Formed in the early 2020s, Static Abyss are a monstrous hybrid of brutal death, doom and crust, blending sheer violence with psychedelic atmospheres. The band is led by Greg Wilkinson and Chris Reifert, both members of the legendary Autopsy, with Reifert also having been part of death metal pioneers Death. Following their 2022 debut Labyrinth of Veins and 2023’s Aborted From Reality, the band now returns with their third studio album. The Dying Hunt also marks the arrival of Necrot’s Chad Gailey on drums, taking the band’s dark sound even further. Savage riffs, swirling melodies and hypnotic passages create a twisted and hallucinatory sonic landscape. Brutality and otherworldly madness constantly collide, reflecting a world in decline and the gradual disintegration of the human psyche. The result is a distinctive blend of death metal, doom and crust, uncompromising in its impact. Chris Reifert tells us more about The Dying Hunt and Static Abyss.
So, dear Chris, how would you describe the sound of The Dying Hunt, and what differences would you highlight compared to the two previous releases?
Hello hello! I can’t really describe its sound and fortunately….I don’t have to! My part was learning how the songs went, writing lyrics for them and then recording the vocals. All things I love to do. From that point it’s up to the listener to describe what they hear in any and every way they want. If you’d like some quick adjectives though, I can offer: heavy, raw, disturbing, nightmarish, unsettling, speeding, crawling, mind bending, ugly, beautiful, weird. There’s a start anyways. Where does the record sit compared to the first two? For me it feels like a continuation of them. It seems to have grown a few more tentacles and fingers though, so prepare your earholes.
What topics are covered in the album's lyrics?
Nothing normal, that’s for sure. Sometimes I know what the subject matter is and sometimes I let it be a mystery. Ultimately it’s up to the reader and hopefully listener to decide. Interpret and dissect at will!
Tell us something about the eerie artwork of The Dying Hunt and its overall meaning.
Only Santos, who painted the cover can explain it, if even he can. I’m really happy with it though and I enjoy looking at it in detail and making up my own stories about what I see in there.
Walk us through the songwriting process for these tracks and the subsequent production at Earhammer Studios with Greg Wilkinson.
Easiest way to break it down for this album is as followed:
- Greg writes riffs/songs.
- Shows them to Chad, who learns them on drums right in the moment with Greg playing along on guitar.
- One by one, the songs are recorded this way.
- Greg adds bass and more guitars.
- I listen to the songs, write lyrics for them, then record my vocals.
- Greg mixes everything.
All of these elements are executed at Greg’s studio, Earhammer. There you go, just like that!
Are you planning to promote the release with any live activity?
Not so far but who knows what the future holds?
What will Autopsy fans find in this brand new reissue of Mental Funeral?
A slight remastering job by Greg, for one thing. Nothing drastic, don’t worry. Just a little extra punch and volume. We were very cautious about it and were aware that a heavy handed approach could fuck it up. Fear not, dear friends! And if you get the CD version there’s an extra commentary disc where we yap about what went into making the album along with whatever other goofy thoughts were in our minds at the time.
Is there any news you can share about Autopsy's activities, both in the studio and on stage?
We’ve been intending to make a new album for a year and a half or so but I had to get shoulder surgery and as soon as I recovered from that, Eric had to get his own shoulder surgery. Jeez! Now we’re looking at hopefully springtime to get it done. Fingers, toes and brains crossed! On stage… So far we have Maryland Death Fest next year which is always a treat. I suspect some more craziness will fall into place as well, so stay tuned.
A while ago I surprised you by mentioning that I own Eatmyfuk's one and only album! You told me it was just a fun thing to do, yet I consider it an amazing record and a fitting tribute to GG Allin's legacy… musically speaking, of course! Any thoughts on that moment in your life?
Glad you dig that slab ‘o sleaze! It was a blast to make and I still enjoy listening to it when the mood strikes. And… I make no apologies whatsoever for creating that filth, although I could blame Mescalito if I wanted to. A true, trashy, punk rock puke fest!
Nowadays we're witnessing a handful of bands paying tribute to Death. Left to Die pays tribute to the band's early era, the one that saw you involved on drums. How do you feel about such tributes in 2026?
I did indeed play Infernal Death and Evil Dead with those maniacs on stage a couple of years ago and had a fantastic time doing so. They did a great job resurrecting those old Mantas songs on their album too. Love it!
What final message and greeting would you like to send to your Italian fans?
Thanks for putting up with us for all these years and decades! And in case that hasn’t been enough, there’s more in the future! Oh, fuck.
https://youtu.be/9lK7z4LjgGg?si=bneH0886FCqh-tvv