NAGLFAR (Eng.)
– Hello, thanks for dedicating us part of your time. How is currently NAGLFAR doing? How are you feeling being near to release your new album?
We’re doing fine over here, thanks. Feels great that this monster is finally ready to be unleashed upon the world.
– Have been none less than 5 years since you released your previous «Harvest»; what has the band been trough during this time?
We’ve been trying to complete this album. We had some member issues that naturally put us back some time. Also, some of us were working while others were studying and our time schedules kept colliding. At some points it was more or less impossible to get together in the studio for weeks or even months. Finally, we felt no rush whatsoever to finish the album, we simply took the time needed in order to get as close to perfection as possible. The main goal was to produce a great album, no matter how long it took.
– After Mattias Grahn left the band, you had Dirk Verbeuren (SOILWORK) as session drummer. Why did you decide to have him?
He’s simply one of the greatest drummers out there. Dirk’s been working together with Toontrack, the studio where we mixed Harvest and Téras. He was visiting Umeå to do some drum clinics and we hooked up and spoke to him. It was great to learn that he was interested and it was a pleasure working with him.
– And will you look for a new and full-time drummer?
No, we will simply use session members from now on to help us out when it comes to live activities.
– You have always got overwhelming reviews and general response for all your efforts. Does this influence you in any way when you are creating a new opus or do you try to remain far from all that?
Of course it feels great that people appreciate what we’ve done but the most important thing is to create something that we’re proud of ourselves.
– All your albums have headed into different directions I would say: some ones had a more Black Metal feeling, others had a bigger Death Metal vibe. On «Téras» I can find a bit of everything you have had before giving the mix a certain epic feeling. Could you say this time you have blended the best you have done in the past?
It’s not like we’ve intentionally tried to blend our previous albums into the new one. The challenge is to always try and bring everything one step further without losing the connection to the basic elements of what our trademarks are.
– In fact I could say it has a more bombastic sound with makes it sound different to your earlier works but, what could you say are the main differences between «Harvest» and this new «Téras»?
We’ve been exploring some new grounds with Teras but still keeping close touch with what I’d consider calling the traditional Naglfar-sound. «The Monolith» is a great example of a darker and more sinister approach whilst «Pale Horse» shows a far more less compromising side of the band.
– This record sounds more solid, «bigger», rich in details. Has the gap of time between your two latest albums have helped you elaborating a bit more this opus?
We did have way more time recording this one and more effort were indeed put into the small details and such. Even though the album was recorded at my studio I can’t take all the credit since Mattias at Toontrack did an amazing job with the mix!
– This being said, how was the songwriting process? When did you write these tunes? As once more songwriting seems to be really well-cared.
The material has been worked on since the release of Harvest. For the latest couple of albums most of the songwriting has been taking place in my studio. It’s an easy way of trying out different ideas and arrangements and is what works best for us.
– On my eyes guitar riffs play a really important role on «Téras», but they do not sound over other instruments. Was this an approach you consciously took or just because of the production you had this time?
We wanted a production that brought out every aspect of the tracks and that can’t be achieved if some part is more dominant than the other really.
– In fact I would dare say this is one of your best-sounding albums in terms of production; how was this process like?
Yes, the production is indeed the best we’ve had son far. As I stated earlier, the album was recorded at my place. Except for the drums which Dirk recorded, and then the album was mixed by Mattias Eklund at Toontrack Music.
– You are a band that is constantly evolving, trying new things, different dynamics, adding new elements. Is this an important thing for the band or for you as artists?
To some extent, yes. You never want to repeat yourself too much but keep that «musical personality» which makes the band unique.
– Finally, what are your near-future plans? Do you plan touring to support this new album on stage?
Yeah, we’ve got some festivals booked and seems like there’s a lot of interest so there will definitely be more to come. Make sure to check www.naglfar.net for what’s going on.
– That has been everything from my side, thank you once more for your time. If you now want to add some final words, last lines are all yours.
I’d like to thank you for showing interest in Naglfar, see you all out there!
