Deathrite from Leipzig have been a household name in the death metal scene at least since their killer album "Revelation of Chaos". With the stylistic changes of the successor "Nightmares Reign" they then pushed some people in front of the head, many others were thrilled. Now their new EP "Delirium" was released these days, a good reason to interview singer Tony.
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Hello first of all. How are you doing? You just released the new EP "Delirium". How are the reactions to it so far? And how was the release show with Vidargängr and Nocturnal Witch?
Hello Gerald. We are doing well, so far there are only positive reactions to the new material. Release show was great, full house. A meeting of many friends and acquaintances.
Are you actually still signed to Century Media now, and the EP was an exception, being released on Into Endless Chaos Records? And in retrospect, how would you describe the share and push that working with Prosthetic Records and Century Media gave you?
We parted ways with Century Media last year amicably. During the pandemic, of course you realize one or two things and so we wanted to work with friends again instead of business partners. We just want to make music. Chasing after sales figures, followers and likes just doesn't suit us. (this seems to me to be the same case as with Ultha from Cologne, who also left Century Media again, apparently the concept "big label gets underground band" doesn't always work out with different priorities of label on the one hand and band on the other hand - author's note).
Tell us something about the new video for the song "Sepulchral Rapture". Somehow heavy stuff, I think. Could then imagine that maybe Youtube will make the clip accessible only after registration...
We have for the first time a video in complete self-direction shot. We are absolutely satisfied with the result and proud of what we have done with only 30 euros. I think all you need to do at the moment is turn on the TV and you'll see much worse things, and it's really happening.
If I look at your musical career now, then it went from the grind / death band, which was located alone by the label Per Koro somewhere also always strongly in the hardcore scene, to the Old School Death Metal cracker "Revelation of Chaos", which was also very well received, brought you the deal with Prostethtic and probably opened some doors. "Nightmares Reign" was then again different and also brought one or the other mixed reviews. Did you feel or did you notice that some people were disappointed by the record and was it -at least in the commercial sense- a step backwards for you? I mean, you could have played it safe and released another OSDM record, like "Revelations of Chaos II"...
"Nightmares Reign" definitely hit a few people in the head. But a lot of people celebrated it who didn't have us on their radar before. We are musically influenced by many different styles and have the urge to always create something new somehow. "Nightmares Reign" was also a kind of liberation for us and we can give free rein to our creativity without being trapped in any pigeonhole.
The new EP seems to me basically similar to the style of "Nightmares Reign", but somehow even darker and noisier. Were there bands like Gauze or other noisy bands as influences in the foreground? And what is the reason for the new logo? The old one was really great, of course it looked more like a classic death metal logo, was that the reason for the change?
We recorded and mixed everything ourselves this time. Due to the lack of concerts and tours we had a lot of time to work on the new material. I think that's why "Delirium" is much more direct and dynamic than "Nightmares Reign".
As for the logo, two years off, new lineup, new label. It kind of felt like a fresh start, which is why we decided to go with a new logo.
Referring to the previous question, what kind of people make up your audience now?
It's hard to say, it's definitely always well-mixed and in principle, in my opinion, it's people who, like us, are just into music.
Now it's increasingly going live again, after the Corona pandemic has prevented a lot. What are your plans for the future? Are there any tours, bands or packages where you would say that would be a dream if it would work out with Deathrite? What were the best concerts so far? Among others you have played with Venom and Dark Funeral...
Yes, we are currently planning some smaller tours for the end of summer/beginning of fall 2022. We haven't thought about bands and packages yet, we just like to travel with five people in our bus. On April 29th we will fly to London and play Desert Fest. It's definitely going to be a cool trip that we're all looking forward to.
Tell us something about the side projects you were or are involved in!
I can't tell you that much, I'm not involved in all of them. Only this much: as far-reaching as our different influences are in Deathrite, as different and long is the list of our respective side projects.
Are there any musical insider tips, especially from your local corner?
Uh, difficult question. I check out most of the local stuff live and there hasn't been that much going on this year. I can always recommend Abyssous and I've seen Evil Warriors several times now and it's always been very impressive.
Are there any records that you can agree on as inspiration for the whole band or that you all totally go for?
There are rather not. Every single one of us has his own perception.
The last words belong to you!
Thank you very much for the interview and the interest in the band. Thanks also to all those who bought the new record and still support us faithfully after more than ten years. See you at the next shows!
