Cattle Decapitation break down their iconic album artwork | Aggressive Tendencies

Cattle Decapitation vocalist Travis Ryan discusses their iconic, realistic artwork and what it means, as well as the rumour that the cover of 'The Anthropocene Extinction' is a huge homage to past album covers. September 30, 2016.
Read the full article now on Exclaim!
Interview by Bradley Zorgdrager and Denise Falzon
Filmed and edited by Katherine Kwan
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[@FlippyMcBossman]

Travis is such a good dude

[@AggressiveTendencies]

Agreed! Very kind and fun to talk with.

[@davidhoneycutt3531]

Caught them on their last few touring cycles. All members are extremely gracious, especially Travis and Josh. They answered all my dumb, annoying fanboy questions and were very generous with their time. Great dudes!

[@seanoconnor5730]

Metalheads get a bad rap. Some of the nicest people I've met are metalheads. But we do have our assholes like Lars Ulrich, Oystein Aarseth, Gene Simmons, etc.

[@gamerx07gaming28]

axel rose

[@maxkliegl2001]

@@seanoconnor5730 Don't forget Otep Shamaya and Rob Flynn

[@f7744dread388]

He seemed embarrassed talking about some of their/his ideas like they were lame or something. They don't realize how enlightened they are. Great interview, great channel.

[@AggressiveTendencies]

Thanks so much! And I agree...brilliant band with great ideas.

[@franlovelsimic8421]

Oh hi Dread Naught.

[@supergoodwizard]

Dread Naught Great story Mark

[@lucianomaly7505]

It is sometimes strange to talk about personal creations, especially with people you don't really know. Doubly so when people like what you have to talk about.

[@UFOhunter4711]

He plays himself down

[@freddykrueger709]

If Lisa Simpson was a metalhead, she would be a big fan of this guys.

[@AggressiveTendencies]

If she picked up a guitar instead of that sax, amirite?

[@bloodhoof66]

I agree .

[@ammadnaeem5069]

I have so much respect for Travis Ryan and Josh Elmore for their environmental and animal welfare activism.

[@invisibledumpster5132]

if peta made a deathgrind band.

[@bloodhoof66]

I used to think peta was good but ive heard bad things .

[@raizencore]

Except, PETA has done more harm than good but ironically, they try to expose animal brutality all the time but themselves have kidnapped perfectly healthy pets and killed them, you seriously can't get worse than that. Claiming you're against animal abuse while also doing it yourself, fucking hypocritical, man!

[@isaacdissonance3967]

pacxam11 so travis is hypocrital as well??!you shit me?

[@augmentedhat16]

Silly question but, if the band care about animals and the environment, why is the band called Cattle Decapitation? What’s the origin of the name and the idea behind it?

[@plzkillme3942]

He seems like such a chill dude

[@oneskinnyhonky]

It seems like most metal dudes are, probably because they get their aggression out onstage.

[@Hammerponcho]

@@oneskinnyhonky most metal vocalists aren't angry dude. They are just making art lol. Look at it as it's their job.

[@sireFRY98]

I used to not like cattle. I tried to listen to monolith so many times but i never understood it but one day it suddenly clicked and now they're my favorite band. And travis is such a cool dude i love watching his interviews ha

[@AggressiveTendencies]

Those "AHA!" moments are the best. Glad you had one for this great band. Thanks for watching!

[@mfkrwill]

I had a similar experience when i was trying to get into Meshuggah

[@zlek4875]

Same here

[@BloodoperaBlackvomit]

They started writing real songs. That is what happend imo.

