Coleiosis Records is an extreme Christian metal label that operates out of Davenport, Iowa. I (Timo) have recently got in touch with its owner/founder Cole Bezotte.
IVM: Good evening. We talked recently about this interview. I noticed you were from Davenport which is crazy because that is where my family is from. Do you remember the radio station KQCS 93.5 from the 90s? That is where I got my love for all things Christian music. My faves back then were Bride, Hoi Polloi and Wayne Watson.
IVM: Can you explain the meaning behind coleiosis and how did you decide on the name?
CB: There’s honestly a funny story behind that. When I was a kid, a church helper gave me that nickname, and at that age I had no idea where it came from. It took me a while to figure out that it was a mashing of my first name Cole with the medical term “scoliosis”. Upon starting my presence on the internet, I adopted “Coleiosis” as my surname. I thought it sounded cool, and everyone else pointed out that I was “contagious in a good way”. Of course, someone has given me backlash for it, saying “Your name is a disease.” To me, the nickname is a way of saying “Don’t mess with me.” It’s the kind of humor I have.
IVM: Can you tell us how the label came to fruition and how it is currently doing?
CB: Before I started my label, I was more of just a supporter for the Christian underground extreme metal scene. I had already started collecting rarities left and right. I then came into contact with Jason Saylor, founding guitarist/vocalist of Christian grindcore act Chains Of Bondage. At first it was simply to ask him if he had any leftover copies of previous releases, but we grew acquainted fast. In late 2019, he then asked me to write lyrics for a new album since he wanted to get back into the swing of things; I did so, writing somewhere around fifteen songs (I can’t remember exactly). At the same time, I was supporting Jason’s other project Hack’n’Thrash, which had a majority of its music released through the very small label Vociferator Entertainment. But one day I noticed Vociferator’s Bandcamp was gone; I notified Jason about it, and he was honestly not surprised about it. He then followed with “You should start a label of your own.” Yes, those were the words that started it all. He encouraged me to start my own little business and sign Chains Of Bondage into it. I was surprised. Being that I was only a supporter at first, I never saw this kind of idea coming. But I took the opportunity and founded what was originally known as Coleiosis Media, since at the time I was only able to work with digital releases and had yet to figure out how I’d tackle physical media. I changed the word “Media” to “Records” in the name in the first half of 2021 and commissioned the official logo for the label. As of now, I am still preparing to release new material.
IVM: Can you describe your process on finding bands and releasing their music?
CB: When the label first started, my means of reaching out to artists were quite limited. I was only able to reach out to certain artists via email and ask to reissue some older works, especially some that were not able to be found very easily these days. But once I started the Coleiosis Records business page on Facebook, that’s when it was really “out there”. Usually I reach out to an independent artist who is still fairly new to the scene and offer to sign them, sometimes starting our partnership by reissuing their first release on CD and sometimes vinyl (that’s usually a way to give a TRUE debut to those who had not been able to hear the first works previously). These days, chances of signing new artists are slim. It usually depends on who’s more open to it.
IVM: Do you have other ways beyond Bandcamp that people can find the label’s music?
CB: Aside from my Facebook page, I also have a Coleiosis Records YouTube channel, where I upload full album streams.
IVM: I have seen that you write for HM as well. How did you get started in that and any ideas for upcoming articles?
CB: I used to make album review videos for YouTube. I thought it would be a nice, strong niche for me, but overtime it became quite difficult to try to say something new every time and put my thoughts into video form. But, as luck would have it, it garnered the attention of HMM writer Jason McLaren. He really enjoyed my videos and asked me to write reviews for HMM. At first, I wasn’t sure of it since I was already having difficulty sticking to the review niche. But then I thought it would honestly be an amazing opportunity to move from a small YouTube channel to a long-lived Christian rock/metal magazine. There are no obligations or due dates, just writing my honest thoughts on these albums at my own pace. I accepted, and I still have a large library of albums to review. The latest one I’ve finished writing is on Mangled Carpenter’s second full-length “Salvation Syndrome” to prepare myself for their upcoming EP “Between Blood And Silence”; I’ve already pre-ordered my copy.
IVM: I know you are a Christian just like myself. What is your favorite Bible verse and why?
CB: I think 1 Peter 5:7 speaks to me quite easily: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” It reminds me to let him guide me through the next parts of my life. As I’ve grown older, I’ve become more fearful that I’m running out of time to achieve my dreams. But with God, all things are possible
IVM: What is your biggest challenge as a label owner right now?
CB: I think my biggest challenge has to be working with the right people. I’ve had to remove certain artists who want to promote a rather twisted doctrine, others who generate music with A.I., and others who simply have a rotten attitude. Other labels can tell similar stories. Whenever I meet a new artist, I always have to make sure they have a godly background.
IVM: Do you attend festivals to promote the label?
CB: Unfortunately not. I’ve never had the ability to.
IVM: What are your interests outside of music?
CB: I also like to practice acting; I’ve been thinking about attempting my own cartoon someday. I do like to draw, but only once in a great while since I’m rather slow at it. Other things include gaming, taking walks to reflect on life and tell God what’s on my mind, and being with the family.
IVM: Anything else you want to let us know?
CB: I am autistic, and I do understand some people will perceive it differently. I tend to ask curious questions before making up my mind about certain things, especially when I have so much uncertainty. I do see drama happen within the Christian extreme metal scene, and it does make me feel uneasy. But I never throw my hat in the ring. I mostly stay silent and keep the peace. To me, God’s peace is the only answer to whatever goes on in these situations.
IVM: How can people get a hold of you and what is your website?
CB: My CR Facebook page is always open to messaging, but I also have my email coleiosisb@gmail.com. My label’s Bandcamp is my main site, and CDs and vinyl can be purchased at my Kunaki page.
https://coleiosis.bandcamp.com/
https://kunaki.com/msales.asp?PublisherId=171199&pp=1
