Doomed Confessionary: Melina, Benny, Tim, Tobi & Klaus (Astraya)

Photos by Jonas Kielwein

What could be so dark, corrupt and deceptive in this seemingly civilized world to be found in one of Germany’s richest cities that the artistic needs for an awakening of this deep slumber, for a liberation of the decadent bondage and a pointing towards how it should and could be better give birth to a band like Astraya?

The dreaminess of how it could be, the lament about what might be forever lost and locked away, paired with an unrelenting rage about the unbearable presence and brutalization: this is what the open-minded audience can expect on »Myth Of Dike«, the debut LP of this promising progressive/post-rock band from Stuttgart, which is out now!

Astraya are Melina Abele (vocals), Benny Gölz (guitars), Tim Suske (guitars), Tobi Hänsel (bass) and Klaus Wintermayr (drums).

Can you say a few words about your band?
Astraya is a five-piece rock band from Stuttgart, Germany. Spherical post-rock meets metal meets great emotion. All of this paired with a certain amount of world weariness and the longing to be somewhere far away. We mourn about the coarsening of society and deal with questions about our existence. Our goal is to conquer the stages of the world and enchant you with our music. Epic vocals, exceptional guitar riffs and a dark melancholic spirit are the ingredients.

What was the biggest challenge for the band last year?
Last year we had to part ways with our drummer. Finding a suitable successor was a very big challenge and took a lot of time and energy. A band can be compared to a family. It not only has to fit musically but also personally. Our band has certain principles such as feminism, anti-racism, respect and so on. Of course, we expect that from a new band member as well.

What can you be most proud of so far?
This is definitely our first LP »Myth Of Dike«. It was so much fun producing it and a lot of heart and soul went into it. The best thing about it is that we got many good reviews from well-known web and print magazines. And of course feedback from people all over the world, which is amazing if you think about yourself as a small band living in the south of Germany, writing music in your cellar.
Melina: My biggest musical role model is Anneke van Giersbergen. Being compared to her by so many different people fills me with great pride.

What was the best concert/tour last year and why?
Last year we were able to play our first open air. It was a lot of fun. Good weather, nice people and great bands.

What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Melina: Soen and Habitants are my latest discoveries. Fell in love with both bands.
Benny: at the moment, I’m listening to Whores. new album »War.«. Also, I’m a big The Mars Volta and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez fan. His new album »Is It The Clouds?« is really great.
Tim: Butch Kassidy, Russian Circles and Emma Ruth Rundle. So damn good.
Klaus: Karnivool, Red Fang, Rival Sons and Royal Blood.
Tobi: Kiev, Motherscake, Portishead, Dyse, Turbostaat and Radiohead.

Can you say something more about the music scene in Stuttgart area?
In Stuttgart and the surrounding area there is a very cool underground scene, you can discover many great bands here. Also we have a great network, where everyone supports each other.

Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
11/05/24 Bokle, Radolfzell
21/06/24 Café Faust, Stuttgart

What are your plans for the future as a band?
We are currently in the process of writing our second album. Some of the new songs were written without a drummer, so now we have to rehearse them as a full band.
Also, after being off stage for almost a year, because of the drummer-thing, we are looking forward to our upcoming live gigs.

How can people best support your band?
The best way to support small bands is to go to their concerts, buy their merch and interact with them on social media.
We are also always very happy to receive personal messages or have a nice conversation after the concert.

Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thank you for your interest in our music. We love what we do and are extremely proud that there are people all over the world who appreciate it as well.

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

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