From Chicago’s Shadows

In the bustling city of Chicago, 1985 wasn’t just about the Bears’ Super Bowl shuffle or Oprah’s debut. No, something far more sinister (and musical) was brewing. Enter Macabre, a band that would soon become synonymous with a unique blend of thrash metal, death metal, and grindcore. And while other bands might have had more lineup changes than they’ve had hot dinners, Macabre boasts a consistent lineup since its inception. Talk about commitment!

The trio that makes up this metal powerhouse includes Charles Lescewicz, who you might better recognize as Nefarious, handling the bass and vocals. Then there’s Dennis Ritchie, or as fans lovingly call him, Dennis the Menace, smashing the drums. And last but certainly not least, Lance Lencioni, known in the metal circles as Corporate Death, shredding the guitar and lending his voice.

From the chilling tales of Ted Bundy to the eerie stories of Jeffrey Dahmer and John Wayne Gacy, Macabre doesn’t just sing songs.

But what truly sets Macabre apart isn’t just their musical prowess. It’s their dark, twisted, and often humorous lyrical focus on the world’s most infamous serial killers and mass murderers. From the chilling tales of Ted Bundy to the eerie stories of Jeffrey Dahmer and John Wayne Gacy, Macabre doesn’t just sing songs; they take you on a journey through the darkest corners of history.

From Death Metal to Folk Tunes

When you think of thrash metal, death metal, and grindcore, nursery rhymes might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But then again, Macabre isn’t your typical band. Seamlessly blending the aggressive tones of metal with the whimsical melodies of nursery rhymes and folk tunes, Macabre has carved out a niche that’s as unique as it is captivating. It’s like if Metallica and Mother Goose had a musical baby.

Drawing inspiration from both sides of the pond, Macabre’s sound is a cocktail of US and UK hardcore, grindcore, and death metal influences. Bands like Venom, The Accüsed, and Suicidal Tendencies have left their mark on Macabre’s compositions. And let’s not forget the impact of Cryptic Slaughter, Possessed, and Napalm Death. It’s a veritable who’s who of metal legends.

But what truly sets Macabre apart is their wicked sense of humor. While their music might make you want to headbang, their lyrics will often leave you chuckling (or perhaps a bit horrified, depending on your sense of humor). It’s this blend of dark comedy and intense metal that makes Macabre a band like no other.

Serial Killers and Sinister Songs

If you’ve ever wondered what it would sound like if your history teacher and your favorite comedian teamed up to write metal songs, look no further than Macabre. With a penchant for the macabre (pun intended), this band has made a name for itself by delving deep into the twisted tales of history’s most notorious serial killers. But instead of just recounting these grim stories, they add their own darkly comedic twist, making their songs as laugh-inducing as they are spine-chilling.

From the infamous “Killer Clown” John Wayne Gacy to the eerie “Milwaukee Cannibal” Jeffrey Dahmer, no stone is left unturned in Macabre’s lyrical explorations.

From the infamous “Killer Clown” John Wayne Gacy to the eerie “Milwaukee Cannibal” Jeffrey Dahmer, no stone is left unturned in Macabre’s lyrical explorations. They’ve sung about the likes of Ted Bundy, the “Son of Sam” David Berkowitz, and even the historical Vlad the Impaler. And let’s not forget their takes on “The Butcher of Plainfield” Ed Gein, “The Co-ed Killer” Edmund Kemper, and the chilling “Night Stalker” Richard Ramirez. The list goes on, with each song offering a unique blend of horror and humor.

But it’s not all just about the killers. Macabre’s unique approach to these dark themes, infused with their signature sense of humor, creates a balance that’s both unsettling and undeniably catchy. While this blend might be a bit too much for the faint of heart, it’s earned Macabre a dedicated cult following. After all, where else can you headbang to a song about a serial killer and chuckle at the same time?

From Gloom to Carnival

In the vast world of metal, few bands have carved out a niche quite like Macabre. With a discography that reads like a who’s who of history’s most notorious killers, they’ve taken fans on a headbanging journey through the darkest corners of humanity, all while keeping things oddly humorous.

Starting with “Gloom” in 1989, Macabre set the stage for their unique blend of genres and dark lyrical themes. This early release was just a teaser of the murder-filled melodies to come. Fast forward to 1993, and “Sinister Slaughter” hit the shelves, further establishing their reputation with songs based on various psychopaths. It’s like a history lesson with a side of moshing.

But if there’s one album that truly stands out, it’s “Dahmer” from 2000. This conceptual masterpiece delves deep into the life and crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer, almost playing out like a dark, twisted musical. It’s a testament to Macabre’s ability to balance detailed storytelling with their signature dark humor.

Not to be outdone, “Grim Scary Tales” in 2011 took fans on a time-traveling trip, exploring ancient killers like Vlad the Impaler and Countess Bathory. And let’s not forget “Carnival of Killers” from 2020, celebrating their 35th anniversary with yet another dose of their unique “murder metal”.

Throughout their musical journey, Macabre has consistently showcased their talent for blending the grim reality of their subjects with a touch of humor. It’s this unique blend of horror and satire that’s both alienated the faint-hearted and earned them a dedicated cult following.

A Blend of Horror, Humor, and Death Metal

In the vast realm of metal music, where bands often strive to be the loudest, the heaviest, or the most brutal, Macabre has chosen a different path. They’ve carved out a niche that’s as unique as it is unexpected, blending the aggressive tones of thrash metal, death metal, and grindcore with the whimsical melodies of nursery rhymes and folk tunes. It’s like if the Brothers Grimm decided to start a metal band.

It’s like if the Brothers Grimm decided to start a metal band.

But it’s not just their musical style that sets them apart. Macabre’s lyrics, with their dark focus on serial killers and mass murderers, are delivered with a side of humor that’s both chilling and chuckle-inducing. This unique blend of horror and humor has made them a standout act in the metal community, a band that’s not afraid to tread where others might fear to go.

Yet, despite their innovative approach and technical proficiency, Macabre remains somewhat of an underground treasure. While they might not grace the covers of mainstream music magazines or headline the biggest festivals, their impact on the metal community is undeniable. Their dedication to their craft, combined with their unique vision, has ensured that their music resonates with a dedicated fanbase.

In a world filled with bands striving for the next big thing, Macabre has shown that sometimes, the most impactful path is the one less traveled. And for them, that path is paved with dark tales, heavy riffs, and a good dose of humor.