They just released a new album on the 27th of April, called Väsen, through Carnal Records. Let's read!
What is the idea behind the band? What are the main themes in your music?
The idea behind the band is to create great music of course! As Grá is a black metal band the themes revolve around death, chaos and evil. Throw in a fistful of aggression and Scandinavian philosophy and mythology and you're pretty close to the essensce of Grá.
How important are the themes or concepts?
For me personally the thoughts behind the lyrics are as important as the music itself. I do enjoy my fair share of brain dead music but I don't want to create it myself. I'm a perfectionist so I can't just let things go if they aren't up to my standards.
How have the themes or concepts changed since the inception of the project?
It has and it hasn't changed. It's all about what's in my head. The previous releases were (as our long time fans all know) bound to the concept of Death. With the new album "Väsen" the gate is open and the frame is wider but at the end of the day it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks and the grass isn't always greener on the other side. It's hard to be the judge myself of course and when I look at the first album for example I do see a quite big difference. Get the album and judge for yourself!
Is variation important?
Variation is very important I'd say. Although I don't think it's too wise to walk too far astray at once but step by step. Now people are scared that we are heading towards some kind of weirdness with Grá but that's not the case. The variation comes with evolution and Grá will always be Grá!
What is the idea behind the new release? How would you compare to earlier releases?
The idea is to release the best possible album that we can be proud of for the rest of our lives, like with our previous ones.
I'd say the new album is a bit more technical at times and very intense. The atmosphere is there as always but with more aggression. It's a bit more compact.
How did the project arise?
I don't really understand what you mean with "project" but assuming you mean the band itself we started it in 2010 as a surprisingly successful spin-off from the band Cursed 13.
What does the songwriting process involve?
Blood, sweat, hate and strong, black coffee.
How is this band different to other projects and what are the similarities if any?
I don't know what to respond to that. I'm me and I do music. Listen and compare for yourself.
Do you think you have accomplished your goals of the project so far?
In a way we have. We release albums that we are proud of, we are touring now and then, we do whatever we want. Our initial goal with Grá was to jam and to just create and I think we have gone way beyond that long ago.
How long did it take to get to this point and how does it represent what the band is about?
I think I just answered that question too with my previous reply. We are doing Grá with a passion and we get to do it over and over again.
What music or bands are you inspired by and how do they influence your musical output?
I used to be able to do some name-dropping in the past but now it's harder. I listen to a big variety of music and it's hard to tell what's inspiring and what's just recreational listening. Yesterday I was listening to the Manes album "Be All End All" which I find very good.
How would you describe your style of music?
Swedish Black Metal.
What is it about the style/genre of music you play that drives you to create it?
The darkness obviously. I've always been drawn to the dark and extreme.
What are your plans after the release of the album? Tours etc.
Yeah we will start booking and hopefully get out on the road as soon as possible. We start with Eradication Festival in Wales now in May. Then we have a gig in Gothenburg on the 1st of June. More to come!
How important is it for you to gain a more varied international audience?
As we enjoy performing live I think it's great to be able to also travel around with the band and see many different places.
What if any would you say are the differences or similarities of your audience from different countries?
For Grá I think they're pretty much the same everywhere, dedicated and focused.
What are the future plans for the band? Long term and short term.
Short term to promote the new album, long term to be out on the road as much as we possibly can.
Anything you would like to say to your current or potential future audience?
Thanks all for your support! See you on the road!
/Heljarmadr on behalf of Grá
Read more about GRÁ here:
https://www.facebook.com/graofficial
http://www.grahorde.com/
