Dear readers, we have the pleasure to offer you in this article an interview with a band from Leipzig, Germany that plays Heavy Prog and Heavy Psych. We welcome Godzilla In The Kitchen.
Hi, it is a real pleasure to have you among our pages, how are you?
“Hello Jacopo, thank you for the invitation. We are all doing well, we are healthy and able to make music – what more could we want? However, we are also affected by these very challenging times; there are many challenges in Germany as well, and of course, we hope for peace in Europe as soon as possible.“
The band was formed in 2011, how did the project come about and the choice of this interesting name?
“Long story short. We were hanging out at a party back in 2011 and were all properly fueling up. When extremely delicious muffins were served, Eric found it increasingly difficult to speak. At some point it was said: we move on, there is another party. The new location was known for the super large kitchen in which almost everything took place – including the parties. Eric asked everyone to go there and said: and then we act like Godzilla in the kitchen. Actually, he wanted to make use of the German Slogan: Act like an Elephant in a Porcellain Store. We looked into each other’s eyes afterward and several fits of laughter later it was clear: That’s it. That‘s the name of our band.“
You are a power trio that combines Heavy Prog and Heavy Psych, how did your passion for music and these sounds start?
“Progressive music first came to us with Tool’s Lateralus, which had a massive influence on us; what an incredible album! After that, we delved deeply into Heavy Prog and Psych with its intricate compositions, as well as the immersive, mind-bending qualities. However, we have always had a fondness for Stoner and Metal in general as well. As we started playing together, we realized that blending all these styles allowed us to explore and express our creativity in unique ways. The energy of a power trio format gives us the freedom to experiment and push boundaries, creating a sound that reflects our diverse influences while staying true to our roots. This journey has been incredibly fulfilling, and we are excited to share our passion with our audience through our music.“
What are your main sources of inspiration in this regard?
“Our main sources of inspiration come from a variety of places. Musically, we draw heavily from classic bands like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Yes or Pink Floyd whose innovative approaches to songwriting and sound have left a lasting impact on us. We also find inspiration in contemporary artists who push the boundaries of genre, such as Tool and
Mastodon. Beyond music, we are influenced by literature, art, and film. Themes of existentialism, nature, and the human experience often resonate with us and find their way into compositions and coverstories. Additionally, the energy of live performances and the connection we feel with our audience inspire us to create music that is both powerful and meaningful. Ultimately, it´s this blend of influences that shapes our sound and drives our creative process.“
You have been active since 2011, how has your sound evolved over time?
“Since our formation in 2011, our sound has evolved significantly as we’ve grown both as musicians and as a band. In the early days, we were heavily influenced by classic heavy rock and progressive elements, which shaped our initial sound. As we continued to write and perform, we began to experiment more with different textures, time signatures, and song structures. Over the years, we’ve embraced a wider range of influences, incorporating more psychedelic elements and exploring deeper emotional themes in our music. Our songwriting has become more collaborative, allowing us to blend our individual styles and ideas into a cohesive sound that reflects our collective growth. We’ve also honed our live performances, focusing on creating an immersive experience for our audience. This evolution is a natural progression for us, and we’re excited to see where it takes us next as we continue to push boundaries and explore new musical
territories.“
You recently announced the addition of Thiago Presto on drumming, what has he brought to your sound?
“The addition of Thiago Presto on drums has been a game-changer for our sound. As a Brazilian musician, he brings a unique rhythmic sensibility that is distinctly different from what we’ve experienced with European drummers. His deep connection to rhythm and his ability to incorporate various percussive elements have added a fresh dynamic to our
music. Thiago’s approach often involves exploring unconventional time signatures and intricate patterns, which enhances the complexity of our compositions. He has an innate ability to create grooves that are both infectious and captivating, allowing us to experiment with new musical ideas. His background also infuses our sound with a vibrant energy that resonates well with our heavy prog and psych influences. Overall, Thiago has not only enriched our music but has also inspired us to push our creative boundaries further. We’re excited about the new directions we can explore together as a band!“
In addition you also announced a collaboration with Broken Music, do you have plans for live dates in the near future?
“Yes, we have. Just last week, we announced our “The Errors Tour.” It’s our tribute to great artists from “other genres.” We will be touring in Germany (and Belgium) for a week. In the summer, we have a few festivals lined up, and the fall will be all about the new album – we will be heading into the studio.“
You are known for an intense and very inspired live activity, how important is the contact with your audience and what does it give you?
