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Interrogation: Louis Panzer of Nocturnus
February 2000
Give some sort of historical recap to the initial breakup of
Nocturnus - who, what, when, etc.?
The band broke up officially after the recording of the two song CD with
"Possess the Priest" and "Mummified". We had released
Mike Browning after the "Thresholds" tour and then took in a new
drumner, James Marcinek, with the idea being that we would record a third
album for Earache. When Earache declined to continue our relationship, we
all got somewhat frustrated and we were all pretty burnt from the
experience. We all decided to call it quits at that point and then we put
out the CD with Moribund records as a farewell to the fans.
What has everyone been up to during the interim? Did everyone keep
in contact over the years?
Everyone did different things during that time and yes, we all stayed in
touch. Sean and I have remained best friends for ten years. When we did
decide to start writing again as Nocturnus, it all kind of evolved pretty
naturally. First, Sean and I came up with some material and recorded it on
my computer. Then Emo and Mike joined in and we realized that we needed
vocals and drums. Emo stepped up and really delivered on vocals and we
hunted around until we found Rick.
How did you find the new members, and what about their abilities
made them right for the positions?
Well, Emo was already a part of the band by then... he toured
"Thresholds" with us and remained in touch with Sean, Mike, and
I. Rick was the one that took the most effort to find... we decided on him
after trying out about fifteen different drummers. We selected him because
he was hard hitting, diverse in his style, and able to come up with
excellent accompaniment for our riffs.
Musically the new material is more stripped down than the Nocturnus
of old. Not to say the material is in the least bit simplistic, but
obviously more thought has been given to structure and feel than
flashiness and technicality. What brought on the new approach to dynamics
and writing, and how do you view the final outcome?
We are really pleased with the outcome of "Ethereal Tomb"! Yes,
a conscious effort was made to change our approach to the songs, but I
think there was also a maturity that came about from playing for ten
years. We wanted to highlight the guitars and always felt that, as cool as
the first two albums were, there was sometimes so much chaos that you
couldn’t get a handle on what the song was trying to say. We really
wanted to let the leads shine and use the keyboards in a different way
this time out.
In the early 90’s Nocturnus was always ahead of the pack,
pioneering new directions for death metal and extreme music in general.
What kind of problems did this cause for the band at the time, and coming
back into the game at this point how do you foresee the acceptance of your
continually atypical performance?
We were very fortunate in that when "The Key" came out people
took to it with open minds. Yes, it was ahead of the pack but I think it
was meant to be that someone would take it to that level. I think that the
guitars, with their blinding alien attack, and the keyboards really took
people by surprise. It never caused a problem for us. As far as today
goes, we think that the fans of extreme metal will be even more receptive
to what we have created because they have been conditioned to accept the
blend of keys in the music. Of course there are many bands using them now
and putting them way out front. We may balance things out on the next one
with a more out front mix of the keys for sure, but the actual parts and
design will likely stay similar.
Judging from the track titles the science fiction theme is still
present. Why is there a dominating interest with sci-fi/horror, and what
do you hope to express with such topics?
Since we were kids we have always been attracted to sci-fi! "Star
Wars", "Alien", "Star Trek"... the idea of life
beyond this world has always been of interest to us. Perhaps as kids the
idea of escaping this world for some other realm in which we are the
conquerors or explorers was what it was all about… We are simply trying
to transport the listener to other domains beyond the confines of this
sphere!
I’ve read that you have a degree in psychology, and that some of
the songs on "Ethereal Tomb" deal with analyzing the human mind.
My promotional copy of the CD was without lyrics, so can you discuss some
of your theories about the human condition, and how you use your knowledge
to portray these elements within the confines of Nocturnus?
Hmm... well, I see the human condition as being filled with choices in how
we determine our reality. Some people find themselves plagued by demons...
demons that they have created and nurtured. For them, life is continued
hell. Others have programmed themselves to see the world differently; as
one filled with hope and promise. I think the true reality is that we
contain all of the possibilities inside of us. That to appreciate the good
in our lives we must face the bad. I think that evil exists because man
created it. It had to be created to provide a balance for good. Facing our
fears and giving them a voice can be a cathartic release; a control of the
two sides. I think that in Nocturnus when we write lyrics we try to
explore all different types of things that create fear. For instance,
"Science of Horror" really picks apart the things that cause
fear in people... the types of dreams and deep inner fears that are primal
such as drowning, falling, burning, etc. Disease, insanity, serial
killers, etc. all make up the lyrics of the songs. Then we also blend that
in with a healthy dose of mystery and discovery. It isn’t so much a
search for answers as it is a discussion of the complex elements that make
us who we are.
Who writes the lyrics? Does the entire band share similar beliefs
and contribute equally to the lyrics as they do to the music?
The lyrics are written by Emo, Mike, and myself. The three of us really
explore ourselves and the literature and media to give a voice to the
ideas we create. Sean and Rick agree with what we do and are along for the
lyrical ride.
The keyboards play a slightly different part within the new
compositions, adding deliberate texture and ambience to the sound rather
than being more of an experimental attack. How has your style developed,
and do you think a balance between the experimental and traditional uses
of keyboards will eventually appear?
The style developed towards being more of a support during the majority of
the music and then sticking out when the time is right. I do feel that the
mix was not favorable to me this time out and I intend to make sure that
in the future the things that have been done in the studio aren’t lost.
However, that said, I am happy with the overall impact of the CD. Yes, I
can say that there will be a greater balance between weird, out front
parts and the atmosphere next time out...
I assume that Nocturnus plans to continue to create groundbreaking
music, and that this is not the last we’ll hear from the band? What lies
on the horizon for the band as far as writing/recording new material and
touring?
Most definitely. We have found the chemistry between everyone and there is
plenty of new music coming. We are currently working on our set for the
Metalfest in New Jersry on March 11th and a local show here in Tampa. Once
the festival is done, we are going to start digging in to some brand new
songs.
If there is anything else you feel is worth discussing, please feel
free…
We encourage everyone to keep an open mind to life and to music. Please
visit our website and share your thoughts on the CD, the band or whatever!
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