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Key Information

Alex Webster (born October 25, 1969) is an American musician who is the bassist and a co-founder of the death metal band Cannibal Corpse. He is one of two original remaining members, alongside drummer Paul Mazurkiewicz. He is also the bassist of Blotted Science and the supergroup Conquering Dystopia. Before Cannibal Corpse was formed, he was a member of Beyond Death.

Musical career

[edit]
Webster in Rostock, 2012

Webster was born in Akron, New York.[citation needed] Webster was born into a musical family. Webster's father was partially of Scottish descent and played in a bagpipe band, performing in carnivals in various small towns. Webster's mother was a self-taught pianist.[1] His experience performing music live was in a school talent show playing Bruce Springsteen and Bob Seger covers.[2]

Webster was originally part of the band Beyond Death, with ex-Cannibal Corpse guitarist Jack Owen, in 1987. Both met up with Chris Barnes, Bob Rusay and Paul Mazurkiewicz, all of whom were in the band Tirant Sin. Webster was the one to come up with the band's name, Cannibal Corpse.[3]

Webster recorded bass for Hate Eternal, Erik Rutan's death metal band.

In 2005, Alex was contacted by guitarist Ron Jarzombek about a possible collaboration which became Blotted Science, an all-instrumental extreme metal project. They released their debut album, The Machinations of Dementia, in the fall of 2007.

Artistry and influences

[edit]
Webster performing at Wacken Open Air 2015

Webster's bass playing has been likened to "booming, sloppy spaghetti strings."[4] He plays bass with his fingers and does not use a pick. He has cited Billy Sheehan, Geddy Lee, Cliff Burton, Steve Harris, and Steve Di Giorgio as influences on his bass playing.[5] He has also expressed his fondness of Slayer, and that if any band could cover a Cannibal Corpse song, it would be Slayer.[6][7]

Webster's five all-time favorite albums are (in descending order) Accept's Restless and Wild, Morbid Angel's Altars of Madness, Metallica's Master of Puppets, Iron Maiden's Powerslave and Slayer's Reign in Blood,[8] and, in a 2006 interview with LambGoat.com, Webster named his five favourite albums of the past five years as Spawn of Possession's Cabinet, Necrophagist's Epitaph, Aeon's Bleeding the False, Hate Eternal's I, Monarch, and Spastic Ink's Ink Compatible.[9]

Webster performing at Rockharz Open Air 2018 in Ballenstedt, Germany.

When describing his relationship with music, he has stated "I just always liked music since I was a little kid. Music was always a soundtrack in my head to things going on in my life. I always wanted to play. I wanted to play drums when I was about three. I made a drum out of an old butter container and hit it with tinker toys. I was going to make music. Most people who are musicians didn't have to have anyone tell them to do it. I would never push music on someone, because it is something that doesn't need to be pushed. If you're going to make music, you're going to make it."[6][7]

In addition to rock and heavy metal music, Webster has cited influence from classical music on his craft, such as 1812 Overture and the early work of Beethoven. He said, "that's really heavy stuff [...] you know, when those guys wanted to do heavy music, that was heavy before there were electric instruments. [...] You know, writing something heavy does not depend on electricity. One of the heaviest things out there [is] "The Planets" by Gustav Holst" [...] He wasn't letting the lack of gain or distortion get in the way of something super heavy!"[2]

When asked about his favorite Cannibal Corpse song, Webster answered: "I don't know, it would be hard to choose one that's the "best", but one of my favorites is "From Skin to Liquid", mainly because it was so different for us. It showed we didn't necessarily have to be playing at warp drive and have gory lyrics to be heavy."[10]

Webster is known for his interaction with fans of the band, regularly answering questions on the band's forum.[11]

Equipment

[edit]
Webster performing at Gelsenkirchen RockHard Festival

Webster currently uses Spector 'Alex Webster Signature Edition'[12] (based on Euro 5lx basses), DR Strings, and His signature Hammer Smashed Bass pickups by Seymour Duncan paired with a Darkglass Electronics tone capsule preamp wired for 18 volt operation.[citation needed]

On the first two Cannibal Corpse albums, Webster played a Fender Precision Bass that was purchased for him by his mother for his 19th birthday.[13]

Personal life

[edit]

Webster lives with his wife, Alice Webster in Oregon, U.S. He is agnostic, though he was "brought up with a fairly religious upbringing [which was] Protestant, Methodist".[14]

