Steffen Kummerer - Vocals, Guitar
                                   & Acoustic Guitar
Sebastian Ludwig - Guitar
Tobias Ludwig - Bass

Formed: 2003
Munich, Bavaria  Germany
Label: Napalm Records
Genre: Black/Death Metal

CURRENT LINE-UP:

Years in the making, Germany's Thulcandra finally issues its first album, Fallen Angel's Dominion, to high critical acclaim. Chris recently spoke to vocalist/guitarist Steffen Kummerer about the adversity Thulcandra faced, the re-emergence of the band and eventual release of the long-awaited CD, as well as what the trio plans for future Thulcandra projects.

Chris: Greetings guys! Thanks for the interview. This CD has been a long time coming it seems. I already have mine pre-ordered because it’s one of my top CDs of the year so far! Did you ever think Fallen Angel’s Dominion would ever get made with all of the setbacks? 

Steffen Kummerer:  Hello, thank you for the support. I am glad that you like what we are doing. It took around seven years to finally release this album and I am satisfied in how it looks, feels and sounds. We just got our own copies some days ago. Thulcandra was on hold for many years so sometimes I was not sure if there will ever be a full length release of this band would be realized. In the end we are here - with the album.

Chris: The obvious Dissection influence seems apparent, but I also hear Vinterland and some De Mysteriis-era Mayhem in the music. What other bands influenced your sound? 

Steffen: Besides the mentioned artists I think Eucharist, Sacramentum and of course Unanimated influenced our sound massively.

Chris: I know Helfahrt is the main band/focus for Sebastian and Tobias (Ludwig), but I’ve a feeling Thulcandra is going to become an instant classic for black metal music. I know the new CD is only just coming out, but do you have plans to record more with the band or is Dominion a one-time effort?

Steffen: Thank you very much. I really enjoy working with the evil twins and Seraph. It is refreshing to work on this kind of music together with some friends who are also completely into Dissection & Unanimated. The twins will go on with Helfahrt, Seraph is finishing his exams in Rotterdam at a famous drum school and I will keep on with my band Obscura and tour through the world. This album is not a one-shot; we will record more music in the future and already we are sorting out new ideas and booked the Woodshed Studios of V.Santura once again. Also live shows will be possible, but no insane touring schedules.

Chris: I know the death of your guitarist Juergen Zintz delayed the recordings from Thulcandra and understandably so. You managed to rework some of the old songs from the demo into the new album along with some new tracks. May I ask if you managed to use any of Juergen’s work from the demo tape? 

Steffen: The demo tape 'Perishness Around Us' was recorded back in 2004. For the full length I reworked some parts of the demo which was the main basis of the song 'Frozen Kingdom', so even Juergen brought some ideas to this release.  We never had an official release with this band, and everything felt unfinished in the end. The demo was not too bad, but not good enough for a release, so we started to work on the debut album just before Juergen committed suicide.

Chris: At this writing you guys played your first set at Germany’s Metalfest. How was that gig? I wish we had some metal fests like that here, but the USA market doesn’t appreciate or support our music. How was the reaction to Thulcandra?

Steffen: Well, you should be glad that you don't have festivals like the Metalfest.  All support bands have to pay or sell tickets in advance to play there, and this ruins the underground completely. There are good festivals such as the Party.San or Festung Open Air who really support the scene. Anyways, the show was okay if you see the circumstances there and more people than expected where showing up. The offer for this show came on short notice, and our real debut show will happen at this year's HELION Festival in Munich, Germany where we will play a special show with a huge production. Honestly, I think the US fans are more into the music than into drinking as the Europeans are. Both are interesting, but I enjoy touring in the States more when it comes to the reactions of fans.

Chris: I know it’s a pretty stock question to ask, but do you have any plans to come to the States for a tour? I think the underground here would truly like you guys; believe it or not, we do have a pretty honorable underground scene that doesn’t include shopping mall music!

Steffen: We would love to come over for some festivals or single shows. Just a real tour is very hard to realize as every one of us has a thick schedule of jobs, university or band duties. We have a booking agent in the USA, so if you are interested, please get in touch with dan@thepantheonagency.com.

Chris: On your MySpace page it says you’re playing a special show at the Helion Festival in October and that it’s being recorded live. Does that mean a possible DVD or live album in the works?

Steffen: Well, we will perform there with a huge production which means several backdrops, 6 fog machines, light show & some other specials for this event. Munich is our homebase and the Helion Festival will be sold out with 1.500 people, it is an indoor festival. All of our friends will be there. We will record the show with several cameras and do a professional audio recording. IF the material is good enough we will release it somewhere as bonus or post it for free at an internet platform.

Chris: I have to tell you, Dissection is one of my favorite black metal bands. Your cover of “The Somberlain” is truly amazing! Was this the only song you wanted to cover or did you have any other bands/songs in mind for the CD? Maybe for a possible live EP in the future (hint, hint)?

Steffen: Haha, I guess the time for covers is over.  This song was the first choice for us, as I would never cover anything of Storms... where you could only ruin the feeling. There will be no live EP or something like this, only project I have planned is to release our old recording of the 'Perishness Around Us' demo from 2004 if I find the time to remix the tracks during this year. Maybe we can combine this with the live recordings, I am not sure yet.

Chris: Seraph from Dark Fortress handles your drumming on the album. He seems the perfect fit on the CD, but is Thulcandra seeking a permanent drummer or will you stick with Seraph, time from Dark Fortress permitting?

Steffen: Seraph is a professional drummer and finishes his studies of music in Rotterdam exactly today at the last exam. He is always booked for gigs, clinics or tours so it is close to impossible to hold him as a full member, unfortunately. What I can promise is, he will also record the next album with us and already agreed to the session. He is a very laid back guy with a professional attitude. If he is not available, we have some friends who can step in.

Chris: In closing, is there any additional news, information or comments you’d like to share with the readers about Thulcandra and Fallen Angel’s Dominion? I really appreciate your time and wish you all the success you deserve - the CD is honestly an instant favorite for me! Danke again for your time, guys!

Steffen: Thank you very much for your interest in our band and what we are doing. We would love to come over and play in the States with Thulcandra. Keep an eye on our touring schedule and feel free to lend your ears to Fallen Angel's Dominion!

Thulcandra's Steffen Kummerer

June 14, 2010

Interviewer: Chris

DISCOGRAPHY:

Fallen Angel’s Dominion (2010)

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Check out Chris' review of Fallen Angel’s Dominion here

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