Interview Delirium's Dawn

In this interview, Delirium's Dawn discusses their evolving lineup, latest single "Disintegrate," and the diverse influences shaping their sound. They also share insights on managing their career independently and their plans for future projects.

1. Your band has undergone several lineup changes over the years. How has this affected your sound and songwriting process?

Absolutely! Each of our drummers had their own style, and I mean that in a positive way. We hang out, check out other bands, go to live concerts, and exchange ideas. This naturally shapes the band's sound.

At the same time, with each lineup change, fresh wind has blown in, and we've explored new styles. Initially, we were very thrash-heavy. With the switch from Tobias to Max K., we ventured into Melodic Death Metal. Then Max T. came along, and we explored the realms of Djent. With Manu, we've landed in Melodic Metalcore. This is where we currently feel very comfortable and want to write awesome songs!

2. Your latest single, "Disintegrate," explores the theme of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on humanity. What inspired you to delve into this subject matter?

In our lyrics, we have always addressed contemporary issues, which is again the case with "Disintegrate." AI is a double-edged sword; on one hand, it can solve many of today's problems. On the other hand, entire professions are at extreme risk. In the music business alone, there are already several ways to use AI to write lyrics, create riffs, design cover artworks, and even compose entire songs based on keywords. So, it was only logical for us to tackle this topic, and I believe we've executed it extremely well.

3. Delirium's Dawn has been described as a blend of various metal genres such as Heavy, Thrash, Death, and Progressive. How do you manage to incorporate these diverse influences into your music while maintaining a cohesive sound?

I think the first albums by In Flames were very influential for us. In Flames had already managed to blend very melodic folklore with metal using the Gothenburg sound. Additionally, there are four individuals in this band, each has its favorite bands and influences. With these, it's not that difficult to incorporate various styles into a song. However, it is also like playing with fire; if you mix too many styles into a song, you automatically narrow your audience. With "Horizons," I think we found a very good middle ground. Nevertheless, we want to focus more on a Melodic Metalcore sound in the future.

4. "Horizons," your fourth album, is noted for its exploration of different musical genres. How do you approach experimentation within your music while staying true to your core identity as a band?

With "Horizons," we wanted to take a step further and expand sonically. "Horizons" is an album where we revisit styles from our past and spice them up with other styles, such as brief salsa passages. Our core identity has somehow always been in flux over the last 20 years, and we're used to it.

5. As an independent artist, how do you navigate the challenges of the music industry, especially in terms of promotion and distribution, and what advice would you give to emerging bands in a similar position?

Commit yourself and plan ahead. Think about what you want to achieve in the next two years. Album, EP, tour? Plan promotion times, and so on. Everything comes down to your strategy. Since three of us have families, planning ahead is key to maintaining a healthy balance between our regular jobs, our families, and the band.

6. Your band took a break between 2011 and 2012. How did this hiatus impact the band's dynamics and approach to music upon your return?

When Max left, we were obviously at a standstill at first. One thing was clear: we were definitely going to continue, more modern and technical. We wrote new songs and started looking for a drummer (once again) and found one in 2013. Manu was exactly the guy we needed. Technically skilled and a chilled dude.

7. The songwriting process can often be complex, especially when combining different musical styles. Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process and how you collaborate to bring your ideas to fruition?

In the past, Ary often worked out large parts of the songs. In the rehearsal room, we jammed to the songs and exchanged ideas. Here and there, ideas for songs also came from Younas and Tom. One way or another, a song was born. With the current single, we've changed our approach: we collectively choose a song from another band that we like in terms of mood and try to translate it into our sound. A big difference from before is that we first focus on a really good chorus melody, whether it's for the lead guitar or the vocals.

8. Your music has gained recognition both locally in Munich and internationally. How do you perceive the differences in audience reception between your hometown and other parts of the world?

Metalheads are pretty much the best audience you can have anywhere. You're warmly welcomed everywhere, and people have an awesome time. Of course, there are "local customs": In City A, people go wild from the first note, in City B, they might need to "warm up" first. City C might need a brutal breakdown as an icebreaker. But at the End of the day, every Audience has its own charm.

9. "Disintegrate" is self-managed in terms of production and mixed by Ary Keshtgar. How important is creative control for Delirium's Dawn, and how does it contribute to the overall artistic vision of your music?

We have always done everything DIY. In the beginning, it was simply because we had very little money. Over the years, our skills naturally grew, thanks to Ary's strong technical interest. He is always up to date with the latest sound technology and can therefore mix our music to match the sound of our influences. So, it has never been a question for us to hand the mix over to someone else. Of course that doesn't mean it couldn't be an option in the future.

10. Looking ahead, what are the next steps for Delirium's Dawn? Are there any upcoming projects or goals you can share with your fans?

Since we have released only singles and albums so far, we are planning to release our very first EP in 2025. Then, of course, gigs, gigs, gigs. We're already working hard to set things up for 2025, also to properly celebrate our 20th anniversary as a band. We have other plans for the 20th anniversary, as well. But they are still top secret ;-)

DELIRIUM'S DAWN Melodic Metalcore from Bavaria, Germany (deliriumsdawn.de)

Musique | Delirium´s Dawn (bandcamp.com)

DELIRIUM‘S DAWN (@deliriumsdawn) • Photos et vidéos Instagram

DELIRIUM'S DAWN - No Way Out [Official Music Video] (youtube.com)