Interview With CALABRESE

I still remember the first time I heard CALABRESE. It was around 4 or 5 years ago when a friend suggested I go check out their Myspace page. They told me that CALABRESE were a horror punk band, so initially I wasn't very enthusiastic because if I had a nickel for every crappy Misfits-wannabe band I've ever found on Myspace... well I'd have a lot of nickels. So I didn't actually go check out their page straight away, as a matter of fact it was only because I was bored one night that I even took the time to look at their profile.
But I'm glad I did. Ever since I first heard their music they've been one of my favorite bands. And they also happen to be three of the nicest guys I've never met.

Anyway, for those unfamiliar with the band, here's a little background info.
CALABRESE is the surname of three brothers Jimmy, Bobby and Davey who formed the band in Phoenix, Arizona in 2003. Influenced by such bands as Samhain, White Zombie, Black Flag and Danzig among others, they have their own distinct Horror Rock sound, combining Horror Punk and Death Rock sounds with b-movie and occult themed lyrics. CALABRESE have released an EP and three albums and have shared the stage with bands such as Tiger Army, Misfits, 45 Grave, Michale Graves and many more. They have also had their music featured on a wide array punk rock compilations and even performed in movies including The Graves.
The band played in Europe with Blitzkid and Shadow Reichenstein before recording their latest album CALABRESE III: THEY CALL US DEATH which was released in 2010, and is their hardest, fastest and darkest album yet.
They are currently working on their fourth as yet unnamed album.
Read on as I interrogate Bobby and Jimmy on their next album, favorite horror films, action figures and more!

Jake Cadaverous - "So, it's been a little over a year since your third album was released, when can we expect a fourth?"

Bobby - "Right now, we're looking to get the fourth album out by next year! We wrote some really great songs and are anxious to release 'em as soon as possible. I can't speak for the other dudes, but it would be great if it hit right around Halloween, but hey, ya never know how it's gonna pan out."


Jake - "I remember reading about a possible vinyl release a while back. Is this still on the agenda?"

Jimmy - "We are re-releasing The Traveling Vampire Show on vinyl with Cobraside Distribution in August, and if all goes well we will be releasing all the other CDs on vinyl with them, too. Pretty gnarly!"


Jake - "You've recently delved into the realm of comics with the release of the 1st issue of the Calabrese comic book. How did this come about? And how many more can we expect?"

Jimmy - "The comic became a reality with the help of our fans in Tucson AZ. We were approached by Eric M. Esquivel and Dave Baker to do a comic book and a year later - BLAMO! Our first comic was born!
We plan on creating at least two more comics, but because of the length of time it takes to create (and the amount of money) we'll wait 'til we release our next album before we put out the next issue."

Jake - "Between touring, recording, making comics and webisodes, appearing in movies etc, do you guys have any spare time? What do you do with it?"

Bobby - "If we're not playing shows, writing songs or being weird in front of camera, in my spare time I like to...well, damn. That's ALL I like to do!"


Jake - "Would you ever consider releasing Calabrese action figures? What kind of accessories would they have?"

Bobby - "We've always dreamed about this, so yeah, we've considered it. I know the cost would be pure insanity, but if we ever got the chance HELL YES WE WOULD DO IT. For me, I'd want my guitar to double as a machine gun, a futuristic laser cannon or a samurai sword. My guitar picks would, of course, double as ninja stars, and if we're REALLY gonna push it...rocket boosters in my boots. Hail to the King, baby!"


Jake - "If you were to star in your own video game, what would it be called? And what would be the storyline?"

Bobby - "Funny thing, we've been trying to get an online video game up and running, but it's a lot of work to get something like that done! If it ever came to light, it would be one hell of a game. One of the ideas, though, was for it to be a side-scroller, with us running around in dark castles, surfing from motorcycle to motorcycle and karate kicking the undead. We have no idea how that actually resembles a plot...but it would be kick-ass!"


Jake - "Obviously horror movies have had an important influence on your music. Do you have any favorites?"

Bobby - "Of course! We love all the 80's stuff like "Dead Alive" and the "Evil Dead" films. Anything that combines horror and comedy. I like "American Werewolf in London," "Return of the Living Dead" and anything by Argento and Fulci. Oh, "From Beyond" by Stuart Gordon, too! Fuck, way too many to mention now that I start thinking about it!"


Jake - "And finally, if you were the villain in a horror film, what would your weapon of choice be?"

Bobby - "To avoid suspicion, I think I'd go for something super sneaky and fucked up, like being able to stop people's hearts with mind control. Mind control in general, really. I can make people jump off of buildings, have them crash their cars...it's perfect!"

For more info head to the band's official site.

You can also find them on 

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And make sure you check out their webisodes on Youtube