1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
Caradhras: We started Firienholt at the beginning of the first lockdown in the UK. It was a way to escape from the harsh realities of the world and create fantasy music to capture the imagination.
Silvertine: We're all huge admirers of the work of Caladan Brood, and the first EPs were definitely in homage to that style. We also included a dungeon synth track on each EP as a way of making each EP a duology of synth and metal.
2.In June you have a new album coming out, musically how does it differ from your previous ep's?
Silvertine: There are no standalone synth tracks on the full album, which was a conscious decision. We wanted to create five long-form epic songs that showcase all aspects of the epic black metal style, from the large clean vocal choirs, to the ambient synth work, to the raging blastbeats. We may revisit the world of dungeon synth in the future as it is a great way to escape reality.
Caradhras: I'd say the tracks all follow the same roots as the metal songs from the EPs, with everything being drawn out and developed to really create the atmosphere. The full length-album format should give the listener the opportunity to truly get lost in the music, which is less possible on a short EP.
3.In the last year you have released 3 ep's and one full length, do you spend a great amount of time writing and creating music?
Fanuidhol: We are all active musicians in many projects, and so all of us are writing music constantly. The album came together pretty quickly in all honesty - I think we started the first song at the beginning of August 2020, and had finished the writing stage by September. Obviously at that point there was still a lot of production work to do, so the process took a lot longer than just those months.
4.A lot of your lyrics are based upon fantasy themes and the writings of J.R.R Tolkien, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in those topics?
Caradhras: It's the perfect fantasy world. Many bands have done it before us, and many will continue to do it after we are gone, but Tolkien's world will always have stories that resonate with people, and for us there is no greater way to show our appreciation than by our music.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Firienholt'?
Silvertine: Firienholt is a small forest on the border of Gondor. Our music is obviously rooted in nature and serene locations, so the name seemed fitting. We are a small project in the grand scheme of the metal scene, but we have our niche and will fill it with beauty.
6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
Caradhras: The fantastic artwork was created by the talented Aghy Purakusuma, who exceeded any and every expectation we had. The scene depicts a figure finding the lake where the elves first awakened deep in the histories of the First Age. It feels like a sanctified and mysterious location, and the artwork absolutely conveys that. The theme is reflected in the lyrics of several of our songs, which we would encourage listeners to read.
7.Would the band members be open to do any live shows if the opportunity ever came around?
Fanuidhol: We have all played live with other bands, but I don't think this sort of atmospheric music lends itself particularly well to a live environment.
Silvertine: Never say never though. If the right opportunity arose to do the material justice, we might consider it.
8.So far very little is known about the band other than the metal archives, bandcamp and spotify pages, are you planning on expanding your presence in the future or do you prefer to keep a low profile?
Fanuidhol: We enjoy the anonymity. It means the focus is on the music and the atmospheric journey we have created.
9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of atmospheric black metal and dungeon synth?
Silvertine: We've all been staggered by the reaction. It's been so overwhelmingly positive, and the reviews and comments from everyone are a true pleasure to read
Caradhras: The combined views and streams are more than we ever anticipated too, it's great to know that so many people have experienced our vision.
10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Caradhras: It's hard to say. We will always seek to include epic choruses, deep and meaningful atmospheres and a touch of evil, but more specific influences will likely come and go as we write further songs.
Fanuidhol: We want to stay true to what people enjoy about us, but also do not want to release the same album twice.
11.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?
Silvertine: We have mentioned Caladan Brood, and of course Summoning. I love the classic black metal albums like In the Nightside Eclipse and more recent imitators like Vargrav, which I think factors into my guitar playing, especially in our most blackened moments.
Caradhras: The keys take a lot of inspiration from Eldamar and Mesarthim. These two bands are masters of combining synths and black metal. Vocally, anything with big manly choirs is an inspiration, ha!
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
A huge thank you to everyone who has listened to the album or bought it, and of course we are indebted to Rob and Naturmacht productions for believing in us and helping spread the word around.
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