Insidious Decrepancy was formed in the winter of 2000 by Shawn Whitaker. After the demise of his former band, Viral Load, Shawn decided that since he was responsible for writing 100% of the music and about half the lyrics for the band, that he would get more accomplished if he did everything himself. With currently 3 records and a DVD under his belt, and some nice tours and festival appearances in the past but also some cool events coming up, we thought it was a good idea to send him some questions.


Hi Shawn, how’s life?

'Greetings! Life is getting better, but I must say 2009 has sent many turds my way, so I basically had to learn how to enjoy the taste of shit, haha!'

You finally released your last record Extirpating Omniscient Certitude in July last year, why did it took so long to release the album and what can you tell us about it regarding the recording process, record label, artwork, title and lyrics?

'Basically it took so long because I knew that I had to step up to the new generation of drum programming because the drum machine I had was so fucking hard to program for me. Midi sequencing is the future of the programmed drum and I feel that I have definitely taken my music to the next level on Extirpating. The new programming method allows for me to add much more dynamics to the drums, and dare I say, even a human feel that I once was unable to achieve with a traditional drum machine. The art I actually had for almost 3 years before this cd was released and Par Olofsson did in my opinion the best art in his collection for me, so that's great. I spent about a year recording it, and this represents my best work again in my opinion of course, haha. It was released on Brutal Bands and things are going great so far! The lyrics were written by a good friend named William Hutching. I basically have had someone else write my lyrics because I'm not the greatest lyricist and to help take a little weight off my shoulders as I write all the music ya know. Extirpating Omniscient Certitude basically means to destroy ones believe that their "higher power" will certainly save them from death or this world.'

You are also busy with some other projects/bands as well, which are they and how much time do you spend on these different projects?

'Yes, I have another full time band Viral Load, which I'm in the process of making a full band for the first time in over 10 years. I also do vocals full time in the Houston based evil death metal monster Uncleansed. Here are the links for you computer geeks: www.viralload.net and www.uncleansed.com.I spend about the same amount of time on all the bands, I don’t have like a regular job, so that helps.'

What do you consider the highlight of your career so far?

'Well, I'm about to release a split cd with Viral Load on Relapse Records with Putrid Pile, and my greatest highlight so far was playing Death Feast Open Air in Germany this past June. Biggest crowd for me with over 2000 peeps!! But this year I feel I will surpass last year with the Neurotic Deathfest and Obscene Extreme, I am playing both fest as Viral Load and Insidious Decrepancy.'

What would you still like to achieve?

'Well, my next step is to take Insidious to the next level with a full line-up, bigger label, and professional management to ensure my slot on big American death metal tours and festivals all over the globe.'

In May you will embark on a short European tour, with whom are you touring and what can we expect?

'I'm touring with Anal Penetration, Anal Whore, and Molested! Not sure about the other acts, but you can expect nothing less than sick, brutal, and technical death metal from Insidious Decrepancy!!!'

What is the dumbest anecdote you can tell regarding the touring/playing history of Insidious Decrepancy?

'Well there was the time our van was searched in France on the Gorgasm Euro tour of 2006. Everyone was pulled outta the van and sniffed down by the dog. Well, when the dog got to me, he decided to start humping my leg!!! EVERYONE, even cops, started dying laughing, hahahaha!!'

What is the weirdest thing on your tour rider (or if not applicable: what would you ask for)?

'Nothing too weird really, I'm an energy drink junkie, so I guess asking for TONS of Red Bull would be the weirdest thing.'

If you could choose one band to support on a tour, who would it be?

'Probably Cannibal Corpse, they are the biggest and if you want to be seen in the States, REALLY SEEN, that's basically your only option. I’ve seen 50 peeps at a Dying Fetus show, and EVERY Cannibal show, there are hundreds!!! Never fails.'

What is your favourite way of intoxicating yourself, and with what substances?

'Energy drinks and good weed. Oh yea, I love taking crack blasts with Roseanne Bar and Tom Arnold!'

When was the last time you puked, and what was the reason for it?

'I puked recently from food poisoning!!'

What's the gayest record in your music collection?

'Probably the house/techno shit I'm into right now, haha!'

Can you tell us something no one knows up till now?

'You mean besides the fact that there is another planet in our solar system called Niribu and that this world is ran and controlled by interdemensional reptiles???'

Anything to add or plug?

www.insidiousdecrepancy.net www.viralload.net www.uncleansed.com.
'That's about it!'

That were my questions, thanks for the interview!

'Ok thanx, and stay sick eternal!'


Picture by Metalshots.com