Doomed Confessionary: Christoph Stopper (Glare Of The Sun)
Glare Of The Sun is a progressive doom/post-metal band based in Traunstein, Austria.
Founded in 2013, the band with members from Austria and Germany moves in the shallows and soundscapes between prog, post, shoegaze and doom metal. More important than the question of the styles used is the question of the effect – both in the obvious and the subtle. Like on their previous two albums, »Soil« (2017) and »Theia« (2019), the compositions of »Tal« demand attention from their listeners, running deep and revealing their secrets over time. Their third full-length album »Tal« is scheduled for release on September 13th, 2024 via Lifeforce Records.
Glare Of The Sun consists of Christoph Stopper (vocals, synths, orchestration), Gerald Huber (guitars, vocals), Martin Baumann (guitars), Tobias Schwab (bass) and Franz Ebert (drums).
Can you say a few words about your band?
Yeah hey, we’re Glare Of The Sun, located in the Austrian/German borderland around Salzburg. We’ve been around for a while now and started as a super slow and heavy death doom kind of thing. We always had Synths and orchestral stuff on board and we really did let that evolve further, especially on our latest album »Tal«. Come check it out!
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
The biggest challenge for us is finding a day for rehearsals, holy shit times were good when we all went to school or didn’t have adult shit to take care of. I hate this kind of stuff!
What can you be most proud of so far?
I’m proud that we never did things which made us feel uncomfortable. We’ve been true to ourself and we make decisions as a unit. If someone is not happy, we’re not gonna do it. Also I’m happy our record label (Lifeforce Records) is so patient with us, we need our time, especially the recording process of our latest album was an odyssey so shoutout to Stefan!
What was your biggest regret?
We have a “no regret policy” within the band. We’re working on things and decisions until everyone is good with it. From this point there’s no regret and no fucking around with the past.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
We’re playing only one single show in our “hometown and living room”, the Rockhouse Bar in Salzburg every year and man, it’s a fucking feast every time! We’re inviting bands we love and seeing friends and family together with the local metal scene is just the best thing ever. Definitely our highlight every year! If you get chance you should definitely pop over.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
First of all, that the world and especially the metal musician scene is so fucking small. It always amazes us when we talk to other musicians and bands and we all know the same guys. “You played with that guy 10 years ago? Yeah I know him, he had a rehearsal room next to us” or “Yeah we met them there and there…”
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
I’m personally spinning all the Harakiri For The Sky albums again lately. Can’t wait for the new one to come out, but in the meantime, all their stuff is absolutely mind-blowing. We’re so happy JJ did some guest vocals on »Tal« for us. Awesome dude.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
“Don’t give a shit about anything, do whatever you like and make music you’d want to listen to yourself”.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Holy shit it’s getting intimate!! Haha! Okay, confession time, we’re all huge gear sluts. I don’t wanna know how many pedals, amps, guitars and pickups Martin and Gerry have owned, tuned and sold again. Tobi (bass) only buys the big stuff and without any warning, a new bass amp or cab appears in the rehearsal room. Frebert probably built his fucking house around his drum kits and I’m a sucker for production stuff and orchestra libraries. Shit is expensive but hey, that’s what we love.
Can you say something more about the music scene in Salzburg area?
Our hometowns are pretty small, but with a solid scene. Sometimes I think there are more musicians than fans. Haha! Also we have some really nice locations, metal bars and great bookers, who really care about their audience and musicians alike. Also the next generations are thriving and young bands are on the run to become better and better. I really like the way things are going here.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We’re just planning a few things, but my recommendation would be our “hometown gig” on October the 19th in Salzburg. If you get the chance, meet us there, we’re having our friends of Auszaat and Svntarer with us on stage, it’s gonna be great!
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We wanna make the music we like and evolve and if some other hoomans like that too, that’s a good thing.
How can people best support your band?
Best thing would be to come to our shows, if we’re not playing in your area, tell your local booker or venue you’d like to see us! We’ll be happy to come and play and have some beers with you! Live music is the best experience you could get.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Take your time, we know we’re not easy going and that’s okay. But once we’re inside your brain, it’s gonna be hard to get rid of Glare Of The Sun again. Gotcha!
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Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well