1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?
We are busy getting the album out there. Trying to find more support from online radio, and zines. And of course we are playing shows to exhibit these new songs.
2.Recently you have released a new ep, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
It's far more dynamic than my past recordings. Previous Volk recording projects were done by me alone. I have the privilege of working with some of the most talented musicians currently. What they bring to my song writing as far as performance is something I could never achieve alone.
These guys are very professional. Know their instruments inside and out. So its more dynamic. There are great guitar solos, just a better sound all around.
3.This is the first release to be released in 6 years, can you tell us a little bit more about what has been going on during that time frame?
Just a lot of obstacles really, member problems, replacing those problematic members. Also, my live band had matters to attend to with their own musical projects. I was waiting for them to complete their other obligations so the focus on VOLK would be absolute.
Which is the case presently. We are very active touring, writing, and have plans for a full length to be recorded in the new year.
4.You label your music as 'Volktalitarian Black Metal', can you tell us a little bit more about this term?
Yes. Gladly.
Our concepts deal with an Orwellian/totalitarian society that has been designed to systematically crush the individual. His thoughts, his dreams are all destroyed. The antagonist of the story is VOLK. That's all that is known. That this organization named VOLK has complete power, has seemingly had it forever, and will continue to do so.
The full length will deal mainly with this story as its going to be a concept album.
So, Volktalitarianism just reflects the story that we play music to. But its also a title that I hope will draw people in that need to find strength. That want more control over their life. People are so hard on themselves these days. And there is not much comfort to be found in humanity or your fellow citizen.
We would like to hope that people will hear the e.p. and feel it strengthen them, that they can do anything. Accomplish anything.
5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the Heathenism and Philosophy the band explores with the lyrics?
With this album its very little. It's more to do with war, and death. It's symbolic to our fight to get this recording out, the ridiculous battle that it was. Also back to the VOLK concept, the violent uprising of the new party that will enslave humanity as a whole. The first skirmishes in the streets. The full length will be VOLK establishing its apparatus of Volktalitarianism. The e.p. is the fight to gain this power.
The members of this band however take comfort in pre Christian matters of the spirit. There is Slavic/Germanic practices and observance of these old ways. But for us its personal. You won't find me speaking often about it.
6.I know that the bands name means 'Voice Of Lamenting Kin', how does this name fit in with the musical style that you play?
Volk is the German word for 'people'... Or 'folk'. In the beginning stages of the band we were calling ourselves Wotansvolk. ' Odin's people ' but as I mentioned before our spirituality is a private matter with us, and we saw this huge influx of 'Pagan metal'. We wanted to be different.
Now it's only VOLK. It's meaning is, to us, the elite members of the ruling party in our conceptual story I highlighted earlier.
The voice of lamenting kin is something that a fan came up with. Some internet forums sadly take the control away from the band. People can say whatever they want about the band and post it. It's an aggravating ordeal that I'm currently dealing with now.
7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Guelph Ontario was amazing. The crowd was receptive and understood what we were trying to do.
Stage performance is at least for me the highlight of being in this band. I get to let go onstage. I don't just headbang and pump my fist. I let myself go completely. My body does what it wants to do and when I sing I'm giving it 100%. Its not your typical metal performance at all. We bring something different to the stage.
8.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
We are going to take October off to enjoy the fall, and Halloween. Then come back with a massive amount of shows.
9.On the recording you did a cover of 'Veles Scrolls' song, what was the decision behind during your own version of this song?
It's a Nokturnal Mortum song called 'Veles Scrolls' there's something in the works with this song. But I can't comment at this time.
10.The ep was released on Oldenblood Productions, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?
Great Canadian label. They only handle our Distro at the moment. But they are very supportive.
11.On a worldwide level how have black and pagan metal fans reacted to the new material?
It's been positive. There's always critics. But we've had good feedback so far.
12.Are there any plans for a full length and also where would you like to see the band head into musically during the future?
In the new year we will be in the studio. I want the sound to be darker. Some more industrial sounds as a background to the metal. Like how pink Floyd needed a darker sound dealing with these types of ideas during the Wall.
It'll be a concept, so it will have a cinematic quality.
13.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had a huge influence on the band?
All sorts of metal of course. Anything from Burzum, to king diamond.
For me personally, I listen to a lot of classical music at home. Soundtracks. As for bands I'm really into Laibach, and Joy Division. More arty types of acts.
14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thanks for the opportunity to get the word of the Volk out there!
One Volk.
One Land.
One King.
One Dream!
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