Interviews: Midgard

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Folk Metal band, Midgard, from Ukraine. 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?

Klym Apalkov: I would not say that I planned something. Rather, it happened by itself.

It was in the fall of 2015. There was a party in our little studio.We drink beer and brandy. I'm buzzing something on the guitar and suddenly a very familiar, but at the same time completely new riff came to my mind. At the time of recording, it seemed that I was pulled out of reality. I closed my eyes and imagined myself among the Vikings, who sailed into the sea on their drakkar. At that moment, there were about five people in the studio, mostly musicians. They liked my music sketch very much.

That evening, I recorded the first two verses of the song "Black Drakkar". This was the beginning of the band Midgard, but then I still did not know it .... Since the first song was written about the Vikings, I thought that such a project needs an appropriate name. Strong name, which would carry a great potential. The name "Midgard" came to me just at the time of writing the lyrics of Black Drakkar. In the culture of the Vikings, I have always found many close things to my spirit. And the fact that the name was chosen correctly, I still have no doubted.

2. Why did you want to play this genre? 

Klym Apalkov: Well, as for the genre, I would say that we do not limit ourselves to just one style. Because we have Viking, Folk, Thrash, Groove, Death and Fantasy metal elements. One song can be pure Viking metal, and other can have a folk-trash music with mystical and bloody lyrics. But if we talk about "Tales of Kreia" - this album is all full of fantasy themes. It is not only elves and dwarves. Rather, it’s a deep philosophical questions about immortality and the primordial essence of the human spirit nature that is hiding from our mind. So you can say that – «Midgard plays Folk-metal or Viking Metal» - but will it be an objective view of what we actually do?

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

Klym Apalkov: In the composition in which band is now – yes, except the drummer. We all live in the city of Kaniv and have been friends for a long time. But at the time the band arose, the composition was different, and I did not know anyone. We met accidentally on the Jam Session in a neighbor town. And after our first meeting I went there for rehearsals every week. But those days are over. The only one left from the first team is me and the drummer.

4. Each band member favourite band? 

Klym Apalkov (vocals) - I can’t name a specific band, because I listen and love a lot of music, starting from «London Grammar» and «Alt-J» and ending with a «Death» and «Obituary». The ending of the list sounds quite realistic, if you remove the quotes.)))

Roman Kuznietsov (Guitars) - My musical tastes depend on the amount of alcohol consumed

Alex Kudriavtsev (Drums) – The first thing that comes to mind is Metallica & Gojira.

Max Shatilo (Bass) – Anal Cunt. *makes a pensive face*

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs? 

Klym Apalkov: It is difficult to explain, but after the first «Midgard» song was born, it was impossible to stop writing. As if he is living his life. It seems to me that this is something much more than just a band. Because when I sit down to write Midgard - songs come on their own. Perhaps some mystical secret is hidden here

6. Where was your last gig? 

Klym Apalkov: Our last concert was held in Kiev on «Wacken Metal Battle». And although the vast majority of people voted for us, the jury made another decision. They were probably scared when people sat on the floor and started rowing like in a drakkar. It seem to me, it’s because they themselves were never on a Wacken Open Air and don’t know what people like at such festivals. I'm already silent about mosh, slam and circlpits which the jury probably saw for the first time ever during our performance. Alas, incompetence in our country is a very common thing.

7. Where would you like to act? 

Klym Apalkov: We would certainly like to play on: Wacken, Hellfest, Bloodstock, Tuska, Brutal Assault and other monster festival. Or go on a tour as a warming up band with the Wintersun, Ensiferum, Amon Amarth, Amorphis, Eluveitie… well this list I can go on for a long time.

8. Whom would you like to feature with? 

Klym Apalkov:  Somehow we worm up Ensiferum at the end of their Pagantour in Kiev. It was very nice to meet them after show and have a little chat. If we are talking about bands then: Wintersun, Ensiferum, Amon Amarth, Amorphis, Eluveitie, Arch Enemy, Soulfly, Obituary, Nightwish. It’s hard to list directly all bands we whant to feature with.

9. Whom not? 

Klym Apalkov: Despite the fact that our music genres are very diverse, I think that we would not really fit into some kind of black-doom of funeral-gothic lineup. But never the less, that would be definitely good contrast. If you understand what I mean )))

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

Klym Apalkov:  Perhaps all musicians experience this feeling. Excitement, fear, insecurity, jitters and its other varieties up to a stupor and loss of memory.

And how to deal with it? - Ask yourself a question - Did I want to be on this stage? And if the answer is – Yes. I fu*ing whant it so much!!! Then self-control will return.

If your answer is no. Then go and practice until you feel that you are ready to go there, and do what you can do so well.

In any case, there is no bad experience. Because any experience is somehow a development

11. What bands have inspired you the most? 

Klym Apalkov:  As I already said. I am a music lover and listen to a lot of diverse music. But some of them I would highlight especially. These are: Soulfly, Sepultura with Max Cavalera, Death, Pantera, Obituary, Wintersun, Ensiferum, Arch Enemy, Amorphis, Eluveitie and early albums of In Flames.

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

Klym Apalkov:  Perhaps the most unexpected experience for me in interacting with fans was the case when they dragged me off the stage, carried me around the hall and put me back on stage. It was in Republic club in Belarus.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Klym Apalkov: Our fans are very interesting and diverse people. Some of them present us а variety handmade stuff and merch with our logo. Many our fans cover our songs. Some especially ardent can be seen at all our concerts and festivals. Some of them make an interesting art for our band. We are very proud of our real fans and thank them for their support. Thank you friends!!!

14. What do you think of our site?

Klym Apalkov:  I think that in our time everyone who promotes rock and metal music really deserves respect. Therefore, I wish you good luck in your noble cause.

15. Something add?

Thanks for your questions. We will always be happy to cooperate with you. With respect MIDGARD.