Interview with Stahlmann

“People will always make comparisons”

Despite lineup changes, the German band Stahlmann, which plays much of its repertoire in the style of Neue Deutsche Harte, has continued to actively release new albums and tour since 2008. Their album "Schwarz wie der Tod" was released on Out Of Line and received excellent support with a tour of German cities. The German "boys of steel" presented a show of familiar and fresh compositions, still in steel makeup, still singing in German. During their visit to Hamburg, the band kindly found the opportunity to answer questions about their newly released album.

If you could describe the new album in just three words, what would they be?

Black, cyber, death.

Your work is often compared to Rammstein. Does this comparison irritate you or flatter you?

To be honest, we don’t really care. People will always make comparisons, and Rammstein is the biggest band in the genre. We simply write the music that we love.

Many people believe the German industrial scene has become too predictable. Do you think NDH is still a dangerous genre today, or is it already part of the musical mainstream?

We think the NDH scene is as fresh as ever. A lot has changed, and it’s definitely on the rise again.

Your stage persona features silver paint and a steel aesthetic. Is this an artistic concept or a way to stand out in a crowded scene?

It’s an artistic concept. Stahlmann has always been a complete concept from the very beginning. We wanted to emphasize that through our outfits, and we really enjoy coming up with new looks.

Over the years, have you felt that industrial music has become more commercial? Where is the line between art and business?

The music industry is constantly changing anyway. We just focus on making our music, as we always have. Music comes first, then business. Otherwise, we’d be making pop music. We create the kind of music we actually want to listen to.

Comparing your early albums with the new record, which one has more anger and rebellion?

It balances out. We don’t really think about it that way. A good song is a good song. Whether it’s aggressive or a ballad.

Were there ever moments when you thought, “This song is too harsh, it’s better not to release it”?

No.

Many rock musicians say the stage is a place where you can be someone you wouldn’t be in everyday life. Are you the same person on stage or a completely different one?

We try to be ourselves. On stage, you can feel free. Playing live is the best feeling. That’s why we do this.

The tour begins in Hamburg, a city with a strong musical history. Do you feel any pressure performing in front of a German audience that is very knowledgeable about rock music?

No, we go on stage to have fun and celebrate together with the audience.

What could still shock an audience at a rock concert today? Or are the days when rock was dangerous and provocative long gone?

We don’t really think about that. We make music to have fun and write about the things that move us. Not to deliberately provoke anyone.

If you were offered a completely different style and a pop album to achieve massive success, would you agree?

We feel very comfortable in our role. We make the music we live for, and we’re very satisfied with that.

How have your fans changed over the years? Do you feel like your audience is growing?

It’s great that so many fans have been with us for years, and at the same time, new ones keep joining all the time.

Your music sounds very cold and industrial. How much does this reflect your personal state and your view of the modern world?

We always try to process new impressions and find inspiration in many different ways.

Unfortunately, the world can feel quite cold and grey at times. But there’s always room for dreams, longing, and small sins.

If Stahlmann were not a band but a character, what would they be: a hero, a villain, or an antihero?

We’d say we’re a good threesome.

Jenet Bonishi