Sometimes all we really need is a healthy dose of speed metal, especially when it pays homage to the genre’s legends as effectively as Vulture does on Sentinels. The German heavy metal outfit released their latest album, the fourth in their discography, back on April 12 through Metal Blade Records, and regardless of your leanings when it comes to the greats – be it Metallica, Slayer, Mercyful Fate, or otherwise – you are destined to find something in here that scratches that itch oh so well. To shed a little more light on the influences behind Sentinels, and the Vulture project more generally, guitarist Stefan Castevet took some time to answer our questions in this latest Profile. You know that to do from here. Smash that play button (you’re going to want to – it’s like a shot of caffeine), and give it a read…

—

How and when did you first get into playing music, or metal more specifically, and how did your band get its start? Any pushback from family/those close to you?

Playing music started super early for me. Got some drum lessons when i was 9, but didn’t feel it too much back then. When being introduced into heavy music at the age of ~14 I wanted to play it right away and grabbed a guitar for the first time. Always got a lot of support from my family. I then tried around in numerous bands before founding Vulture in ’15. Since then I’m feeling absolutely fulfilled, music-wise, haha!

How would you describe your band and what you play to someone who is completely in the dark?

Take Priest, Slayer, Exodus, some Proto Metal, some Mercyful Fate and spice it with a little bit of technique, then hit the “blend” button!

Is there one (or more) thing about your latest album or about your band that no one will find in any interview or review that you care to divulge?

Since I’m super honest and pretty open all the time, I would have to think very hard about that. Right now I can’t really tell if there’s a little thing or a secret I didn’t talk about, haha.

Any funny stories from playing shows / tours / festivals, etc?

Being on the road always results in great stories and memories with friends. Can’t point out one particular moment right now. Might be, because we all have at least a bit of responsibility in us. So there’s no stories like “we fucked that up!”, “We came too late, to that thing…” and so on.

What do you see as some of the great things happening in and around the metal scene (yours or just in general) and what are some of the worst things happening right now?

It’s great to see so many bands around being formed freshly or being still active after a lot of years. Especially in Germany the scene is absolutely vivid and thriving! We’re living in great times for heavy metal!

Most folks have passions for a cause or causes that are close to them. What, if any, are some of the most important issues (social/political/humorous/etc.) for you / your band and how do you insert those issues into your music?

We’re 100% escapism! That doesn’t mean we don’t have opinions on stuff, Vulture is just not our outlet for that. I think that won’t change!

Do you guys have day jobs or hobbies you want to share?

Of course we all have jobs, haha! Imagine being able to live on speed metal! Hobby-wise, I’m a huge soccer fan and try to catch as many games of my team Borussia Dortmund as possible.

What advice do you have for music critics and outlets out there? How can we all better serve the genre in the eyes of a hard-working musician?

Puuh, I don’t really know, tbh!

Any specific long term goal(s) in mind?

Maintaining what we’re doing right now! This will get harder, year by year and I’m very happy to still be able to play music with the same four guys.

When you’re not obsessing over your own material, what are some of your favorite albums to listen to currently?

Recently I’m listening a lot to the Century record, to older Tankard stuff, since I saw am live few weeks ago and had quite the flashback and to a lot of the classics, like “Hell Awaits”.

What is the near future outlook for you or your band? Any specific events on the horizon that the masses should be aware of?

Some cool stuff happening this year, playing some cool shows. We were supposed to tour South America, unfortunately that got cancelled. The promoter died, a super sad story.

Summarize your band in one word.

Madness.

—

Many thanks to Stefan for the time!

---

Sentinels is out now through Metal Blade Records. For more information and to stay in touch with Vulture, give them a follow on Facebook.