Interviews: Nocturn

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Black Metal band Nocturn from Romania. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

Hello! This wasn't the first name we considered. In fact, we had already recorded a few songs before we finally agreed that NocturN was the perfect fit for our music. The name actually came to us during a late-night brainstorming session while discussing the band's identity and artistic direction.

Nocturn is a Romanian word derived from the Latin nocturnus, meaning "of the night" or "something that takes place during the night." Since the night has always been a central element of our artistic vision and the atmosphere we aim to create, the name felt like the most natural and fitting choice.

2. Why did you want to play this genre? 

It was a natural choice because we were listening to a lot of black metal at the time. The way the lyrics were written almost demanded that the music follow the black metal path—it simply felt like the most authentic way to express those ideas. Another reason is more personal. When I first started playing guitar, black metal riffing just came naturally to me. It felt like a glove from the very beginning, so writing music in that style was almost instinctive.

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

Yes, Malphas and I have been close friends since childhood. We spent years hanging out together long before we ever thought about starting a band.

I met Seer and Kroll about ten years later, and the story was much the same. We became friends first, and only afterward did they join the band. Our lineup was built on genuine friendships, which I think has always been one of our greatest strengths.

4. Each band member's favourite band? 

Dead Architect: Marduk, Mayhem, Emperor, Dissection, King Diamond

Malphas: King Diamond, Old Man’s Child, Bewitched

Seer: BioHazard, Katatonia, Twelve Foot Ninja

Kroll: Drudkh, Frostmoon Eclipse, Behexen, Devils Blood, Testament, Kreator, Audn, Dynfari, Dark Funeral

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs? 

Our inspiration comes from many different sources rather than a single person or event. Literature, mythology, philosophy, and the atmosphere of the night all play an important role in shaping our music. We are especially drawn to themes of solitude, death, and the darker aspects of the human condition.

Musically, the bands we grew up listening to have certainly influenced us, but inspiration often begins with a feeling or an image rather than another song. Sometimes it starts with a guitar riff, other times with a lyrical concept or a particular atmosphere we want to create.

From there, everything develops naturally until the music and lyrics become one.

6. Where was your last gig? 

We recently played two shows in Bulgaria, one in Sofia and the other in Plovdiv.

Both gigs were a great experience. We received a warm welcome, met a lot of wonderful people, and truly enjoyed spending time with the local scene. We hope to return and play there again in the future.

7. Where would you like to act? 

We would like to play anywhere our music can reach people who appreciate it. Of course, performing at some of the major European black metal festivals would be a great milestone, but we're just as happy playing smaller underground venues with a dedicated audience. For us, the atmosphere and the connection with the crowd matter far more than the size of the stage.

In the near future, we'd like to play more shows in neighboring countries such as Hungary, Austria, Germany, and Poland. Expanding our reach and connecting with new audiences across Europe is one of our main goals.

8. Whom would you like to feature with? 

I'd really like to collaborate with Vikotnik from Dødheimsgard. I've always admired the madness and unpredictability he brings to his music. His ability to push creative boundaries while maintaining a unique artistic identity is something I find truly inspiring.

9. Whom not? 

I wouldn't say there's anyone in particular that I'd refuse to play with. Every artist has their own vision, and I respect that, even if it doesn't resonate with me personally. That said, I prefer collaborating with people who are passionate, genuine, and driven by artistic expression rather than trends or commercial success. For me, having a shared mindset and mutual respect is far more important than a band's popularity or status.

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

Yes, I still feel nervous before every show. To me, that's a sign that what I'm doing truly matters and that I care about giving the best performance I possibly can.

The nerves usually begin to fade as soon as I play the first note—not because the intensity of the moment disappears, but because I start feeding off the energy of the audience. That connection gradually replaces the anxiety with excitement, and everything begins to flow naturally.

The best advice I can give is to be as prepared as possible. The more confident you are in your material, the less there is to fear. Of course, things can still go wrong, and many of those situations will be beyond your control. When that happens, the best thing you can do is accept it, stay in the moment, and enjoy the experience as much as possible.

11. What bands have inspired you the most? 

There are quite a few bands that have shaped the way I think about music. Early on, bands like Mayhem, Burzum, Darkthrone, Emperor, and Satyricon had a huge impact on me and sparked my interest in black metal.

Beyond black metal, King Diamond has been one of my biggest inspirations, especially when it comes to creating conceptual albums and telling stories through music. I also admire bands such as Arcturus, Dødheimsgard, and Ved Buens Ende for constantly pushing the boundaries of the genre and proving that black metal can be both experimental and deeply atmospheric.

Rather than trying to imitate any particular band, we've always aimed to take inspiration from these artists and channel it into creating our own identity and sound.

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

To be honest, nothing too unusual has happened so far. Most of the people we meet after shows simply want to talk about the music, buy some merch, or take a photo with us. We've been fortunate to have respectful and genuine interactions with our audience.

13. What do you think of your fans? 

We're genuinely grateful for everyone who supports our music. Our fans may not be the largest crowd, but they're passionate, dedicated, and they truly connect with what we're trying to express. That's far more meaningful to us than simply reaching large numbers.

One of the best parts of being in a band is meeting people after shows, hearing their thoughts about the music, and seeing how our songs resonate with them on a personal level. That kind of connection is what keeps us motivated to continue creating and performing.

14. What do you think of our site?

I think you're doing a great job supporting both established and underground bands from all over the world. It's refreshing to see a webzine that consistently gives exposure to artists across so many different genres and countries, not just the biggest names in the scene. The variety of interviews, album features, and behind-the-scenes articles makes the site interesting to explore and shows a genuine passion for heavy music.

Thank you for giving bands like us the opportunity to share our story and connect with a wider audience. We truly appreciate your support and wish you all the best in keeping the metal scene alive and growing.

15. Something to add?

We'd like to thank everyone who took the time to read this interview and, of course, the team at Breathing The Core for inviting us. We also want to thank everyone who has supported NocturN over the years by coming to our shows, listening to our music, or simply spreading the word.

We're currently working on the final chapter of our conceptual trilogy, while continuing to promote our previous releases through as many live performances as possible. We hope to see you on the road soon. Until then, stay true to yourself, support the underground, and keep the flame alive.

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