Dark Divination Interview

 

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the solo project? 

Dark Divination is a rawish black metal band hailing from Finland. Dark Divination’s musical outlet can be described as highly melancholic but at the same time purely aggressive. 

2.In December you have your first full length coming out, musically how does it differ from your previous ep's and demo? 

I have developed as a composer a lot from the previous releases and I believe that on this album I have achieved a more unique and satisfactory sound. The synths on this album are in a big role and I started playing keyboard again just a while ago, so the development on synth can be definitely heard. On a few releases including Liitto hengen ja veren i have used an old yamaha psr synth that i got when i was 5 years old. Some could say the album's sound is built around the synth. I have always wanted to make beautiful and purely melancholic soundscapes and I believe that the synths have highlighted the melodies the most effectively.

3.You are also involved with a few other bands and projects, what is it that you bring into the music of 'Dark Divination;, that you have not been able to do with your previous groups? 

In Dark Divination the project's concept, themes and outlet have always been only my vision. Its purpose has always been just to express myself in the most natural way. 

4.A lot of the lyrics on the new album focus on spirituality and death, can you tell us  which aspects of these topics you bring out with your songwriting? 

My lyrics are highly personal and usually discuss my own worldview, how I see things and feel them in a spiritual manner. As for death, I use death mainly as a metaphor for spiritual decay and reconstruction. I see death as purely sacred. Because Dark Divination's lyrics have been focused on death, darkness, nihilism, et cetera, the sound should reflect that. It's also a reflection on how I feel/experience such things, which adds to the necessity of melancholy.

5.What are some of the other lyrical topics and subjects you have explored so far with your music? 

Dark Divination’s lyrics can be highly nihilistic and question social structures and norms. The main lyrical source is reflection of my thoughts and mind. Manifesto of my worldview and my ideologies. 

6What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Dark Divination'? 

I came up with the name when I was in junior high school. The name back then didn't mean much to me and just sounded cool on paper. As time has passed, the name has started to create a meaning by itself. At this time the name represents to me the age of decay; the time of kali yuga.

7.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?

I wanted the album art to be as simple as possible. The album art includes only the logo, album name and a picture of myself. I think that the music represents the album much better than just a shallow album art. Because the whole project is focused on my thoughts, it is natural that I am present in the album art. No more needs to be added to it. As for the picture, it was taken near my home in a forest which I have visited the entirety of my life. The picture place has a deep emotional connection for me.  

 

8.With this project you record everything by yourself but have worked with musicians in other projects, do you prefer to work solo?

On this project I prefer to work solo because I want to create my own visions and views. On other projects/bands or collaborations, I want to expand upon the musical views, ideas and processes so that it isn't just me but a bigger entity, if you will.

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

I have gotten very much positive feedback. In general, the reception to my music has been really positive. Although it's always good to hear positive feedback, I wouldn't mind constructive criticism at all. 

10.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that you are a part of? 

I don’t want to spoil too much but new releases are coming but with time and large effort. I am currently writing songs for Valonkantaja's full length album. Songwriting is a long process and it consumes a lot of time. There will probably be a fairly large span of time until another big release. In other projects with other people the process is obviously lengthened because you have to collaborate on ideas together. By myself, it's a much faster process since I don't have to run it by another person.

11.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future? 

I am trying to develop my composing skills and improve my sound more to my liking. I would never consider music as a career option because I want to make music purely regardless of money or financial concerns. Music should never stem from money. 

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? 

The first black metal band I ever heard was Burzum. It's a band that I can always come back to and can never really get tired of it. The synths on Hvis lyset tar oss and Filosofem have always fascinated me. Burzum has had a big impact on my music and songwriting. Peste noire is another band that has influenced my songwriting, especially the Peste Noire side project Valfunde. I find the melancholy on their split release with Amesoeurs almost possessing. Outside black metal my biggest influence has been a Finnish goth rock band Varjo. Especially their EP “Ensinäytös” had a really big impact on me when I first heard it. Almost everything on that EP feels perfect to me.     

Recently I have been listening to a lot of neo-folk such as Pyhä Kuolema and Death in June. 

 13.Does Satanism or Occultism play any role in your music? 

Not directly as ideologies but through metaphors and symbolism. I may use occultism or other various ideologies to represent my own spirituality. Through occultism you can draw spirituality and the ideological concepts which can be adapted into music. 

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

Thank you for this interview and always keep the flame burning!

darkdivination.bandcamp.com