Drengskapur/Interview with Wintergrimm

Interview by Andrew Stanton

Hello and welcome to Inside the Darkness.

- Can you tell our readers a bit about your history, please?

Hail from Germany! DRENGSKAPUR was founded in 2002 and released the first record one year later. Until 2013 we released three full lenght albums. Afterwards were released some splits with NEMESIS SOPOR (great horde from Saxonia/GER), Heilnoz (ESP) and Szarlem (GER). Last year was released the latest album „Was der Morast verschlang“. In November we published a live album on MC „Nächtens am Lübbesee“ of a concert we played in september this year at the old venue of the festival „Under The Black Sun“.

- Why did you decide to release your last three albums as split CDs?

After the first three albums we decided to do the split with NEMESIS SOPOR because we are good friends and felt that this was the right moment for a collaboration. The split with HEILNOZ was a result of the tours we played in Spain and Portugal. And the split with SZARLEM was a common tribut to the old Black Metal scene from Poland. Because of the big influence of polish Black Metal on DRENGSKAPUR it was clear to realize this split.

- What are your lyrics about?

The lyrical concept is based on nature, processing deep mental themes and personal emotions. The last two full lenght albums have one main theme. The album “Der Urgewalten Werk” was dedicated to the four elements fire, earth, water and air. Every full track tells a history of one element. The histories are about the difference of value of the elements in the past and present. The latest album “Was der Morast verschlang” is about the subject of swamp. It’s about the graceful-looking picture, but also about the deceptive side of the swamp.

- Do you ever think you lose global success by not singing in English?

We never thought about this. But you are correct. It could be an aspect to be less „famous“. But nowadays it is possible to translate the lyrics very easy and fast by the listeners. And the last album was sold very well all over the world. So, you can say the language is no obstacle for us. Besides it is easier for me to express myself in my native language then to use another one.

- Why do you write songs so long?

That is an interesting question. We already tried to compose shorter songs. But we failed mostly. I think it has something to do with the music style and atmosphere which is created in the songs. It takes s o m e time to create it and to reach the climax of a song. Shorter songs wouldn’t have such a musical depth in my opinion.

- Do you think shorter songs are easier to listen to?

I think shorter songs can be understand and comprehend faster. But on the other hand longer songs with a more complex structure and compositorical depth can be listened a longer time with interest. We often got the feedback that with every run of the record the listener discovers a new detail in the music. I think that is the difference and not „easier to listen“. It is another kind of listening.

- What can fans expect from your new album?

In the moment there are planned two split LPs. One is already finished and in the mastering now. It will be released next year. You can expect a continuation of the last album but with an ongoing development and some new elements. Another split LP is planned for the next year too. The composition has started a few weeks ago.

- What German bands should our readers check out?

I can recommend these hordes: NEMESIS SOPOR, DAUTHUZ, SHORES OF LADON, WOLFHETAN, ARCHAIC THORN, THROMOS, THANATOMANIA.

- Will you be touring?

Yes, we still have plans to tour. In the past we toured in Spain, Portugal, Brasil und USA. So, we like to play abroad. In the moment it is difficult to plan with this situation. But nevertheless we played some concerts this year. Our plan is to organize a tour in the eastern part of Europe. We will see what is possible next year.

- Do you have a message for our readers?

Support the real Black Metal underground – don’t waste time and money in superficial music. Music is the destiny!

Thank you for your time.

Thanks a lot for your support and good luck for your zine!