2.Recently you have released an ep, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style you went for on this recording? Simon: I would describe our style as a solid base of Doom Metal, blended with some elements from Death Metal and a little Dark or Gothic Metal from the mid-90s era, where that genre still produced good music. But it's not as if we have a list on which we check if a song has all those components. It is more about a certain feeling that our songs need to have. And the above mentioned elements are often present, when we feel like a song is finished.
3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music? Simon: The topics of the lyrics are quite diverse. For example, “The Floating Grave” is based on a newspaper item about a strange abduction case, while “Beyond The Bounds Of Sleep” deals with the strains of life and the resulting world weariness. Another unreleased song describes an man's journey through a wasteland, which is the embodiment of his own misery. Yet another is about the reflection of an old soldier looking back on his life, regretting what he has done and what he has become. As you can see, while the subjects change, the underlying mood and the used wording is always pretty grim and gloomy. Yeah well, in the end, we are still a Doom band, haha.
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Voidhaven'? Phil: “Voidhaven” was actually the title of the final track on the debut album of Crimson Swan. It seemed a perfect moniker as it was both a reference to the past of this band and as well a very fine description of the sound we want to achieve. Simon: Moreover, at least to me, a “Voidhaven” is a shelter from (and a place without) the noise, the duties, the burdens and the worries of daily life. Although it is a forlorn and dark location, you journey there for a downtime and some rest. At best, that is also what our music can offer to the listener.
5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the ep cover? Phil: We asked ourselves: “If there really was a place called Voidhaven, what would it probably look like”? The result is seen on the cover, which was created by our bass-player Jakob. This is the meaning of the artwork, it is a visual reflection of the band’s name.
6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance? Phil: Most people in this band have played quite a few shows in their careers so far, but since Voidhaven is a very new band and just recently started playing live, there isn’t much of a live-history to reflect upon. So far, it all went smoothly. I would describe our stage performance as solemn. I mean, it is Doom Metal after all. You won’t see us going “hey, hey, come on, raise your fists!” If you ever do, you know that this will be the last Voidhaven gig with me, haha.
7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future? Simon: There's nothing concrete at the moment, but of course we are planning some gigs for the next year. Those will probably take place in Germany and hopefully the surrounding European countries. Real touring is not an option at the moment, because of the personal living circumstances of some band members.
8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of atmospheric doom, dark and death metal? Simon: So far, the reactions were positive. We are especially happy about the fact that there really were reactions from many places far from Europe like America or the middle east. But since the EP was just released not so long ago, we hope there will be more coming.
9.What is going on with 'Ophis' these days a band that shares a couple of the same members? Phil: Ophis will be doing another European tour in November and December, together with Mournful Congregation. After that tour, we will disappear from the public eye for a while. There are some things we need to fix and also we will focus on writing new material. There is a lot of ideas and drafts lying around, but the stuff needs to be sorted, overhauled and focused on. There will also be a line-up change.
10.When can we expect a full length and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future? Phil: Some songs for the album were already finished before we recorded the EP, and several others we started upon. So the album will have songs from more or less the same writing period as the EP and thus it will not sound too different. Of course, there will be a few more facets than on the EP, as the album is longer, but the general mood and style will be the same.
11.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? Phil: Ironically, I listen to melodic / goth Death Doom very rarely. I mainly listen to much harsher stuff, such as old school Death Metal, Funeral Doom and harsh Death Doom. Maybe this is why I enjoy working on Voidhaven so much, it is sort of a counterpoint to all that brutal stuff. When it comes to non-Metal stuff, I mainly listen to Cold Wave, Batcave, New Wave and renaissance choir music.
12.What are some of your non musical interests? Phil: Hating people.
Simon: Yeah, trvest answer in a non-black-metal interview ever, haha. But in fact I can understand the feeling all too well. As far as I'm concerned, although I'm often pretty bugged out by people in general, I would still consider myself quite social. That's why I try to be with family and/or friends as often as possible. We are into all sorts of gaming or like to watch movies and series.
13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts? Simon: Oh crap, the last question is always the toughest! Hm, nothing besides “Check out our and hear if you like it”. And support your local metal bands and clubs!
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