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Ahead of Nightfall, Mitch spoke to Alternative Press about the band’s journey. During the conversation, Mitch chronicled a path that was equal parts personal and musical. During the process, she and her bandmates found a unique combination of courage and honesty that led them to push stylistic envelopes and craft songs that refuse to shy away from difficult topics. Mitch also challenged herself as a vocalist, creating songs that required quickly switching from guttural screams to powerfully driven clean vocals. The end result is Nightfall. Engaging a wide range of themes, from personal depression to social issues in Germany (and across the world), the record is as lyrically deep as it is musically compelling.

What were your goals for this album? What were you trying to say musically?

I would say the new record turn out to be very personal, and I always used to call the writing sessions therapy sessions because that’s really what it was. I learned a lot about myself in this writing process, and I learned to open up and be honest about myself and being honest about the diseases I face, such as depression. It almost feels like it’s my diary, and that’s actually a little scary to release it, but also feels very, very good. We’re really proud of it because we’ve been working on it for about two years. I would say it’s a very dark record, but also [a] very honest record.

It also feels like you’ve really developed since your first record, 2018’s Enough. That record has a very raw hardcore sound, but also a very minimalist approach to songwriting. How did you develop leading up to this new project?

The first record was basically just releasing demos because we just wanted to play. So the only chance for us was to release music ourselves. We just threw it out there. We only knew each other for half a year when we sat together for the first time songwriting. It’s a different situation knowing each other for only half a year or knowing each other for five years. As I already said, it was difficult for me to open up, even for myself, but in front of other people.

First of all, I wrote it, and then I gave it to the guys, and the guys listened to it, and they were like, “Man, we had no clue it’s that bad or that you’re facing that.” They also said, “If you don’t want to release it, we don’t have to release if it’s too personal. You don’t have to do it.” It’s definitely different when it comes to songwriting because now we try so, so many different things that we weren’t brave enough to do in the first record.

There’s songs that I wrote completely myself instrumentally, and then there are songs Andre [Alves], our guitarist, wrote completely himself instrumentally. There are songs that we both wrote. This process was very different because we just sat together passing the guitar to one another shredding it and then just “whatever it sounds good.” This time, we took our time. We sat together with two producers and worked it out. So it was a very different process.

An effect of this process is that your sound has really opened up. One of the things that really jumped out to me about Nightfall is the depth of your songs. I can see it at a number of levels. There’s a lot of contrast between the songs across the whole album. Also, there are a lot of different styles represented.

I would say we became braver to try out other things. Now we’re using synthesizers and stuff like that, and we do have different influences. Influences come from Paramore to Korn. There’s such a big diversity when it comes to the sound. But we never actually sat down thinking, “Oh, we want to sound like that.” We just naturally started writing songs. We were even curious if these songs, at the end of the day, will actually sit together as a whole and will sound as an album.

As I said before, there’s songs that I wrote one-and-a-half years [ago] here in my bedroom. Then there’s songs that we wrote together with a completely different mindset. I would say it came naturally, but it also came with being brave enough to try out new things and, of course, the influences of the producers as well, which we didn’t have in the first record.

There’s also a lot of intricate architecture within the songs. There are huge contrasts within songs. It creates a lot of emotional richness.

That’s coming from Andre. He is always saying himself that he’s very bad at writing choruses. This is where I feel most comfortable. He’s listening to bands like Iron Maiden and stuff like that. He really likes the real shit, the real metal shit. We find a compromise, mixing our two styles together. We really tried to make it possible to fit the style of both of us into the songs. It turned out to be our style to have these shredding verses, and then the chorus opens up, and it’s very melodic and almost poppy. Andre starts writing songs, and then I’m like, “Oh, I would love to have a poppy chorus is in it, so let me write the chorus.” Somehow it fits together. Sometimes it feels like we have five different genres in our music, which is not a bad thing. We honestly don’t think in boxes. We don’t think, “Oh, we can’t use synthesizers, this is too….” If we like it, we add it. I feel like you can really hear that.

