MARCH 5th 2026
MY DOMINION EXCLUSIVE
Interview By: Metal Mom Rita
Our very own, Metal Mom had the opportunity to chat with Stefan from My Dominion, an old school melodic death metal band. Forming in 2006, from Essen, GER, often self-producing their recordings, and now with the release of "EXTINCTION" back in fall of 2025, the band celebrates their 20th anniversary, and eager to promote their latest creation to the hordes of fans. Check out our exclusive below.
MT: How did you all come together to form the band?
Stefan: We formed the band back in 2005 – which feels slightly surreal to say after all these years. Initially, the idea was to play modern rock in the vein of Alter Bridge. But after the very first rehearsal, it became obvious that this was not really who we were. All of us had a heavier background and a deep connection to death metal. So
the direction changed naturally – and that was the real birth of My Dominion.
MT: Tell us who is in the band and how they each became part of My Dominion.
Stefan: The current lineup consists of Nico Dittelbach on bass, Jan Tacken on drums, Martin Rätzke on vocals and guitar, and myself on guitar and backing vocals. Like most bands that have been around for 20 years, we have had some lineup changes. But the core idea has always remained the same: four guys who share the same passion for melodic death metal and want to create something powerful together. Everyone brings their own influences to the table, but our musical roots are verysimilar.
MT: How did you come up with the name "Extinction" ?
Stefan: “Extinction” captures the overall mood of the album perfectly. Many of the lyrical themes revolve around downfall – whether that is humanity destroying itself, moral decay, greed, obsession with power or even inner collapse. The word itself is strong and uncompromising, which fits both the music and the atmosphere of the
record.
MT: Who writes the lyrics, and where do the ideas come from?
Stefan: Martin writes the lyrics. The ideas are often inspired by what is happening in the world around us – social developments, environmental issues, power structures, human weaknesses. Sometimes the perspective is more societal, sometimes more introspective. The lyrics are not meant to preach, but to reflect certain realities and emotions that resonate with the music.
MT: Do you have a favorite song on the album, and why that one?
Stefan: That is always a tough one. The songs deal with very different topics and each of them has a specific meaning for us. “Riot” is incredibly strong live – the energy just translates perfectly to the stage. “Extinction,” as the opener, has a special place because it sets the tone for the whole album and has become our new live
opener. But honestly, every track represents something important to us. It would feel wrong to single out just one.
MT: What made you decide to go with the album cover?
Stefan: The cover was painted by Dominik Plaßmann, who also created the artwork for our debut album “Consumed.” We wanted a visual representation of themes like world destruction, greed and power obsession. Something dark and intense, but still detailed and meaningful. Dominik once again delivered an outstanding piece of art. The artwork perfectly reflects the atmosphere and message of the album.
MT: Did it take long from writing the lyrics to having the album finished?
Stefan: Yes, it definitely took time. We are not a full-time band, so the songwriting process happens alongside our regular lives. We refine arrangements, adjust structures, rethink details. Nothing is rushed. That naturally stretches the timeline, but in the end it gives us a result we can fully stand behind.
MT: Tell us about your new album, and what people can expect from it.
Stefan: “Extinction” is the logical continuation of what we started with “Consumed,” but more focused and more mature. It is rooted in the classic death metal influences that shaped us – bands like Hypocrisy, Morbid Angel, old In Flames or Bolt Thrower – but with our own identity.
Listeners can expect heavy riffs, strong melodies, aggressive passages and atmospheric moments. Lyrically, it dives into darker aspects of humanity and society. It is honest and uncompromising.
MT: Now that it's released, is there anything you wished you had changed on it?
Stefan: At some point you have to let go. Of course, you can always find tiny details you might tweak if you listen closely enough. But overall, we are very satisfied. The album represents exactly where we stand as a band right now.
MT: Have you toured now that it is released?
Stefan: After our anniversary and release show at the packed Turock in our hometown Essen, we were very motivated to bring the new songs to the stage. We have already played shows in Düsseldorf and Oberhausen.
On March 13th we return to the Turock, followed by Dinslaken. Dortmund is also planned for later this year, and more shows are currently in the works. Live performance is still the most important element for us. That is where everything has to connect.
MT: When you listen to music what is your choice?
Stefan: I still find myself going back to the bands that originally shaped our sound – Hypocrisy, Six Feet Under, Morbid Angel, old In Flames, Edge of Sanity, Bolt Thrower. Those influences are deeply rooted in our musical DNA. At the same time, there are also some newer bands that I really enjoy listening to, like LIK, IOTUNN or BAEST. They manage to carry the spirit of classic death metal into a modern production environment without losing authenticity. And of course, there are also young and upcoming bands from the German underground that deserve attention. For example, Frostshock are doing a great job and show that there is still strong and passionate talent emerging from the scene.
So while the classics will always have a special place, I definitely keep an eye – and an ear – on what is
happening today.
MT: Is there anything you would like to add to this interview that I may have missed asking?
Stefan: Maybe just that we are not chasing trends. We make the music we genuinely love and focus on delivering intense live shows. If people connect with what we do – whether through the album or at a sweaty club show – that means everything to us.
Thanks for having us – we appreciate the support.
https://www.instagram.com/mydominion_official
https://www.facebook.com/MyDominionMetal
https://www.youtube.com/@mydominion_official
https://mydominionofficial.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/artist/2uKoP37KAUInzNHUxgzSEh?si=5FGo6d-HRaOH6IrpsRpKtnd=1&dlsi=9f5e70849bef4956