THY ART IS MURDER On Mayhem Attendance, Religion | Metal Injection

We sit down with CJ of Thy Art is Murder and discuss their new album Holy War, and the attendance problems behind this year's Mayhem Fest.
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[@IntimateAlien]

CJ's such a wicked dude, definitely one of the most down to earth vocalists around.

[@elliotterodriguez]

ikr

[@abbeyravenscroft8346]

+Sophie O'Donnell Him and Winston mccall

[@theReignofRon]

You know what i like about Thy Art Is Murder? Knowledge!

[@DefileddNL]

+TheKaroncook more than a lamborghini?

[@Lombardo213]

I love it when intelligent musicians do interviews; defeats all those narrow-minded stereotypes. GREAT interview.

[@mackdizzle97]

hearing this makes me wanna support this band even more

[@cansomebodyturnitoff]

It's got low attendance because there's so few bands and bands like Hellyeah don't sell tickets.

[@cooliocaptin517]

Jason LovesPWD I barely knew any of the bands except King Diamond, Slayer, Whitechapel, TDWP, and Thy Art is Murder. I went and I still had a great time, got to meet a couple bands along with getting signatures from them (one of them being Thy Art is Murder). My brother won tickets so we went for really cheap and had a blast, I would recommend going no matter what bands for a good time.

[@cooliocaptin517]

Essentially I got signatures from 3 bands twice (one for me, one for my brother) and got to see King Diamond an Slayer for the price of a shirt, gas, and food. I didn't have to pay for a ticket! (oh yeah also I got a pick from Whitechapel thanks to my brother)

[@ZacariahSitchin]

They booked bands that can't support themselves on their own tours TDWP i cant recall ever headlined their own tour reason previous years festivals were sucessful was because they booked alot bands that could easliy headline their own tours Behemoth Machine Head Lamb of God 5FDP Killswitch Engage Mastadon Etc This years festival was just a Slayer tour but with Rockstar as a sponsor

[@EricOnTheRoad]

Brian Johnson TDWP holds there own on headliners (which they've done many.) always selling out at least a third or more of their tours (1000-1500 cap venues

[@MegaSpaceAdventure]

Brian Johnson TDWP has played bar shows with 500+ people there and you can't even move and thats just when they play small venues in big venues theres easily 1000-2000 people there. Ontop of Parkway Drive and August Burns Red they were the first band that really introduced metal core to teenagers and basically made every new "metalcore" band what they are today. So to say they cant support themselves is false the past 4 of their releases have been top 20+

[@abrahamquinones6667]

Woah, appreciate the honesty regarding Mayhem. It sucks that this tour might be on its dying breath.

[@DefenestratedMessiah]

The low attendence for King Diamond and Slayer is probably because: Slayer tours quite often anyway (and w/o Dave & obviously Jeff, it's "Slayer"), and King Diamond just came to the US last year with an extremely successful tour. I think since it was so recent, people aren't quite jumping at the seams to spend so much money to see him just a year later and sit through all these other bands which appeal to a much younger demographic. Finally, young deathcore kids who are coming to see bands like this, are probably too young to understand King's appeal and genius. Oh well, I wish I could go but I can't get off work unfortunately...I saw King on that last tour anyway (BEST SHOW EVER).

[@SinnedNogara]

***** Not to mention the venues they're playing are for 15,000-20,000 people and Slayer and King Diamond combined draw around 5,000.

[@elliotterodriguez]

"Young" deathcore kids....what is considered young honestly anymore why do we have to be kids, you do realize that this we're gonna be in your shoes calling whatever genre they come up with in 25 years kids etc kids yeah were young but we're not kids at least most of us don't act like it bands that been around since the 1900's up until now and our doing their shit aren't a part of history they are making more history and leaving a legacy behind for the next metallica the next SLAYER the next Pantera the next Megadeth the next Slipknot or Behemoth the next Thy Art Is Murder these Deathcore "kids" are keeping the metal scene alive ik it's over saturated at this point with genres but at least we can diversify and find our sound when another band dies out breaks up or moves on these kids these individuals will carry the torch possibly one step higher so every EVERY elitist should be greatful don't look at it as a band or year time and era look at it as a art form that's being kept alive by my generation at least we don't give a fuck about the fashion like the scenes so I'm proud to be an individual who happens to listen to deathcore and metalcore but who cares I can be heavy and be fairly chill without losing some of its aggressiveness with clean vocals

[@julianestrada3328]

+DefenestratedMessiah well said!

[@tieniedekoker8669]

Let me add I fully agree on the rest of your views!

[@karl00l]

Rad dude, love all the Aussies. I feel a little worse now for not staying past tdwp.

