Interview with Roland Neubauer of WitcheR

December 15, 2025

Interview with Roland Neubauer of WitcheR

by Mick Michaels

Cosmick View: Hello, and welcome to The Cosmick View. Thanks for taking some time out of your day to speak with us. It's greatly appreciated.

CV: Do you think modern Heavy Metal music has evolved past its origins? Or are things relatively still the same?

Roland Neubauer: That depends on what we consider heavy metal. Are we talking about the genre itself, or the metal scene in general? I can’t really say how things have changed further west, but here in Central Europe everything transformed after the political transition — and even compared to the 1990s, the shift has been huge. This music used to represent the peak of rebellion; many people were even imprisoned for it, and those who listened to or played this style were regularly beaten by the police. In that sense, everything has changed, but I believe the community-building power of heavy metal has remained the same.

CV: Does Metal still draw people to want to listen and engage the music while challenging the audience to imagine becoming a musician themselves?

RN: I believe that anyone who loves this music and has seen a good metal band live has surely entertained the idea of becoming a musician and standing on a stage. I was the same way as a kid, but once I experienced performing on stage, I realized I didn’t need that. I want to create — that’s why WitcheR doesn’t perform live. For us, the goal is creation and shaping an atmosphere.

CV: Many believe that success for a band relies on three major components; good distribution, good PR and good booking. In the new modern music industry, all of that is without a doubt achievable by the artist themselves. Do you feel more and more established acts will go the independent route and eliminate the middle man component?

RN: These three components are a good foundation, but on their own they’re not enough. You also need tons of money, a certain level of uniqueness, tremendous dedication, and plenty of free time. Only those bands can truly choose the independent route that are already big enough for their production not to operate at a loss, and who — with little exaggeration — are willing to give up everything else in life. For smaller bands, independence is essentially the only option, or perhaps working with a small label that can at least take the burden of releasing the material and handling the related tasks off their shoulders. The modern music industry is simply not made for metal bands.

CV: Do you feel that the idea of a band eliminating those second and third party partnerships; labels, management, bookers, etc., and doing things on their own, is a direct result of artists and bands being misled and taken advantage of for so long?

RN: As I mentioned, only those bands that are already generating profit from an album or a tour can afford to get rid of these partners. For underground bands, a label or a management team is still an enormous help — provided they understand that they will never make any real money from it.

CV: Do you feel there is a need or want for artists of any style or genre to rise above the past and to do more musically…artistically? Or can a level of comfort be reached and maintained as a means to sustainability?

RN: I think there are many styles within metal that have stagnated and are unable to evolve, or only very few bands are capable of achieving it. In this regard, I believe black metal is the mandatory exception. It’s incredible how, compared to the path laid out by the legendary Norwegian black metal bands, the genre has become so diverse today, with new bands emerging every year that are able to bring something truly original.

CV: Many critics believe music is irrelevant today... just background noise. As a musician who is out there writing, releasing, and performing, from your perspective, do you still see music relevance in the world today? Is there a connection?

RN: Critics like that shouldn’t bother listening to our music—or anyone else’s, for that matter. That’s my brief opinion on the matter. Music gives many people strength in their daily lives, creates moods, provides guidance, and inspires perseverance. We focus on those who are looking for exactly that in music.

CV: Has music in general split into too many genres and sub-genre classifications in an effort just to please an indecisive audience in your opinion? Is it just more of a marketing ploy to funnel buyers to a specific brand?

RN: This isn’t a marketing ploy; I’d call it individuality. Listen to any early Burzum album and any early Emperor album. It’s the same genre, yet both are completely different. Or put a Saor or Uada album alongside them — you’ll notice the same thing. This isn’t marketing; these are outstanding works within the same genre, just approached differently. This is art!

CV: What more can fans expect to see coming from you in 2026 and beyond?

RN: Our new album has just been released, so we won’t be surprising anyone too much in 2025, although we are preparing a small extra related to the album. I should also mention that the vinyl edition will be out in a few days, but our main plans are aimed more at 2026, or even 2027.

CV: Thanks again for taking the time to share with our readers. We wish you all the best and continued success.

RN: We thank you!

Check out WitcheR at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/witcherband/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/witcherbandofficial/

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, author, show host, big dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure... so let it begin!