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1. For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
Achryma began as a personal vision from J.H., who wanted to explore a darker and more emotionally driven direction within atmospheric black metal. The idea was to create music that balances intensity with melancholy, where beauty and sorrow coexist. To bring this vision to life, he reached out to P.J., S.V.L., and N.K., long-time friends and highly capable musicians. Together we form a small collective with a shared desire to create meaningful music, first and foremost for ourselves. If others find something within it as well, that is a beautiful consequence.
2. Recently you have released an EP, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?
With Hollowlight we aimed for a sound that feels both suffocating and reflective. The music moves between intense, crushing passages and more open, melodic moments that allow the atmosphere to breathe. We were not interested in following a rigid formula, but rather in creating something that feels emotionally honest. The result sits somewhere between atmospheric black metal and post-black metal, while still allowing its own identity to emerge.
3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?
The lyrical themes revolve around loss, grief, and the quiet struggle that often follows those experiences. Much of the material is rooted in personal reflection. We were interested in the emotional landscape where pain does not simply disappear, but slowly transforms into something that can be understood or accepted. In that sense the music became a form of catharsis, a way of confronting those emotions rather than avoiding them.
4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Achryma'?
The name Achryma originates from the word “lachrymose”, which refers to a deep sense of melancholy. Achryma itself is a fictional derivative of that word, created to capture the emotional essence of the project. The name reflects the atmosphere we try to convey through the music, a space where sorrow and beauty exist side by side.
5. Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the EP cover?
The artwork is a photograph of the band taken by the incredibly talented Killian De Sitter. The image was heavily layered with distortion and raw textures to create a mysterious and almost retro visual atmosphere, with subtle horror elements woven into it. We wanted something that visually represents the spirit of Hollowlight, a feeling of isolation, introspection, and quiet tension.
6. Has the band done any live shows or are you open to the idea?
At the moment Achryma exists primarily as a studio project. The focus so far has been on shaping the music and defining the identity of the band. That said, we are preparing ourselves to take the stage with the next chapter of Achryma. All of us have strong experience as live musicians, so we definitely feel the desire to bring this music to a live audience.
7. Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have you received any interest?
We are currently independent, which gives us the freedom to shape the project exactly as we envision it. Of course we remain open to working with the right label, especially one that understands the atmosphere and intention behind the music. For us it is not simply about signing somewhere, but about finding a collaboration that feels natural.
8. On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of atmospheric post black metal?
The response so far has been very encouraging. We have seen listeners from different parts of the world connect with our music, which is something we truly appreciate. Achryma was never conceived as something purely local; the emotions behind the music are universal, and it is rewarding to see people resonate with that.
9. 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?
Several members are involved in other musical projects, each exploring different aspects of extreme music. Those projects continue to evolve in their own way. At the same time, Achryma occupies its own emotional space, and when we work on it our focus remains entirely on this project.
10. When can we expect a full length and also where do you see the band heading musically in the future?
A full length release will come in time. At the moment we are allowing Hollowlight to establish its own identity while we continue to write new material. Musically we intend to push further into the atmosphere and emotional depth that define the project. The next chapter will expand on those foundations while still allowing the music to evolve naturally.
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?
Our influences are quite diverse within the broader spectrum of extreme and atmospheric music. Atmospheric black metal, post-black metal, and even certain elements of doom and modern metal have shaped the way we approach dynamics and atmosphere. At the same time we try not to focus too much on specific influences, because what matters most is the emotional authenticity behind the music. J.H. listens to Der Weg einer Freiheit, Drawn Into Descent, Agalloch, and Gaerea a lot. S.V.L. listens frequently to Mgła, King 810, and Groza. P.J. listens to Psychonaut4, Bölzer, and Misþyrming, while N.K. listens to Apati and Dumal. The answer to this question would probably be different each week.
12. Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
We would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to listen to Hollowlight, and to those who continue to support our music. Projects like Achryma exist because people are willing to explore music that carries a deeper emotional weight. We hope the release finds those who need it.
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