Interview: Nuclear Winter

Recently, DutchMetalManiac’s Tim van Velthuysen interviewed Nuclear Winter’s Gary Stautmeister.

Hey, how are you?

I’m doing well thanks!

Can you tell us something about the history of Nuclear Winter?

I released my first Nuclear Winter album in 2013 called Ghost. Then shortly after that I released an EP called The Void which was a lighter sounding album. The lead vocals on these 2 albums were done by friends of mine. My next album was Night Shift (2019) where I took over most of the vocal work but I had additional vocals done by members of Dividing the Element. Last year my EP Stormscapes came out and this was like a testing ground for me to do everything myself. Mostly just for efficiency’s sake. This has led me to my latest album called Greystone which will be out in May.

For people not knowing Nuclear Winter (yet), how would you describe your music yourself?

I’d best describe my style as modern melodic death metal. I try to achieve a sound that has resemblance to bands like Hypocrisy, Dark Tranquillity etc.

When someone doesn’t know Nuclear Winter yet and you can choose one of your songs to present yourself, which song would that be?

I think Corridor of Shells from my new album would be a great introductory song. I’m pleased with the sound and atmosphere of how it came out. Otherwise I’d most likely choose Hearts of Stone from my Stormscapes EP – a more straight forward song but still one of my favourites.

What makes Nuclear Winter unique?

Perhaps being one of only 2 Zimbabwean metal bands.

Any future plans you can already tell us something about?

I haven’t started anything new at the moment since I’ve been finalising things on my new album, but I’ll definitely start working on new stuff soon.

Any upcoming gigs for Nuclear Winter? Maybe coming to The Netherlands?

No, I don’t have any gigs planned unfortunately. As a solo artist, for me to perform live would require me to get other musicians involved, for now that’s not a priority for me.

How do you think your life would be without music?

It’s hard to imagine but I would have to find some other creative outlet. I work as a freelance motion graphics artist. I’m not that passionate about it though, but I think without music I’d probably just get more involved doing that.

What advice would you give to young and starting bands?

Just record as much as you can and don’t focus on other’s success. Focus on what you are doing and do it for the enjoyment of it.

Thanks for your answers! Is there anything you want to say to DutchMetalManiac’s readers?

Thanks for the interview and to anyone taking the time to read this – and please look out for Greystone coming in May.

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