Good morning, thank you very much for answering these questions, how is everything going in Norway?
Ihizahg: Hail from the cold north. It's winter here and snow and ice everywhere. But the sun is shining. Nice winter day.
1. The band will be up and running around 2023, the departure of several members of Ragnarok and the inclusion of Hellhammer were key to its creation, what was happening in Ragnarok for you to decide to leave the band and more importantly, how sure were you of your potential to move forward with a new band? How did the incorporation of Hellhammer come about? Why did you choose the name Helvitnir and what does it refer to?
Ihizahg: Leaving Ragnarok was no easy decision to make. We had put in an enormous amount of work in the band, so it was an awkward situation. Sometimes you have challenges in life that get the better of you and you have to deal with them in order to move on. Unfortunately, this was the case with Jontho. His situation made it very difficult for us to stay motivated. We tried to support and be there for him, but it got to a point where we couldn't take it anymore, and had to leave the band for our own good. As I, Bjarkan and Hellcommander worked so well together, were similar in values and work ethic, we decided to continue the collaboration. That was the start of Helvitnir. We had a lot of song material that was almost finished, so we concentrated on finishing this. We never doubted that what we had was good enough, but we needed a drummer who could do this properly. I played as a session in Mayhem a number of years ago, so I know Hellhammer. I asked if he would consider taking the job, and he accepted.
When it comes to choosing the name, we had only one criterion. It should sound Nordic. Hel is the goddess of death and Helheim. Vitnir means wolf in our case, and refers to the wolf/dog guarding the gates to Helheim. Put together, this became the name Helvitnir.
2. Last year you released your first EP “Helborn” a taste of what is to come, it is surprising how quickly you had it ready, how was the composition and recording process of this first EP? How did you realize that you had taken the right step when it came to taking a risk and forming the band?
Ihizahg: As I said, we had a lot of material that was almost finished. The motivation we got from working together made things go quickly. Creativity flourished, so everything flowed by itself. The EP is actually 4 songs from a demo of 14 songs. Everything was recorded in our own studio, Sonus Diabolicus. When we released the video singles of 2 songs at the very beginning of Helvitnir, we got pretty good feedback, so we knew we had something to offer. The EP Helborn was released while we were waiting to go into the studio to record the album.
It is always a risk to start a new band from scratch. It is an extremely large amount of work, and at times terribly frustrating, but when the feedback and interest have been what they have been for us, it is worth the risk and the work.
3. You will soon release your first album, “Wolves of the Underworld”, an album that will be released less than a year after your EP. Have you had time to modify some things in your sound between both releases? How has it been your way of working on the new songs? What brands of instruments have you used in the process?
Ihizahg: None of the songs sound like they did on the demo. Everything has been re-recorded with Hellhammer behind the drums, which has led to considerably more energy and aggressiveness in the sound. We have also added some elements. Like acoustic guitars, keyboards, samples and guest vocals that have changed the sound in the direction we wanted. In addition, the record was mixed and mastered by the eminent Florian Dammasch at Nightside Audio. He accommodated all our wishes and the sound of the album was much better than what we expected, so he did a phenomenal job.
We are lucky enough to have some great endorsement deals with Esp Guitars, Ibanez and GHS strings, so the record was recorded with instruments from these. Hellhammer has his brands he uses. Sonor, Remo, Vic Firth, Axis and Paiste.
4. Your sound is a faithful reflection of what was expressed by the Nordic black metal of the nineties, however you have also incorporated some more current elements, especially if we talk about the atmosphere. How have the other bands you were members of influenced you when defining the sound of the new album? How would you describe the sound of the new album for those who have not heard it yet?
Ihizahg: I have to speak for myself here, but I think my years in Perished probably shaped my way of writing. It is the early 90s that applies, and our expression probably bears the mark of that. We all have 90s black metal in our spine. Then you've gotten older, better at playing and writing, which again shines through in how things sound.
If I were to describe our music, I would say 90s black metal with a modern twist and a little extra spice.
5. Your lyrics revolve around the darkest part of Nordic mythology and the wolf. Why did you choose this theme? Do the lyrics adapt to the music or vice versa?
Hellcommander Vargblod: All of us are avid enthusiasts when it comes to Norse Mythology and we decided to take this a step further by using key elements from the Scandinavian myths and twisting them to fit the world of Helvitnir. We also chose some themes and characters at times who are maybe a little less known to the “mainstream” followers of the lore, makes it more interesting to say the least. The Wolf is ever present of course as it has become the face of Helvitnir in a way. The Wolf in our artwork for instance represents Garm, the guardian of Hel’s Gate, and indeed He is mentioned in the texts and even some other aspects of lupine nature.
The lyrics were both done before and after the music was being composed so it was not always the same routine when writing. Sometimes I wrote some lyrics and fit later on with the music we were writing. Other times we had the music ready and I wrote lyrics that accomodate the mood of the song as well.
6. The new album will be released again by the Dukstone label, and it will also be available in different physical formats from the start. How did the opportunity to work with Dukstone come about? Do you think that vinyl is falling victim to a speculative bubble and will eventually die of success?
