Interviews: Silent Revenants

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Melodic Metal band Silent Revenants from Germany. Check out this band and follow them on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

First of all, we thought about what name is unique and definitely found when people search for it. "Silent Revenants" therefore seemed fitting to us. But in general, the name also reflects many themes that can be found in our music. It's often about things that we can't let go of and come back to us and define us. Be it memories or ideas. They all define us and they haunt us. Just like Silent Revenants.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

It's hard to define what kind of genre we really play. We mix several styles of music. We are not afraid to experiment and try out many things. But one thing is clear: We're a metal band. Anything else is up to the critics.

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

JULIAN, guitars/backing vocals: Some of us were already in school bands together. Others joined in the course of time. But regardless of time, we are more than just a band. We have become a bit of a family of our own. 

DENISE, lead vocals/bagpipes/whistles: A few of us met in our school days. Julian and I founded the band and Marina, also a very good friend, joined in immediately. Little by little, we found more and more musicians and finally grew together into a harmonious band. Looking back, it was the best thing I was ever allowed to do.

4. Each band member's favorite band? 

JULIEN, drums: Tool 

HERMANN, bass/growls: Rage (The german Heavy metal band) 

INA, keys: Nightwish 

DENISE, lead vocals/bagpipes/whistles: My absolute favorite band is Nightwish. They are just so diverse and honest. A very powerful sound that they always perform live. 

ELORA, violins: Imminence 

JULIAN, guitars/backing vocals: Epica

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs? 

JULIAN, guitars/backing vocals/composer and songwriter: I’ve several musical inspirations and influences. The world of music is a quite colorful playground. Besides typical metal and rock songs, I feel familiar with almost every musical genre. Classical music and folk music are important influences. But also, a pinch of jazz music inspired me a lot. As the songwriter and composer of the band, I tried to create a diverse musical landscape that combines different musical aspects. Regarding the lyrics, I'm inspired mainly by philosophical and critical themes, but also by personal experiences and the pull and melancholy that emanate from the past. 

HERMANN, Bass/Growls: I don't write many songs. Mostly just what occupies my mind for the moment, could be personal stuff, social criticism, or just some fantasy stories.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was an open-air show in Haltern am See (Western Germany). It was an exciting show with a great audience.

7. Where would you like to act?

Of course, you have a lot of wishes with regard to this issue. But we would be totally happy if one day we get to play at Holy Ground at Wacken Open Air.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

We don't really have a specific wish there. As long as you get along well and want to do something together, it will certainly be a fruitful project. In any case, we are very open-minded, friendly, and hard-drinking. So dare to approach us.

9. Whom not?

In general, of course, all those people to whom the above does not apply. Without a prior acquaintance, we can therefore exclude nothing, except for those artists who represent ideologies that are in any way inhumane.

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

JULIAN, Guitars/Backing vocals: We still have stage fright on a regular basis today. For us, it is a sign of healthy respect for our fans and listeners who experience a live show together with us. Of course, everyone has found different ways to deal with stage fright. Good preparation is certainly essential, but sometimes it helps a little to look for a certain fixed point in the audience and concentrate on it. That helps to deal with the crowd.

HERMANN, Bass/Growls: I always get stage fright and extremely nervous before a show. Haven't found something against it, except just go through it and convert the nervous energy into an adrenaline rush (Bonus point, you don't need money for drugs.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Music is a never-ending, ever-changing river. What has influenced us the most is therefore difficult to answer. There are a lot of metal bands from different genres that have influenced us. If something has influenced us, it's mainly the diversity and changeability of metal and not necessarily a specific band.

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

There was a fan who wanted to propose to his girlfriend on stage at our concert. We couldn't fulfill his wish because of the tight time slot. Besides, he had only known his lady of the heart for a few hours. That was very crazy.

13. What do you think of your fans?

We have really great and loyal fans who support us and our music at all times. They are a wonderful community who also support and network with each other. We are incredibly grateful for our ever-growing fanbase and the trust they continue to place in us. Our fans walk our musical paths with us and at the same time always remind us of our roots. It's a beautiful symbiosis. We owe them a lot. 

14. What do you think of our site?

We like the structure of your site and the variety of contributions. Often there are articles that take a look behind the facade of musicians and their activities. This is interesting and very entertaining. In addition, you offer the musicians a great opportunity to present themselves. Already with this interview, you give our voice more hearing. And that's great and we are very grateful for it.

15. Something to add?

Actually, it only remains for us to say thank you for the interview and to look forward to your review of our soon-to-be-released album "The Withering of the Blue Flower".