Crooked Horns was founded 2012 in Gothenburg, Sweden by members from Domgård, Nox Aurea and ex-The Cold Existence.
The foundation of the band was based on the mutual interest and passion for making rock 'n roll music with black metal influences.
After two demos, 'The Temptress Vow' & 'Stygian Torrents', the true sound of Crooked Horns was found, and the band started the writing process for their debut album.
A music video for the opening track of the album 'Vargr' has since been released and can be viewed on youtube.
With a mixture of death-, black- and heavy metal the self-produced debut album 'The Metamorphosis' displays the bridge, the flow and the other side.
2.In May you had released your first full length album, musically how does it differ from your previous ep's?
With this album we have found a sound that is more true to our idea of what Crooked Horns should sound like. We of course experimented on this album as we did on the previous releases, but I would describe the sound as more coherent and that there is a vein connected from the first song to the last carrying the same blood from start to finish.
3.Some of your lyrics also touch on the Occult, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in Occultism?
As you state in the question, we “touch” on the occult. The occult is a source of inspiration for it lies somewhere in the in-between, in the twilight. It serves a purpose when certain atmospheres and feelings are to be conveyed, as well as to help convey certain philosophical ideas. But I must confess, it is my firm belief that delving too deep into the occult is to be lured by an ignis fatuus.
4.What are some of the other lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?
At first glance it may seem that we are obsessed with death, but that is not where the truth lies. The allegories, metaphors and analogies found in the lyrics are vehicles for an attempt at lyrically manifesting some of the ideas we carry inside. Some of the lyrics are fairly straight forward simply because the lyrical concept demands it, while others are more shrouded in a mist and thusly flirt with the occult. The name of the album is “The Metamorphosis” and aspects relating to transformation can be found throughout the entire album.
Where a main point is that the act of transformation should be an act conducted with purpose and agency, for it does not merely happen. All too many are caught in perpetual liminality, caught there due to their flawed morality and addiction to the known.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Crooked Horns'?
The portrayal of a horned being is an ancient one. Horned figures can be found in the bronze age carvings in Bohuslän, the Devil is portrayed as a horned being as a well is Cernunnos, Pan and countless other mythical beings. The crescent shape carries certain connotations as well, representing the night and fertility. Inspiration for the name come from many sources in history, mythology, and religion.
6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the album cover?
The album cover is a portrayal of the process of transformation. Mainly the introspection necessary before committing to an act, seeing within that which shall be without.
The cover was hand painted by our close friend Johannes Nyström who runs Uduun Art (https://www.facebook.com/UduunArt/).
7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Our stage performance is a ritual and a cleansing for us. By sight, sound and smell we invite the audience to join in our exploration and presentation of the other side.
Since our stage performance is structured in such a way, every show is unique and none is bad, because the shows are, in some way, mostly for us. Therefore, we haven’t had any show that we would describe as our best show.
8.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
Nothing concrete at the moment, but we do plan to play some shows in the future.
9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black and death metal?
We have gotten some reviews and comments, all positive. But since Crooked Horns is a diy operation marketing has been scarce.
10.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?
Our drummer plays in the black metal band Domgård, they released a new album “Rot” this spring and will be playing at the December Darkness concert 28/12 in Norrköping.
11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
We aim to explore the unknown even further. New songs have already been made and they are, according to us, more powerful and maybe more straightforward than 'The Metamorphosis'.
12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
A lot of the music from 'The Metamorphosis' was written by tuning in the ever flowing being known as music. By this we mean that the music came to us, the melodies turned up in our heads. We merely processed what was presented to us into an album. We don't think about genres our how music is supposed to be arranged and sound: if it's good; it's good. Simple as that.
All the members of the band listen to a wide variety of artists and bands. It's everything from Judas Priest to Mgla and Helga to Craft. It's the same here as when we write music: if it's good; it's good. It doesn't matter what genre it is.
13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
We're planning on recording an EP in the beginning of 2020 and the writing process for our second album has already started. You'll hear more from us in a not so distant future.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crookedhornsofficial/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WvmN3h5bfY
Bandcamp: https://crookedhorns.bandcamp.com/releases
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2lCOZlILm2abPOGuQhALHf?si=Oix-htqpTJCAREFbE8fZhA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crookedhorns/
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