Interviews: HILD

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Metal band, HILD from Sweden. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or come out just like that?

I had the name HILD, meaning battle/struggle/strife in the old nordic tongue as well as being the name of a Valkyrie, in the back of my head for quite some time. I just stored it in my memory, thinking I might do something of it someday, perhaps as Thrash Metal. But the actual step to make something out of it definitely came "just like that". I was out in the twilight, walking in meditation through the landscape when my goddess Freja spoke to me, giving me the assignment to go make a 2-minute song in one session. She suggested I do it as thrash, and why not as the first test for this HILD thing I'd been thinking about. Said and done! I went back to my studio temple, and now here we are with a full band and a record due in a month!

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We use the slogan "Violent Swedish Metal" as a thing for it and to brand it into peoples' minds. Obviously, it's a mix of styles coming naturally to me as I write but the foundation and original thought are always Thrash. I've loved good Thrash Metal since I was a kid, hearing Slayer changed my life forever. There's something about the energy. It just grabs you and stirs you into a frenzy. I've always wanted to play it myself, perform and write my own version of this genre, convey this energy you know. Just haven´t gotten around to it until now.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Personally, I knew Jonathan and Josef from before. Having played with them both. David is a new acquaintance. The three did not know each other before however. And honestly, it´s almost spooky how well we all found each other under the banner of HILD, aligning. I could not be more pleased.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

These things can vary as you know. But judging from an overall, life-so-far view: 

Lars: Slayer

Jonathan: Iron Maiden

David: Entombed

Josef: Motörhead

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

In HILD: Freja and the Valkyries of course! Nordic mythology, nature, sorcery, and my own experiences of it. Lyrically to 100%. Musically it varies. Either the above mentioned or just listening to other stuff that gets my blood boiling, no matter the genre. But in general, it's an inner process, something takes shape inside and I wanna get it out. Turning a feeling or state of mind into a riff, rhythm, or song structure. I'll hear it inside myself, either through my own creativity or from other places, greater than my human form. Other worlds and entities so to speak.

6. Where was your last gig?

Honestly can't remember. I think it was when I seasoned as a drummer in Myronath, where Josef used to play too. Would have been in Norrköping in 2019 maybe? Or do you mean HILD? Our premiere is in a month roughly!

7. Where would you like to act?

Headline slot on Wacken.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Jeff Hannemann.

9. Whom not?

John Lennon.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

A couple of times yes. But more of a kinda positive nervousness. Rarely any anguish or fright but it has happened. Mostly I'll get pumped with energy and excitement. My experience tells me that nervousness is good when it comes. It can work as a prerequisite for a good show. If you suffer from stage fright, remember that it will transform once you get on the stage. It will give you a rush and your awareness will be different. Use it to make the show better. It's a sign the show means something to you. There's a reason you are there and no matter how awful it may feel before; once you´re up there you know it's exactly where you are meant to be and you are gonna love it.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Writing ValFreiya the only conscious influences I noticed were Slayer, Aura Noir, early Sepultura, and Raised Fist. But overall throughout my life. Hmm. Slayer, no doubt. Deicide, Entombed, Kreator, Mezzrow. Lots more. Wardruna. Dissection, Marduk, early Dark Funeral, Deathspell Omega. Depends on when in my life. Elvis Presley, AC/DC. I can go on. And I can get inspired by just about anything or nothing at any time. I don't limit myself to genres but metal has been consistent since kindergarten more or less.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

My hand in marriage! Though she was joking of course and said yes. She wasn´t joking haha! Backed out of that one quickly.

13. What do you think of your fans?

I'm very grateful to have fans, really am. I sincerely value it and try to be good back although I'm sure I've been an ass many times when the social skills or needs plummet for whatever reason. I rarely come across disrespectful or unlikable fans. I definitely like my fans!

14. What do you think of our site?

Nice layout and concept. Easy to navigate. A big plus for tech morons like myself. 

15. Something to add?

Make sure to get a copy of our CD or Cassette "ValFreiya" out on October 7th. And come see us live, we got shows coming. Wanna book us? Hit us up at hildsweden@gmail.com. Stay strong and make your lives worth living!