-There's an expression wich I think describes what happened to you not so long ago; "Too much too soon"First you lost your mother  then your health problems. How have both your life and the band plans changed after this events?
Well I know this; I took a 'step' back and really came to terms with how to approach and 'live' my life. I was and always will be a go getter! I dont 'wait' for breaks I do things to make my breask. I expect nothing from anyone and give it my all to make life fun and adventurous! Losing my mom really broke my heart! She was very important to me in my life! A grat lady with a heart of gold. It made me realize to always keep family and friends dear to my heart (As I have always tried to do!). And my health is where I realized that I had to 'control' my 'frenzy' and keep tabs on myself. I was always putting myself 'last' and it caught up with me. I'm now doing much better and 'dealing' with all the woes that come with this life-threatening ailment!

-You used to play the drums on Deceased but now Dave Castillo joined the band as a permanent drummer. Why did you choosed Dave?
Cuz he's a great friend, amazing drumming talent, and is in this for the 'right' reasons. He doesn't expect 'fame and fortune'! He knows deceased is a cult act with our feet firmly planted in being 'us' musically and personally and not some 'trendy' shit band to cause a musical stir for a year or two! It was an easy decision! No other 'tryouts' or auditions were needed!

-Speaking of Dave, He joined the band when you played in Wacken 2001.How was the whole Wacken experience? Is it the way people say, "The biggest metal festival in the world"?
It was indeed an 'event'! I had a great time. Didn't care for the food, haha! Great promoter and great people running the event! They really took care of us! Playing to the legions in europe was great! I was so happy to see deceased guys with smiles from ear to ear. It meant a lot to me. I was proud for the band!

-You live in Virginia,USA. Most people outside your country would think there isn't such thing as a metal scene there, but you sing and play in several bands and even have an independent record label. How's the metal scene in your area and what about your label? How's it going?
Label is doing ok!Low key and more 'hit or miss'

with releases and stuff. Not trying to 'branch out' anytime soon. As for our 'scene'.It's typical! Got some bullshit bands trying every musical 'identity' under the sun to 'make it'! then you got your low key bands who jam from the heart. Shows ain't bad for turnouts except the only local 'club' is a pile of shit owned by a fake shit-talking loser named Jay Nedry! He's caused more torment and nonsense to the local metal scene then I can even put into words. I'm just happy none of my bands are part of his assassin ways. Or have to deal with this ego fucker!

TORN APART BY WEREWOLVES

AS THE WEIRD TRAVEL ON

-You recorded a split 10" with "Nunslaughter" entitled "Torn Apart By Werewolves" when will you release it?
It's actually not recorded yet. We will record it probably in 1/2 months time. Metal War out of Philadelphia will release it! It's Gonna be a rippperrrrrrrr including the new title track, an old instumental called 'March of the Cadavers'; and a cover of Agent Steel's 'Agents of Steel'!!!

-You planned to release a new full lenght album; "As The Weird Travel On". Now that you're no longer with Relapse, wich label will edit this album? Will it be delayed?
Well we hope to record and release it by Jan/Feb 2004! It will be some time! We don't wanna rush it! I promise you it will be worth the wait to anyone who's ever cared for our music in any way! It will be released on thrash corner records out of Puerto Rico! They released our live Cd a while ago and did real well with distro and sales with it! We love those guys!

-Besides the new album and split 10" you also were negotiating the release of many others albums including a solo album with unusual covers you dedicate to your mom. When will those be released?
Well everything has no 'set' dates! I want the tribute to mom single to be out by summer! Mom loved the summer :)  As for the Cd comps and all it is just a matter of getting the tracks and liner notes and art together! There's quite a few that will surface this year. So aside from the 'setback' of the new material. A lot of old stuff will finally hit disc.

- Deceased has always been labeled as "death metal" but compared to today's "death metal standars" you sound more like heavy or thrash with a death voice. What do you think about it, do you feel Deceased is actually death metal?
Well yes I do! In our world death metal is something with all the metal 'traps' but with an 'edge' of darkness and morbidity to it. Most of our material is 'that' way. Has been for a longggg while. Sure we put the speed and melody in there. But it's an ambience we go for as well. A feeling of death and dread. That to me is 'death metal'! Not barking dog vocals and guttural guitar tones. Just aint 'it' for me!

-After so many years of experience you must have seen many bands and trends come and go, How hard was to remain loyal to yourself? Did you ever regret of anything?
No regrets I assure you musically! We all  live and learn. And yes I've seen more trends and poser people than star search judges over ten seasons. It doesn't matter. Bands and people do what they do and so does Deceased. No regrets! We are doing this our way and always will!

-Thanks King! It's was an honor to talk with such a great guy like you, who has suffered so many things and influenced so many people. Keep strong in metal! Do you have any final words for our readers?
Thanks for the kind words bro! I appreciate the respect and the same to you. I wish you well with your goals and dreams and my best to all readers and metal freaks the world over. Never lose your edge and never be afraid to tell it like you feel it!

Always and Forever King Fowley and Deceased

Interviewed by Jerec