Gespenst Interview

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

Even though our first release just came out, Gespenst is not really a new entity. Genfærd started out Gespenst as a one-man project around 2008. The goal was to write material using somewhat experimental ideas, while still retaining the feeling of old Scandinavian Black Metal. Later on, Galskab joined Gespenst and these ideas were materialised into complete songs as they appear on our debut LP. Most of the material on Forfald is quite old, up to 8 years to be exact. It has been a long a journey on this dark path, since Genfærd wrote the very first Gespenst riff, the opening riff in Revelation of Maggots, more than 8 years ago.

2.Recently you have released an album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording?

The essence of our sound is old Scandinavian Black Metal, with a focus on atmosphere and riffs.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

The main lyrical themes are the transcendental journey experienced through death. The effect of time devouring the remains of the long-forgotten dead. The final thoughts echoing away into the darkness, never to be known.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Gespenst'?

Gespenst is an old Danish word meaning ‘ghost’ or ‘phantom’. It was chosen a long time ago to set a frame for the otherworldly lyrical and musical themes expressed in our music.

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?

We have played two festival shows last year in Denmark with live session musicians to complete the line-up. These were great experiences and the public seemed to be very much into it. Our goal is to recreate the same eerie feelings on stage as those experienced when listening to the album. Cold, otherworldly and dismal.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

Not yet, but we’re definitely open to more concerts and tours if the right offers come up.

7.The album was released through both Duplicate Records and Hellthrasher Productions, are you happy with the support both labels have given you so far?

Duplicate Records were very fast to give us a deal, and we felt they were passionate about the music and we could trust them. We have been very satisfied with all what they’ve done so far. The CD version will be released in cooperation with Hellthrasher Productions, and they’re also very professional, dedicated and supportive. Great labels both of them, highly recommended!

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

So far, we have had great response from everyone who have heard ‘Forfald’. The first reviews have arrived and they are very positive.

9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

We have a vault of unused material that we will be exploring. We are heading deeper into the unknown to forge new songs out of old and new material. We are dedicated to this music, this is what we have been playing for many years, and what we want to play, so the next release will be in the same vein for sure.

10.What are some of the band or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Our biggest musical inspirations are from the major Scandinavian acts such as Darkthrone, Burzum, Emperor, Mayhem, Bathory and the likes. Genfærd has also been inspired by newer bands such as Krohm and Nyktalgia, as well as some Funeral Doom bands like Thergothon and Tyranny. At the moment, Genfærd listens to a lot of Necros Christos, the new Inverloch and Black Dawn. Galskab sticks mostly to Black Metal from the 90’s, even though he spins new releases once in a while like the new Altarage and Outre. 

11.What are some of your non musical interests?

We don't want to share this here.

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

Thank you for the interview, very much appreciated! To all of you readers, we hope you will give ‘Forfald’ a listen and get into the same trance as we did when we composed and recorded it.

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