Nuclear Winter is a one-man project of Gary Stautmeister and that is not anything unusual nowadays but coming from Zimbabwe is something else entirely. Gary and Nuclear Winter have some titles under their belt since project is in existence from 2011 but the newest one is what grabbed my attention. Brand new full length is called "Greystone" and it's an album that combines industrial rhythms with death metal riffs and throws whole bunch of melodies into the mix. I had few questions sent out to Gary and if you want to find out more about the band, the man and the music then just keep reading. Playing Bandcamp link is also recommended.

Tomek

Thanks for taking time to answer a few q's, how are things?

Things are good, thanks. I'm pleased that my new album came out on the 21st of May, and I've also recently done a cover song of Motley Crue's 'Wild Side' which is out now as a free download. I was going to try and make the cover more electronic, but it just wasn't really working - so in this case less was more.

Nuclear Winter is a cool name for a band, what inspired it?

I was looking for a name that represented the idea of an apocalyptic or post war landscape, and Nuclear Winter seemed the best choice for this. It was mostly a process of narrowing down a few names that sounded "metal" with Nuclear Winter being the one that stuck. Plus, I liked that it's an easy name to remember.

Album is out so let's recap the making of it. How long did you work on it, how was the recording and the whole process, are you happy with the results?

This new album was actually done fairly quickly. I started it in March last year and had it completed by January this year. With the lockdowns I found I had more opportunity to focus on the recording and also now I try to get the songs done while I have the inspiration. Previously I would work on my music sporadically and found it difficult sometimes to get back into the same head space to complete the songs. Having said that there's always songs that become difficult to work on. 'The Harvest Moon' was one of those songs. I did the main chorus first and had no idea what to do next. But then it's a case of experimenting and sometimes simplifying things and it starts to come together. Overall, I'm very happy with how the album has turned out. Also, each song has a slightly different guitar, drums and bass sound so I had to make sure the overall tonal balance between all the songs was similar in the end, but I think the production came out well enough.

How do you compose and what inspires you?

I find I have to be in a relaxed and stress-free frame of mind to make music. Even though the lyrics can be quite dark and the music itself quite intense, I can't use anger/frustration etc. to be the driving force behind what I produce. That would be like feeding that negative energy. The songs rather are a 'story' that represent those heavy topics. I've always enjoyed electronic music so that finds its way into my music and I like lots of random nonmetal stuff, but the only thing that really surprises me is the amount of metal I don't actually like.

What is the meaning of "Greystone"?

I chose Greystone mainly because it has a nice ring to it for a metal album, and also, it's non-specific, so because the album doesn't have a specific theme it worked well as a generic title. Some of the lyrics refer to 'grey', so that is the main link to the title.

What can head bangers expect from the new album?

I think this is my most 'solid' album so far. I think it's more focused than my previous work, with a little clean singing now, but still not losing any of the heaviness from before.

Some guys out there like to put tags on bands and so you ended up with 'modern melodic death metal'. What do you think about all this categorizing and putting tags on music?

The term modern I guess means there's more clean singing and more synth sounds - so it's just adding those elements to the melodeath genre. I think it's a good idea as long as it doesn't get too silly. I like to be able to search for e.g., symphonic black metal or industrial death metal. But when you start seeing things like epic blackened power folkcore then that's a bit much.

Who do you create for and what do you want from the listener?

Definitely for myself, but also with the hopes that some people find it entertaining or impressive. What do I want? Nothing really. I just hope they enjoy what they are listening to and if they have any constructive criticism, I'm happy to hear their thoughts on it.

Which emotions do you have plenty of and which not enough?

I feel I'm generally quite levelheaded and don't think I have either of those extremes, but if anything - maybe a bit more contentment and less anxiety would be good.

What are the plans for the future?

I don't have a set plan, but I'll continue to work on music when I can and on refining/improving my production process. Living in Zimbabwe is very unpredictable so generally planning for the future long term doesn't really work here - so where I'll be 5 years from now. I don't know, but as long as things are moving forward that's the main thing for me.

What is your opinion about the physical media, which one do you prefer?

Here in Zimbabwe tapes and vinyl are not even thought of so the only physical media we have are CDs which actually are my preferred media, mostly just because of the durability. I've got a bunch of old vinyl packed away from when I was a teenager and they've all not been played since then.

Thanks a lot for taking time to answer all the questions, last word is yours.

Thank you for the interview and also to anyone who is interested or supporting in what I'm doing.

Bushido Code play death-thrash combo that is spiked with just the right amount of groove and hardcore. After listening to their newest album called "The Ronin" I have to say that I cannot wait to see those guys on stage and watch the place being torn apart. Before that happens though I had the chance to ask some questions and Mike Ledet was in the mood to give me some solid answers. Play it loud, read the words and visit their sites. Sayonara.