Ihizahg: Dusktone showed interest quite early on. They were also the only ones willing to meet our requirements for format and artwork. We're a new band, even though we're old-timers in metal, so to actually understand our vision and accommodate it on the debut album is pretty cool. In addition, it is a company that is easy to communicate with. So far we are very satisfied with Dusktone.
When it comes to format and vinyl, I think it's important to think about the time we live in. As a musician/band, there is little money to be made considering how much work you put into a record from start to finish. You want the record to sell, so that you are left with something for all the work. That's why you release records, isn't it? It would be too stupid to think that black metal bands make records without thinking about finances. It costs, no matter how you twist and turn it. You don't earn anything from streaming. You have to stream a LOT before it becomes profitable, so the fact that the record comes in several formats and perhaps also several colors on the vinyl, means that it is possible to sell some records, and actually make some money from it. Both for bands and record companies. BUT... There are quite a few bigger bands that don't need to do this at all, but still milk the fans for all it's worth. Then one can ask the question of how destructive it is for the vinyl format. I am no longer so concerned about either color or which pressing I buy, as long as the sound is good. I prefer vinyl anyway. I love the format. Feels a bit exclusive.
7. The album was recorded in the mountains of Jotunheim and the mixing and mastering was done in Germany. Could you tell us more about this whole process?
Ihizahg: We decided early on that we wanted to record most of it ourselves. Initially, it was supposed to be recorded at my house, but as a family man it is difficult to throw the family out for 2 weeks in order to have peace to do what you have to do. Then I thought we might as well do it at my cabin. It is located in Skåbu, a small mountain village in Jotunheimen 1000 meters above sea level. Far from people and very quiet and peaceful. In addition, there are fantastic hiking opportunities there, so we could take some breaks in the open air when necessary. The drums were recorded in Mølla studio the week before, so then we brought all studio equipment, instruments and food for 2 weeks, and drove 5 hours up into the mountains. Here we recorded everything over the course of 8 days, and had a very inspiring and pleasant stay. We recorded everything that was planned plus some more. There was of course some post-work, but that was part of the plan. Doedsadmiral from Nordjevel and Clint Aquilina from Horned Majesty did guest vocals, and in addition Kjetil Ytterhus from Profane burial did some keyboards on parts here and there. Everything was sent down to Germany where Florian worked his magic. All in all, a very nice and creative process. We will probably do the same on the next album, but then have a technician with us to record everything. It was a bit much to do that at the same time as you had to play yourself.
8. The figure of the wolf, so important to you, appears again on the album cover. Who designed the album cover? Why does the wolf have such a special meaning for you?
Hellcommander Vargblod: Indeed the Wolf is the main theme for Helvitnir, at least for this album. The Wolf for us represents the dark side of nature and the spirit of freedom, secludiveness and danger. For me the Wolf is the true spirit of the North.
Correctly, the Wolf appears on both the EP and the full length. I made the initial sketches of the artworks in pencil or pen whilst being bored at work (hehe). Then I contintued to render the details, colouring etc digitally. I was always keen on sketching, drawing etc, and this time i decided to use multiple media to attain the results I (we) wanted.
9. Despite having been on the scene for many years and being involved in other projects, you don't miss the opportunity to offer concerts. What do you have prepared for your fans at the concerts to present the new album? What concert dates do you have scheduled for this year?
We have started preparing a bit for live performances. The visuals are one thing, but we also try to think of what we can do visually to emphasize the concept of the album. We have just been booked into this year's Hellbotn festival. It will probably be our first gig, so it must explode that night. We will not say much more at this time.
10. How do you see the current state of Norwegian black metal? What bands could you recommend us? What do you think has been lost in black metal today compared to the nineties?
Ihizahg: I see a very vivid scene. There are quite a few bands that present exciting records. Some bands consist of veterans from the old days, but younger ones are also recruited who bring fresh blood into the scene. I can mention Heimland as a band I'm excited about. In addition, we have Whoredom Rife, who are perhaps the coolest of the "newer" bands. They consist of people from Keep of Kalessin and my old band Bloodthorn.
What I miss from the 90s is the magical atmosphere that was in the scene. I don't know why it disappeared. Maybe it was because you got older? But the feeling you had back then was absolutely magical.
11. How did you start out in music: first concerts you attended, first albums you bought? What event in your life pushed you to want to be musicians?
Ihizahg: I grew up with my parents' record collection. Uriah Heep, Deep purple, Led Zeppelin and David Bowie to name a few. My first concert was with a Norwegian rock band called Backstreet Girls. It was very cool. I was around 14 years old then. My first record I bought with my own money must have been Metallica Kill'em all. The band that made me dream of becoming a musician was TNT and their guitarist Ronni Le Tekroe.
12. What album represents the essence of black metal for you? What latest albums have you bought?
Ihizahg: The first Burzum without doubt, but also Dødheimsgards Satanic Art. The last album I bought was Pink Floyds Relics.
13. Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions for Black Metal Spirit, if you want to add something for Helvitnir fans this is the place. I hope you like the questions.
Thank you for the interview and showing interest in Helvitnir. Hope to see you on a show one day!!
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