Karmanjaka Interview

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

The band was started as a one man solo project by Tengil. Having never ever listened to black metal before, Tengil started listening to bands from the genre 7 months ago and soon immersed himself totally in the music and the background to the black metal scene. This led to him starting writing riffs in that style. In late february he got in touch with his friend Max Malmer of Zonaria (SWE), who also is an up and coming engineer and producer at Malmer Productions located in Umeå, Sweden, and suggested that they record an EP. This was done during a weekend at the beginning of March 2016. We invited a few select friends to play drums (Grond), a guitar solo (Orm), and the singing (Skallagrim). Malmer handled the bass parts. Shortly thereafter Tengil saw that this was too good not to develop into a band. So, now the project became a full band consisting of Tengil (guitar), Orm (guitar), Karm (bass), Grond (drums), and Skallagrim (voice).

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

Raw. Grim. Melodic. Melancholic. We wanted a fat modern sound with ALOT of guitar, so there’s tons of guitar tracks on these songs. There are a lot of overdubs and harmony guitars. Tengil grew up on classical music and is very fond of multiple layers of guitars. It’s a cornerstone in Karmanjaka’s sound that of course will be present on the full length album (that is nearly finished as we speak), which will emerge later this fall.

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

For the EP we decided to use Astrid Lindgren’s book Bröderna Lejonhjärta as an inspiration, focusing on the dark side of the story of course, Tengil’s and Katla’s terror regime. For the upcoming full Karmanjaka album later this year, there will be a variety of lyrical subjects, like historical themes, philosophical themes, a few thoughts on religion, nature, etc.

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

In Lindgren’s book Karmanjaka is Tengil’s realm, where his terror and power reigns supreme. It is from Karmanjaka he strikes out against his enemies.




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

Well, the band haven’t been around for very long, and we’re still working on the upcoming full length album, so we haven’t had the opportunity to play live yet. But the all of the guys playing in the band are well seasoned musicians with years and years of live giging experience, so you can expect a solid delivery!

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

We hope to hit the roads next year. We are too busy at the moment finishing other obligations and the upcoming full album.

7.The ep was released on 'Black Lion productions', are you happy with the support that they have given you so far?

Yes, we are! They were very quick to sign us and they know the genre very well!

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

It takes a while to build a worldwide following. Our very first EP was released just a week ago and the reviews are starting to come in as we speak, but so far things look very good indeed. We have been very favorably received so far!

9.When can we expect a full length album and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

The full length album will hopefully be out in November or around that time. Musically we’re just in the beginning of our journey and the extreme metal scene is breaking new ground every day, so our hope is to develop our sound and not repeating ourselves on future releases. I love old school black metal, but I also love what many bands later have become since the second wave started in Norway and Sweden back in the late ‘80s.

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?

We have a very wide catalogue of inspiration. I’d say for me (Tengil) classical, medieval, and nordic folk music has had the biggest impact on my writing no matter which band I’ve played in. The other guys have been into all kinds of extreme metal since forever, but also punk, blues, and americana and stuff like that. It’s all over the charts!

11.What are some of your non musical interests?

Reading, writing, outdoors stuff like fishing, going to the gym, early history – especially the early scandinavian history. But of course a lot of time, inevitably, centers around listening to music, playing, writing, and performing.

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

Get your CD through Black Lion Records https://www.facebook.com/blacklionrecords666/?fref=tsecords

Check out our spotify at https://open.spotify.com/album/1ZiHcvM4VHF3AtG8QyyTF1

Cheers, and see you.