Doomed Confessionary: Jochen Fopp (Mirror Of Deception)

German doom metal band Mirror Of Deception was formed in 1990 by Michael Siffermann (vocals, guitar) and Jochen Fopp (guitar). Over the years Mirror Of Deception have developed their own unmistakable style. Firmly rooted in traditional doom metal yet unorthodox in approach and vision and regularly cited as a reference for and by other bands. Besides several demos, EPs and splits so far 5 full-length albums have been released. The band has played countless gigs, festivals and tours all over Europe. In their current incarnation with Pascal Schrade (bass, vocals) and Uwe Kurz (drums) work on their 6th full-length album is in progress.

Can you please say a few words about your band?
We are living fossils of the doom metal scene, having started back in 1990 in a little town in the southwest of Germany. We have learned from the great old ones but always wanted to add our own flavours and spices.

What can you be most proud of so far?
That we have been stubborn enough to last so long despite all obstacles, keep being creative and moving forward.

What was your biggest regret?
No regrets. Sometimes we succeed and sometimes we fail but we always get back on our feet. Until we don’t.

What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
So many! Our first very gig was special, because it was the first one. Our tours with End Of Green, Reverend Bizarre, Revelation, Count Raven, Lord Vicar, Lord Of The Grave, 40 Watt Sun, Semlah were all great for the music and the people involved. Our “A Century of Swabian Doom” gig in October 2024 was special because we reunited with our old compadres Dawn of Winter and Naevus for the first time on stage since the mid-90s and so many friends came to see it. Doom Over Vienna festival in November 2024 was fantastic, too. We love this town, the Escape bar, our host Willi and his staff and all bands were killer! I could go on and on…

What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
That we had such a warm welcome as bloody beginners with our first, very rough demo tape. We felt right at home!

What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
The latest albums by Tombgrown and Petrified. And Terra Firma’s »Harms Way« album. It’s my yearly summer album and in memory of their guitarist Freddie (R.I.P.).

What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Always keep your day job.

What are your guilty pleasures?
Far too many! 😀

Can you say something more about the current music scene in Esslingen / Baden-Württemberg?
Many bands are as active as ever but the pandemic changed a lot. There are less venues, it’s harder to get gigs and people off their sofas. I am very happy tough that we have a real metal stronghold close by. The Zille bar in Göppingen is a legendary place for small, energetic shows and I go there frequently even if I often don’t know the bands that are playing.

Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
There might be some shows in autumn/winter but nothing is confirmed yet. We have some things already planned for 2026 and we will announce them when the time is right. Watch our channels.

What are your plans for the future as a band?
For the immediate future: getting album number 6 finished. We have already released two new songs: »Slow Winds« and »Consumed« – check them out. Apart from that we will keep rehearsing, writing and recording songs and playing live in places we haven’t to been yet. We haven’t been to Slovenia by the way. 😉

How can people best support your band?
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, get our stuff on Bandcamp and discover or re-discover us on Spotify and other streaming platforms. Talk nice about us to your local promoters and convince them to get us to a place near you.

Do you have any message for your listeners?
Stay slow and true to yourselves!

Links:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | YouTube

Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well