[@Count_Grishnackh]

sireFRY98 exactly what happened to me. 💀

[@themetalphilosopher]

The cover of Karma.Bloody.Karma : In Hindu mythology, there is a triumvirate of the greater gods : Brahma, the creator; Vishnu, the preserver and Shiva, the destroyer. (akin to Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, albeit with very different roles). The cover is an amalgamation of Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Shiva's vehicle, Nandi, the bull. It is the head of Nandi, the arms of Vishnu, the body of Shiva and the beads ( on the arms, neck and wrists) of Brahma. The main focus, though is on Shiva and his role as the destroyer. Shiva is an ascetic, who lives on the summit of Mount Kailash. He has a snake coiled around his neck, and the knives and skulls add to the symbolic imagery of him as the destroyer. The skull imagery is also reminiscent of the Chandals, who bury the dead and often eat their remains. "Karma" itself, is another theme stipulated primarily in Hindu mythology, interpreted as the cycle of duty and fate - if a man does lead not a dutiful life, he is born again to redeem his sins. Karma, is now, often interpreted as the consequences of your actions, often invoking a universal/nature-oriented moralistic force - if you sin, a sin will take place against you. Of course, Hindu as well as Buddhist scripture has a detailed take on it, with various distinctions and interpretations in philosophy and mythology. It's a beautiful album cover, the hybrid figure itself with hooks in the background. Something akin to, "If you do so to animals, animals will do so to you."

[@AggressiveTendencies]

Damn, you went in deep. Thanks man!

[@themetalphilosopher]

No problem. Thank you for the amazing video series. :) I love interpreting metal lyrics, albums, album covers etc. Metal proves to be a very rich compendium of narratives, themes and stories, with links to ideologies, mythology and history. It's beautiful stuff.

[@AggressiveTendencies]

Hell ya! Metal has some of the best album covers out there.

[@trevnev2780]

what was the original idea for the album? does anybody know?

[@jamesself8838]

dude he's a genius even when he says he's not seen them last night man they put on a amazing show!!!

[@AggressiveTendencies]

That's awesome! I wish I saw them last night! Haha.

[@Goniloc]

This is an awesome video. Travis does a great job explaining and the video itself is edited together very well.

[@AggressiveTendencies]

Thanks man! It was really cool to hear about the artwork because I've always loved that part of the band.

[@ijustgotreallystoned638]

yo gonolic, love your vids keep it up man

[@gabecarter3554]

Goniloccccccc

[@weepo2651]

Travis is super awesome like one of those people that likes to talk and chill with his fans well the whole band seems like that

[@AggressiveTendencies]

Super cool guy, no doubt!

[@lordberly]

Gotta love this dude. Always cool and down to earth. I'm not their fans btw, I'm not into Death Metal but this guy is definitely one of the nicest person in the whole scene.

[@AggressiveTendencies]

That's cool that you can recognize what a cool dude he is, even not being a fan. Cheers!

[@lordberly]

I like all your interviews, keep it up!

[@daniel-hr3vl]

I love all their artwork and their music theirs one of the best bands i swear to god

[@FoxTrotProductionBuf]

so awesome having a band that represents my ideals and thoughts. These guys are awesome. And he seems like such a chill dude

[@AggressiveTendencies]

HE's very chill!

[@boltywolty123]

One of my favourite bands. Fascinated with their artwork.

[@Kraz3e987]

I used to think the "Humanure" cover was a reference to the Pink Floyd "Atom Heart Mother" album cover. Look it up and you'll see what I mean

[@bupslayerofidiotsprotector5010]

The first track on humanure is titled scatology domine, which is a nod to astronomy domine off of piper at the gates of dawn

[@UFOhunter4711]

@@bupslayerofidiotsprotector5010 woah, I never saw that. Damn they're good

[@claire1peel]

@@bupslayerofidiotsprotector5010 glad I’m

[@BikiniDeathSquad]

I've loved this band for years now.

[@AggressiveTendencies]

Hell ya. Same here! So good!

[@keithmjali761]

There was a weird time in Travis Ryan's interviews where he seemed to be hyper-cynical and genuinely HATE everyone, maybe it was an act during their earlier days. But after Monolith/Anthropocene, he seems more chilled now, all smiles, longer hair. Probably found a good strand of weed for all we know, Lol.

