1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording of the new album?
Silence:
Well, since the work on the new album began up until the recording process, the lineup has changed once again. You don’t always find the right people, at the right time, for the right thing. During the album process we decided to remain a quartet from then on. Both the bass and the second guitar were recorded for the album by Infernum and are also audible live, since nowadays this can be reproduced. The audience therefore doesn’t have to face any loss in the sound experience, with the only difference being that they see four band members instead of five. Infernum has moved from his original bass position to guitar, thus taking over the vacant guitar role in a worthy manner.
The whole album process was a balancing act between writing songs and lyrics, playing concerts, private challenges, deaths, and creating the physical design of the CD. A lot of work, but we are very satisfied with the result.
2.In October you have a new album coming out, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
Silence:
A new line-up naturally also means new music — we were well aware of that. But it was good and necessary in order to move forward. As the founder of Rotting Demise, I naturally look at the bigger picture. The new record is more than just the first album. Even though "My Whole Wrath" is a strong release where no song sounds like the other, this time it’s not only about the musical evolution, but also about the acoustic quality and the song arrangements, which are far more complex and layered.
On an emotional level, it’s a ride through a wide range of moods: dark and aggressive, melancholic and heavy, monumental and majestic, or simply driving and atmospheric. Especially when you listen to it in the right setting, the album takes you on a musical journey full of twists and emotional landscapes. The contrasts between the songs are greater than before and reveal a completely different band compared to two years ago.
3.The new album also shows more of a symphonic style while earlier material had more of a brutal blackened death metal style, what was the decision behind the musical change?
Silence:
As I already said, whenever the lineup changes, it automatically brings new music with it. Back then, it was more or less a compromise, since the old lineup wanted to stay in Death Metal, while I love both Death but especially Black Metal. As a result, the album turned into something mainly Death Metal-oriented, but not limited to growls and pig squeals—there were also screams. Visually, at that time, we still had a bloody, corpse-like image, and the result was something everyone was satisfied with. “Kayako's Grudge” and “Decay Of Time” were the first newer songs of that lineup, which still changed several times afterward.
The change in stage aesthetics and the now stable lineup formed the foundation for the music I had long envisioned. My wish was to make a clear distinction from the first record, because we had not been a simple Death Metal band for quite some time. Atmosphere was already an element back then, but now it has been expanded even further. It was a natural process, with all the influences of the current members coming together.
The work on this album was completely different: with solid preparation, better equipment, and a clear goal—to get the best out of ourselves and make a real cut from the old record. Without Infernum joining, this album would not have turned out the way it did, that must be said clearly. He knew how to shape the samples—audible in every track—so that they created a complete picture. Together with Mephisto and Belial, the three of them built a foundation that I could work on very well, adding the final touch through lyrics and vocals.
Sonically different and more evolved, also at the microphone, I wanted to deliver a distinct difference. I developed further vocally, because there’s always room to grow. The high-pitched vocals now sound different, and the pig squeals gave way to long, piercing screams that emphasize the music at striking moments—after I had learned new vocal techniques.
All in all, this work is, in my eyes, both in terms of quality and variety, a consistent progression of our music—offering something for every listener. What label the style ultimately receives, whether reviews put it into Symphonic Black/Death or elsewhere, is secondary. It’s music, and either you like it or you don’t.
At this point, I would like to thank my bandmates, friends, and by now also family for their dedication and commitment to Rotting Demise—because without them, after everything we went through, this band would no longer exist.
4.On the new album you also covered some occult themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the dark arts?
Silence:
The first record still had typical death metal themes, inspired by horror and slasher films, but also serious topics such as child abuse, nature’s revenge for humanity’s sins, or the fact that we will all be forgotten and that time drags us away with it. My vision was to realize what truly defines me on the second album. Mephisto and I are both members of the Brotherhood of Samael, probably the most well-known German group that follows satanic philosophy. Greetings to our members at this point. I myself have been engaged with religions for over 25 years and have gained many insights over the years.
