If you're looking for a really punchy, misanthropic black metal release, I highly recommend the new Vrag album. Read more about it and Vrag's plans below.
Hails! The new Vrag album is out and it's already taking black metal fans by storm. How would you personally describe the songs on the "Rendületlenül" album, and what influenced the creative process this time?
- Greetings Kornél and the readers. What I would like to say about the "Rendületlenül" album is that, this is the angriest album I have ever released from my hands. When I was writing it, there was a huge chaos in my head and the fast, furious songs just popped out, one after the other; songs that some places almost recall the glorious time of Swedish black metal. This album is a perfect reflection of my past few years.
How long did it take to record the new songs? Has your studio routine changed compared to the "Harcom" recordings? If so, how did this manifest itself?
- Right after releasing "Harcom", I started writing the new songs, started recording them, so the whole procedure took around three years. My studio routine is continuously developing, trying new things out, I try to learn this and that, if I have the time, but I also put my studio gear on another level, I managed to put together a quite serious home studio by now.
The new album consists of 6 songs and lasts 39 minutes. Could you shed some light on what the lyrics are about? How does the graphics of Grafit és Hamu connect to the textual and musical world of "Rendületlenül"?
- The album is all about my tenacious fight against the filth of this modern world, about how much I cannot accept all that things I see around me these days. Back then, when the 2nd generation bands started making their albums, this is what black metal was all about and this is what it means until today – regardless that nowadays this genre represents for many people a completely different aspect. With the 'Grafit és Hamu' made cover artwork I also wanted to show that this album is ideally and musically a big bow to the 90's black metal.
The last two Vrag albums were released on Filosofem Records, which you run. Will this continue to be the case, or are you open to collaborating with other record labels? In what quantity was the new album released? Are there any other formats besides CD expected in the future?
- Actually, the "Remete" album was also partly released by Filosofem Records, though Werewolf Promotion from Poland took part in the job. I would be completely open to work with other record labels in a case of a good offer, but let's face it, opportunities do not come just like that and from my part, I also do not really search for labels. "Rendületlenül" was printed in 500 copies in the first round, if sells out then I reprint it, there is no limitation. I would like to release it and the previous album on tape, but now I do not have the time to deal with that.
What kind of merchandise do you plan to implement to support the new release? Where can fans order from?
- Only T-shirts were made for this album – moreover pins and stickers, which get all customers as a bonus –, I do not plan anything else now. T-shirts are already close to sell out and there will be no re-print, I do not see the sense of it in this case, as there will be silence once more around Vrag for years. CDs and T-shirts can be ordered from my Bandcamp site, but you can reach out in e-mail, as well, which one is easier for you.
I know this might be a stupid question, but have you ever thought about putting together a line-up for live shows? I mean, this kind of music is definitely great live, don't you think?
- In case of Vrag I do not think about this at all. I do not like standing on the stage at all and even if I changed my mind, it would be impossible to find the right persons for the posts, who have the right outlook and mentality. I could rather put WitcheR on the stage...
Let's talk about the Hungarian black metal scene. How do you see it these days? Do you keep in touch with other active bands? Do you have any favorites? What new albums have caught your attention recently?
- I follow the Hungarian black metal scene for 25 years. Although there are many good bands here even nowadays, we got far away from the mysticism and the great albums of the late 90's, early 00's. Back then, numerous unique albums were born; I can still recall any riffs from the first Ahriman EP or from the first Fagyhamu EP, the genial demos of Baskíria or Hetumoger and I could continue the line with many names. Today there are also very good productions, but somehow the mysticism, the magic lost a little bit for me. I keep in touch with many Hungarian bands, of course, someone get in touch with me with respect, my principle is to return this favor. I follow the scene and I try to listen to every new releases, moreover the albums which are released in physical forms, I put in my collection. As I am a bit forgetful, I do not want to mention any favorites, as I certainly will leave out couple of them, but I have an answer for you that from the Hungarian black metal scene I listened the latest Sear Bliss album to the most in the last couple of months.
Speaking of music. What are your top 10 bands and albums of all time? Is there a band you would really like to see live in Hungary?
- You ask a difficult question, because I listen to so many bands and so many different genres that it would be possible that tomorrow I would put together a completely different list, but the following 10 albums influenced me the most – without any particular order:
If I look at any of your photos, they are all taken in the forest. Do you spend a lot of your free time there? Do you like to hike? What natural features would you highlight from your surroundings?
- You see that very well. I am in a lucky position that I lived in my entirely life next to a forest. Even in my childhood I hiked a lot all alone. I was enchanted by the forest inexplicable mysticism, by the power emanating from it. Although I do not spend nearly as much time in the woods as I would like these days, I practically live in the middle of a forest, so when I look out my window, I see huge beech and pine forests on all sides, and I find myself in a forest just a few steps from my house. In case of Vrag this is not a forced thing to take photos in the woods, it is not because anno the Norwegian black metal gods also took photos in the forest, this is simple who I am. This come honestly from me, I feel good there and I would like to see myself in the woods on the photos.
Thank you very much Vrag for the interview. Finally, send your greetings to the readers.
- I would like to thank you this chat and your endless support towards my bands. If someone would like to order some CDs or T-shirts, please do not hesitate to contact me. As for the future, keep your eyes open, as a new WitcheR album comes out in 2025 and hopefully the third Frozen Wreath album will be also released in 2026.