[@ZacariahSitchin]

Of course from their view the crowd looks big but thats because where they put the small stage its usually a small area where a small crowd can bunch in and make it seem like there's a alot of people there and then when the show shifts to a 10,000 plus ampitheater the looks small

[@Cameron_Smiley]

That tour was indeed strange. All the younger people came and left by 5 and then a bunch of old dudes came through to see King Diamond and Slayer. The meet and greet lines were right next to the stage so you never missed anything, and the food was indeed garbage.

[@animalll]

If Christopher Hitchens (RIP), Bill Nye, and Neil deGrasse Tyson were metalheads they'd be headbangin' to TAIM.

[@scottsmith8162]

Steven Martinez 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@DrumsAndMetal]

They just need to get bigger bands, but bands that are still relevant. Slayer is great but the problem with them is they've played Mayhem 3 times now and they tour constantly. I know I'll probably get shit on for this but before I saw the Mayhem lineup I'd never even listened to King Diamond and I haven't seen anything on social media about them. Hellyeah is a band that I like, I throw on every once in a while, but never really cared about seeing or had a strong desire to see. As for side bands I had pretty much only heard of whitechapel, thy art, jungle rot, and feed her to the sharks. The rest were kinda just filler. I just think they need to plan better. If they pay big money for big bands (slipknot, lamb of god, deftones) then they'll sell tickets. If they pay for bands that are struggling to make a name for themselves, then they will have low attendance.

[@cooliocaptin517]

***** I think Kerry King had a good point, regardless of him trashing the bands. he said a band like Machine head should headline 2nd stage, and there should be 3 or 4 stages, not 2. I hate how he pretty much trashed the other bands he's on tour with, though

[@TheEviltaco666]

+DrumsAndMetal same about the king diamond part, they weren't bad though

[@nodtveidt6663]

DrumsAndMetal a

[@mike35501]

Lars ulrich must look like this if he do deathcore music

[@WillSmith-mw8xm]

Any man carrying around a lighter like that is a true stoner lol i respect it

[@lurking162]

I see an on-going trend in today's society. Everyone likes to go after Christianity and Catholicism because of what they've done in the past and present day. Now, as a Christian, I can agree that there are many extremists in religion, but people don't realise that that is simply the extremists that do things like that. Not every person who is religious is believes that. It just somewhat saddens me that when religion is blamed for something wrong, they believe EVERY religious person should be taken responsible. I've never planned to kill anyone, "brainwash" someone, or plan on having my future kids become suicide bombers. Yet everyone treats all religious people the same, extremist or not. Just thought i'd put it out there.

[@Smithysmithin]

But have you ever thought, "Hey, if there was no such thing as religion, would all of these tragedies caused by them still happen?" Now, i know, Man is the problem. But religion give man an extra excuse to do horrible things. The burning's, the witch hunts, the uprooting of thousands of people, and moving to today with the suicide bombers and other extreme measures. If there was no religion, there would be no extremists. You ever think about that?

[@Worminthetrenches]

Not to crap on what you've said, but I've been a big fan of Thy Art for a long time, and watched countless interviews with the guys. And their problem isn't with the people that follow a certain faith, it is the entire idea of organised religion that they aren't fans of. Yeah, we all know that a small amount of people can give a particular faith a bad name, but it's more about speaking out against them and the brainwashing that comes with most (if not all) organised religions.

[@nonono7973]

Brandon Knelson Its funny how people that take the "religion of peace" more literally end up being the most violent.

[@jarrettlowery7388]

Brandon Knelson if you truly believe in the bible you believe in violence

[@Strikker36]

i agree it is the extremist. but the cool thing is like im a christian and i also somewhat agree with cj.. like not on the religion being false part.. but that there are so many things bad that happen in the name of religion and its sad those people ruin the "image" of religion. the individuals that mind our own business and dont try to force things on people it gives us a bad rap.. and i hate that..

[@TheSatanist13]

Megadeth Holy Wars (The Punishment Due) Thy Art Is Murder - Holy War Six Feet Under - Human Target Thy Art Is Murder - Human Target

[@elgranticus2596]

Everyone who thinks CJ's dropping knowledge about religion in this video are the reason why false information is so easily believed/spread.

[@maxthescarecrow4038]

ElGranticus25 I agree. It's mostly just well known facts. Although props to him for going over them on the album.

[@stephenvierling2287]

Agreed. He says the typical criticisms of Catholicism but doesn’t want to go any further.