[@SammeLagom]

I love Travis, what a cool guy!

[@LukaM0]

Nice interview. Travis, and the whole band, are awesome as well. imagine how much education and skill it needs to write lyrics like that, those biological terms and stuff. They deserve much more attention.

[@Utze11]

Fucking love Travis and Cattle. Such a great band \m/

[@Yell0wCheese]

Monolith is the best 2001 spinoff art in existence.

[@MadiUk77]

so i am not the only one who made that connection ... good :)

[@UFOhunter4711]

Friend

[@Hammerponcho]

@@MadiUk77 what do you mean the only one? My god anyone who has heard of 01 knows what that is lol

[@Enbix]

From 7:20 on he kind of looks like Nergal.

[@AggressiveTendencies]

New conspiracy theory: Travis is Nergal?!

[@mrcrowleybr]

Travis is cooler :P

[@Non_Serviam_1349]

YES!! IM GLAD IM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO THOUGHT THAT!!

[@cameronharvey1192]

Awesome channel dude! Love your interviews, you do a great job!

[@AggressiveTendencies]

Man, thank you SO much. That means the world. Hope we continue to deliver great content for you.

[@goatmoonwarmaster4641]

Just one of the few metal bands this days with out of the box music

[@Chuloloc]

Awesome. Hail Cattle Decapitation.

[@undoingruin4203]

I'm not a fan of CD at all but I like videos like these they interest me. I wanna see more videos like these with other bands.

[@AggressiveTendencies]

Hey thank you so much! That's very cool that this is able to crossover to even non-fans. Maybe we'll turn it into a series ;)

[@Lamzer_]

Is Travis wearing an Aeon shirt? Two of my favorite Death Metal bands combined!

[@jrrizzo9876]

not the biggest fan of their music however i like the messages that are being sent thru their album covers and some of the lyrics i could understand

[@ya8aweenaystrday]

He seems pretty stoned in this interview ahaha

[@AggressiveTendencies]

We can neither confirm nor deny these allegations.

[@nathansciarone5627]

that would be a definite yes then lol getting Litty as a Titty

[@Max-nf1vw]

Loved the insight!!!

[@AggressiveTendencies]

YouisDaBest!

[@empathicstudio2066]

Massive respect for Wes Benscoter

[@BloodoperaBlackvomit]

The best metal band right now. Using all the metal styles out here to really create something horrible and new. Really some of the best songwriting in Metal of all time.

[@AggressiveTendencies]

So excellent. Those creepy, pseudo-clean singing vocals Travis has added on the last couple albums are so unique and excellent.

[@Akantore]

Travis definitely needs to grow a big-ass beard and keep that hair length.

[@AggressiveTendencies]

How to be metal 101!

[@kutsumiru]

I don't know I did like the short hair 5 o'clock shadow look he had at Party San 2012

[@paullaplante1406]

@@samuelmagnum6047 My thought EXACTLY who cares about his appearance , Travis is one of the greatest vocalists of all time.

[@flomoyo]

I love how honest Travis is, not particularly the type of character you'd expect from a band called 'Cattle Decapitation'' (in a good way).

[@horrorveteran2629]

Aggressive Tendencies Love this channel....Great Content....interviews💓💓

[@backwatersandbackroads]

Check out the album artwork for "A farewell to Kings" by Rush. Reminds me a little of that.

[@AggressiveTendencies]

Good eye. As a Canadian publication, we must salute you!

[@Breeelax]

I usually hate gory album covers since it just feels gimmicky and "l00k h0w f0kkin' br000000tal this is". This gave me an insight on the concept behind it and that they are actually delivering a message. A good message and I can respect that. Maybe I should give them some more listens. Very interesting video!

[@AggressiveTendencies]

Thanks for watching. Yeah, I really dug hearing all the stories behind them because they are so evocative.

