My Darkest Hate is a really hard and raw band
from Germany. I really like their style. Here
have the vocalist Claudio Enzler answered my
questions late November-early December 2025.
Please tell me a little history about when you
started and why?
-The band was founded in 1998 by our guitar
player Jörg M. Knittel, who had previously
played with Sacred Steel. Jörg had the idea for
the band already in early 1990s: and he wanted
to create an extremely brutal death metal band
in the style of Bolt Thrower, Massacre, or
Celtic Frost. However, it took about six years
until he found the right musicians.
Jörg wanted to establish a no-compromise death
metal band characterized by heaviness and groove
Please tell me a little about every member, age,
instrument, bands before and on the side and
something bad about every one?
-We
are all around 50 years old, and each of us
plays in other bands as well. Jörg Knittel also
plays with Dawn of Winter and together with me
in Goblins Blade. I (Claudio Enzler) have
numerous other bands such as Sacrificium, The
Malice (SWE/GER), Thy Bleeding Skies (FIN/GER),
etc. Mario Henning plays with Opus Irae, Jonas
Khalil with Sacred Steel and previously with
Disbelief, and Roberto Palacios with Cave and
formerly with Chinchilla.
After the recordings for Rust and Bones,
Roberto and Jonas left the band to fully focus
on their other projects and were replaced by
Wolfgang Nillies (guitar) and my brother Gustavo
Enzler (bass).
We all have our strengths and weaknesses, but we
complement each other in the right way, which in
my opinion is the most important thing.
My darkest Hate, what is the meaning with name?
Which is your darkest hate?
-The
name “My Darkest Hate” is meant to be understood
symbolically for what the band represents
musically and lyrically.
Our darkest side has many faces and is not a
foreign body, but an integral part of our being.
It does not emerge in moments of strength, but
in moments of fragility—when fear and
uncertainty shake the very foundations of
ourselves.
In times of economic crisis or under the
pressure of professional expectations, the
fragile nature of humanity reveals itself: fear
becomes the driving force that pushes us into
egoistic patterns, isolates us from one another,
and brings forth aggression as a shield.
Yet darkness is multifaceted. It manifests in
envy, in the constant comparison that social
media has turned into a daily ritual. We measure
ourselves against illusions and feed frustration
until resentment poisons our relationships and
erodes our sense of worth. Likewise, the dark
side appears in the pursuit of power and
control—subtle, yet destructive.
Micromanagement, the urge to belittle others,
springs not from strength but from fear of our
own insignificance.
And then there is indifference: a silent shadow
spreading through the hectic rhythm of everyday
life. We lose sight of the suffering of others,
absorbed by our own worries, blind to the pain
surrounding us. This indifference may be the
most dangerous form of darkness, not loud, not
aggressive, but quiet and omnipresent.
Nietzsche reminds us that these shadows are not
flaws to be eradicated but truths to be
embraced. “One must still have chaos in oneself
to give birth to a dancing star.” Our darkness
is a mirror, revealing who we are when the masks
fall. It challenges us—not through repression,
but through recognition and responsibility. Only
by acknowledging the shadows can we consciously
choose the light.
But when we talk about punk, what does the word
mean to you, is it only a word, only a music
style or is it a lifestyle? I know you play
another music but only an interesting question?
-Punk
originated in the USA and the UK with bands like
the Ramones, Sex Pistols, and The Clash. Its
musical style is characterized by fast, simple
songs with few chords, a raw sound, and direct
energy. The lyrics are often critical,
rebellious, and politically or socially charged.
As a subculture, punk embraces a DIY attitude,
anti-establishment views, and strong
individualism. Core values reject mainstream and
commercialism, emphasizing authenticity. Punk
emerged as a reaction to the overproduction and
commercialization of rock music and became a
voice for dissatisfaction and protest.
From this foundation, more extreme forms began
to evolve in the early 1980s. Crustcore fused
punk’s raw aggression with heavier, darker
tones, often influenced by metal, creating a
bleak and apocalyptic sound. This paved the way
for Death Metal and Grindcore, which pushed
intensity even further—introducing blast beats,
guttural vocals, and complex riffing. These
genres retained punk’s rebellious spirit but
amplified its sonic brutality, forming a bridge
between hardcore punk and the extreme metal
underground.
Without punk, death metal in its current form
probably wouldn’t exist!
To play this sort of music in Germany how is
that? Is it many places to play?
-Death
Metal has a firm place in Germany’s metal scene
and is considered one of the strongest subgenres
of Extreme Metal in the country. Germany is even
one of Europe’s most important metal
strongholds, with a large fan base and a vibrant
concert and festival culture.
Besides the bigger festivals there are numerous
underground festivals and clubs for both big and
smaller bands, and a very active scene.