[@tltltl_17]

shit i didn't know Leiden had such history, this exchange semester will be interesting. study and listen to Holy War :D

[@squishyfaceguy]

I chose not to go to the Colorado stops these last two years because they moved the festival to a different venue, Red Rocks Ampitheater. This is a sitting only venue and I don't like going to many rock shows where I know there won't be mosh pits or a festival feel. It saps the energy from me when I can't see fans go crazy and join in the fun. The show needs to be a real spectacle if I'm going to enjoy it from one single seat.

[@ZacariahSitchin]

Preach i live in oklahoma and i'm the only who will never attend rocklahoma because if you wanna get up close to see the headliner you gotta pay extra but if you do you have to sit

[@lightseeker131]

Truth

[@christopherdavis8248]

i couldnt find the history of laiden he is talking about (the christians killing everyone)does anyone have any links??

[@elitistmercenary7245]

he probably hates religion

[@user-zl8xs7ni2q]

+Christopher Davis gods do not exist

[@DefileddNL]

+Christopher Davis I'm Dutch. Its written : Leiden. Also, I'm pretty sure it wasnt specific for that city, it actually was widespread across the country.

[@elitistmercenary7245]

Непопулярный канал no shit they don't but when it comes to god you think about other possibilities of another god instead of jesus

[@markroyal2521]

I hate that he was right! I saw it too but I miss Ozzfest/mayhem! The danny winmer festivals have been great but a fight to have a good time EVERY time....

[@ValariaxSword]

I'm not a huge fan of TAIM but I can tell this guy is a smart dude. I might have to give this record another spin.

[@ObscureBeast]

Code Orange ft. CJ, someone make that happen.

[@Dr.RobertEpstein]

Free cj

[@trzeciakwojtek]

As humbly as i can possible say this, without offending anyone... CJ said, 3:47 , Judaism, Christianity, and Islam started at the same time period. Thats definitely not true. Judaism started with Moses, who came thousands of years before Jesus, who founded Christianity. Then Muhammed started Islam 600 years after Jesus. I really think CJ should do his research before writing music about something he has 0 knowledge about. Im not making fun of him, im not calling him stupid, im not trying to offend him, and im definitely not trying to make myslef seem intellectually superior to him. I just think he should preach his beliefs based on facts, not assumptions.

[@andrewtrofimov1027]

Wojtek Trzeciak well said, I'm a huge fan of Thy Art's music but sometimes the lyrics seem pretty ignorant.

[@GetToThaChahppa]

Wojtek Trzeciak The album isn't about the history of the religions. It has nothing to do with that. He was explaining what is wrong with those religions today.

[@hengsnoup8417]

Well thats what the bible, the koran etc. says

[@trzeciakwojtek]

No... its not. Its what history says.

[@A7XKoRnRocks1]

Not actually, he's right about the fact that they all are related together, Muslims believe in the other holy books and Prophets so he just narrowed it down.

[@edhance6354]

Attendance sucked this year because Slayer and King Diamond were headlining. Look at past headlining bands: Avenged Sevenfold, Korn, Slipknot, Disturbed, etc. are all much more popular. Slayer is very popular but they constantly do headlining tours in the US. Plus, they just don't have the mainstream appeal. I've followed and attended Mayhem since '09, so it was heartbreaking to see this all happen. The side stage bands weren't bad, could be better, but Whitechapel, Thy Art is Murder, Jungle Rot, Shattered Sun and Code Orange are solid picks. But the main stage has no appeal. King Daimond is more like a main stage opener band, not secondary headliner level. I feel that Mayhem should've gotten Judas Priest to close out the festival. It would've gotten much more people. Also, this year only had one side stage, that didn't help either.

[@austinf_]

Im a christian, I believe in God, I believe that Jesus IS the son of God. The main problem I have with religion today is the radicals. They arent actually christian. You have these ¨Christians¨ that believe modern science and medicine is bad, and that they dont need this stuff because god will heal them. This is right and wrong. God gave humans the ability to be smart enough to make these advances in science. I could go on, but I dont really want to.

[@kfire2567]

Agreed.

[@swampjoker7462]

Agree

[@Fleshplagues]

South African crowds go fucking nuts you guys must come down!

[@MathijsIgnoul]

Intellectual he calls it!

[@zuesunleashed]

+Mathijs Ignoul I call it plain logic

[@elliotterodriguez]

Lol he's right on one thing but not cause it's easy to do but it's predominantly in American culture to be Christian a majority of families are Christian based or so branch of Christianity even Catholicism

[@AnotherRandomPoser]

CJ dropping some knowledge

[@Swerve_City]

+PunkInDrublic98 Thy Art is Knowledge.

