SOURCE – Finsterforst have built a distinctive identity within the folk and extreme metal scene over the years. How would you describe the band’s current state of mind, and how have you responded to the positive reception of Still?
Simon Schillinger (Guitars, Keyboards, Programming, Vocals) – We are very proud of how this album turned out. It just sounds right, both the music and the sound. We were really grateful to read and hear the amazing feedback we got from most people and the press. It seems that we are still wanted, and that is a great reward for us.
SOURCE – Every album brings its own challenges. What were the biggest obstacles you faced while writing, recording and producing Still, and how did you overcome them?
Simon Schillinger (Guitars, Keyboards, Programming, Vocals) – As always, it is difficult to find enough time to write new music in the first place. Most of us are pretty busy with everyday life, family and work. Finsterforst is a hobby for us, after all. But with the support of our loved ones, we are able to keep making records like these. The whole process is very complex, starting with composing and then moving on to production. I can’t really say how much time we needed from the beginning until it was completely finished.
SOURCE – “Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2” has been covered hundreds of times, but I found your version particularly interesting. How did you preserve the essence of the original while making it sound like a Finsterforst song?
Simon Schillinger (Guitars, Keyboards, Programming, Vocals) – We simply took the original arrangement and added an intro and an epic outro, while beefing it up with some heavier guitar riffing, haha! For me, the most important part was to play the guitar solo just as it was in the original, or nearly so. It simply is one of the best solos ever written.
SOURCE – The Jenseits EP (2023) was funded through Kickstarter and consisted of a single composition divided into four chapters, a bold commercial gamble. Did connecting directly with fans to make that project possible give you more confidence to take creative risks on Still, particularly with “Leere” and the cover versions?
Simon Schillinger (Guitars, Keyboards, Programming, Vocals) – No, not really. We’ve always had long songs on our albums. Look at “Ecce homo”, which is on our album Zerfall. That’s a 36-minute epic and was released back in 2019. Even before that, we had several tracks over 20 minutes long. So people already knew that we were, and still are, kind of freaks sometimes when it comes to song length.
SOURCE – Touring inevitably tests relationships within a band. Have any unusual situations, accidents or difficult journeys changed how the members of Finsterforst communicate, work together or deal with pressure?
Simon Schillinger (Guitars, Keyboards, Programming, Vocals) – As I mentioned before, Finsterforst is a hobby for all of us. If it weren’t fun, we wouldn’t have to do it. The whole bunch is a bit crazy. Most of the time, we’re having fun and talking about weird stuff while having beers and whatnot after the show, maybe also before the show or… while we perform. So basically, there aren’t really any difficulties or tensions between us. Of course, we all have our own ideas and visions sometimes, and this leads to some discussions, but in the end we manage to stay friendly.
SOURCE – After so many years in the metal scene, what have you learned about maintaining the band’s identity while adapting to changes in the music industry, technology and audience expectations?
Simon Schillinger (Guitars, Keyboards, Programming, Vocals) – We didn’t think too much about it, since we can’t do anything about the changes in this industry. It might be great that it seems so easy to reach a large audience online with all the social media stuff, but it also means there’s such a flood of bands and stuff that most people can’t even keep track of everything they see and hear when they look at their phones. Anyway, that’s how society has developed: hectic restlessness.
SOURCE – Over 22 years, Finsterforst have navigated line-up changes, moved from Napalm Records to AOP Records and lived through a pandemic. Today, with seven members balancing careers outside the band, how do you manage the business side of the band? Do you have a manager or a dedicated booking agent, or do you still handle everything collectively?
Simon Schillinger (Guitars, Keyboards, Programming, Vocals) – AOP Records is the best thing that could have happened to us. Sven is a great business guy, and he puts his heart and soul into the music and the bands he’s signed. We are more than grateful to have him on our side. Within the band, we handle things ourselves. But I think it would be helpful if there were some kind of manager who would take care of several things, haha!
SOURCE – South America, particularly Brazil, Chile and Argentina, has a passionate metal audience, but European black and folk metal bands do not always reach it. The band’s official website lists 302 shows in 17 countries over 22 years, all in Europe. Are there concrete plans to bring Still to South American audiences? What financial, logistical or booking obstacles would you need to overcome?
Simon Schillinger (Guitars, Keyboards, Programming, Vocals) – It would be brilliant if we could play over there one day. For that to happen, some promoter or organiser would have to book us, and even the flights alone aren’t cheap, unfortunately. But let’s hope that some kind of tour might be possible someday. If any promoter is reading this: if you want us, contact us! We’d be thrilled to play in South America!
PHOTO CREDIT
Band
OFFICIAL LINKS
Official Site — Finsterforst
Instagram — To The Grave
Bandcamp – Finsterforst
AOP Records
