Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
Well Nothgard was founded in late 2008 by our Leader Dom R. Crey and our former Drummer Toni. Of course there was a need for a unique Bandname and so on. At first we decided for “Nordavind” before we figured out that there were so many bands already named that way. So we spent plenty of time thinking about it and finally we found it in Nothgard. In the end of 2009 we got booked our first show in a local biker hall, with some local acts. After all, Nothgard has grown after our first Album, released in 2011. Right now we are waiting the release of our second Record which will be unleashed in September 2014 by SMP-Records/Trollzorn and Soulfood.
How would you describe your style? Which bands influenced your music?
We call it Epic Melodic Death Metal. We combine heavy riffing with many melodies played by 3 guitars. What’s also mentionable is the huge orchestral-work on our second album. We have also focused on epic topics for the lyrics, but definitely up to date ones. I would suggest all readers check it out it’s the best way to describe.
Well to name some influences, we have to claim that Children of Bodom, Wintersun but also Alice Cooper, Metallica, Ensiferum, Nightwish and many more were responsible for some few Elements of Nothgard. At least for the first records.
Why should a metalhead buy your demos/albums?
Because we combine some of the greatest parts in metal to a unique creation – our so called “Epic Melodic Death Metal”. Never been heard before in that way and still catchy. Interested in great guitar work? Check out Nothgard, we have 3 of them
What have you released so far and how were your releases received by the public/media?
As I already mentioned we have released our debut in 2011. It is called Warhorns of Midgard and was published worldwide by ALIVE and other distributors.
Do you play live as well? How's your live activity so far?
Of course we play live. Guess playing live is one of the most important aspects for a band. We have played many shows abroad, in countries such as England, Czeck Republic, the Netherlands, Switzerand, Austria and more. In September we will be touring Spain for 8 Shows before we continue the festival shows. Furthermore there is another tour planned. Let’s see what happens.
What should labels/zines/promoters know about your band? Why should they be interested in it?
In our opinion we created something new with our upcoming record. But this is what every band will tell you. The more important thing is that zines and promoters get to know Nothgard. This is the first big step. What they will get in the next step hopefully will convince them to support us. So we just can arouse the people out there check it out if you like bombastic, epic and orchestral music combined with a huge amount of technical riffing.
What plans do you have for the near future as a band?
Playing many shows is one of our major goals. Furthermore we try everything to make Nothgard bigger and bigger. But what matters really is to live our dream and just do what we love to do.
Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
You can find our Debut on YouTube, Spotify, I-Tunes and so on. Of course you can still order it via Amazon I guess. Our new record will be available via official Retailers and Shops. Amazon, the Trollzorn-Shop or our own shop will offer it.
July 2014