Lingüa Brütallica - Episode 64: Andrew Lee of Ripped to Shreds (California, USA)

Lingua Brutallica

In this episode, we interview Andrew Lee about the lyrics he's written for death metal band Ripped to Shreds as well as the aptly named grindcore project Houkago Grind Time. Though their music and lyrics are clearly distinct, both of Andrew's bands can be described as a study in contrasts. First, Ripped to Shreds presents songs that convey familiar images of flayed skin, amputated limbs, and spilled viscera, alongside others that critique real-world atrocities like the rape of Nanjing and contemporary anti-Asian racism. Similarly, Houkago Grind Time, while striking a jovial tone with lyrics that affectionately mock anime fandoms, also calls attention to important issues in the anime industry, like the exploitation of freelancers. Across these seemingly diverse topics, images, and issues, runs a thread that flows from Andrew's personal experience as a Taiwanese American, metalhead, and anime fan. Consequently, Andrew continually draws on his (sub)cultural background to write lyrics that not only contextualize his music but serve as it's emotional core.

Check out Ripped to Shreds here: https://www.instagram.com/rippedtoshredsdeathmetal/

and Houkago Grind Time here: https://www.facebook.com/houkagogrindtime/