Tomek

How's Bushido Code doing right after the release of the new album?

Things are great here in the Bushido Code camp. With the album release and the response, we have gotten on the singles and the video so far, we are excited! To say the least.

I don't know anyone that's never heard of Samurai, and I know what Ronin are, but bushido code is like inside knowledge, what is it and how did it end up being a name for the band?

Bushido code is the code of the samurai. We got the idea for the name from our guitarist favorite samurai move "Shogun Assassin" and also our respect we had for the culture of the samurai. We loved the idea for the name because of the movie I mentioned earlier. But we also had this crazy idea of turning the band name into this identity that could tell this crazy and bloody story. About a fictional ronin who couldn't achieve death and holding the world accountable to its violation of the code. You know super nerdy metal stuff.

Hence "The Ronin"?

The Ronin is the start of this violent journey we want to take a listener on. Following Da Shi through his quest for death. And a humbling look in the mirror at ourselves.

Sounds really cool. How long was it in creation? Can you tell us a bit about the recording itself, and if you're happy with the outcome?

Well, we had been working the idea for a while but the writing and recording process was about 6 months. This one was a great experience recording because we all went to the studio together and we were just in the pocket. Just hitting on all cylinders. It was definitely one of those weird cool feelings in the studio. It was like nobody was saying much but you definitely felt it was something big going on. Well, that's at least how I felt pretty sure the guys felt the same way. We couldn't be more than satisfied with his outcome. This is one of the best productions we've ever done. I think one of the best records I've ever recorded.

What can head bangers expect when they press 'play'?

A brain shattering experience that will destroy all their senses. No, really sonically this record is on point. And the lyrics are fun and interesting. If you like metal, you will like this record.

Was watching samurai movies and drinking sake your main inspiration or was there anything else?

We wanted to do something different but something that was grounded in the music that we grew up listening to. We wanted to play metal, but I wanted to give it life. Like the bands we loved growing up. But keep it as brutal as possible. I remember going to the studio and Derrick had done the music for 'Prelude To Battle'. It's an instrumental that's on the record. I remember just wanting to listen to it over and over again. It just didn't need words. The music spoke to me made me feel peace and the build up to chaos. I still find myself listening to it just to get that feeling.

Who do you have in mind when you work on new music, are you writing for yourself or for others?

I truly believe it's one and the same. I don't think there's a way for you to create for yourself and not give it to others. Not if you're playing music. The idea is to be heard. For me, I've always wanted to give back. Music changed my life; it's saved my life. So, for me it's always been about giving it back. And in that way, it is for me.

What do you want from the listener?

Just an opportunity. An opportunity to share our music with you. And if you like it great and if you don't like it thanks for giving us a shot.

Do you play to build or to destroy?

That's a good question. Let's say destroy the system but build the people.

Which emotions do you have a plenty of and which not enough?

Wow! we're getting deep in this one huh. Let's see. I have a lot of rage and anger. Not enough patience and compassion.

What would you do if you could not play?

I'll be dead hands down. The way I grew up music is the only thing I had literally.

Where do you see yourself and the band in next 5-7 years?

Well, the plan is to take over the world. But until that happens, we're just gonna keep playing shows and putting out records. I'm making cool ass T-shirts. I mean who doesn't love a cool ass T-shirt. No seriously I've been playing music for 25 years and I'll keep playing till the day I die. That's always been the plan so we're going to keep working on new songs putting out an EP next, I think. And getting out there and playing as much as we can and hopefully get to Europe. Maybe when this pandemic goes away.

Categorizing and putting tags on music gets annoying sometimes and yet its needed, or is it? What is your take on it?

I truly have never been a fan of that. But I do understand it's necessity. I mean there's so many variations out there and gets kind of ridiculous. I mean just in Hardcore alone there's so many variations. And metal is a whole different category of variations. The truth is I play in a metal band. And that should be that.

Vinyl is coming back some say but for me it never went away just like cassettes. What is your opinion about the physical media, which one do you prefer?

I personally want this record to be on vinyl so bad. I think it's something I will come out later for sure but they're so expensive the press but worth it in my opinion. Now we will release them cassettes, but I've never been a fan of them. Because when I was coming up that's all there was, and they were annoying. But now I think they're pretty cool as a band to put one out. I just like seeing the record in different formats. So, I'm a big fan of vinyl. And OK fan with tapes LOL.

Thanks a lot for taking time to answer all the questions, last word is yours.

Thank you, guys, for giving us the time to talk to you. And for the reader out there if you liked what you've read, please check us out and give us a follow on our social media. As a matter of fact, give any band you like a follow on their social media. It helps all the bands out these days and people sleep on that.