Interviews About Albums: Ofnus - Valediction (2025)

In this new interview, we sat down with the Welsh Black Metal band Ofnus to ask questions about their album, "Valediction".

1. What can you say about this new CD?

Valediction is our second record in as many years. It's a conceptual endeavour to broadly describe the five stages of grief in a track-by-track nature (Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance). In addition, we have curated two additional tracks, one which was created as a track to describe a trigger event that would initiate the grief cycle ("The Shattering"), and another as an alternate ending of sorts. Tragically, it must be remembered that grief is not something everyone is capable of recovering from, and Acceptance is not always guaranteed. This space is where "Alazia" exists.

2. What is the meaning of the CD name?

"Valediction" by definition is meant as a farewell. We chose this as it can be interpreted in a number of different ways that can be subjective and personal to the listener. Much like how the album itself is a conceptual endeavour as an audial narrative of the grief cycle, the title was chosen with some flexibility in mind so that a listener could determine how this applies to them and their own experiences. So it could be a "goodbye" to something or someone, or even an acknowledgement of the passing of grief itself. We're not going anywhere just yet though.

3. Which one is the composer of the CD?

Alyn Hunter (Rhythm Guitarist/orchestration) is the primary composer of the record, however, that wouldn't be a fair representation of the collective efforts of Ofnus in putting it together and adding each instrumentalist's individual stamps on the record. Each of our members will twist and pull at what is initially written to enhance and improve the final output. Also, William Philpot handles the vocals exclusively and pens the lyrics (alongside Ethan Reed-Spargo). So, it ends up being a group effort, regardless of how the foundations are laid.

4. If you had to pick one song, which one would you pick?

That's a tricky one to answer, as each song has its own distinct identity and theme within the grief cycle. "The Shattering" is the song we chose for our first single, however the track that has resonated the most with our audiences so far on a live basis is "Zenith Dolour", as it explores various themes in itself throughout its 10minute runtime, and is a broad showcase of the diverse palette we aim for. Tears have been shed to this track, and if you can generate an emotional response like that, then that's all the validation you need.

5. Is there a special message in this CD? If there is what it is?

It may come as a surprise given the brief that there's no real hidden meanings or intrinsic personal message within this record, in as much as it's created with the intention of being as general a blue-print of grief as it could possibly be within the sub-genres of metal that we operate within. Ultimately we want our listeners to engage with our music in their own way and to find their own personal connections to the noises that we're making, and not force our own particular story upon them. That's a relatively lofty ambition by all accounts, but you have to aim high.

6. Are there some lyrics that you'd love to share?

Our first single, and first track of the record "The Shattering" has some lyrics that we've used in some merchandise designs, and we're quite fond of them. The track itself is a narrative of an incident that would trigger the grief cycle, without necessarily being too explicit about what that incident could be - though naturally most people would connect that with some form of tragedy.

Eternal emptiness, to witness a death

Our own mortality, so fragile as the hourglass

The futility of our endless tries

To perfect the path, when nothing lingers on

And yonder is but black

And nought in happiness

For your time is now, there is no turning back...

7. Which inspirations have been important for this album? Like musically or friends, family, someone you'd love to thank specially?

This record was borne out of a mixture of ambition for the band in pursuing something more than just a collection of songs that sit together, but don't necessarily belong. We wanted to pursue writing a record that reads like a story, with tracks building into each other both thematically and sonically, without the prescriptive guidelines that specify how the track should be interpreted. We chose grief based on our penchant for writing songs on the more miserable end of the spectrum, but also due to the emotive connections we can forge with listeners both on record and in the live setting. Beyond that, our inspiration musically is still largely coming from modern classic film score, video game tracking, and our genre peers such as Saor, Grima, Can Bardd and Drudkh. Bands that can tell a tale over time and transport you.

8. Something to add?

Valediction is released on Naturmacht Productions on the 28th of February. We sincerely hope that you enjoy it and find some connection with the material.