Can you give the readers an introduction to Nordschlacht? Before Nordschlacht you both played in other bands, what can you tell us about your musical background?
Nordschlacht is a collaboration of Arnte and Schmoun, who are based out of South Germany. They provide us with an elegant sound consisting of complex dark electronic music. A little history about the band would include work done by Schmoun from 1993 with other side projects to present date. In 1999, Arnte was involved in numerous side projects as well as steadily continuing work with Nordschlacht. In 2005, Schmoun joined ranks with Arnte to continue work on Nordschlacht. With the addition of Schmoun, Nordschlacht's music has evolved and has become more complex. Some of their musical influences consist of various industrial bands from the early 90's such as Mentallo & the Fixer, Skinny Puppy, Front Line Assembly, etc.
How would you personally describe the music of Nordschlacht, everybody is talking about old school industrial?
arnte: It’s not so easy to describe. I would say the best description is “complex dark electronic music”. But of course it’s very old school and we use a lot “industrial-elements”.
When you listen to the music, can you pick things that are typically Arnte or Schmoun?
arnte: Yes! The brute basses are typical mine while the multilayered strings are typical for schmoun.
How are Nordschlacht songs being created, do you work together or separately?
arnte: Both! There is no definite procedure. Sometimes I start to make some basics and schmoun later makes some additional melodies. Sometimes we both start from the beginning together or sometimes schmoun starts alone to make a harmonic structure and I make only the basses and drums. There’s nothing definite.
Last Goodbye is a very personal song about Schmoun’s grandma’s passing away, why write a lyric about it, was it something you needed to do?
Schmoun: No it was not needed, but it was a last goodbye….Listen to the music and the lyrics in almost every song of us. I think it’s more powerful than any interpretation.
What’s next for Nordschlacht, what are the plans for the near future?
arnte: Beside our live-plans we still make new songs. And of course we want to bring out a 2nd album. Perhaps in 2009.
Any last words for the readers?
arnte: Take enough time to listen “Into” the music and disallow that music becomes more and more “fast-food”. Stay different!
And support the artists you really like while buying the music and don’t download their music illegal.
click on the cover to go to the website of Nordschlacht
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