Nihilo Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?
It has been a great year since we've released the record. We played a few great shows in Switzerland. For example we played at the most famous venue in the french part of Switzerland, which is called Fri-Son. We shared the stage with the almighty Carnal Decay and Virvum. Beside of that we've put the record on vinyl. With a little help of our fans (crowdfunding) we finally realized our dream to have it on vinyl. This is definitely a milestone in the history of our existence.

2.In March you had released a new album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?
The music combines an old schoolesk death metal and modern elements with a little pinch of grindcore and doom metal. Especially doom metal is getting more vital in the sound of Nihilo. Maybe in the near future we will release a doom metal record. :D

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music?
It's basically criticism on our society, like on all the records we've released so far. But this time not everything is negative. There might be a solution for all the problems in the world - it must. We don't have a precise solution but as long as we breathe, we hope the world - which is dangling on the brink right now - will turn its course towards a greater future. The literally translation of the album title "dum spiro spero" is: As long as i breathe, I still hope.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Nihilo'?
For a few years we were called Ex Nihilo, which is latin and means "out of nowhere". But because of legal problems we had to change the name. So we just cut the "ex", so now we're called Nihilo. We're still happy with that name. Everyone in Switzerland knows the name and the brand "Nihilo". We hope that in the near future we'll play a few show abroad to meet new people and of course to spread the awareness of our name.

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
This is always a difficult question to answer.  But there are two shows which I'll always remember. Once we played in the most famous venue of Switzerland, the Z7 in Pratteln. We're not used to play on big stages. At that day about 1000 people showed up and made that show unforgettable. On of our best shows we recently had in Geneva together with Defaced, one of the rising stars in the swiss death metal Scene. Somehow everyone was ready to put up a great show and we connected with the audience. After the show we went to an electro party and shook our booties till dawn. ;)  We're born to play live. As far as I can remember, we've always been a live band, not a studio band.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
Not quiet yet. But we're chatting with a few friends abroad in Netherland, Ireland and Germany. And maybe we're lucky and get requested to join a tour. Let's see what the feature will bring.

7.Can you tell us a little bit more about the deal you have with Wooaaargh?
Thanks to Onur from Decaying Purity(their newest album will be released through WOOAAARGH as well) we came in contact with Cris and WOOAAARGH.
We exchanched ideas and stuff and short after were ready to collaborate together.


8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to the newer music by fans of extreme metal?
Very positive. I think we've developed our music to a new level. Every member has improved on playing skills. And since Damiano, our drummer, was involved in the whole writing process (not like the last time, we're he just joined before we recorded the last album), the music has become much more old-schoolish, which we all very love. And the doom music is accepted by extreme metal fans, thankfully. ;)

9.Where do you see the band heading into musical during the future?
I don't know. I truly believe we'll add some more doom/sludge stuff and maybe counterblast it with some grindcore. :)
I'm sure our Sound will develope more and more, expermeting and mixing with new elements, not only doom an grind, but black metal and other Genres too without forgetting the past.

10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
We're all still into the old-school stuff. But doom is rising. :) Bands like Conan, Pallbearer, Yob or Hooded Menace have a massive influence in our sound. But also death and black metal groups like Morbid Angel, Necros Christos, Angelcorpse, Lvcifyre, Dead Congregation, Mystifier, Impiety, Behemoth, Bolt Thrower and many more had and still have some influence on our visions. I'm sure you will find some interesting stuff on future things to come ;-)

11.What are some of your non musical interests?
Definetly books and tv series. Both types are crazy mindfuckers. We love to discuss several books and series during rehearsal sessions. It's a fun way to diversify rehearsals. Sports should be mentioned as well.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Keep supporting music in any way. Music represents the last garrison of bright future which hasn't been molested by religion, jealousy, or any other unneccesary society-destroying crap. Keep supporting it and we might have a chance to avoid the self-destrucional ending humanity is facing right now. Dum spiro spero