Cannibal corpse Drummer Paul Mazurkiewicz on 22 Years as a Vegetarian
Paul Mazurkiewicz, the renowned drummer for the death metal band Cannibal Corpse, recently shared his surprising dietary choice: he’s been a vegetarian for 22 years. In a candid interview on the And Now The Band podcast, Mazurkiewicz detailed his journey, revealing the ethical considerations that led him to adopt a plant-based lifestyle.
When asked about the catalyst for his decision, Mazurkiewicz explained, “I didn’t wanna eat the animals anymore. That was as easy as that. I grew up,of course,a meat eater. A Polish family living in Buffalo, it’s meat and potatoes. And there was nothing wrong with that; I loved it, of course. But then the older I got, I was just starting to, I guess, feel hypocritical, knowing that, man, I can never kill an animal to eat it, but yet I can turn my head and somebody else can do it for me and then I can enjoy it, eat it. And I was just really starting to get hypocritical in that view.”
His ethical stance was clear: “I believe every animal deserves to live, and if I can not eat one and eat any, then I’ll be happy with myself,” he stated. He emphasized that his decision wasn’t driven by health concerns, but rather a profound shift in his personal values. ”It wasn’t health reasons and it wasn’t like I got sick or I hated it. I loved eating meat. I would have probably told you six months up until I was gonna become a vegetarian, if I didn’t know at that point, but I would have said, ‘Ah, there’s no way. I bet you a million dollars.I’m never gonna be a vegetarian.’ Things change. Things in your head change and your views change,I guess,and this one was a very strong one for me that made me just made that decision to do it. And it was actually one of the easiest things I ever did, which was kind of crazy. I thought it would be a little harder since your eating meat your whole life and all of a sudden you’re not. So, [I thought], ‘Man, it’s gonna be difficult. I gotta really…’ But it wasn’t. I was ready. Mentally, I was ready. So it was,like I said,probably one of the easiest things I ever did,actually,which is kind of crazy to think.”
Mazurkiewicz also addressed the impact on his health, stating, “Not really.It was weird because, obviously, like I said, I didn’t do it for those reasons. So I almost was, like, ‘If I am unhealthy, I don’t care. I’m gonna feel better as a person myself. And I’m hoping it’s gonna affect me [in a positive] way. I guess, I always think hypothetically, like what if I went in to my doctor and he goes, ‘Hey, you’re gonna die tomorrow if you don’t eat meat.’ Okay.Well, then maybe I would consider it — maybe, maybe consider it — because it’s causing me harm, I suppose. But if it’s not, and here I am still doing what I’m doing, active, playing drums, playing death metal-style drums and all this kind of thing at this age, being a vegetarian for 22 years, I guess it’s been okay. So I’d say my health overall has been kind of the same, which is good.”
He also noted the increased accessibility of vegetarian options in recent years: “Oh, of course. Yeah, there’s so many more options. And just in a flavor standpoint, because, obviously, you can be healthy just as a vegetarian eating bland, eating just literally vegetables and fruits and things like that and beans and stuff. But it’s good to know that there’s so many great options being… Like I said, I love the taste of meat, and it’s not necessarily healthier, like, say, the Beyond products or the Impossible products, if you can have a Beyond burger and go, ‘Wow, this tastes like a hamburger to me,’ well, I’m all for it as I love that flavor. So if I can get that flavor and it being not eating an animal, that’s great. Like I said, it doesn’t mean that’s any healthier as it’s vegetarian, but you’ll still be able to get some proteins. So you’ve just gotta be careful,like anything else,moderation and be careful what you do and eat. And you’ve got to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need.”
Mazurkiewicz’s story highlights the evolving attitudes towards vegetarianism and the increasing availability of plant-based alternatives in the United States. His experience resonates with many Americans who are increasingly considering ethical and environmental factors in their dietary choices.
This article is based on an interview with Paul Mazurkiewicz.
Cannibal Corpse’s ‘Chaos Horrific’ Reignites Death Metal Fury
Death metal titans Cannibal Corpse have unleashed their sixteenth studio album, “Chaos Horrific,” a brutal testament to their enduring legacy. Released in September 2023 via Metal Blade Records, the album marks the band’s 35th anniversary and promises a new chapter in their reign of sonic terror.
Following the critically acclaimed “Violence Unimagined” (2021),”Chaos Horrific” continues the band’s relentless assault on the senses. Drummer Paul Mazurkiewicz, a key figure in the band’s history, describes the album as a perfect representation of Cannibal Corpse’s signature sound. The album’s lyrical themes delve into the macabre, exploring scenarios ranging from battling zombie hordes (“Chaos Horrific”) to the gruesome details of human sacrifice (“Summoned For Sacrifice”) and the violent retribution of human trafficking victims (“Vengeful Invasion”).
The album artwork, once again crafted by longtime collaborator Vince Locke, is a fitting visual companion to the music. A chaotic blend of the living and the undead perfectly mirrors the visceral intensity of the title track’s lyrics. The artwork’s disturbing beauty is a hallmark of Cannibal Corpse’s aesthetic, instantly recognizable to fans worldwide.
Cannibal Corpse’s influence on the death metal genre is undeniable. As their formation in 1988, they have consistently pushed boundaries, shaping the sound and influencing countless artists. “Chaos Horrific” is a testament to their enduring power and innovation, solidifying their position as legends in the extreme metal world.
For fans of extreme metal and those seeking a visceral auditory experience, “Chaos Horrific” is a must-listen.It’s a brutal, unrelenting masterpiece that cements Cannibal Corpse’s place as one of the most influential and enduring bands in death metal history.
