Thulcandra [vibe of the early 90ies back to life]

 What sort of feedback have you had so far from the new album so far?

The overall feedback was very positive, the album got praised as unique and bringing the vibe of the early 90ies back to life 20 years later. That is a big compliment and underlines where we come from and what we do. We get recognized as an established underground act which causes many offers to play live these days.

Why from the forming of the band to release your first album it’s been seven years?

Thulcandra was formed by Juergen Zintz and myself back in 2003. After releasing a demo in 2005 Juergen committed suicide while we have been collecting ideas for our full length record. After that the band was on hold for a few years until Sebastian & Tobias Ludwig started to reform the band once again. During 2008 Seraph of Dark Fortress joined the band on drums and we signed a contract with Napalm Records from Austria. We recorded our debut “Fallen Angel’s Dominion” in late 2009 to be released a year after. It didn’t feel that long to be honest, but it took a few years to get the band back on track.

Which elements of the music of your band are most important to you?

Twin guitars, harmony work and stringent arrangements.

It is clear to me that the main inspiration for the Thulcandra music is Dissection. In what way this band is for you unique? Do not you think that especially „Reinkaos” is a record unique in the genre of black metal?

Speaking of today, “The Somberlain” was more important than their latest record. At least for me their debut showed a different side, something new to the genre. Dissection combined classic heavy metal with black and death metal and arranged pretty long but stringent songs which made the test of time. There are more important bands in that genre, unfortunately most of them are underrated. Keep in mind Unanimated, Vinterland or Eucharist to name a few.

Do you understand the message contained by Jon Nödtveidt on „Reinkaos”? Did you read Liber Azerate? What do you think about that?

I don’t believe in magic, religion, and shamanism at all. The music counts, nothing else. And the music on “Reinkaos” is not my favorite.

How big a role do the lyrics play for the band, and music? Where do you get inspiration to write?

Sebastian Ludwig contributed all lyrics for “Ascension Lost” while I wrote the music. I can’t tell too much about that topic here, but I know that Sebastian took as much time to write his texts as I for the music.

Is that intentional treatment to kept all your covers in the same convention? Why did you assume just such a solution?

Yes, we work with Kristian, the Necrolord, Wahling since day one. Playing old school music does not fit to a 5 minute photoshop cover each kid can create these days at home. All CDs & LPs are worth the money you spent to it, not only for the music, but also those beautiful covers Kristian crafts by hand for months. While music seem to be worth nothing anymore, we still spend a huge amount of money to those artworks. It became a trademark within the years as well.

Steffen, you also play in Obscura. Are not there is sometimes a conflict of interest between your two bands?

Since there are clear differences between songwriting and playing concerts we haven’t had conflicts in the past. While Thulcandra play selected live shows only, Obscura is the band I make a living of and tour around the planet for each record. I love both bands and enjoy writing music for Obscura as well as Thulcandra the same way.

Obscura is a fairly popular band. Are you able to live with the proceeds of the band?

In 2015 I made the step to make a living out of music only. Obscura is my main priority and pays my bills. You don’t get rich, but I love what I do.

What could you tell about the experience of participating in the tour Death To All? Was it difficult to you to learn the songs to perfection? Have you had a stage fright during these concerts?

In 2012 I got the call to perform with Death DTA at first, so I am part of this tribute group since the very beginning. Unfortunately the North American tours I had to pass due to visa issues with US immigration. A sad, but not new story to every European touring musician. Behemoth might tell you the same story. Playing with Death DTA is an honor to me and every show is a special feeling hard to describe. Chuck Schuldiner was one of the reasons why I started playing guitar, so I am aware of most of the songs anyway. I am looking forward to another tour in Europe 2016, to be announced soon.

What’s the most fun part of being a musician?

Playing your own music and traveling around the globe.

What genre of music can’t you stand to listen to?

German Techno.

Thanx for the interview. I hope you will play in Poland soon. Last words are yours 🙂

Thank you very much for the interview. We hope we can make it to Poland soon!
Kind Regards,