Backstage at The Whisky: Malevolent Creation’s Chris Cannella and Jesse Jolly Talk Tour, Legacy, and What’s Next
Backstage at The Whisky: Malevolent Creation’s Chris Cannella and Jesse Jolly Talk Tour, Legacy, and What’s Next
Backstage at The Whisky on the Sunset Strip—where glam ghosts linger and metal legends still roar—Malevolent Creation’s Chris Cannella and Jesse Jolly took a breather from their blistering set to talk shop with Highwire Daze. On tour with death metal titans Vader and Kataklysm on the Carnival Of Death Tour., the duo opened up about their road stories, gear wisdom, and the blood-and-sweat legacy that brought them here. From Tampa roots to Sunset Strip rites of passage, this is a conversation steeped in riffs, respect, and relentless drive.
Introduce yourselves and tell me what you do in Malevolent Creation.
Chris: I’m Chris Cannella, lead guitar.
Jesse: Jesse Jolly—bass and vocals.
How’s the tour with Vader and Kataklysm been going? Any standout moments?
Jesse: Honestly, just getting to meet these guys has been fantastic. The tour’s been great—super cool people, killer musicians. I’ve been a fan of both bands for years. And Skeletal Remains? Those guys are awesome too. It’s been a blast.
Chris: I’ve known the Kataklysm and Vader camps for about 20 years. I’ve toured with Kataklysm before, but being out with Vader now is incredible. Great people, amazing talent, and zero ego. That’s rare—and refreshing.
What does it mean to play the Whisky on the Sunset Strip?
Chris: I’ve played here many times over the years. When I worked in Hollywood, I was here weekly. It’s like a second home. Being part of its history is an honor. I’m stoked to hit the stage tonight.
Jesse: This is my first time playing here. Everyone knows the stories, the legacy. It’s an honor, for sure.
How did you both end up in Malevolent Creation?
Chris: Jesse was in first. Phil Fasciana and I have known each other for 25 years, and he’d asked me to join multiple times. After my last band ended on good terms, I took a break to focus on work. When Jesse—who’s basically my best friend—joined, he said, “Hey man, Phil wants you in. I’m here, Ronnie’s here.” I couldn’t say no. I talked to my family, jumped back in, and we’ve been touring all year. I was supposed to start last year on the Asia run, but visa issues kept me out. All fixed now.
Jesse: Mine was kind of random. I was chatting with Ronnie on Messenger—I’ve known him a long time, jammed with him in the Amon project with the Hoffman brothers ex-Deicide and so forth. He asked if I’d be interested in joining Malevolent. They were having issues with their previous bassist. I said yes immediately. Ronnie’s a great dude, talented and hardworking. I’d do anything for him.
Chris, looking back on your two albums with Autumn’s End—how do they hold up?
Chris: I’m still proud of them. Especially Act of Attrition—we put a lot into that one, and it was different for its time. Sure, hindsight always brings tweaks you’d make, but like Hetfield says, it’s a stamp in time. I’m proud of everything I’ve done—N17, Autumn’s End, Deicide, now this. I’ve been lucky in this industry.
Jesse, what about your time with Diabolic?
Jesse: That was just one piece of the puzzle. When I moved to Tampa from Tennessee, I wanted to dive into the scene. I did an EP with Diabolic, played some shows. Worked with Mike Browning from Nocturnus, did a band with him for a while. Session gigs with Nasty Savage, The Absence, the Amon project again. If you look at my resume, it almost looks obnoxious—so many bands. But I was just trying to find my groove. You hang out at a bar, someone asks if you want to jam, and next thing you know you’re in a band. Then comes the hours of practice and learning material. I’ve never really left the scene—just kept moving.
Chris, what was it like working with Deicide?
Chris: I was with them for about three years, maybe more. We toured the world, played the biggest festivals. Toward the end, my job as brand manager at Dean Guitars started taking over. I was missing rehearsals, falling behind on writing. We parted ways on good terms—hugged it out. It was a great run. Playing those songs was a blast.
You recently performed with Rorschach Test at Dark Force Fest. Are you back in the band?
Chris: I do one-offs with them. James and I are talking about writing the next record—I’ll probably handle all the music. Dark Force Fest was cool for that genre—very goth, very industrial. N17 was industrial too, but heavier. I’m a metal guy through and through. It was different, but fun. Great crowd, lots of people watching.
You’ve both worked with gear companies. What advice would you give musicians seeking endorsements?
Chris: First off, play what you love. Don’t chase free gear—it’s the wrong mindset. If a brand doesn’t fit you, don’t ask. And get your act together. Have touring experience. Companies want artists who represent them well on the road. A guitar company won’t make you famous.
Jesse: That’s solid advice. I’d add—look at it from the company’s perspective. What sets you apart from the 17 other people who emailed them that day? Visibility matters. You almost have to break into the big time before you can even think about endorsements. Stay humble. Don’t feel entitled. These companies have limited resources.
Chris: And remember, artist relations folks are slammed. I’d get 250 emails a day. Be real. Be worth it.
Chris, you were involved with Eddie Van Halen’s EVH brand. What was that like?
Chris: I wasn’t his tech—I was the conduit between Eddie and Fender for the EVH brand. Every other Thursday I’d be at 5150. He became very close to me. We stayed in touch until about eight months before he passed. Even after I left the company, he’d still check in. I’ve got all my Father’s Day cards. He was a wonderful human being. With me, he wasn’t a rock star—just a guy talking gear. He taught me so much. I could write a book. I miss him deeply.
What’s next after the Malevolent Creation tour wraps?
Chris: We’ll take a couple weeks off, then buckle down and start writing the next record. We’ve already got riffs flying back and forth. Jesse’s working on lyrics. Ronnie and I have a bunch of music. Jesse’s bass parts are killer. I think it’ll come together fast.
Jesse: That’s the plan. We want the 2026 release to stand tall next to the catalog. We’re going to bring it.
(Interview and Photos by Ken Morton)
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