In Terra Profugus is a conceptual album about descent into the void, transcendence through hardship and subsequent transformation of the self. It is a dream-like narrative, a nightmare both real and profound. With In Terra Profugus we wanted to create a concept album, a work where music, lyrics and art were all connected on one, coherent whole. We wanted to communicate something very personal and profound, which is why it took us some time to complete the album. This was something not to be rushed.

We are naturally very conscious of the Black Metal tradition, both at its conception in the 90's as well as up until today, and we clearly work within that tradition. To name a handful of bands is a bit redundant, as it does not say anything of value about how we get inspiration. We are not a single entity, we are five different individuals who each draw from different types of music, art and experiences when making Black Metal. There is no one person who makes the music, we all create it together. As a result the creation process is both very personal and at the same time collaborative.

There are several reasons why we chose to keep the lyrics in Icelandic. First of all, it is my native tongue, so meanings and ideas can be communicated in a personal and direct manner, not hindered by translation into another language. Secondly, Icelandic offers a vocabulary with a very different potential compared to English. Using Icelandic we can easily create new words, use archaic ones, use poetic kenningar and reference various sources of Icelandic inspiration in a very close and direct manner, like Völuspá and old Icelandic grimoires, for example. The phonetic properties of Icelandic fit really well with the sound of Black Metal, so that is something we wanted to utilize. There is also a wealth of English Black Metal already available. That ground has been well explored, but Icelandic Black Metal is not. Non-Icelandic speakers can either find an Icelandic speaker to help them translate, or use some of the countless translation services available online today to discover the meaning of the lyrics. It won't be complete in any sense, but it will be enough.

The artwork very much speaks for itself. Each work of art, from the cover to the last song, is as connected to each step of the journey as the lyrics, music, and titles of the songs. The two magical symbols hold significant meaning regarding the essence of the album as well.

This is not really something I concern myself with. If anything, what's wrong with the black metal scene today is the glorification of stagnancy – of remaining always true, kult and grim. Any derivations from the status quo are condemned, and that is really something despicable. Black Metal cannot be stagnant, it has to change and evolve. No chains can hold it back. It is the ultimate expression of the self, of freedom and power. To hinder yourself by trying to adhere to some unwritten code in order to impress others goes against everything Black Metal stands for. As to how we are different, and what the scene is like as a whole, then we will leave that to listeners and critics to discuss.

One of the most powerful musical projects happening in Iceland right now is NYIÞ. Both their releases and live performances are immensely powerful. Other notable bands include WORMLUST, GONE POSTAL, and PLASTIC GODS.

It is way too early to give up any details on the next release, except that we are currently working on it on the conceptual stage. We have no interest in recreating the same thing over and over again. The lyrics will continue to be in Icelandic.

We wouldn't.

Some of the releases we found interesting were GORGUTS, CULTES DES GHOULES, PORTAL, AOSOTH, WATAIN, ABYSSAL, TRIBULATION, and BOLZER. I personally was looking forward for WOLVSERPENT's release.