Interview: Eldamar
Image: Eldamar
Atmospheric black metal is synonymous with contemplation, mystery, and emotion. One of the artists who I feel best embodies these characteristics is Eldamar hailing from Norway. One does not need to take long glancing at the album artwork of Eldamar’s releases to get a sense of calm and fascination with natural aesthetics. In a similar vein comparable to Autrest and Vials of Wrath, there is a beautiful aspect to the music that is hard to find in any other subgenre of metal. Eldamar attains this quality with regular frequency.
For the past several years, Eldamar has been fairly quiet when it comes to releasing new music, with their most recent release being a 3-track EP of lost songs. Hopefully, we will get to partake of new music from the artist in the near future.
Blacforje had the opportunity to take some time to connect with the artist to get a little more context on who they are both as Eldamar and outside of the project. We hope you enjoy the interview!
It’s an honor to have you do an interview with us! Before we get into your work as an artist, can you tell us where you’re from and how that may have impacted your musical tastes?
I am from Askim, Norway. But I think the music would be shaped in any other place in Norway.
Your last release was 2023’s Lost Songs from the Ancient Land, a three-track release with each song lasting over 11 minutes. Encyclopedia Metallic: The Metal Archives says that the album is a “compilation”. I’m assuming the three songs are previously written songs that never made it on a prior release. Is that correct?
It’s a compilation, yes. The first two are previously released. The song “Hagalaz” was on a split CD
I did with Dreams of Nature. Then the demo version of “Spirit of the North” from the first album, previously released digitally – then the first song I ever wrote for Eldamar, but it never made it to the album.
When listening to your music, I personally consider it very relaxing atmospheric black metal. How would you describe it in your own words?
Yes, it is escape from reality. Very atmospheric and relaxing. It is a type of music that gives each person to delve deeper within themselves and create their own theme around the music and what it’s about.
What are the thematic elements of Eldamar? Can you tell us a little bit about the project and what you hope to inspire in the listener?
Well, as I said, it’s for each person to discover their own theme around the music. I might look at it my way, which may or may not reflect what another person is thinking of. That’s something that’s been quite important, not to force a specific imagery in the listener.
Outside of Eldamar, do you have other bands or projects?
Yes, I did have a project called Askheimr that was meant to be a band and performing live. I sort of ended that, but that might change.
Image: Eldamar
On your Bandcamp page, I couldn’t help but notice the summary in your profile that says, “Very Inspired by J.R.R Tolkien, Heathenism, Elven Magic and Nature.” As someone who values faith and spirituality myself, I enjoy asking people about their own worldviews, both philosophically and spiritually. Can you tell me about what that looks like for you as an individual?
Yes, I have always been a deep thinker into esoteric stuff and all that we don’t know far out in the universe. I have always believed in something. A strong life force.
What are some things about you outside of music that you’re willing to tell us? Like, who are you outside of Eldamar? What are some of your hobbies and passions?
My hobbies are basically just playing guitar and music in general. I do like to take photos and video stuff. Photography became a strong interest a few years back.
Last question (which is always the strangest by intention): Are people in Norway legally allowed to only listen to black metal, or are they permitted to listen to other forms of metal? I know black metal is very important there, but I’m curious if there are any legal consequences if you are caught listening to death metal, deathcore, metalcore, and the like. And are you allowed to wear clothing that is not black? These are important questions I need to know before I visit.
Yes, you will be fined by wearing any color but black. Getting caught listening to other music but black metal, that means 2 years in prison.
No. In Norway, we don’t think about that at all. The country is a free society in that regards. Here you will find all sorts of people. Even “metalheads” here do wear lots of different stuff. I, myself, do have mostly black t-shirts and green hunting pants and camouflage stuff. That is because it is the most natural colors for me.
You can follow Eldamar on Bandcamp, Instagram, and Facebook.