The other thing I wonder about is how that diverse sound impacts you as a singer. You have this amazing spectrum of sounds you create as a vocalist, ranging from really melodic clean vocals to powerful screaming.

That’s actually very tough, and I didn’t realize it when we were writing music. I realized that when we started practicing it because I was like, “Man, these are three different styles: clean vocals,  there’s a little distortion to it in between, and then there were some very loud shouting parts. Switching between those is even physically very challenging and very hard. That’s why I took a couple of vocal lessons because you can really hurt your vocal cords, too. I started warming up correctly, cooling down afterwards and trying to sing without actually being hurt by the end of the rehearsal. So it’s very challenging. But when you’re performing these songs, they transport these emotions, and it fits. If you’re into the song, you don’t really think about it.

So do you channel your emotions to get through it, kind of let them take control?

I mean, if I would do it 100%, I would really hurt my vocal cords because I get very into it and sometimes get very aggressive. It’s a lot of training, a lot of practicing to actually get to the point where you don’t hurt your vocal cords because it’s very challenging, mentally as well as physically. I got into shouting. I actually listened to this to “The Lines” from Beartooth. This guy, he was switching from clean vocals to shouting. I was like, “What is that? This is insane.” That’s how I got into shouting. For clean, definitely Paramore. It just came naturally. I have a lot of anger in me, and it needs to get out. It fits the music style. 

How does that translate to actually performing the songs? What’s it like prepping to go out on the road?

It got easier. I mean, if you perform them for the first time, you just perform in the studio. It’s a completely different thing. I’m a very active singer. I love to run around and jump and hit the guys or stuff like that. It’s definitely challenging, but I can do it. I will definitely need – we all need to practice. Before we go on tour, we also go in the fitness studio and stop eating cake and stuff like that. [Laughs.]

I also wanted to ask about your videos for “Ghosts” and “Mirror.” Both of them have this really great simplicity, which highlights you as performers.

We wanted to keep it simple because we just want to have the focus on the music. That’s why we chose to make them into performance videos. “Ghosts” was shot in a lost place in East Germany. It needed to have an atmosphere, 100%, but we really didn’t want to have a story. That was the first single. We want to have to focus on the band, on the music. “Mirror” was actually shot in a location next to our rehearsal room. Our video guy came up with this idea to make it look like it was shot in a music hall. Also very simple. Actually, it’s just a lot of switches from camera perspectives. There will be two more videos, and they’re going to be a little different. They’re not going totally crazy because it doesn’t fit. We want to keep it as authentic as possible. And we’re not big actors or stuff like that. We’re a live band, and we just want to play.

Another thing about your band that is really interesting is how politically outspoken you are. Why do you want to use your platform to discuss those kinds of topics?

Because it’s important. We live in Germany, and I can tell you there’s a lot of idiots living here. There’s a party in Germany called Alternative For Germany. They’re not even worth talking about, but we dedicated “Fckoff” to them. You walk on a street, and you see all these idiots standing up for completely stupid shit. You’re thinking, “Man, we could have such a good life together.” Everyone would just respect each other and just share some love and positivity instead of hating everything that’s different. What is different even mean? It all doesn’t make sense. It is what we’re thinking, and it is what we are believing in.

Hatred is the worst thing that we have in the world, and why not talk about it? If no one is talking about it, then how are people going to start being brave enough to stand up? We believe, especially living in Germany, it’s very important to not keep your mouth shut but to speak out. It’s something that we’re facing almost on a daily basis. It is in our minds all the time. As I already said, it’s a very honest record. It was one of the topics besides talking about my struggle with depression, having to deal with all these idiots here. We thought “Fckoff” is the right name for that. [Laughs.]

It’s interesting. The U.S. is obviously very politically divided, and we also have a surging right wing. But Germany and a number of other European countries are seeing some really intense developments. It’s been great to see so many artists standing up on those issues.