[@MrBelmontcain]

Travis Ryan 2020

[@AggressiveTendencies]

Haha hell yeah!

[@TheMiraclePeople]

I wonder what the next album will bring, i mean the Anthropocene is basically the end.

[@AggressiveTendencies]

A new beginning, maybe?

[@TheMiraclePeople]

Aggressive Tendencies that would be tight they need to make it a brutal new beginning tho lol with killer artwork

[@kubasniak]

What you think about Death Atlas? :> Ive seen them live. Fucking amazing album.

[@kellenmills6622]

Thank you

[@AggressiveTendencies]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@Shredder-KJ]

Karma bloody karma is my favorite album cover

[@sawftbunzzz]

meet the lead singer three days ago fucking amazing and the bassist great dudes

[@AggressiveTendencies]

Super nice dudes!

[@godlesstimes5303]

How is he not the fucking president ?! 😩😩😩

[@reillybeaver9929]

Vote Travis 2020

[@Fenghorn_Zob]

This channel is awesome

[@AggressiveTendencies]

Thanks so much!

[@nathangambriel5081]

He doesn't seem like a death metal vocalist, he seems like he'd be heading a reggae band

[@MrTwatwaffle007]

From someone who delivers any part of a cow or pig and has been to the slaughterhouse daily and observed the whole ordeal numerous times- I'm suprised they haven't done a theme around boiling the animal- as for pigs it's the first thing they do after they shoot them/ they put them in these big metal vats of extremely hot water. Seems like a cover they would do? Ah well. Food for thought I guess.

[@AggressiveTendencies]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGHdaGd5g92dqq8

[@MrTwatwaffle007]

Aggressive Tendencies Lol.

[@MrTwatwaffle007]

I guess my job would be very metal when you put it that way. lol.. Never really thought of it like that. When I'm carrying a whole pig sawed in half I'm just waiting to be assaulted by pita.

[@AggressiveTendencies]

Haha. The most metal of jobs.

[@Owwwwie]

I think peta has its hands full to jump you. look up Earthlings the documentary here on youtube, watch foxes get they fur and skin ripped off their whole body and face like a tight glove while still alive, ah humanity

[@thearchivist7824]

Travis is awesome but he looks like a healthy Vince Neil.

[@annoying5andy]

I'd love to come and meet him and invite him to a tea party or something like that.

[@kyibfmh7770]

The harvest floor album art makes me think of nazi camps.

[@AggressiveTendencies]

100%.

[@nathansciarone5627]

yea same

[@Horse.with.a.broken.leg1846]

What about "Ten Torments of the Damned"? Though it's one of their lest known work, I would've loved to hear what Travis would've said about it

[@tannersmith7140]

Travis wasn't the vocalist for ten torments

[@Horse.with.a.broken.leg1846]

Tanner Smith Though he hung out with the members and even helped design the album cover

[@tannersmith7140]

Not really sure

[@tannersmith7140]

Guess it's plausible

[@AggressiveTendencies]

If I asked about that, I'd have had to do '!Decapitacion!' and the split with Caninus too. Perhaps I'll do a follow-up next time!

[@MadiUk77]

I'm very surprised he mentioned no link to 2001 Space Odyssey for the monolith cover... i was sure there was :P

[@Slayer78]

I wouldn't mind smoking a field of pot in pair with Travis. Seems like a great guy.

[@ANTIFAxFINLAND]

I wonder why he didn't mention Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey" with the cover of "Monolith of Inhumanity". Pretty obvious, huh?

[@AggressiveTendencies]

I mean, he may or may not have been pretty baked for this so...

[@jacobeberhardt1649]

Aggressive Tendencies Nice. Always a good way to prep.

[@MadiUk77]

lol - just commented the same ... didn't see yours

[@Ulfhednar-o9t]

i wouldnt be shy about the cover art of the harvest floor, i would wear it like a fucking badge of honor. And I do, i have it stamped on a Tshirt.

