Please tell us a few words about the new release, about the music on it as a whole or a few words on each track in part. How are you happy with the final release?
The new album is called "Scarred Lands" and is inspired by the events of mass murder in Central and Eastern Europe in 1925-1953 motivated by political or racial motives. All these actions have left incurable wounds and scars on the souls of the affected nations and groups. Hence the name of our name. Musically, it is atmospheric pagan black metal with a gloomy mood and very strong lyrics.
How would you describe/label the music on it? Does it sounds like anything we might have heard before?
We use very memorable and epic melodies and strong rhythms. The sound of the recording is raw, I think it's surprisingly striking. I can't say exactly if a band sounds similar, I hope not. Anyway, I'd rather say that if you like old Drudkh albums or like Agalloch or Bathory, then you might also like Svardenvyrd.
Where was it recorded and how much time did it take you to record it? Any interesting stories from the recording/producing the material?
We recorded in our well-known SHAARK studio in the Czech Republic. They are seasoned producers and have ROOT or MASTER recordings behind them, so we know that we always work well with them. We recorded the whole album in two days in two people. Sometimes it was very difficult, because we recorded a lot of tracks and since there are only 2 of us, we didn't even relax. But the process was extremely inspiring and even after those years we worked together as if the 16-year break was not even behind us.
What can you tell us about the cover artwork? Is there a link between the artwork and the lyrics? What are the topics of your lyrics?
I absolutely love the title page of the new album. I was looking for something that would express the horror of those events and crimes against humanity, but which would not be violent or cliché. And then I saw a scene from the Vašava ghetto and that inspired me as a theme for the front page. Luděk Řezáč, with whom we have already cooperated in the past, is responsible for the actual implementation. He did it absolutely brilliantly and enchantingly. There is also a thematic drawing for each song in the booklet, which symbolizes the text of the song. The lyrics are mostly memories of survivors and witnesses of mass murders and are really annoying.
What do you expect to gain through this release? What are the band's aims at the moment?
Basically, I don't expect anything, because after so many years, it's like starting from scratch. In fact, I'm already happy because we managed to do the album as we imagined and it's a complex job. Now perhaps we will find fans who like similar music as us and who lack such music on stage. At the moment we want to get the album among the people and find a label for the next album.
Is there a special format the material is released in? Or is it released in multiple formats? How many copies were pressed?
We have released an album in a special super jewel case plus format, which is bigger than the standard CD case and better captures the uniqueness of the album we have been waiting for so many years. :-) There is only 300 pcs pressed.
Where and how will you promote this new release?
wherever they are willing to listen to the album and write something about it. Ie. web and print media, blogs, etc. And, of course, on social networks, without which it is probably no longer possible today.
Where can we order it from?
The album can be ordered through our bandcamp or the official eshop.farhorizonmusic.com and also distributed by Einheit produkionen, Mystic production, Magick Musick or Epidemie records.
December 2021