Maybe it’s because my grandparents had to face war. My grandfather actually was a prisoner in World War II. We heard these stories from the first-person perspective. We know how things can get worse. So it’s very important to stand up. Actually, if you talk to people, they will tell you that this is exactly how everything started. Now is the right time to speak up, and we’re not keeping our mouths shut because this is not right.

It’s really great to see such a strong message, emotionally and politically. Ultimately, I’m wondering if you have any overarching goals for this album.

I just really want to say that I hope that at least one person can relate to the lyrics or identify with the lyrics. This is what’s most important to me. I’ve opened up myself. For this record, it was very, very honestly written. I really hope that at least one person can identify themselves with it. This is my wish actually for the record. 

In the video, Tetrarch find themselves in the middle of a nightmarish scenario. While being held captive by an evil doctor, each member becomes a test subject and must try to break free before it all goes too far.

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“Negative Noise” has all of the elements to become a long-lasting Tetrarch fan favorite. From Ruben Limas’ thundering drums to the fiery guitar riffs from Diamond Rowe, heavy metal rhythms from bassist Ryan Lerner and distinct vocals from lead singer/guitarist Josh Fore, this new single is one of Tetrarch’s biggest yet. 

Fore explains that Tetrarch sought out to create a song that was both sonically massive and showcased each member’s strengths. In fact, there’s one particular moment on “Negative Noise” that stands out as a personal favorite.

“‘Negative Noise’ is one of the heaviest songs on the new record,” Fore says in a press release. “It mixes big riffs with thick bass, extreme drums and some of the most intense screams I’ve ever done. One of the highlights of the song is Diamond’s guitar solo that she absolutely killed and I know will turn so many people’s heads.”

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Along with this, Fore exclusively tells Alternative Press that “Negative Noise” is inspired by real-life situations. Ultimately, the track is for anyone out there that feels they have to conform to fit a certain mould in society.

“Every day, we as humans are surrounded by so much noise and negative energy, oftentimes being pulled in directions that we don’t want to go or being forced into a life of normalcy to appease others,” Fore tells Alternative Press.

For the “Negative Noise” video, Tetrarch knew they wanted to convey the song’s message in a telling and unforgettable way. In the suspenseful visual, the band members are constantly surrounded by static television sets and glowing pixelated faces as they endure experimental tests from a frantic doctor. These ominous symbols represent the negativity that engulfs people each day.

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However, no matter how hard individuals try to escape these suffocating feelings, it can sometimes be a bigger fight than they realize. In fact, as the unexpected ending to the “Negative Noise” video reveals, getting away from the harsh grips of society may just be impossible.

“The video is intense,” Fore further tells Alternative Press. “Even when the patients appear to break free, they awaken in the same situation surrounded by the same static. We had a ton of fun shooting the video and we feel like our director Vicente really helped capture the vibe of the song.”

Along with “Negative Noise,” Tetrarch have also unveiled two other new tracks over the past few months. Back in May 2020, they dropped a sinister video for “I’m Not Right.” In between the powerful performance scenes from Tetrarch, viewers watch as the video’s protagonist gets revenge on those who have wronged them in the past.

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More recently, in February, Tetrarch debuted a gripping visual for their recent single “You Never Listen.” The video follows a kid growing up in an unsupportive and toxic environment. As they try to distinguish reality from the thoughts inside of their head, they eventually step up and take control of their life before it’s all too late.

For Tetrarch, the song is for anyone out there that is going through a hard time. Ultimately, “You Never Listen” showcases making it through dark times and finding the strength to go on and leave toxic relationships behind.

“‘You Never Listen’ is for anybody who has struggled or is struggling through a broken relationship,” Fore says in a press release. “Whether it be with a family member, friend, significant other or even with themselves. So many times, we find that people we once were close with or felt like we knew well show a darker and different side of themselves that forces us apart. ‘You Never Listen’ is about having the strength to say enough is enough and to rid yourself of those toxic situations.”

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Similar to the themes found in “Negative Noise,” “I’m Not Right” and “You Never Listen,” Unstable tackles real-life experiences that will resonate with listeners. For Rowe, this collection of new songs represents the kind of band Tetrarch have always set out to become. Amid the heavy metal breakdowns and personal narratives, Unstable proves that Tetrarch are continuing to push the envelope with their music.

