1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the solo project?
The only person behind Irrseele is Magnus Animusm, which is obviously me. This project is a very personal one for me, it allows me to explore all the shadowy corners of the human mind and nature, musically and lyrically without limitations. And because it is a solo project I can do that without any compromise or discussions with fellow band members.
2.Recently you have released your first full length, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?
Irrseele is an atmospheric black metal project that follows the footsteps of the Scandinavian black metal of the 90s. It is raw and melodic and also filled with a lot of dark atmosphere. It is inspired by so much iconic releases of that time. They are too many to name them all.
3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you have explored so far with the music?
First of all: the lyrics are in German. This is intentional because I think you can express yourself best in your native language. And German is a very poetic language, you can play with to create some double meanings and room for interpretations. The topics are madness, melancholy, death, spiritual worlds, the forces of nature, darkness and decay, but also resurrection and transformation into a new way of existence.
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Irrseele'?
The name is made from the words Irre (mad/crazy/insane) and Seele (Soul). You could maybe translate it with lunatic or lost soul or something. The idea is that this lost and insane soul wanders through a world of darkness and explores the abyssal deeps of nature.
5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
There is the famous painting 'The Wanderer over the Sea of Fog' by Caspar David Friedrich, probably the most important painter of the early Romantic period. The cover is my very own gloomy interpretation of this painting. It represent the melancholy of the wanderer lost somewhere out in the nature.
6.With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solo?
For this project it is best to do all by myself. But I play in other bands together with musicians. Both is great, but you have to decide what fits the kind of project best. For Irrseele it is all me and I can’t see that to change.
7.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
Well, I’m fine with doing it all by myself, although it is a lot of work! But I’d be open for collaboration, especially for releasing the album on vinyl.
8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of atmospheric black metal?
It has been great so far, much better that I ever hoped. I’m getting messages from all around the world. People really seem to like the music. Surprisingly also the atmosphere and the ideas behind the songs translate on an emotional level even to people who don’t understand the lyrics.
9.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?
Well, you always improve as a musician and you learn from every album you make, especially when you play all the instruments. For me there is still a lot to explore in terms of guitar work, keyboards and production techniques. We’ll see how the next Irrseele album will sound.
10.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?
I listen to the same stuff as 25 years ago. Black metal and melodic death metal from Scandinavia, Germany and UK. Those old albums from the 90s still inspire me cause they captured so much atmosphere and emotion, while new releases often sound sterile and overproduced. So, to name a few bands: Immortal, Satyricon, Dark Funeral, Dissection, Burzum, Mgla, Darkthrone, Borknagar and many many more.
11.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thanks to everyone who keeps the underground and the old spirit of black metal alive. Stay heavy and have a beer!
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