Interview with SKURDGOD
Welcome to the FILTHY DOGS OF METAL Webzine.
Tell us a few things about SKURDGOD (Members, Starting Year etc).
Skurðgoð was founded in 2023 under the name Vampíra by Guitarists H.Þ, Þ.L and former vocalist Ó.R. We recorded this botched home demo called Líflát which gained some traction here in Iceland when it came out. S.Þ later joined the band and pushed us to take part in this music competition, Músiktilraunir. Which we ended up winning, and are the first black metal band to do so. From then on we blew up in popularity in the Icelandic underground. Half-way in to 2024 the band lineup got really rocky, our former bassist R.G ended up getting replaced with A.M and the vocalist was let go in late October and the guitarist H.Þ took over vocals. Since then most of our time has gone into gigging and recording the debut album.
You have recently released your debut album ''Skurðgoð''. What is the feedback from your audience as well as from the press?
Our audience have really praised the sound of the album from the sound of the drums to the atmosphere of the album, which we are so pleased to hear since it's been in the works for almost 2 years now. The press has been pretty quiet since we released the album independently and have been mainly advertising it via local word of mouth.
Tell us a few things about the cover artwork.
We were having trouble deciding on the artwork for a long time, and one day scrolling through google arts and cultures and i came across that painting and it just really resonated with me. So I kind of demanded that it would be the cover, Which they all agreed to. The painting is called Amore E Psiche By Adolfo De Carolis.
And what about the lyrics?
The lyrics are mostly about Icelandic mysticism and witchcraft but also sometimes fall into romantic-esque ideas.
Are you in searching for a record label? What do you prefer, Label or DIY and why?
Yes, we are searching for a record label. We would've loved to have this album behind a label but after some time searching we just decided to do it ourselves. No strong preference but being behind a label helps a lot in terms of distribution and reach.
Is there any funny or weird story from the recordings or from your live shows that you would like to share with us?
We performed at this festival called Norðanpaunk. In which H.Þ strained his voice so much that in the end of the he darted backstage and vomited and banged his head so hard on the sink he almost knocked himself out. When we performed Iceland airwaves, apparently the venue stank of stale beer and fish jerky.
Do you prefer Vinyl, Tape, CD or Digital Format and why is that?
Vinyl. The amount of customization a band can do with their lp's really helps shed light on their creative direction with the album which you don't really get on Digital. Tapes are also really cool just a bummer how hard it is to get playback gear for it nowadays.
Your music style is Black Metal. Which are your main influences (Favourite Artists / Bands etc.)
Misþyrming and Naðra were a huge influence on us with this record, also just a lot of the late 90's bands like Dissection, Windir, ETC.
Which things do you think a band should sacrifice in order to succeed? Have you ever sacrificed anything in your life for a better future for your band?
Time, People don't really get how much time it takes to devote yourself to a band especially if you're looking to do something with the band.
Describe your ideal live show as a performance band. Have you already experienced that?
For us the ideal live show is to play in the open air, which we did experience when we played this DIY gig at a local record store, 12 Tónar, where we set ourselves up just in the back garden of the shop and since its on the rainbow road and near Hallgrímskirkja, a ton of tourist and just passerby's stumbled to the back garden out of curiosity which resulted in a big crowd.
What do you think about the rise of AI in music production?
Complete Shit, Fuck AI.
What attributes do you think that a new Black Metal Band should have in order to gain identity and be unique?
Originality. Don't copy other bands, a lot of bands today just completely rip off another bands sound, its 100% alright to take influence from another band and incorporate it to your sound but always remember it's your band not a tribute band.
Do you believe that Digital Platforms help the new Black Metal Bands? Which, do you think, is the ideal way for a band to promote its work?
Yes just the ease of finding new bands has gotten so easy the past few years through Bandcamp, Spotify, and social media. We think the best thing to do is of course just play live but promoting online is just to be authentic and original with your promotion.
From your experience in the music industry, what would you tell to a new Black Metal band to avoid or what to do?
A lot of bands today make the same mistake and make themselves too corporate and end up falling into the trap of being that one social media band that everyone sees but doesn't care about. Just remember it's black metal it has and always will be the underground.
Tell us a few things about the New Underground Metal Scene in Iceland (Bands, Fanzines, Webzines, Metal Clubs etc.)
Some bands have been sprouting up in the scene like Myrkviði, Afturganga, and many more. But the state of live venues in Reykjavík is really on the downfall, a ton of established music venues just don't exist anymore. Zines and all of that hasn't been huge in Iceland since the early 2000s.
What does Metal means to you? And give us 10 metal albums that run in your veins.
Metal is just so diverse it really represents an art form with little limitation.
Lyruljóra / World Narcosis, Söngvar elds og óreiðu / Misþyrming, Mystification / Manilla Road, Mechanize / Fear Factory, Flesh Cathedral / Svartidauði, Amplifier Worship / Boris, Paracletus / Deathspell Omega, Far Beyond Driven / Pantera, Grave Pilgrim / Grave Pilgrim, Somberlain / Dissection.
Do you know anything about the Hellenic Metal Scene?
Not really but there is this insane band called Thy Darkened Shade which we all love and of course the classic Rotting Christ.
What are your future plans?
To just play live and get on recording our next album.
Thank you very much for your time & keep up the good work! The closure is yours.
Check out Skurðgoð on all streaming platforms and catch us live. For updates follow skurdgodband on Instagram. Cheers, Skurðgoð.
By Steve the Filthy Dog.
SKURDGOD CONTACT:
https://www.facebook.com/skurdgod
https://www.instagram.com/skurdgodofficial/
https://skurdgod.bandcamp.com/