“The album has an overall theme of self-reflection and really looking at the relationships or parts of yourself [and] your life that you don’t like and getting out of those situations,” Rowe says in a press release. “It’s an angsty record. Musically, we were not timid in showing that we refuse to be boxed in as artists. I think we really came out swinging with showing the world the type of band that we want to be. Freak [their 2017 album] did great for us and showed us that the music we were making was something that people wanted to hear. That gave us the confidence to write and record this beast of an album.”

Unstable arrives April 30 via Napalm Records. Preorders for the album are available here.

Unstable tracklisting:

1. “I’m Not Right”
2. “Negative Noise”
3. “Unstable”
4. “You Never Listen”
5. “Sick Of You”
6. “Take A Look Inside”
7. “Stitch Me Up”
8. “Addicted”
9. “Pushed Down”
10. “Trust Me”

Rowe is one of the many talented individuals featured in Alternative Press’ premiere Power Issue: Women Rising. In the issue, she speaks on gender, race and overcoming prejudice to become nü metal’s rising success story. Along with Rowe, Phoebe Bridgers, Maggie Lindemann, Nova Twins, Meet Me @ The Altar and many more powerful female musicians also featured in the Women Rising issue.

What are your reactions to Tetrarch’s “Negative Noise” video? Let us know in the comments below.

Now, as promised, the synth-metal track is finally here. For the “Babalon” video, Andrew W.K. channels his inner metal god while showing viewers his dark side.

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It’s been a while since we last heard new music from Andrew W.K. Back in 2018, he debuted his last full-length album You’re Not Alone which features songs such as “Music Is Worth Living For” and “Ever Again.” Now, Andrew W.K. is back with “Babalon,” his sinister new single that is a true departure from his past sounds.

Filled with massive drums and menacing guitar riffs, the synth-metal vibe of “Babalon” showcases Andrew W.K.’s vocals and his talent as a multi-instrumentalist. For the single’s conceptual video, Andrew W.K. brings together influences from the metal genre while giving it his own ominous twist. Of course, he also throws in a few subtle nods to his iconic 2001 album I Get Wet.

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“With ‘Babalon’, we wanted the audience to slink back down Andrew’s tower and storm the gateway to the city of pyramids with him, or someone who looks like him,” director Michael R.C. says. “We had all been working really hard to lay thee gagging monster down, so it would dwell forever in the chasm of frivolous forming. All these images come from there, from where it’s going. That’s where we put Andrew.”

An exclusive limited edition 7” vinyl of “Babalon” is available to pre-order through Napalm Records.

What are your reactions to the “Babalon” video? Do you like Andrew W.K.’s new sound? Let us know in the comments below.

Now, Bodom After Midnight have confirmed their new EP with Laiho’s final recordings is officially on the way.

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In early January, we learned that Alexi Laiho passed away in his Helsinki home following a battle with long-term health issues. Soon after, Laiho’s widow Kelli broke her silence and thanked everyone for their support during this difficult time.

Although Laiho is gone, fans can still expect to hear new music from the late musician this year. On Apr. 23, Bodom After Midnight are releasing their new EP Paint The Sky With The Blood. The 3-track EP is in honor of Laiho and marks the last-ever recordings from the musician.

“Like ourselves, Alexi was beyond stoked about these songs and anxious to get these out so we are happy that we can fulfill his wish,” Bodom After Midnight say. “Needless to say that we are honored and proud to be a part of his very last creative work and unleash it the way he wanted it to. It’s time to let the beast out of the cage one more time as a celebration of Alexi’s music, legacy and the man himself.”

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The upcoming EP features two original Bodom After Midnight songs – “Payback’s A Bitch” and “Paint The Sky With Blood.” However, the release also includes a cover of “Where Dead Angels Lie,” originally by Swedish metal band Dissection.

