1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
Witch N.: Since the start of ERNTE in 2020 we were constantly and exceedingly creative – at the time we released the debut album "Geist und Hexerei" in December 2021, we already had finished the second album, including the mastering. Of course you can't release 2 albums within 6 months, and so we decided to wait a bit until the release of the second album. "Albsegen" will be out in April this year. And we can reveal that the third album is almost finished at the moment – it only needs some violin recordings and the mixing and mastering. Plus we have finally found an appropriate rehearsal room and will try to bring ERNTE on stage later this year. So you can see, it is a lot going on.
2.In April you have a new album coming out, musically how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
Witch N.: We think it has still the ERNTE trademarks: a melodic but at the same time very aggressive Black Metal worshipping the 90s and being modern nevertheless. Regarding the quality of sound, there is for sure a remarkable improvement compared to the debut album. You already heard it when we released the 7" in September last year – the 2 songs on this single are more or less on the same level than the songs on "Albsegen", because they originate from about the same time.
3.Some of your lyrics cover witchcraft and magick themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these subjects?
Witch N.: I do believe in witchcraft. I believe that if we experience and gather the power of everything that surrounds us and everything we can perceive with all our senses, then we have a mighty instrument to achieve our goals and wishes. There is so much magic and energy in nature – we only need to open our minds to it.
4.What are some of the other lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored with the music?
Witch N.: I write a lot about the power and magic of nature and the spirits residing in there – in the woods or on the mountains, for example in "Phantoms". But my lyrics also deal with end time visions, like in "Apocalyptical dissolution", in "Vacant Thoughts and Radiant Blackness" and in "Eye of Oblivion". "The Revenge" talks about the revenge of nature who will take her rights back – consciously I talk about nature as a woman – the oldest and mightiest force, much more than a goddess. Some of the lyrics are about more personal subjects. "Cutting the stars from the sky" is at the same time desperate and hopeful – my dreams as a last resort to the all destroying reality. "Queen Warrior" is about the sadness and loneliness of being a strong woman.
5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album?
V. Noir: The cover picture and the album artwork are actually due to accident. We went to a beautiful gloomy ruin here in Switzerland to take new promo photos. These new image were a perfect match for the artwork. In addition, we had many pictures from a talented photographer. At this point we want to thank Carmynna Feya for her support. The combination of these pictures resulted in the new layout.
6.Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you open to expanding your line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?
As it works perfectly like this since the beginning, there is no need to think about expanding our line-up – 2 creative people are more than enough to keep ERNTE alive!
7.The last 2 albums have been released through 'Vendetta Records', do you feel this label has been very helpful when it comes ot getting your music out there heard?
Witch N.: Vendetta is a great label and Stefan is uncomplicated to work with. There is a solid promotion and our albums are available at many important stores. We have a lot of liberties when it comes to the artwork and the videos which is great because V. Noir is able to do almost everything by himself.
8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?
V. Noir: I have to say we were very surprised by how positive the reactions has been since the debut album. We often get fan mails and requests for live concerts. I also think there is a special attention given the fact that Witch N. is a female vocalist – not rare today, but remarkable at this level. All in all the reactions were just wonderful and positive.
9.Are any of the band members currently involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?
Witch N.: Since 2013, I am in the Black Doom Band ASHTAR – since 2022 as a one woman band. I will release the 3rd album in 2023 via Eisenwald Records.
V. Noir: In the second half of 2022, I founded the one-man Black Metal project called HÄXÄR. The debut album will be released this year by Sturmglanz.
10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
V. Noir: Since the Black Metal scene is very small, I see ERNTE becoming more and more present in the scene over the next few years and being clearly established. You know, there are countless bands appearing every day – but often, as quickly as they come, they disappear. ERNTE remains.
11.What are some of the bands or musical styles the band members are currently listening to nowadays?
Witch N.: I still and always discover new music, so it is difficult to name some bands. But I mostly listen to Black Metal, Doom Metal and Dark Wave.
V. Noir: I’ve learned to stop talking about my LP collection, certain artists and their content I listen to. What inspires me is clearly Black Metal, New Wave and a lot of Dark Ambient.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
V. Noir: Thank you for your interest in our music and for doing this interview.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