Webster is known to enjoy an assortment of different physical activities, such as weightlifting, mountain biking, running and hiking. He told Decibel in 2022: "Death metal is one of the most physically demanding types of music, so for the musicians in it, they have to almost be thinking like an athlete to have longevity." Like Cannibal Corpse drummer Paul Mazurkiewicz, Webster is a vegetarian.[15]

Aside from metal, Webster has also expressed a liking for Ohio New Wave band Devo,[7] and, when asked what a musical guilty pleasure of his was, he replied "there's some good songs from the first No Doubt album".[7]

Legacy

[edit]

The prehistoric giant marine worm species Websteroprion armstrongi is partially named after Webster.[16] Luke Parry, one of the scientists who described the species, said of the name, "Mats and I are both massive metalheads and think Alex Webster is a monstrously good bass player... (He) just seemed like the perfect fit for a giant worm with saw-like jaws."[17]

Discography

[edit]

Cannibal Corpse

[edit]
Main article: Cannibal Corpse discography

Blotted Science

[edit]
Main article: Blotted Science § Discography

Conquering Dystopia

[edit]
Main article: Conquering Dystopia § Discography

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Alex Webster

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Alex Webster (born October 25, 1969) is an American musician renowned as the and co-founder of the influential death metal band . Originating from , Webster has been a core member of the band since its inception in Buffalo in 1988, contributing to its status as a cornerstone of the genre through technically demanding bass work and songwriting. His style, characterized by rapid finger-style playing and intricate, riff-heavy compositions, has helped sell millions of albums worldwide and maintain a prolific output of 16 studio albums as of 2023. Beyond , Webster has pursued progressive and instrumental projects, including co-founding the math metal supergroup Blotted Science in 2005 and the progressive metal band Conquering Dystopia in 2014. In these endeavors, he explores more experimental structures while applying his signature precision and speed, often drawing from influences like and . Webster's role as Cannibal Corpse's primary further defines his impact, crafting the band's signature themes of horror and gore with a focus on rhythmic flow and memorability. Throughout his career, Webster has emphasized and technical evolution, crediting running and disciplined practice for sustaining his high-energy performances into his 50s. His equipment choices, such as custom five-string Spector basses and amplification, support his aggressive tone and versatility across metal subgenres. As of 2025, Webster remains active, with having completed a North American tour and working on new material, solidifying his legacy as a pivotal figure in .

Early Life

Childhood and Upbringing

Alex Webster was born on October 25, 1969, in , a small village in Erie County near Buffalo. Growing up in this rural yet culturally connected area of , he experienced a typical American childhood marked by local community influences and seasonal activities common to the region. At the age of six, Webster briefly attempted lessons, lasting only a couple of months before he lost interest due to the structured nature of the instruction. This early foray into music was short-lived, but it occurred within the broader context of the Buffalo area's emerging local music environment, which included underground punk and hardcore shows that laid groundwork for heavier genres in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Webster's family maintained a Protestant Methodist background, which instilled a sense of moral structure and community involvement in his early worldview, though he later distanced himself from . This upbringing in the Buffalo vicinity provided a stable, working-class foundation before his interests shifted toward during .

Introduction to Music

Alex Webster began playing bass guitar in 1984, drawn to the instrument by the aggressive sounds of hard rock and heavy metal bands prevalent at the time. Growing up in Buffalo, New York, he had access to a vibrant local music scene that fueled his interest. His early influences included groups like Accept, Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Slayer, whose rhythmic drive and complex bass lines inspired him to pick up the bass rather than continue with guitar, which he had briefly tried as a child but abandoned due to a lack of interest in folk-oriented lessons. Webster's decision to focus on bass stemmed from its appealing role in bridging and guitars within a band, as well as his perception that it was more accessible to master than guitar. He occasionally experimented with guitar later but preferred the bass for its tonal qualities and the way it allowed him to contribute dynamically to ensemble playing. In his early years, Webster developed songwriting habits centered on crafting intricate bass riffs and lines, often jamming ideas out on the instrument to build songs from the rhythm section upward, influenced by bassists like Iron Maiden's Steve Harris. In 1986, Webster co-founded the thrash metal band Beyond Death in , alongside guitarist and drummer , where he served as both bassist and vocalist. The group was active until 1988, during which they recorded and self-released a demo tape titled A Slice of Death in November 1987, featuring tracks such as "Victims," "Agonizing Death," and "I Love You... I Hope You Die." This pre-professional experience honed Webster's skills in composition and performance within the local metal underground.