The accusation is raised against everything that prevents humans from unfolding in their truly free nature. The resistance that Satan describes as a universal principle and energy within us and within nature discharges itself in the music and in the lyrics. A vigilant spirit that refuses to be indoctrinated and is always in the process of growing and staying true to itself.
Religions may have always been a focus in music over the past decades — for some perhaps an old hat — but for me it remains a lasting struggle against those phantoms invented by humans to gain control and to threaten with punishment and damnation. The blood that sticks to their hands — especially when it comes to Christianity — and the countless victims of spiritual and physical violence are those we stand up for. They still have too much power, but the foundation is crumbling, and as long as I breathe, this struggle will continue.
In Hebrew, the word Satan translates as accuser, adversary, which aligns with what we think. We do not bow, we accuse, and we embrace this source of energy, wisdom, and freedom within us. A conscious existence, without having to live up to any imposed ideal, representing ultimate rebellion. A strong symbolism that stands in harmony with one’s own convictions.
The abuses worldwide within the church are denounced, the so-called holy church is unmasked and put in the pillory. In darkness one draws much strength and brings it to light. The uprising against everything that holds one back from moving forward, and the rebellion against the tyranny of God and his earthly followers, must not cease. For me this is not just music — it is a statement that reflects my own private way of life and a middle finger to those who spiritually and physically violate the world. We will never bow, we spit in the faces of those who deserve it, while at the same time standing with those who had no voice or were silenced.
5.What are some of the other lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored over the years with the music?
Silence:
Fundamentally, death itself will always be part of a theme because it is so formative, because it is inevitable, bringing much pain and grief, and this despair always lingers. Religion will also always be a topic. The beginning and the end of "Death Hunts Us All" describe the funeral of my former band leader, Hydra Gorgonia of Atrium Noctis—the heaviness that hung in the air. Horrible scenes that burned themselves into my mind, where her mother hugged the coffin and her tears touched the wood. Things one does not forget—a collapse of time, the world stood still. A painful loss for me, a trained musician who taught me so much succumbs to cancer. As a tribute, we performed a concert for her, visited her grave, and reinterpreted "In Memoriam Moriendi" from the then-album Home, which I highly recommend, immortalizing her on the album and depicting her in the booklet, just as it also happened on stage.
It was the first song I ever wrote for Atrium, about a last surviving warrior who sees his deceased friends and swears revenge. Who would have thought that this very song would ever gain the meaning it now has after her death? We are the hunted, and we are all his. The outro, purely instrumental,
" Remembrance Of The Dead " is a memory of those we have lost, allowing everyone to indulge in memories and drift away. A simple melody that describes the end of the album before it transitions into the grand finale with
"In Memoriam Moriendi".
Hydra had died, my grandfather, Mephisto’s dog, Infernum’s father, and finally also the grandfather of Belial’s partner. It was as if a veil lay over the album, and "Decay Of Time" cut through us all like a path of devastation. This brought us even closer together, because we are not just a band—we live as a family and help each other wherever we can. Thanks for that, guys; I owe you a lot!
Thus, everyone also relates to "In Memoriam Moriendi" through her character, introduced with "Death Hunts Us All". Furthermore, the album concludes with "Valak Regnat", the darkest song on the album, where at least one cinematic reference appears from the "Conjuring" universe in the form of Valak, the demon, later adapted into "The Nun". Matching my slightly altered corpsepaint, a bridge is formed here, with a Latin passage that is read and heard, fitting perfectly into the dark and sacred theme of the album.
"Monument Without Fears", on the other hand, is a very personal song and simultaneously a monument on several levels. Because I am in a relationship with two women and we live polyamorously, it describes the negative experiences of both in the past without explicitly addressing them, and at the same time, in the event that I leave this world first, it serves as a reminder of the deep connection we shared. In a metaphorical sense, anyone close to me can relate. This song, along with some others, is intended to be played at my funeral.
