DANIEL STELLING (RATS OF GAMORRAH): “We Combined What Was Best Of The Previous Two Records”

Rats of Gomorrah band photo
Photo: Peter Ahlers

German Death Metal duo Rats of Gomorrah are set to release their debut album entitled Infectious Vermin on January 31st. The band’s vocalist/guitarist Daniel Stelling spoke with Metal Express Radio about their formation, touring as a two-piece band, taking a DIY approach, and more. Check out the chat below!

Metal Express Radio: How did the formation of your band come about?

Stelling: While the band originally formed in 2009 as a 5-piece called Divide, it reached its final form in 2017, when we first decided to perform as a duo. It worked out so well that we kept it like that ever since, even though people keep wondering of course. It’s always a nice story to tell at the merch table though!

MER: You’ll be releasing your debut album entitled Infectious Vermin on January 31st, what can you tell fans about your first full length album?

Stelling: On Infectious Vermin we combined what we thought was the best of the previous two records: gritty riffs, laid back blasts and a truckload of catchiness. Fans will also find some more experimental stuff as well, just like on most of our releases. I’m sure you’ll love it!

MER: How was it writing and recording as a band for your first time?

Stelling: We’ve been writing and recording for this band, or at least versions of it, since 2009. This time was kind of special though: I recorded most of the guitars without any drums in mind, to just focus on the riffs. Those riffs were then trusted with Moritz to add some pounding and what can I say, it was a pleasant surprise. After some fine tuning, we were ready to capture that beast of an album.

MER: You’ve released a single entitled “Swarming Death”, do you feel this song represents the album well?

Stelling: When we talked about our first single, “Swarming Death” was the first song that came to mind,  it was also the first song that was finished. Musically it might not be THAT representative, but it surely expresses our attitude and our goals: fast, fierce, relentless.

MER: What do you see as plans for you and your band after the album release?

Stelling: We’ll continue to spread the word! Also what drives this band is playing live, a lot. There will be more tours, more shows (festivals?) and of course we’ll start writing new tracks soon enough .

MER: Do you see yourself touring as a two-peice band, or do you see yourself recruiting some help for your live shows?

Stelling: We’ve been touring as a duo since 2017 and we’ll keep doing so. It opens up so many possibilities, facilitates traveling, lugging gear, setting up, van space… you name it!

MER: Who do you hope to tour with and why?

Stelling: Touring is a very intimate process, as you’ll spend a lot of time up close with many people. To us it’s important to have a good connection with our tour buddies. Apart from touring alone, we’ve been on the road with some awesome bands that instantly became our friends (Woslom, Godless, Rotborn). I would always prefer to tour with potential friends instead of a huge act, but why not both at the same time?

MER: Where do you hope to play live and why?

Stelling: We’ll explore Spain and Portugal for the first time next year, after that we’d love to play in northern Europe. Also, playing festivals is always fun, we need more of that!

MER: You’ve seem to have gotten a lot of exposure touring through various parts of Europe while maintaining a more underground/DIY approach, how have you and your band been able to approach that?

Stelling: DIY is often a challenge but I think there is a certain amount of flexibility and freedom involved. All of this is of course only possible with a good and reliable network for booking,  driving, managing… we’re very lucky to be able to do that!

MER: What are your hopes for your band’s future?

Stelling: We hope first and foremost that we can reach more fans all over the world with this abum (and all records to come). I’m sure that together with Testimony Records, we’ll be able to achieve that!

Author

  • Matt Zaniboni

    Matthew is an interviewer here at Metal Express Radio. He started his passion for music journalism back in his college radio days serving as the Heavy Metal Director at WKKL out of Hyannis Massachusetts. During Matt’s tenure in radio, he has had time working for commercial stations in Boston Massachusetts such as WAAF, WZLX AND 98.5 The Sports Hub before landing with Metal Express Radio. Anytime you want to talk heavy Metal, hockey, Guiness, and dad life, Matt is your guy m/

    View all posts

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*


This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.