Musical Career

Cannibal Corpse

Alex Webster co-founded in late 1988 in , drawing from members of local bands Beyond Death and Tirant Sin, including guitarist and drummer , with vocalist Chris Barnes and guitarist Bob Rusay completing the original lineup. Webster himself proposed the band's name, envisioning it as "an undead corpse that eats the flesh of the living." From the band's inception, Webster established himself as the primary songwriter, focusing on crafting intricate bass lines and guitar riffs that defined their sound. His contributions were central to their debut album (1990), where he developed key riffs and structural elements, and the follow-up (1991), which built on those foundations with even more aggressive compositions. Throughout the 1990s and beyond, navigated significant lineup changes, including the departure of vocalist Chris Barnes in 1995—replaced by George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher—and the exit of several guitarists such as Bob Rusay in and Jack Owen in 2004, while Webster and Mazurkiewicz remained constant. The band faced international controversies, notably a ban in prohibiting the sale and display of their first three albums due to graphic and lyrics, alongside similar restrictions in and other countries. Despite these challenges, achieved sustained commercial success, surpassing two million records sold worldwide by 2015 through consistent touring and album releases on . In recent years, Webster continued his songwriting role on the band's sixteenth studio album (2023), delivering tracks that maintained the group's signature intensity. As of 2025, he participated in Cannibal Corpse's headlining North American tour, which ran from September to October across over two dozen cities, supporting the ongoing promotion of their catalog.

Side Projects

In addition to his primary role in Cannibal Corpse, Alex Webster has pursued several side projects that showcase his versatility in progressive and technical metal styles. One of his earliest endeavors outside the band was his brief involvement with Alas, a outfit formed in 1995 in , by guitarist . Webster contributed bass during the band's initial phase from 1995 to 1996, appearing on their debut demo Engulfed in Grief (1996), which featured operatic elements and emotional themes centered on sorrow and purity. Webster's most prominent side project is Blotted Science, an supergroup he co-founded in 2005 alongside guitarist Ron Jarzombek of and Spastic Ink fame. The project emphasizes intricate compositions and technical prowess, diverging from the vocal-driven of by focusing on atmospheric and experimental structures without lyrics. Drummer Charlie Zeleny performed drums on their debut album, with of Obscura joining in 2011 to solidify the core lineup. Their debut album, The Machinations of Dementia, was released in September 2007 via Jarzombek's Eclectic Electric label, comprising nine tracks that blend influences with heavy riffing and odd time signatures. In 2013, Webster joined Conquering Dystopia, an instrumental progressive death metal supergroup initiated by guitarists Keith Merrow and (ex-Nevermore, ). This collaboration highlights Webster's ability to integrate his precise bass lines into expansive, cinematic soundscapes, with drummer (ex-) rounding out the initial recording lineup. The band's self-titled debut album arrived in 2014 through , featuring five extended tracks that explore dystopian themes through aggressive yet melodic instrumentation. As of 2019, the group announced work on a follow-up album, but no release had materialized by November 2025, amid ongoing creative developments. Beyond full band commitments, Webster has made select guest appearances, notably providing bass for Hate Eternal's 2008 album Fury & Flames, produced by frontman , where his contributions supported the band's ferocious sound on tracks like "Ghosts of Fall" and "Hallowed Apparition."

