Herugrim: In 2005, Veratyr, then in Abaroth, started setting aside some material that didn't quite fit in with Abaroth's style. He discussed some ideas with Aril, who had already left Abaroth earlier that year, and over the next few years they arrived at a concept for a new project. Initially it was a recording project but later Eikenskald would contact Aril to explore the possibility of collaborating on Glasfear, a project of his own. Instead the three of us got together in Eikenskald's basement and started tossing around ideas and riffs. Shortly after, Aril contacted Set (formerly of Ascendancy and Hekseri) and in 2007 we moved into Hekseri's old space in Boston and started working on a live set.
The name has a dual meaning. On the surface, it's a Lord of the Rings reference to King Theoden's sword. Beyond that, it has an older meaning: "Herugrim" means "fierce in battle" in the Mercian dialect of Old English.
Do you think that there's anything specifically about New England that influences people to play black metal?
Herugrim: Absolutely. New England has a unique place in history, a dark, brooding terrain of rolling, wooded hills and stark coastland, and a mythology that's all its own. These have inspired artists for centuries, so it's no surprise that this area has spawned a multitude of bands with different takes on the style.
Herugrim has been around for a few years now. Have you noticed any differences in the scene now compared to when you first started?
Herugrim: "Scene" is a problematic word. If anything, it's more of a loose network of like-minded bands that are dispersed across New England. There are a few pockets of concentrated activity, but mostly bands forge their own way with little interference from cliques and popularity contests. That said, a lot of the bands that were playing when we started working together have either broken up, reformed with different lineups, or have gone on to start new projects and are still playing in the area; you see a lot of the same faces. In any case, there are probably twice the number of bands playing in this style, now.
Herugrim strikes me as one of those bands that perseveres despite going through a lot. What keeps you going?
Herugrim: We play the music we want to hear. Over the 5 years we've been grinding away at this band, we've lived spread out across the state, had life-changing events and upheavals derail our plans, dealt with practice space issues and lineup changes, and gone through periods of frustration and inactivity, but in the end it's a project we all believe in.
Do you have any touring or recording plans for the near future?
Herugrim: Touring is not on our agenda, right now. For the moment we want to focus on writing and recording, and live shows have a way of pushing those things to the side.
If you could put out a split album with any band, who would it be and why?
Herugrim: That's a tough question. Each of us has our own tastes, and they diverge a little too much to give that any one definitive answer.
Is there anything else you'd like to add or mention?
Herugrim: Simply put, we're glad to be active again and are looking forward to recording some more material and getting it out in the world.
For more information on Herugrim, check out their website:
