1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
The idea about Dimholt came in 2003 when we first discussed the subject with Woundheir (vocals). We shared some thoughts on a possible co-operation and soon the band was born, at least as project in its initial form. It was not until the next year, 2004, when the first musical ideas came into form, and in 2005 Rumen (guitars) joined Dimholt to mark the completion of the band that was to come. Later Yavor (bass) joined the band too, and soon after that Stanimir was auditioned and invited to the band as well. One of the things that slowed down the whole process of creating music and rehearsing was the fact that I was residing in Germany for most of the time and spent just a couple of months in Bulgaria each year. Until 2010, when I came back home for good.
2.Recently you had released your first full length, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical direction of the new recording and also how does it differ from your previous demo and ep?
The debut album captures our view on black metal and the ideas that we had developed throughout the years. Some of the songs had already been composed in 2005/2006 but found their place in the album as we thought they fit properly to the overall sound.
We didn't have any particular concept about the album. Our main desire was to create music in terms of black metal that carries a variety of emotions and that shows as much possible intensity with regard to the sound. Yet we never closed the door to influences from other genres that each of us enjoys in some way.
The difference in comparison to the prevous releases is that we improved some of the arrangements and the sound in technical terms since we felt it neccessary in some of the songs.
3.This is the first release in 4 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what was going on during that time?
The period 2010 – 2012 was intense regarding gigs, so we did everything possible to play live and work on new songs for a debut album. The actual recordings for "Liberation Funeral" started in 2012 but we had different kind of obstacles (technical ones and sometimes just ordinary daily life stuff) that came in our way and pushed the release of the debut further. But finally it saw the light of day.
4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
The dominant part of the lyrics deal with inner emotions and one's soul journey through the darker side of reality. Some of the songs describe scenes of loss and pain, others try to elaborate on some philosophical topics.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Dimholt'?
Dimholt is the wood situated before the entrace to the Paths of the dead in the "Lord Of The Rings" story. Woundheir came up with the idea to name the band afer it, as it also translates into something like a dark, obscure wood, if we take the direct meaning of the words dim and holt.
6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Our gigs with Cradle Of Filth in 2013 in Sofia and more recently – Rotting Christ – were one of our most memorable experiences, not olnly because of the bands with played with, but also due to the fact that we managed to play on a larger stage which gave us a lot more energy and presented our music in a different way. But larger stage is not a must – recently on a mini-tour in Romania we played in some clubs with the size of a regular pub and the acceptance and energy from the visitors was indescribable.
7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
Right now we are preparing ourselves for an official album promotion and after that we will check the opportunities to play in different plaes in Bulgaria to present "Liberation Funeral". Gigs abroad will also be considered, especially after the summer when club are more active and schedule live performances.
8.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
We are looking for a label and we will check the opportunity to come in contact with anyone interested. With the release of the album we will consider any offers.
9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?
So far the debut has received positive feedback, or at least on an underground level, so to say. We don't aim at major media exclusively but at anyone interested to check the band is more than welcome. In general, the feedback has been mostly positive – by reviewers and by fans during gigs.
10.Are the band members involved with any other musical projects these days?
Woundheir is also the vocalist of Bulgarian death metal band Impenitence and Yavor, our bass player, fronts the sludge/post metallers Trysth where he handles vocals and bass too. Both bands are preparing releases which well be a fact very soon.
11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
As far as black metal is considered, for know it seems a solid foundation for us. Yet we will not hesitate to bring in other influences, if we feel it fits our purpose. For us black metal brings a soundscape with a specific feeling and it naturally appears, no matter what stylistical approaches are being used in a song.
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?
Each of us enjoys a variety of music genres and sub-genres. Our main influence have been the classic black metal bands of the 90s but recent prominent acts such as Wolves In The Throne Room or Deathspell Omega have also had a great influence on us.
Personal tastes vary within the band – from classic black and death metal to doom and even post- rock/sludge acts of these days.
13.What are some of your non musical interests?
We all have daily jobs and it consumes a lot of our personal life so the music takes most part of the time that's left of a regular daily life. I would say, although it may sound cliche but any outgoing activities that brings us closer to nature is a good choice, at least for me. It is not so about the inspiration people always say it provides but more like an escape from the rashness and routine of modern life. But ultimately we are human beings, so anything like books/movies or other art is present in our interests list.
14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
First of all I would like to thank you for the opportunity to share some thoughts about Dimholt. We wish your zine the best of luck and give you kudos for exploring different bands from various regions/backgrounds.
"Liberation Funeral" is already out and anyone interested is more than welcome to check our exploration of the black metal art.
.jpg)
