Originally published in ‘zine issue #9, 1993
Wormhole is a new punk band out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which has already recorded some material. It’s a pretty straightforward-sounding band. Read on to see what Miz Mary Beilich has to say about this and that. And you can get the band’s stuff from Ripe Records.
D.U.: For a start, fill everyone in on what happened with that EP you recorded for Relapse Records when Mythic was still around.
Mary: Aiee—wow! That was ages ago. Back in the winter of ‘92, Mythic received an offer from Relapse to record an EP. Thus, we agreed to do so quite happily. The recording session took place over the span of an afternoon in March of ‘92 at Studio L in West Virginia. The three tracks that we threw down became the finished product, the Mourning in the Winter Solstice EP.
Do you like how it turned out?
I myself am pleased with the results. I only wish that the record could have been released when Mythic still existed. The EP was released only recently, and Mythic disbanded in June of ‘92.
What’s the story on Wormhole, then?
Wormhole ended up being the band that I left Mythic to join. By the time Mythic disbanded, things with that band had changed so drastically—we had completely different musical ideals and interests—we grew apart. I bailed out entirely after receiving an invitation from a drummer friend of mine to play with him in a punk band. Since I felt as if I was no longer contributing to Mythic, I honored his offer. That’s when I became a member of Wormhole, and I must say that I’ve been completely happy since. I’m really into what Wormhole is all about. We all think alike and we get along so well. We have fun playing together, and I feel that we play well together. Joining Wormhole enabled me to rediscover what it truly means to partake in a band unit. Our band revolves as much around friendship as it does musicianship.
What do you have coming out?
In December, we’re going back into the studio to record four tracks for a local punk comp. Our first 7”, a split 7” with another local band, was recorded a few weeks after we formed in July of ‘92. Our debut solo 7” was recorded and released during the summer of ‘93. We’ve released all of our material on a fantastic local punk label, Ripe Records.
“In order to preserve peace, we must be prepared for war.”
How is the punk scene locally and in general to you?
I believe that the Pittsburgh punk scene is one of the strongest and most united around. It offers just about every kind of punk imaginable. The local bands are influenced by all kinds of punk—everything from Discharge and Conflict to The Clash and The Buzzcocks, from Nausea (NY) and Extreme Noise Terror to Iggy And The Stooges. It’s really incredible! My favorite local bands are Aus Rotten, Submachine, Bad Genius, Gang Bang, Liverball, and Anti-Flag. All are great bands with different sounds and different opinions. Still, everyone supports one another and we’re all good friends.
Are those in that local scene into politics or anti-politics?
Well, that’s always been a major ingredient of punk rock, so we all have strong political opinions. Some differ greatly from others—we’re all individuals with individual political beliefs.
Does it seem to you that death metal bands in general carry themselves like they’re hard? Have you had to deal with this image, if at all?
During the period of time that I was a major participant in the death “scene,” such as when I was in Mythic, I made many more friends than I did enemies. Mythic left me with a positive view of the death scene. For every macho egomaniac I encountered, I dealt with hundreds of very supportive, kind, down-to-earth individuals. As for the hardasses, well, I guess they’ll have to “burn in a fiery hell” with “Satan” or whomever may be running that goofy “afterlife” they’re so hell-bent (no pun intended) on basing all their songs on. None of us have time for their “more brutal and evil than thou” attitudes.
You’ve said that you’re “pro military.” Does this imply that you agree with its actions politically as they happen, or what?
Though I consider myself to be a liberal Democrat, I strongly believe in our military and the need to fund it. I subscribe to the theory that in order to preserve peace, we must be prepared for war.
Anything more to add?
I’ve concluded that the death “scene” would be so much healthier if folks would turn away from petty gossip that seems to travel from city to city, state to state, continent to continent. Gossip is running your scene. Screw gossip. Begin, once again, concentrating on the music and, in turn, strengthen the scene. An abundance of unnecessary hate-oriented rumors has caused the scene to weaken and fall apart. Does anyone really need to know how many girls were “had” by any certain band on their European tour in ‘92? Does anyone really need to know who “hooked up” with who at Milwaukee Metalfest ‘93? Where’s the music while all this talk is receiving the spotlight? Get back to what really matters—you’re losing your scene … as well as making a mockery of it.
I’d like to express my gratitude to Rich for including me in his ‘zine. Thanks for the thought-provoking questions, pal. You’ve allowed me to express my strong belief that there is life after death. Adios! ■
