Interview with Daniel Sturm, Carnal Tomb

- Hello, Daniel! Just to start with, tell us a bit about yourself. When did you first hear about the guys from Carnal Tomb and how did you eventually join them? 
- Hi, I play the drums in Carnal Tomb. A friend of mine was looking for a band, for a drummer he knew. Someone recommended him ,Nuclear Penetration' which was the band of Cryptic Tormentor and Corpse Ripper before they formed CT. I followed the band only via the internet because I was playing in another band at that time. After a year or so, I heard about CT and that they are looking for a drummer. I was still in my band but not satisfied. I contacted the guys and then everything went quick.

- Everyone in the band has got an evil nickname, is there any story about that decision? And do you have any background behind yours, vomitchrist? 
- Well it kinda belongs to the oldschool vibe! And it is also a reference to the lyrics and dedicated to thousands of zombie films. After joining CT I had to choose one aswell. Vomitchrist has been my nickname on the web for a long time and is the title of the first track from the Purifying Consecrsted Ground release of greek maniacs Dead Congregation.

- Alright, let's chat a bit about your music. Recently you released your debut full-length "Rotten Remains". So far the response and reviews have been very positive, but how do you feel about the release? How was it for you to finally hold your own copy?
- It was a very good feeling when I finally held a copy in my hands and overall; I am happy with this release. Here and there are some messed up drum parts I think, but that's ok. The studio experience and time was kinda stressful for me and I can hear it on the record but when I play the songs live I play them the way it was ment to be which is satisfying.

- Tell us about the recording sessions, how did it go? Was it your first time in the studio? How long did it take you to finish everything?
- Time was short but I could do everything in time. I recorded every song of the album 3-4 times in full length and we picked the best takes. As I said before, I wasn't in my best shape and today I would play some parts differently but I think that's a normal feeling. We had three days for each instrument. It was my first time as a drummer in the studio. Years ago I played guitars in a band and recorded an Ep with them. It was nice to have another point of view in the studio. 

- You also had some guest vocals on the record, Johan Jansson and Mahne. Tell us, how did it happen? Was it planned in advance? Did you consider to invite any other musicians too?
- I think these guest vocals were planned even before we knew for which songs. Not sure how it happened exactly. Cryptic Tormentor is a big Interment fan and was in touch with Johan because of that. He asked him for a guest appearance and if I am not mistaken Johan said yes without hesitating. The story with Manuel is similar. This time Corpse Ripper asked him, since he really digs his voice. Both did a great job and we are very thankful for the support.

- The artist for the album'cover, César Valladares, was it an obvious choice for the band? Was it Cesar who came up with the whole idea and concept, or was it the result of your joint efforts? 
- César is a good friend of us. He also did the cover of our first demo and released it on tape via his label Hexed Cemetery Records which is unfortunately closed. So it was obvious that he would do this artwork aswell. We were working on ideas which could fit to the title ,Rotten Remains' and told them Cesar. He began to draw the cover and brought in his own ideas too and created this awesome artwork which looked better than the one in our sick minds. His works are insane and we are very proud of that album cover.

- Right now you are signed with Memento Mori. How is it? Do you have any plans to stay or move on to find something else? 
- It was just for the one album. Some good labels are interested in cooperating with us but more I can't tell at the moment.

- Originally, the album was released on CD, but now it's also available on vinyl and tapes. How do you think, why there is now such a buzz about the tapes? Do you have your favourite format? 
- I think tapes also represent that old school vibe. They are small and very cheap which speaks for them aswell. I had an old Volvo with a tape player inside. At that time my car was full with tapes. I had to sell the car after a year because it was a zombie already. The newer cars only have a cd-player. I stopped collecting tapes and switched to vinyl to satisfy my hunger for great records.

- What can you say about the German underground? What other bands are you in touch with? Are there any specific bands you'd like to recommend? 
- Well honestly I am not that much in touch with the scene. Cryptic Tormentor is the man who knows everyone. Being in CT is my hobby and helps me to be balanced. At the moment I am very busy with my wife and daughter (in a positive way!) so there is not much time for visiting all this great underground concerts which take place in Berlin. At least I can recommend Bands like Morbid Panzer, Cryptic Brood, Graveyard Ghoul, Eohalis, Vulture. But there are many more. I think we have some nice bands here in Germany.

- So, what are your plans for 2017? Some new material? Do you already have any new live shows booked?  - We are currently working on new material and two songs are basically finished. We are not sure if it will be another full length or an ep yet. But wewant to hit the studio later this year. 
We are going to play a headlining show in Reykjavik in February. Two hometown shows and one outside of Berlin in March, a gig in Magdeburg at the end of April. There will be more shows in and outside Germany this year but at the moment they are still secret. 

- Thank you for this interview, Daniel! Would you like to add anything in the end?
- You are welcome. Thanks for the support and I promise if you liked our debut, you are going to love our new material. Cheers!