When did the initial idea for your latest single come together?
It’s not easy to pinpoint exactly, mainly because my memory is terrible, but ‘Niflhel’ probably started about a year ago. As with most of my songs it was a fairly slow process, as I tend to work on a few simultaneously.
How would you describe the track, to a reader that is unfamiliar with the band?
It’s got a dark vibe and it’s quite atmospheric. I’d say this track is a mix doom metal and shoegaze with post-rock elements.
Can you tell us a bit more about the meaning behind the track?
All the tracks on the Valkyrie EP, and the forthcoming album, are inspired by the afterlife in Norse mythology. ‘Niflhel’ is the fog-filled realm of the dead – is cold and desolate place filled with men who died of old age or sickness. The track encapsulates the sensations and impressions of someone who has just arrived in Niflhel. The aggressive sections represent the dread they feel having just arrived, while the calmer sections symbolise their acceptance of their fate. Having these sections interwoven gives a feeling of not quite knowing what comes next, or indeed what is hiding in the fog of Niflhel.
How would you say that the track compares to anything you’ve done before?
This is one of my favourite tracks I’ve done. It’s got a heavy, dense, atmospheric feel and it’s probably one of the most immersive tracks I’ve done.
What was the hardest part about putting it together, and why?
The hardest part was probably getting the structure right. I’m very much an album person, so from the start I try to make every track feel slightly different, but fit together nicely in terms of sequencing.
Why should a reader check out the track?
I think people who are into doom metal and instrumental (guitar-based) music in general will find something they like. It works as background music, but it rewards repeated attentive listening to uncover some elements that you might not hear the first couple of times. Headphone music for sure – or played loud on a good sound system.
What else can you tell us about the track, that we haven’t covered in this interview?
I take inspiration from different influences to create something that has bits of (almost) everything I like. I’m certainly not trying to copy anything or anyone though, so I feel my sound is quite different to a lot of other music that’s similar on paper if that makes sense. My two main concerns are atmosphere and good melodies and I think this track is a good mix of both.