Rooted in the winters and landscapes of Norway’s Hedmark county, this one-man project blends post-black metal, post-rock, and shoegaze, crafting an atmospheric debut enriched by haunting vocal collaborations.
1.
Hedmark is a one-man project, yet you collaborate with vocalists Melina Oz and
Embla Maria O’Cadiz Gustad. How did these collaborations come about, and what
did they bring to the album’s atmosphere?
Melina and
I played together in the band Up Against The Phantom, Embla Maria is a very
talented solo artist who I’ve had the pleasure to work with in the studio on
several occasions. They both have a very unique style which the album greatly
benefits from.
2. Your
debut is self-titled and deeply tied to the landscapes and winters of Hedmark
county. What made you choose to root the album so firmly in place and memory?
Most of the
songs were written in Hedmark where I grew up. Although I don’t live there
anymore, the landscape always had a big impact on me.
3. You
describe the album as “ten songs of winters past.” Could you share one personal
memory or story that inspired a particular track?
«Deer Cross
The River» came from watching a flock of deer running across the frozen river
in search of food while a terrible crime was committed nearby. Beauty and
cruelty.
4. The
sound blends post-black metal, post-rock, shoegaze, and vocal harmonies. How
did you strike the balance between raw black metal intensity and more ethereal
elements?
The project was originally more harsh and black metal sounding, but the songs seemed to get a life of their own and demanded more «color».
5. The
track “Deer Cross The River” is highlighted ahead of the release. What role
does this song play within the album’s narrative or emotional journey?
It’s an
attempt to contrast cruelty and beauty. Two troubled persons in a perfect
winter landscape.
6. You
mention that all the stories are true. How important was authenticity and
personal experience in shaping this record?
The stories
are true, but they are not meant to be read like short stories. They can and
should be interpreted in any way the listener wants.
7. Being
a one-man project, what are the challenges and freedoms you experience compared
to being in a traditional band?
The freedom
is not having to compromise with anyone. The challenge is ever getting anything
finished.
8.
Norwegian black metal has a long and iconic history. How do you feel Hedmark
fits into this legacy while also carving out its own modern, melodic identity?
I’m not
really connected to any scene, although I have worked with several black metal
bands as a studio engineer/mixer. I use the term black metal kind of loosely I
guess.
9. Vocal
harmonies are not common in post-black metal. What inspired you to weave them
into Hedmark’s sound?
Having good
singers at my disposal made it difficult to resist. I also admit to being
influenced by the band «Lotus Thief». They have some really great vocal
arrangements.
10. The
album seems to carry a strong seasonal and natural imagery. Do you see
Hedmark’s music as a reflection of the Norwegian landscape itself?
Not really.
It’s more how a landscape can affect you emotionally. And how we humans are
destroying the world we live in.
11. What
was your creative process like while writing and recording the album? Did it
evolve naturally, or did you have a strong concept from the beginning?
It started
out as a side project. Basically me jamming with a drum machine churning out
song sketches. After a while some of them started to develop and fit together.
12. With
the debut releasing on October 9, 2025, what do you hope listeners will feel or
take away from their first encounter with Hedmark?
I hope the
listeners will put their own interpretations of the songs and hopefully enjoy
them.
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