EMQs With TOMB OF GIANTS
EMQs With TOMB OF GIANTS
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with German Heavy Metal band, Tomb Of Giants. Huge thanks to their guitarist and songwriter, Oliver Nienhüser, for taking part.
What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
My name is Oliver Nienhüser, I play the guitar in Tomb of Giants and I’m currently the main songwriter of the band. We started back in 2013 – it all began with a cover gig where Daniel Melcher, my brother Mirko and our friend Ian Waters played some AC/DC and other Rock covers at a local event. We realized right away how much fun it is to play live together, and from that moment on we decided to form Tomb of Giants. The goal was always clear: we wanted to write our own songs and keep the Heavy Metal flame alive.
Since then, a lot has happened. The band has grown step by step from a school project into a semi-professional Heavy Metal band. There have been a few line-up changes along the way: in 2019, Yannik Moszynski joined as a second guitarist, bringing fresh energy to the band. And in mid-2024, Kai “Roarside” came on board as our new vocalist, giving us a powerful new voice. With this line-up we just released our new EP ‘Holding the Flame’, which also serves as the introduction to our new frontman.
How did you come up with your band name?
The name Tomb of Giants actually comes from a level in the video game Dark Souls. When we first heard it, it immediately had a certain mystique to it – dark, powerful, and a little mysterious, which felt like a perfect match for Heavy Metal.
At the same time, it also has a symbolic meaning for us: the giants of Metal are getting older, and we want to follow in their footsteps, carrying at least a small part of their legacy forward. The name connects that spirit of mystery with our passion for keeping traditional Heavy Metal alive.
What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?
We’re based in Osnabrück, Lower Saxony, Germany. The local Metal and Rock scene here is quite diverse – especially in the city itself. There are a lot of small clubs, venues, and organizations that actively support live music and give young and upcoming bands the chance to perform.
It’s a very supportive environment where you can discover new acts almost every weekend, and it really helps to build a strong community around live music. For us, it has been the perfect place to grow as a band, because you get constant opportunities to play live, connect with other musicians, and develop your own sound in front of a real audience.
What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)
Our latest release is the EP ‘Holding the Flame’, which came out in July 2025. With this record we wanted to carry on the spirit of our previous EP Legacy of the Sword, but take the sound a step further – heavy, melodic and full of energy.
It also marks the debut of our new singer Kai “Roarside,” whose powerful voice gave the songs a new intensity. The title track The Flame is our hymn to Heavy Metal, while Evilnator quickly became a live favorite. We also revisited two songs from our debut album – ‘Midnight Devil’ and ‘When Destiny Calls’ – giving them a fresh production without losing their original character.
The EP was mixed and mastered by Andy Classen at Stage One Studio, which really gave the songs the punch they needed. And with the cover artwork painted by Timon Kokott, it all came together as a release that truly represents what Tomb of Giants stands for right now: Traditional Heavy Metal.
Who have been your greatest influences?
Some of our greatest influences are the classics – bands like Iron Maiden, Accept and Judas Priest, to name just a few. At shows we’ve even been compared to bands like Judas Priest or Overkill, which of course is a huge compliment for us.
The influences are clear, but we’re not here to just copy what’s already been done. We honor the giants who came before us, but at the same time we want to carve out our own path and keep pushing our interpretation of Heavy Metal forward. For us it’s about carrying the spirit of the old school into the present day – raw, powerful, and alive.
What first got you into music?
It all started with my dad, actually. He introduced me to bands like Deep Purple and AC/DC—those were the first sounds that really sparked something in me. Later on, both my parents encouraged me to pick up the guitar at 16, even though I was starting a bit late. I’m genuinely grateful for that push, because it opened up an entirely new dimension for me.
Growing up, my CD shelf was a wild mix—German Rock, Punk, and eventually Metallica, HammerFall, and the rest of the heavy hitters. That was my gateway into Metal. But when I discovered Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, it felt like I’d found my personal holy grail of music.
Learning to play those songs on guitar, riff by riff, was insanely cool and motivating. It wasn’t just about playing notes—it was about connecting with something raw and powerful. That’s when I knew music wasn’t just a hobby. It was going to be a way of life.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
For me, it would have to be Iron Maiden. They’ve shaped so much of who I am as a musician—not just through their sound, but through their spirit, their work ethic, and their unwavering dedication to the genre. Their songwriting is legendary, their live shows are pure electricity, and the way they’ve kept the Heavy Metal flame burning for decades is nothing short of inspiring.
To share a stage with them, or even open a show, would be more than a collaboration—it would be a dream realized. They’re the kind of band that reminds you why you picked up the guitar in the first place.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Without a doubt—Wacken Open Air. It’s the ultimate pilgrimage for any metalhead and one of the most iconic festivals in the world. The energy, the crowd, the sheer scale of it… it’s legendary.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
To be honest, we haven’t received any truly weird gifts yet. What we “have” gotten is something even better—great conversations, new friendships, and a genuine exchange about our music and the Metal scene in general.
It might sound a bit boring compared to stories of bizarre fan art or strange souvenirs, but for us, it’s actually amazing. Connecting with people who really get what we’re doing and want to talk about it—that’s the kind of gift that sticks with you.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Just a massive thank you for your support. It honestly blows our minds when we send out CDs or vinyl and the shipping costs end up being higher than the actual product—and people still go for it, just to have our music in their hands. That kind of dedication means the world to us.
