How to start over without being “new”

Since last year, there have been two new faces on stage.
But honestly: it doesn’t feel “new” at all - it just feels right.

We, Henrik and Luca, already had the chance to play the final shows of the Digital Dreams era with Chris and Domi in 2025. And what can we say? It absolutely smashed 🔥

🎸 HENRIK – from a fan to a permanent member

I’d been following the band long before I actually became part of it. Back in 2020, “Home Alone” had been on repeat for me. At the time I remember thinking: “There’s no way I could ever play at that level and perform at the same time. No chance.” Well… now I’m standing right there.

Through Dario, the former drummer, I got in touch with the band. We’ve known each other for years and he was the one who suggested me whenever Gordy, the former guitarist, couldn’t make a show. I stepped in for him a couple of times and what started as “helping out once in a while” eventually turned into a permanent spot. My first show with the band was in May 2024 in Saarbrücken. I was insanely nervous. There’s a lot of tapping, a lot of technical playing. Definitely not just advanced-level material. But once the show started, the nerves were gone and all that was left was pure excitement. And that feeling has stayed with me ever since.

Playing with this band had always been a bit of a dream for me. The fact that it actually happened through a bunch of coincidences and connections still feels a little surreal but also in the best possible way.

🥁 LUCA – immortalized since the very first gig

I kind of stumbled straight into the band. Pretty wild, honestly. As the youngest member and a music student, I basically got thrown straight into the deep end and suddenly I was out there destroying stages with these guys.

Back then, a former colleague forwarded me a post saying that Dario was leaving the band. My reaction was basically: “Alright, why not give it a shot?” So I sent in my application and that was that. During the audition I honestly thought I had completely messed it up. Turns out everyone else was thrilled. Sometimes you’re simply your own biggest critic.

A few months later I performed my first show with the band and it was my very first gig ever. And it just happened to be the Raptor Festival! No small club show, no warm-up gig, straight onto a festival stage. When Chris even announced on stage that it was my very first performance, the crowd’s reaction was completely insane. I didn’t even know what a first gig was supposed to feel like and suddenly I was experiencing that. I’ll never forget that moment. I even got a tattoo to commemorate it. Why not?

Favorite songs, nightmare parts and gym playlist

Of course, there are songs that challenge us more than others.

Henrik:
For example, “Aporia” definitely makes me sweat. There’s a ton of tapping and it requires serious concentration. But at the same time, it’s actually my favorite song. It even made its was onto my gym playlist.

Luca:
I often struggle with “Differentiate.” The intro can feel pretty nasty to play and then there’s the switch from straight 16th notes to sextuplet chugs… definitely tricky, but manageable. My favorite song is “Meant To Be.” That 5-against-4 polyrhythm in the intro is just ridiculously cool. It has some challenging parts, but also a chorus where, as a drummer, you can really let your emotions out and I absolutely love that.

 

New chapter, new songs, new level

Now the first song release with the new lineup is coming up. The mood?
A mix of hype and respect ❤️🔥

Henrik:
I’ve known the new songs for a long time already from their demo stage. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to contribute much to the songwriting when I joined, simply because of the timing. For me it’s always special to see how an idea turns into a finished track. I’m just hyped and excited to hear feedback from our fans and to play successful shows again, now with new songs as well. Success for me isn’t about money. It’s about attention, new opportunities, tour requests and simply being able to travel and play music with the band.

Luca:
Honestly, I’m a little nervous. Some really strong drum parts were written before I joined and of course, I want to do them justice while sill bringing more of my own style into it. Some of the new songs actually go exactly in that direction: complex parts, sections where it gets a bit proggy or moments where you can really go all out as a drummer. That’s totally my thing. My definition of success? Triple platinum minimum - otherwise I’m quitting… just kidding 😏 For me it’s about conveying emotions. If someone listens to our songs and gets to switch off from everything else for a few minutes, that’s already success in my book.

We’re already played our first shows together and there’s a lot more ahead: New songs, new gigs and a ton of fresh energy. We’re insanely excited for everything that’s coming next.

If you know Torrential Rain, sooner or later you’ll probably hear about Hagebuddne, too.
What exactly that means? Go find out.

This is only the beginning 😎