German Melodic Black Metal band Nachtblut are set to release their seventh studio album on February 21st entitled Todschick. The band’s drummer Skoll spoke with Metal Express Radio about the upcoming album, their upcoming sold-out European tour, their longevity, and more. Check out the chat below!
Metal Express Radio: Your band, Nachtblut are set to release their seventh full length album on February 21st entitled Todschick, what can you tell fans about the upcoming album?
Skoll: I think we recorded a very multifaceted album. Not only lyrics-wise, but also musically. From a very dark song about child indoctrination, to a supposed drinking-song – which is actually the opposite and critiques the abusive consumption of alcohol – to 80s-synthesizer hymnes or a Western-film-music influenced metal song. You will find all of that on our album Todschick.
MER: How was the writing and recording process having this being your band’s seventh album?
Skoll: Not that much changed. As they say – never change the winning team. It felt familiar and exciting at the same time. Familiar, because we worked again with Chris Harms as the producer and his team. Also, we recorded at the Chameleon Studios in Hamburg for the third time in a row. Exciting, because we tried new things and, of course, creating something is always exciting. The process stayed the same, but we pushed the boundaries and limitations of music-genres even further, than on our previous records.
MER: Your previous album entitled Vanitas had a lot of success including landing #19 on the official German album charts, was there any pressure following up that album?
Skoll: Yes and no. I would lie, saying that there is no pressure at all. Of course, if your previous album charted at #19 you hope to top that position. But in the end, it doesn’t really matter. Most important is that we like the music we’re doing and feel good about the album. If people like our music and are buying the record, even better. If you top your last chart position – perfect.
MER: You’ve released two songs from Todschick so far, do you feel those two songs represent the album well?
Skoll: I say yes, mentioning the album is multifaceted, like Nachtblut always has been “Todschick” as a song is probably the more Nachtblut-like single and includes all the quintessence of Nachtblut. Where “Stirb Langsam” is pushing the limits within the “typical” Nachtblut vibe a bit further, without being completely different from what we usually do. We’ just released another single – “Das Leben Der Anderen”, which I believe is a right in between both worlds. Classic Nachtblut and the more “experimental” songs. To come back to the questions, I would say yes. Both songs represent the album and Nachtblut perfectly.
MER: Later this year, you’ll be touring through Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with a hand full of shows already sold out, what are your expectations on your upcoming gigs?
Skoll: I’m looking forward to having the direct feedback from fans. Of course, we read the fan comments and reviews of magazines. But there is no interaction happening. At least not a direct one. But it’s something magical to play those new songs to an audience, seeing and hearing their reaction at the very moment. So, I’d say having a good time, enjoying bringing something new to the stage, not only musically, but also show-wise, celebrating our music with everyone, screams, mosh pits and a lot of sweat. Sounds like we’re going to have a blast to me.
MER: What do you see as plans for you and your band after your upcoming tour?
Skoll: After the tour festival season is around the corner and then we’ll tour some more. Now I can’t spoil any information. But there will be more shows, not only in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
MER: Is there anywhere you hope to play live that you haven’t yet and why?
Skoll: For sure I’d like to play the US with Nachtblut at some point. I toured already overseas, but never with Nachtblut. I guess it’s still like a prestige thing to play overseas. Especially as a European band, if you make it outside of Europe, you proved your standing. I think it’s the same for an US-band to play Europe. Otherwise, I really like the Hellfest Open Air in France. So that’s on my bucket list for Nachtblut as well. A nice festival. I like the backstage, the people and of course the crowd. There are so many things to discover, so much going on. I haven’t been there as much as to other festivals. So, it’s still kind of exciting.
MER: Is there anyone that you hope to tour with that you haven’t yet and why?
Skoll: It would be easy to name some of my idols from when I was younger or bands I like at the moment. But I guess there is a 50/50 chance to be happy or disappointed at the end. If I must name bands, that would be Rammstein, Ghost or Marilyn Manson for me. Especially with Rammstein and Ghost, playing those huge venues and stages would be very special, for sure. If it comes to meeting your favorite band or musician, reality can differ from your expectation. I would prefer a nice tour with people I know already, and I’ll have a great time with.
MER: Out of your band’s seven album’s, what is one you would recommend to a new fan and why?
Skoll: I would recommend Todschick, because it’s the latest album. It mirrors our most recent opinions and musically taste. An album is like a picture. It gives you an inside look of the band’s opinion, themes they are dealing with and their music/sound taste at the very moment of the songwriting and recording process. When you want to get to know someone, you probably like to see the latest picture of that person and not a picture from 10 years ago. If you are liking the person and want to know more, you then probably start asking about the person’s past. I would deal the same way with music, bands and albums.
MER: Your band has been active since 2005 and has consistently put out music along with touring, what has been the key to your longevity?
Skoll: First, you need to love what you’re doing. If you stop being excited about your music, it’s just a matter of time till you’re looking for a new way to express yourself. Second, you shouldn’t be in a band, just for the fame and money. Reality won’t be your friend. You should have a vision and a dream, but make sure to have a long staying power and patience. Be realistic about your music and what you can achieve at which pace. So many bands assume to be big rockstars after a few years of touring and recording and not even lasting 5 years. In my point of view there are some exceptions, which succeeded in this short time. But you can’t force hype, and most bands toured and recorded already for 10-20 years, before they became the new headliners. Friends of us charted on #1 in the German album charts and some newspaper headlines stated, “overnight success”. Which the band responded correctly: “A 15-year overnight success.” Enjoy what you’re doing and don’t do it for the wrong reasons and quixotic expectations.
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