[@absolutedeath_666]

Same and I love the looks I get

[@alwayssomewhattired]

Nice video

[@xixxaxxorux5750]

I know it isn't connected, but just to add fuel to the "amalgamation of all previous albums" the main guy on anthropocene sorta looks like the guy from to serve man. you are welcome. he even has the wound on the right side of his body

[@AggressiveTendencies]

Good eye!

[@xixxaxxorux5750]

thank you, I actually did believe the album art and names did tel a story for a while, but that isn't the case.

[@guitarguy21694]

Left side anatomically but excellent eye!

[@chieftigmos4018]

i wonder why travis seems so hesitant to share his thoughts, opinions and ideas about humanity and the crash course it seems to be on. especially when he talks about the anthropocene cover. i mean death atlas and its lyrics really seem to spell out all the opinions and thoughts he has towards humans. i would think he might be more open and willing to openly discuss his opinions even if theyre cynical and pessimistic and not very popular. maybe he just doesnt wanna come across as self righteous or high and mighty?? either way i fucking love this band and travis ryan is by far my favorite metal vocalist and the whole concept of the band and thier work is super original and awesome. cant wait for the next album.

[@debgibsonfan]

Not a big fan of the band, but always thought "Humanure" was an amazing album cover!

[@Vicente810]

i recently know who is Cattle Decapitation....i know, what a stupid guy..... such a great vocalist they have brooooooo .... great band....

[@AggressiveTendencies]

Better late than never! Glad you found them. What are your favourite songs/albums by them?

[@Vicente810]

Forced Gender Reassignment another level and the album "Monolith of Inhumanity".....thanks for the video

[@krismason1122]

What's is the song called in th3 beginning

[@AggressiveTendencies]

"Clandestine Ways (Krokodil Rot)"

[@jacobeberhardt1649]

Is he wearing an Aeon t-shirt?

[@trevstauf1771]

Jacob Eberhardt yep

[@zlek4875]

Humanure time seemed to be a very hard time for cattle decapitation

[@sheepdavis]

Humanure was legendary

[@HeyBlenderhead]

Who did the art for 10 torments of the damned?

[@shane4018]

Anyone getting a 2001 Space Odyssey vibe from the Monolith cover?

[@lordberly]

shane c yeah

[@christopherwalker6056]

Ironic, such an articulate guy who just 'screams' non stop during performances. But then I guess he could be 'singing' in an articulate manner just screaming out the words so that it's not understandable to my ears, but then I'm not a fan of this genre just stumbled across this video. Love the album art.

[@blakejordan8949]

I know I'm overthinking But i won't to know if C.D. genuinely hates humanity The more i think about it, the more sad it makes me....

[@Ubermacroskills]

They have a iconic album? Where where can i find it....

[@thefilmeffect6089]

That would be Monolith Of Inhumanity because of it’s influence on the genre.

[@BrentlyTV]

He almost said penis

[@AggressiveTendencies]

Hehehehehe.

[@BrentlyTV]

@@AggressiveTendencies wait, yall responded? damn, where was i?

[@thedivineabomination5673]

Seems like he needs a nap

[@thejebdude3241]

Beans?

[@coryleblanc]

he sounds like a normal guy when he talks...

[@andrejromic99]

Stoned as fuck hahaha

[@AggressiveTendencies]

You know it!

[@trk4973]

What in decapitation!!! Fornication!!!

[@HUMANisSHIT-l3e]

Go Vegan

[@husksbsiks4014]

Is he vegan? I’m new to cattle decap

[@grimdavis58]

Am I aloud to listen to this if I eat meat lol

[@Kenkoopa44]

Great band but "Iconic" seems like a stretch

[@giantsfan8872]

This music gives me a haedache what happened to classic rock

[@AggressiveTendencies]

Classic rock can't keep up with Cattle Decap, baby.