Atlanta’s Combichrist brings feast of industrial chaos to Masquerade

• Gili Shani
• Combichrist

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Combichrist is one of the biggest aggrotech/industrial bands in the world thanks to its bombastic sound and post-apocalyptic theatrics. But while the band performs in front of thousands in Europe, Russia, South American and elsewhere, it maintains a strong cult status here in the United States. Though Combichrist mastermind Andy LaPlegua is originally from Norway, having originally established himself in the electronic rock underground as a member of Icon of Coil, many may not realize that he has called Atlanta home for several years now. With the fall leg of Combichrist’s tour coming to an end at the Masquerade on Thanksgiving eve, before the band heads back out for a short December stint that includes an opening slot for Rammstein at Madison Square Garden, LaPlegua took a moment to talk about living in Atlanta, touring and his other musical endeavors.

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You’ve lived in Atlanta for a few years now. Why did you choose to move here from Norway and what has kept you here?

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Well, initially it was because of my ex-wife that I moved there. The reason I stayed was because it’s the perfect place to go between touring. It’s kind of quiet and I like the weather, except for July and August. And it’s a good hub for traveling anywhere. It’s kind of in the middle of everywhere, between Canada, South America, Europe, the East Coast, the West Coast, wherever.

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You’re involved in the Atlanta music scene in many ways, from your rockabilly band Scandinavian Cock to your monthly industrial Das Bunker nights at the Shelter. How do you feel about the local music scene? Is it another reason that you stay here?