1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
(Servant is a German Black Metal Band)
The Band was formed at the end of 2016. Before that time I had written some collages for a planned reunion for my former Band 'Ancient Wargod'. This reunion never happened and the songs remained unpublished. Years later I teamed up with Samael and we started to work on the material. I did the musical part and he supported me with lyrics and ideas. Suddenly we realized that this material could be the foundation for a new Band. We teamed up with two other good friends of us und so 'Servant' was born.
2.You have a new album coming out in November, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?
There has never been the question if this is going to be a Black Metal Release or not.
For us, everything this album represents is Black Metal, however we never thought within a specific space. Some of the songs your hear on the album are based on ideas, that were born in 2007. But within the work on the arrangement of those and the lyrics coming to the collages, they transformed into something bigger. Everything within the process was made with instinct, so to speak. But the main-driver about all the work was the idea to sound right and we worked with maximum effort to give the music the space it claimed. Therefore we did not head for a raw production but a very clear sound that can carry all the different lines, melodies and vocals you hear.
3.A lot of your lyrics cover Satanic and Occult themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in the dark arts?
The lyrics of 'Servant' cover a big range of modern Satanism, like the Elevation of the Self for example, but we are also highly interested in teachings of the so called big religions. There has always been a huge interest for the question of if there is something more than the immanent existence for mankind. And to wrap that up, it is the question all cults, teachings or religions have in common. Therefore there is the question who you are, the seeking for sense; so philosophy and art in general.
The members of 'Servant' don't see them self as cultist of a specific teaching but maybe as people who are interested in different religious ideas and philosophy.
Black Metal always had the freedom to discuss different religious themes like Transcendence and also occult themes, philosophies and give them a new shape. This is also how art works.
And we show the world our perspective.
4.What are some of the other lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?
The desire for transience, which is a very romantic topic and the search for the meaning of life in general. But this could be also an answer to question three.
'Negate the I' for example was never intended to be a negative or destructive title.
During the main-time of recording some members of 'Servant' faced personal struggles.
This song is a example for this time: Although the title could be read as very negative, the opposite was intended. It discusses the option to break free from your personal negative thoughts and feelings. Even if this means to change something fundamental within your personal setting of life.
This also covers thinking and living in general. The seeking for peace and personal freedom.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Servant'?
Simply as what it means. When we speak about the band we try to leave our social personalities behind (although this is impossible) and serve the band and the art we create with it. There is nothing more ineffective and destructive to try to involve your ego when it comes to music.
6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the album cover?
The artwork was done by Karmazid and the Logo by Ihasan. We were stunned when they told us they would be willed to draw something for us.
The idea for the album cover was born within the main-time of recording and Karmazid simply took the fundamental idea and made it his own.
It shows a human silhouette in the night sky. Seven of the shining stars represent the chakras and an Ouroboros embraces the silhouette. It simply represents the universe of 'Servant': Enhancement of the self, transience, but also something greater than the existence of mankind. Overall something very positive, we think.
7.Has the band done any live shows or open to the idea?
Not yet, since the band is a new one and we need to release the album. But we are definitively willed to play live shows. We are now work on our set and prepare our live show. Also we discuss options with different people to get this band on stage.
8.The new album is going to be released on 'MDD Records'. how did you get in contact with this label?
We made a promo package and sent it to several labels. MDD Records answered right away and offered us a deal. They believe in us and made us some special bundles which can be pre-ordered at their shop. This covers t-shirt bundles and a special metal box including exclusive items. We are very happy to have such an experienced label to help as with all the upcoming stuff.
9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?
Honestly answered I can't tell you, since the album is not released yet. Time will tell...
10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
We try to flow with time and ourselves. 'Servant' will always be a Black Metal Band, but the shape maybe will differ in the future. It depends on the ideas. We try to accept the rules of art.
11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Samael and I musically grew up with Scandinavian Black Metal. Therefore it is no surprise you can hear such influences on this release. We will always be fans of that style of music.
But personally I would be not the musician who I am if haven't had discovered bands and musicians like Yngwie Malmsteen and 'White Snake'. Samael is very in classical guitar composers like Sor or Tarrega at the moment, I think.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thank you very much to give us the opportunity for this interview. We are really looking forward to the future and what it will bring it for 'Servant'. We are going to work even harder to bring this band to live and of course set the direction for the second album.
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