INTERVIEW: Daniel Vadim Von (Morbid Angel, Nile)

Interview and Photography by Rachael Skinner.

Daniel Vadim Von is a multi-skilled musician in the extreme metal scene, showcasing his talents as a guitarist for Morbid Angel while also taking on the role of bassist and using his brutal vocals in the band Nile. He has traveled the globe with both bands. Recently, he graced the stage at Empire Live in Albany, NY, as part of The Revenge of the Underground Tour. I had the privilege of chatting with Dan on Nile’s tour bus before their electrifying performance, where he graciously answered some questions for me.

RRX: Explain to me the moment where you first realized that you were drawn to create music, and what was the first instrument that sparked your passion?

DVV: I played piano as a kid until probably about 11 or 12, when I switched to guitar and that became my primary instrument. So from there on, it was sort of strings, guitars, and bass and things like that. It was very early on when I realized that it was important.

RRX: What musicians helped to influence your musical journey early on?

DVV: I would say Jimi Hendrix, Tony Iommi. Early, early old school stuff. I grew up in Eastern Europe until I was in my early teens, when I relocated to the US. Iron Curtain was still going on. And it was a little different than it would be for kids here, that were just automatically exposed to the market and stuff like that. So a lot of it was bootleg, tape, trade. Vinyl stuff was coming around, but it still wasn’t quite as expanded.

RRX: What were the first bands that you were into that made you realize that this was what you wanted to do?

DVV: The early Black Sabbath stuff, Mercyful Fate, and just really whatever I could get my hands on at the time.

RRX: How old were you when you joined your first band?

DVV: I think around 15. Me and a couple of friends started trying to put some stuff together. It took about a year or two for it to make sense.

Photo by Rachael Skinner

RRX: What would you go back and tell your 15-year-old self now, knowing everything that you know being in this industry for so long?

DVV: Keep the dream alive and keep pushing forward.

RRX: How did the universe merge the paths for you to play guitar for Morbid Angel?

DVV: I’ve known Trey for a long time. At first, my involvement with the band was as a visual artist. I used to do a ton of merch designs, different visual things for the band. And Morbid started taking my old band when I was going on tour. It’s been close to a decade.

RRX: So how did you cross paths and become a part of Nile?

DVV: An opportunity came up a couple of years ago for me to do this last album. I was touring with a different band, so I had to put that to the side. And it worked out well.

RRX: What is your most memorable moment being on tour, with any band you’ve been in? Do you have any moment that’s really been like, wow, that was wild, you know?

DVV: It’s really difficult to pinpoint just one. There’s been some really epic moments with Morbid Angel. I would say maybe looking over my shoulder and seeing Max Cavalera engulfed into what was going on, literally probably five feet away, because he was a really big influence for me.

RRX: What led to your endorsement with Ibanez?

DVV: They’re just an awesome brand. Even back in high school, I had a couple I was really fond of. I went through a few different companies. Ibanez just really takes the cake as far as their nicer stuff, especially stuff that’s made in Japan and in the LA Custom Shop. It’s superior, you know, in my opinion. So we started working together back in 2018 – it’s just been great ever since.

RRX: What is your personal definition of success, and what does it mean to you?

DVV: It’s basically not giving up and believing in yourself and manifesting that goal.

RRX: Is there anything that you want to share with Xperience Monthly?

DVV: Thanks to anyone that has followed me throughout the years. Big thanks for any that have believed in me as a musician, as an artist. Follow your dreams and push for what you believe in.

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