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1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the solo project?
I started Yog-Sothoth because I really got into symphonic black metal and just wanted to write music like that. I wrote and released the EP and was surprised how much everyone liked it, so I decided to continue the project. I was recently joined by my childhood friend Zann, who is currently helping me write lyrics cause he's really fucking good at it. If you like Bal-Sagoth, you'll definitely like Yog-Sothoth.
2.In August you had released an ep, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?
When I was writing the EP I was going for a more Bal-Sagoth type sound. I think I managed to get it pretty close while also adding a bit of my own style into it and not making it just a copycat band. Other bands that inspired Yog-Sothoth's sound were Zel Agganor or Runeshard.
3.A lot of your lyrics and the band name are inspired by the writings of H.P Lovecraft, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in his work?
My first exposure to Lovecraft's work happened around 2018/2019 when a friend of mine asked me if I wanted to join him and his team in a session of the table top RPG "The Call of Cthulu". I instantly fell in love with all the Eldritch stuff and decided to start reading more about it. A few years later I permanently joined the RPG team. My new character was a Yog-Sothoth cultist - that's where the project's name comes from.
4.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the cover?
There's not much to the artwork - just a picture taken last winter with Yog-Sothoth in the sky. I made it and thought it looked cool.
5.Currently there are only 2 members in the band. are you open to expanding your line up or do you prefer to remain a duo?
If we meet any talented musicians who would like to join us, we will definitely consider adding them to the line up.
6.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
We got one offer but we rejected it. We're open to working with a label and it would definitely make some things way easier for us, but on the other hand it might make us treat Yog-Sothoth more like a business. We want to keep making art and if we ever find any label that will want to help us make art and not business (which is unlikely), we will sign a deal.
7.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of symphonic black metal?
I did not expect the reaction to be so positive. After the release of "Through the Gates of the Silver Key" I got a lot of comments and DMs saying that people loved the EP and were impressed with the songwriting. It's really motivating. Thanks to everyone who listened and left such positive feedback!
8.When can we expect a full length and also where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?
I finished writing music for a new album like a week ago. Zann is finishing up some lyrics. We have one song recorded already. We're not sure about the release date yet - me and Zann are starting uni in a few days, which might slow down the recording process. We're hoping to have it done by the end of the year. You can expect the release some time next year.
As for my future as a musician, I'd like to gather some people and play a few local Yog-Sothoth shows. Maybe go on tour if our budget allows it. I mainly want to keep making art and express myself through it. The direction my music goes heavily depends on the direction my life goes as my music is kind of an image of my soul.
9.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
My musical journey started with classical music. My parents would play me classical music all the time. At the age of five my favourite song was Vivaldi's Spring. I joined a choir, and later went to music school to study playing the organ. When I was around 12 my brother got me into punk. After listening to punk for a few years, I finally discovered metal. My first metal subgenre was power metal with my first band being Powerwolf. I then discovered more symphonic bands and thought it was cool. I went through every metalhead's mandatory Mayhem phase and started looking for more black metal. That's when I discovered Bal-Sagoth. I fell in love with symphonic black metal instantly. I'd say the biggest influences on my music are Vivaldi, Bach, all the Chris Bowes' bands (mainly Gloryhammer cause of symphonic stuff), Bal-Sagoth and Zel Agganor.
10.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts/
I'd like to thank everyone who supports Yog-Sothoth in any way. It means a lot. If you're curious about the upcoming album, follow us on Facebook and Instagram - we post updates and little snippets there sometimes.
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