Artistry and Influences

Bass Technique

Alex Webster's bass technique is renowned for its emphasis on speed and precision, particularly through his signature three-finger right-hand plucking method, which cycles through the index, middle, and ring fingers in a repeating pattern to achieve rapid 16th-note passages without a . This approach, developed in the late 1980s and inspired by fellow bassist Steve DiGiorgio, allows for even articulation and endurance during the intricate, riff-heavy demands of , often doubling guitar lines an lower while maintaining a driving, aggressive tone. Complementing this, Webster incorporates multi-finger techniques, enabled by his preference for 24-fret basses, to layer harmonic complexity and melodic fills into otherwise rhythmically dense compositions. His left-hand prioritizes economy of motion, adhering to a one-finger-per-fret system to navigate chromatic and modal scales efficiently, such as whole-tone patterns, ensuring seamless execution of sudden shifts and polyrhythmic elements. Throughout his career with , Webster has primarily composed riffs and bass lines on the , resulting in bass-forward arrangements that elevate the instrument's role in the mix; however, beginning with the 2021 album , he shifted to occasionally writing on guitar to diversify his melodic and picking approaches, as heard in tracks like "Necrogenic Resurrection" from . In side projects such as Blotted Science, Webster integrates progressive influences, employing odd time signatures like 5/8 and 7/8 alongside compound rhythms to create disorienting yet cohesive structures that challenge conventional metal tempos. This versatility underscores his reputation for advanced technical proficiency, as outlined in his instructional book Extreme Metal Bass, where he provides exercises for building finger strength and construction, solidifying his status as a pioneer who has defined standards for bass performance in genres.

Key Influences

Alex Webster began developing his musical style in 1984, when he started playing bass and was heavily influenced by heavy metal bands such as Accept, , Metallica, and . These groups formed the foundation of his early appreciation for metal, with Webster citing Accept, , early Metallica, early , and among his favorite metal acts. Webster's approach to bass guitar drew specific inspiration from pioneering players known for their technical innovation and melodic contributions. He has named for his tapping techniques, of Rush for versatile musicianship, Steve Harris of for galloping rhythms and songwriting, of Metallica for tone and creativity, and Steve DiGiorgio of for advanced fingerstyle speed and chordal work. DiGiorgio's influence was particularly profound in Webster's adoption of rapid plucking and complex phrasing, as seen in his listening to DiGiorgio's performances on Sadus' debut album Illusions (1988) and Autopsy's Severed Survival (1989), where DiGiorgio contributed bass. Within the death metal genre, Webster looked to vocalists and bassists who blended aggression with technical flair. He has expressed admiration for David Vincent's bass work on Morbid Angel's early albums, particularly the bass solo in "Suffocation" from (1989), which highlighted Vincent's rhythmic drive and soloing ability. Later in his career, Webster expanded his musical horizons beyond rock and metal, exploring classical compositions, including works by Beethoven. He also practiced and rhythms to enhance his sense of groove and timing, noting that this knowledge subtly influences his metal writing without directly incorporating those genres.

Equipment

Bass Guitars

Alex Webster began his professional career using a 1980s Japanese-made Fender Precision Bass, which he played on Cannibal Corpse's debut albums Eaten Back to Life (1990) and Butchered at Birth (1991). During the early to mid-1990s, he transitioned to Ibanez Soundgear and Saber models for their faster necks and 24-fret design, before adopting the Modulus Quantum 5 in 1996, a five-string bass noted for its stability and carbon fiber reinforcement that suited demanding live settings. In the post-2000s era, Webster evolved toward custom-oriented instruments, acquiring his first Spector Euro 5 LX in 2003 and using it as his primary recording bass for projects including Blotted Science and Conquering Dystopia, reflecting a shift from vintage Fender reliability to modern, high-output designs tailored for . His current signature instrument is the Spector Euro5 LX Alex Webster edition, a five-string model featuring Hammer Smashed Bass humbucking pickups for aggressive bite and a Darkglass Tone Capsule preamp powered at 18 volts for enhanced headroom and tonal versatility. Webster favors active electronics in his basses, such as those in the Modulus and Spector models with EMG or Seymour Duncan systems, to deliver consistent attack and clarity during rapid passages in low tunings like G# on the B string for Cannibal Corpse recordings.

Amplification and Strings

Alex Webster employs a minimalist amplification setup designed to deliver a gritty yet clean bass tone, emphasizing direct signal paths with minimal processing to preserve the natural attack of his playing. His current touring rig, as of 2025, centers on the Darkglass Microtubes 900 v2 amplifier head paired with two Darkglass DG410NE 4x10 cabinets, providing robust low-end response suitable for low tunings without additional effects pedals. This configuration evolved from his 1990s and early 2000s reliance on high-wattage heads like the SWR SM-1500 and Aguilar DB751, transitioning to more compact, overdrive-capable units like the Darkglass B3K and B7K for added growl while maintaining simplicity. To facilitate switching between his two signature Spector basses tuned to different pitches, Webster incorporates the Radial Engineering Bassbone OD preamp, which allows independent level and EQ adjustments for each instrument before routing directly to the . His EQ preferences favor a scooped with boosted bass and treble frequencies to enhance clarity and punch in dense metal mixes, occasionally applying light overdrive via the Bassbone or Darkglass units for subtle grit without distorting the core tone. This approach ensures compatibility with his signature basses' active pickups, yielding a bright, articulate sound that cuts through high-gain guitar layers. Webster has exclusively used DR Hi-Beam roundwound strings since the late , selecting fresh sets for every performance to maintain their inherent brightness and cutting edge, particularly in low tunings like G# and A#. He favors heavier gauges, such as .045-.130 for G# and .045-.125 for A#, to achieve stable tension and tonal consistency across his minimalist rig. This choice contributes to the piano-like attack and sustain that define his signature tone in Cannibal Corpse's recordings and live shows.

