Vattnet Viskar Interview

Could you give us a history of your band and how you formed?
Chris:  We started in the fall of 2010. Nick and I had been friends for a while and I emailed him a few ideas I had. Eventually we started trading riffs and programming very lame drums. It was basically a straight black metal project. We wanted to do it live, so we asked some friends to help us out. Matt and Alan changed the songs around a bit, and it's morphed into a slightly altered version which we're all really psyched about!
 
Do you think there's anything about the New England area in particular that draws people to play black metal?
Chris:  Subconsciously maybe. The weather is all over the place, but it's cold more than it's hot. With the mountains and general hopelessness of the Northeast, it seems that our style of music can draw a lot of influence from our environment. Although there aren't many bands playing black metal in the area. Hopefully that changes soon once this dub step metal stuff stops.

You've got a self-titled EP out right now on Broken Limbs Recordings.  Did you have any plans for future recording or touring for this year?
Chris:  We're writing over the summer and doing some long weekends out in the Northeast as well. Fall looks to be when we'll hit the road in support of something. We're also on the 2012 Hopscotch Fest in Raleigh, NC with a host of other amazing acts like Sunn and Altar of Plagues. We're really excited about that one.

Vattnet Viskar seems to be one of those bands that gets positive reviews from people who may not have a background of listening to much metal, as well as from people who are dedicated metalheads.  Is that something that you aimed for from the beginning, or did that just sort of develop?
Chris:  It just sort of happened. I feel like our music rides the line between the genres. We definitely write from our hearts, so maybe that's what people are picking up on. I think music that's written with a purpose can speak to anyone no matter what their tastes are.

If you could record a split album with any band, who would it be?
Chris:  This is tough. Probably Isis. Always been a huge fan of them, and they were one of the few bands who called it quits before they got stagnant. Our musical styles aren't similar at all, but we've drawn a lot of influence from them. The feel of their albums is remarkable. Very conducive to our goal. You can tell everything they did was very deliberate and planned out, but they pulled it off without sounding forced.

Is there anything else you wanted to add or mention?
Chris:  Support local music, go to shows, tell bands to keep doing what they're doing, stop listening to Megadeth.

For more information on Vattnet Viskar, visit their website:

Obsidian Tongue Interview

Can you tell us about Obsidian Tongue, how you formed, and who influenced you?
Brendan:  We're a Black Metal duo from Massachusetts focusing on a melodic and hypnotic interpretation of the music style.  I started writing this kind of music in late 2007 and early 2008, and by early 2009 there was a record's worth of songs I was satisfied with. I recorded them all on a tape machine with synthetic drum sounds, you know that classic drum-machine Black Metal nostalgia, but it was pretty clear that the songs had a dynamic that needed a real drummer to put down that organic, feral energy. I had recently met Greg Murphy at a show, so I sent him some tracks and asked if he would be interested, and he accepted. In November of 2009 we made Obsidian Tongue a real band.  Our influences are pretty general - Enslaved, Emperor, Burzum, Darkthrone, old Gorgoroth (Infernus-era stuff), Immortal, Bathory, Abigor...there were also newer bands that really got me inspired like Darkspace, Agalloch, Wolves in the Throne Room...anything I come across with atmosphere basically. There's also been an influence from classic metal bands Death, Morbid Angel and Opeth. Neurosis is also one of my biggest inspirations for dark and heavy music.

Obsidian Tongue is based out of Massachusetts, and you've played with a lot of bands from the area, as well.  Do you think there's anything about New England that influences people to play black metal?
Brendan:  It's definitely possible to be driven to play Black Metal by the setting and the climate I think. Things are very picturesque and awe-inspiring in the Autumn and Winter here especially. We also have the ocean, not to mention high taxes and people with shitty attitudes. You can find beauty and disgust here, just like anywhere else I suppose. We do have a great collection of Black Metal bands such as Haxen, Bog of the Infidel, Nathruzym, Herugrim, Sarcomancy, Abaroth, Nachzehrer, Katahdin, Falls of Rauros, Sauriel, Witch Tomb, etc.

Can you tell us about the full-length album you'll be putting out soon, and about Dissociation Records?
Brendan:  This is our first full-length album, after the 2 demos we recorded. It's called "Volume I: Subradiant Architecture". The title is a term for the closed-eye visuals I get from playing this music, where everything is basically like black outlines on an even blacker background, radiant in a way that seems to be below the color code that human sight is based on. A lot of times there are some very vivid images I get from the songs, and they are the basis of a lot of the lyrics.  The record has 8 tracks, one of which being an introduction piece. It has a good balance of primal energy and elegance I think, which was our aim. After the introduction, the first song is the most aggressive/malevolent sounding, and gradually it becomes more melodic and even hopeful up to the end track, which is an overall positive song.  Dissociation Records is my own label I'm starting, to release Obsidian Tongue records as well as my other projects Truthseeker (instrumental space rock), Stone Crown (doom/drone), and a few other projects I'm working on. The website will be up and running very soon, and people can order records and merchandise through the website.

Do you have any touring or recording plans for the next year?
Brendan:  We are discussing touring currently, trying to gauge when and where we will tour, but hopefully we will get a good amount of time on the road before 2012 is over. I also have plans to record the next Truthseeker record after everything is said and done with the Obsidian Tongue release.

If you could make a split album with any other band, who would you pick and why?
Brendan:  Good question. After thinking about it, my choice would probably be Neurosis. Though our styles are quite different, I feel a strong kinship towards their music due to their foundation of primal energy and adding psychedelic overtones, lots of repetition and tons of emotion.

Is there anything else you'd like to say?
Brendan:  Our CD release show is May 3rd at Ralph's in Worcester, as part of the Metal Thursday 6-Year Anniversary show. The show has a good line-up, and I would recommend coming out if you're in the area. We will be booking a lot more local shows following this as well, so keep in touch with us online! Thanks.

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