Falkenbach – Interview With Vratyas Vakyas
The mind that ticks behind Falkenbach's music belongs to one Vratyas Vakyas, an enigmatic genius that drives Falkenbach's albums to be some of the most unique folk metal creations in existence. In his first interview to an Israeli magazine, Vratyas gave us some answers to long awaited questions, while choosing to maintain secrecy about others.
Hello Vratyas! How do you feel about your latest album, Heralding? Are you happy with it? What were the comments so far?
I am pretty satisfied with the result indeed. It´s been quite some work to rerecord all the material and to prepare for the whole studio sessions. As far as I can say the feedback has been really good up to now, but I´ve to concede I do not care too much about reviews.
The name "Falkenbach" is constructed of two German words that means "Falcons" (falke) and "Brook" (bach). Why did you choose that name?
Well, of course you can translate the words into any language, but you won´t get the meaning by it has got for me personally. I think people should care much more about the music and lyrics instead of such things.
The music of Falkenbach is very special and original. How do you come up with it? is there anything special that drives you into the writing of such music?
I don´t know, it´s just inspiration, if you want to call it that way. I don´t know where it comes from, nor when it appears. Inspiration is pure and something own, can´t be manipulated. I never plan something regarding the music or lyrics of Falkenbach, things just come the way it is meant to be.
To what bands/artists do you listen to the most?
Mainly classical music like Wagner, Groothe, Grieg etc. If it comes to metal I prefer demos and self produced albums.
Falkenbach is signed with Napalm Records. Are you happy with them?
As always in life, things could be improved, but I think Napalm is doing a good job all in all. I mainly care about things that guarantee my freedom. I do not have to create more albums if I don't feel to, I can take as much time as I want, I do not have to play festivals or tours etc.
Why do you not release your albums through your own label company called Skaldic Art.?
Skaldic Art was meant to support young and talented bands, not to make more money with Falkenbach. If Falkenbach was signed to Skaldic Art, it would mean a lot of time and money to invest in, and there was no more space for young bands.
Let's go back to "Heralding". Is there a personal favorite song in the album? why?
No, I do never have any favorite song on an album, they all mean a lot to me.
It is a lot heavier than your previous album "Ok Nefna Tsyvar Ty". Why is that?
This new album was created more than 10 years ago and was meant to be the original debut album of Falkenbach. Due to problems at the studio the album was not released back then, but instead of it “En Their Medh Riki Fara…”. This may explain why the new album musicwise is much closer to the debut album instead to “Ok Nefna Tysvar Ty”.
There are 3 songs in the new album that are renewals to old Falkenbach songs, (Heathen Foray, Laeknishendr and Skirnir). I also saw in almost all of your previous albums renewals of old songs. Is there any special reason you choose to records new versions of your songs?
Well, Skirnir is not a renewal of an older song that has been released already. This track carries the name of a track that has been featured on one of the demos, but it´s a different song. For the rest I think I answered in the last question already. I tried to rerecord the album the way it´s been 10 years ago, so now you listen to the old and original versions of the song.
When looking back to your debut release "En Their Medh Riki Fara…", would you change anything in it?
I would not change anything, except for the studio where I did record it.
Have you ever thought of doing a Falkenbach live set, with the help of your session musicians?
Indeed, there are plans for 1-2 small live shows. As soon as there is something 100% to tell you about, you will find it at my website.
It seems that a lot of fans got to know Falkenbach because of your previous release "Ok Nefna Tsyvar Ty". Why do you think that is?
As far as I can say, the last album did not sell a hell more than the previous one, so I cannot say why more people should know the last album compared to the former one(s).
Did the move from Island to Germany affect your music in any way, and what is your opnion on the fact that the within the musical jenre you create there's a growth in neo-nazi influnces and opnions, in Europe in general, and specificaly in Germany?
I do not use to talk about private things in interviews, nor about politics. Not because there was something to hide, but due to the fact it is of no ones concern in my opinion, instead of people I know personally.
Any last words for the Israeli fans?
Thanx for your support!
