Interview: Troparion
Image by Troparion
Hailing from Northwest USA, Troparion is a black metal act with a passion making uplifting and intense music for the glory of God. It’s a difficult task to make quality black metal, especially as a Christian who is often under scrutiny and preconceived judgements from much of the black metal community. Despite the uphill challenges, Troparion has proven himself to be both an outstanding artist and a bold voice in a strange subgenre of metal.
I’m honored to have had the chance to do this interview with Troparion, both as a fan and as someone who enjoys the counterculture of non-satanic bands and artists rising to reimagine black metal. Enjoy.
It’s an honor to have you join Blacforje for an exclusive interview! To start off with, where are you located?
Thanks for having me. I am located in the United States, in the Northwest.
You released your first full-length album titled Synaxis of the Frostbitten back in June (2023). Your first demo was released in 2022. What inspired you to start Troparion, and how do you feel the project has gone so far?
Before my demo I had been listening to black metal for a couple of years, and it was (and still is) my favorite genre. The only kind of music that truly speaks to me. I had already made a handful of black metal instrumentals/demos in the past, so I wanted to actually start a project. The 2022 demo consists of three instrumentals out of around nine that were going to be used for a Troparion debut album, which was almost completely scrapped. As for what inspired me to start Troparion, black metal is my favorite music, and I am a devout Christian. I want to harness this music to praise God and wage war against Satan. So far, the attention and positive response the project has received is beyond anything I would have imagined.
How would you describe your style and sound? To me, it seems to be very much melodic, raw black metal. Others might hear other elements. What did you intend for the listener to pick up?
People on Encyclopaedia Metallum (The Metal Archives) like to describe Troparion as “black metal with punk elements”, but I have never really listened to punk music in my life. I like to change up the pace and riff style in my songs to something that might not be purely black metal, which I believe gives mine and other black metal bands a certain kind of edge and separation from the same overdone black metal sound. I don’t really call it anything besides black metal or unblack metal, but people can call it what they want. The goal of the music is to uplift and invigorate the listener, as opposed to many black metal acts' “melancholic” or “evil” sound.
The record is really, really good! Have you written music prior to starting Troparion, or is this a first-time thing for you?
I’ve written and recorded a lot of music both within and outside of black metal that has helped me quite a bit with Troparion. It is all done from my home, so I am constantly having to teach myself and learn more with every song I write. Out of the other music I have made, Troparion is the absolute most important and genuine expression of my beliefs and what I am capable of creatively. Although other projects of mine have proved more successful, Troparion is my soul focus before anything else.
’Synaxis of the Frostbitten’ by Troparion
I know you describe yourself as “Christian unblack metal”. Since faith and philosophy is important to me and what I’m doing with Blacforje, can you tell us more about your faith, how it impacts your art, and what drove you to be in the CBM (Christian Black Metal) movement?
Jesus Christ is my King, and God is more powerful than anything else music could possibly be written about. Troparion is music in service to God. The goal is to fuel the zealous flame in the souls of Christians, who will remain steadfast and uncapitulating before the devil’s grip on the world. It is spiritual music first and foremost that is exclusively written with emotion and instinct. As for being in the CBM movement, there is no other movement I would align with.
Who are you outside of music? What are some of your favorite things, your hobbies, etc.?
Troparion and music in general is probably the main hobby of mine that I am the most proud of. Outside of that, there isn’t much else. I enjoy lifting weights too, which takes up more of my time than music day-to-day. And, although I wouldn’t really call it a passion of mine, I work as a diesel mechanic for a living.
Is there any new music on the horizon that fans can expect?
Yes, I have been working on something that will most likely release as an EP sometime next year. From the production to the songwriting it will be a major improvement from previous releases. It will contain a similar spirit and energy to the Peresvet EP released at the beginning of 2023. More high energy, more beauty, and a stronger victorious sound than the last album.
OK, last question: If we call it unblack, should we just call it white or clear? It’s a fair question.
Yes, I find it funny how many names people try to give this genre. I prefer “Christian Black Metal” over “unblack metal” and especially “white metal”, since it still is dark sounding music that deals with serious spiritual subject matter. And I feel like many bands have proved that Christianity is a true utilization of the black metal sound. Even non-Christian black metal fans and artists have shown immense respect to Christian acts throughout the years - for example, Hellhammer from Mayhem playing drums on an Antestor album.
