Valentin Noack - ACCVSED 'The Core Values of the Dealers Of Doom'

In Australia, we're blessed with an abundance of emerging and established metalcore bands - so much so the rest of the world constantly questions 'what's in the water down under?'

From our little island in the Southern Hemisphere, you can't help but look out at what the rest of the world is drinking to see what's on offer in the realm of core and Europe has caught our attention these last few years with bands like Electric Callboy, ten56., LANDMVRKS, thrown, Caliban, Sugar Spine and Paleface Swiss all producing noteworthy releases guaranteed to get you snapping necks in no time.

Another act that is fast on the rise is Germany's ACCVSED, who first burst onto the scene in 2023 and have since unleashed their debut album Dealers Of Doom unto the world via Arising Empire. They're fast becoming hot property within the scene as a result.

We grabbed the band for a chat about their first full-length, staying true to their signature sound and heavy roots and whether we'll see them down under destroying stages in the not too distant future...

‍Metalcore is becoming somewhat renowned for being an emotional outlet for artists and songwriters alike. Your music seems to ring true to this, particularly on latest single 'Make Sure It Hurts'. Do you credit the value of this authenticity to your success so far?

It definitely is an emotional outlet for me. When writing lyrics, they come directly from a place within ourselves. I don’t know about the success, but I couldn’t write any other way. I want to express myself in the lyrics and if I don’t do that, it doesn’t feel real.

If the fans can connect with the lyrics in any way and bring their own emotions into this, then I achieved every goal. 

You have released one EP previously, the evolution of sound and maturity between that EP and your album, Dealers Of Doom, are abundantly evident, however, you still haven't lost touch with your roots, as well as that secret ingredient that creates the signature ACCVSED sound. Is this progression reflective of your growth on both a professional level, and a personal level over the last few years?

Yes I would say so. I, as a songwriter, learn something every time we finish a song. There’s even more to take away from it when we get to play it live. Of course, I want to keep the original spirit of ACCVSED’s sound, but experimenting with new elements and exploring new directions is what keeps it interesting. We grow as a band with every action we take, and I think this influences our sound in the end. 

Are there particular moments or details in the album, like a specific riff, lyric, or breakdown, that you’re especially excited for fans to hear for the first time?

That’s a hard one! I’m very eager for our fans to hear songs that stray from our original style, like 'Obsidian'. I’m intrigued what they say about this one, or 'Total Eclipse of Self', which is also very different from the rest.

I think for me it’s more important for someone to see the song as a whole, than a specific riff or line. 

The cheeky blegh! in 'Total Eclipse of Self' is *chef's kiss* but also, the videogame coin SFX in 'Killer of Minds' caught me off guard (in a good way). It got me thinking, if you could produce the soundtrack for a video game franchise, what would you pick?

I’m not the biggest gamer anymore, but I would love to take part in the creation of the soundtrack to a new Elder Scrolls or Battlefield title. 

You're quickly gathering momentum throughout Europe and beyond which is similar to that of thrown and Spiritbox when those bands were early in their careers. What advice would you give to young artists looking to gain similar traction with their own music?

In this perspective, I consider us a relatively young artist as well. My advice would be to just keep doing what you love, hold your standards and work on your project consistently. 

You are touring with Banks Arcade throughout Germany in August/September. Surely this hints to an ACCVSED Australian debut soon? 

Well we’d love to come to Australia! 

Before we wrap up, any final thoughts?

We’re so thankful for everyone that's been supporting us on our journey in any way! We hope to see y’all at a show some day!

Interview by Adam Rice @riceyadam

Dealers Of Doom is out now. Stream it here

Accvsed - Dealers Of Doom tracklisting

1. Day of the Locust
2. Dealers of Doom
3. Don't Let Me Fall Apart ft. The Narrator
4. Total Eclipse of Self
5. Killer of Minds
6. Avoider
7. Make Sure It Hurts
8. Senescene
9. Never Enough
10. Obsidian