Interview with Void of Reveries
Interviewed by Starlight Temple Society | 2010

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-Please provide some insight into your band, Void of Reveries.

A: Ever since I was a Child, I have lived in a “Void” between reality and Fantasy. I live in my head alot and I daydream all the time. I suppose that is just one of the many curses of being an Artist. When I can not stand reality anymore, I drift into a daydream (a reverie) and become inspired.

I am trying to communicate a message that you can live in both worlds (reality and fantasy), so long as you keep them balanced. I believe there is more to Life than being bleak and “realistic” but you do also need to be that way at times to get by in this World. However, we all need an escape and an Imagination, this keeps our personal lives interesting, in my opinion.

-You play a kind of very raw yet ambient Black metal. Which bands and things in life influence the musical and artistic direction of VoR?

A: There are many things that influence VoR. Life itself is one, emotions, dreams, experiences and Nostalgia. Also there are many things that inspire me outside of “Human Life” , such as Space, Natural Phenomenon, Oceans and Seas, all things beautiful and powerful, that we tend to take for granted.

I am also very inspired by Classic Literature, Mythology and Historical events.

When it comes to bands, I am really into bands that as I see, go against the grain of the mundane themes that generally make up Black metal. Bands such as A Forest of Stars, Alcest, Benighted in Sodom, Velvet Cacoon, Clair Cassis, Agalloch (not considered Black metal but still), et al. I am also inspired by the raw forceful music of Darkspace, (old) Shining and the Traditional Black metal approach of bands like Antaeus, Blut Aus Nord and Kathaarsis. Canadian Black metal bands Sombres Forets, Gris and Miserere Luminis are also inspirations.

I am influenced by alot of Atmospheric and Ambient Music outside of Black metal too. Lycia is a huge influence, as well as Clan of Xymox, Black Tape for a Blue Girl, Sopor Aeternus and the Ensemble of Shadows, Lustmord, Katatonia and The Smashing Pumpkins to name a few.

- "Silenti etc es tantum Quietus" is your debut album which will be released via Starlight Temple Society. What can you say about it?

A: The title is a rough Latin translation of “The Dead are only Resting”. It loosely reflects on my belief that when we die, we are nothing, we do not go anywhere and nothing happens. However our legacies live on. Our bodies are “at rest” but our lives are still living through stories being told throughout the ages; Generation after generation. Everything that has happened to you has happened. Your whole life is a Story by the end. Just because you have died, does not mean your stories have, or the memories of you. I believe that memories are what we know as “Ghosts”.

-Which songs stand out as your favourites, and why?

A: Three songs in particular mean a lot to me. ‘As a Seed in the Orchard’ is a song about growing up as a naive Child in a cruel World. Like a Seed’s long journey to becoming an Apple (tree), only to be devoured. Anyone can relate to this, as powerful as you believe you are. Even the most “Black metal Elitist” fool was once a naive innocent Child. Also you will notice the melodies of this song are warmer than the rest of the Album. If I have learned anything in Art, it is that there always needs to be a balance of warm and cool, and in the case of my brand of Black metal music, warm and Cold. Due to the content of this song, the Atmosphere is warmer, letting the rest of the Album get cold.

‘Poisonous thoughts conjured’ is the Suicide song of the album. It is not a “Depressive Black metal” song. Many people go through actual Suicidal thoughts and Depression (without being part of a trend) and I am no exception. I went through very painful times and nearly ruined myself; but I do not like to elaborate on my life too much. The title “Poisonous thoughts” means Suicide. The song is about overcoming depression in a sense. The silence and quiet Ambience in the song contains a field recording I made under a bridge that has been the location of a few Suicides. I recorded it at 3am, what is known as the “Dead Hour”. There is nothing on the recording, no voices or anything, but if you have an imagination, your mind will hear things.

‘The Ghost that sleeps within Me’ is the closing song and goes with ‘As a Seed...’ it is simply about the memory of being a naive innocent Child in the mind of a grown Man (or Woman) worn out by the World with trials, tribulations, and no escape...

-The guitar tone in tracks like "Our never ending summer" and "Poisonous thoughts conjured" seem to reflect a very similar style to that of the early Burzum records and other Norse BM. Do you find these bands or that particular scene influential to the sound of VoR?

A: Of course. When I was first inspired by Black metal long ago, it was mostly by the bands Mayhem, Burzum, Ildjarn, Mortiis and Arckanum. These bands were the ones that helped me decide that I wanted to contribute to this genre of Music.

-What is your favourite aspect about "Silenti etc es tantum Quietus"? Conversely, what is your least favourite?

A: I am satisfied with the overall feel of the Album, the Abstract patterns and Atmosphere. There are some parts that bother me as the Artist, not that I think they could be better, but they could be different. But overall I am satisfied. I will remember these changes for the next album.

-You indicated that the next album will feature a similar style but will contain more elements not present in the debut. What are those elements you speak of?

A: The next album will be a bit rawer. I want to make a proper Black metal album before I continue in experimentation. The second full length will have a true “One-man Black metal” Sound, but still have a similar Atmosphere captured on this Album.

-Similarly, where do you want to see VoR go from here?

A: I hope to have VoR grow into something that really defines me and the Atmosphere of my person. This will require much experimentation, but it should be a pleasant journey and leave many meaningful Albums in its wake.

-VoR is currently just you. Will you ever add members or play live?

A: I plan to have VoR just be a Solo project. I have worked in other bands before and with other musicians but I am controlling with my Art and I do not believe there is anyone who would fully understand what I am trying to do. Sometimes it is hard for me to even understand. Maybe, later on I will include session Musicians, drummers or bassists or both.

Yes, I plan to play live. However, I do not like the typical crowd that goes to metal shows in my location at all. In fact I hate them. I am going to be doing private invite only shows, in basements and Barns, Forests, wherever I feel.

-How personally do you take your music? I've noticed that you're quite out spoken against those who take their art or music in a less than serious way.

A: I take it very personally as I do with all my Art. I am out spoken simply because I see art as a very powerful thing and Music is a powerful way of communicating ideas. I am no Elitist; I just hate seeing the Abuse of Art. Many start Black metal bands just to be part of trends and “Social networking”. I am not saying your Music has to “mean” anything, but just don’t give into trends. I think my out bursts on this might be a little pretentious, but I feel strongly about this issue.

-What do you do outside of VoR?

A: My entire Life revolves around the Arts. I am a freelance Artist and Photographer. I graduated from College with a diploma in Illustration. I create anything from Posters to Album art, Paintings, whatever I feel like doing. I go out occasionally with people close to me, drink Wine and Star gaze. That sums it up, I suppose.

-Thanks for completing your first interview with us. :-) Feel free to end it in whatever manner you find most suitable.

Thank you very much for the interview, I appreciate the opportunity to let others know about myself and my Music.