Dark Horizon is a German black metal band that recently released their second full-length album "Darkness Falls Upon Mankind" (read review here). If you liked the Scandinavian melodic black metal scene back in the 90s and if you don't know Dark Horizon yet this band could probably be a cool new discovery for you. Completed with a fantastic cover by Juanjo Castellano and driven by cool icy melodies this album is probably one of the best newcomer stuff in 2024. But go on and read the interview I had with their vocalist Mike and check the album while you're doing it.

Michael

Hey, how are you guys doing? I hope all is fine?

Hi Michael, we are fine. Thanks for asking.

In my review of your new album "Darkness Falls Upon Mankind" I already told a little bit about your band history, maybe you can go a little bit more into detail so that our readers get to know you a little bit closer?

Dark Horizon started with another band name and music style in 2006. Just one year later there was a change of the music style, which remains until today. We recorded our demo "Surrealistic Existence" in 2008, as well as our full length album "Diabolic Agreement" in 2012 and the "Odyssey" EP in 2017. In the meantime we played several gigs and focused on songwriting.

I didn't have you on the radar until that album and I guess many other people had the same experience. With the new album you caught some more attention in the underground and also got a lot of good reviews so far. Are you a little bit surprised about that sudden success?

Yes, we actually had good acknowledgement and positive feedback by the listeners so far. Basically we have the feeling that "Darkness Falls Upon Mankind" brought Dark Horizon to a new level, despite following the way we did in the past. Nevertheless, we didn't expect this overwhelming feedback and therefore are thankful for all the support.

Musically you go back to the mid-90s, especially the Swedish scene. Which impact had the bands from these days onto you?

These bands of the 90s had a certain spirit. Most of them were young and had the "hunger" to bring out their music to the world. Partially the song structures were different than today and they managed to touch all of the possible feelings just with one album or even one song. Furthermore the sound didn't have the focus on perfection, which gives the music some kind of authenticity from the point of view nowadays. Another factor is their own activity during the past times or dealing with the 90s music and to have the opportunity for comparison. Probably there are omnipresent feelings and the association with the music.

Which albums from that era are absolutely essential to possess?

There are so many good bands and each band member of Dark Horizon has his own preferences. I guess that the usual bands like Dissection or Unanimated are expected to be named, which of course can be found at the most CD collections. But if we have to concretize, albums like the first two of Naglfar have to be named, as well as "King Of The Distant Forest" by Mithotyn, "Slaughtersun" by Dawn, "Silence Of The World beyond" by A Canorous Quintet and "At The World Of Untrodden Wonder" by Thy Primordial at least. In my opinion the latter deserved more attention, because they had impressive characteristics. We don't have a limited view on the Swedish bands, which had a big influence on us. Nonetheless we recommend other albums like "Age Of Cataclysm" by Cryptic Wintermoon or the "Morning Crimson" by Catamenia. You recognize that we can continue with a couple of bands, but basically this summary of the named band portfolio is a good overview to have a good journey through the past.

The lyrics deal with darkness, ancient times, and death. Is there a certain philosophy that you want to spread with the album?

In general "Darkness Falls Upon Mankind" is not a straight concept album as the "Diabolic Agreement" album. "Darkness Falls Upon Mankind" considers the destruction, death and finally the message of transience from different perspectives. At the end this combination coalesced and merged to a unity.

With 'Am Tag Meines Todes' you have a German track on the album, too. Why did you decide to do only one German one?

I've a personal relationship with 'Am Tag Meines Todes', because there were dark times when I wrote the song. The German language is very expressive and can be used in multiple facets. I think to choose the German language was the best way to transfer the emotions and moods from the consciousness of transience.

You also have two cover songs, one by Naglfar and one by Mithotyn. I mean, Naglfar is comprehendible but why Mithotyn? This band was more than some pagan party stuff for me….

The "In The Sign Of The Ravens" was a great album, but "King Of The Distant Forest" made a big step on top. I remember the first time I heard a preview track from a sampler. It blew me away. I didn't expect that. Rickards aggressive vocals, sawing guitars and epic hymns. A coherent sound. On these days the viking/pagan party bands, which had their peak between 2006-2014 were not yet on sight. On this point we can recommend the "King Of The Distant Forest" for those, who are not familiar with this album. But finally everybody has his own preference.

The fantastic cover artwork was created by Juanjo Castellano. Did you just ask him if he would like to do it or how did you get him on board?

Juanjo is a big artist! As soon as we saw his work we wanted to collaborate with him. We got in contact and sent him our concept. He picked up our ideas and transferred them to the artwork we have now. He did a great job!

What about purchasing the album? I know you can get it on Bandcamp and with SM-Metal-Shop there is a German mail order who is distributing it now. Are there any other options to get it?

You can only order the merch and stuff via Bandcamp or the CD's via sm-metal-shop (sm-metal-shop.de; M.)

Another good option is probably live. When can we see you guys on stage?

Based on the fact that our line-up changes regularly, we are confronted with this situation now again. Therefore we are looking for a guitarist, who makes the line up complete. The live activities depend on that situation.

The last words are yours!

Thanks for the fan support and their patience, especially for "Darkness Falls Upon Mankind"!

Thanks a lot for the interview!

Guitarist and founder of the legendary thrash metal band Artillery, Michael Stützer offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at music and the band's evolution over a 41-year career. He shares insights into recent lineup changes, highlighting the departure of members and the arrival of new talent, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining the group's signature musical identity. He also discusses the long-awaited release of the live album "Raw Live" (Mighty Music), a posthumous tribute to the late drummer Josua Madsen, capturing the unique energy of a concert at Copenhell, a festival held in the band's home territory. band in Denmark. Furthermore, the interview highlights the re-release of the iconic albums "Fear Of Tomorrow" (1985) and "Terror Squad" (1987) in Brazil through the Voice Music/Rock Brigade Records partnership, providing a unique insight into Artillery's contribution to the Danish music scene and the development of thrash metal.

