Mirror of Deception, one of Germany’s longest-standing doom metal bands, has been shaping the genre with sincerity and passion since 1990. In this interview, Jochen Fopp takes us through the band’s history, their latest single Consumed, and their ongoing work on a new album. Discover how this legendary band has embraced evolution, stayed true to their roots, and navigated the challenges of the ever-changing metal scene
Serial Metalbums: Mirror of Deception is one of the longest-standing doom metal bands from Germany. Could you share the story of how the band was formed in 1990 and what initially inspired you to pursue this genre? And how would you describe the evolution of Mirror of Deception’s sound and approach to doom metal?
Jochen: I knew Siffi (vocals/ guitar) from a local metal pub. We both happened to be on vacation at the same place and time in summer 1990. Over a couple of beers we decided to jam after we get back home. The bands we both liked were Candlemass and Sanctuary. So that was the initial foundation for our own songs. It soon became more doomy as we discovered bands like Count Raven, Saint Vitus, Trouble and Solitude Aeturnus. Siffi knew a drummer at his school, so he joined next and a while later we had our first full 5-piece line-up. We have always listened to many different bands and genres so over time all of that became part of our sound, For us it was less about paying hommage to our idols and trying to copy them but rather our own interpretation of doom metal.
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Mirror of Deception 1993 |
Serial Metalbums: Could you tell us about the current lineup of the band? How have the dynamics within the group changed over the years? And introduce us to the two new members of the band?
Jochen: Since May 2023 the line-up is Siffi (vocals, guitar), Pascal (vocals, bass), Uwe (drums) me, Jochen (guitar), We have known Uwe for almost 30 years. Uwe has played in the melodic death metal band Behind the Scenery and various other death metal projects. We have always been friends so we asked him. It was a bit of a change in pace and feeling for him but he adjusted perfectly. Pascal has been a fan and friend for many years and we played with his previous and current band Mustum a couple of times. He’s a great guitarist, singer and songwriter and for us he switched to bass. He knows Mirror of Deception in and out and has been at almost any of our local shows for the past 20 years. Our new single „Consumed“ was his first contribution as a songwriter and it blends in perfectly. And that’s why he will now talk about it.
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| Mirror of Deception 2024 |
Pascal: The song "Consumed" explores themes of self-destruction when dealing with life's challenges. Many of the images in the lyrics use fire to symbolize the intense, overwhelming force of despair, suggesting an embrace of it rather than surrender. With the embers of hope having not been extinguished quite yet. so there is some positivity and hope shining through. Especially towards the end of the song. Both musically and lyrically.
Serial Metalbums: Doom metal often relies heavily on atmosphere and emotion. How did you approach crafting the mood and tone for Consumed to ensure it resonates with listeners?
Pascal: While writing the song I have felt inspired by revisiting Mirror Of Deception's earlier works. Both trying to capture the essence of what makes up a Mirror Of Deception song and making something that is my own. The feedback so far has been encouraging, and I'm quite pleased with how the song has come together, from the songwriting to the band's contributions, and how it's been received.
Serial Metalbums: Consumed has left fans eager for more. Are you currently working on a new album or EP? If so, could you give us a glimpse into what we might expect in terms of themes, style, or direction? Can fans expect more new material in the near future?
Jochen: We are working on our sixth album right now which we plan to release around the end of 2025. Besides "Consumed" we have released another new songs back in June 2024 which is called "Slow Winds", It will also be on the next album but has a different vibe. We always want to have variation on an album. We are not trying to stretch the same mood and pace over an entire album. For us doom comes in many different shapes and colours. Just like human emotions.
Serial Metalbums: As a band that has been part of the metal scene for over three decades, how do you view the evolution of doom metal as a genre? Are there any specific moments in the band’s history that you consider milestones or particularly defining for Mirror of Deception?
Jochen and Pascal: Doom metal has always been a niche, it never was and will never be "the next big thing". Music from outsiders for outsiders. Over the last 20 years it has received a bit more attention but it will always remain sort of the "weird old uncle" of the metal scene. Just look at the billings of all the big metal festivals. How many Doom Metal bands do actually get a spot there and at what times? If at all often either at noon or 3 a.m. in the morning. But we're fine with that. This is our form of expression, honest and from the heart. No posing nor pretending. We do it for ourselves first and foremost. If other people enjoy our music and get something out of we feel honoured of course.
There have been many milestones over the years. When we released our first demo, which was a very rough rehearsal recording we were very proud of it and sent a copy to John Perez of Solitude Aeturnus. They were one of our favourite bands and a big name in doom circles and beyond. A few weeks later I received a letter and cassette tape from him. He said "well, it's still very rough but I can see what you have in mind and where you are heading. Keep going!". The tape was an advance demo for their third album "Through the Darkest Hour". That was so extremely cool! Receiving that kind of feedback from someone you look up to and get that couragement and trust. I thought: Wow! I can't imagine Slayer, Morbid Angel or Iron Maiden would do something like this for a newcomer band making their very first baby steps.We felt immediately welcome and at home in the doom scene.
Every song and every release was important and a step up the ladder. And everyone who ever was a member of the band brought something important to the table and made Mirror of Deception what we are today. But our second album "Foregone", released in 2004 still holds a special place in my heart. It put us on the map, defined our sound more clearly and set us on a track we are still on today.
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Doom Over Vienna 2024 |
Jochen and Pascal: Getting seen/ heard and keeping track. Back in the day there were few bands and it felt like a little family. Everyone knew each other. It all has grown and I can’t keep up with all bands and what is happening at any time any more. Communication is much faster and more convenient, but there is so much information out there and everyone’s attention span has become much shorter.
In the old times we were writing letters, trading tapes, spent a lot of money on postage („please send back my stamps“) and had to be patient to receive an answer. I cherish all these experiences back then but I do also embrace the times as they are now.
In the 1990s there were no concerts unless we organized them ourselves. My friend Uwe from the band Naevus organized the first doom metal festival called Doom in Bloom in 1996. Back then with little attention and attendance but it was a start. My friend Frank from the (German) band Well of Souls and me continued that idea and organized the Doom Shall Rise Festival betwen 2003 and 2013. It brought a lot more attention was very well received and I’m glad that festivals like Dutch Doom Days, Doom over Vienna, Little Devil Doom Day, Hammer of Doom, Get Wasted and be Doomed, Doom in Bloom any many otheres are still active or have been until recently. For many bands this is the only way to reach a bigger audience. It needs dedicated fans and bookers who take the risk and make events like this happen because there is hardly ever any outside help. And for the most part you can't count on local visitiors either. These events depend on doom fans who are willing to travel to attend. All those people keep the scene alive and people like you, Asmoth who make these bands known.
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Poster Finland Tour 2005 |
Serial Metalbums: Do you have a message for the fans who have supported Mirror of Deception throughout your career and those who are discovering you for the first time with Consumed?
Jochen and Pascal: First of all thanks to you, Asmoth for giving us your attention, time and space. Thanks to everyone who has supported us until now and those who learn about us just now. There are a few albums to check out or revisit. Also our latest singles Consumed and „Slow Winds“ and there is more to come. Visit us on Bandcamp or check us out wherever you stream your music. Stay slow!