Doomed Confessionary: Nick Stadler (Shadows Taller Than Souls)
Shadows Taller Than Souls started off playing their self proclaimed “doom punk” in 2017 by combining influences from hardcore punk, stoner doom, sludge, garage and psych. The riff-centric group features Nick Stadler on vocals and guitar, Dan Schmidt on bass, and Joe Widen on drums.
Shadows Taller Than Souls is about remaining true to yourself, and lyrical themes draw from personal experience mixed with elements of the occult and Eastern philosophy. 2021 saw the release of their debut EP »Doom Punk« and a collection entitled »Rough Stuff« that is composed of original demos recorded by the band in 2018.
Since that time, Shadows Taller Than Souls has released a number of singles while continuing to capture audiences with their genre blending sound. Their debut album »Ouroboros«, released in December 2025, collects material written since the band’s inception. Themes of the album include neglect, contempt, grief, disillusion, and all the trappings therein.
Can you please say a few words about your band?
Oh man, I dont know. We’ve been at it for a long time through ups and downs, and we’re stoked people seem to resonate with our kind of unique sound.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
I dont think any of them are unique, only circumstance, but we’ve had some slight line up tweaks over the years, and I think we’re stronger now than ever.
What can you be most proud of so far?
I’ve achieved every goal, and then some, I originally had for SttS. They were intentionally kept (relatively) small, and now the challenge is to tackle new and bigger ones.
What was your biggest regret?
I try not to dwell on what could have been, but there’s absolutely things I wish could have played out different, or I could have handled differently.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
There are a few shows that stick out for sure, but I think one of my favorites was playing in a bowl in a skate park, people were packed in and around. The energy of the crowd was electric.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
How much work it actually takes to be a performing musician, from writing to practice, to booking, networking, merch, etc. I have a lot of respect for those out there who do it, and do it well.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Lately, it’s been a lot of suprise chef, and L’eclair, but I’m a sucker for a lot of neo-psych.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Music theory is a great thing to learn, and then forget.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Outside of music, I love radio controlled models. Cars, trucks, boats, all kinds really. I’ve got a little collection.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Milwaukee?
Sometimes it seems relatively small, but there are some absolutely incredible people that are a part of it. Some helped inspire me to play, and there’s a larger number I’d have a hard time thanking enough.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We currently have a fall season we’re looking forward to with shows in and around Milwaukee, but more can always be added elsewhere.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We’re working on writing some new material for another release, and we’d like to start playing further away from home. Hopefully meet some more radical people along the way.
How can people best support your band?
Give us a follow, come see a show, and show your friends. Word of mouth is huge.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
We love all of you, and it’s equally amazing and surreal that you’ve taken the time to check it out, let alone enjoy. Oh wait, live long and prosper.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well