“The contact with our audience is incredibly important to us and plays a vital role in our live performances. When we see the crowd reacting to our music—whether it’s through moshing, or simply being fully immersed in the moment—it inspires us to give even more of ourselves during the show. The feedback we receive from the audience often influences how we approach certain songs or sections of our set. Without this positive feedback, we wouldn’t be able to continue as we have been. In our genre, we don’t do this for the money, but to express ourselves and give something to people. If we didn’t receive positive feedback, it wouldn’t make sense to continue making music. Music and art in general thrive on interaction and feedback—applause drives the artist forward.“
How has the way of experiencing live performances changed from the early 00s to today? And what has changed for you?
“The way live performances are experienced has changed significantly from the early 2000s to today, both for audiences and for performers. In the early 00s, concerts were often more straightforward experiences focused primarily on the music itself. Fans would gather in venues, and while there was a strong sense of community, the interaction was mostly limited to the performance and the immediate reactions during and after songs. Today, technology has transformed live performances in several ways. Social media platforms allow fans to share their experiences in real-time, creating a sense of connection that extends beyond the venue. Audiences often engage with us before and after shows through these platforms, which can enhance their overall experience. Additionally, many fans now record performances on their phones, which can change how they engage with the music during the show—sometimes it feels like they´re more focused on capturing moments rather than being fully present. Overall, while the core of live music remains about connection and shared experiences, the ways we connect with our audience have evolved dramatically, making each performance an even more dynamic and multifaceted event.“
Many of your fans and our readers are asking if you have any new record releases planned in the near future, can you tell us something about that?
“Yes, of course. We are currently deep into the songwriting process and have gathered over 20 ideas. Right now, we are developing many of these ideas and seeing how they evolve. In April, we plan to have our first studio session, followed by a second one in the fall. To accommodate the many concerts in between, we have decided to split the recording process. New music will be first heard from us in 2026, but we will be testing some new songs live this year.“
Music is constantly evolving, how do you see the modern scene in your genre?
“The modern music scene in our genre is incredibly dynamic and diverse. One of the most notable changes is the blending of genres, where artists are increasingly experimenting with sounds and styles that cross traditional boundaries. This fusion creates fresh and innovative music that appeals to a broader audience. Additionally, technology plays a significant role in shaping the current landscape. With the rise of digital platforms, artists can easily distribute their music globally, allowing for greater accessibility and exposure. This democratization of music means that emerging artists have more opportunities to reach listeners without relying solely on traditional record labels. But it is, of course, incredibly difficult to make money. The payout models of streaming platforms are getting worse and more participants in the market mean that the revenues are increasingly divided. Meanwhile, the most popular artists are making a fortune from the
streaming platforms. Live performances are the last opportunity to earn money; sometimes it feels like we are all primarily T-shirt sellers. Merchandise plays a much bigger role than before in determining whether you can survive in the market. Social media has also transformed how artists connect with their fans. It allows for real-time interaction, enabling us to build communities around our music and engage with audiences on a personal level. This direct connection can enhance fan loyalty and create a more immersive experience. But as an artist, you have to handle all these areas and tasks. If you don’t master social media, you won’t sell a single ticket today. Overall, while the core elements of our genre remain intact, the modern scene is characterized by innovation, collaboration, and a strong sense of community among artists and fans alike.“
You are a power trio offering long instrumental textures between Progressive and Psychedelia, how does the creative process of your music take place?
“We don’t have a bandleader or anything, everybody contributes in his own way and that’s what makes this band. We have never consciously chosen any genre. We started jamming sometime in 2011. Everyone brought their influences and out came these tracks and this style. There was no plan behind it. Of course, all of us listen to some kind of rock music.
When we write music we always write music together. As soon as we stand together in a room and turn the amps up loud, there is a certain dynamic and energy that drives us. All of a sudden we become creative. A really strange process that is hard to control, but incredibly fulfilling. We jam, we rehearse, we listen to each other and in the end we try to tell little stories with our instrumental pieces. We try to create a certain depth to take the listener with us and let him wallow in thoughts. We have completely abandoned standard song structures and i think this is where we differ a lot from other music in the rock genre. we like to present the listener with little challenges, to work completely analog, not to add synths or any other frills, just to exploit the elemental power of guitar, bass and drums.“
Do you have any other activities or artistic passions outside of music?
“Not really, we have our families, jobs and our music. Then the day is mostly over ☺“
I thank the band for the interview and wish them all the best for the continuation of their artistic career.
More info on their tour dates vand be found here: https://www.godzillainthekitchen.de/tour/
