Doomed Confessionary: Clemens Hackmack (Triptonus)
Photo credits: Șerban Florentin Roman
Triptonus is a six-piece instrumental collective from Vienna, Austria, known for their explosive fusion of heavy distortion, old-school psychedelia, and global rhythmic influences. With a sound rooted in raw intensity and experimental freedom, Triptonus crafts progressive song structures that take listeners on a deep, immersive journey through sound.
Triptonus released their first EP »Sprout« in 2013, followed by the self-titled LP »Triptonus« in 2015 and »Soundless Voice« in 2021. Their fourth and heaviest album »Terra« just dropped on October 10th, 2025 via StoneFree Records.
They have shared the stage with international acts like Radio Moscow, Elder, Stoned Jesus, The Egocentrics, Mother’s Cake, Seven That Spells, performed at the Desert Sun Festival, Enter The Void Fest, Barbarie, Psyka, Setalight, Fuzzfest, Lake On Fire etc. and toured across Europe many times.
Triptonus are Clemens Hackmack (guitar), Fabian Kummer (guitar), Iustin Runceanu (bass), Max Mayer (djembe, didgeridoo), Ivo Matos (drums, samples) and Atreju Fiedler (bongos, darbuka).
Can you please say a few words about your band?
Well Triptonus started off as an experiment and grew gradually more and more into a playground for ritualistic soundscapes in rock’n’roll clothes.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Up to this point, I think doing everything DIY from booking to promotion to merch etc. was the biggest challenge, as it takes a lot of energy to keep everything running, Also, continuously developing our sound further and moving out of comfort zones into unknown territories is a challenge, but it’s a much more fun challenge and therefore doesn’t really feel like one.
What can you be most proud of so far?
It’s hard to say what I’m personally am the most proud of, but I think staying true to our artistic vision, never compromising to fit any market trends whatsoever, and actually reaching people doing that.
What was your biggest regret?
In hindsight, there were a lot of professional moves we should have made in order to move the project further. And especially the last release was victim to several delays that I wish could have been avoided.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
That’s a tough one. From my point of view, the best show was where people would approach us afterwards and tell us what images, stories, and fantasies they had listening to our music. As for specific shows, I would say our show at Barbarie Biel where we played in front of 1000 people who actually stayed to listen to us after a polka band at 3am was a very positive surprise, especially since they really embraced us.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
I don’t know, honestly somewhere between 2012 and 2022, I lost the capacity to be surprised about anything regarding music scenes.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
The official soundtrack of »Andor« and »Dune«, »Strawberry Letter 3« by the Brothers Johnson. »Emperor Of Sand« by Mastodon.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
If you’re gonna do it, go all the way – Charles Bukowski.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Dancing to Boney M.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Vienna?
I would say we have a similar music scene to the rest of Europe. As anywhere else, we also have a strong underground scene in metal, rock, and psychedelic stoner and whatnot. However, what makes our country unique is the absence of major label interests, at least in these genres, which primes bands to prioritize authenticity and experimentation over international success.
Where can we see you live shortly (concerts/tours)?
Beginning 2026 we’re going to tour Germany. We’re going to play the Blues Bumps festival in Berlin on the 28th of February. The next day we’re gonna play at Chemiefabrik Dresden.
We are also going to tour in the Netherlands in April and are currently booking shows, so if you want to see us live, feel free to reach out.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Honestly, we don’t need a plan. We will keep digging for vibes and for sounds, and once these hook us, the plans will fall into place.
How can people best support your band?
Take the time to really experience our music and see how it feels for you. Apart from that, as for any other band, check out our music on Bandcamp, consider buying our merch, and ditch Spotify for good.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thank you.
Links:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | YouTube
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well