A Dirty Dozen with STEVEN PÖLLIXX VOLOR from CASTER VOLOR – December 2025

According to a recent press release: “Shock rock band Caster Volor releases their new album, entitled Paracosm, via Pavement Entertainment. Paracosm is a raw, unapologetic plunge into the chaos of modern life, filtered through the fire of heavy rock theatrics. This album is a world of fantasy, defiance, and takeover—a soundtrack for misfits, rebels, and believers who know rock ‘n’ roll is here to stay. Hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Caster Volor is a shock rock force that delivers a ferocious blend of hard rock and heavy metal wrapped in a theatrical spectacle unlike anything else on the touring circuit today. Known for their over-the-top, vaudevillian-inspired performances, the band fuses gritty, anthemic music with an immersive stage experience—turning every show into a raw, high-energy event that leaves audiences breathless.” We get Steven to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release. What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

Our latest release is a 6 track EP titled, Paracosm. Right off the bat, most people may be confused by the title as well as the artwork. A paracosm by definition is a detailed and immersive imaginary world created in one’s mind. The album artwork is the United Nations logo with Caster Volor spray painted over it. Simply put, we’ve created our own world, and we’re taking over. Absolutely, I can already tell you the title of the opening track has people going back for a 2nd listen, and the solo in “Black Leather Middle Finger” is played using a powerdrill. I think all music needs at least a 2nd listen. It’s art you can’t grasp someones full emotions, ideas, and concepts the first time through.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

As part owner of the band, I never wanted to be a musician or even thought about it. My brother and singer, Alex had the idea because he wanted a guitar and he got one as a present from our folks. He idolized Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie which inspired him to look into music. After figuring out guitar wasn’t his calling he gave it to me and we started playing around with some stuff he put together. I thought it was fun, went along with it, and we decided to start a band right then and there in 2009. We both became obsessed with the idea and started honing our skills, looking for other band mates, and really forming a band. It took a while, but eventually we did it.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

At first it was Marilyn Manson because without him, my brother may not have been inspired to get into music. Plus Marilyn Manson was the gateway into artists that came before and after him. It became, who influenced Manson? David Bowie and Alice Cooper. Well, who else made music in this era? And it just went on and on from there. Our musical journey has been guided by hundreds of artists, performers, and actors.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Personally, I would choose Ville Valo of HIM or Davey Havok of AFI. I know my brother Alex would say Ronnie Radke of Falling In Reverse. We both love these artists and what they stand for. I love Ville and Davey because their voices are timeless. I can listen to them non stop and never get tired of them. Ville has some of the most beautiful lyrics ever written and we could make something very special. Ronnie is a great song writer and has no filter and does what he wants similiarly to us as a band. We’re not afraid to push some envelopes and say something that goes against the grain, so together we could create something very beautiful, and highly offensive.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour? What do you like to do to unwind?

We love to workout, actually go to other concerts instead of play them, and travel. My brother and I are both personal trainers, I also run a full service athletic club in Plymouth, MN.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

The music is hard, loud, and unapologetic. A ferocious blend of hard rock and heavy metal wrapped in a theatrical spectacle unlike anything else on the musical circuit today. Over-the-top, vaudevillian-inspired, fusing gritty, anthemic music that’s raw with very high-energy. Musically, we draw influence from the giants of hard rock and metal—both classic and modern that reflects the raw energy of bands like Mötley Crüe, Judas Priest, and W.A.S.P., while also channeling the darker industrial vibes of Rob Zombie, Alice Cooper, and Rammstein. Thunderous, infectious, and tailor-made for the stage. One cringey comparison is Steel Panther. At a quick glance, they see long hair and glam-esque attire, so instantly they think 80’s… even though we’re really not an 80’s band what so ever it comes to mind to people not very familiar with musical genre. Now, don’t get me wrong, Steel Panther is an incredible band full of phenomenal musicians. The difference is they perform a parody, we do not.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

That’s easy, myself and our backing singer, Kaitlin A.K.A Hot Dog do the cooking, our singer gets the most drinks in, and our rhythm guitarist is definitely always playing guitar.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

April of 2024 as we left the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, MN seeing Ville Valo live, we were standing outside and there he pulled out, rolled down the window, stopped the vehicle and for a few moments looked out and smiled at us. We were so close to him and I was just in awe. My brother Alex (our singer) got to meet one of his top favorite artists, Ronnie Radke and you can see in all the photos he was definitely starstruck. They bonded…

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

The best part of being a musician is creating art that has the ability to impact and change peoples lives. I’ve said this numerous times and will continue to say so, if my music inspired or saved even 1 person or life that’s all it takes. As far as dream day job, I don’t know I enjoy what I do as a fitness professional. I love running a business and helping people, so I’m already doing my dream job.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

I’m sure there are a lot of questions because most of the time it’s really similar stuff. I’m definitely tired of answering how did the band start and where did the band name come from. We’ve done a lot of interviews and podcasts, so if you want the answer it’s out there with a quick Google search . A good question could be, perhaps, what has been your most memorable show? We’ve also done a ton of concerts, but some just stay with you and I can remember them in great detail which are: opening for Stryper in our hometown, and performing at Rock Fest 2021 in Cadott, WI finally after the Covid-19 shutdown ended.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

No, I think everything happens for a reason whether it was perfect or messy or didn’t effect the current situation. There’s still always something to learn to help you grow and become a stronger version of yourself.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

That’s a great question! I would say either Appetite For Destruction by GNR or Sgt Pepper by the Beatles. Neither of which are my favorite albums, but I do love them. I just feel both of these records are incredible and to be part of the process to make something like these albums would be extraordinary and eye-opening. Perhaps, The Wall by Pink Floyd as well.

CASTER VOLOR LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

X – TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

Category: Interviews