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Introducing one-man Norwegian romantic black metal band/studio project Minneriket.
How long have you been performing as Minneriket?
I founded Minneriket in 2014 as a one-man Norwegian romantic black metal band and a studio project only. It’s been 10 years of Minneriket with me as the only member.
What should people expect when they check Minneriket out? How would you describe yourself?
People should expect something unique, but still recognizable. Minneriket embraces classical compositions and a wide range of field recordings such as animals, weather, fire, and soundscapes to enhance the feeling of the theme each song portrays. The music draws on a diverse range of influences, including punk and goth, but is still rooted in the intensity of the early Norwegian black metal scene.
The new music scene is bursting at the seams at the minute with fresh talent, in what ways do you feel that a band has to stand out to build a name for themselves?
If there was an easy answer to something like this, everyone would do it. The truth is, music is hard work. Not just writing the music, but recording it, releasing it, promoting it, and also touring it – for those that join the circus that is. Above all else you need to stick to your guns, stay true to what you believe in, and do work your ass off to gain notoriety. There’s no quick solution, but if you really believe in what you do and you’re prepared to make an effort, people will notice you. As long as the music is good, that is. Don’t half-ass anything.
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
Minneriket has recently begun recording the next album, and I’ve just about finished writing and arranging the whole thing. Most of the guitars have been recorded by myself, and the cello by a session musician. There’s a session drummer recording the drums soon, hopefully by the end of easter, and then I’ll continue in the studio with everything else. Hopefully, I’ll have this ready for release in 2025.
Excluding yourself, which new band would you like to see break out and become a success?
I’m not very familiar with the current underground at the moment. I’m sure there are bands out there that deserve a lot more recognition than they currently get, but there is nothing that comes to mind.
What are your own first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
I’ve always lived my life surrounded by music. There was never a single experience or a particular time or place that made me go into music. It’s just how it’s supposed to be. It’s a creative outlet, it’s therapy, it’s art, it’s an attitude, it’s everything I need and I am content doing it the way I am doing it.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
The last concert I saw was Beyond the Black and Butcher Babies. I only came for Butcher Babies, so I actually left before Amaranthe got on the stage as the headliner.
What current social issue are you particularly passionate about?
I could write a whole book about this, haha. As an artist, I can’t avoid getting moved by different currents and events around the world. I live in Norway, and our neighbouring country Russia has started an offensive war against Ukraine. It’s the first time since WWII there’s been war in Europe. It’s impossible not to care.
Another cause that is close to my heart is the Iranian uprising of brave young girls speaking out against the authoritarian regime. They live on the frontlines of this modern opposition against religious oppression. They risk so much fighting for what they believe in in a cultural war, and I consider each and every one of them a hero.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
That would probably be my hip-hop playlists consisting of Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B, Tekashi 6ix9ine, Xzibit, and others.
What does 2023 hold for you?
Studio work, plain and simple. I hope to have the new Minneriket more or less completely recorded by the end of the year. In addition, we’re working in the studio on the new Blodsgard, and I have a few other projects going too. It’s gonna be a very creative year, and I’m excited about juggling all these different projects for a while now. Working on different bands at the same time gives me a lot of energy, and it lets me feed on it and bounce it off on the next project. A good way to work!
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
Not as much as I should be, but still more than I really have time for! I try to keep up with everything/everybody, but sometimes I just don’t have the capacity to get back to everyone. For official news, please check the website www.minneriket.com and for more up-close and personal posts I try to stay active on most relevant social media platforms.
