Interviews: Zeit

Today, we're interviewing Zeit, a German Black Sludge Metal band known for their crushing riffs and haunting atmospheres. Formed in 2010, we'll be discussing their history, influences, and future plans, so stay tuned! Follow them on Facebook for more updates.

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

"Zeit" means time in English. It's not only a strong word but also the greatest force in our universe. It's creation and extinction. Nothing can survive it, it's eternal and the beginning and end of everything. The human species is only a little spot on the whole timeline of existence and will surely be forgotten after its passing on which the whole of humankind is working with great passion.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I wouldn't say that we actively planned to work on one particular genre. All three of us are musically open-minded. We tend to use those influences to create something unique and personal. Even though we started as a black metal project we used to add different genres to the blend at an early stage of the band. Our driving force is the urge to express our own idea of what metal can sound like and also to experiment with different structures and approaches.

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

We started to make music while studying together in Chemnitz. A bit later our bassist joined the ranks and ZEIT was officially formed in 2010. Fur and Flakmann already had a musical history together.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Fur: ZZ Top

Flakman: Sabaton

Win: Nachtmystium

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Everything honestly. First of all the love for music in general and the urge to develop our own ideas in genres we like to hear ourselves. It's a very special dynamic to create new sounds together and share the passion for music. Besides that, it can be politics, society, or personal struggles.

6. Where was your last gig?

We played a little show in Chemnitz. Our "hometown" so to say. Up next is a festival called LUSATIAN GRIMFEST in Cottbus followed by our own "Ohnmacht" release show in Leipzig on May 10th, 2023.

7. Where would you like to act?

To play at some more open-air festivals would be great. Especially Party. San would be a nice thing to have played. But there are a lot of good festivals in Germany that are worth checking out.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Laster or Fluisteraars, maybe? Ultimately Tom Waits, of course. But jokes aside, there are many great bands out there we'd love to play with. It's difficult to break it down to one in particular.

9. Whom not?

Any NSBM bullshit.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

I think you can not really get rid of it if it's deeply rooted in your head. I tend to have it before shows but it just disappears with the first note we are playing. In general, it helps to be prepared well enough and to be confident in what you are playing. Don't try to go for a show-off - it's about the music, not the ego.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Again it's hard to say because our influences are rather widely spread. It can change from song to song, from record to record. Everything we hear has an impact on our ideas but we don't try to copy certain artists.

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

Can't really recall any weird requests. It's weird enough that people seem to like what we are doing.

13. What do you think of your fans?

We are very grateful for anyone that is supporting us and we love to get in touch with them, whether it's at a show or via Social Media.

14. What do you think of our site?

It's great to see so many magazines and blogs out there that are determined to support the underground and keep the scene alive. We really appreciate your work and efforts. So thank you and keep it up.

15. Something to add?

Check out our Social Media platforms for more news about our upcoming album "Ohnmacht". It will be available on April 14th, 2023 on vinyl, CD and tape.