Interviews: Evig Natt

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Gothic Metal/Doom Metal band Evig Natt from Norway. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

STEIN: When Kirsten and I started this band, of course, a lot of band names came up, but we wanted one that expressed both our music and what our lyrics say. One cold winter night we recorded a demo song and one of us just uttered the words Evig Natt (Eternal Night) and we both liked it. Taking the name in Norwegian is more personal to us and it feels right. For people who don’t speak Norwegian, it might sound awful, but for us it was just natural.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

STEIN: I have always been into this genre, I grew up with KISS in the 70s and it just stuck with me. I have always been into different kinds of metal genres. I feel that Evig Natt has made its own universe of blending all kinds of genres and making it our own sound

KIRSTEN: I’ve always been drawn to metal music’s powerful sounds and beautiful melodies, sometimes hiding deep within the chaos of guitars, drums and growls. I can find new enjoyment in a song I’ve been listening to for ages by discovering new elements in all the layers. Metal music gives me energy and it’s an incredible outlet for my own inner darkness.

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

STEIN: Me and Kirsten knew of each other, and I think I mentioned that I had a project that I wanted her to sing on, and maybe do something more with it. So I showed her some of my ideas, and that was the beginning of our friendship and Evig Natt. The other guyes came along later when we started to play live. And we all found the connection through our music.

4. Each band member's favourite band? 

Stein: Swallow The Sun

Kirsten: Type O Negative

Ruben: Iron Maiden

Arne Marton: Reism

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

STEIN: For my part it is a feeling I’m having, and trying to get that feeling into the music.

KIRSTEN: Pretty much the same as Stein I guess. His compositions and the way he arranges things just makes me want to make melodies. Lyrically it is my inner world that has me writing. It can also be experiences of other people around me that makes me write and want to create.

6. Where was your last gig?

STEIN: Last gig we did was at Karmoygeddon Metal Festival 2023. That is also our local festival, and when we got the invite to play there, we had to say yes. It was the 20th anniversary of Evig Natt and a brilliant opportunity to celebrate. We are planning more gigs in the future. Keep a look out for those and we will also be sure to announce as soon as we have dates ready.

7. Where would you like to act?

STEIN: Anywhere, really. We all love performing with Evig Natt, so it wont matter where.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

STEIN: For me, Mikko from Swallow the Sun. KIRSTEN: I would love to do a duet with Mikko, but also Gogo Melone from Aeonian Sorrow, Heike Langhans or Anders and Lisa of Draconian. That would be awesome. 9. Whom not? A: Donald Trump

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

STEIN: I`m so old that I can’t remember if I’ve ever had stage fright...hehehe. I’ve always been a bass player in several bands over the years and gotten used to being on stage. But when I had to take up vocals in Evig Natt, I got real nervous. Not felt like that in years. For me it is a good feeling though. My advice is to just close your eyes and go with it. It’s a good thing being nervous; it keeps you focused on the task at hand.

KIRSTEN: I haven’t suffered from stage fright, but I do get terribly nervous every time I’m about to go on stage. As soon as I start singing it eases up a bit. My advice is to look at someone or something further back in the audience. It takes the pressure off you being at the center of the attention. Practicing what you are going to say and do on stage also helps take the edge off.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

STEIN: Wow, I don’t think I can pinpoint that one. There are to many bands that have inspired me over the years; Kiss, Arcturus, Swallow The Sun, Emperor to mention a few. KIRSTEN: There are so many though; Type O Negative, Deftones, Marilyn Manson, KoRn, Incubus, A Perfect Circle, Alice in Chains, Opeth, Within Temptation, Draconian, Swallow the Sun, Katatonia, Anathema.

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

KIRSTEN: Our fans are just so sweet and lovely and we haven’t really been asked any weird stuff. Our listeners are very respectful and connect with us through the music.

13. What do you think of your fans?

STEIN: This will sound cliché, but our fans are AMAZING! It’s always fun to hang out and chat with them. We recently did a live streaming session on YouTube, where we premiered our new music video "Når Lyset Svikte"(When The Light Fails), and our fans could ask us anything or just hang. The event was scheduled to last for 1 hour, but ended up being two and a half hours long instead. We had so much fun hanging out with our fans and the cool bit was that they ended up connecting with each other as well. I don’t think they would have noticed us “slipping away” from the session in the end. Haha! (We didn’t do that though ;)) 

 14. What do you think of our site?

Your site is a happening and relevant site which brings the news, the good word as we say, out to the people. You are an important outlet for our music, so thank you and keep doing what you are doing