Personal Life

Family and Residence

Alex Webster has been married to Alison Webster, a professional photographer specializing in concert and promotional imagery, since the early 2000s. The couple maintains a childless , prioritizing their partnership and shared interests amid Webster's demanding tour schedule. In recent years, Webster and his wife relocated from their longtime base in New York to , seeking a quieter life in the . This move, undertaken for personal reasons, provides a stable home base that allows Webster to balance the rigors of international touring with domestic stability; he often records bass tracks remotely from his home studio while the rest of convenes in . Webster was raised in a Protestant Methodist household, where he was instilled with beliefs in demons and the during his childhood. As an adult, however, he identifies as agnostic, viewing and supernatural concepts with shaped by maturity. This shift has influenced his perspective on the horror-themed lyrics he writes for , emphasizing entertainment over literal endorsement.

Health and Hobbies

Alex Webster maintains a rigorous fitness regimen centered on running and training to sustain his physical demands as a well into his fifties. He began running in 2017 and typically covers a minimum of 3.5 miles daily, often immediately after performances while on tour, using apps like and to plan routes. This practice, which he credits with improving mood and cognitive function based on John J. Ratey's book Spark, serves as a foundational element for his overall conditioning. training, initiated in 1997 after quitting , involves dumbbells and occasional use of a squat rack, while he also incorporates low-impact activities like and for enjoyment and maintenance. Previously, from 1999 to 2004, he practiced and off-tour. Webster emphasizes professional discipline over heavy partying to support his touring schedule, viewing as one of the most physically demanding genres that requires an athlete-like for . He avoids excessive socializing post-shows, prioritizing rest and exercise instead, a habit he has maintained for years to stay healthy amid constant travel. This approach has allowed him to perform at a high intensity without burnout, as he noted in 2023 that the band has "many years ahead" despite the challenges of aging in . His well-being practices include adopting a vegetarian diet since late 2020, focusing on nutritious home-cooked meals while adapting to tour conditions. To address a past bout of —a affecting his plucking hand that emerged around 2018—he improved posture, incorporated cardio, and used ergonomic equipment like a 4-inch-wide bass strap and Spector NS basses, ultimately overcoming it and enhancing his playing technique by 2021. No major health issues have been reported for Webster as of 2025. Beyond metal, Webster draws inspiration from classical music, citing its inherent heaviness without electric amplification. He has expressed admiration for Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture, Beethoven's compositions for their intensity, and Gustav Holst's suite, particularly "Mars, the Bringer of War," composed in 1911.

