HASSWUT is a trio from Spain whose style treads largely in the industrial rock/metal arena. Most recently they inked a deal with the North American label, Negative Gain Productions. The new single is “Sauerstoff” from the forthcoming full-length album of the same name. We’re very grateful that the band was able to answer a few of our questions about the new single and album and then some….
Thanks for your time today. The latest single and forthcoming album are both called ‘Saurstoff’. Would you mind giving us some insight into the story or concept behind the track and the album?
In recent times, especially after the pandemic, we’ve noticed how many people have been struggling mentally, falling into depression, anxiety, fears, and so on. Taking this as a base, we thought about creating a song to try to offer a ray of light to all those who find themselves sinking in the darkness. From very personal experiences, we know how difficult it is to get out of that place without help. Sauerstoff is our small contribution to that support.
Sauerstoff means “oxygen” in English, and that’s exactly what is needed: to stop time, focus only on ourselves, take a deep breath, and realize that we are capable of anything we set our minds to. It’s a reminder that, even in the darkest moments, we have the strength within us to overcome anything.
What’s the biggest technical challenge that you’ve had to overcome? That could be anything from a computer crash, “learning curve” or anything like that. How did you overcome it?
The learning has come over the years. Before HASSWUT, there were other bands, and that experience paved the way for growth and learning.
The worst thing that happened during the process of composing Sauerstoff was when the MAC we had all the demos and projects on broke. We had a backup, but even then, it was impossible to recover the files. It was a couple of weeks of madness, where it felt like everything was going against us. Eventually, one day we decided to try a solution that had failed previously, and this time, by luck, it worked. Everything came back to the way it was.
Those are the days when we would burn any Apple device we could get our hands on!
What do you think is the mark of a good remix from the perspective of both the artist and the remixer?
The most important thing is that each band doing a remix should bring it to their own territory. For example, over the years, we’ve mainly done remixes for industrial, electro, and EBM bands, and in every case, we infuse it with the power of the metal that defines HASSWUT. A remix isn’t just about mixing the song differently—it’s about reinventing a track and making it believable. It’s not just a random collection of sounds without meaning; it needs to have purpose and energy that stays true to both the original and the remixer’s unique style.
Let’s say many years from now in the future, someone finds one of your albums and something to play it on in an old, locked box. What do you want them to understand about your message or your legacy just by listening to your music?
Music has always been a powerful form of resistance and expression. From the raw energy of 1970s and ‘80s punk to the rebellious spirit of ‘90s grunge, and even in genres like conscious rap or alternative indie, there have always been movements that challenge the status quo. These musical movements weren’t just about entertainment—they were statements against conformity, against corporate control, and against the passive acceptance of the world as it is.
While it’s true that the majority of society tends to consume whatever is placed in front of them, there have always been those who seek something more—something real, something human, something that carries a message beyond the polished, commercialized sound of mainstream radio.
This is where bands like Hasswut come into play. Their fusion of industrial metal and electronic elements embodies that same rebellious spirit, but through a modern lens. Industrial music has always had a defiant edge, a mechanical aggression that mirrors the cold, oppressive structures of modern society, yet at the same time fights against them. Hasswut’s sound, with its powerful riffs, pulsating beats, and aggressive yet rhythmic vocals, channels that resistance—melding human emotion with machine-like precision.
Today, in an era of overproduced music and algorithm-driven playlists, finding authenticity is more difficult than ever. However, it still exists, thriving in underground scenes, independent labels, and among artists who refuse to compromise their vision. Hasswut and similar bands stand as a reminder that music is more than just background noise; it is a statement, a call to action, and a refusal to conform. The challenge now is not just creating this kind of music, but ensuring it reaches the right ears in a world where algorithms prioritize mass appeal over raw artistic expression.
What do you think has changed for you since your first release on both technical and artistic levels?
