OccultBlackMetalZine: Eftboren Interview

Sunday, December 10, 2023

Eftboren Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the musical project since the recording and release of the EP?

W: We are currently writing and rehearsing new material.

E: ...Which will be recorded and released when the time is right...

2. In March you released an EP, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

W: We recorded drums and guitar together to reflect a live performance. As we were going for the styles of Black Metal, Psychedelic Rock and Post Rock. Which are traditionally recorded this way.

We wanted a more intense, confined room sound rather than something too cavernous. Sound Sanctum Studio was the perfect place to capture this at the time. Guitar overdubs, along with bass and vocals were added afterwards to bring emphasis. Using a sample in ‘Treespell’ added to the overall atmosphere of the song.

E: The main style at play is of course Black Metal, but I'd say that we've thrown a few other Rock and Metal styles into the proverbial cauldron. You can definitely hear pieces of Doom Metal, Thrash Metal, Post Rock, Prog and Psychedelia as well as some experimentation with samples and manipulating sound.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?

W: The human condition and spirituality.

E: I prefer to leave things open to interpretation, that way the lyrical subject or 'story' can reveal itself to the listener should they choose to seek it out.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name ‘Eftboren’?W: It’s Old English for rebirth, for me it’s about a musical rebirth.

E: The name was suggested to us by our Father. It seemed rather apt because the formation of the band saw us returning to playing music together after a long period of time apart, so for us it was a kind of re-birth...

5. Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solo?

W: Maybe once we make some friends, haha! We are planning to collaborate with other musicians.

E: For the time being Eftboren will remain just myself and W, with occasional future collaborators.

6. Both of the band members have also participated in other bands and musical projects together, what are some of the past bands and musical styles that you have experience working with in the past?

W: Oblivionized and Crimson Throne. I’ve played with Orchestras, Jazz quintets, a Blues duo and I write Electronic music myself. I did a recording session in September for Castle Of The Winds and Nil, for their split EP set for release next year.

E: We have played (together and separately) in a variety of groups over the years, playing original material and also in cover bands mainly playing Metal or Classic Rock / Punk. A few years ago I dabbled in a Noise project. I currently also play guitar in a Post-Doom project named ‘Moss Eater’ (with my good friend RuinTheMoment) and we are also working on a future release.

7. Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

W: Definitely in the future.

E: At this stage it is far too early to discuss such matters.

8. On a worldwide level, how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?

W: So far very positive, nothing negative yet hahaha!

E: I'm afraid that I can't really give you any worldwide statistics. But for the most part, I would say that reactions have been positive.

9. When can we expect a full length and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

W: Hopefully in the near future, once our house is in order.

E: A 'full length' will take shape when the time is right. Although saying that, I for one was very happy with the length of our debut recording (approximately 18 minutes). I feel that our energy is much better spent constructing a musical release that we feel contains the best material we can capture at that moment in time. Getting bogged down with irrelevant concerns about the tracklist's combined running time just seems counter-productive. In terms of where we foresee the band heading musically, as cliché as it sounds, it's simply best to let that be wherever the music takes us...

10. What are some of the bands or musical styles that the band members are currently listening to nowadays?

W: Loads of music! The latest Old Tower release, Vinterland - Welcome My Last Chapter, Miles Davis - Nefertiti, Cardiacs - Sing To God, Vandr - The Dead Winter, Meshuggah - Chaopshere and Akercocke - Words That Go Unspoken, Deeds That Go Undone.

E: I am currently really enjoying the new Årabrot album - Of Darkness and Light. A truly fantastic band who deserve much more recognition… Also, the recent passing of Kevin 'Geordie' Walker (guitarist from Killing Joke) has sent me on a deep dive into the KJ back catalogue. The man had an incredible guitar sound like no one else...

11. What are some of your non musical interests?

W: Fitness, reading - I’m really enjoying ‘Storm of Steel’ at the moment - going to gigs, buying records, watching films / documentaries and exploring new places.

E: Watching Horror Films with my girlfriend, spending time with family and daydreaming…

12. Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

W: Stay true to your beliefs.

E: Thank you for your interest and your time.