Interviews: Damned To Downfall

We have had the opportunity to interview the Black Metal/Industrial Metal/Death Metal band Damned To Downfall from Sweden. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or come out just like that?

We wanted a name that matched the lyrical themes as well as the music and after some time I came up with Damned To Downfall which I think fits both very well. 

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Back in 2019 I had a couple of songs that were more old-school death metal that didn't fit into our other band so I decided to record those as a side project right after we did two EP's for the other band. Once the basics were recorded I felt I needed a break so I pulled out some of my industrial records I hadn't listened to in a while to cleanse the ears a bit and then I got the idea to try and mix that style into those tracks but do it in a new way that I hadn't heard before. On our first EP Born to Breed those influences were more subtle but for our new record we brought those forward a bit more in the mix and arrangements which I think it came out quite cool along with the vocals that are more leaning towards black metal than typical death metal growls. We think we have found our own style where the electronics are a natural part of the sound as opposed to throwing some vocal samples over a metal track or throwing some metal riffs over an electro track. So basically to answer the question in Damned To Downfall we get to combine genres and create something which in our ears sound fresh and unique which in turn allows us to develop as musicians, songwriters and producers.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Yes, me (Marcus) and Martin knew each other from our teens where we played in some punk and metal bands and after loosing contact for some years we started playing again in 2017 with World in Ruins (crust punk with some death metal) and now we also have Sickrecy which is more grindcore.

4. Each band member favourite band?

Ouch, that's a tough one. There are so many we don't even know where to start. Bands that I tend to come back to are Morbid Angel, Nine Inch Nails and Wolfpack/Wolfbrigade to mention a few. Martin says The Clash, Napalm Death and Vader.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Many things, sometimes I just come up with ideas when practicing guitar or fiddling with synths and samples, sometimes I capture something in some other bands song like an arrangement or a vibe that I use as inspiration and try to use in a Damned to Downfall context. For lyrical inspiration you just have to turn on the news or browse the web...

6. Where was your last gig?

Now that our album is out we plan to establish a live band so for Damned to Downfall we haven't done any shows yet. For Word in Ruins we had the last one in January 2020 in Kristianstad Sweden just before the pandemic hit us.

7. Where would you like to act?

Given the amazing lineup at Maryland Deathfest next year then that would be nice for sure.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

I spent quite a lot of time mixing our album as there's a lot going on and a challenge to get everything heard and as I haven't found anything else that sounds quite like us it was also difficult finding some good reference tracks. Although we are very happy with how it turned out it would be interesting to work with someone who has more experience in general and mixing these styles in particular like Peter from Pain/Hypocrisy who also done great stuff with e.g. Immortal. As for bands we would enjoy playing with any band that plays any the styles we are mixing but off course it would be cool to play with some of our main influences.

9. Whom not?

We are open for most collaborations so not sure what that would be, as long as they bring something interesting and don't act like assholes we are up for working with pretty much anyone.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

The first show we had with World in Ruins back in 2019 was first time on stage for quite a while for most of us so although I wouldn't say stage fright we were certainly nervous. My best advice would be come prepared with regards to knowing the songs and being in shape, keep track of your gear and ensure it's in shape and then keep calm!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Hmm, I would have to again say Morbid Angel and Nine Inch Nails for me at least. Slayer's Reign in Blood is also a constant reference for how things should be done; short, to the point and no fillers.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

We are not on Motley Crue level yet so I think we have to get back on that.

13. What do you think of your fans?

So far we only met and interacted with really cool people and that goes for all our bands. We have received a lot of great feedback on Damned to Downfall and it's always an inspiration when people appreciates what you do which makes all the hard work we put into it worth it.

14. What do you think of our site?

I think your site looks great, is well organized and off course we appreciate that you feature independent bands like us

15. Something to add?

Thanks a lot for the interview and keep up the great work!