Interview with STORMER

!!!HEAVY/SPEED METAL FROM CROATIA!!!

We had a conversation with Domagoj Fišeković (Vocals). Enjoy!

Welcome to the FILTHY DOGS OF METAL Webzine.

First of all, tell us a few things about STORMER. Who are the members, when did you form the band, and what was the idea behind its creation?
STORMER is a heavy metal band from Rijeka, Croatia. We formed earlier this year, although four of us (except David) had already been playing together for years in a thrash metal band called Krematorium. STORMER was formed after the four of us left Krematorium. The idea was simply to play more heavy metal instead of thrash.

Line up:
David Kerševanić – bass
Dorian Perušić – drums
Domagoj Fišeković – vocals
Sebastian Živković – guitar
Zdenko Debić – guitar

You recently released your demo, “Demo ’26”. How has the response been so far, both from your audience and from the press?
Response is great. To be honest, we didn’t expect so much attention because it’s just a demo. I mean, we believe in our music and we think the songs are really good, but we released Demo ‘26 simply to have some music out there, so people could get to know what STORMER is all about until we make our first album. The audience,concert organisers and the press have all really liked it.

Let’s talk about the lyrics. What are the main themes and ideas behind your songs, and how important is the lyrical side of STORMER’s music to you?
When it comes to lyrics, it’s important to me that I can feel them when I’m singing those songs, and hopefully the listeners can feel that too when they hear them. That’s why we don’t write lyrics about war, politics or other “world problems.” We don’t feel connected to those subjects. Our lyrics are about freedom, trying to survive in life despite all the constant everyday problems, and staying true to yourself.

You included a cover of Pantera’s “Proud to Be Loud” on the demo. What made you choose this particular song? It comes from a lesser-known and rather different era of Pantera. What does this song mean to you?
Well, we thought that a cover song on a demo would be a good fit. So naturally, we picked the only one we were playing at the time, and that was it. We’re all really big fans of the Power Metal album, and this is our little homage to the forgotten past of Pantera. The true heavy metal audience really loves this one.

Are you currently looking for a record label? Would you prefer to work with a label or remain completely DIY? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each approach from your perspective?
Hmm, that’s a tricky one. On one hand, I personally think that it’s much harder to get on some good festivals or gigs if you’re independent, especially if you’re a new band. But on the other hand, having the wrong or a “lazy” label is even worse. So, when that time comes (we have to finish our album first), we’re going to look around and see if we can get a good deal with a decent label. Dying Victims Productions is a perfect example of how a label should work with bands, for example.

Every band has its share of crazy moments. Is there any funny, strange, or memorable story from the recording sessions or your live shows that you would like to share with us?
We always have fun at shows, rehearsals, or whatever we’re doing. I can’t point out anything crazy right now, but some weird stuff happened at our first gig.Three strings broke on one of the guitars.And it was only a 35-minute set!

Physical formats or digital? Do you prefer vinyl, cassette, CD, or digital releases, and what makes your preferred format special to you?
Definitely physical formats. Although it is much more practical to listen to music in digital format nowadays, there is something magical about taking a vinyl record and spin it.

Your music is rooted in Heavy/Speed Metal. What are the bands and artists that have influenced STORMER the most? Are there any particular albums that played an important role in shaping your sound?
We are heavily influenced by the ’80s heavy metal bands and by the NWOTHM movement, with bands such as Enforcer, Venator and Night Demon, just to name a few. When it comes to albums, we would need a whole new interview just to answer that question! But if we had to pick just one album, we could go with the already mentioned Power Metal by Pantera.

Being in a band often requires sacrifices. What do you think a band has to sacrifice in order to move forward and achieve its goals? Have you personally had to sacrifice anything for STORMER and its future?
Well, finding time for rehearsals and coordinating everything between the five of us, and doing that once or twice every week, can be a little difficult, but nothing impossible. I would say that the main “problem” is our jobs, because everyone has to take a few days off when we’re playing somewhere further away and stuff like that.

What would your ideal live show look like? From the venue and atmosphere to the audience and the band’s performance, what would constitute the perfect STORMER gig? Have you experienced anything close to that so far?
Any place packed with a crowd that likes you and really enjoys your set is an ideal show if you ask me. I would say that our first gig in Rijeka (our hometown), this September,was something like that. Great gig.

