1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the solo project since the recording the recording of the new album?
1. I finished the album in the fall of 2025 and sent it to the “Klangschmiede” recording studio. Markus Stock did an excellent job mixing and mastering it! After that, I got in touch with Nic from Hypnotic Dirge Records and was able to secure a collaboration. Many people think that once an album is finished, it’s easy to release it, but there’s always a lot of work involved with promotion, etc....
2.In May you have a new album coming out, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
2. I’m always trying to improve musically...With “Universus,” I started with virtually no experience and worked my way up step by step...Personally, I think “Memento Mori” is my best album musically so far. I try to learn from my mistakes and want to offer listeners "high-quality" black metal, and with “Memento Mori,” I’m definitely one step closer to that.
3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you explore with the new album and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?
3. In my new album, I focus heavily on the themes of life and death and the relationship between humans and nature.
I usually work on my lyrics in a similar way. When I’m thinking deeply or reflecting on life, I sit down and write my thoughts in a notebook.I then use those notes to write my lyrics. I write my lyrics directly from my thoughts and don’t believe in bands just writing what the listeners want to hear...
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Conjuring'?
4. When I saw the trailer for “The Conjuring,” I didn't know the German word for it. So I typed it into a translator and read the translation... I wasn't making music yet, but I thought it would make a great band name. To me, though, the band name has nothing to do with the movie. I try to conjure up the listeners with my music, so it fits pretty well...
5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
5. The artwork cost me a lot of time and money. I already had the idea for the cover before I started writing “Memento Mori.” It was also meant to show the beauty that lies between life and death. I bought two human skulls at an auction through a British dealer and purchased dried flowers from all the local florists...I went for a walk in the woods with my girlfriend, and we arranged everything beautifully on the forest floor as part of a ritual. She helped me with the decorating since she’s very talented at it. I then took photos of the Memento Mori ritual, which became the cover...
6.With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solo?
6. Exactly—I do everything myself and would like to keep it that way as much as possible. I could see myself collaborating with another band or artist on a song, but “Conjuring” will remain a one-man project.
7.The new album is going to be released on 'Hypnotic Dirge Records', how would you compare working with this label to your previous label 'Kernkraftritter Records'?
7. I think Hypnotic Dirge Records is much more in my musical wheelhouse, so a collaboration makes more sense... I'm really looking forward to working with Nic from Hypnotic Dirge Records in the future.
8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?
8. So far, I’ve mostly gotten positive feedback.
Of course, my music isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s fine—tastes are supposed to differ. But I’ve noticed that there’s a lot of respect in the black metal scene, and far fewer hateful comments than in other genres. That’s something I really appreciate about this scene.Live and let live...
9.Do you have any experience working with other bands or musical projects?
9. No, not at all...I didn't have any connections in the music scene until 2020, so I didn't know any other bands or musicians before my project.
10.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?
10. I want to make “Conjuring” my life's work and write high-quality black metal without any pressure. I could see myself doing live shows in a few years, but that will take a little while..
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?
11. So, when it comes to black metal, I’d say bands like Netherbird, Pure Wrath, and Aera have really influenced me... But I’m the kind of person who really enjoys drawing inspiration from outside the black metal scene.I really enjoy listening to country, hip-hop, techno, and drum ’n’ bass, and I think that as an artist, it doesn’t hurt to explore other genres every now and then...
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
12. I want to show people through my music that when you put your heart and soul into something, eventually it turns into something you can be proud of...
Everyone is focused solely on money and doesn’t even realize they’re chasing a ghost. Someday we’ll be old and won’t have done what we love because we had no will of our own. I’d like to thank everyone who supports my music and accompanies me on my path through the dark arts...
https://hypnoticdirgerecords.bandcamp.com/album/memento-mori
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