Emerging German metalcore band THROATCUT are set to release their debut album entitled Resilience on July 18th. The band’s drummer Lukas Akman spoke with Metal Express Radio about the band’s formation, their upcoming debut album, touring with Currents, and more. Check out the chat below!
Metal Express Radio: How did the formation of your band come about?
Akman: We’ve known each other for a long time actually. Max, Eugen and I have been making music together for about 10 years now (Max and Eugen go even further back). We had another band before THROATCUT. With some other guys. That eventually split up until it was just the three of us left. We continued for some time, but then decided that we wanted to do something else. We also wanted to get an additional member to play bass, that’s where Rapha came into the picture. We’ve known him from our local scene, and have been hanging out in the past or went to shows together. He was also the only one with the right approach to music, so we thought that he’s a great fit. We asked him if he wanted to join, and that’s about it!
MER: You’ll be releasing your debut album entitled Resilience on July 18th, what can you tell fans about your first album?
Akman: It’s probably the first thing I’ve stuck with to the end. We poured every bit of intentional effort in it that we could bring up. It’s raw, honest and emotional (although mostly angry). This album is a snapshot of what we think is the “truest form” of ourselves that we can be currently, and we hope that you can also find out something about yourself when listening.
MER: How was it writing and recording your first full length album together?
Akman: It was a journey to say the least! Our approach this time was different from anything we did before. The process basically started with Eugene who brought a lot of great ideas. But instead of just jamming it, we built an improvised studio in our rehearsal space, and worked on the songs until we felt comfortable. After that we took a “band vacation” where we rented a house in the middle of nowhere to focus completely on the music. We then took the songs to the rehearsal space again, where we jammed them together for the first time, to see if they “feel” right when playing, and after some adjustments, we were done. We learned a lot about ourselves and about each other while writing. Not only is each of us different with his approach to writing music, but we also connected deeply on a personal level. And although we had some creative differences sometimes, we always found a solution that everyone were happy with. In the end, the things that we created as a “compromise” at first, were the things that came out the best, because they have something from all of us in it.
MER: You recently supported Currents and Aviana on their tour, how was the show for you and your band?
Akman: The fact that this happened to us is still nuts. When we found out that they were playing near us, we just shot our shot and it hit. We’re fans of both bands for a long time now, so the opportunity to share the stage with them was a huge deal for us. When we arrived at the location, everyone was really nice to us, so we felt comfortable immediately. We had some great hangs and talks, and we’d love to share the stage with either of them again! The show itself was also great! We had some technical difficulties, but that didn’t stop us from having fun on stage. We still gave it our best, and I think the crowd appreciated it. We’re really grateful for this opportunity.
MER: You’ve released a couple of singles from the album, do you feel those songs represent the album well?
Akman: Yes, I think they do. While writing, we had a lot of different influences, so there are songs that are more based in hardcore, and songs that are more based in metalcore/deathcore. I think the selection of singles is a good way to show the “musical spectrum” that we live in. Also lyrically the singles are a good summary of the album.
MER: This summer, you’ll be playing the Summer Breeze festival, what are your expectations on the upcoming gig?
Akman: We’re so stoked on that one! Summer Breeze has been a bucket list thing for me personally, but also for the band in general for years. It’s awesome that we get this opportunity in our first year. We do everything we can to deliver a really good show, but we’re also looking forward to meeting a lot of friends, and people we don’t know yet! And of course, to catch some of our favorite bands!
MER: What else do you see as plans for you and your band to support your new album?
Akman: With the album we’re also releasing our most ambitious video yet, so I think that helps. We also have some content in the works to promote the album across our socials, but in general we’re trying to get some nice shows booked. We want people to listen to our tracks, and to connect with them. I think this works best at a live show, where we’re also able to interact with our listeners directly.
MER: Who do you hope to tour with and why?
Akman: There are a lot of bands we’d love to tour with, not only because we like their music, but also because they have been an ongoing inspiration for us. Some of them are: Chelsea Grin, Knocked Loose. Alpha Wolf, Thrown, Half me, Counterparts, End, and many more!
MER: Is there anywhere you hope to play live and why?
Akman: My personal dream gig would be in Tokyo/Japan. I really like the balance between cultural heritage and modern society. I’d love to travel there one day, and it would be amazing if my music would allow me to do that. You can learn so much from other cultures, and if you bond over music, it’s even better!
MER: Germany is known for a strong heavy metal scene, how is it to be a part of it?
Akman: First and foremost we’re thankful that we can do what we’re doing, and how we’re doing it. As you said, there are a lot of really good bands in Germany. We think that with the current position we’re in, it allows us to shine some light on other bands we’re really enjoying to get them more exposure. It also allows us to push our local scene, and proudly represent it.
Be the first to comment