Nøkk Interview

 

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

Nokk was formed in 2021 in the midst of the break up of my previous band. Scott, our original drummer stuck with me, Jake, and we brought in Rob on Vocals a couple of months after we had some material written. In 2023 we released a 3 song EP titled "Repel the Incursion".

2.In November you have your first full length coming out, musically how does it differ from your previous ep?

I don't think the full length is very different, other than more 2 guitar parts and melodies. Robs vocal sound more harsh and powerful, and the drumming is our session guy, CJ, who is more technical than our original drummer so there are minor differences there. The main thing is that we added keys on this album which adds a lot more depth and atmosphere.

3.Most of the band members have been involved with other bands, what is it that you bring into the music of 'Nøkk' that you where bot able to do with your previous groups?

What i bring to Nokk is the songwriting as well as sharing duties with Rob writing lyrics, which was the case in my previous band, Eternal Bloodshed. This time I wanted to focus on strictly black metal and that's a huge reason i brought Rob into the mix, we have very similar tastes in music which keeps the continuity of what we want out of the band together. We did not have that in my previous band, EB.

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

Basically, the dark side of the world and the failure of human beings as a whole. The treachery, deception, atrocities man brings upon man. There are themes on addiction and the downward spiral it creates 

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Nøkk'?

Nokk is a mythological creature that is envious of the human race. He is a shapeshifter that lives in lakes and streams, a deceiver of man. He plays his violin and creates the most beautiful music to lure women and children to their watery grave.

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

Todd Paulson created that for us and it came out amazing. Its a representation of Nokk with his violin as a victim is drowning in the lack reaching out with their hand in despair of an inevitable death.

7.The band has plans to play live shows once the new album is released, what can we expect musically once you hit the live stage?

Thats still up for consideration at this point. We expect to be able to put on a live show that is true to true the album and if gfor any reason we cant do that we will not play live. We have some session guys in mind but conflicts of schedules are my main concerns at the moment. Hopefully it will happen.

8.The new album is coming out on 'Solistitum Records', how did you get on contact with this label?

After the release of our EP, we were contacted by Solistitium Records and we were in the process of recording the upcoming full length so we sent them some rough mixes and we inked a two album deal.

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

I think it's been very good, albeit on a limited level at this point. Time will tell more once the full length is released. The EP had very good feedback for the amount of exposure it had with it. Im looking forward to the release in November.

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

I see us growing musically while still staying true to our foundation we have laid down thus far with Nokk. Atmospheric aggression is what we love playing.

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?

Styles vary for me personally from old school 90's riffing/chord progressions, but i also listen to a lot of newer more modern black metal as well and blending the two styles together. Anything from Darkthrone to WITTR to Arckanum to Panopticon, etc. I have a wide range of influences.

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

I'd like to thank everyone that stepped up to make this album possible. Rob, CJ, Nick, Alex, thank you for your great contributions to the music. Scott as well, he helped write 5 of the 6 songs drum parts before he was injured. Our producer/engineer Joe Viers at Sonic Lounge Studios was amazing. Todd Paulson for everything, thank you so much man! And to anyone who supports us or will be supporting us in the future, thank you very much. And of course, Solistitium Records for believing in us. Thank you for taking the time to review the album and for the interview. Keep an eye out for the full-length release as well as a 2nd single coming soon and subscribe to Solistitium Records on YouTube for more info.

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