Интервю с HELLCOMMANDER VARGBLOD (Draugûl)

Metal Hangar 18 contacted Hellcommander Vargblod from Draugûl – an epic black/viking metal band, originally from Malta, but who recently moved to Sweden. Draugûl has released the third full-length album “Chronicles Untold” this September.

Let us start from the very beginning – tell me more about the creation of your one-man project.

First and foremost thanks to Metal Hangar 18 for this interview opportunity! Draugûl started way back when i was still a member in a black metal band in Malta. I started coming up with material that was quite different from the style that the band was playing at the time… so i started to compose new songs for myself. By time this new style started growing on me and i was feeling more comfortable playing it than the style i was playing with the band.. and after some time i decided to quit so as to pursue this newborn entity i had created… an epic pagan viking metal project which is known now as Draugûl.

Where does the name Draugûl come from? 

The name is actually in Elvish. It is two words.. Draug and Gûl. Together they form Draugûl and it means „The Curse of the Wolf“

What inspires you for the lyrics?

My main lyrical inspiration comes from Scandinavian History, Folk, and Mythology and of course Tolkien! I am a big fan of his works so it was inevitable that i write some songs involving various sagas from his books!

And musical inspiration?

Hmm musically i can say that my first inspirations are Bathory and Burzum. although when i write i still want it to sound as ME not as a copy of another band!

Now for the new release „Chronicles Untold“ – it is some kind different from the previous two – „The Voyager“ и „Tales of Loot and Plunder“- is it connected with the change of your living location?

Honestly i dont know if it was just the change in location but it surely affected me since i moved to Sweden from Malta. I live close to the forest and it is not the first time i went there in the forest.. i sit down somewhere, bring out pen and paper … or my guitar.. and start composing new stuff! This new album is solely revolved around folk tales about mythical creatures that inhabit the forests of Northern Scandinavia

In „Chronicles Untold“ you have a special guest – Enslig. Will you work with him in the future?

Yes indeed I have Enslig as a special guest. I love the work he has done on the album. Brought out more character to the songs and I surely look forward to having him again on future releases if chances permit. I know he is a busy man with his band, family etc!

Is it hard for a one-man band to promote itself? How do you manage without live performances?

It is harder for a one man band yes… all of the work must be done by the sole member. Of course live performances would help to promote material and the band itself… but since it is a one man band that brings out a problem 🙂

You also play in a black metal band – Khaospath. Tell me more about it 

Khaospath was also born the same way as Draugûl! Was writing new material that ended up too heavy and extreme for Draugûl so i ended up starting a new band! (yes i dont have one moment of peace hehe). Luckily i found some crazy members here in Sweden just like me who loved the material and joined Khaospath. We have one album out which is also signed with the same label as Draugûl – Pesttanz Klangschmiede.

What can we expect from Draugul in the future?

Well i already have some ideas for the next release 🙂 but more information will be released in the future! Next year though, in Spring, Draugûl shall release a Vinyl alongside Antiquus Scriptum (Portugal) and Khaospath, all of which shall be cover versions done by the bands. A Vinyl release of Chronicles Untold is also planned!

Any other hobbies except music?

Hmm.. those would be reading, motorcycles, painting, and martial arts!

Anything else to say to your Bulgarian fans? 

I thank all of you who showed support to Draugûl (and Khaospath as well!!) and hopefully my path will lead me to Bulgaria in the future for a gig! Hope to see you all there in that case! Horns up and Hail Metal!