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1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the musical project?
WELMOED is a project that was born around end 2018, early 2019. I like to call it atmospheric rock / metal, but there are all kinds of influences.
2.Your first album is coming out towards the end of July, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?
No boundaries, just writing melodies that appeal to me and being inspired by music I listened at that time and prior to that. Whilst writing, it turned out to be an atmospheric thing, mainly because of the song Nāga, that I wrote several years back, with riffs that were a bit different. Strange to say, but that song worked as a catalyst. I kept on writing in that style and it evolved in what is WELMOED now.
3.The band has been around since 2018 but you waited until 2023 to release any music, can you tell us a little bit more about the earlier years?
At that time I was experimenting a lot with home – recording. I purchased all kinds of gear, but didn’t had the proper knowledge how to use some of the devices back then. Drums were already recorded at the studio (New Road Studio’s, Wijchen NL), and I recorded guitars at home. I was not satisfied so I booked the studio again to re – record all the guitar parts under supervision of Dion Vermaes. It was very much a learning process.
4.Some of your lyrics cover mythology themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?
Not much to tell about that, I’m into reading books that cover European and Asian mythology.
5.What are some of the other lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with this music?
It’s about deception and being fooled, prevail and loss, my fascination for the oceans and all of their mystiques.
6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Welmoed'?
Welmoed is a dutch maiden’s name that you hear mostly in the northern parts of The Netherlands. It resembles courage, willpower, to strive for etc. I wanted a short name for the project, that sounded not too difficult with some strength in it.
7.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
The album cover is created by Jan Yrlund, and he is responsible for artwork for bands like Amberian Dawn, Manowar, Korpiklaani, etc. It shows Ask & Embla in a sun – like setting.
8.Currently there are only 2 members in the band, are you open to expanding the line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?
Time will tell.
9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of post black metal and blackgaze?
Honestly, I wouldn’t know! I read two reviews a brief while ago, and they were good, that’s all I know.
10.Are any of the band members currently involved with any other bands or musical projects these days?
Veerle plays in a band called SHE!, they play covers of nowadays popular music. They are doing very well, as I see lots of photo’s with stacked venues.
Hugo and Bram both play in Misanthropia. I’m also a member of Misanthropia, but only for recording. Besides that, I also play guitar and keyboard in ASKLEPEION, another studio – project with (ex - ) members of FAAL, Southern Werewolf Farm, Spina Bifida, Foretold.
11.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Just recording and releasing music.
12.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?
I think bands like Mogwai, Explosions in the Sky, Alcest, Lantlôs, Germ, and Amesoeurs inspired me a lot. Nowadays I listen all kinds of music. Depends on my mood. Mostly anything between doom, post – rock / metal, black metal and all kinds of music that blends with the aforementioned.
13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thank you for this interview, seize the day!
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