Genfaerd Interview

 

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

T.:

Danish fucking black metal! We are 3 guys now 4 with a new bass player coming. 

We are completely on the same side when it comes to music and the way we want the music to go.

Genfærd started out as a project which sprung out of Sort Regn. The plan was for it to be a solo or at least a 2 man band. 

But for the better it was decided to make it a full band. We aim for some raw black metal and that's where J, is a expert.

Other than that, catch us live sometimes that is where our music shines.

 

2.In January you also released a new album, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

T.:

First of all the mix is better, thanks to our former bassist and mixing guru, S., But it shows evolvement. Evolvement in music and ferocity in every aspect.

Its more raw still has melodies like the first release but its overall more raw and punked. 

This is the first release J., is in on. He is the perfect counterpart to how I write music and that's heard on the album.

3.This is also your first release since 2015, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?

T:

Personal destruction, depression, the struggle of life as you well know. Also a shift in the lineup, all sort of shit.

But the important thing is now we are back, a full crew with fire and anger in our hearts. 

So I promise there wont be another 5 year before the next release. 

J.: 

It was a couple of hard years before we managed a release. Murphy's law in effect; Broken bones, broken minds, moving rehearsal rooms 2-3 times, our private lives turning to shit in succession... Very chaotic. 

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer music and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?

J. 

Blodhævn is overall a vehicle for a lot of pent-up anger, disappointment and feeling of betrayal I've felt prior to writing lyrics. It allowed me to channel those feelings, and turn it into something more constructive, if perhaps incoherent; A collection of stories about revenge, betrayal, warnings and upheaval. 

T.:

Songwriting changes with who you are writing with. 

But make up some riffs or a song and bring it to the rehearsal room and then we mix it together with each others riffs and perfect it.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name "Genfærd"?

T.:

Its the Danish word for a spirit, or an apparition. 

6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?

J.:

We got in contact with Maxime Taccardi. We were all really fascinated with his works, and especially him painting with his own blood. We saw it would bring an eye catching element to "Blodhævn", and he got to work. We are very impressed with how his artwork turned out, and how it fits with our own logo on the cover.

7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

T.:

Every show is the best at least that is what we strife for.

There is a lot of memorable shows with Genfærd playing live with Genfærd is different from other bands I've played in.

But the first show we played at Beta with Solbrud was the beginning of something extreme. So that of cause stand out for me.

Our show is ever evolving. We always strife for the best show, its extreme, fast and in your face.

We are a live band more than a album band.

J.:

For me my favorite show was the one we did in Pumpehuset in May 2018. That tightpacked audience going crazy and chanting us on was really something else, a rare sight in Denmark where most audiences can be a bit indifferent. Hopefully we'll get a new perspective once Covid dies down, and people discover what they've missed.

8.Recently 'Nebula Aeterna Productions' released your current album on cassette, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

J.:

I hooked them up after I saw they liked my other project, Ildskær, and asked if they would be interested in publishing Genfærd. Fortunately they were and we've had a good relationship.

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

T.:

Overwhelming good actually. People seems to like it.

J.: 

I agree. People seems to come for the artwork and stay for the music, which is only good.

10.What is going on with 'Sort Regn' these days?

T.:

At the moment nothing is happening. We still talk once in a while. But musically nothing.

We have talked about making a reunion sometime. But if its going to happen or when or where I do not know.

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

T.:

Faster, more raw, more black. We will stay in the past because that is what we like.

So if you do not like old school black metal the chances are your music is not for you.

J.:

Yeah, we are currently brewing on some really nasty sounding music, more unhinged and experimenting, yet still as hard hitting and cathartic as Blodhævn.

12.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?

T.:

Influences. Every sound can be a inspiration. The flow of the river, the wind... When the creative moment hits you, it can be inspired by anything.

I personally like the 90's wave of black metal so that is usually what I listen to.

But more recently I have listened a lot to Sinmara, Odraza, Funeral Mist and Svartidaudi.

J.:

I listen to a broad spectrum of music, from Jazz and funk to classical, ambient and neofolk, and of course, metal. Concerning Black metal, anything Polish, French or Icelandic from the last 5-10 years is sure to be on rotation here, and beyond those, I listen to a lot of Agalloch, Ulver, The Ruins of Beverast, Leviathan, Tchornobog and Slidhr

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

Both:

Stay tuned, we are already working on the next piece of music. 

Thanks for all the support! Thanks for helping us out with buying merch in this tough time.

Hopefully see you on the other side. 

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