"God’s Falling Kingdom", "Lucifer’s Dawn", "Valak Regnat", "The Unholy Veil Of Silence", "Nailed And Forgotten", and "The Devil’s Verdict", introduced by "Judgement’s Procession", where we enter the stage as accusers, tell stories of resistance and the fight against religion, lies, and injustices, and express profound contempt.
6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
Silence:
The artwork was created by Gie Art from Indonesia. In the past, I had him design the "Decay Of Time" artwork that we used for our shirt, and that’s how the collaboration for this artwork came about. Nice guy, great communication, and solid work.
The cover itself, unlike the brutal artwork of the first album—which was typical and reflected the song "My Whole Wrath"—has now shifted to an unmistakable image: the father denouncing the Pope and the Church regarding abuse. In a dark, unholy church, the devil holds judgment over the so-called Holy Mother Church. Mary, mocked with a demon in her arms; death, seated at the organ with the exact same jawless appearance as in the church windows as well as on the 'Decay Of Time" shirt, symbolizing another major theme.
Since our music has become much more melodic and organs also play a role, it fits the overall picture perfectly. The cover thus represents "The Devil’s Verdict" and serves as a continuation of "The Unholy Veil Of Silence", where the pedophile church is denounced.
7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Silence:
Our stage performance is designed to match the music. With elaborate stage decorations built by Silence’s father, who always surprises us with something new. A huge thank you to him, because he truly knows how to bring what is heard to life visually – something the audience always appreciates.
We are in a constant process of evolving our appearance – sometimes it’s new clothing, new corpsepaint, or new decorations and props. It’s art in a dark form, driven by passion and great attention to detail. It’s more than just music. For us, it’s a message, but also a release and a form of medicine against everyday struggles and battles we all face.
First and foremost, it’s about the love for music and giving people a great show that makes them want to come back. Without fans, there is no band – and they should always get the full package: great music and a real connection to the band itself. We always enjoy these days and are grateful to be in close contact with our fans, because we owe them everything – something we should never forget. Over the years, many of them have become friends, which I see as a very positive thing when I look back on the past seven years and how the band has grown, always shoulder to shoulder with the fans.
No matter where life takes you, never forget those who walked the path with you. Gratitude should be heard, read (like in the booklet), and seen. For me, saying “thank you” and bowing before the audience is something natural, and it should be visible.
When it comes to concerts, we’ve had great shows with bands like Batushka, Krisiun, Nile, Kanonenfieber, Grima, Smorrah,Voracious, Beware the Kraken, Vorga, Blutgott, Torment of Souls – our brothers in spirit – Sodom, Maahes, Frostshock, Denomination, Obscurity, and many more. It’s impossible to name them all.
At our release show on October 4th at Turock in Essen, for example, Torment of Souls, Maahes, Panzerkrieg 666, and our rehearsal room neighbors The Void's Embrace will be sharing the stage with us. If you don’t know these bands, you should definitely check them out.
Other concerts and festivals such as the Turock Fest, Winter Invasion by Mosher's Night, the Schwarzburger Metalwiese by Runa Events, and the Alternative Stage in Lünen – my hometown – were also outstanding events. At this point, a big thank you again to everyone who supports us.
8.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?
Silence:
After the release show at Turock, the 30th anniversary show of Torment of Souls will take place on October 23rd, where we will also be present. On November 1st, we’ll be in Torgau for another concert here in Germany. Recently, we played shows in the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
Of course, an extensive tour through all countries would be something that could reach many people. A lot depends on the right connections and on how much time one has privately to balance the band with personal life. Let’s put it this way: we’d love to play everywhere, that’s for sure. Our goal here in Germany is to perform at larger festivals. We’ll see what time and opportunity will bring. But of course we are going to play as often as possible and to promote the album.
9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black and death metal?