[@baconmacon5553]

PunkInDrublic98 yeah but he also said Christianity,Islam and Catholicism came from the same city,but that is not true

[@DUNCEATRON5000]

Is that a XENOMORPH on his knee?

[@danielpolido6064]

Yes

[@stijnvannoort8401]

The truth hurts holy fuck No pun intended tho

[@SleepFan771]

Mayhem's attendance went down because almost all of the bands they book are atrocious! I would only have seen like King Diamond, Slayer, Jungle Rot, and Code Orange if I went this year. When I went to Mayhem a couple of years back, it was awesome! Fucking Mastodon, Amon Amarth, Rob Zombie, Five Finger Death Punch (who suck, but put on a great live show), Children of Bodom, Machine Head, and Scorpion Child. Sad I missed Huntress, but oh well. No bands really make me want to spend festival money on Mayhem these past years.

[@EmmureMARIO64]

Tbh; Mayhem fest could’ve tried better the following year instead of ending the touring festival

[@tonesmith6853]

true Christianity is nothing like Catholicism lol ppl need to do their hw before talking shit. huge fan tho lol

[@daltonsmit1278]

Tone Grova his point is religion is a fucking cancer

[@tonesmith6853]

Dalton Smit i agree 95% is for sure..

[@mONEyCruickshankGaming]

I know. I hear it all the time.

[@bubbacalling]

yeah but what's 'True Christianity'? Christianity has 30,000 different strands and denominations - which one's correct?

[@matthew1306]

I respect CJ’s honesty for his perspective on religion However unfortunately he’s been deceived. His philosophy is based on lies. Just about every religion claims exclusive truths. In terms of Christianity, everything he said about paedophile priests in the Catholic Church, crusades, suicide bombings etc, God is not for any of that Just because humanity do things in the name of God doesn’t automatically mean God is for it

[@vullgar]

There is something to what he is saying.. as in almost ALL ancient beings worshipped "gods" who always seemed to come "from the sky"(heavens).. This Holy War will never end because everyone believes they are right. Right? People who say "I don't wanna hear about God cuz I don believe in Him"... Ok well I don't wanna hear about how your life is so meaningless that u don't believe in God..?

[@manuelquiroz9547]

Am i the only one who noticed he's wearing a drop dead shirt xD

[@DeclanTheCrow]

+Eric quiroz I think I was the only one who noticed his abominable porn-stache xS

[@TheSatanist13]

I like that they're Anti Islamic also, because most bands are always anti-Christianity but they should attack more religions other than just one. I pick Deicide to attack Islam

[@bbr00tal96]

While I agree Religion these days is crazy, and have been a fan of TAM since the beginning, it should be noted that it's pretty ignorant and anti-intellectual for anyone to attack entire ideologies (especially Christianity since that's what most people go after) based on the actions of those who misrepresent and twist it. I.e. The extremist nut jobs. Hating on things which are based off of misrepresented information isn't a very logical approach to anything.

[@Budget_edc_guy]

These are the song topics that you get post 9/11

[@elitistmercenary7245]

are they trying to say that religion is bullshit or something

[@nicolasvdmerwe6543]

As a christian who likes they art is murder I have to disagree with a bunch of non factual statements being made. One of the craziest being young white suicide bombers in South Africa that's simply not true. Even if id did happen once it's definitely not widespread. CJ only mentioned it to take all the focus away from suicide bombers in islam, everyone does that to sound more accepting and diverse which is also bullshit. Furthermore I am a white South African and I can tell you in full confidence that my community, the afrikaner community, although sad to say don't stand together and fight against our government, we are definitely not being brainwashed to overthrow or anything like that.

[@MongoolVanHetDendron]

We should make CJ the new pope

[@Williamstanway]

This guy literally is speaking out of his arse.

[@FierceW]

Ok William

[@Williamstanway]

FierceW he really is mate, he thinks he is interlectual but the horse Shit that is coming out of his mouth shoes a vague understanding of what he is talking about at best, and well done for using my name

[@zuesunleashed]

+William Stanway "interlectual"

[@ThepPixel]

@@FierceW Hes a massive hypocrite, he preaches animal welfare and non cruelty....but is he Vegan? No. He speaks about Christianity raping and burning Leiden (which btw i can find no record of anything like that happening there) whilst forgetting about the fact that pagan Vikings murdered Christian monks, raped women and burned down whole towns in Europe.

[@originofyourhate]

oh god classic dropdead shirt

[@blackfox1320]

Slayer tours non stop. King Diamond is not my cup of tea, I feel like most people can't stand his music. Hellyeah is pretty weak. Outside White Chapel, there wasn't much of a reason to go to this year's Mayhem Fest, they really missed the bill.