Chaos, Sweat, and Shredding: Diabolisches Werk Talks Wacken and Death Metal Influences

In this episode of Podcast, Pipeman sits down with Pismark of German band Diabolisches Werk at Wacken Open Air. They dive into the nuances of language, the evolution of death and black metal, wild stories from legendary gigs, and the reality behind the musicianship in extreme metal. Pismark shares details about Diabolisches Werk’s music, band origins, and the creation of their latest album art.Main Topics Covered

• Pronunciation challenges and idioms in the German language (00:04 – 01:57)
• Comparing climates between Germany and Florida, and Wacken festival weather (02:07 – 02:56)
• Pismark’s previous Wacken experiences with Endstille (03:17)
• Musical influences: Possessed, Venom, Necrophobic (03:52 – 04:10)
• Early days of death and black metal, crossover shows, and band “brutality” (04:15 – 08:48)
• Musicianship in death metal vs. black metal (09:09 – 10:12)
• Diabolisches Werk’s online presence and where to find merch and music (14:54)
• The story and creative process behind the hand-drawn album artwork for “Against Our God” (16:16)
• Announcements of new material in the works (15:29)

Key Discussions & Stories1. Language and Band Name

• Pipeman struggles with pronouncing "Diabolisches Werk;" Pismark explains the name’s untranslatability due to its idiomatic roots (00:15 – 01:37).
• Discussion on language barriers and lost-in-translation humor (01:04 – 01:57).

2. Heat at Wacken and Climate Comparisons

• Nostalgia and surprise over the heat at this year's festival, with jokes comparing Florida’s notorious humidity to “hell” (02:09 – 03:06).

3. Influences and Roots of Metal

• Pipeman points out that Diabolisches Werk’s sound recalls the old school, like Possessed; Pismark confirms Possessed and Necrophobic as core influences (03:40 – 04:14).
• Discussion of genre labeling and legitimacy—how bands like Venom and Possessed are perceived versus modern interpretations (04:33 – 05:18).
• Recounting a notorious backstage fight between Kronos (Venom) and Tom Araya (Slayer) (05:18), confirmed in a recent Venom interview.

4. Old School Gig Mayhem

• Pipeman recalls being at historic crossover gigs: punks and metalheads mingling (and brawling), and the chaotic, no-security shows of the past (06:09 – 07:42).
• Pismark shares personal war stories from a Morbid Angel show—leaving with one shoe, a friend missing teeth, and general mayhem (07:52 – 08:13).
• Battle vests, blood stains, and memorabilia from the '80s (08:32).

5. Musicianship in Death Metal

• Pipeman dispels misconceptions about musicianship in extreme metal: “the musicianship was amazing” (09:14 – 09:38).
• Pismark discusses the technical demands of death versus black metal, praising the skill of genre pioneers (09:46 – 10:26).
• Mention that one Possessed guitarist later played with Primus (10:34).

6. Honoring the Legends

• Conversation about paying homage to foundational acts—Slayer, Venom, Possessed (13:35 – 13:49).
• Thrash’s roots in punk and metal crossover, with insights into Slayer’s original lineup (12:50 – 13:06).

7. Album Art and DIY Spirit

• Pismark describes the homemade creation of the “Against Our God” album cover, deliberately imperfect as a reaction to the AI-age (16:16 – 16:51).
• Emphasis on authenticity and flaws as a part of the metal ethos (16:55).

Notable Quotes

• “Death metal musicians are probably some of the best musicians there is, and that’s what I heard in your music.” – Pipeman (09:30)
• “I want to go the opposite way … making it imperfect, you know.” – Pismark on creating the album art (16:33)
• “You can tell it’s been through some brutality.” – Pipeman on his bloodied battle vest (08:44)
• “If you want to support us, check out our websites.” – Pismark (15:14)
• “When I listened then to Possessed for the first time, it’s like, okay, they are even more evil than Slayer.” – Pismark (11:59)

Resources & Links Mentioned

• Diabolisches Werk on Instagram & Facebook: Search for “Diabolisches Werk” to connect and follow updates (14:54)
• Bandcamp: Find music, vinyl, shirts, and patches by searching Diabolisches Werk on Bandcamp (15:02)
• Latest Album:Against Our God (released one year ago; new material in progress) (15:29)

Pipeman in the Pit is a music, festival, and interview segment of The Adventures of Pipeman Radio Show (#pipemanradio) and from The King of All Festivals while on The Pipeman Radio Tour. 

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