What is your full name?
My Full Name is Gabriel Palacio. When I was born with congenital heart disease the doctor’s told my folks I wouldn’t live very long. So my Father named me Gabriel after himself and his Father before him.
Do you have any aliases?
That I do not. I do like it when people refer to me as AntiMozdeBeast as opposed to my real name.
What bands are you actively involved with?
I am only heading the project AntiMozdeBeast at the moment. Although I have been in a few bands throughout my lifetime.
What was the name of the first band you were in?
The name of the first band I played with was Kandy Flip. We were a bunch of teenagers pissed off at the world and experimenting with several drugs at the time. Kandy Flip is definitely one of my favorite times in my musical journey.
What was the first instrument that you played?
The first instrument I picked up was when I was around 14. It was handed down to me from my cousin. It was an electric bass. I learned a lot about music just fiddling around with it at an early age. This was before YouTube, so I have been self taught throughout my entire musical experience.
What all instruments do you currently play?
I Currently play the acoustic 12 string guitar when I want to jam out to some blues. An electric guitar whenever the time requires something heavy. As well as the piano/keyboard synth.
Tell me about one of your first musical memories.
My first musical memories dates’ back to when my brother stole a White Zombie record from the record store. I was about 8 years old and I couldn’t stop listening to More Human Than Human.
The inspiration behind AntiMozdeBeast was I was tired of working with bands and other musicians through trial and error. That unfortunately we either did not collaborate well with each other or many other circumstances that causes bands to break apart.
What inspired the sound of AntiMozdeBeast?
The Sound of AntiMozdeBeast is inspired by a variety of genres and records. I try to incorporate all that I’ve learned throughout my years of music. The sound leans towards a harsh industrial or noise metal, but I also try to be as creative as possible and create a unique sound unheard of before.
Talk about your new album, The Red River, a little.
The Red River was inspired by my second album The Political Beast, The Beast of War, And The AntiChrist. It is a follow up to the album. It’s more of a debate between my consciousness and spiritual beliefs. Throughout the album I try to conceptualize what the title of each track means. For example, The Fallen Saint I try to visualize the world behind a man who has lost his faith in humanity but was once spiritual. A man that questions his own existence and religious beliefs. Institutions and Prisms are the same. It may sound chaotic and unhinged, but I try to explain the perspective of a man who has lost his sanity and is trying to reason with the world and his own consciousness.
If you could insert yourself into any one band what band would it be and why?
If I could insert myself into any band, I believe, I would gladly be a part of My Dying Bride. Although a completely different genre and style of play. My Dying Bride has influenced me in so many ways. The music is like a Metal Ballet and the poetic lyrics spark something within me that I have never felt before.
Have you ever heard a song and immediately wished you had written it? If so… What was the song and artist?
Yes. Journey to the End by Widnir found on their album 1184. The colliding of various genres found throughout that song is brilliant and very creative. I applaud Windir for having the courage to step out of the boundaries of Metal in which I try to do myself with my own music.
Do you have any non-metal musical inspirations?
I have many non metal musical inspirations. These include Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Radiohead, and Pink Floyd.
Is there a non-metal song that you'd like to do a cover of?
I always wanted to do a Metal Cover of Masters of War by Bob Dylan. I would use a dropped tuning on the guitar and use a guttural vocal to sing to the song.
I have witnessed many bands throughout my time. My most exciting experience was attending WoodStock 99 at the ripe young age of 15. I saw so many great acts those three days which includes a list that is longer than my groceries.
The year is 2005. Where are you at and what are you listening to?
In the year 2005 I was listening to Iced Earth, My Dying Bride, Iron maiden, Megadeath, and Metallica.
You are writing a book about your life thus far. What is the title of that book?
If I had to title an autobiography I would title it “How many Roads?”
What’s the longest time you’ve gone without bathing?
I have been homeless for a short period of time in my life, so I would have to say maybe a month to six weeks.
Do unicorns sleep standing up?
I don’t believe in mythological creatures except for vampires. I have had many hallucinatory experiences and have witnessed vampires throughout my lifetime.
What advice would you give young musicians that are just starting out in the music business?
When you are determined to accomplish something, never let anyone or anything deter you from accomplishing it. It’s not about being a world wide known artist. It’s not about money, fortune, or fame. It’s about creating art that you can be proud of and exposing every vulnerability you have on record.
You are driving cross-country and you can only listen to one album the entire trip. What album will it be?
Of course I would listen to Windir 1184. The album is unprecedented. The labrum has so many twists and turns and I wouldn’t mind listening to it on repeat as I travel across the country.
Name a handful of blues artists that people need to hear.
My first and most influential blues artist I recommend anyone to listen to is Blind Willie Mctell. Followed by Robert Johnson, Son House, Muddy Waters, and Howling Wolf.
What are two things that people absolutely need to know about New York?
NY can be a city of amazing experiences. It can also be vile and treacherous.
I have several tattoos. My most treasured tattoo covers my entire left side of my body. It is a cathedral with Gargoyles surrounding it. Actually, I tried to envision a concept of my tattoos and I believe that my body is canvas. All my tattoos mean something not only to me but to each other. It is a design.
Favorite band t-shirt you own?
My Dying Bride
Favorite book?
My Favorite book is Dracula.
Favorite movie?
My Favorite Movie is the Omen (2006)
Favorite album?
My Favorite Album is Amnesiac by Radiohead.
Favorite meal?
My favorite meal is pizza.
Pancakes or Waffles?
Waffles. Definitely Waffles.
Megadeth or Metallica (if you had to choose)?
Ehhh… Megadeth has better instrumentals, but his lyrics and voice sound like a pissed off teenager.Lmao…Metallica has great music and lyrics.I think it’s a quality over quantity thing.I would have to say Metallica.
Many thanks to Gabriel for taking the time to answer my queries.I appreciate it.Be sure to put your ears to his latest sonic creation, The Red River.It is expertly rendered chaos and you will not be disappointed.And… it is NYP over on Bandcamp, so you have no excuses.N-O-N-E!
El Pedo Caliente (aka Uncle Jameson from the Fistful of DOOM show)
Ps- Be sure to check out the Fistful of DOOM show…available on Mixcloud.
http://antimozdebeast.bandcamp.com/album/the-red-river