Interviews: Nattsjäl

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Black Metal/Viking Metal/Folk Metal/Thrash Metal band, Nattsjäl 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, you planned it or came out just like that?

It's not easy these days to come up with a unique and good band name, to say the least. And after having tried a lot of names that were already taken I kind of gave up for a moment. But then an old Månegarm song that I co-wrote and Pierre did the text for popped up in my player. Namely Nattsjäl drömsjäl (Nightsoul, dreamsoul) and i instantly felt yes! That's the one! Then I googled it in a second of terror and fright but lo and behold it was not taken. I have always felt creativity is best at nighttime and I always feel most alive then so the name fitted perfectly I think.

2. Why did you want to play this genre? 

Well, I have always been the darker and more black metal part of Månegarms songwriting so I think I just continue on that path. But this time I feel I can explore more of the extreme black metal side than I could in Månegarm. And since we don't have a label I can do what I want as long as it fits the Nattsjäl narrative. So I will also do more stuff in the way of horror metal and some other dark stuff too. well, see what the future holds.

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

Well, two of the members are old pals from Månegarm Pierre and Janne. And Pierre and I have been friends since we were children. Robban and I have played in a band called Memorium before. My son is also involved and I knew him for a long time hehe. Thomas from therion I actually just reached out to (i absolutely love his voice) wanted someone doing the clean hard rock parts I can't handle myself haha. And to my joy, he said yes!

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Jonas: It's almost impossible to name just one. But if I must pick one I say Ramstein after attending their show 2019 in Stockholm I was just blown away by their stage show. It was just perfection.

Pierre: Black Sabbath

Thomas: The Beatles

Janne: Led Zeppelin

Robban: Ron Jarzombek

Orcus: Slayer

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Music has always been a way to get out aggression and function as therapy in a way. But I have like an urge or itch that just want to create. When I write lyrics it can be something I notice in whatever form around me. But usually, it is dealing with different demons from within I guess. When I write music it is like it's just something that wants to come out. I sit down with the guitar and the song almost writes itself. But it is important you have the "flow" open. If you're forced to write something or stay in the same genre for too long the creativity dries out and you can get a writing block just sitting on your arse and nothing comes out at all.

6. Where was your last gig?

We are for now just a studio project as we all live in different towns and countries even. But with Månegarm I toured a lot and I miss it. So you'll never know in the future.

7. Where would you like to act?

I never played wacken with Månegarm for some reason so that would be great.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Wasp in the good old days with raw meat and naked girls would have been fun

9. Whom not? 

Can't think of anyone actually. Gene Simmons tongue is a bit scary though

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

Ah yes, guess we all do in the beginning. If you haven't been to the toilet at least three times then something is wrong. And also it's funny how we all cope with it. one of the members can be found sleeping under a table, another drinking too much booze, another running around talking to everyone and someone just sitting at the toilet. You'll never know how it will affect you. But my poor advice is with experience it gets better. As the years pass it gets better and better. But if you would totally stop feeling nervous that's not good either. Couse, you need a build-up so you can perform your best on stage.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Hmm not making my day easy with those tricky questions here haha There's so much to say here. But when I was 6 years old I found my father's vinyl records and listened to motörhead and iron maiden and had a religious awakening. I knew there and then this was what I should do for the rest of my life haha. Then when I heard and saw wasp with their stage show in magazines and records another piece of the puzzle fell into place. But when I heard Venom that's when I got really sold to the darker evil sound. Other bands that inspired me is Celtic frost, Satyricon, and dark throne

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

I have signed some tits and asses of females in my life. But when male fans want their asses signed that's i little weird haha

13. What do you think of your fans?

They are everything. It's for them I make music. Hoping to give back what I have gotten from my favorite artists and bands.

14. What do you think of our site?

Looks good and professional. Like the logo by the way 

15. Something to add?

Big thanks for a great interview and good questions! This project is just starting and we have great plans for the future so stay tuned folks!