Interviews: Lightlorn

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

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name?

Renwar: I considered a lot of names for the band, but none of them really fit with the music or had already been taken. I’ve always liked the sound of the words “forlorn” and “lovelorn”, so that’s how I came up with it. Only to discover that the word “lightlorn” already exists, albeit extremely rarely used.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Renwar: I find post-black metal and atmospheric black metal truly beautiful and emotive. It’s music you can lose yourself in for a short while. It retains the aggression of black metal but combines it with something more ethereal and majestic.

Riaan: I love the dark atmosphere and melodic soundscapes.

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

Riaan: Yes, we've been friends for many years. We met back in South Africa. 

Renwar: Riaan worked at CD store and I worked at a bookstore in the same mall. We became friends through our mutual appreciation of black metal and Nietzsche, but this is the first time we are playing in the same band.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Renwar: That’s a tough question. I have a lot of favourite bands depending on the genre. Two of my all-time favourite bands are Pyogenesis and The Lawrence Arms. For black metal and black metal- adjacent I’d have to say Arcturus, Emperor, and Deafheaven (not their latest album though)

Riaan: Dimmu Borgir/Lorna Shore

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Renwar: My inspiration stems from my need for a creative outlet. I’ve been writing music since my teens, it’s just a natural part of who I am.

Riaan: Really a variety of black metal bands, but most notably Dimmu Borgir.

6. Where was your last gig?

Renwar: Neither of us have played live in many years. My last show was with a goth band I played bass in. I got really wasted before the show and was unceremoniously ejected from the band straight after!

Riaan: Some unknown bar in Cape Town I think.

7. Where would you like to act?

Renwar: There are a lot of cool venues in Scandinavia that we’d enjoy playing at, but I would really like to do a show at The Underworld in Camden, London. I’ve seen a tonne of great bands there and it’s an awesome venue.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Renwar: Pyogenesis! They put on a great show and have a lot of fun!

Riaan: Dimmu Borgir, Emperor, Mayhem

9. Whom not?

Renwar: I guess I’d play with any band, as long as they’re not divas or assholes. 

Riaan: Pretty much open to playing with any metal band, that is not Christian metal!

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

Renwar: In the old days, it was booze and other substances, but now I’d say it’s probably just something that gets easier over time. The more you’re up there, the more comfortable you’ll feel.

Riaan: Know your music and just try to relax. Enjoy the show!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Renwar: The same favourite bands I mentioned earlier have also been my greatest source of musical inspiration.

Riaan: Dimmu Borgir, Cradle of Filth, Emperor.

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

Renwar: My autograph. Not weird to some folk, but I found it very weird and awkward!

Riaan: Nothing weird.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Renwar: I think they’ve got great taste! But in all seriousness, I’m totally humbled by the fact that we have fans who listen to and purchase our music. They are amazing!

Riaan: Utmost respect and appreciation for their loyalty.

14. What do you think of our site?

Renwar: I really enjoy the track-by-track articles. Gives you such insight into the bands and their ideas and inspiration.

Riaan: Well-rounded and informed. Very dedicated to the bands and their music. 

15. Something to add?

Renwar: We’ve recently signed to Black Lion Records, who will be releasing our EP These Nameless Worlds on CD in April. Pre-orders are open, so make sure to get a copy!