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The recordings for the new album SKULD began in April 2023 and lasted until July, followed by the mixing and mastering process. In the meantime, we played a few live shows, Lethian created the artworks for the album and we prepared the release.
2.You have a new album coming out in December, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
In our opinion, SKULD is more mature than our older releases. It exudes a rougher attitude and has fewer atmospheric passages. We also experimented a lot more with different acoustic elements, vocal styles and samples.
3.The band is from Germany but plays in more of a Norwegian style, what was the decision behind going into this musical direction?
NORNIR´s style was not a forced choice. It evolved naturally from what inspires us – and will most likely evolve further. Of course, black metal albums of the 90s Norwegian scene had a great impact on our music, but also many other bands from around the world as well as non-musical influences.
4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the newer release and also how would you describe your progress as songwriters over the years?
SKULD is thematically dedicated to the ultimate fate of all living beings – death. Each track on the album represents the overall subject from an individual perspective, beginning with a proclamation of war and closing with a prophecy of the impending end of the world.
5.Some of your lyrics and the band’s name are rooted in Norse mythology and Paganism, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?
Norse mythology still provides many stories that apply well to the modern world and that give stimuli for philosophizing. By interpreting ancient narratives, we can gather new knowledge. In short, mythology for us is a fascination with the past which – through transformation in the present – holds wisdom for the future.
6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
The cover artwork depicts Skuld in an apocalyptic scenario above a pile of skulls and bones representing those already deceased, while the Norn reaches out her hand towards the viewers, inviting them to yield the inevitable end of the world.
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?
We have played quite a number of shows since 2015 and most of them were great, each in their own way. Nevertheless, one of the most impressing shows was Party.San Metal Open Air 2022, a festival which we have been attending as visitors since many years. It was a whole new experience and an overall pleasure to perform on the PSOA stage.
8.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?
The official release show of the album will be on December 2nd at “Autumn from Hell” near Zwickau in Saxony. Beyond that, a couple of live rituals are planned for 2024, including shows in Germany and Switzerland so far.
9.On the new album you also done a 'Wardruna' cover, what was the decision behind doing your own version of one of their songs?
The song “Helvegen” is of great importance to us, as it deals with the final path that all beings must take and with the question of what remains of each one. For us, a cover is not just replaying a song. Rather, it means engaging a personally touching and inspiring work and developing it further throughout own ideas. What was initially just intended as a live cover ended up fitting so well into the album concept that we decided to include it on the record.
10.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?
Since the early days of NORNIR, we have received praise and support from countries around the world and feel extremely honored for this.
11.What is going on with some of the other bands or musical projects these days that some of the band members are a part of?
No answer.
12.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Since our approach to creating music is very intuitive, only the future can tell. At least it will remain black metal, we guess. Haha.
13.What are some of the bands or musical styles that you are currently listening to nowadays?
We are open to many styles of music, but mostly listen to heavy stuff. It is kind of a mixture between old classics like Gorgoroth, Vital Remains or Candlemass and more recent releases from bands like Stormkeep, Havukruunu or Chotzä, to name just a few.
14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thank you for the interview and also thanks to each and every one who accompanies and supports us on our path!
Links:
nornir-merchandise.de/
facebook.com/NornirMetal/
instagram.com/nornir.official/
nornirmetal.bandcamp.com/
youtube.com/Nornír
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