Interviews: KVÖL

This is a new interview with the Epic Atmospheric Black Metal band KVÖL from UK/USA. Check out the interview and follow the band at their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

Stein: Back in 2019, when KVÖL first formed, I was going through a rather tumultuous period in life. In essence, I had a breakdown and wanted a name which reflected how I felt at that time. I was listening to Sigúr Ros and came up with the idea of something in Icelandic; KVÖL means torment.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Stein: Darkthrone. I'd been playing other genres, mostly punk-type stuff, and never thought I was proficient enough to play metal until I really listened to Transilvanian Hunger which was so simple but had a magic to it. It was then that I thought I'll really give this a go.

Marek: Darkthrone, for sure.

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

Stein: We didn’t and we still haven’t met in person. I posted on a black metal group that I was looking for a vocalist and Marek messaged back. We haven’t looked back.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Stein: Darkthrone is the band who set me off on this path and they’re still a source of inspiration. Also, Black Sabbath is the band that's stayed constant with me since I was a teenager.

Marek: ZAO is my all-time favorite. I learned to find my voice while blasting ZAO in my room as a young teenager and trying to “sing” along. Eventually, I found my sweet spot and it changed me forever.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Stein: I am keen to create what I like to call a sound world. For me, the albums which stick with me are the ones which envelop me and draw me in, making me imagine a place or see the music as a colour. Summoning’s Stronghold and Yellow Eyes’ Immersion Trench Reverie both hit that spot for me; I want to do the same for listeners.

Marek: I agree with the whole “sound world” idea... The first album to really make me feel deep atmosphere was ZAO’s 1999 release “Liberate Te Ex Inferis” or (Save Yourself From Hell).

6. Where was your last gig?

Stein: We don’t perform live. Marek and I live on different continents.

7. Where would you like to act?

Stein: Personally, I’d like to perform in a cave if ever we performed live.

Marek: YES! Definitely a cave.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Stein: Summoning, Caladan Brood, Yellow Eyes, Darkthrone but only performs live so it looks unlikely haha.

Marek: Darkthrone, ZAO, Summoning, and Neurosis.

9. Whom not?

Stein: Anyone who has clear links with NSBM.

Marek: NSBM.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Stein: Marek and I have performed in different bands over the years. I've done some terrible shows and my one piece of advice to combat stage fright is to know your material inside out so that it becomes muscle memory. The worst shows I’ve ever done are where I didn’t know the material well enough. Also, don’t get drunk. Marek – I would agree that you have to really know your chops... be one with your music. Also, picture them in their underwear.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Stein: Darkthrone, Summoning, Yellow Eyes, Xasthur, and of course Black Sabbath...

Marek: ZAO, Darkthrone, Xasthur, Summoning, Paysage D’Hiver, and the entire hardcore scene at large, with all of its many shapes and flavors.

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

Stein: Thankfully, we haven’t had any weird requests.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Stein: Our fans enable us to keep doing what we’re doing so we thank them for that. It’s also nice to know that your musical vision is appreciated and validated by others.

14. What do you think of our site?

Stein: I think it's great actually. There's certainly a lot to explore and it's got me listening to some new stuff I wouldn't have found just poking around Bandcamp. The genres section had me really intrigued... I'd never heard of cabaret metal before...

15. Something to add?

Stein: Both Marek and I have side-projects sonic you enjoy what we do, check out Marek and Myth Drannor which is my side-project and is a bit more synth led. I would also recommend anyone with an interest in black metal to check out Aphelion.

Marek: I want to eventually release a book (or booklet) of all of our lyrics and maybe craft it in a way so it all flows together.