All the kind words, comments, and likes show us we’re on the right path. And as humble as we try to stay, that kind of feedback gives us a huge push every single time. You keep the Heavy Metal flame alive!
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
If we had one wish, it would be to share one last beer with the Prince of Darkness himself – Ozzy Osbourne. He didn’t just write music history; he shaped generations of bands, including ours. His voice, his songs, his energy—they’re eternal.
Cheers, Ozzy. You always kept the flame alive and passed it on to all of us. Rest in power, legend.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
The best part? Playing live – hands down. When the crowd connects, sings along, and the energy starts bouncing between us and them, it’s pure electricity. That moment when the spark catches and everything clicks… there’s no feeling like it.
The hardest part? Everything behind the scenes. Recording, organizing, rehearsing, social media – basically all the stuff outside the creative flow. It can be exhausting. But when the album’s finally done, and people—sometimes from halfway across the world – order your CD or shirt and send you amazing feedback, you realize: it was all worth it. Every ounce of effort paid off.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
I’d take it back to the roots. These days, it feels like everything’s turning into a pay-to-play system, where exposure is bought, not earned. Fame has become a product, and that’s not what music should be about.
What I miss is the time to actually “experience” music. To sit with an album, let it breathe, and feel it grow on you. In today’s fast-paced world, that kind of connection is getting harder to find. I’d love to see an industry that slows down, values authenticity, and gives both artists and fans the space to truly enjoy the music again.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
“Painkiller” by Judas Priest.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CDs or Downloads?
I think vinyl is making a real comeback, and I think that’s because it demands something we’ve lost in the digital age: attention. With vinyl, you don’t just hit play and walk away. You drop the needle, you listen actively, and you experience the music as a whole.
The artwork becomes part of the ritual. You hold it in your hands, discover little details over time, and flip through the sleeve while the record spins. It’s immersive. It’s physical. And in a world that’s moving faster every day, vinyl gives you a reason to slow down and truly connect with the music.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
We’ve had some incredible moments over the years—winning “Rock in der Region” in 2019, playing our first “Rock bei Kurt” show with that massive stage that gave off serious Wacken vibes, and sharing gigs with international acts like BULLET, Night Demon, The Iron Maidens, and Sacred Reich. Each of those shows came with great conversations, killer memories, and a real sense of connection.
But if I had to pick one standout, it would be our performance at this year’s “Kuhzifest” in East Frisia. Over 700 people, an insane atmosphere, a stacked lineup, and a crowd that was all heart. It was also our first gig with Kai as our new vocalist—and what a debut. The energy was unreal. That night was pure magic, and we’ll never forget it.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
Well, I actually am doing something else – I’m a teacher for math and computer science. All of us in the band still work regular jobs, since we’re not full-time musicians (yet).
But who knows where the journey will take us? For now, we’re balancing both worlds—day jobs and night riffs—and giving everything we’ve got to make the music grow. It’s a wild ride, and we’re loving every minute of it.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
That’s an easy one: my beloved wife, my daughter, and our three cats. That’s the core crew—no drama, just love, purring, and probably a few stolen bites off the table.
The bandmates? They’re welcome too… but only after dessert. Gotta keep the chaos contained until the cake’s been served. Once the sugar kicks in, they can bring the riffs, the stories, and maybe a few questionable jokes. It’d be loud, slightly unhinged, and absolutely perfect.
What’s next for the band?
Right now, we’re still celebrating the release of our new EP “Holding The Flame”, which dropped on July 25th, 2025. It’s been an incredible ride so far, and we’ve got some killer shows lined up to keep the fire burning—festivals and club gigs like “Rock bei Kurt” in Melle-Gesmold and “Live-Undead 47” in Bielefeld.
But we’re not slowing down. Behind the scenes, we’re already working on our next album. The first songs are written and waiting for that final polish. Around here, it’s always “after the release is before the release”—we never sit still. There’s always another riff to chase, another stage to conquer.
What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
Tomb of Giants is out there on all the usual platforms – Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Spotify, Bandcamp, and more. That’s where we share updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and of course, our music.
If you’re looking to support us directly, Bandcamp is the place to go. We’ve got our full discography there, plus merch like shirts, CDs, and vinyl. So if you want to hold the flame with us—come dig through the shop!
Web: https://tombofgiants.de/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/tombofgiants
IG: https://www.instagram.com/tombofgiants_official
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tombofgiants_metal
Bandcamp: https://tombofgiants.bandcamp.com/album/holding-the-flame
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-de/artist/2A6LKxE4mn3Ho9RxXdVnHZ
There’s a long-standing food-based debate here in the UK. And we’d like your help. So… A Jaffa cake – is it a cake or a biscuit? Discuss!
That’s a tough one. In Germany, I know them as “Softcakes” – and every time I hear that word, my brain instantly plays that ridiculous old TV jingle: “Soft Cake, so fruchtig & soft… So unverhofft soft.” It’s burned into my memory – damn it!
But if I had to choose based on size and snack vibes alone—I’d say biscuit. It’s small, it’s snackable, and let’s be honest, it lives in the biscuit aisle. Still, it’s got that spongey base, which throws everything into chaos.
Maybe it’s like metal itself—refusing to be boxed in. Not quite cake, not quite biscuit. Just unapologetically “Jaffa”.
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Thank you so much for the interview.
In a world that often feels chaotic, never lose hope. Metal gives us strength. Music connects people – it builds bridges where there used to be walls. We need more flames of hope, and fewer flames of destruction. So keep holding the flame. And let it burn brighter than everything else
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of said party. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
