1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
Sure. We are preparing the final phase of recording our 3rd full-length album. It will feature session violin and guest vocals, perhaps some female ones. A reissue of Sem Skugginn is also in the making. We recently played two off-venue gigs at Eistnaflug, one being the infamous Mayhemisphere, and may play some more gigs before the year ends.
2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from the previous recording?
We believe we are tighter, the material is more focused and the writing is more thought-out than previous releases. The sound itself is not so different, but in our opinion what could have gone better on Sem Skugginn sound-wise is better this time around.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
On the third album it is the insignificance of man, his demise and unity with the universe. It is quite similar, but yet different from Sem Skugginn's concept. The first album was more personal.
4. What id the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?
'Dynfari' means 'wind' or 'storm' and is evocative of our intentions to move people with our music. It is an archaic word from Old Icelandic, but is in modern day sometimes used as a name for Icelandic horses.
5.Originally there where only 2 members in the band, what was the decision behind hiring a full line up?
To clarify, the third album is still written and recorded by just me (Jóhann Örn) and Jón Emil. Hjálmar and Bragi joined us as full-time members recently, but Hjálmar has been playing live with us for almost 2 years. He also has the honor of mixing Sem Skugginn as well as our 3rd album.
We decided to go with a full-line up to change how we polish our future material, which is still all written by the two of us. Also, this work plan makes it less complicated to plan tours.
6. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?
Oof, that's a tough one. The Mayhemisphere gig was one to remember, playing a very doomy set in an abandoned steel factory, songs we seldom or never play live, e.g. Eymd from our debut and Glötun which we played there for the first time. We didn't even play that one on the Sem Skugginn release concert, which was a really fun show as well. Local gigs are often very much hit or miss, but in my opinion the most enjoyable show we played was either at Dillon or Íslenski Rokkbarinn, two tiny rock bars here in Iceland.
Our stage performance is maybe not as black metal as some would assume. We do not wear corpsepaint, but we do our best to create the right setting by lighting candles and incense, typically dimming the lights during our shows. As our music is not all very headbang-friendly, we try to get lost in the atmosphere and 'live ourselves into the music' as you would word it in Icelandic.
7. Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
The only definite show is a release concert for our upcoming release, which is all TBA.
Regarding tours: we are very interested in all offers. We wanted to do something this year but nothing really came out of it, so next year we would really love to finally get to some foreign stages. Bookers and promoters, feel free to contact us!
8.Currently you are signed to Code 666, how did you get in contact with this label and how would you describe the support they have given you so far?
That's quite simple. We sent them (among some other labels) a rough mix of some songs from Sem Skugginn and they wanted to hear the final product. When the album was fully mastered and ready they loved it, so they offered us a deal which we agreed to. We have been happy with the cooperation so far, getting some support not really contract-bound like the Ice Volcano T-shirts. The only bump in our relationship has been the mix-up with the tracks on the first pressing of Sem Skugginn, but that's a mistake that could not be traced to anyone in particular. Besides, that will be compensated, and we don't like dwelling in the past.
9.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of black metal?
Mainly positive, from what I have seen. We don't try to create music for any specific crowd. We definitely have some songs which are hard to label as black metal (e.g. Hol, Stillt), while other songs undoubtedly have elements that would appeal to black metal fans (take Myrkrasalir for example, or Svartir Himnar).
10. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?
Atmospheric. It's all about dynamics and feel, while still maintaining the balls that drive 'metal' into the description. We have shown on previous releases that we don't take different genres as something sacred or black and white. From our point of view, Sigur Rós can easily flirt with Darkthrone.
11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
We are very diligent checking out all kinds of music, but our roots lie in the more darker realms of heavy metal. What has mostly influenced our music is a mixture of bands of different genres; doom metal, black metal, post-rock, death metal. Some of our all-time favourites include Woods of Desolation, Nyktalgia, Sólstafir, Sigur Rós, Autopsy, Austere, Burzum, This Will Destroy You, Death, and dozens, hundreds more...
12.Outside of music what are some of your interests?
Reading books, watching movies, playing video games. Mathematics have always fascinated me personally, which is why I'm studying it at university. History and contemporary events are also in my range of interests.
13.Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?
Imagine a steel ball the size of the Earth.
Suppose every million years, a little fly sits on the steel ball for a few seconds, then flies away.
By the time the fly has worn the steel ball down to a speck of dust... eternity has yet not taken the first steps of its lifetime.
This is our significance. This is what Dynfari represents.
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