I have known Alex Bouks for decades now, and when Immolation released their 12th studio album (Descent) not too long ago, I reached out to him for an interview and here is what he said to my questions:
Alex Bouks: A Life Forged in Death Metal
So, for those who don’t know, how did you discover the underground and what were some of your favourite bands back then?
AB: I guess if you want to say underground metal, it was hearing Metallica “Kill Em All”, Raven “All For One”, Exciter “Heavy Metal Maniac” and Mercyful Fate “Melissa” and then fast forward, I met Scott Helig of Total Trash Zine and he also had a band E.A.B. He introduced me to fanzines and demo tapes and the tape trading scene. What an amazing time it was.
So what event or events led to you picking up and playing the guitar? Was it the guitar from the start? How long have you been playing now, and were you self-taught or did you take lessons?
AB: I would say early on, hearing The Who and Jimi Hendrix, I was attracted to the aggressive sounds of their guitars and then seeing Queen as a kid in 1977 at The Philadelphia Spectrum. My Aunt and Uncle took me to that show, and I knew after seeing them that I wanted to be on stage. I started playing guitar in 1985, and I am self-taught.
Now, what are your memories of playing in Goreaphobia and Incantation?
AB: The early years of Goreaphobia were some of the most important years of my musical life. It was where I created my voice as a songwriter. It was my musical first child. It was a magical time when things were being done with heavy music for the first time. Fond memories and lots of good times with Goreaphobia created a lot of lifelong friendships. And my time in Incantation had its share of good times as well, and with Incantation, it was interesting to play in a band that was not my musical vision. Goreaphobia was my musical vision, but Incantation was not, so it was nice to collaborate with other players during my time in that band. I’m grateful for both bands.
So how did you end up joining Immolation? Did they contact you, or did you contact them?
AB: Ross and Ross talked all the time, so it was just a normal conversation that we always had. At the end of the phone, he caught me off guard and asked me if I was into joining the band. It was a no-brainer for me to accept the offer. We have been friends since the band started, and I knew it would be a healthy situation. Personally and musically, I knew it was a good fit for me.
So now you have been in the band for 10 years, and your 1st release with the band was in 2017 on the album called “Atonement”. Did you help with much of the music for that release, and what was it like seeing your name on the release of a band you basically knew since the demo days?
AB: I had nothing to do with Atonement, but the last 2 albums I contributed solos and riff ideas. I’m not sure I thought about that except for it’s cool to be in a band with good friends of mine. Immolation is the first real healthy, drama-free band I have ever been in, so it’s a great thing.
I was say gonna as that, as it must be amazing to be in a band with Ross and Bob and Steve. Do you, even after 10 years, still have to pinch yourself, so to speak, to realize your in Immolation?
AB: I’m not sure I look at things like that. If I were in Iron Maiden or Judas Priest, then I would have to pinch myself, ha ha.
Now, with so many releases out, how hard is it to put together a set list?
AB: It can be difficult with so many songs now, but we do like to pull out an obscure one from time to time.
Now one question off the Immolation trail. Tell everyone about Shadows, the other band you’re in. Will there be any new music anytime soon?
AB: We did record a second record, but the band is no longer active. I have moved on under a different name called Dead Offering. The new line consists of me on guitars, Paul Delaney on vocals from Black Anvil and Madball and Jim Roe on drums, ex-Incantation, ex-Goreaphobia. We are already starting to record, so you will hear new music from us soon. It is more of a continuation of Shadows.
Is it going to be on a label or self-released?
AB: Shadows is signed to Agonia Records, so we shall see if I continue with them for Dead Offering.
Now you guys do tons of touring. What are some things you guys like to do while on tour but not up onstage?
AB: Sleeping lol most of the time. On days off, maybe travelling. Usually trying to find good food, but it’s not as glamorous as people think. A lot of waiting around
Now, what are some of the craziest fans overseas in your eyes?
AB: South America, I would say, is the most intense, but in Europe I’ll say Spain, France, and Poland
Now what about US crowds?
AB: The US has gotten better and better over the years. New York and Portland have really crazy crowds, and sometimes places like Atlanta were a huge surprise. It was just an insane show we just had here tonight. So metal is on the rise again in the States.
Now you guys have a brand new album out on Nuclear Blast Records called “Descent”. How long did it take to put together this amazing release, by that I mean music and lyrics?
AB: The songs came together in a few months, and lyric ideas I believe Ross and Bob had a skeleton of ideas for some time- but the majority of the lyrics were done while the record was recorded.
When will we see an Immolation live album?
AB: We actually recorded some of the shows on this tour, so that could be a possibility in the future.
Do you guys plan on doing a headlining tour of the US and/or overseas later this year or in 2027?
AB: We do plan on a headliner in 2027
Now, do you have any set ritual you go through before taking the stage?
AB: I have some nerve damage, so I usually have a pre-workout mix to get the blood flowing in my arms and hands, but other than that, I may play some scales for a few minutes on the guitar
So who are your personal underground guitar players and why?
AB: Most of my favourite guitar players are from the 70’s hard rock era and early heavy metal of the early 1980’s, but I guess if you mean in extreme metal terms, I would say Piggy, Jeff Hanneman, Gary Holt, and Bill Steer. They all have a unique style and tone. You know who they are from the first note. They are the full package in terms of their songwriting and their tone.
Alex, please plug any social media sites for your other band, “Dead Offering”
AB: No media sites for Dead Offering yet, but I’ll share my project, Plague of Tyranny, that features me on guitars, Paul Speckmann of Master on vocals. Jim Roe on drums of Incantation and Goreaphobia, and Chuck Sherwood on bass of Incantation. We will start recording our full-length this year. Here is our Facebook page:
As well as a few other projects I have in the works. But be sure to look out for Plague of Tyranny and Dead Offering.
Immolation social media sites, please:
AB: You can find Immolation on all media platforms. Shop and listen to the new album at:
Alex, horns up for doing this interview and all our years of friendship. Much continued success in all you do. Any last words to wrap up this interview?
AB: Thank you, Chris, for 4 decades of friendship and support and look out for Immolation on tour in Europe for festivals and also we will be on tour in South America in November with Testament and Municipal Waste, and in 2027, there will be more to come.
