Interviews: Völva

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Black Metal band Völva 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, did you plan it or come out just like that?

In pre-Christian times, the völva was a highly respected woman, considered a powerful spiritual fortune teller in Norse mythology. In these times women were not oppressed in the way Christianity forced us to become. Expressing your lust was a given, as was seeking answers in what nature provided you with and turning to the spirits within you for guidance. We let our name bear witness to the tragic actual witch hunt that came with the hypocrisy of Christianity.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Black metal is what resonates with our core, the connection to the dark places within and the outlet of fury fuels us.

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

Skuld and Hedonistica knew each other before starting Völva, Vittra we got to know each other while playing together with her other band Illmara, and the newest member Ruin we found through mutual friends.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Hedonistica: Venom

Vittra: Iron Maiden

Skuld: Sepultura

Ruin: Demolition Hammer

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

In the rehearsal space, we probably inspire each other a lot and feed off of the other's energy and ideas. As for topics and themes, a lot of inspiration comes from watching the world we live in, both our societies and nature at large. Sometimes it ends up in furious devotion as in Expulsion of the Flesh or Asmodeus, and sometimes it ends up in wrathful assault on the societal structures and tendencies that we try to subvert.

6. Where was your last gig?

While writing this we’re scheduled to play our release gig tonight at Plan B in Malmö, so that would be it; 28/11-24.

7. Where would you like to act?

There are so many cool places we’d love to perform at, maybe Inferno or Wacken if we’re gonna dream big.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Many! Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult or Asagraum would be really cool for example.

9. Whom not?

Any band consisting of assholes.

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

Yes of course. Drugs and alcohol help a lot! On a more serious note, learning to be okay with fucking up once in a while. And the more you do it, the more you learn to trust the rest of your band to back you up if that happens.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

There are too many bands to name, but in general, every live performance we’ve seen that has stirred up some kind of feelings in us might be our most inspiring band experience.

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

Nothing crazy but maybe the person who wanted to be hired as our official merch seller at shows maybe had the wrong idea of what level we’re currently at haha. 

13. What do you think of your fans?

They’re the absolute best. Humble, interesting, positive, and cool as fuck with impeccable taste.