Interviews About Albums: Northern Krig - Concept Of A Suicidal Journey (2024)

In this new interview, we sat down with the Norwegian Black Metal band Northern Krig to ask questions about their album, "Concept Of A Suicidal Journey".

1. What inspired the title "Concept Of A Suicidal Journey"?

The death of a friend by suicide

2. Can you tell us about the process of creating this album? How long did it take from start to finish?

All in all, it was 2 years. But it was only about 2 weeks of pure active work. Directly after the "Myrk Blodforn" demo, we started working on the new album. We were able to get "Maikon Queiroz" on drums for the album, who did a brilliant job. He is currently recording the drums for the next album. We always take our time and only work when the mood is right. It's important for the final product and the emotions.

3. How does this album differ from your previous work?

This time we wanted to create a concept album with influences from the noise genre, which I also realised in my solo project "18.98 Occultus Penetration".

We made a conscious decision to use post-rock structures in our songwriting so that we could build up a better arc of tension, which is very appropriate for a concept album.

4. Why did you decide to self-release this album rather than working with a label?

We don't even have live shows in mind at the moment, so it's difficult to find someone to support us. Besides, that way we are independent and can do what we want when we want.

5. How do you feel about the reception of the album so far?

All in all, the album is a bit more special with crazy influences and different time signatures. There are a lot of people who are into it and really celebrate it and others are a bit more straightforward and like it more clearly. We're happy, that's the main thing.

6. Black Metal often explores dark themes. Can you elaborate on the themes explored in "Concept Of A Suicidal Journey"?

>It's about a girl ("Juna") who is abused by her peers and despised and mistreated as an outsider. Terrible childhood and so on... The resulting hatred of people leads to various phases of self-harm, aggression between mania and depression, and in the end suicide.

7. What was the inspiration behind the track titles and their Latin influences?

I think the Latin names really get to the heart of the meaning. Each of the songs shows the phase where "Juna" is currently at.

8. The album features several parts of "Hostis Humani Generis". What is the significance of this recurring theme?

A phase that always repeats itself. We also wanted to create a recognition value and something like a common thread throughout the album. Every song has the same chords but is realized differently.

9. Can you discuss the story or concept that ties the album together?

The story of Juna's life. Living in hate and sadness until death. In some songs, you hear Juna to better perceive the album as a whole story.

10. How do the Prologue and Epilogue tracks frame the rest of the album?

Prologue opens the story with Juna's voice and the Epiloque is death (peaceful)

11. Can you describe your songwriting process for this album?

We pick a theme and then work on it together. We usually send ideas to each other and everyone contributes. Erik is more responsible for the songwriting, I do the polish and effects and Jonar does both. It always depends.

12. Were there any particular challenges you faced during the production?

We roughly had the drum tracks and then had to look for a new drummer.

13. How did you approach the recording and production of the album to achieve the desired sound?

Haha, yes.... We've changed so much and so often that nobody can say for sure. One person says "a little less here", another "more there". After two years, the sound has evolved and will be completely different on the next album, which is a good thing.

14. Which track was the most challenging to write and why?

Actually none and all of them. It took us a while to be satisfied that the songs sounded good individually, as a whole concept album, and that the songs could convey an emotion.

15. Do you have a favorite track on the album? If so, why?

Mors Ultima Linea Rerum Est! - It's meditative. It helps me slow down.

16. How did the members of Northern Krig collaborate on this project?

We met less often. We sent each other the songs and ideas and then met up at some point, usually had a drink or two, and exchanged ideas.

17. Did any particular artists or bands influence the sound of this album?

Definitely a few. Personally, I'm a big fan of "Semen Drenched Slave Of The Devil" or "Gnaw Their Tongues", although second-wave bands probably had more of an influence on this album.

18. How do you balance individual creativity with the band’s collective vision?

Well after 2 years... I think we need time but then we have a result that everyone is happy with. We also have more active and more passive members.

19. Can you describe any unique techniques or instruments used in the album’s creation?

An ultrasonic generator. The sound is made audible with a detector and sent through effects. I mainly use that in my solo project.

We also had cello, piano, and chimes on the album.

20. How do you think your Norwegian heritage influences your music?

Not at all. We haven't set any churches on fire yet, hehe