The music industry has changed drastically. Thanks to digital platforms, it is now easier than ever for artists to reach a wider audience. However, at the same time, it has become much more difficult to stand out because the competition is greater than ever. With so many bands, producers, and independent musicians uploading new material every day, getting noticed requires not only talent but also a strong understanding of how to navigate algorithms, social media, and audience engagement.
From an artistic perspective, this evolution has brought both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, there are more creative proposals and an ever-expanding variety of sounds that artists can draw inspiration from. The accessibility of global music means that influences are no longer limited by geography, allowing musicians to experiment and blend genres in ways that were once unimaginable.
On the other hand, advancements in technology have made high-quality equipment and production tools more accessible than ever. What was once only available in professional studios can now be achieved in home setups with the right software and hardware. This democratization of music production has allowed for greater artistic freedom, enabling musicians to bring their visions to life without the limitations of the past. However, this also means that simply making good music is not enough—artists must also master self-promotion, branding, and digital distribution. In a landscape where anyone can release music, the real challenge is making sure that it reaches the right audience and resonates with them.
Have you ever composed a song that was written from such a painful perspective that you refused to release it?
Yes, we have definitely written songs inspired by painful experiences. But precisely for that reason, they need to be released. Music is not just about capturing emotions—it’s about confronting them, understanding them, and ultimately growing from them. These songs serve as a reminder of the moments we have endured, the struggles we have faced, and the lessons we have learned along the way.
Releasing them is not about dwelling on the past, but rather about acknowledging it. It allows us to process those emotions in a meaningful way and, in doing so, prevents us from falling back into the same patterns. Music has a unique ability to turn pain into something tangible, something that can be shared, understood, and even transformed into strength.
Moreover, these songs are not just for us. They can also resonate with others who might be going through similar struggles. Sometimes, hearing someone else put emotions into words and melodies can be a powerful source of connection and healing. It reminds us that we are not alone in our pain and that growth is always possible.
In the end, these songs become more than just music—they become milestones in our journey, marking where we’ve been and guiding us toward where we want to go.
Are most of your lyrics written from a perspective of internal observation or external (i.e. society etc.)?
Our lyrics come from both perspectives—personal experiences and the world around us. It’s impossible to remain indifferent to what we see every day: wars, injustices, corruption, and all the chaos that surrounds us. These harsh realities inevitably find their way into our lyrics, reflecting the frustration, anger, and helplessness that so many people feel but may not always have the words to express. Music becomes a way to channel that energy, to speak out against the things that should never be normalized, and to give a voice to emotions that might otherwise go unheard.
At the same time, we are human, not machines. We have our own personal emotions, struggles, and experiences, and these naturally influence our songwriting as well. No matter how much the world demands our attention, our inner lives—our joys, heartbreaks, doubts, and personal growth—are just as powerful in shaping the music we create. Sometimes, a deeply personal lyric emerges from a raw, emotional moment, and before we know it, it becomes the foundation of a new song.
In the end, both perspectives are inseparable. The world around us and our personal experiences constantly intertwine, shaping our thoughts, emotions, and creativity. That’s what makes music so powerful—it allows us to express both the weight of reality and the depth of personal emotion, creating something that can connect with others on multiple levels.
Thanks for you time once again. These last words are yours.
First of all, we want to express our gratitude to Noise Beneath the Storm for giving us space in your platform. It’s not always easy for a band from Spain to gain recognition beyond our borders, especially in a genre like industrial music, which remains somewhat niche compared to more mainstream styles. Opportunities like this are invaluable, as they help independent artists like us connect with new audiences who share our passion for powerful, intense, and thought-provoking music.
We encourage all of you to stay tuned to digital platforms because our new album will be released very soon! We’ve poured our energy, creativity, and emotions into this project, and we truly hope you enjoy it as much as we do. It’s always an incredible experience to see our music reach people from different parts of the world, and we can’t wait to share this new chapter with you.
Thank you once again for your support, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts on the new release!
For More Information:
Pre-Order the new album HERE:
https://hasswut.bandcamp.com/album/sauerstoff-single
