When did the initial idea for your latest single come together?
When I started this project, I decided quite early on that I wanted to focus on Norse mythology as a theme. It’s something I’ve always been interested in (being from Norway probably had quite a large role to play in that!). As a child I would read the Norse/Icelandic sagas and I found them endlessly fascinating. ‘Nornir’ was the first track I completed as part of this project, and conceptually it made sense; the titular Norns are literally what weaves everything together in Norse mythology – they shape the future as part of a cosmic tapestry.
How would you describe the track, to a reader that is unfamiliar with the band?
It has quite a dark undertone, much helped by the excellent production by Ilarion Ivanenko, but it’s very melodic and dynamic in terms of combining lighter and heavier passages. Overall, I think it’s very atmospheric. I think it’s a really good introduction to my sound.
Can you tell us a bit more about the meaning behind the track?
As I hinted to earlier, it’s very much the cornerstone of the whole concept. Basically, the Norns are in control of what happens in the future. Personally, I’m not religious at all, but I do find the concept of fate (and mythology/religion/faith) very fascinating.
How would you say that the track compares to anything you’ve done before?
I think this is way more accomplished than anything that’s gone before. I worked hard on the songwriting and progressive elements, to ensure it told a story even though it’s instrumental. As I already mentioned, the production is excellent in my opinion (and I take no credit for that!), and the end result is something I’m very proud of.
What was the hardest part about putting it together, and why?
The songwriting and structure was the hardest part to get right. I really wanted to tell a story, which is not easy to do with instrumental music. I felt I had the melodies and the different sections pretty much nailed down, so I felt the main challenge was putting it all together to create a piece that made sense musically and narratively.
Why should a reader check out the track?
Instrumental music is definitely a bit of a niche, and instrumental rock/metal in particular, but if you’re into that I think you will enjoy it.
What else can you tell us about the track, that we haven’t covered in this interview?
Some of the most prominent musical inspirations for me, and this track in particular, are Mono, Pelican, The Ocean, Wolves in the Throne Room and a Norwegian band called Seigmen. If you’re a fan of any of those bands I think you’ll like this!
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1PD7uqkbQfqIQs7W5aAsYW?si=VY2Ep6c7T3K3V2uFOMG3FQ https://solnedgang.bandcamp.com/