It’s been a long time since German metalcore veterans Caliban toured the U.S., and frontman Andreas Dörner acknowledges that with a smile. In this conversation with Capital Chaos TV, Dörner opens up about the band’s journey, changes in sound, life during the pandemic, and his love for black coffee.
It’s Been That Long?
“The last time we toured the States was with All Shall Perish—maybe eight years ago or more,” Andreas recalls. “It’s been a long time, but I think it shows that you don’t necessarily need to tour the world constantly to have a career.”
Caliban has built a strong foundation in Europe and especially in Germany. While they’re eager to return to the U.S., the offers haven’t been quite right—yet. “We’re just waiting for the right opportunity,” he adds.
Carrying the Metalcore Flag
Still true to their roots, Caliban remains one of Europe’s original metalcore pioneers. While some bands evolve dramatically over time or stick to formulas (AC/DC, anyone?), Dörner says Caliban strikes a balance.
“We always try to do something different with each record. We’re not stuck in the same style we had ten years ago. We evolve, improve, and mix our music with different influences—but it’s still very much metalcore.”
Bands like Heaven Shall Burn, he notes, have stayed more stylistically consistent, whereas Caliban allows more room to grow creatively.
What About Killswitch Engage?
Asked about fellow genre mainstays Killswitch Engage, Andreas admits he hasn’t kept up with them recently. “I kind of lost track, but what they’re doing still sounds powerful and aggressive—like always. I respect that.”
Influence and the Next Generation
When it comes to the band’s influence on newer artists, Dörner keeps it humble. “I don’t pay too much attention to what others are doing. I just try to write lyrics that feel right to me. But a lot of younger bands tell us we’ve influenced them, and that’s great to hear.”
Silver Linings from the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges—but also small personal wins.
“For the band, not much happened—we were just recording. We did the Zeitgeist EP and started working on a full-length album that’s coming soon,” he says.
On a personal level? “I started exercising more. Nothing fancy—just a regular morning routine. Wake up, drink black coffee, do some exercises while tidying up. It’s a positive change.”
No Milk in That Coffee
Speaking of coffee: “Just black,” Andreas says with a grin, when asked if he takes it European-style (80% milk, 20% coffee). “Nothing else.”
On the New EP and Going German
The band’s new EP features re-recordings of older songs—but this time, in German.
“We picked songs that fans know from our live shows, plus a new track called Niches for Emma,” says Dörner. “Translating the lyrics into German was tough but fun. You have so many ways to say things in our native language—it was a challenge, but we’re happy with how it turned out.”
So far, fans have responded positively—even those outside Germany. “They’d been asking for a full German record for years. We finally did it, and people are loving it.”
A Rammstein Cover—But No Influence There
Caliban’s recent Rammstein cover raised some eyebrows—but Dörner laughs off any assumptions.
“I’m not really a Rammstein fan,” he admits. “I respect them and what they do live—it’s amazing. But someone else in the band came up with the idea to cover one of their songs. I liked it, but no, they didn’t inspire me to explore my sexuality. I figured that out way before Rammstein.”
No Tolerance for Misconduct
When asked about the firing of Megadeth’s bassist over explicit content leaks, Dörner is firm: “Of course that would get someone fired from Caliban. That kind of behavior shouldn’t be tolerated.”
Challenges, Government Support, and Tour Nightmares
Support for musicians during the pandemic in Germany? “Too little, too late,” says Andreas. “Some venues are already gone. There were promises of help, but not much materialized—especially for artists.”
And the hardest tour Caliban ever played?
“Definitely when we opened for Kreator. Their fans did not like us. People were turning their backs, flipping us off, chanting ‘Kreator!’ It was pure hell,” he laughs. “But we survived—and got stronger.”
Final Words from Andreas
“Thank you to everyone who’s supported Caliban over the years. I hope you enjoy the new EP. Stay in touch—and hopefully, we’ll be back on the road in the States soon.”
Catch Caliban on tour and stream wherever you get your music.
Watch the full video interview below.
Categories: Caliban, Interviews
Capital Chaos TV 
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