Interviews: From The Vastland

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the  Black Metal band, From The Vastland, from Norway. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

It was planned and actually, I was thinking about it for a long time! Well, there was several different reasons that I chose this name. One of the most important one was because I wanted the name of the band also represent the concept of the music. So, let's put it this way that I am from Iran and all the lyrics are about the ancient Persian empire era, Persian history and mythology. So, like the music comes from the vast land of Persia. There was also some other reasons which made me to think this is a perfect name for the band.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

You know, I grew up in a family where my parents were fan of rock music. So, I was familiar with Rock music when I was a kid, later around the teenager time I became fan of Metal music but when it comes to black metal, I remember it specifically, that was about more than 15 years ago. I was into Death and thrash Metal. And I had a friend who was living in Austria back then in that time and when he came to Iran for his vacation, he gave me a cassette tape of "Burzum - Filosofem" album. And that was the time when everything just changed for me! I remember when I listened to that for the first time I found it very strange (the atmosphere of the music was so dark, unknown and mysterious for me and I remember that I listened to the whole album 5 times in a row) but it also gave me really good new feelings, something indescribable...that was the magic moment...Indeed that was the music that I found it very close to my inner feelings and I started to discover and know more about Black Metal. You know, it was in my dream from many years ago to start making/plying music but then I realized that is exactly my kind of music, that is what want to do...and I started playing guitar, then my first black metal band in 2003 and later another project and finally From The Vastland.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Well, of course I knew them. You know, I was lucky to get the chance to work with known and pro musicians like Tjalve (Ex-1349/Den Saakaldte/Horizon Ablaze), Destructhor (Ex- Morbid Angel/Myrkskog), Vyl (Ex-Keep of Kalessin/Gorgoroth-live) right when I moved to Norway but I knew them before we start working together (from their music career with other bands) and then later in 2015 when I was already living in Norway, “Spektre” (Gaahls WYRD/Horizon Ablaze) also joined me and the band.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Well, it’s just me available at the moment, doing this interview. So, from my part I would say there are a lot of bands but to mention a few I would say Darkthrone, Gorgoroth, Mayhem, Immortal, Enslaved, Marduk, Dark Funeral, Enthroned, Belenos...You know, generally all the early 90's Norwegian or actually Scandinavian old school BM albums! But not only that, there are a lot of other bands, new ones, that are doing great...

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Well, the main source of inspiration for me is the good music. And I mean it might be an album or just a song, it doesn’t matter, just a good music. Also the Persian mythology as all of my lyrics are about that. Well, I have been always into mythology (not just Persian but also Norse mythology, Egypt, Mayas…) and I have read a lot of books about it. But as a black metal musician I found the Persian mythology so proper for writing black metal lyrics. It is all about the battle between darkness and light, good and evil, gods and devils…It is full of epic stories, you know. And that’s so inspirational to me.

6. Where was your last gig?

Actually, it was in Norway at a venue called “Rock In” (at the heart of the Oslo city). We played at “Music Freedom Day” event hosted by Safemuse organisation and cooperation of Inferno Metal Festival in March 2019.

7. Where would you like to act?

I wouldn’t mention one specific place, festival or event. I would love to play at all the festivals and experience different atmospheres but you know, generally I would say personally I prefer indoor festivals. Usually the gigs are more intense and the atmosphere is great. But I mean at the same time, who wouldn’t love to play at one of those big open air festivals like Hellfest, Wacken or Summer Breeze, for instance.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

There are a lot of great musicians and bands I would love to feature with, really hard to say as it will be a long list, you know. I’m always open to work or collaborate with other musicians/bands…I already have done some. So, it’s all about the vibe, good music and musicians also just the right time to do it!

9. Whom not?

To be honest, I have nothing in mind. I mean as I said I’m just open to any cool collaboration and I have a very good relation/connection with a lot of other musicians in the scene...So, I don’t think if there is anyone I specifically can mention.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

No, not really. I mean of course the first time on stage feels a bit strange and my first time was at Inferno Metal Festival. So, you can imagine about the excitement and the stress at the same time but as I mentioned, my band mates are all pro musicians with years and years of experience playing shows and it was giving me more confidence that it's going to be a good show and to be honest, it was actually a great experience. So, nothing like stage fright but the excitement is always there whenever you want to play a show which is a good thing, you know. And I mean maybe the best tip I would give is that you should not let the atmosphere and the people staring at you get heavy on you, everyone is just there to enjoy, you yourself as well. If you can not enjoy your playing on stage then how you expect people to enjoy. So, instead of not looking at them or trying to act like they don't exist, actually it's much better if you look at them and try to make connection with them and get energy to perform better.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Well, long list but to mention a few I would say Marduk, Belenos and Gorgoroth...But as I mentioned, there are a lot of new bands that are doing great and it’s just inspirational whenever I listened to them or discover a new one...

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Well, nothing like crazy, our fans are actually so nice, respectful and supportive all the time. I just remember it was last year when a guy contacted me on facebook, asking to send him all my albums for free just because he is a fan and has bought my debut album in 2011! I was not sure how to respond to that... 

13. What do you think of your fans?

Fans of From The Vastland are really dedicated, I would say! They are amazing. There is kind of a special connection between the fans and the band. They always supporting me, in different ways and I highly appreciate it. You know, they bring me a lot of energy and motivation to continue my path and just keep on going. You know, their dedication means a lot to me…To give you a couple of examples, I would mention about a couple of stories. So, once after releasing a new album one of our fans from Belgium bought the album but as soon as he realized it’s also available on the band’s webshop and he can buy it directly from the band, he ordered it again, just to support us directly…We have a fan who buys our albums as gifts for other friends! Another story when one of our fans travelled all the way down from England to see us playing in Trondheim (Norway). So, they are great!

14. What do you think of our site?

It’s very cool what you do in order to support artists. So, I think it’s very good. We all belong to the same family and need to support each other. It’s really important.

15. Something add?

I just want to say thanks to all of my friends and fans for their support and help during all these years. I highly appreciate it. And Please support the art, the music, that is all we have in this metal family. Together we are stronger and it doesn’t matter if we have a different taste, still we belong to the same family. So, support each other. That's the only way to keep the art and your favourite artists going! and at the end special thanks to you for the interview and this opportunity to talk.