Maine-iac!: An interview with Sean Chartier of Endgame

Tell me a little about the metal scene up in the Maine/Northern New England area.

The metal scene in Maine/northern New England is strong and vibrant with many bands. I think it's because for example where I live in a cold dirty mill town Brutal music is easily spawned. 

Could you tell me a little bit about Malignant. What year did the band form and what were the primary influences?

Some friends of mine where rehearsing in a garage and I was in a band Abstract Psychology. I joined 'cause I thought they had some brutal extreme songs that was the style I was looking for. Russ and Bill were really into Brutal Truth, Cannibal Corpse, Six Feet Under,Mortician,Diecide and all the local metal from around New England.  

How often did you guys play out in those days?

We practiced almost every day and gigged every weekend if possible. 

Malignant

You guys released a demo in 1997. How was the reaction to that and were you guys pleased with the end result?

The reaction was good people liked the sheer heaviness of it. 

What were the events that led to the band breaking up?

Members leaving and not finding suitable replacements. 

Were you involved in any other musical projects up until the formation of Endgame?

I was in a band called Blood Red Thrust from 1999 to 2009 

Endgame features members of Malignant. What made you guys decide to get back at it?

We never got out of the scene to long. Russ and some of the other members of Endgame were in a band called Thought out Thought, and they got back together and stared writing some heavy songs they found a Bass player O. Stevens . I was looking to jam I tried out and that was it we all clicked.  

Now you've got some particularly brutal and nasty sounding vocals. As a vocalist myself and someone who's been doing this since the late 80's, I gotta say, I was very impressed with what I heard on Malignant's 1997 demo. Who/what were your influences to bring your vocals to that level and can we expect to hear that same level of excellence on the upcoming Endgame full length?

My influences were any and all the early Death Metal and Grind Core bands especially those from the local New England scene. You can expect more Brutal and more dynamic vocals from Endgame. With the incredibly heavy guitar and brutal drums.  

Speaking of the Endgame full length, what is the scheduled release date for that?

We have not scheduled a release date as of yet a we really want to take our time in the studio to make every thing as brutal as possible. 

Do you guys have any upcoming shows to support the album? If so, where?

We are Playing a benefit concert with brutal bands to help some victims of tenement fire here locally. We will be playing all over the New England area when the album is released.  

Name three albums that you absolutely cannot live without:

Three albums are (Carcass) Symphonies of Sickness ,(Slayer) Seasons In The Abyss,(Cannibal Corpse) The Bleeding. 

Endgame

The death metal scene has had a tumultuous history since its beginnings in the mid-80's. It would seem that with the advent of the internet, acceptance of this style of music is at an all time high. What are your thoughts on the current state of death metal and are there any bands that have caught your ear? Any suggestions?

Death Metal Is alive and well due in a major part to the Internet fan base and peoples hatred of the mainstream music industry. 

Alright Sean, many thanks for your time. Any last words?

Thanks to all metal fans