Bodom After Midnight had big plans after forming early last year. The band were expected to release a full-length album sometime in 2021. However, those plans were cut short following Laiho’s death on Dec. 29.

The Paint The Sky With The Blood EP arrives via Napalm Records on Apr. 23.

Paint The Sky With Blood tracklisting:

1. Paint The Sky With Blood
2. Payback’s A Bitch
3. Where Dead Angels Lie (Dissection Cover)

What are your reactions to Bodom After Midnight releasing their final music with Alexi Laiho? Let us know in the comments below.

Now, his wife Kelli Wright-Laiho, has reacted to the outpouring of support she has received following the passing of her husband.

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Alexi Laiho passed away in his Helsinki home following a battle with long-term health issues. Laiho was best known as the frontman and guitarist for Children Of Bodom and the metal supergroup Bodom After Midnight.

On Jan. 4, Napalm Records released a statement to CNN confirming the news of his death.

“It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we have to announce the passing of Alexi Laiho,” the statement says.

Statement from Bodom After Midnight:

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we have to announce the passing of Alexi Laiho. We are absolutely devastated and heartbroken for the sudden loss of our dear friend and band member.

Daniel, Mitja & Waltteri pic.twitter.com/AohWJpfnFg

— Napalm Records (@NapalmRecords) January 4, 2021

Now, Kelli Wright-Laiho is publicly thanking fans for their support. In an Instagram post, Kelli says the entire family is taking time to grieve, but they truly appreciate the support they’ve received this week.

“Thankyou all so much for your beautiful energy and support,” she says. “I’m taking time out to grieve our enormous loss with our immediate Finnish and Australian family. Understandably, as you are, we’re completely broken but wanted you to know, We love and appreciate you all so much.”

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View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kelli Wright-Laiho (@kelli_wright_laiho)

Laiho and drummer Jaska Raatikainen formed Children of Bodom all the way back in 1993. Soon after, the band went on to become one of Finland’s most internationally acclaimed metal acts up until their farewell concert back in December 2019. To date, Children of Bodom have sold over 250,000 albums in their native Finland.

Additionally, Laiho created the supergroup Bodom After Midnight last year. Together, the band recorded three songs and shot a music video, set to arrive posthumously.

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Over the years, Laiho has received various awards for his trailblazing career in metal music. Guitar World Magazine readers even voted Laiho the Best Metal Guitarist. As well, the guitarist led a group of one hundred guitar players at the 2015 Helsinki Festival. Together, they performed “100 Guitars From Hel,” a massive concert piece completely composed by Laiho.

Since the news of his death, fans, friends and fellow musicians have taken to social media to honor Laiho. Megadeth‘s Dave Mustaine penned an emotional tweet remembering the Children of Bodom guitarist.

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“So sad to hear about the passing of Alexi Laiho. We often toured together, he was truly an incredible talent. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and fans.”

So sad to hear about the passing of Alexi Laiho. We often toured together, he was truly an incredible talent. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/pcEpQxQRNL

— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) January 4, 2021

Swedish metal band Amon Amarth also shared a tweet reacting to the news of Laiho’s death.

“Berserkers, we are saddened by the unfortunate passing of our brother Alexi Laiho. We have shared the stage many times together and always had a good time with him and the rest of the Children of Bodom crew. A true guitar hero gone too soon, RIP Alexi.. Photo: Veronika Nyssa”

Berserkers, we are saddened by the unfortunate passing of our brother Alexi Laiho. We have shared the stage many times together and always had a good time with him and the rest of the Children of Bodom crew. A true guitar hero gone too soon, RIP Alexi.. Photo: Veronika Nyssa pic.twitter.com/RrsMIsco43

— Amon Amarth (@AmonAmarthBand) January 4, 2021

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Lamb Of God‘s Mark Morton called Laiho “a monumental talent” in a tweet.