To live in Germany right now with racists,
economy etc, how is that?
-Living
in Germany today is a mixed experience.
Germany still offers a strong economy, high
living standards, and good infrastructure, but
recent challenges like inflation and rising
energy costs affect daily life.
Job opportunities remain solid, especially in
tech, engineering, and healthcare, though
immigrants often face hurdles such as language
barriers and recognition of qualifications.
Racism and discrimination are still present,
despite strict anti-discrimination laws. Many
minorities report bias in housing, employment,
and public spaces, with women wearing
headscarves and people of color particularly
affected. Larger cities tend to be more diverse
and welcoming, while rural areas can feel less
tolerant.
It’s important to stress that racism brings no
benefit to society—every person deserves equal
respect and opportunities regardless of origin,
religion, or appearance. Equality strengthens
communities, while discrimination only creates
division.
Additionally, society is increasingly polarized
due to targeted misinformation, which fuels
distrust and deepens social divides.
Please tell me a little bout following lyrics?
Vengeance my brother
-It´s a furious statement of loyalty,
retaliation, and retribution.
If someone hurts you, we will avenge you. No
punishment goes unpunished.
From ruins rise
-The
song explores the idea of rising again after
total destruction. It’s not about passive
survival, but about an aggressive, powerful new
beginning.
Flammenland
-“Flammenland”
is not a place – it is a state of being. A realm
immersed in fire, where the air tastes of ash
and the sky is torn apart by blazing tongues.
Here, there is no peace, only the sound of
burning earth and the scream of vengeance. The
flames are not mere destruction; they are
purification – devouring the old to make way for
the unstoppable. In this inferno, the will
rises, unbroken and merciless. Every strike,
every note is a spark piercing the darkness. “Flammenland”
is the call to battle, the manifesto of chaos,
the anthem for those who do not flee but walk
through the fire to emerge as victors from the
embers.
Is it important to put in politics in the music?
-Politics
in music is undoubtedly an important aspect, as
many artists use their platform to address
social issues, injustice, and global challenges.
However, My Darkest Hate is not a political
band. Our focus lies on themes such as darkness,
aggression, and personal struggles, rather than
political commentary. This makes our music more
about raw emotion and the aesthetics of extreme
metal than about conveying political messages.
How many records have you been releasing now?
-Including our first demo we have released 7
records, which are following:
Blood Pounding Black (1998) – Demo
Massive Brutality (2000)
To Whom It May Concern (2002)
At War (2004)
Combat Area (2006)
Anger Temple (2016)
Rust And Bones (2025)
All records have been released worldwide by
Massacre Records except Blood Pounding Black and
Massive Brutality (Iron Glory Records)
The cover on the the new LP is really nice, who
have done it and it is important to have a
recordcover which makes you understand which
type of music which is played??
-The
cover artwork was done by Remy Cooper. Remy is
the founder of Headsplit Design, a renowned
graphic design studio specializing in artwork
for metal bands. Since 2005, he has worked with
international heavyweights of the scene such as
Napalm Death, Whitechapel, Arch Enemy, Suicide
Silence, and many more.
The cover artwork is often the first thing fans
see. It immediately conveys the style and mood
of the album. It is therefore a powerful door
opener and an important stylistic element for
bands and their fans.
Is it important to release your music
physically?
-Yes,
physical records are still important today,
though for different reasons than in the past.
Many metal fans love vinyl, CDs, or limited box
sets. They are not just music carriers but also
coveted collector’s items featuring elaborate
artwork, booklets, and often exclusive extras.
For bands, physical products are also an
important source of income, especially at
concerts or through their own online shop, since
streaming generates hardly comparable revenue.
In the metal scene, physical releases are
considered a sign of seriousness and quality.
They reinforce the band’s identity and give fans
something tangible. Moreover, vinyl and CDs have
a special sound and nostalgic feel for many
people that digital formats simply cannot
replace.
What do you think about releases which is only
released digitally, isn´t that boring?
-Digital
releases are undoubtedly important today because
they allow for fast, worldwide availability and
significantly reduce production costs. Platforms
like Spotify, Apple Music, or Bandcamp make
access easy for fans and more environmentally
friendly since no physical materials are
required. However, there are also disadvantages:
revenue per stream is very low compared to
physical sales, and the tactile experience that
many music lovers appreciate is missing.
Personally, I prefer Tapes, CDs and LPs because
they are not just music carriers but also
collector’s items with artwork and booklets that
emphasize a band’s identity and convey a special
feeling that digital formats cannot replace.
Is there any good bands from Germany you want to
mention?
-Germany
has a very rich and diverse metal scene with
countless well-known and underground bands
across different subgenres.
