Misþyrming returns to Romania for the third time, ready to take the stage at Underground for the Masses II. The Icelandic act has built a reputation on sharp musicianship and uncompromising vision, standing out in the black metal landscape since 2013.
D.G. joins us to talk about the band’s journey, the impact of classical training, and their upcoming appearance at the festival.
Greetings! Guesting you in the pages of DinÎntunerec is a pleasure. Your journey with Misþyrming began in Reykjavík in 2013, but from what I know, your musical path started at a very young age with classical training. How did that foundation influence your approach to metal?
D.G.: Bună ziua! I suppose that being on a different end of the music spectrum did contribute to broadening my perspective on music in general. Understanding scales, chords, and rhythm are the foundational elements of musical creation and insight.
What were some of your early metal influences that sparked your transition into the genre?
D.G.: My first introduction to metal was Rammstein, and they remain one of my absolute favorites today. But only retro Rammstein! I do find the corporate enterprise they’ve become quite repelling. After that, I got into Metallica, Iron Maiden, Slayer, Sepultura, you know. I still love these bands today!
Years later, Misþyrming came to life and earned recognition as one of Iceland’s foremost black metal bands. Looking back at those early days, what was the vision behind the band’s creation?
D.G.: I wanted to play fast, intense, explosive, extreme, heavy, loud, evil, oppressive, unforgiving, honest, and cathartic. Since I discovered metal, I’ve always wanted to be in a band. I formed a few bands from an early age and throughout my teen years, but it wasn’t until I formed Misþyrming at age 20 that I finally felt I was doing it correctly.
Given your background in choir, what lessons from that experience, particularly in vocal technique and arrangement, have remained with you in your work with Misþyrming?
D.G.: Vocal warm-ups are important for me if I want my voice to survive a full show. Straining the vocal cords can be very tough when I push them as hard as I like. Focused breathing is also a big factor in this.
When it comes to arranging songs, I believe that my experience with the choir has contributed a lot to my understanding of harmonies. Just as I was with harmonies in Iron Maiden guitar leads!
How would you describe the band’s musical journey since the release of “Söngvar elds og óreiðu” in 2015?
D.G.: The approach itself hasn’t evolved much. From my perspective, I think the greatest change is simply maturing—a natural development in writing and producing music. The naive flaws of the earlier material are beautiful for what they are, but I believe that the shift to more focused decisions has made the band stronger. It means more confidence, and as long as it doesn’t make us too cocky, it elevates the band to a higher level.
Speaking of “Söngvar elds og óreiðu”, I must ask the following, too: how was the reception to that album, and what were the key moments of its creation?
D.G.: The creation of our debut album marked a new chapter. It happened as my previous band split up. So, new, exciting times were upon us. The recording process itself wasn’t much to talk about. It was recorded between January and February 2014. After that, we formed a live band and did a handful of shows until the album was out in February 2015. During some of our earliest shows, we got noticed by a few so-to-say notorious people from the metal press, festival and label network, so word got around fast. Faster than we ever dared to expect. Terratur Possessions, the Norwegian label that released our debut album, helped us secure a few of our first-ever shows abroad, which I believe helped us a lot getting recognition. The album got covered in a few big news outlets around the globe and suddenly we were getting booked for festivals all around Europe.
Then, in 2017, “Sinmara/Misþyrming” came into the picture. How did this collaboration originate?
D.G.: The collaboration was initiated by Þórir, Sinmara‘s guitarist, if I remember correctly. Sinmara, previously Chao, was probably the first Icelandic black metal band I discovered, and I really loved their demo, “Spiritus Sankti”. So, I was thrilled to be invited to do such a collaboration. It came out pretty damn good, I’d say. I really like the track from Sinmara.
Moving to “Algleymi”, the album released in 2019, how did this record shape the next chapter for Misþyrming?
D.G.: “Algleymi” took us to the next level. The production quality of the album was superior. The ambition was on par with the previous album, but this time, we had things more under control. There was less tolerance for mistakes and more attention to detail. More people were involved in the process. It felt more serious, more professional.
The reception was overwhelming, and we received even more gig offers after that.
“Með hamri” came out in December 2022. What were the main impulses or events that guided the direction of this album?
D.G.: The core idea or a main theme throughout the album is a ruthless, savage and unforgiving ethos. Misanthropic from a few different points of view, despicable. Human.
Looking at your entire discography, which tracks stand out as your favorites to perform live?
D.G.: I like to play almost all of them, as boring as that may be for an answer. If I had to name a couple, I’d say I enjoy the explosive and energetic power of “Alsæla“, the steady rockin’ vibe of “Engin vorkunn“, and the constant build-up of “Ég byggði dyr í eyðimörkinni“. The important feeling is the release that comes from performing with such high intensity.
And speaking of live performances, you’re coming to Romania again, this time for Underground for the Masses II. What does it mean for Misþyrming to perform at this festival?
D.G.: This being our third show in Romania makes me hope that we’ve already made a name for ourselves there, and that people will be excited. I know we are.
What’s the most important thing you want to convey to the audience at Underground for the Masses II?
D.G.: We’re going to do our best to deliver a killer show. I’m confident in the setlist we put together, and I hope everyone present has a great time.
We don’t have a specific message. We’re here to play rock ‘n’ roll.
Misþyrming at Underground for the Masses II
© Nexion Arts and Anca Kivart
