Interview with DAMIEN CAIN (1/3)

We’ve already covered his latest album, “Standarte,” in detail in the past. The alternative rock and metal artist, who was born in Germany and now lives in Ireland, was recently honored with the 2026 InterContinental Music Award in the “European Metal” category. The award went to the title track, “Standarte.” The label provided us with an interview in which he once again talks at length about “Standarte.”

“Standarte” is one of the most important songs on the album for you. Beyond its literal meaning as a flag or standard, what does the title mean to you?
Damien Cain: For me, “Standarte” is a statement. It’s about flying the flag—quite literally and in more ways than one: The album cover shines in all the colors of the rainbow, and the music is just as diverse. The same goes for the feelings and experiences that went into the album, especially this song. After more than thirty years in music, the time had come for me to show my true colors and stand up for something that’s important to me. The title says: This is who I am, this is what I believe in, and this is what matters to me. That’s why “Standarte” became the name of the song and the album. In that sense, it really is my banner.

The song features armies, prophets, religion, obedience, and rebellion. Is “Standarte” primarily an anti-war song, or is it about something bigger?
Damien Cain: At first glance, it’s an anti-war song. But not in the way I might have written it in my early twenties: pointing a finger at the world and explaining what’s right and wrong. I don’t think I have the right to do that. Of course, I have my own opinion. But what interests me most are the reasons behind the events. Why do people resort to violence? Why do we react with blind rage? Why do we obey authority, and when should we refuse to do so? When I follow the news, it seems like one terrible story follows another. In that respect, the world doesn’t feel much different than it did thirty years ago. I keep asking myself whether many conflicts begin with just a few driving forces: fear, anger, power, obedience, the desire to belong, and the willingness to follow. What appears purely political on the surface may be driven by entirely different motives. That’s why the song shifts between armies, religion, philosophy, obedience, and rebellion. The images differ, but they all lead me to the same conclusion: Violence begets more violence. Peace does not. That’s my perspective. However, the song doesn’t set out to preach this; rather, it asks why we keep ending up at the same point over and over again.

You talk about fear, anger, power, obedience, and the desire to belong. Are people violent by nature, or can certain circumstances make almost anyone susceptible to hatred and manipulation?
Damien Cain: I don’t believe that people are born evil or violent. Circumstances shape us. They influence who we become, how we act, and the decisions we make. I don’t want to blame religion alone. Nevertheless, I believe that even today it can still be a major trigger for violence. By that, I don’t necessarily mean faith itself. It becomes dangerous when faith turns into authority and power. People are surprisingly easy to manipulate, especially by true or false prophets who claim to know what comes after us, where we come from, what the purpose of our lives is, when our journey ends, and where it’s supposed to lead. I’m certainly open to hearing such ideas, but I reserve the right to form my own perspective and opinion. I wish more people would occasionally pause and ask themselves: Is what I’m doing or believing right now really correct? Is it as important as I’ve been told? What should I question before I simply accept it?

Watch the video for “Standarte”: