as if he's had them a long time.
Eddie Munson: For us, music has always been a conduit for exorcising our inner demons, a primal scream amidst the chaos of existence. Whether it's grappling with the shadows of our own psyche, facing our past, or confronting the societal abyss, our music serves as a beacon of catharsis for those who dare to embrace the darkness. In high school, I ran a D&D club called the Hellfire Club. We met once a week and played for hours. I think my love of dark fantasy, as an escape, stems from times like Hellfire Club, and we really try and give people times like that with our music.
Stacee: Beyond the stage, your personal life has garnered its fair share of intrigue, particularly since you keep it so private. I know you are married to your Highschool Sweetheart, so tell me, how has love influenced your artistic journey?
Before he answers this question, he pulls out another cigarette and lights it, illuminating the studio. He offeres me one, I decline. Then he takes a few drags as he says.
Eddie Munson: Chrissy is my anchor amidst the storm, a guiding light that illuminates even the darkest corners of my soul. Our union has been a source of boundless inspiration, infusing our music with a newfound depth and vulnerability. And our children, Freya and Cathan, they're the heartbeat of our existence, a constant reminder of the legacy we strive to leave behind. Especially coming from Hawkins, in the midst of all that shit in the '80s, we really want to leave behind something positive for our kids. We are really just striving to give them everything we never had and help mold them into better people than we think we are.
He pulls out his wallet and hands me a folded photo, featuring Chrissy and the kids. I go over it a few times before handing it back to Eddie. He folds it back up and puts it in his wallet, placing it back in his jacket pocket.
Stacee: As you prepare to unleash your latest opus upon the world, what can fans expect from Corroded Coffin's newest offering?
Eddie Munson: With each album, we endeavor to push the boundaries of our sound, to chart new territories within the vast expanse of metal. This latest chapter is no exception; it's a sonic odyssey that traverses the abyss of the human experience, a symphony of darkness and light that beckons the listener to journey deeper into the labyrinth of the soul. It really begs the listener to dig deep down into the inner reaches of themselves and ask those hard and dark questions. I was feeling this when I started the album. Cathan had just turned 2 and Freya was 4. Chrissy and I had just celebrated 8 years married, 14 together, and I guess I was just realizing how fast time moves and whatnot. It seemed like just yesterday we were driving her to college in Chicago in August of '86, and now its 2000. Crazy man. This made me reflect on myself and my journey, and I had a period where I retreated into my music room and felt sad for a while as I sat and thought about these things. I faced some hard truths, some demons, and celebrated my wins, and out came the first few songs off the record.
Stacee: Finally, Eddie, what does the future hold for Corroded Coffin? Where do you see yourselves in another 13 years?
Eddie Munson: The future is an enigma, a tapestry woven from the threads of our collective destiny. But one thing is certain—we'll continue to march to the beat of our own drum, to defy the constraints of convention and forge ahead on our own terms. As for where we'll be in 13 years? Who knows... perhaps standing atop the mountain peak of our greatest triumph yet, or venturing into uncharted waters in search of new sonic horizons. Only time will tell.
As the interview draws to a close, Eddie Munson offers a glimpse into the soul of Corroded Coffin, a band unbound by the shackles of expectation, steadfast in their commitment to the relentless pursuit of musical transcendence. And as the echoes of their latest masterpiece reverberate through the hallowed halls of rock history, one thing remains abundantly clear—Corroded Coffin's legacy is etched in stone, an indelible testament to the enduring power of metal in all its raw, unbridled glory.
