Interview with Aaren Pantke of Molder

Molder
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Vocalist/Guitarist Aaren Pantke talks Catastrophic Reconfiguration, maracas, and the challenges of creating music.

Molder‘s sophomore album, Engrossed In Decay, found the Joliet, IL death metal outfit making no-bones about their obsession with all things decomposing back in 2022. Picking up right where they left off, Molder are set to reanimate the dead in 2024 with their forthcoming third album, Catastrophic Reconfiguration, due for release via Prosthetic Records on November 8.

BLARE: Hey Aaren! Hope you are doing great today. Molder formed in Joliet, IL. in 2017. How did the band come to be?

AAREN PANTKE: After my previous projects didn’t work out, I took it upon myself to start my own band with my own direction, rather than join an established group. So I reached out to some local friends and the band’s foundation was formed.

Are you guys still based in that area?

AAREN: Yes and no. Technically only one of us lives in Joliet. While the others live close, I live about an hour away. However, we still rehearse weekly at my mom’s house near Joliet.

Can you describe the songwriting process on your upcoming full-length album, Catastrophic Reconfiguration?

AAREN: It was largely collaborative for a change. I took a step back and let everybody have more free reign with their performances. Usually I do just about all of the writing, but I felt completely confident in letting the others take more creative freedom. It was written swiftly, but not rushed. We found it difficult to find the time to write while touring or working at home. So when it came down to the wire, we really sat down and put in the work. It’s catchy, pissed, and certainly some of our best work as far as I’m concerned. We couldn’t be happier with how it came out. Moving forward I hope we’re able to write more material in the same routine as we did with this.

Regarding the album, this is your second with the label, how did the band get signed to Prosthetic?

AAREN: Yes, our second with Prosthetic, but third total. To be honest, we don’t really know. We’d like to think they heard about us through “Vanished Cadavers” (our debut) or from buzz we’ve generated in Chicago? But that’s probably a better question for the label. They simply sent us an email with an offer and we went from there.

Could you explain the reasoning behind the title Catastrophic Reconfiguration?

AAREN: I can give you two. It’s directly a tale of horrendous mutation through scientific experimentation… essentially an ode to 80s body horror. As well as in many ways a nod to the repugnance of humanity, and how our chance to rebuild always inevitably fails.

What is your best memory while recording the album?

AAREN: Adding maracas to the intro of “Masked In Mold”. They just happened to be in the studio and Kyle (Pooley, drums) picked them up and played them against a playback of the drum take. It sounded sick, so we decided to record and keep them!

What was the biggest challenge in creating Catastrophic Reconfiguration?

AAREN: Time. We all work, and we all have limited time off. When we do have time, we typically use it to play out and travel. But it’s hard to sit down and write a record together when you’re constantly rehearsing old songs for upcoming shows, and constantly on the road. We don’t have it anywhere near as bad as other bands have it, but it still poses a challenge for us.

Credit: Stephanie Pejskar

How would you characterize its style/sound?

AAREN: To break it down. Thrashy death metal with heavy punk influence. But that’s just my take on it, find out for yourselves.

What lyrical topics do you most enjoy covering?

AAREN: I enjoy the gore stuff. It’s fun, it’s gross, and it certainly fits the bill.

Does the band have plans to shoot any videos?

AAREN: Not really. Video’s aren’t really my kind of thing. BUT never say never, it’s just not what I want to spend my money on.

What are your goals and expectations for Catastrophic Reconfiguration?

AAREN: Just hope the label gives it their all in pushing the release. And hope they can get it into as many hands as possible.

Will Molder play live shows or tour in support of the record?

AAREN: Nothing I can discuss in great detail. Hopefully some US tours and a trip to Europe. Keep your eyes peeled.

Is there anything else you’d like to say or let our BLARE readers know?

AAREN: Thanks for your time, we hope you enjoy the new record.

Catastrophic Reconfiguration will be released on November 8 through Prosthetic Records. Pre-orders available here.

Tracklist
1. Catastrophic Reconfiguration
2. Pulped
3. Overdue Burial
4. Frothing
5. Masked in Mold
6. Bursted Innards
7. Rapidly Exsanguinated
8. Corpse Copulation
9. Brain Boil
10. Nothing Left To Ooze

Find Molder: Bandcamp | Instagram | Facebook | Spotify

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