Legacy

Impact on Death Metal

Alex Webster's contributions to are exemplified through his pioneering role in integrating technical bass playing into the genre's high-speed, gore-themed framework with . As a founding member and bassist since the band's inception in 1988, Webster developed a distinctive three-finger picking technique that enabled precise, rapid execution of complex riffs, setting a new standard for bass visibility in an era when the instrument often served a supportive role in . This approach, detailed in his instructional book Extreme Metal Bass, emphasized aggressive fingerstyle over pick-based methods, allowing for galloping rhythms and melodic counterpoints that complemented the band's brutal, down-tuned compositions. Webster's style has profoundly influenced subsequent bassists in , particularly through Cannibal Corpse's riff-driven compositions that demand intricate, riff-following lines. His precise attack and ability to introduce riffs independently on bass before the full band entry have inspired a generation of players to prioritize technical proficiency and integration with guitar work, elevating the bassist's in death metal's sonic . Bassists in bands like Obscura and have acknowledged drawing from Webster's methods for maintaining clarity and speed in dense mixes, contributing to the evolution of subgenres. Cannibal Corpse, under Webster's foundational influence, played a pivotal role in popularizing globally, achieving mainstream notoriety despite significant controversies surrounding their graphic imagery and lyrics. Albums such as (1991) and (1992) faced outright bans in countries like and due to depictions of violence, leading to censored releases and restricted sales from the mid-1990s to 2006. Yet, these challenges paradoxically amplified the band's visibility, positioning them as the preeminent American act and introducing the genre to wider audiences through media backlash and cultural references, such as in the film Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. As of 2015, their sales had exceeded two million albums worldwide, cementing 's underground appeal on a global scale. The band's enduring relevance underscores Webster's lasting impact, with remaining active for over 35 years as of 2025 and continuing to inspire modern acts through their consistent output of aggressive, memorable material. Their longevity—spanning 16 and relentless touring—has kept the genre vital, influencing contemporary groups like and in blending technical extremity with accessible brutality. Webster's commitment to evolving within the style, without diluting its core intensity, has ensured 's status as a benchmark for 's viability in the .

Recognition and Honors

In 2017, paleontologists described a new and of gigantic worm, Websteroprion armstrongi, from fossils discovered in , with the genus name honoring Alex Webster for his influential status in the metal bass community. The creature, dating back approximately 400 million years, possessed the largest known jaws among polychaete fossils, exceeding one centimeter in length, and was identified as a feeder akin to modern bobbit worms. Webster has been frequently profiled and interviewed in prominent metal and bass publications, recognizing his technical prowess and contributions to extreme metal. A 2020 Guitar World feature highlighted his innovative bass techniques and role in Cannibal Corpse's enduring sound. No Treble has conducted multiple in-depth interviews with him, including discussions on his tone, gear, and approach to death metal songwriting in 2011 and 2014. As of 2025, Webster maintains long-standing endorsements with major bass equipment manufacturers, reflecting his professional stature. He has been a signature artist with Spector Bass since 2011, featuring custom models like the Euro5 LX Alex Webster edition equipped with Seymour Duncan pickups and Darkglass preamps tailored to his aggressive style. Additionally, he is endorsed by DR Strings, using their Hi-Beam stainless steel sets for their clarity and durability in high-gain settings.

Discography

Cannibal Corpse Albums

Alex Webster has served as the and a primary songwriter for all 16 studio albums released by as of 2025. His contributions emphasize intricate finger-style bass lines that lock tightly with the guitars, often incorporating technical riffs and melodic elements within the band's brutal framework. The band's debut album, (1990), featured Webster on bass and as a co-writer, establishing the group's signature gore-themed sound and high-speed aggression from its inception. On the follow-up (1991), Webster's playing contributed to an early evolution in technical precision, with faster tempos and more structured compositions that refined the band's raw energy. Tomb of the Mutilated (1992) marked a breakthrough, highlighted by Webster's complex bass lines that occasionally diverged from guitar parts to add depth and solos, as heard in tracks like the iconic "." The 1994 album The Bleeding further showcased bass-driven elements, with Webster citing it as a significant advancement in his technical skill and the band's overall musicianship. Vile (1996) continued this progression, featuring Webster's aggressive and precise bass work amid the band's to new vocalist George "Corpsegrinder" Fisher, including standout tracks like "Dead Human Collection" that highlighted his riffing contributions. Webster continued his songwriting role across subsequent releases, including Gallery of Suicide (1998), Bloodthirst (1999), Gore Obsessed (2002), and The Wretched Spawn (2004), where his riffs helped maintain the band's evolving brutality amid lineup changes. This pattern persisted through later works such as Kill (2006), Evisceration Plague (2009), Torture (2012), A Skeletal Domain (2014), Red Before Black (2017), Violence Unimagined (2021), and the 16th studio album Chaos Horrific (2023), emphasizing memorable, heavy songs with advancing technicality. (Note: Worm Infested (2003) is an EP featuring original tracks and covers, to which Webster contributed bass.)

