Vidharr Interview

1.Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have never heard of you before?

M: We’re a black/doom metal band from Rome, Italy. Reim and myself founded Vidharr back in fall 2003, initially just for fun and practice but then we started to take things more seriously and use our instruments as means of expression. We’ve undergone various line-up and genre changes over the years and currently find ourselves content and efficient as a duo, with the obvious contribution of talented session musicians.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

A: We initially played a very aggressive and fast type of Black Metal, though our musical roots have always been in the ‘Doom’ genre (i.e. Black Sabbath inspired metal). I would say our current sound could be best described as groovy/sludgy, mid-paced doom with a touch of atmosphere and elements of ‘punkish’ black metal.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

A: Our first full-length album, entitled “Eclipse”, explored different variations of how humanity could reach extinction; we tried to achieve this both musically and lyrically. Our latest offering “Cryo” however is not a concept album; every song explores a slightly different topic, though I do like to keep the lyrics very descriptive and suited to the song’s vibe.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

M: Vidharr, son of Odin, is the Norse god of silence. Though we draw no musical or lyrical inspiration from Norse mythology, we chose Vidharr as our band name because what he represents can be likened to our lyrical content.

5. I know that the band started out playing doom metal, what was the decision behind going more into a black metal direction?

A: It just was a natural progression for us, just the same as how we now find ourselves avoiding certain conventions of the Black Metal genre completely.

M: At the time Black Metal was also better suited to our lyrical content. Though I’ve always been into slow and rhythmic grooves, which shines through on our latest offering “Cryo”

6. Has the band played out live or is this strictly a studio project?

M: We’ve done a lot of live performances in the past, also with more established bands such as Shining (Swe), Impaled Nazarene, Rotting Christ, Nargaroth etc. Though currently we are separated; I live in Rome, Italy and Andras lives in Cape Town, South Africa, so we obviously need to prioritize and carefully choose gigs that are worth it for us.

7. The new album has an Eyehategod cover, what was it that inspired you to do your own version of one of their songs?

A: Truth be told Moerke & myself are big EYEHATEGOD fans and “Blank” was a regular road trip tune on our many travels across Italy together. When it came down to recording a new album, we wanted to include a cover that would suit the vibe of the record and reflect our influences, “blank” was our obvious first choice.

8. The new album came out on Maa Productions, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support they have given you so far?

M: Maa Productions had produced our previous release, a split with D.E.A.D. and dotdotdot, seemingly happy with our musical material the enthusiastically offered to produce and distribute our new album. So far they seem to be a great label, precise and reliable!

9. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?

A: I honestly wouldn’t know how to tell you on a “global” scale; all I can say is that so far we have received a lot of great feedback and incredible support along with some negative feedback as well.

10. What is going on with the other musical projects these days?

M: I’m currently working with Riti Occulti as lead vocalist for our next album, which we start recording in March. When I have some time after that, I’ll slowly be focusing on other projects of mine (Consummatum Est and Mek Na Ver).

A: I produce and DJ Drum & Bass music under the alias DJ Vyral; I’m also currently very busy with my studies so I currently find myself trying to balance my musical projects around my convoluted schedule.

11. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

M: We are currently very stable in terms of composing methods, though we will never say no to experimentation and progression.

A: Whatever feels right!

12. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

A: There is honestly way too many to mention and plus we’ve already given away EYEHATEGOD as one of our primary inspirations.

13. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

M: I’m a graphic designer and enjoy tattooing in my free time.

A: I’m a studying Sound Design & Film Editing, so film would be my second passion I guess…

14. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

M: Thanks for the interview! You can find out more about “Cryo” at HYPERLINK "http://www.facebook.com/VidharrLegion" http://www.facebook.com/VidharrLegion , and this is the link of our Online Store: HYPERLINK "http://vidharr.bigcartel.com" http://vidharr.bigcartel.com

A: Thanks for not asking us about Satanism and/or fascism, no seriously!