Atmospheric black metal masters GRIMA have returned with their sixth album, their first on new label Napalm records. The record which is entitled Nightside is their latest ode to the Siberian forests that they call home and another brilliantly epic listening experience, one which honours those forests, and takes you on a journey into the heart of their darkness.
We caught up with GRIMA members Vilhelm (guitars/vocals) and Morbius (guitars) to get an insight into Nightside and the world of GRIMA with its dark majesty in a fascinating interview with one of the finest black metal bands in the world.
We start this talk about the mesmerising Nightside with the members of GRIMA giving us an in depth insight into the creation and recording process of Nightside as Vilhelm begins. “It was a measured and focused effort. Most of the music was written in the summer of 2023, and by late September, we had recorded the drums and started working on guitars.”
Vilhem then delved into what new techniques the band used to create their vast music and the huge sound that is explored on Nightside. “We experimented with new equipment during the studio sessions, which brought a fresh perspective to the recording process. Exploring new gear, pedals, microphones, and analog equipment made the process both challenging and exciting. A true adventure.”
Morbius continues by giving another insight into the GRIMA creative process on the record. “Every song tells a story and immerses us in the dark beauty of the Siberian forest. Some songs were refined in our cabin in the woods, about an hour’s drive from the city. We usually record acoustic instruments there. By the time we entered the studio, we had a clear vision of how the album should sound. The recording process was calm and enjoyable, and we had a great time in the studio.”
Vilhelm then goes on to tell about how the band strive to honour the Siberian forests in their music, and on this new album in particular. “For us, it’s a reflection of our reality. We deeply respect the nature around us, as it’s a powerful source of creative inspiration. We imbue a mystical meaning into the forest near our city. It’s beautiful yet harsh, dense, and dark. On this album, we continued to expand the lore of our music in the classic GRIMA style.”
Talk the turns to those forests and Morbius tells of his favourite things about what is contained within which is delivered in a manner that defines his music. “There’s something truly beautiful about the Siberian forest. Towering, snow-covered trees stretch up to the sky, their reflections doubling their height in the deep, dark waters of the Yenisei River. In winter, the forest becomes impassable and dangerous due to the deep snowdrifts. The extreme weather conditions make the forests and cliffs even more striking and vivid, with shades of red in their harsh beauty”.
Vilhelm then goes onto to explain about the concept of the new album and the story it tells. “The album concept is centred around the realm of Nightside, the mystical underneath of the forest that reveals itself at night. Lost souls wander along tangled paths while ancient stumps watch them, bearing witness to their endless journey.”
The use of traditional folk instruments on Nightside plays an important part on the sound of the album and Morbius tells how this came to be. “During the recording of our second album, we had the idea to incorporate more acoustic guitar and highlight the melodies with unique acoustic instruments. The bayan has a deeply sorrowful sound. Its wide tonal range allows for low tones that evoke a sense of dread and high notes that bring tears to your eyes. We loved the result of our experiment. Since then, the bayan has become a signature expressive instrument, giving our band a distinctive sound.”
With the music of GRIMA having evolved since their last album, Frostbitten, Morbius explains how this has transpired and how eager they are for the new music to be consumed. “The melodic qualities of Frostbitten remain on this album, but the pacing has changed significantly. The mood has grown darker, and some of the experimental elements we introduced on Frostbitten have been developed further. We’re very curious to hear what our listeners think of this record.”
The music of GRIMA is so vast, epic, and beautifully atmospheric, so Vilhelm and Morbius both tell us what their favourite epic and atmospheric pieces of music of all time are, with Vilhelm choosing Hammerheart by BATHORY, Dusk And Her Embrace by CRADLE OF FILTH, and At The Heart Of Winter by IMMORTAL while Morbius opts for Sons of Northern Darkness by IMMORTAL, Twilight Of The Gods by BATHORY, and Voodoo by KING DIAMOND.
We conclude our chat with GRIMA, with Morbius telling us about their excitement to take Nightside on the road in the UK and Europe once the album is released and the tantalising prospect of the new songs being played in their mesmerising live show. “We have a month-long tour planned starting in late April. We love touring. Over the past year, we’ve worked hard on our live show. We use stage decorations and theatrical effects to create an immersive concert experience. We hope to bring most of the stage setup with us. We’re really looking forward to these shows and can’t wait to play the new songs live.”
Nightside is out now via Napalm Records.
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