When it comes to unoriginal bands that sound exactly the same, the black metal underground is a bottomless pit. Every now and then, however, a project with new ideas in their music can be found – for example SPELL OF DARK, an ambient black metal solo project by Russian musician Vlad T. On the occasion of his last EP „Journey Into The Depths Of Winter“ we talked to the solo artist about his inspiration for the EP, his fascination for the cold season as well as his unusual vocal style.
SPELL OF DARK is your solo project. What made you start creating music on your own?
I always wanted to make music. It is my reflection, an expression of my thoughts, feelings and contemplations. Because I think I have something to say in music. When I didn’t find other members for making music, I began to make music on my own. Therefore, it has become so personal. In 2010-2011 I read about many one-man bands. Their histories inspired me and gave me motivation.
You also play in a band called Doden Grotte. Where do you spot the advantages and disadvantages of being a sole musician compared to playing in a band?
In my music project I feel more freedom and I am independent. But I need to create everything myself, record songs, create designs, do the promotion etc. Doden Grotte is a band with four members and four opinions. We need to understand each other. Sometimes it is difficult. But we support each other in many situations.
The music of SPELL OF DARK could be classified as black metal and ambient. Where do you take your musical inspiration from?
The main inspiration is nature.. I live in a city, and I often can’t see nature without other humans. Nature is beautiful… I am also inspired by the relationships of people, legends, history, events of the past, madness, mind and dreams.
What is, in your opinion, the main essence of your music?
Beauty and the depth of thought. The artist’s contemplation and expression of all that through music.
Your latest notable release was the EP „Journey Into The Depths Of Winter“. The songtitles and the artwork are quite wintery as well. Is this simply meant as an ode to the cold season or is there also another meaning behind the lyrics and imagery?
Yes, this album is about the wintery season, about endless snow, that cover the fields to the horizon. This album is about my journey, after a long period of work (not musical). A travel after a depressive and sick period of my life… I looked at the snowy forests, frozen fields and rivers. And some things I can’t describe in English. The main meaning of the lyrics and images are my euphoric feelings and the worship of winter. And also regret and sadness, that all this has an end.
What is your personal connection to winter and what fascinates you about it?
Winter changes our world. It is majestic and merciless. It kills all living things with cold, but decorates everything around with the beauty of snow and silence. Only the wind breaks this peace. Winter is the end and it is the beginning.
The artwork looks quite picturesque. Who created it and how did you come to using it as the cover of your EP?
The artist, Gabriel Kondratenko, is a Russian painter. Yes, it is wonderful. I think it conveys a piece of cold and silence. I saw similar sunsets during my trip. My flesh was pierced by the cold, I realized that I was in a distant place, about which I know nothing. This feeling is unique. Maybe the creator of this picture experienced similar feelings, and if this was true, then winter unites us. Therefore, this picture is a picture of ancient beauty and echo of past days and I had to put it on the cover of the EP.
You don’t use any screamed vocals on the EP, but rather a silent whisper. Is there a certain reason for that?
Yes, it became my personal thing. I have a bad voice for screaming. I tried many variations of using my voice, and I like whispers more than other things. I think it is unusual and carries a lot of mystery. But I do want to do screams.
Contrary to many other black metal bands, I feel like your music isn’t meant to be completely negative. Some songs even sound dreamy and peaceful. Would you agree with that? And if so, why is that the case?
Yes, I agree with that. The music of SPELL OF DARK brings blissful oblivion and peace. It’s a dream. Therefore, I think that the night, loneliness and nature are the best companions for listening to this music. Sometimes I get told that this is music for relaxation. Maybe it is. For darkness and hatred, I have Doden Grotte and Goatpreacher
The EP was re-released through Northern Silence. Why did you choose this particular label for that matter?
Thorsten messaged me with a proposal to re-release the EP. Northern Silence Productions is a very good label that has released many great albums.
For the re-release of the EP you also added the ambient-like track „The World Of Unearthly Dreams“. How did it come to this?
This is a special track for the release of Northern Silence Productions. A peculiar echo of the past winter days. A twilight sunset, when the sun is gone, and night comes to the world.
You often release single standalone tracks. Is there a certain reason for you to handle it that way instead of just keeping these songs for whole albums?
Yes, this is a good question. I often write singles, but I also write songs for a full-length album. I think that creating a new album sometimes takes a lot of time, and I want to give the listener new songs, new feelings. Maybe I’m doing it wrong. But I have something to say this way.
The single is a small message, a reminder of the existence of SPELL OF DARK (laughs). „Eternity Somewhere There“ I wrote after receiving the photo, which a Russian traveler sent to me. He worked far from home, and every day he contemplated places I had never known. Only thanks to his photo I became a little closer to the unknown.
You last full-length record „Ashes Of Forgotten Dreams“ was released in 2015. Do you already have a plan when you will come up with another whole album?
Yes, of course. Now I have finished recording a new album called „Wastness“, which I think will be released this year on Wolfspell Records.
SPELL OF DARK is probably meant to be a pure studio project, isn’t it? Or do you consider do live-shows sometime in the future?
No, I have no plans for live shows.
Now I’d like to go through our traditional Metal1.info-Brainstorming with you. What comes to your mind while reading the following terms?
Compilation record: Good idea
President Putin: No comments
Summer: Heat
Nostalgia: Many moments of my life
Classical music: Wagner
At this point I want to thank you again for this interview. Do you want to say a few last words to our readers?
Thank you very much for the interview and for interesting questions. Sorry for not answering for a long time. Take care of yourself.
To the readers – thanks for your interest in SPELL OF DARK, preserve nature, be sincere and listen to black metal.
The story continues…
8. April 2019 Stephan Rajchl
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