Interviews: Screams Of Tranquility

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Melodic Death Metal project Screams Of Tranquility from Austria. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Did you plan it or came out just like that?

Marc: The name "Screams Of Tranquility" subtly already existed in 2016, as I left my former Pop-Punk Band due to musical discrepancies. I did not tolerate wasting my skills with something I never really burned for by full heart anyway anymore. In the beginning, "Screams Of Tranquility" in fact was nothing but an attempt, a template. After a life-changing event in 2016, that name became an actual deep meaning to me, so I stuck with it. And from that day until now, SOT has been a major part of my life.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Marc: I have always carried a huge fascination for subgenres of metal that are more than just loud and pointlessly technical. Ones that have a nice balance of "fuck you!", musical skills, recognition value and message. Subtly or bluntly into the guts. When I was like 13 years old, bands like Children Of Bodom, Arch Enemy, and In Flames might have already tilted my musical journey without me actually knowing it yet.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Marc: I am the head of Screams Of Tranquillity since day one - and since then, there has never been anyone else except me who has had their hands on it.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Marc: I do not necessarily stick to one favourite band. It is rather whole genres like melodic death, thrash, black and all their own special sub-facettes. In old Screams Of Tranquility, sometimes you might even recognise subtle metalcore echoes. 

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Marc: This is a very interesting one. Every song I have ever written came from somewhere. Without claiming any political, religious, spiritual or societal viewpoints, I often reflect things from a grounded and dead honest way. Interestingly enough, the hottest heart of creation ignites when I have personal reasons to vent. And I wrap all that, especially when it comes to the lyrics and message behind those tracks, in a highly poetic, symbolic and epic way - based on the franchise I created behind Screams Of Tranquility since 2024.

6. Where was your last gig?

Marc: Ah, well, since SOT is a one-man band, I barely ever played gigs. The last concert I gave, though, was in 2019 at a local mixed-genre open-air. After that, I decided to step back with that as well, since the whole procedure and efforts barely pay off, when you basically play only lead guitar and vocals, while the rest runs playback. It's fun, but not worth it.

7. Where would you like to act?

Marc: If I had people who would join Screams Of Tranquility, actually stay and do not lose motivation from one day to another, I would prefer to aim for actual metal and rock open-airs and clubs in central Europe, not pointless tent festivals run by the local fire brigade or countryside clubs. Later on, of course, bigger stages like Nova Rock, Bloodstock or even Gothoom.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Marc: Musicians who know what they want, have a solid vision and are on the same, if not better, musical level of skills as I am. And to be more objectively specific here: local Scandinavian metal bands and ones that already have a legacy, like Kalmah or Warmen. Because I know: They are as consequent and serious as me.

9. Whom not?

Marc: Long story short - mainstream musicians that rather follow modern narratives just to meet the expectations of society and politics, instead of just having their own god-damn opinion and not care about possible, if not inevitable, criticism of others. Same as for people who "just wanna see where this goes" and unsolicitedly start venting about their (mostly self-caused) problems, while blaming others. If you don't have a solid vision, I won't move a finger.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Marc: Personally, I never did. Neither back in school when doing reports, nor later on stage. You are not there to prove anything to anyone. You are there to release the reckless heat of your music upon others and do what you burn for the most. In the beginning, setting foot on stages might be overly exciting indeed, but once the first note is played, the first beat has kicked in, and there is no return anymore. And from that moment on, you reign that shit.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Marc: There was a time when I was like 12 years old and accidentally zapped to MTV on Christmas Eve. Children of Bodom's music video for "In Your Face" was on, and that moment left me speechless, my jaw hanging down and my eyes wide open. That was also about the time I got my first guitar, and all I thought was "...Ok. This is it. I want this." Later, as I grew older, many other bands came along, like Finntroll, Kreator, Insomnium, Grave, Suffocation... Just to name major ones. 

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Marc: Ohh. There were a ton of weird things. But the weirdest one so far was when I played at Escape Metalcorner in Vienna: It was a fan girl, and she followed me backstage after the gig as I was about to pack my stuff away. I got asked to sign her cheeks for "a favour in return". As if that would've been much of a thing anyway, but... I don't need to specify in detail what came next.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Marc: After all those years, I have learned that fans come and go, musical preferences change and are not carved in stone. My fans know why I do what I do, and they understand the essence behind it. And that is one of the most important things of all. Besides that, mailing my albums and merch to fans from Canada and even the last corner of Japan tells more about being seen internationally than just streaming counters. In some cases, I even stay in touch with years-long loyal fans, since they have also played a subtle role in the overall growth and journey of Screams Of Tranquility. I value my fans a lot, and I do my best to meet their expectations. Without them, Screams Of Tranquility would have withered away in 2020 already, when I was close to ending all that again.

14. What do you think of our site?

Marc: Your site is what uprising artists nowadays really need to be seen. Visuals, detailed reviews and descriptions of their music, including links to socials and music. Objectively designed without having any personal opinion on anyone, transparent and fair. As it should be, great!

15. Something to add?

Marc: There is no "Maybe if, what if we could, I am not sure, but...". Say what you have to say, don't accept half-assed excuses as an answer - and let the trash sort itself out.

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