The gods of gore are back! 15 years on from their last release Autopsy have returned from the grave to unleash blood, guts and Death Metal like only they can make. We couldn't pass up the chance to get the low down from the Death Metal master that is Chris Reifert.

Doing good here. We leave for Germany in a couple of days to play Party San so we've been rehearsing as much as possible and gearing up for a brutal metal time. We want your blood and brains!

OK I suppose the place to start is the reformation of one of the godfathers of Death Metal. Have you been surprised at the reaction the news has had?

It's really fuckin' amazing what kind of reactions we've been getting about playing as Autopsy again. We are definitely enjoying doing it and we have lots of sick surprises in store for the sickos out there. Look out, cause it's full steam ahead indeed!

You guys got back together initially to record some new tunes to package alongside the 20th anniversary "Severed Survival" re-issue, how did it snow ball from being a temporary reunion to a full blown full time project?

The timing seemed right and we got some serious interest in Autopsy playing live. Ryan and Evan from Maryland Death Fest definitely got the ball rolling and things just went from there. Also around this time, Clint left Abscess leaving us no choice but to disband and that left the field wide open for Autopsy. The one thing we have been making clear is that we are doing Autopsy because we want to and not to try and ride the nostalgia wave. We feel it in our blood and have tons of new material to be cut off the leash soon.

But how tough a decision was it to close the doors on Abscess once and for all and do you think you¹ll reprise the band at any point?

Actually, as I stated in the previous answer we split up Abscess because Clint left the band and we really can't be Abscess without him. Just as without Eric Cutler there can't be an Autopsy. We would never cheat people with something that is missing a key band member. We've seen that happen too many times and we respect our fans too much to pull a move like that. Reviving Abscess, eh? Who knows what the future holds, but at this time we are just playing as Autopsy.

1995's "Shitfun" was the last official Autopsy release. 15 years is a long time dead when it came time to writing the new material for the new EP did you have any trepidation as fans expectations can be pretty high?

Not at all, because we felt so inspired with the writing and it just happened without us trying to force it. We know what Autopsy should sound like and that's the direction the new songs took. They sound like Autopsy.

Was the process of writing the material for "The Tomb Within" any different from that your first 4 albums? What is the writing process within the band, how does a song go from the conceptual stages to the finished article?

The process is usually the same. We show up at rehearsal and whoever wants their song to be learned shows everyone else how to play it and it goes from there. Sometimes someone will find something to add to the song to make it more interesting which is great. As long as it sounds like us, that's the main thing.

Stylistically where do you feel the new material fits in the bands overall discography?

Should blend in just fine. It's not old recycled riffs, but actual new songs that can be played along side the old ones in a live setting and sound crushing.

The new songs were recorded in Fantasy Studios with Adam Munoz. How long did it take to record the 5 songs and how did you enjoy your time in the studio, is the recording environment a place Autopsy enjoys?

It took five days to record and mix. Yeah, we love the recording studio and had a great time there as usual. I personally love the whole recording process, even the tedious parts. It's something that I really enjoy.

I was looking through my music collection in hopes of finding an artist to get in contact with. I found a great cover that Matt had done and looked him up and we began talking about him doing a cover for us. He was really cool to work with and I just gave him the EP title and some lyrics to work from. What you see is what he came up with and I think it's fucking amazing. It has a classic horror feel to it and suits the music nicely.

The bands long standing relationship with Peaceville Records continues despite the bands hiatus, what were the reasons for continuing this relationship as you couldn't have been short of offers?

Peaceville seemed to be the logical and natural choice for us. They have been good to work with and still are and we will get the focus that we need. Simple as that.

Autopsy are playing two headline shows in Europe this August, the Partysan Open Air festival and Norway 's Hole in the Sky festival. How much are you guys getting back into the live environment, and can we expect the new material to play much part in the set?

We are not going to do a ton of shows, just a few choice ones to keep things exciting. Also we won't get burned out that way. At this point, we're not trying to beat people over the heads with endless gigs. It's better to make the few that we do count. We are playing 'horrific obsession' in the current set but after the EP comes out I'm sure we'll add some of that stuff in there as well.

Autopsy of 2010 appear as extreme as way back in the day, but have you found your influences have changed at all over the years and what is it that influences you?

What influences us is keeping in mind what Autopsy should sound like. That is the number one priority. No matter what we like to listen to, it doesn't effect what we write for Autopsy. Same philosophy as the early days.

Autopsy undoubtedly benefited from the tape trading of the mid 1980's to establish a following; in 2010 the internet is now the method of music distribution. What is your view on the electronic age of music distribution, harmful or not?

It is what it is. I can't change it so there's no sense in being upset about it. If someone really wants to buy our albums, they will. I personally prefer to buy physical albums by bands I like. There's no substitute for getting the whole package with artwork, lyrics, notes, etc. You can even read the booklet of a cd while you sit on the toilet and take a shit! Beautiful, huh?

Elder? What the hell? What are you trying to say? I am so insulted! What time is it? Where's my prune juice? Who am I? Where are my glasses? Ok, enough of that. Death Metal is still going strong. Maybe even stronger than ever. No complaints here.

Thank you, my good man. And thanks to all who are reading this. Except for you. Just kidding. Cheers to all the sickos who have supported Autopsy before and still do now. We'll keep a coffin warm for you.