Blotted Science and Conquering Dystopia Releases

Alex Webster has contributed to side projects outside his primary work with , including progressive and technical metal efforts that showcase his technical bass prowess through complex compositions and intricate . Blotted Science and Conquering focus on riff-heavy, atmospheric soundscapes without lyrics or vocals, diverging from the vocal-driven style. Blotted Science, an instrumental progressive metal project featuring Webster on bass alongside guitarist Ron Jarzombek and drummer Charlie Zeleny, released its sole album, The Machinations of Dementia, on September 25, 2007, via Ecstatic Peace!. The 16-track record emphasizes frenetic, science-themed instrumental pieces with shifting time signatures and heavy rhythms, including standout tracks like "Laser Lobotomy," which demonstrates Webster's precise, rapid fingerstyle bass lines supporting Jarzombek's intricate leads. Clocking in at approximately 57 minutes, the album blends technical metal with experimental elements, such as the atmospheric buildup in "Synaptic Plasticity" and the aggressive grooves in "Brain Fingerprinting." No further full-length releases from Blotted Science have materialized, though the project remains a testament to Webster's versatility in purely instrumental formats. In 2014, Webster joined forces with guitarists and Keith Merrow, plus drummer , for the instrumental supergroup Conquering Dystopia. Their self-titled debut album, released digitally on March 10, 2014, via , features 12 tracks spanning over 52 minutes of progressive, riff-centric material influenced by death and . Notable songs include "Kufra at Dusk," for which Webster released a dedicated bass playthrough video highlighting his layered, melodic bass work amid the track's dynamic shifts from brutal chugs to soaring harmonics. Other highlights like "Prelude to Obliteration" and "Inexhaustible Savagery" showcase the band's collaborative songwriting, with Webster's contributions providing a solid, aggressive foundation that complements the dual-guitar interplay. The album was later issued on vinyl in limited editions, including a 2015 pressing. Despite announcements in 2019 that was actively working on a second album—prompted by renewed interest from band members amid their busy schedules—no follow-up has been released as of 2025, with progress stalled due to logistical challenges among the supergroup's members. Earlier in his career, Webster provided bass contributions to the band Alas on their 1996 demo Engulfed in Grief, a four-track recording that blended operatic elements with structures. Formed as a by , the demo featured Webster's rhythmic support on tracks emphasizing gothic and heavy atmospheres, marking one of his initial forays into non- instrumentation. Additionally, in 1988, Webster played bass on the thrash/death metal demo Yuk Fou by Beyond Death, a pre-Cannibal Corpse band he co-founded with guitarist ; the live-recorded six-track effort, captured at the River Rock Cafe in , included raw, aggressive songs like "Mouth to Mouth Vomit" that foreshadowed his later technical style.