AI is becoming increasingly present in music production and promotion. What is your opinion on the growing use of AI in music? Do you see it as a useful tool, a threat to creativity, or simply something that bands will have to learn to live with?
AI is an extremely dangerous and powerful tool when it comes to art. We don’t think it’s a good thing when it’s used for such purposes because it kills creativity and takes the soul out of art.

There are countless new Heavy Metal bands emerging every year. What do you think a young band needs in order to develop its own identity and stand out without simply imitating its influences?
Well,if we ever make it in this business we’re gonna tell you what is it haha. We don’t know either,but practicing,making great songs,playing live often and doing it right is not a guarantee to success but it is the only way if you wanna make it big.

Digital platforms have completely changed the way underground bands reach listeners. Do you think platforms such as YouTube, Bandcamp, Spotify, and social media genuinely help new Heavy Metal bands? What do you consider the most effective way for an underground band to promote its music today?
I think they do, because you’ve got most of the bands in one place, and if you find some good channels or playlists, it’s easy to discover new bands and build your own playlists that actually interest you. That’s how I do it, and I’ve discovered some really great young heavy metal bands over the years.

Based on your own experience so far, what advice would you give to a new Heavy Metal band entering the underground scene? Is there anything they should definitely do or avoid?
Don’t rush things. I know that everyone gets excited about the band and the songs and wants to show everyone what they’ve created as soon as possible (including us), but it’s important to take a few steps ahead first - get some good band photos, work on your image, record some material in advance, and then go public and hope for the best.

Let’s talk about the Croatian underground Metal scene. How would you describe it at the moment? Which bands, fanzines, webzines, venues, clubs, or other people and organizations would you recommend to someone who wants to discover what is happening there?
Croatian metal scene is pretty decent. It has its ups and downs, but overall, there are some really good bands like Flesh, Speedclaw, Krystal Rite, Hefest…I would say that most metal gigs are based in Zagreb or Rijeka, but gigs are also happening in other cities, maybe just not as often. So, if you’re looking for a gig, try these two cities first.

What does Metal mean to you personally? And, just for fun, if you had to choose 10 Metal albums that “run through your veins,” which ones would you pick?
It’s a big part of our life because we all enjoying in this kind of music since our highschool years. This is the 10 albums from all five of us:

1. Judas Priest - Defenders of the Faith
2. W.A.S.P. - W.A.S.P.
3. Iron Maiden - Piece of Mind
4. Judas Priest - Stained Class
5. Iron Maiden - Powerslave
6. Ozzy Osbourne - The Ultimate Sin
7. Slayer - Show no Mercy
8. Mercyful Fate - Melissa
9. Enforcer - From Beyond

How familiar are you with the Hellenic Metal scene? Are there any Greek bands or albums that you particularly enjoy or would like to mention to our readers?
We know a few guys and bands from your scene, such as Leatherhead, Murder Angels, Chronosphere, Suicidal Angels… Dorian toured Europe a few years ago with his band Speedclaw, together with Chronosphere, so he knows them really well. Up the Hammers is also a great heavy metal festival. Greece seems like a great country for heavy metal. We hope to get the chance to play there very soon.

Finally, what does the future hold for STORMER? Are there any new recordings, releases, concerts, or other plans that you can tell us about?
We’re opening for Timo Tolkki from Stratovarius in Zagreb on October 24th. The week after that, we’re going to Dubrovnik together with Krystal Rite. We already have some gigs booked for 2027, and along with that, we’re working on new songs to finish the album. Basically, we just want to play everywhere and build an audience for Stormer. The demo should be released on cassette soon, but we don’t have an exact date yet, so we can’t give any more details right now.

Thank you very much for your time and for taking part in this interview. Is there anything else you would like to say to our readers, or anyone you would like to thank or mention? The final words are yours!
Thank you again for reaching out to us and doing this interview. People like you, who support new underground bands, are the reason why all of this is worth it. Special thanks to Robin Perušić, who works on all our visuals for social media, and Moreno Dunato, our good friend and merch guy. Thanks to all of our friends who support us and help us in all kinds of ways. Hope to see you soon in Greece!

By Steve the Filthy Dog.

Logo: Ivan Montan
Photography: Vigo Mavrović
Artwork: Robin Perušić

STORMER CONTACT:

https://www.facebook.com/stormerheavymetal/

https://www.instagram.com/stormer_heavymetal/