Feature image photo credit: Josh Richter
Lukas Nicolai is the vocalist for Mental Cruelty, a German deathcore/extreme metal band formed in 2014. The band currently has five new singles and five new videos from their upcoming album Echoes Of A Forlorn Land, which gets released on October 23rd on Century Media.
In this interview, Lukas talks about the influence of Norse mythology on the band’s music, the use of some exotic traditional European instruments, the addition of producer Jens Bogren (Kreator, Amon Amarth), and what it’s like to perform the music that came before him. Lukas also gives us a sneak peek at an amazing piece of body armor that he will be wearing on stage!
“Frost” video:
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Hello everyone! My name is Scott Itter, but some know me as Dr. Music. I am a music journalist and photographer out of the Chicagoland area, and I have been in practice for over 20 years. I grew up in the 70’s with two big brothers that showed me all kinds of rock and roll. As I grew older I ventured out into different genres like jazz, funk, folk, and whatever else I could wrap my ears around. As I read every liner note and every Circus and Hit Parader like they were the Old and New Testament, I came to realize that I just love sound and appreciate all the people that create it.
I later became a stay-at-home dad and started honing my writing and photography skills to keep my mind from turning into mashed peas. My kids are now adults, my mind is only slightly mushy, and I am thrilled to have the honor of presenting my work to you!