“Alexi Laiho was a monumental talent & a genuine, caring & thoughtful person. He will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace Alexi”

Alexi Laiho was a monumental talent & a genuine, caring & thoughtful person.
He will be greatly missed.
Rest In Peace Alexi

— Mark Morton ?? (@MarkDuaneMorton) January 4, 2021

They are just a few of the individuals to pay tribute to Laiho this week.

Devastated to hear of Alexi Laiho’s passing. We toured together many times throughout the years. What an incredible talent and all round super great dude. He will be missed. #alexilaiho

— Mikael Stanne (@MiklStne) January 4, 2021

man. Alexi Laiho, guitarist and frontman for Children of Bodom has passed away. Alexi was an incredible musician, one of the best guitar players of all time, a pioneer in melodic death metal innovating with an inescapable sound. truly a metal legend. RIP, Bodom will live forever pic.twitter.com/1FuzHhfZMF

— Rod Breslau (@Slasher) January 4, 2021

Our thoughts go out to Alexi Laiho’s family during this time.

Napalm Records confirmed the news this week.

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Alexi Laiho passed away in his Helsinki home last week following a battle with long-term health issues. Laiho was best known as the frontman and guitarist for Children Of Bodom and the metal supergroup Bodom After Midnight.

Napalm Records released a statement to CNN on Monday confirming the news of his death.

“It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we have to announce the passing of Alexi Laiho,” the statement says.

Statement from Bodom After Midnight:

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we have to announce the passing of Alexi Laiho. We are absolutely devastated and heartbroken for the sudden loss of our dear friend and band member.

Daniel, Mitja & Waltteri pic.twitter.com/AohWJpfnFg

— Napalm Records (@NapalmRecords) January 4, 2021

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Laiho and drummer Jaska Raatikainen formed Children of Bodom all the way back in 1993. Soon after, the band went on to become one of Finland’s most internationally acclaimed metal acts up until their farewell concert back in December 2019. To date, Children of Bodom have sold over 250,000 albums in their native Finland.

Additionally, Laiho created the supergroup Bodom After Midnight last year. Together, the band recorded three songs and shot a music video, set to arrive posthumously.

Laiho’s bandmates Daniel Freyberg, Mitja Toivonen and Waltteri Väyrynen released a joint statement following the news of his death.

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“We are crushed by the sudden passing of our dear friend and band member. Words cannot describe this shock and the profound sadness that we feel,” they say.

Over the years, Laiho has received various awards for his trailblazing career in metal music. Guitar World Magazine readers even voted Laiho the Best Metal Guitarist. As well, the guitarist led a group of one hundred guitar players at the 2015 Helsinki Festival. Together, they performed “100 Guitars From Hel,” a massive concert piece completely composed by Laiho.

Fans, friends and fellow musicians have taken to social media to honor Alexi Laiho and the legacy he leaves behind in metal music.

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Rest in peace, Alexi Laiho. Absolute legend, you will be missed. pic.twitter.com/zKDxcnwjkb

— Niklas Jensen (@nikguin04) January 4, 2021

Absolutely gutted about Alexi Laiho`s very untimely passing. He had a lot more to left to say with his music.

— Marty Friedman (@marty_friedman) January 4, 2021

Holy fucking shit. 2020 took one last legend on its way out. Unreal.

Alexi was one of the most inspiring and influential artists in my life, especially during my more formative years. I don’t even know what else to say. This sucks.

RIP Alexi Laiho pic.twitter.com/Er0eVy2pFC

— Chris Kelly (@ChrisKGuitar) January 4, 2021

Devastated to hear of Alexi Laiho’s passing. We toured together many times throughout the years. What an incredible talent and all round super great dude. He will be missed. #alexilaiho

— Mikael Stanne (@MiklStne) January 4, 2021

Rest in Peace, Alexi Laiho. 41 is way too young. A lovely guy whose talent stood out from our generation of Metal musicians. I will always have the utmost respect for him, he will be sorely missed in the Metal world. My condolences and prayers go out to his family. pic.twitter.com/cEy4NnnVzJ

— Tobias Sammet (@tobiassammet) January 4, 2021

Our thoughts go out to Alexi Laiho’s family during this time.