An Interview with Christophe SZYSZKA of Scarvenger
A short time ago I received a music recommendation from Jean-Damien of the excellent TeethGrinder Radio Show. He directed me to the Soundcloud page for Scarvenger, a one man death metal band from Northern France. What I found was an absolutely killer dose of vicious, snake-like riffs and scorching vocals.
Vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, Christophe SZYSZKA, agreed to answer a few questions about Scarvenger, and although there’s a bit of a language barrier, his music more than speaks for itself.
Derek: Hi Christophe! Thank you for granting me an interview! Let’s start by getting our readers up to speed on the history of Scarvenger. When and where was the band formed? What is the story behind the name?
Christophe: Hi Derek :) Scavenger was born in October of 2000, the name comes from the contraction of scar and avenger.
Derek: Scarvenger began as a three piece but became a one man band around 2009. In 2010 you released not one, but two full length albums, “Better Way to Die” and “Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobie”. Were these albums built around songs written between 2000 and 2009, or all new material written after you went solo?
Christophe: In 2009 Scavenger became a solo project, I worked exclusively on new material because I wanted to keep going and not stop the band. I need to play Death Métal, haha !!
Derek: Did you record in a professional studio or do you have a home recording setup? The production sounds killer!
Christophe: Thank you very much, it’s cool, I have a home studio, not software, real hardware, it is an eight digital tracks, I do it quietly at home, no pressure, at my own pace, but I quickly work to keep the spontaneity of titles.
Derek: What bands have had the most influence on your songwriting? Is there a particular guitar player or players that were influential in the development of your technique? At what age did you start playing?
Christophe: I started playing in 1990, I was 18 old. I worked on the rhythm guitars of Anthrax, Slayer, Sepultura, old albums. Then I worked on the vocals and guitar of Death.
Derek: Your vocal style reminds me so much of John Tardy from Obituary! I love it! How would describe your lyrical style?
Christophe: Yes, John is an undeniable influence, like Patrick Mameli from Pestilence, I feel quite comfortable in this vocal register.
Derek: I saw that you’re auditioning for bassist and drummer. Is this just for live performances or for recording, as well?
Christophe: Not just for the stage. I like to play live, but it’s very hard to find musicians.
Derek: How did your partnership with Great Dane Records come about? Will they be releasing your next studio effort?
Christophe: The deal was for their first signature, no more.
Derek: Now it’s time for The Marvelous Three Round of Questions! What’s your favorite breakfast cereal? Most metalheads have large concert t-shirt collections. What’s your favorite band t-shirt? And last but not least, are you a cat person or a dog person?
Christophe: Lol, cool questions :D Cereal with berries and I love peanut butter. Horror movies tee shirts, not especially group, but I would say Krisiun, Immolation, and Hate Eternal. I like animals but I do not have time to properly take care of it.
Derek: Thank you the time to answer my questions! I’m forward to hearing much more from Scarvenger in the years to come!
Christophe: Thanks to you, Derek, and thank you for your interest in Scavenger , keep in Death Métal!
Check Out “Sudden Energy Accumulated” from “Earthquake Ravager EP”
