Interview: Vårgrike

Photo by Vårgrike

Sometimes, music can be a healing ointment to the soul in the seasons of lament. When life is difficult, there’s something cathartic in enjoying art that resonates with how we are feeling in that moment. A Vereségben, the most recent album from the haunting black metal act Vårgrike, is an album that embodies the chilling pain and the heaviness of loss that we all face at varying times of life.

Edward Støklännd (Velsingard) is the musical composer behind Vårgrike, while R. Bálint (Bál) is the vocalist and lyricist. Despite being thousands of miles apart, the two artists have found a way to collaborate in making two albums thus far, which is quite the accomplishment. Despite the many curses that derive from modern technology, the gift of creating art with a friend while worlds apart is one of the greatest successes.

Blacforje had the honor of asking the guys in Vårgrike about their music, what inspired their latest album, and what lies ahead.

Thank you both for joining Blacforje to talk about Vårgrike! Velsingard is located in San Diego, CA. Bálint, you’re in Hungary. What is the current state of black metal there? Do you find it to be a popular subgenre among the metal crowd?

R. Bálint: In all honesty, my knowledge of the current state of black metal in Hungary, as well as the metal scene at large, may not be as extensive as I would desire. Metal has forever dwelled in the subterranean recesses of my homeland, though a handful of bands, such as Ossian and Tankcsapda, have garnered nationwide fame. However, it must be noted that these esteemed acts cannot be classified as purveyors of the black metal genre. Throughout the ages, various subgenres of metal have risen and waned within the enigmatic realm of our underground music scene, mirroring the global metal tapestry. While black metal has eternally held a certain reverence among devoted metalheads and deep within the catacombs of fervent metal enthusiasts, it has never truly ascended to widespread popularity. Curiously enough, black metal's advent in Hungary arrived later than its manifestation in Western European realms which is a true fact to most of the cultural fashions - a perplexing fact considering that Tormentor, a first-wave black metal band, hails from our very own lands. Attila Csihar, the remarkable vocalist of Mayhem (and Tormentor), also claims Hungarian roots, potentially influencing the expansion of this subgenre within our borders. Personally, my profound exploration of black metal commenced around 2016, although I unknowingly delved into its obscure melodies as a mere child in the late '90s. It was only with the passage of time that I recognized this haunting strain of music as the ethereal realm of black metal. Since embarking on my journey with BÁL in 2017, I have observed the emergence of a cadre of new bands, infusing the airwaves with their distinctive artistry.

Velsingard, I know you have a few other projects outside of Vårgrike. What would you say distinguishes Vårgrike from the others?

Velsingard: For me, Vårgrike is a project where I can explore atmospheric black metal without the typical limitations on creativity and expression. It can be dark; it can also be melodic and have folk influence. Personally, I want Vårgrike to be my most organic project without concerning myself with the technical aspects of extreme metal. I don’t want Vårgrike songs to be considered Individual songs, rather as a whole piece of music from the beginning to the end of each album, creating a specific atmosphere that when a listener chooses to do so, the album can be put on repeat and remain in a desired mindset. This is what mostly separates Vårgrike from my other projects, where the songs are not necessarily just one part of the whole.

Your recent album A Veres​é​gben is fantastic work! I absolutely love it! What inspired you to write that record? What’s it about?

Velsingard: A Vereségben is an album about suffering through defeat. The pain caused by falling short of our path regardless of how much effort and work we have put forward. It is not meant to depict a path of defeatism; rather it is a story that reflects on this inevitable reality that we all must face at one time or another. If we choose, we can use these times of adversity and defeat to grow in strength and resolve. However, this is not about that. This album is solely about defeat and grim circumstances, although I do understand that each listener will develop their own meaning to these songs.

Photo by BÁL

R. Bálint: In the realm of creative expression, where words and melodies intertwine, I, as the lyricist and vocalist, found myself guided by the visionary concept of Velsingard. Once again, as was the case with our previous endeavor, Útkereső, he unfurled a captivating vision, and it was my task to breathe life into his vision through my lyrics and vocal prowess. Vereségben, the embodiment of defeat, aptly served as the album's title, serving as a guiding beacon to illuminate my creative path.

Alas, describing the essence of this opus becomes an arduous endeavor, for it requires a visceral connection, a profound immersion into the ethereal realm we have crafted. To truly comprehend its depths, one must surrender to the music's embrace, allowing every note and verse to cascade upon the senses. Like donning a ceremonial garment, one must envelop themselves in the intricate fabric of sound, treading the path we traversed alongside Velsingard.

Embrace this sonic tapestry, for within its folds lie profound emotions waiting to be discovered, beckoning you to embark upon a transformative journey, where words and melodies intertwine to unlock the depths of Vereségben.

I noticed the artwork was designed by our new friend Olga from Withered Land. How did you two connect?

Velsingard: I honestly cannot remember when we met. I just know that when I was looking for artwork that would inspire me for this album, I knew she had a piece that spoke volumes to me. I love all of her artwork. However, this piece with a defeated armada of ships was so beautiful I knew I had to write an album for that piece of art. I am humbled that she allowed me to do so. In regard to the first album Útkereső, I picked a piece of her art that I felt was a reflection of the music. However, A Vereségben was my attempt to write music that would reflect the artwork.

Velsingard, your personal faith as a Christian is something I know about you individually, but can you tell me more about how your faith influences your art? Does it find its way into Vårgrike?

Velsingard: I am not entirely sure. Everything I do is for the glory of God. However, this hasn’t always been true. I definitely have gotten much better at praying before writing and making sure that God’s will is involved during the entire process. I am not good with lyrics, so I am limited in this regard. I cannot speak for Bál. He does know that I am a Christian, and I know that he is a very good friend and an honest, upright individual. He respects my faith, and I believe his lyrics are beautiful and true to the intent of the music. I also know that some Christians in the metal scene have been inspired to only listen to Christian faith bands, as was I at one point early in my faith. For them I can say that Vårgrike is a band that has been prayed over before each writing session. However, the lyrics are not strictly faith based.  

Do you have any artists or bands you would say have influenced you in your creation of Vårgrike?

Velsingard: Definitely, but only in regard to creating atmosphere. I cannot site any bands that have directly influenced the sound. However, I can say that I wanted to create an atmosphere that someone could get lost in, as I do with bands like Elderwind, Cân Bardd, Saor, and Vvilderness.

Any new music on the horizon?

Velsingard: Right now, I’m deep into the next Virtue of Decay album, still trying to get all of the keys and vocals completed by the end of the year. So, pretty much all of my free time is focused on finishing that album. Then I’m going to try working on the next Apostisy album and the first Everything Dies album. But who knows? I only work on the projects that inspire me at the time; that way they can remain true. So, it is possible that Vårgrike might take precedent again.

Last question is for Bálint: if I ever visit Hungary, what is the #1 food you recommend I try if I can try nothing else?

R. Bálint: Marhapörkölt nokedlivel.

You can follow Vårgrike on Bandcamp, Instagram, and Facebook.