Silence:
This topic connects to the previous one. Over the years, there have already been positive responses from different parts of the world. At the moment, the band is not as well-known as we would wish, but we’re working on it, and every year we see progress rather than decline. Patience, diligence, gratitude, and unwavering determination are key factors that keep us moving forward. We will wait to see the response to the album, how it is received, and how the journey continues to unfold.
Health is also not to be underestimated. Each of us struggles with different things. For example, for the sake of my health and music, I haven’t drunk alcohol for almost a year now, unlike before. Having control over many things – especially over oneself – and staying vital is essential. We are all getting older, and at some point, the body no longer forgives.
We hope to reach many people and to grow together with them. This journey will mark its 10th year in three years’ time, which is something very special for all of us. It carries so many anecdotes and experiences that it could fill an entire book. When we are old, we will look back with both laughter and tears, feeling grateful and wishing we could turn back time.
The ride isn’t over – it’s only just beginning!
10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Silence:
We have adapted our style to our own ideas, but we don’t set any limits for ourselves. As mentioned before, music is not a category; it’s emotion, it’s honest, and it has to come from within you. Of course, you won’t reinvent the wheel, but you should have your own signature. The best example is my screams. Does it remind you of Cradle of Filth? Certainly. Although this band goes to a lot of trouble nowadays and is controversial, it was never the intention to sound like them. It’s more of a coincidence from training my own vocals, to create long screams and this you hear is the result. A stylistic device that is used deliberately. Still, the album sounds like us and not like any particular band. It combines elements that we have absorbed throughout our musical journey. In my eyes, this album is a thank-you to metal, with all its diversity. It takes you through different moods and lets you go after the last song.
We make music that we like; we don’t sit down and say we must do this or that. We want to break the barriers, because too often you hear, “This band does this, but actually it has to sound like that.” No. Music should be freedom; we already face enough constraints. At its core, it’s music, and either it grabs you or it doesn’t. If someone doesn’t like our music for some reason, that’s fine with me—there are things I don’t like either, and that’s okay. What’s important is that we stay authentic to ourselves in order to make music from the heart and not to conform to a particular expectation.
Metal didn’t have rules in the past; today, it sometimes seems different. But precisely this uniqueness is what makes it interesting. In the beginning, we wore makeup and played death metal. Can a death metal band wear makeup? Why not? Does it serve the atmosphere? Definitely. That’s why everything has naturally evolved, and I give the band complete freedom to implement their ideas. We use Black Metal , we use Death Metal, symphonic parts, the label is not the most important thing. I can express wishes, and I do, but we work on equal footing, and everyone should develop and soar freely like a bird. When you hear for example the terms Death and Black Metal, you will find different types of styles within every genre. So it does not help you to know which style we are playing, it's only a small hint how it sounds. Rotting Demise sounds like we sound and we will see how we evolve our music in the future. Two songs are already in the making for the third record.
11.What are some of the bands or musical styles the band members are currently listening to nowadays?
Silence:
We are people who generally listen to a lot of music, whether it’s metal or other genres. Music is like a medicine cabinet—there’s the right music for every mood. In metal itself, for the most part—except for death and black metal—we enjoy everything that music has to offer. It doesn’t matter whether it’s more modern bands that blend many styles or more classic bands. When it comes to the breadth of music, I prefer to let the music speak for itself rather than mentioning specific bands. Of course, we all have different influences, but limiting them to just a few names wouldn’t do justice to the whole picture.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
First of all, we want to thank the fans who have stayed loyal to us for years, all the families, friends, and partners, all the venues, magazines, and organizers who give us a stage, and everyone who supports us in any way, whether through merch purchases or kind words. Without all of you, there would be no Rotting Demise, and we cannot thank you enough. Thanks to all the bands we share and have shared the stage with. We look forward to everything ahead and hope for many more successful years together with you. Thank you for the questions and the interview.
Hail Metal!
Hail Freedom!
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www.rotting-demise.com
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