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:
