1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days/
There is a lot going on for taking 18 years off. Stuff is coming at us fast. We just released our first studio record in 20 years “Reflection of a Psychotic Past” Our heaviest stuff to date on Abyss Records , this also includes a digital re-mastered copy of our 1990 LP “The other me a Journey into Insanity. We are playing a lot of fun selective shows. Later this summer we will have the SERIOUS OLD stuff released on CD with a live set DVD from 1990. It will include “We are all the Victims” Demo (1987) , “Elvis Ain’t Dead” 1988 and “The Bounds of Reality” EP. Plus a live set from Flint Michigan on CD and DVD. This release is called “The Madness Begins 87-90.
2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous recordings?
Heavier, faster more speed changes. All the songs that appear on Reflections but one “I Stand for nothing” were written in 1992. The music is true to the roots of old school brutality. The lyrics where all re-written. We have all grown as musicians so the music is better but we will always Keep it true and real.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
Life is what Radiation Sickness songs are about the true evil in this world. I look at what is screwed up in the human mind and different mental health issues ( either that I suffer from, or have seen) and use them as a format to our lyrics. “Death did we part (A Demented Love song II)” is a true story of friend of the band. She was killed in front of her daughter in a murder suicide (The sound of a gun is real love means). “Tripping in the seas of madness” is about me (now 43) accepting my mortality but wanting to seek revenge of those who need it before I croak. Fucked up true life stories of the dark side of the human mind. Death and depression has plagued this band from the start including the suicide of the guy who started the band with me at the age of 17 many of years ago.
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
Well it is not from a Repulsion song who we love dearly and spent many a times sharing the stage with. Nor is it from a Nuclear Assault song. It simply came from watching a show on PBS (that’s why back) on Radiation Poising from the Nuclear bombs dropped in World War II.
5. The band was broken up for a long time, what made you decide to reform the band and what where you doing during the long hiatus?
My (Doug Palmer‘s ) depression made us re-form. I was out of the music scene all together for 16 plus years. Looking in from the outside. Trapped in a world I hated with people I hated. It became to much, I found my way home to this little underground world we call home. Started hanging with old pals. Never did want to do a Radiation Sickness gig again. Well it took place in October 2010. All the guys came back but Ricky. Tom Ball stepped in on guitar (great move for the future of this band). We did one show only, but it was in our blood and fast-forward to me typing this up.
6. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
Well the Indy show ever one still talks about was 1990 with Impetigo and Repulsion a pure classic. The first ever death fest A Day of Death in Buffalo New York in 1990. That will go down in metal history. Playing with Jim Fleet and Phlegm. Every show we play now! We do not play much but when we do it is with bands on a bill I would travel to see. On stage is just keeping real, energy and music, hate and anger! Still have the anger of the cross over punk days, the Fuck You attitude.
7. Do you have any touring plans for the future?
Yes we do, not long tours just a few one off’s three and four dates. It is hard for us to tour a long period of time with job’s and families. Hoping to spend three weeks or so in Europe in 2013. I look at it this way, if it is fun we will do it.
8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by undergrouns music fans?
It is has been great, I still run into people when I am out of town to see other shows that say hay I saw you back with so and so in (insert year). The feed back we are getting is over whelming and makes me proud to be part of this dysfunction group of heathens. If not for the dark demented and deranged heathens of the underground we are four guys playing in a garage. Thanks to all.
9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases/
True , fast , heavy. Nough say Keeping it real.
10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Well paying dues bands like: Deviated Instinct, Electro Hippies, Napalm Death in the Lee era, Cryptic Slaughter, Discharge, Impulse Manslaughter, the list goes on. Today I am heavy into Black Metal, Old Thrash, Crust Punk, Doom. I just love underground music.
11.Outside of music what are some of your interests?
Indycar Racing, serial killers, insanity, my kids (top of the list). Tom is into Bike racing. Byron is down with all things horror. Kevin is into talking and guns.
12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Just stay true don't be a lame poser. Keep it real. Support other bands. I am a 43 year old grown ass man doing this since 87, and go see all the new bands in Indy standing right up at the front. Lose the ego's and don't down load music. People do this out of love once they lose their ass they are done.
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