Interview

Unprocessed Drummer Leon Pfeifer Discusses New Album "Angel," Wine And More

The great cycle of metal goes that while we say goodbye to stars and bands of our younger days, we get to see younger bands on the ascent. In less than two weeks, on Halloween to be precise, there'll be a new release which indicates that Germany's Unprocessed will be the latest group to rise, as they unleash their sixth full length album, "Angel." Throughout the year, there's been a steady build to the record's release, and with every fresh taste and news item that leaks, Unprocessed's stock just continues to become higher. In anticipation of "Angel," I had the opportunity to put some questions to drummer Leon Pfeifer, who discussed the music, artwork and even the alcohol that gives the album such flavour.

Diamond Oz: Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. It's an exciting time for the band, with the release of "Angel" being right around the corner. What would you say makes this a different album from "... And Everything In Between"?

Leon Pfeifer: We're very excited for the release of "Angel!" It’s in some ways the continuation of what we started with AEIB. Yet "Angel" is much more diverse throughout the album. Where AEIB was as dark as possible, "Angel" is more open and diverse. We have very dark and heavy moments as much as melancholic and lighter moments.

Oz: With this being your sixth full length album in eleven years, along with two EPs in that time, you appear to be one of the most prolific bands going today. What do you think fuels you to remain so creative and productive?

Leon: We are in the fortunate situation where Manu and David are creative Songwriting-Machines, breathing riffs, beautiful atmospheres and melodies. The back and forth between all of us is inspiring and fuels the creative output. Also being completely self-sufficient with recording, producing, mixing and mastering helps so much when it comes to having a steady creative output.

Oz: You've been able to build up quite a lot of hype for the record, with the first single, "Snowlover" being released nine months ago. Did you know that the album would still be quite far away when you released the song or were you always playing the long game? What was it about "Snowlover" that you felt made it the best choice for a first taste of the album?

Leon: I’d consider “Sacrifice Me” as the first track of the Album. But i think with "Snowlover" we kind of found a very good balance of all the elements that make us unique in the present offering of heavy music. We didn’t have the album written at that point. But we knew "Sacrifice Me," "Snowlover" and "Dark, Silent and Complete" would be part of it eventually. Initially we wanted to release singles as we go to stay on top of our game and give our amazing community more songs to listen to!

Oz: Speaking of singles, you recently released the song "Solara" with Paleface Swiss. How did this collaboration come together?

Leon: We met Zelli in early 2024 through a mutual friend at a show in Zurich. From that point on we stayed in contact and spoke about collaborating at some point. When it came to writing Angel we knew this had to happen and Zelli was down for that instantly.

Oz: On the subject of working with other bands, this week we saw the news that you would head out on tour as the main support for Jinjer. How excited are you to be hitting the road with such a popular band and would you say that this is the biggest tour you've taken part in yet?

Leon: We’re super stoked to have the opportunity to do a full tour with Jinjer! These Shows will be some of the biggest we played yet and it’s especially great when you have a new Album to present to the fans. I think it’s such a great way to grow our own fanbase organically.

Oz: The artwork for "Angel" is eerily beautiful. Who designed it and how do you believe it represents the music?

Leon: This amazing artwork was done by Lisa Meinesz from Australia. She also came up with the concept of using a bat to represent the Album. We knew about her for such a long time but now it was the time to actually do something together and we are super happy it worked out. The cover represents the Album very well. It encapsulates a certain feeling that we all get when listening to these songs.

Oz: You've not only been releasing music and announcing tour dates, but you're releasing your own lager! I know it will be available at the upcoming album release shows, but how will it become available to fans who can't attend these events and what would you say makes it different from other lagers?

Leon: This will be exclusive to our London Release Party. We like these little one off collabs to make an occasion like this even more special. Its a great quality lager that pairs very well with listeing to Angel.

As well, and maybe even more exciting to us, we’re launching a wine collection together with Schottwein from our Area in Germany. We picked 2 exeptional Wines to enjoy with the Album:
Angel Riesling and the Deadrosé!

These can be purchased on the website of Schottwein.

Oz: Thank you again for taking the time to answer these questions. I wish you every success with "Angel."

"Angel" will be released on October 31st through Century Media Records.