1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
Destillat is a Death/Black Metal band from Leipzig, Germany. The current line-up of the band is together since 2015. We’ve put out two EP’s in 2018 and 2019 and just released our first full length album in December of 2021.
2.A few months back you also released your first full length, musically how does it differ from your previous ep's?
For us, the two EP’s were a way for us to establish the current line up and also to find out how we can utilize the strength of each member and put them into our songwriting and playing. With the full-length we were able to make use of the learnings we earned from these previous two EP’s, which helped us to become better songwriters and also to sharpen the musical style that we’re going for.
3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far?
What we try to do with our lyrics is to use stories, that happened in the past and put them into a context that makes them relevant today. This is really the part in which we put our personalities as well. We feel like that our society is at a point where we tend to repeat mistakes we’ve already made in the past. So we want to create an opportunity to actually learn from these mistakes and reflect our own actions by telling these stories. On the album we tried to structure this in a way where start things off with a realization (Broken Chalice), through stories of genocide (Black 47), loss (The Forgotten sons Pt. II), corruption (The Forgotten Sons Pt. I), abuse (Black Horizons) until we finally write our „Last Chapter“. The last song though is an ode to what could make live on this planet so precious and valuable for all of us. Something that is soon to be lost but still holds a glimmer of hope. Something that is worth fighting for. The „Lost Chapter“.
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Destillat'?
To be completely honest, there is really no deeper meaning behind the name. Just a general excitement for booze :D
5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
The artwork was painted by our friend and tattoo artist Marie-Luise Thurm (Tomasdottir Artworks). The cover painting is an interpretation of the album name “Under Black Horizons”. It shows how threatening and even at times overwhelming live and the current state of our world can be. For us it also holds the meaning of darkness and death that’s going to come to all of us if we’re not able to change the way we life and treat our environment.
The additional artworks for the songs were painted by our guitarist Nick.
6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
We personally really love the small venues, that barely have any separation between stage and audience and when the whole show is just about the energy between the band and the crowd.
7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
We kind of see that record as the first release that really carries the identity of our band. So right now for us it’s all about finding out what people think of the record and also to make the most out of it. Introducing our music to labels is definitely a part of this, but we see that more as an opportunity for future releases and not the current album.
8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of melodic black and death metal?
Reactions have been pretty overwhelming so far. Not just to the music but also to our video for “Broken Chalice” and the documentary we did companying the recording process. Also getting coverage for the band outside of Germany and getting to know people worldwide, who care about the band, is really exciting and something we never expected to happen.
9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
The goal is to expand the sound of the band and bring in different musical styles and genres we haven’t tried before. We’re always excited about trying new things and fusing different elements into songs that we find exciting to listen to. Another thing we’d love to continue in the future is working with guest musicians who can bring new elements to the music.
10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
We take a lot of inspiration from bands that carry a storytelling approach in their songs, both musically and lyrically. To name a few, this could be bands like Opeth, Primordial or Eluveitie. But we also value a lot of music outside the metal genre, since we feel like there are many shades that can add to a feeling of depressions, melancholy or darkness.
11.What are some of your non musical interests?
We really value the community within and around the band like a family. That’s why we spend a lot of time together outside of playing music or “working” for the band as well. This could be things like having nice barbecues, planning our own vegetable gardens or nerding out on American football.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
We really appreciate you for taking the time and giving us the opportunity to do this interview. It’s great to see that people care and that the record is doing so well. This album has also been a great opportunity for us to build a community of creative and caring people around our band and we’d like to thank all of them for their contributions and support. Spread the love and be nice to each other.
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