Interviews: Stellar Rot
1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Did you plan it, or did it just come out of nowhere?
Stellar Rot encompasses the feeling of existential dread that we try to convey through our music, while also staying true to the overarching themes from the Grimdark (Warhammer) universe. While we do not use any specific lore, names, or events from the 40k world, we use it as inspiration, and we intertwine the themes within the narratives and feelings we seek to invoke and tell.
2. Why did you want to play this genre?
We both come from the traditional US Black Metal (USBM) genre with Unendlich. For me (Scott), I have always been extremely into atmospheric black metal bands and wanted to do a project that really embraced that ethereal side of music. While we both still love the punchy, in-your-face riffs from traditional black metal, this was a chance for us to really step out of our comfort zone and explore an area that has always fascinated us that we wanted to pursue. I think Stellar Rot really embraces that, with symphonics and atmospherics on top of a cold, black-metal spine.
3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?
Yes! Mike and I (Scott) have been playing in Unendlich together for many years now. Mike has been creating music with Unendlich since about 2012, and I joined them in 2019 as their drummer. Stellar Rot began with the two of us in 2025 deciding to finally take the leap into the atmospheric side of things and pour our time and energy into exploring that genre to our fullest potential.
4. Each band member's favourite band?
Scott's favorite band is Iron Maiden. Mike's favorite band is Danzig.
5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?
Stellar Rot specifically was constructed around the themes from the Warhammer 40k universe. While we do not quote specific people or places or use any IP from the lore (Games Workshop's legal team is RUTHLESS), we draw our inspiration from the grim dark fantasy world and seek to invoke the same themes. Humanity's descent from greatness into tyranny. The inevitable decay and corruption of all. The temptations of sin, greed, and hatred. Anarchy in its purest form. An endless universe filled with unfathomable horrors. Cosmic dread. These are all things we seek to explore in our storytelling.
6. Where was your last gig?
This is our debut LP, and these songs are all brand new--with the album releasing September 25th through Hypnotic Dirge Records. We will be lining up shows for the Fall and Winter of 2026 and into 2027 to debut all of these songs live! We have a few things in the works so far (to be announced!), but are really excited for these upcoming shows once the album is released and the material is out there. Also--we are actively looking for booking partners on the US East Coast, so please reach out to us if that is you or anyone you know!
7. Where would you like to act?
We would love to play some larger festivals as opening or side stage acts in 2027--festivals like Maryland Deathfest, Fire in the Mountains, Under Appalachian Skies, those sorts of festivals. That is right up our alley!
8. Whom would you like to feature with?
A dream feature would be to share the stage with bands like Panopticon, Blackbraid, Groza, Falls of Rauros, Wolves in the Throne Room, Hulder, etc.
9. Who's not?
No answer provided.
10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?
I think it's safe to say that both of us still get the jitters before every show. I've personally found that finding a healthy way to translate that into adrenaline is absolutely necessary for keeping composure on stage. Nervous before a gig while hanging out backstage or near the bar? Jump up and down, slap yourself, go outside and yell -- do whatever the hell you have to do to go from "nervous" to "amped up". It sounds pretty ridiculous to say, but I find that 'excited' energy flows into the performance and makes it better, while 'nervous' energy leads to mistakes. Find a technique that can help you make that transition and embrace it.
11. What bands have inspired you the most?
I think we listed a lot of the modern bands that we love in the feature section, whom we look up to and really respect what they are doing in the scene. Looking back through history, though, Mike really draws inspiration from bands like Danzig, Slayer, Deicide, Samael, My Dying Bride, Rotting Christ, and others. For me (Scott), I think a lot of my inspiration comes from bands like Emperor, Dissection, Children of Bodom, Iron Maiden, and Dark Funeral.
12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?
Nothing too weird yet! I will say, if we ever lean really into the wargaming stuff from a merch perspective, we would love to sell stuff like custom Stellar Rot dice, or even 3D print our own Stellar Rot wargaming model that fans could build and paint. Maybe we host a virtual competition for the best paint job for a miniature that we sell, and the winner gets a bunch of merch for free from us, like shirts, vinyls, CDs, etc. Thoughts?
13. What do you think of your fans?
Our fans are incredible. As a band debuting their first LP, it is extremely difficult to start "fresh" (even though we both have been playing black metal for our entire adult lives). Having fans embrace the genre change, embrace the new band, and support us through social media and pre-ordering the album has been a massive confidence boost that we are making something special here, and we are ready and energized to get out there and play these songs for our fans live.
14. What do you think of our site?
We love what you guys are doing! I will ALWAYS support our brothers, sisters, and friends in the zine and review spaces, because they are absolutely essential to the ecosystem that has been built around underground music. You guys all give us a platform to tell our story, promote our music, and get the word out, and for that, we are eternally grateful. Your support keeps this machine going, and we count on you all to help us broaden our horizons and reach fans who might not ever know of us otherwise. This is a massively important partnership between zines and bands, and we genuinely appreciate all you do for us smaller bands out here.
15. Something to add?
Whether you love the Grim Dark universe or whether you just want to close your eyes and vibe-out to some atmospheric black metal, we really think that Stellar Rot has something to offer for any metal fan. We poured our souls into making this album, Where The Formless Ones Dwell, and we are beyond excited to share this with the world on September 25th. Lastly--please don't hesitate to reach out if you are a fan. I absolutely love chatting with people about music in general, 40k lore, gaming, or I am also happy to chat about our music specifically on any social media platform, so don't be shy about DMing us to tell me if you love or hate the album; either way, we appreciate the feedback!
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