Interview with Caliban

"We wanted to do a reset with a new album"

German metalcore band Caliban is breaking into this spring with a new album. "Back From Hell" explores themes of inner struggle, resilience, and catharsis, combining its signature crushing riffs and guttural vocals with atmospheric melodies and modern production.
Caliban has been one of the defining forces in metalcore for over two decades. Led by founding members Andreas Derner (vocals) and Mark Gertz (guitar), the band's current line-up includes new vocalist and bassist Ian Duncan, whose clean vocals, songwriting skills, and diverse perspectives and experiences bring a new dimension to their already powerful dynamic. Complemented by long-time drummers Patrick Gruen and guitarist Denis Schmidt, Caliban's impressive lineup is ready to deliver a relentless and emotionally charged concert that will confirm their status as metalcore pioneers. The band's vocalist, Andreas, kindly agreed to answer my questions in this interview.

Is your new album as dark and protest-filled as your previous albums?

Back From Hell is very dark, honest, and emotional.

I often see that metal and rock bands have songs with the title “Till Death Do Us Part.” Why do you think the theme of death and love is so popular in music? Can this song from your new album be called a love ballad?

Far from it, the topic is completely different. It's more about getting rid of your demons/enemies. Otherwise, love and death are, of course, always popular elements because they are very emotional, and many people have a connection with them.

In one of the songs, you left a message for people who are struggling with depression. Is this subject matter personal to you? What would you like to say to people who are not finding their place in life right now?

I have only had one very severe depressive episode so far, and this powerlessness, helplessness was very bad, an experience I don't want to go through again. That's why I have the utmost respect for people who constantly suffer from depression or struggle with it. Fortunately, I came out of it on my own, or rather, I told my partner so that she could understand what was going on inside me. It helps to talk, to communicate, to find an outlet, such as writing down all the things that are creeping on your mind...that have always helped me... I don't want to write down any empty phrases here, and I'm not a doctor, but personally I think that it can help to communicate, even if it's often felt to be very difficult.

What was the biggest challenge for you in creating the new album?

We wanted to reinvent ourselves, focusing on what we can do best. We were not very happy with the last album pretty quick after it came out. It was done in difficult times and not in the perfect circumstances. So we were basically going for a reset, the same way we have done it with the album "I Am Nemesi“s. Because of that, there was a good amount of pressure, but I think a positive type of pressure, to push ourselves. Adding a new member with a strong opinion also helped the process. Because the "arguments“ were leading to very good fresh results. In the end, I'm very, very happy and proud of the album because it's a very honest, straightforward album!

I have a funny question from fans: Why do metal and rock bands like to shoot music videos in abandoned buildings?

LOL. A very good question. It just goes well with the music when the surroundings are just as broken and dark as the songs themselves. It immediately creates a dreary mood...

Another question from fans: How can Andreas still sound so good after all these years of screaming? Is he an alien?

Yes, I am... Even wrote a song about it...LOL. Joking aside, thank you very much for the compliment. I always try to give it my all, but I can also say that it has, of course, become more difficult in the meantime...

Name the top 5 rules of the modern metal musician...

1. Don't

2. Be

3. A

4. Fucking

5. Dick

Some musicians are kind of nerds, read a lot of professional literature, study classical music and old bands, and build their songs according to the rules of music. What about you?

I think that too much theory and overthinking kill the creative spirit, and a lot of emotions die in the process. I'm a gut person when it comes to recording.

Because I'm a journalist who covers music and the arts, I often get emails and messages from different bands and new musicians from all over the world asking, “Hey, check out our music; maybe you'd like to spread the word about us.” It's so hard to get some attention and recognition nowadays when there are so many artists out there. Do other musicians send you their songs? And how do you respond to that? Are there any “diamonds” you would like to work with?

Of course, there are always bands or artists who send their albums or songs or ask if you can listen to them and give an opinion. There are also always feature requests. I always like to listen to songs and try to give as objective an opinion as possible. With features, it's a bit different; everything has to fit for me, and of course, it cannot conflict with Caliban's plans.

Many metal bands have moments when, at concerts, fans are so overwhelmed with emotion that they try to climb on stage, hug the lead singer, or buy the musicians a beer. Do you enjoy it, or do you find such moments more annoying?

I love it when people come on stage, but to stage dive and not to hug me. We also like to hang out with people at the merchandise stand after the show; whether it becomes more depends on the people and the situation. I've learned over time that it's important to keep a certain distance, because otherwise it can quickly send the wrong signals.

How do you think: as a person becomes more popular, does the person have less freedom?

From a certain size, I would confirm that. I imagine it's very exhausting when you can hardly walk around unrecognized, always thinking that you'll appear in someone's post or that everything you do will be commented on.

Do you feel that after all these years, Caliban has already become a classic German metal band and has left a legacy culturally and creatively?

I consider us, along with a few other bands from the time we came from, to still be an influence or source of inspiration, a companion, and perhaps also a small role model.

In your opinion, which contemporary musicians will not be forgotten in 50 years?

Korn will be forever, apart from that I think of bands like Electric Callboy, BMTH, maybe Paleface, Architects, Sleep Token, Spirit Box...but it's hard to say; time and minds are moving fast...

Jenet Bonishi