Vigljos Interview

 

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

We sing about bees and play heavy riffs. 

2.You have a new album coming out in May, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

We went to our good friend Marc Obrist of Zeal & Ardor, who has his own little studio called “Hutch Sounds” in Oberwil, Switzerland. We were aiming for a rather organic, oldschool sound that would enable us to balance the warmth and softness of the synths and drums with the rather shrieking vocals and chilling riffs of the guitar. He was wonderful to work with and did an outstanding job with the sound design. Also the recording itself was very pleasurable, out in the nature in his little hut, with a nice garden, bees, birds and a lot of good food.    

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?

Most of it is a romanced and stylised narrative about the life and death of bees. We see it more as an analogy towards certain phases, circumstances and structures that are part of our daily lives. The title “To die in a flowerbed” is a little nod towards the song “The Sad Saga of the Boy and the Bee” by a 60’s Prog Rock Band called “Gun”.

In addition, I see the vocals in more of an instrumental role. Therefore I focus on phonetics much more than on writing awe inspiring poems.

4.you refer to your music as being 'Obscure old school beehive black metal', can you tell us a little bit more about this term?

Well it is just a very blatant description of our concept. We felt obliged to separate ourselves from all the “obscure oldschool wasphive black metal” acts out there. 

5.In the promo pics you also wear cloaks how does this fit in with the music you play and the lyrical content?

These are medieval beekeeper outfits. Their simplicity, mystique and uniqueness spoke to us. They embody our music perfectly and enable us to step back as individuals. 

6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Vígljós'?

Vígljós is Old Norse for the light, which is just bright enough to kill a man.

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

The Image is a drawing by Pieter Bruegel the Elder from the year 1568, depicting Beekeepers. His work perfectly complements our music, it is full of horror, craze, mystery and beauty. 

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

Well we haven’t played that many to be fair. Three in total that is. But receiving the opportunity and trust to play Culthe Fest as an absolute no name band was an outstanding experience. 

9.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?

We’ll see where the journey goes. As all of us have very different lives, we need to figure out what’s possible and what we want as artists. 

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

We are already working on a follow up record that will be a consequential evolution to “Tome I: apidæ”. Generally we do what we like to and don’t really look to our right and left too much. We strongly believe there is still space for more cowbell and maybe some other quirky instrumentation as long as there’s still sick riffs accompanying them.

11.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?

Musically you’d definitely have to quote 2nd wave Black Metal Acts like Darkthrone, Immortal, Emperor and so on. When it comes to things we listen to nowadays, that is hugely diverse. From Rap Music to all sorts of Metal, to Rock and Blues, Ambient, Pop and more. 

Some standout records we are individually listening to currently are: 

Comus - First Utterance

Exuma - II

Wishbone Ash - Argus

Caladan Brood - Echoes of Battle

Wiegedood - There is always blood at the end of the road

Old Nick - Crisp Winter Dawn of my Nightmoon

Stromae - Multitude

Ungfell - Mythen, Mären, Pestilenz

Ali Farka Touré - Savane

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

Stop gatekeeping music. We appreciate every effort to diversify the scene. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oauhDCcbS5Y