References

  1. https://www.discogs.com/artist/411613-Alex-Webster
  2. https://www.metal-archives.com/artists/Alex_Webster/4142
  3. https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2022/11/14/health-awaits-cannibal-corpses-alex-webster-on-being-run-obsessed/
  4. https://www.metaltalk.net/alex-webster-we-want-the-cannibal-corpse-songs-to-be-memorable.php
  5. https://www.invisibleoranges.com/interview-cannibal-corpses-alex-webster/
  6. http://www.cannibalcorpse.net/
  7. https://www.metalblade.com/us/news/cannibal-corpse-announces-north-american-headlining-tour-this-fall/
  8. https://metalinjection.net/news/cannibal-corpse-working-on-new-album
  9. http://www.chroniclesofchaos.com/articles/chats/1-1080_cannibal_corpse.aspx
  10. http://www.metalobsession.net/2012/03/28/cannibal-corpse-the-underground-part-of-our-band-is-the-music-not-the-lyrics-an-interview-with-alex-webster/
  11. https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/29/cannibal-corpse-interview
  12. https://loudwire.com/cannibal-corpse-alex-webster-discusses-torture-his-religious-upbringing-more/
  13. https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2011/11/03/extreme-metal-bassist-an-interview-with-alex-webster/
  14. https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Beyond_Death/20174
  15. https://www.discogs.com/release/11554845-Beyond-Death-A-Slice-Of-Death
  16. https://www.metalforcesmagazine.com/site/feature-cannibal-corpse-03-13-pt1/
  17. https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Cannibal_Corpse/186
  18. https://loudwire.com/brutal-history-censorship-metal-rock/
  19. https://metalinsider.net/news/cannibal-corpse-sold-how-many-albums
  20. https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Alas/283
  21. https://www.metalkingdom.net/band/alas-2784
  22. https://metalinjection.net/news/blotted-science-cannibal-corpse-obscura-etc-is-hitting-the-studio-this-december
  23. https://www.metal-archives.com/albums/Blotted_Science/The_Machinations_of_Dementia/155202
  24. https://metalinjection.net/news/conquering-dystopia-arch-enemy-cannibal-corpse-is-working-on-a-new-album
  25. https://conqueringdystopia.com/
  26. https://www.guitarworld.com/features/alex-webster-to-the-extreme
  27. https://www.notreble.com/buzz/2014/03/06/profiles-in-tone-alex-webster/
  28. https://www.antiheromagazine.com/interview-alex-webster-of-cannibal-corpse/
  29. https://popdose.com/cd-review-blotted-science-the-animations-of-entomology/
  30. https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-Metal-Bass-Techniques-Applications/dp/1423497155
  31. https://blabbermouth.net/news/a-conversation-with-cannibal-corpse-s-alex-webster
  32. https://disposableunderground.com/cannibal-corpse-interview-2010/
  33. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2025-10-03/cannibal-corpse-house-of-blues-anaheim-death-metal-ace-ventura-tiktok
  34. https://www.givememetal.com/deathmetaltrees/cannibal-corpse-family-tree
  35. https://atthebarrier.com/2021/04/08/alex-webster-of-cannibal-corpse-interview/
  36. https://www.spectorbass.com/product/euro5-lx-alex-webster/
  37. https://www.instagram.com/p/DQp19Y4AZk1/
  38. https://equipboard.com/pros/alex-webster
  39. https://www.drstrings.com/product-page/alex-webster-cannibal-corpse
  40. https://blabbermouth.net/news/cannibal-corpse-bassist-s-wife-launches-photography-web-site
  41. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=28222662414013729&id=100000900420083&set=a.1101225193250818
  42. https://echoesanddust.com/2021/04/alex-webster-from-cannibal-corpse/
  43. https://v13.net/2009/11/interview-with-cannibal-corpse-bassist-alex-webster/
  44. https://blabbermouth.net/news/alex-webster-on-cannibal-corpses-longevity-i-feel-that-there-are-many-years-ahead-of-us
  45. https://loudwire.com/cannibal-corpse-alex-webster-neurological-disorder-better-player-now/
  46. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCh104IenDg
  47. https://www.talkbass.com/threads/extreme-metal-bass-by-alex-webster-of-cannibal-corpse.974473/
  48. https://therangeplanet.proboards.com/thread/3304/alex-webster
  49. https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2017/03/28/cannibal-corpse-the-bleeding/
  50. https://metalinjection.net/lists/10-of-the-biggest-metal-album-cover-controversies
  51. https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/Death-becomes-them-12642371.php
  52. https://blabbermouth.net/news/cannibal-corpses-alex-webster-death-metal-never-completely-went-away
  53. https://www.invisibleoranges.com/im-listening-to-death-metal-11/
  54. https://thepopbreak.com/2014/09/05/interview-cannibal-corpse/
  55. https://www.nature.com/articles/srep43061
  56. https://www.westword.com/music/qanda-with-alex-webster-of-cannibal-corpse-5716319/
  57. https://www.discogs.com/master/4396-Cannibal-Corpse-Eaten-Back-To-Life
  58. https://www.discogs.com/master/18268-Cannibal-Corpse-Butchered-At-Birth
  59. https://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/Cannibal_Corpse/Tomb_of_the_Mutilated/770/grimwinter13/402151
  60. https://www.guitarworld.com/features/cannibal-corpse-alex-webster-5-best-bass-albums
  61. https://globaldominationisdead.wordpress.com/2015/09/19/cannibal-corpse-the-bleeding/
  62. https://blottedscience.bandcamp.com/album/the-machinations-of-dementia
  63. https://keithmerrow.com/conquering-dystopia
  64. https://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=16580
  65. https://www.discogs.com/release/13022210-Blotted-Science-The-Machinations-Of-Dementia
  66. https://www.discogs.com/master/720172-Conquering_Dystopia-Conquering_Dystopia
  67. https://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/Conquering_Dystopia/Conquering_Dystopia/404516/Metal4Blood/306547
  68. https://metalinjection.net/news/conquering-dystopia-cannibal-corpse-arch-enemy-not-dead-still-working-on-album-2
  69. https://www.discogs.com/artist/291170-Alas-2
  70. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/ep/beyond_death_f1/yuk_fou/
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