Mark Whelan and the Journey of Fuming Mouth’s Latest Album
An Unconventional Path to Creation
For Mark Whelan, the frontman, guitarist, and founder of the brutal death metal band Fuming Mouth, the process of crafting their latest studio album, Last Day of Sun, was anything but typical. After the release of their debut full-length album, The Grand Descent, Whelan and his bandmates were poised to hit the road hard. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly halted their plans.
A Personal Battle
In a shocking twist, Whelan faced an even more profound challenge when he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia a year later. In an interview with Metal Injection, he recounted his health struggle: “It was a bone marrow transplant. They blast you with chemo to eliminate the cancer, and then they perform the transplant to prevent a recurrence. My doctor used a vivid analogy, likening it to running into a huge knife, which struck me as brutally metal.”
From Darkness to Creativity
Whelan’s health crisis naturally influenced the themes and tone of Last Day of Sun, resulting in a darker, more aggressive sound. Interestingly, the album’s conceptual roots trace back to a simpler pre-pandemic time. “After we recorded The Grand Descent, I watched the movie 30 Days of Night, and the phrase ‘Last Day of Sun’ resonated with me. That idea was born in 2018, long before my illness,” he explained.
Evolving the Sound
The evolution of the album was marked by significant changes. “The guitar parts, drum tempos, and overall intensity all became more extreme,” Whelan noted. Collaborating with Kurt Ballou of Converge, they recorded the album in the eerie ambiance of Salem, MA. Whelan describes Last Day of Sun as The Grand Descent turned up to 11—bigger, heavier, and ultimately a stronger project.
Highlighting New Musical Directions
Whelan expressed immense pride in the album’s standout tracks. “The last riff in ‘Burial Practices’ is my favorite on the record. We’ve also introduced new melodic elements, especially in the song ‘Leaving Euphoria’, which represents a fresh direction for Fuming Mouth.” He emphasized that every aspect of the album was designed to be bigger and better than before.
A Future Full of Promise
As the band prepares to kick off a North American tour on Halloween, Whelan shared their excitement about performing the new material live. “We can’t wait to hit the road with these songs, especially the morbid tracks like ‘Rest in Piss’. It’s going to be exhilarating.”
Looking Ahead
In addition to their touring plans, Whelan revealed that the band has already recorded several B-sides from the album sessions and is eager to dive back into the creative process for their next record. “We know the title of our third album already and are ready to start recording. The drive to create and release new music is stronger than ever,” he stated.
Tour Information
Fuming Mouth is currently on tour with Devil Master and Final Gasp. Here are the upcoming tour dates:
- 10/31 Brooklyn, NY @ St Vitus
- 11/1 Troy, NY @ El Dorado Bar
- 11/2 Cambridge, MA @ The Middle East
- 11/3 Montreal, QC @ Le Foufounes Electriques
- 11/4 Toronto, ON @ Nineteen Seventy Eight
- 11/6 Milwaukee, WI @ X-Ray Bar
- 11/7 Chicago, IL @ Beat Kitchen
- 11/9 Denver, CO @ Hi-Dive
- 11/11 Salt Lake City, UT @ Aces High
- 11/13 Vancouver, BC @ Cobalt
- 11/14 Seattle, WA @ Substation
- 11/15 Portland, OR @ Dante’s
- 11/17 Berkeley, CA @ Thee Stork Room
- 11/18 Los Angeles, CA @ Midnight Hour
- 11/19 San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick
- 11/20 Mesa, AZ @ Pub Rock
- 11/21 Albuquerque, NM @ Moonlight
- 11/24 Austin, TX @ Mohawk
- 11/25 Dallas, TX @ Cheap Steak’s
- 11/28 Tampa, FL @ Orpheum
- 11/29 Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
- 11/30 Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
- 12/1 Richmond, VA @ Canal Club
- 12/2 Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar
- 12/3 Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts
Conclusion
Mark Whelan’s journey through adversity has not only shaped his personal life but also the artistic direction of Fuming Mouth. With the release of Last Day of Sun and an exciting tour ahead, the band is poised to make an impactful mark in the death metal scene. Their story of resilience and creativity is a testament to the power of music as a healing force.
FAQs
What is the theme of Fuming Mouth’s latest album?
The theme of Last Day of Sun revolves around darker, aggressive concepts, influenced by Mark Whelan’s personal experiences with illness and existential ideas.
When does Fuming Mouth’s North American tour start?
The tour kicks off on Halloween night, October 31st, in Brooklyn, NY.
Are there plans for future albums from Fuming Mouth?
Yes, the band is already working on their third album and has several B-sides from the Last Day of Sun sessions.
Where can I get tickets for Fuming Mouth’s tour?
Tickets for the tour can be purchased through various ticket outlets and the band’s official channels.
