The Ritual speaks exclusively to Vegard

Vegard are fast becoming a very well known name in the underground black metal scene, and 2020 is their busiest year to date. This atmospheric black metal band headed up by Count Vornok and Grond speak exclusively to Nate about ther recent EP which sold out in record time and other interesting insights into band.

Nate: Firstly I must ask about the story behind the name Vegard and where was it conjured up from along with Count Vornok?

Count Vornok: Greetings. There is no story – we are ancient creations from times past. Vegard has always existed, moving through the shadows of ruins, deep in haunted woods. The Count and Grond decided now was the time to put our art out, through underground channels. We have centuries of stories to tell.

Nate: You have had an incredibly busy 2020 with your first full length record, as well as a couple of demos and EP being released. It seems as though the Covid pandemic has not hindered your creation process. Where does your creativity come from in these strange times?

Count Vornok: The virus holds no fear for us. We exist in a different dimension to you all, and therefore our creativity flows like an ice cold forest stream, unhindered by your petty concerns. Vegard endures. When you dwell in dark woods, how can you not be creative? It demands to be captured on tape. It is not up to us. It is the will of nature itself.

Nate: You have an amazing sound of black metal and ambient styles. What has influenced you in making your music thus far?

Count Vornok: If you asking what makes us create, then it is the winter forest. The sound we create is a mix of the elements and seasons. The visions we have seen and the experiences felt lend themselves to a style that is murky and black, full of mystery. We are timeless creatures of the dark.

Nate: Out of all the music you have released so far this year, what has been your favourite and most rewarding personally?

Count Vornok: Every release is exceptional, and then we move on and focus our energies on the next. To dwell on former glories is pointless and counter-productive.

Nate: You have recently released your infamous EP which was not only famed for the great music but also the design of the physical media. Tell me what made you decide on using an 80’s style design that is reminiscent of a VHS tape? I believe it sold out within a couple of minutes when on sale via Death Kvlt Productions?

Count Vornok: This was originally only supposed to be an online stream that was to take the place of the cancelled Legions Ov Darkness show. Sure enough, the stream went ahead and positive feedback was forthcoming.

On both the Death Kvlt and Vegard Bandcamp sites it sold out instantly, which was no surprise. The concept was the idea of Death Kvlt’s owner. Having heard the music, he knew immediately what he wanted to do. It was a particularly inspired choice, and one that we cannot take credit for. We had commissioned an artist to create a ruined castle scene. But when we saw the idea Death Kvlt had… well, there was no choice but to go with that.

Nate: Can you please tell me more about this EP and what is the story behind the 2 tracks that feature? And as the title states it’s ‘Volume 1’ – when can we expect ‘Volume 2’?

Count Vornok: This is by far the most ambitious and dramatic of our releases. The story does and will follow the plight of the ancient and mystical land of Elvhenan, situated in the Riftmarshes of Widen, as it is invaded from dark, magical forces from the north.

Ultimately there are plans for a book to accompany the music, going deep into the lore. It remains to be seen whether or not this will happen.

Volume 2 will appear when the time is right.

Nate: You have an unusual spread of releases across different labels – the second album on three (I think) different ones. Why so many?

Count Vornok: We are independent, so aren’t tied down to any one particular label. One will release the CD, and when that is sold out, another will approach us to release the cassette, and then another to produce the vinyl.

The Count keeps an eye on the numbers – to have thousands of copies out there is self indulgent and cheapens the art form. But everything has now sold out or has very limited numbers left. It’s up to the listener to seek out.

Going forward we will only be releasing through Death Kvlt, and no more re-presses. It needs reigning in, it needs focus. If it was up to The Count, there would only be ten copies of everything produced. WE are not here for fame or exposure. We are here to show you all that you are truly beneath us.

Nate: If someone has been unfortunate enough to have not listened to your music before – how would you describe it to them?

Count Vornok: Being lost in a deep snow forest, as the sun sets. But, if after 2 winters and nine releases you haven’t heard Vegard, then clearly it is not for you. The mysterious and elite nature of this art has rightly passed you by. Long may it continue to do so.

Nate: You were supposed to be playing the Legions Ov Darkness festival this year however, Covid unfortunately has stopped most live music events. Can I ask how this was going to be played to a LIVE audience and how many people it would have involved?

Count Vornok: LoD immediately appealed to Vegard due to the setting and small numbers in attendance. There were associates who were prepared to answer the call. Five in total. The Count keeps all music written on scrolls deep in stone vaults, so recreating these hymns to the forest wouldn’t have posed any challenges. But sadly it was not to be.

The Count feels that organisers are being overly optimistic about 2021, as well. To think that 60,000 beings will be allowed to get together in a field in six months time is pure fantasy. Or even 400-600 in a small sweaty venue, for that matter. The governments of the world will not back down. They have waited for this moment for so long. They now have us. Control.

Nate: Now the most important question. What lies ahead for Vegard and when can we hear more of your great music?

Count Vornok: Ahh, yes. More rituals will be forthcoming. Album number three is taking shape in the darkness, and will feature a special performance by a master of the dark arts on the title track. And of course, volume two of the Elders story.

But we are in no rush. We wait until inspiration is as a grey spectre before us, flickering in the candlelight of dungeons deep! WE will answer her call and bring forth spells to chill and hypnotise. All hail the true kings of the woodland realms!!

From the Crypt of the Elders Vol 1 can be purchased digitally via Death Kvlt Productions.

Join Nate every Saturday at 9pm for The Ritual, your weekly dose of extreme metal.