1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the solo project?
Motljus is a black metal project, although the music occasionally takes other musical paths. If you enjoy atmospheric music that takes its time—rather than jumping rapidly from riff to riff—and balances heavy intensity with softer moments, Motljus might be for you. It is the creation of me, Arvid, based in Gothenburg, Sweden.
I started Motljus out of a desire to make music entirely on my own, and to create something I genuinely love listening to myself. I’ve played music almost my entire life, mostly with other people—starting with the violin as a child, then moving on to guitar, and later drums.
The drums really hooked me as a teenager, and I put the other instruments aside. Over the years, I played drums in several bands and projects around Gothenburg.
When I began working under the name Motljus, I had been playing indie rock and post-rock for a long time, and I deeply missed the feeling of playing more loud, heavy music. My other band, Balloon Maker, had a rehearsal space that was also set up as a studio. There, I spent a lot of time on my own, reconnecting with instruments I hadn’t touched in years. With a strong DIY mentality, I recorded the music that became the foundation of Motljus, and eventually the album För Evigt.
2.So far you have released 2 full length's, musically how do they both differ from each other?
I’ve actually released just one full-length album so far, which is my debut, För Evigt. However, it exists in two different versions. The album was first released digitally in 2024, and then on January 9th, 2026, Darkwoods and I released a physical edition as a limited CD.
3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you have explored so far with your music?
Both the music and the lyrics have been with me for many years. The lyrics reflect my personal journey—from being a young adult free from major struggles or responsibilities and simply enjoying life, to growing older and confronting the harsher realities and burdens of modern society.
Music stayed with me through those difficult years, and also through the moments when life began to turn in a more positive direction. I actually completed the music for För Evigt during one of the happiest periods of my life, while I was on paternity leave with my first child. The album deals with feelings of misery and heaviness, but also with the moments when life slowly moves toward something brighter and lighter.
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Motljus'/
Motljus means “backlit” in Swedish. The word is made up of mot (against) and ljus (light), which initially felt very fitting for a black metal project. Over time, however, I’ve also come to see it as a personal striving toward the light in my own life. I also enjoy the fact that it’s a strange and unfamiliar word for anyone who doesn’t speak Swedish.
5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork on the current album cover?
The artwork for this release is a collaboration between myself and Darkwoods. We drew inspiration from the typical winter atmosphere of my hometown, Gothenburg, which resulted in something dark, realistic, and urban. The album has a modern visual feel while still staying close to a classic, old-school black metal aesthetic. I think the atmosphere we created is something most people can relate to, regardless of where they live.
6.With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solo?
Motljus will remain a very personal project, and I’ll continue to write the music myself. That said, the recording process may look different going forward. These days, I don’t have the time to spend endless hours recording everything on my own, so I’ll need to work in a more time-efficient way.
I’m also open to once again inviting friends to contribute with guest appearances in the future. Motljus hasn’t performed live yet, but I sometimes dream about giving the music a physical presence on stage. To make that happen, I would need the help of others to truly bring it to life.
7.'Darkwoods' are releasing the physical version of your current album in 2026, how did you get in contact with this label?
Daniel from Darkwoods told me that he actually came across my Bandcamp page by chance! He reached out to me with the idea of doing a physical release of my debut album, and from there we began the process of bringing För Evigt to life in physical form.
8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of atmospheric black metal?
I started making music purely for myself, with no expectations that it would ever reach an audience. Even releasing the first digital version felt like a huge step. Honestly, I’m still quite shocked that people seem to connect with the music, and it genuinely means a lot to me when someone reaches out to share their thoughts.
I’m very excited about this physical release with Darkwoods, and I think the album has turned out beautifully.
9.Do you also have any experience playing in other bands or musical projects?
Yes, as mentioned earlier, I’ve played drums in several bands in and around Gothenburg, mainly within different styles of metal, rock, and post-rock. Alongside Motljus, I currently play drums in the indie rock band Balloon Maker. If you enjoy calm, cozy indie music, it’s definitely worth checking out.
10.where do you see yourself heading into as musician during the future?
I’m currently in the early stages of writing new material under the name Motljus, and I’m really enjoying the process so far. It feels like a strong foundation for the project’s next chapter.
While Motljus is a solo project, playing music with others is something I truly enjoy. I haven’t had much time for that in recent years, and it’s something I’d really like to bring back into my life again.
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?
Motljus was initially intended to be fairly straightforward black metal, but it gradually became heavily influenced by post-rock and post-metal. The songs grew longer and more dynamic, with multiple sections, turning each track into more of a journey.
Two bands fundamentally changed how I view black metal: early Wolves in the Throne Room and Deafheaven. The way they took the beauty that exists within black metal and other heavily distorted genres and elevated it into something much greater was a real game changer for me. I’ve always loved being immersed in an ocean of distortion, where the melodies are only just visible—like music drifting through a snowstorm.
Lately, I’ve been listening a lot to Augustine, a fantastic Swedish indie rock project with great melodies and a warm electronic atmosphere that works just as well for focused listening as for more relaxed moments. On the heavier side, I’ve lately been enjoying Umbilical by Thou and Confusion Gate by Yellow Eyes.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
I just want to express how grateful I am that you took the time to listen to Motljus and to write such a thoughtful review for Occult Black Metal Zine. Thank you as well for reaching out to do this interview—it’s truly been a pleasure.
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