As Stahlsarg gears up for their highly anticipated performance at Psychosounds Festival 2024 in Bucharest, we delve into the band’s compelling journey, from their origins to their unique thematic focus on World War II. The band’s evocative name, “Stahlsarg”, which translates to “steel coffin”, reflects their dedication to exploring the haunting realities of war through black metal. With influences ranging from Emperor‘s “In the Nightside Eclipse” to classical compositions by Beethoven and Shostakovich, their music is a powerful blend of historical storytelling and atmospheric intensity.
In this interview, we uncover the origins of Stahlsarg, the profound historical events that shape their lyrics, and their approach to live performances. We also get an exclusive preview of what fans can expect from their set at Psychosounds, a festival known for its impressive lineup and diverse array of genres. As the band prepares to take the stage alongside acts like Dead Congregation and Inferno, they’re eager to present new material and forge new connections with their Romanian fans.
Hello! It is an honor to discuss with you! Let’s dive into the fascinating journey of Stahlsarg. First things first, the band was formed in 2012 in Suffolk, England. Can you tell us more about how the band came together and what inspired you to start this journey?
The first black metal album that really inspired me was Emperor’s “In the Nightside Eclipse” and I have always had an interest in World War II from the European perspective so I felt if I was going to do a band it would be a black metal band where I could naturally present the despair and horrors of war.
When I first saw the name “Stahlsarg”, I was intrigued and tried to find out more about it. The name “Stahlsarg” translates to “steel coffin” and carries a powerful metaphorical meaning. How did you come up with this name, and what significance does it hold for you?
One of the numerous books I had read was about tanks in WW2, and specifically if they had been hit by a shell they can not be opened from the outside, so it had to be cut open and the crew were essentially entombed in their steel coffin. Which I felt was a very visual and powerful image that portrayed the horrors of war. So, I felt this was a fitting name for the band.
Stahlsarg’s lyrics often focus on WW2 battles and history. And I really want to ask you about that: what draws you to these themes, and how do you approach writing your lyrics?
I always try to write about interesting stories/people in WW2 that most people do not know about, so I can try and share lesser known history of some remarkable people in WW2 through my lyrics. However, the themes I am drawn to typically move with each recording we do.
Is there a particular battle or historical event that has had a profound impact on you and your music?
In our first album, we covered two interesting battles, one of which was for the song “Frostbite Division“, this was about the Battle of Borodino which is close to Moscow. Lyrically it was looking at the parallels between Napoleon’s army attempting to invade Moscow in September 1812 and comparing this against Germany’s invasion in October 1941. We will actually be playing “Frostbite Division” at Psychosounds this month.
The second album included some songs that were based on women in WW2. One particular song is “Das Fallbeil“, this is about Sophie Scholl, a young girl at university who started the White Rose movement, a political activist against the Nazi regime. She was later imprisoned and then after her trial executed by guillotine. I have visited this university and saw the museum they have created in her honour and her anti- Nazi leaflets have now been made as floor tiles in the university for all to see as a fitting memorial to her.
Another song is called “Blonde Poison“, this is in sharp contrast to our song about Sophie Scholl. This is about a Jewish woman in Berlin who is induced by violence and fear to save her and her families lives, to work for the gestapo. Her role was identifying other Jewish families in hiding and by letting the authorities know of their location, so she was condemning them to their deaths by saving herself. Unusually she was not prosecuted at the end of the war for these actions.
On the latest recording “Suicide of God“, this record travels even more into the unknown stories of WW2. The song “Darkness My Accomplice” is about murders in Berlin during the war. Between 1939 to 1941 there was a serial killer riding the trains during the blackouts targeting woman under the cover of darkness and murdering them. I had come across this in my readings and felt it was interesting to tell the listener that even when a war is ongoing normal crimes do not end.
Our song “Suicide of God“, the EP title track, is not as simple as one might perceive by its title. It was conceived on what happened at the town of Demmin, Germany in May 1945. It is about the mass suicide of hundreds if people in the town, all on one day.
Since I have been tracking you, you’ve mentioned having a soft spot for classical music. How does this influence your songwriting and the overall sound of Stahlsarg?
I enjoy listening to Beethoven and Shostakovich when I listen to classical music. Actually Shostakovich’s 13th symphony is about the massacre by the Nazis of Jewish people at Babi Yar near Kiev. Writing on a similar subject matter to myself, is probably why I find it close to my heart. I enjoy the dynamics and the atmospheres it presents. I try to take influence from these by having quieter and thoughtful sections in our music.
You’ve played at notable festivals like Bloodstock and supported bands like Mayhem. What has been your most memorable live performance to date?
We have been lucky to have had several high points in our career so far. However, a stand out event for me is our first UK show, in London, supporting Mayhem. Hellhammer was wearing one of our shirts when they played that night. We have been honoured to play at Inferno Festival in Norway only 2 years after forming. We have supported many fantastic bands over the years but one highlight for me was supporting Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult in London and sharing the stage with them in Switzerland at Forest Fest. We are also very excited to return to Bucharest for the second time next weekend to play Psychosounds Festival.
You also had your first show in Romania at Yellow Club in 2018. How was the experience of performing in this country for the first time?
We enjoyed playing the Yellow Club in 2018, we seemed to go down really well and we had a blast playing that night. It was good to catch up with friends in Bucharest who helped put the night on and hope that the people that we did impress that night will be attending Psychosounds.
Remaining on the topic of live performances… How important is the visual and theatrical aspect of your performances in conveying the themes of your music?
I like to try and convey the darkness and atmospheres when we play live not only through our music and sound but how we come across on stage. We use smoke and low lighting and typically only use white or blue lights. I feel that it can be distracting if you are watching a band that has thoughtful and epic atmosphere in their songs, if there is continual flashing of multiple colours for the whole set.
Stahlsarg performing in Birmingham on 26.05.2024
© BeckyKat Kaptures
Stahlsarg is to be back in Romania alongside bands like Dead Congregation and Inferno at Psychosounds Fest 2024. How excited are you to be part of this lineup, and what can fans expect from your performance?
Stahlsarg are really excited to be on this festival and feel we have something to contribute to the line-up that is different to the other bands but also compliments them. There is a great mix of genres of music being performed at the festival and the audience are certainly in for a great night of some fantastic music.
And now… a word or two about the future? What can fans expect from Stahlsarg, I mean, any upcoming releases or tours that you’re particularly excited about?
Psychosounds is our last show for this year and we are dedicating all our time after the festival to writing and recording a new album for 2025. We will actually be playing live, two of the songs written that will feature on the new album. I like to try out unrecorded new songs live to see how they are received by the audience. You get to feel where the natural energy comes in and out and which bits of the song excites people to help determine maybe the song length, structure etc. A good audience is a great tool to critique a band’s new material.
As we wrap up, do you have a message for your fans, especially those in Romania who are eagerly awaiting your performance at Psychosounds Fest 2024?
We can’t wait to return to Bucharest and share our new material and sounds with the Romanian people. To forge new friendships and to have a fantastic weekend seeing the city’s sites and enjoying beers and great conversation. See you in the front row at Psychosounds!
Quantic Pub will host Psychosounds Fest on September 20th. Tickets are available on Iabilet.ro.