Marcelo Vieira

To start with, I'd like you to talk a bit about the recent lineup changes in Artillery and what caused them.

Michael [Bastholm Dahl], our former vocalist, had some family issues he needed to address. He couldn't travel and tour due to a recent divorce and issues related to his son. Also, maybe he was a bit tired of the routine. It was his decision, and we remain friends. Kræn [Meier, guitarist] wanted to pursue his own projects, play something heavier, and we couldn't agree on the musical direction. So, he left the band, but on good terms. Now, we have two new members, guitarist René Loua and vocalist Martin Steene, who bring new elements to the band.

Lineup changes are common in bands. Do you believe that, as long as you're in the band, Artillery will sound like Artillery?

I hope so because I've been in the band since the beginning. I believe my presence is crucial to maintain Artillery's characteristic sound. However, the other members, especially Peter [Thorslund, bassist], who has been in the band since 1988, are amazing musicians. Currently, we're in great harmony and excited to play live.

Being the one responsible for maintaining the band's characteristic sound is a big responsibility?

Yes, it's always challenging, but the new members also contribute a lot. We want to stay true to Artillery's sound, although sometimes we incorporate different elements. The responsibility is big, but I do my best, hoping people recognize it.

Do you consider fans' expectations when composing or recording an album?

It's a balance. We start with a riff and build from there. Sometimes we think about the fans, other times we experiment with new things. I'm impressed when Artillery fans praise songs that deviate from the standard. I think it's cool because it shows that, no matter how different they are, they still carry the essence of Artillery.

Over the years, Artillery has gone through various musical phases. How would you describe the band's evolution from its founding until today?

In 41 years, it's natural to have some changes, but we keep the roots. When we started, we wanted to be faster and rougher. Bands like Black Sabbath and later Metallica had a big impact. We try to maintain that essence, introducing subtle changes to avoid monotony.

And how would you label Artillery's music today?

I've always called it melodic thrash metal with elements from the 1970s and 1980s. This identity runs through our albums, from "Fear Of Tomorrow" to the most recent ones. We want to preserve that sound.

Artillery just released the live album "Raw Live". How was the experience of recording this?

It was amazing. Playing at home, at a big festival in Denmark, in the presence of friends and fans, created a unique atmosphere. People were excited, and the sound quality is incredible.

How did you choose the setlist for this show, and how did the atmosphere of the event influence the performance and the final result?

We tried to include main songs that we always play, like 'Khomaniac' and 'Terror Squad'. We wanted to represent each album, but we couldn't due to time. Unfortunately, the song 'The Almighty' ended up being left out.

Recording a live album presents unique challenges and rewards. What were some of those?

Certain songs, like 'Khomaniac' itself, come to life on stage with the interaction of the audience. Festivals are a great place to gain new fans. As for challenges, maintaining authenticity, without studio alterations, is essential. Furthermore, this album is a tribute to our late drummer, Josua [Madsen, who died in 2023].

Recently, the albums "Fear Of Tomorrow" and "Terror Squad" were reissued in Brazil. What was it like to create "Fear Of Tomorrow"? Did you feel like you were doing something completely different at the time?

Yes, in the beginning, people didn't understand our sound, but we wanted to be faster and heavier. Inspired by bands like Accept, we sought something distinct. The changes were well received, and today I'm proud to be considered one of the pioneers.

What was the contribution of "Fear Of Tomorrow" to the Danish music scene at the time and to the development of thrash metal globally?

We were one of the first Danish bands with such a heavy and dark sound. Before us, there was only Mercyful Fate. We were fortunate to have dedicated fans, despite the initial resistance from venues to give us space. This early contribution was crucial for us.

There was a significant progression in Artillery's sound from "Fear Of Tomorrow" to "Terror Squad." In what ways did the band evolve?

We became better musicians and explored different styles while maintaining an original approach. We wanted to challenge ourselves, like in 'The Challenge,' which was like a much heavier thrash metal. Compared to "Fear Of Tomorrow," we had become much better musicians by that time.

The lyrics of 'Terror Squad' draw a lot of attention, with criticism and revolt. Can you share something about that and if there was any specific source or inspiration at the time?

Some lyrics were written by Morten [Stützer, bassist, who died in 2019]. 'Terror Squad' was inspired by personal experiences, like clashes with the police. 'The Challenge' addresses global challenges. The lyrics reflect lived situations and relevant issues of the time.

Artillery was inactive for five years between 1993 and 1998. Looking back, was that break really necessary after what is considered the classic album, "By Inheritance" (1990)?

Yes, at the time of "By Inheritance," there were internal disagreements about playing live. Some members weren't as interested in hitting the road, which caused problems. Today, we play a lot and have a very good relationship, but at that time, priorities were different.

What did you learn during that time and were able to put into practice when reuniting the band for the album "B.A.C.K."(1999)?

We learned a lot about what not to do. Consistency is crucial, with many interviews, public relations, and tours. If you release an album and don't do many shows, you can lose relevance. Playing live is essential, especially today, when it's hard to sell CDs and vinyl.

Thinking about the band's discography, which do you consider your best or most important work and why?

It's always hard to say. Many consider "By Inheritance" the best. Albums like "When Death Comes" (2009) were important, rebooting everything. The next album we make will also be crucial. Personally, I change my mind, considering one album the best one day and another the next.

What legacy do you hope to leave when Artillery retires from stages and recordings?

I hope people remember us for our dedication to playing live and for seeking originality in our music. I want to be remembered as a good person, someone truly dedicated to the metal we play.