Heavy metal pioneers like Accept, Helloween, or
Running Wild shaped the classic German sound,
while thrash legends Kreator, Sodom or
Destruction put German thrash on the global map.
Black metal acts such as Dark Fortress or
Secrets of the Moon are known for their
atmospheric and intense style.
In death metal, bands like Fleshcrawl,
Necrophagist, or Revel in Flesh have earned
respect for their technical and brutal approach.
Beyond these names, Germany is home to a vibrant
underground scene with numerous talented bands
that keep the genre evolving and authentic.
Any good swedish bands you like?
-Of
course the The Malice with my friend Hubertus
Liljegren but I am aswell a big fan of Swedish
old-school death metal with the classic HM-2
sound.
Bands as Entombed, Dismember, LIK or At the
gates are just some to mention.
When you play live which type of people comes,
is there any type of people you miss?
-In general, it’s the typical metalhead, but
everyone is welcome at our shows, and we’re
happy to talk before and after the gigs.
You sing in german in Flammenland, brilliant I
think, any thought of more german lyrics in the
future?
-Flammenland was a spontaneous idea. I can’t
rule out the possibility of more lyrics in
German, but our focus is on English lyrics.
What is the best with livegigs and what is the
worst?
-I
love everything about live concerts, the energy,
the interaction with the audience, meeting new
people, and discovering new cities.
I can imagine that many countries have the luck
who have you as a liveband, which country except
Germany is the favorite country to play in??
-So far, I’ve played with various bands in over
14 different countries, and every audience is
different. Comparing them wouldn’t be fair. What
I truly loved and found impressive was the
craziness of the fans in Mexico, as well as the
hospitality, warmth, and kindness of the people
there. Many of them don’t have much for
themselves in life, yet they don’t hesitate to
share it with you.
Please write down your ten favorite records
all-time? I know it´s difficult but give it a
try??
-Oh that´s really a hard one because there are
so many out there…
To mention some without any order:
Bolt Thrower – any record
Death – The Sound of perseverance
Deep Purple – Any record from 1972 - 1987
Brutal Truth – Need to control
At the gates – Slaughter of the soul
Entombed –
Clandenstine
Bloodbath – the fathomless mastery
Queen – any record
Pink Floyd – The Dark side of the moon
Dead Kennedys – Fresh fruit for rotting
vegetables
And the best concerts you have been to? And the
best concerts you have done? How many concerts
have it been so far?
-I’ve
been to some really great concerts. One band
that always delivers is Testament, while the
biggest disappointment was actually Red Hot
Chili Peppers.
Over the last 33 years, I’ve played countless
shows, many great ones and some not so great. In
my opinion, good concerts are defined by the
energy you create and the connection and
atmosphere you build with the audience. Having
that connection with the crowd is sometimes more
important than playing flawlessly.
What is the most chaotic thing which ever have
happened during a My darkest hate concert?
-Things
only get chaotic when something on stage fails
and you have to keep performing. We try not to
let it show, but it can be very challenging to
finish a song if, for example, the monitor
system goes down.
Which is your favoritesong to play live? And
which is the song is most popular in the
audience?
-My
personal favorites are I am at war, Principal of
war and Scars which work live aswell
Do you do any covers live if you do , which
songs?
-The
only song we’ve covered and released so far was
‘Brain Dead’ by Exodus. We just felt like doing
it because we love their music. However, we’ve
never played the song live and we focus on our
own material.
I love beer and do my own brew. Any thoughts of
doing a My darkest Hate-beer, if you do , what
type of beer will do and what would you call it?
Or are you maybe straight edge?
-I
also love beer and enjoy drinking regional brews
from small family-run breweries.
A My Darkest Hate beer isn’t planned, and to be
honest, I don’t really understand that kind of
merchandise—but everyone should do what they
want.
I support Arsenal i England and GAIS in Sweden,
do you have any favorite team in football?
-Football
has a big significance in Germany. Personally, I
don’t support a specific team; I just enjoy
watching matches of German clubs in
international competitions or our national team.
In the end, I’m happy about any competitive and
balanced game, no matter who wins
How do you listen to music, is it vinyl, CD
Spotify, what is the perfect format?
-I
like to buy albums that appeal to me as CDs or
LPs. Since I spend a lot of time driving for
work and new cars unfortunately no longer play
CDs and only allow streaming, I mostly listen to
music through various streaming services
Do you buy much records yourself?
-I
used to buy a lot of albums, but for the reasons
mentioned in the previous question, it has
become less over time, but I do own a huge
collection
Wisdomword?
-Take
care of those around you and support your local
underground clubs and bands.
Something to add
-Thank
you for giving us the opportunity to do this
interview. Come see us at our shows—we’re
excited to welcome each and every one of you.