When real and virtual worlds converge, when the truth is no more a matter of fact but negotiable, when social media likes become a new currency, freedom is nothing else than slavery. Such a dystopia is the main theme of the new album “2084” by ANDERWELT. Supported by deep grooves, gut-wrenching melodies, and brutish throat, Orwell’s theme is projected into the future.
-Interview- (10/22/24)
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? How did the name "Anderwelt" come about and is there any meaning to it?
Anderwelt started in 2012/2013 in Linz, Austria. Former members of local bands came together to rehearse and jam. The aim was to create new and exciting soundscapes - no easy feat in the world of heavy metal ;) Our sound resulted from countless jam sessions in which we repeatedly incorporated our role models - such as Fall Of Efrafa, Light Bearer, Generation Of Vipers and others.
There were several name suggestions, one of which was “Anderwelt” (I think from our ex-drummer Lex). We want to be able to take our listeners musically a bit further into an “Anderwelt" ("other world”) And indeed - it works quite well to some extent. We watch the audience at our concerts as they let themselves go and close their eyes, for example. We like that and, among other things, it's what we want.
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
As I said, we want to take our listeners into another world with our music and lyrics, where they can let themselves go and lose in our soundscapes. But we also like to surprise them and shake them up with hard breaks. We want them to be able to fully immerse themselves in our music. We also want our live shows to be a special experience, which is why we have come up with a special light show that is precisely tailored to our music.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
Our songs are characterized by a suspenseful arc of atmospheric intros, brute breaks and quiet instrumental passages. As a special feature, an electric cello is part of our fixed line-up. Overall, we can attest to a dark, partly melancholic, overall vibe, which is interspersed with hard riffs and growls.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
Oh, there are so many interesting bands, role models, friendly bands - that's a very difficult question. I'll say spontaneously: Zeal & Ardor, Harakiri For The Sky, In Flames.
5. What's your thoughts on AI generated music?
It's amazing what's already possible with AI, and sometimes scary too. For artists who tend to write simple songs, especially in pop music and the advertising industry, AI could take up space and be a threat. In niche genres such as ours, I don't think AI is that relevant yet. In general, of course, we prefer handmade music made with love and passion.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Post Metal?
There are currently a lot of good post metal bands. There are many exciting projects, especially in the post/ambient black metal sector.
7. What’s the current music scene like there in Austria?
As in general, there are also many outstanding bands in this field in Austria. Unfortunately, the metal scene as a whole is no longer as hip as it once was - for example, about 20 years ago. Young people in particular often prefer to listen to other music. We all have to work together to bring heavy music back to the listeners.
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
What is this word, how is it spelled? Royalties? Never heard of it, haha ... ;) What can I say, a few things need to be changed here to give the small bands a share. Our only significant source of income are the concerts where we can sell our merchandise.
9. What’s next for Anderwelt?
We will be releasing more singles and music videos in the near future. And then another album, but that always takes so long with us ... ;) This year we had some cool festival appearances, also abroad. That gave us a big push, the feedback from people was great. We definitely want to continue that, so if you festival promoters are reading along: Feel free to contact us ;)
10. Any shoutouts?
We have just released our new single “Transanimalism” and would like to thank you for the great reactions to it. A huge thank you especially to our fans and loyal listeners for their support!
