Interview with Rimfrost frontman Hravn and drummer Throllv

Verladar Nagli is the newest release from the Swedish black metal band Rimfrost. This disc is a lethal blending of dissonant, frightful and at times ominous sounds mixed with pure metallic might resulting in one hell of a black metal record. The band has not done much in the way of touring as of yet, although they are hoping to soon. I was able to catch up with guitarist and vocalist Hravn and drumer Throllv to speak with them about their newest disc which will be released in the US on January 10th through Seasons of Mist Records.

Your brand new CD titled, Verladar Nagli, is set for release in the US on January 10th. Now that it is complete, how do you feel about it? Are you satisfied with the outcome?
Throllv: Yeah it is great!

Hravn: I am really satisfied with it and it feels like we reached our goal with it too. I hope the album will be embraced in the US!

The name of the band Rimfrost is interesting to say the least and sounds as if there is a story behind it. Where did the name come from and what is the story?
Hravn: The name means rhyme in an old Swedish word. The name is often mentioned in our Viking poetry here in Scandinavia. The name too us symbolizes coldness and a grim feeling of the old Scandinavian history. If you imagine Sweden a hundred years ago or why not a thousand, in the autumns or early winters when the different wars throughout our history were raging, the coldness was actually deadly to our enemies. The name Rimfrost summarizes our music well.

What message, if any, do you want your fans to walk away with after listening to Veraldar Nagli?
Throllv: Death will find us all!

This latest album comes to us by way of Season Of Mist. How’s your relationship with them? Did you notice any difference from the other labels you have worked with over the years?
Throllv: They work very well with us and the do it better than any other label we have dealt with.

I find it quite disappointing that a band like Rimfrost, with a rich history and two critically acclaimed albums, still has not find the recognition it deserves. Do you think Veraldar Nagli has the ability to change that?
Throllv: Thank you believing in us! Unfortunately I think the music business these days is a fucking dry shit hole and it is very hard to break through as a new band if you don’t get absolutely full support from labels and such. I also think you have to play something more commercial than we do.

When you begin to write a song, what inspires you?
Hravn: Everything around me. Music, movies and daily life basically. Nature is a big influence for me when writing lyrics. When I create riffs, I just play whatever pops up in my head you know. Depends on my mood how the result turns out.

What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?
Hravn: When we played at the Inferno Festival in Oslo, Norway! We got to see Emperor do their fucking sound check! I got the chance to talk with Nocturno Culto. He is a really great guy! He actually checked us out and he seemed to like it. It was an excellent evening.

How do you think your live performances are different from your albums?
Throllv: Actually, we don’t play that much live.

What is the hardest part about being in a touring metal band and what is the biggest obstacle your band faces?
Hravn: We have never been a touring band so we don’t know yet. All we know is that we do not want to spend a month out on the road without any support from a label, you know. We have gotten offers to go out on tour but then we would have to pay for it ourselves, which is something we will not do; at least not now.

Tell me about a book or two that you have read that you think other people should read?
Throllv: ‘The Dark Tower’ saga of Stephen King. It is the most epic story I have ever read!

Hravn: I couldn’t agree more!

What is the toughest lesson you ever learned in the studio and on the stage?
Throllv: Well in the studio you can easily mess things up if you work with more then one studio.

How much roadwork will you be doing in 2010?
Throllv: I don’t know if there will be any. Time will tell.

Any plans to tour the States?
Hravn: Man, it would be awesome to come to States and play for you there!

What is next for Rimfrost?
Hravn: We are in the writing process for the new album now. We have completed the whole album musically and we will soon put together all the lyrics. I think that the album will be our break in the extreme metal world. At least I hope.  [ END ]